ULLABENULLA

More On Marie!

Can't get enough of MARIE ANTOINETTE? I just discovered that PBS has a very informative sight devoted to her and well worth a visit!

Halloween Theatres At The Castle

I am in the middle of a whirlwind series of classes at the Castle! Truthfully, I am just managing to meet myself coming and going... Yesterday, 6 lovely ladies created wonderful spooky and enchanting Halloween Theatres. What an inspired bunch! Witches, goblins, pumpkins and sprites - oh my - such a delight was had by ALL!!! Next week I turn on the Christmas Lights on Tuesday, and back to Halloween on Sunday! Also, not to be missed is this years Halloween window by John McRae. (see last photo)

A Day With The Queen

Like a picture book come to life, the candy-tale MARIE ANTOINETTE seeps into ones memory, and keeps court with our romantic visions. Today Florizelle invites us to partake in the beauty and splendor of The Teen Queen and pretend she is a dear friend... Come drink coffee from a lovely cup by the Musees de France, in a room painted in Queenly Colors by Emery & Cie. Sit on silk cushions created by Lelievre while nibbling delicate Laduree macaroons... Perfume yourself with "Sillage de la Reine" the perfume of Marie Antoinette recreated by Francis Kurkdijan :rose, iris, cut jasmine, tuberose and orange blossom, modulated by fine woody touches of cedar and sandalwood and two magnifcent base notes ,tonkin musk and grey amber. And to top our fantasy off, play with your little daughter wearing a dress (also sold at the Musees de France on-line shop) inspired by the portrait of the 7 years old Marie Antoinette by the exquisite Jean-François Liotard... THANK YOU FLORIZELLE for making our Queenly dreams come true!!!

Milkmaid Of France

In honor of the opening of MARIE ANTOINETTE today, Florizelle has sent pictures of a walk through Marie's Hamlet in Versailles.  Don your Milking dress and take a leisurely stroll through paradise...

Do You Have Your Mouches Ready?

MARIE ANTOINETTE opens tomorrow, and a couple of friends and I are going to the Matinee in the afternoon!  I am trying to decide where to place my 'mouches' (fly in french...) what do you think?  Shall I be 'Risque' or perhaps 'Sassy' or something different???    If only I were naturally endowed like the beautiful Madame du Barry, I wouldn't have to worry so much... 
(drawing from Bell'occhio)

Reliquary Class At The Castle

I am home today after having spent two days teaching my 'Reliquary Jewelry' class at the Castle.  I am continually amazed how I can teach a class over and over again, and always end up with different results!  This class was certainly no exception.  Karima, who is the owner of Castle in The Air brought in her fathers collection of antique Italian Reliquaries to share.  (see top photo)  What treasures to see in real life!  Little worlds of saintly splendor encrusted and encased years ago and still treasured today.  This sharing of antiquities changed the whole tone of creativity in the class, and the students found inspiration and direction not yet seen before.  The results were stunning!  Reliquaries with a sense of history and importance with contemporary heart and feeling...  Bravo!

Roses For Fall

My latest blog indulgence is peeking in to see what Di Overton has found for us on Designers Block! She has a wonderful eye well worth keeping current of. Today I discovered these lovely photos on how to make roses out of Maple leaves - just perfect for the season... Thank you Di!!!

Halloween Jewelry For Sale On Etsy!

I finally opened My Etsy Shop and hope you like the offerings... Today I have whimsical haunted goodies, coffin pins and earrings, just in time for Halloween! Let me know what you think...!