ULLABENULLA

My Kind of Christmas Party!

VIA

 

Leaping Deer...

These seem Perfect for a papercut garland, or perhaps to Leap across your tables!  via Vintage Printable.

And a few more!

  

Christmas Robin...

 

Legend tells how a robin,

On the night of the first noel

Braved the frosty winter night

So the baby might sleep well.

Throughout the night, the small grey wings 

Did flutter for their worth

And fanned the fire that warmed the Christ

His first night here on Earth.

In the heat of stirring the lonely fire

The shepherds have said

The Robin wears with honor 

A breast of Christmas Red.

Poem Link

I have always loved the symbology of the Christmas Robin from England.  These sweet little birds can be found in so many parts of our world, and deserve extra care this time of year.

 

 

Image links, here and here and here   

Russian Cuteness...

I don't often go for cute, but these images are just irresistible!  Can't you just imagine yourself as one of these little guys?  And I sure wish our town looked like the one in the last image!  Found via the amazing Kidpix.  Go Here to see more!

Winter Whimsy...

I found this delightful little card while in Minnesota over Thanksgiving.  Wish I knew who the artist was... Off to the Castle today to partake in some Christmas Selling!

Folk Art From England...

I absolutely adore the folk-art style painting of English artist Anna Pugh!  Her attention to details, love of nature and ability to tell stories within a frame are amazing!   Her enchanting artwork mesmerizes and demands a second look.  ENJOY!

Welcoming the New Season, and Playing Catch Up!

Where does the time go???  I've been overwhelmed with classes, events and projects, and seem to have neglected my blog.  I'm so sorry!  I promise to catch you all up as soon as I get some more rest.  Yesterday and last night was the CASTLE'S Christmas Transformation .  I was the first to arrive at 9:30 am, but not the last to leave!  At 11:30 pm, 14 hours later for me, I had to head home, and leave the rest of the Castle Christmas Magic up to the remaining elves...  Do come and visit soon!!!

Illustration above by Theodor Kittelsen of Norway.

BELOW:  A peek at our 'Christmas' Window (using antique Chinese Theatre Puppets) created by the ever talented John McRae!

All My Students And Me...

Following a week filled with wonderful teaching experiences and celebration, I am feeling completely exhausted and spent.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE to teach, but it can drain me to the bone...  I have many beautiful things to share, and will try to be prompt about it.  But today?  Today I will sleep - head first on my pillow... Image via Moonwomb.

Devilishisly Ghoulish Wishes!

If only we still wrote in images...

Link

This Sounds Like My Kind Of Neighborhood...

How wonderful to have an address on 'Spider Web Lane'!  Book available on a pdf format (so clever!) Here!

Riding To The Castle!

Wish I had a magical horse like this today... I am off to teach a full class this weekend in 'Altered Books' at the CASTLE!

Luna und ihre Kinder, c. 1480 link here.

Fridays Goal...

 Link!

Anatomy Within and Without...

How lovely, a woman with her newborn child presented on a rose petal pillow... 

But there is more than meets the eye at first,  for the 'petals' are actually the pregnant mothers stomach dissected to reveal the treasure within...  

By Odoardo Fialetti, 1631, from the amazing exhibit Dream Anatomy held at the National Library of Medicine in Maryland. 

Link via Scribbling Woman

Glasgow Fairytales...

I adore the illustration work of Jessie Marion King who was a Glasgow painter and children's book illustrator.  Her Art Nouveau illustrations are charming, detailed and lyrical!

Inspiring me today...

 Link

Fairy Fashions for Fall!

I adore these fairy fashions by Joanne May!  What will your fairy wear this fall???

Now Here Is A Book I'd Love To See Translated!

The Goblin Spider...

Isn't this a perfect title leading into October???  Via NY Public Library

A Beautiful Clear Full Moon...

I am generally NOT a cat person, but I sure do love these guys!  From 'Schippeitaro' a Japanese fairytale presented HERE!

Mouse Spouse...

How dear is this little creature, drawn by Carol Calder, and discovered Here.