Halloween Folk Art by Melissa Valeriote

Deck the Halls

2011-11-15T14:23:00.001-08:00

Balls of Folly

Making my way down the list. No need to check it

twice. The hurry, scurry holiday rush has already begun.

Next week my house will be full of rambunctious

relations, piles of dirty plates, and linens in need

of ironing. I will rise early to make ready my holiday

home, welcome my guests with open arms,

bask in the glow of holiday cheer and once again

be reminded of the moments that matter most.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

2011-11-13T14:23:00.001-08:00

Oh what joy... dreams really do come true!

Tim Burton's B. Boy will take to the skies in the

upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

Halloween Web Design

2011-10-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

To some, I am a collector of curious things.

Over time, I have become accustomed to

the raised eyebrow and sideways glance

reactions that my unusual objects elicit.

The beauty of my web design collection

may not be apparent to the masses but

I am one who finds comfort living just a

little off center.

"Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,

'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;

The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,

And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."

Mary Howitt

Thank you all for your sweet comments

on my giveaway post. Cameron

is the recipient of my Gothic Crow

ornament.

Wishing you all a fantastical Halloween!

Halloween Festivities

2011-10-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Halloween with A Fanciful Twist!

Stop by Vanessa's blog to see the sweetest

pumpkin patch ever and check out her 3

wheeled bicycle with overflowing baskets

of pumpkins galore. Such a festive and

happy place. And speaking of happy...

I finally finished my Wishing Star piece.

To view purchasing information click HERE.

• • • GIVEAWAY • • •

Leave a comment on this post and you will

automatically be entered in a drawing to win

this small, wooden Gothic Crow ornament.

Artist Workshop

2011-10-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

The numbness in my fingertips has finally subsided

but the memories of this fun-filled "Artist Workshop"

weekend will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Don't let these smiling faces fool you. These dolls

were no walk in the park ...but what fun we had for

two glorious days of what I fondly refer to as

"Dollie Boot Camp." With Colleen as our guide

we cut, and glued, sculpted and painted. We stitched

and ironed, adorned and assembled. We took notes

at lectures, revealed tricks of the trade and shared

stories of our artful journeys.

Colleen will be teaching only two more classes

this year. Treat yourself if you have the opportunity.
You will come away with a treasured doll, a new
set of skills and an ever-growing circle of friends.

The Raven

2011-10-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

2012 seems so far away but I'm marking

my calendar for this one. Not for the faint

of heart...

The Raven

2011-10-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Fun Halloween find.

Picked up this tin of breath mints at my local
Cost Plus World Market.

Wishing now I grabbed a few extra.

Halloween Decor Edited

2011-09-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

A hint of a holiday approaching.

Distractions become tempered by clean

and simple vignettes.

Inspired by the notion that simplicity and

clarity lead to good design I find myself greatly

editing this season's holiday decor. The vibrant,

joyfully jumbled displays have been supplanted

with understated arrangements subtly woven

throughout my home. The temptation to display

my entire Halloween collection is strong but

I am finding the change refreshing and the

shift in perspective illuminating.

Crafty Crow

2011-04-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

SNEAK PEEK

• • • •

Happy days are here again!

Paint smudged on my face, clay caked under

my nails and Mod Podge in my hair.

A new Spring fashion trend... unlikely.

A productive weekend in the studio... most definitely.

One World One Heart 2011 Giveaway

2011-01-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

If this is your first time here, WELCOME.

So happy you took the time to stop by.

Feel free to explore my menagerie of merriment.

To all my loyal FANTASTICAL FOLLOWERS...

welcome back. I know it's been a while since we

chatted but know that you haven't been far from

my thoughts as I have been sketching, planning

and creating a new batch of characters for 2011.

Oh what fun!

And speaking of fun, click on HERE to explore

the sites of others who have chosen to live

this artful life and to see what Lisa, our favorite

Whimsical Bohemian, has in store for the 5th and final

celebration of ONE WORLD, ONE HEART.

• • • • • •

GIVEAWAY

• • • • • •

For my kindred spirits who share in my

love for all things Halloween,

I'm giving away the mini Orange and Black

Halloween/Valentine Bottle Brush Tree pictured

at the beginning of this post.

Leave a comment below to enter the drawing.

All FANTASTICAL FOLLOWERS will automatically

be enter in the giveaway. I will be drawing the

winner on the evening of February 17th.

Enjoy the journey!

2011-01-28T16:16:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed my hibernation for a wee bit too long.

