ULLABENULLA

Beetle Wing Tea Cozy...

Truthfully I would rather wear this as a Hat then put it over my teapot - but thats just me...

Via Hampshire Museum.

Wearable Papel Picado!

I absolutely adore it when art techniques cross and create something totally new and unexpected!  Just look at these wonderful dresses by Latin designer Ronaldo Fraga! His models look like a cross between Minnie Mouse and Papel Picado with a little Frida Ethnicity thrown in just for fun!  I would love to do something like this in felt - an apron perhaps?  or a jumper?  

Link via Pretty Portobello.

More images can be found HERE ON FLICKR.

What To Wear To The Insect Ball!

Jill of Trend de la Creme with her ever sure eye for what is IN and COOL, recently found these fashions by Mary Katrantzou (which were inspired by vintage perfume bottles).   Jill's 'trend finding' eyes found these dresses reminding her instead of the Southeastern United States - Lubber Grasshopper, best known for its unique coloration and markings!  Now we ask - which came first?  The perfume bottles or the Grasshoppers?

Insecta Fantasia...

Jennifer Angus has made an Art-form of creating wonderful installations using hundreds and hundreds of dried insects!  Her sense of design is whimsical, creative and truly original.  Originally from Canada, she now teaches in Madison, Wisconsin.  Most of her insects come from Southeast Asia, and non are endangered species.  She 'recycles' - reuses her insects for each new exhibit and encourages viewers to get involved in Rain forest Preservations Projects. 

Now I am fantasizing about having a wall with a 'Dancing Insect Ball' in my house - time to start collecting!!!

Images via FLICKR

Fall Classes At The Castle And In Ulla's Studio Now Scheduled!

I have finally added my Fall class selection to my side-bar for easy review, and sign-ups!  I am really excited about the classes being offered at the CASTLE and hope you will be too!  I have also added a few studio classes to the list, including a weekend of Soldered Jewelry Fun. These are wonderful 'get-away' opportunities, for yourself, or you and a couple of friends!  I look forward to seeing many of you as the weeks progress!  

Fairy Chatelaine - Class Sample!

Popular during the 1700s and 1800s, chatelaines are decorative clasps from which dangle chains holding various special items -often keys or sewing and writing tools. The Fairy who misplaced this chatelaine lost many treasures: the tip of the Ice Queen's wand; buttons for a princess's gown; the key to the castle; a magic golden fish to wish upon; the Sorcerer's miracle elixir, and the Little Mermaids looking glass. I will show you how to craft all of these wonders and more, from Apoxy Sculpt, a incredibly versatile medium for sculpting and transforming found objects. A vintage German doll's head is the keeper or clasp, holding all the treasures together with silken cords.

Fee: $95.00 includes materials but bring any special charms or vintage jewelry you would like to incorporate.

TUESDAY, October 27, 10:00 am to 5:00pm

Call 510-204-9801 to sign up!

This class is held at:
CASTLE IN THE AIR
1805 Fourth Street
Berkeley, California

Dia de Los Muertos Shadowbox - Class Sample!

In the spirit of the season, construct a small, casket-shaped shadowbox with a candle holder mounted on top and a skeleton dangling inside. I will show you how to build the shadowbox with a lid that opens and closes, and how to ruche hand-dyed velvet to create a rich looking interior. I will also give you ideas for decorating the skeleton in ways that might suggest a story about his or her previous life. My skeleton is posed in quite a touching way with a small heart clutched in his hand - he died, you see, of a broken heart...

Fee: $95.00 includes all materials plus skeleton

SATURDAY, Oct 24th - CLASS FULL

STAY TUNED FOR NEW DATE TO BE ADDED!

This class is held at:
CASTLE IN THE AIR
1805 Fourth Street
Berkeley, California

Pagoda Gazebo with Lights - Class Sample!

Take an imaginary trip to the Far East while creating this charming pagoda like structure from specialty papers and dresden paper trim. (you may chose your own colors or make one similar to mine) I will show you how to create the Chinese lantern hanging from the center of the roof - which contains battery-operated lights for a touch of magic. The pagoda is perfect for displaying a special treasure, such as the vintage Oriental doll shown here (doll not part of class). 

Fee: $95.00 includes all materials
SUNDAY, September 20th, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Call 510-204-9801 to sign up

This class is held at:
CASTLE IN THE AIR
1805 Fourth Street
Berkeley, California