Such a guilty pleasure don't you think?

Now, where to begin...

...how about sharing the love and good cheer!

I'm putting together a GIVEAWAY for my devoted

FANTASTICAL FOLLOWERS.

Check back on Monday to play along. In the

mean time, hop on over to my ETSY SHOP to see

my new batch of shimmering Mini Valentine Trees.

Celebrate the heart!

Tis the Season to be Jolly

2010-11-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

The Moon is full

The stars are bright.

The ghost and goblins

will be out tonight.

They will twinkle and dare

so be sure to beware

For it's All Hallows Eve!

Grungy Gourd Cart

11.5" Tall

To purchase email Melissa at:

valeriotedesign@comcast.net

• • • •

Pumpkin Carving Time

2010-10-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

Running late again!

Painting until the wee hours of morning finishing

up a fun new piece for the EHAG Emporium

Halloween Night update. Be sure to stop

by the Emporium before Saturday and leave a

comment for a chance to win some Halloween

collectibles. Then check back on the eve of

Halloween for the big event.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Chocolate Fun Find

2010-10-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

Monday, Monday... sigh

Thank goodness there's chocolate on hand.

A Fanciful Twist Halloween Party Giveaway

2010-10-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

It's time once again for Vanessa's

oh so fanciful and eye popping fantastical

Halloween extravaganza. Zoom over to

A Fanciful Twist for some twinkles and

sprinkles and sugar dandy delights.

...but before you do, be sure to leave

a comment on this post for a chance

to win my Crow Pull Out Party Favor.

I'll announce the lucky trick or treater

on Monday. Thank you for stopping by!

Halloween Fun Finds

2010-10-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

How fun is this?

Picked up these place mats from Pottery Barn Kids.

Cloth Paper Scissors Virtual Studio Tour

2010-10-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

I have a studio in a corner of my home.

It isn't a large studio, nor is it very glamorous.

If you were to measure my success on paper,

the forecast would be bleak.

But this 12 foot by 12 foot fortress,

with the door knob that sticks,

is my sanctuary, my soft place to land

and has thought me much about the

quiet surrender of an artful life.

I hope you enjoyed peeking into my playground

filled with cherished gifts from dear friends and

collected keepsakes from fellow artists who

have also found joy in this business of
nostalgic merry making.

Check out the Cloth, Paper, Scissors
Spooky Studio Tour link for more
fun filled studio tours.

Halloween Decorating

2010-10-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

Time to decorate!

My favorite chore on my Holiday to-do list.

Oak Galls now available in ETSY.

Love at first sight

2010-10-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

So there I was, sleepwalking through my mundane

chores, meandering through the all too familiar maze

of predictable produce and elegantly displayed

dead things behind glass, when I literally ran

into a floor display of these beautiful bottles. My

heart skipped a beat as I reached out with both

hands and grabbed a bottle to add to my Halloween

wine collection... or so I thought. Turns out this

black beauty is an Ale.... but who cares. Some things

are just too wonderful to pass up, don't you think?

Halloween Folk Art

2010-10-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

The October issue of the CatStone Press digital

publication of Artizen Magazine is live.

A visual Halloween treat from cover to cover.

Even the ads are a feast for the eyes.

From Absinthe to Chocolatiers, Costumes to Folk Art

this issue has a delightful blend of festive

holiday folklore and Halloween collectibles.

Click HERE to subscribe to the free online Artizen magazine.

Some of my Halloween characters that are feature

in the Artizen issue are now available.

Click HERE for more details.

Haunting Confections

2010-10-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Not so sweet inspiration.

Having fun unwinding to the Cupcake Wars on

Food Network channel. You might want to check

out some of their crazy good cupcake recipes

for your upcoming Halloween parties.

Glitter Skull Toothpicks now in ETSY.

Vintage Inspired Halloween Party Favor

2010-09-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

I just want to bust through that finish line

but someone keeps moving it forward!

BOO Pull Toy now in ETSY.

Vintage Inspired Treat Basket

2010-09-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat

Available in ETSY

Halloween Gift Cards

2010-09-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

The creative energy swirling in the

atmosphere is palpable this time of year

as my fellow artisan friends prepare for the

Holiday season. Soon calendars will be

filled with shows to attend and window

shopping adventures. It truly is the most

wonderful time of the year!

Grinning from ear to ear Jack O Lantern

gift cards now available in my SHOP.

Halloween Cracker Party Favor

2010-08-30T18:45:00.001-07:00

Hand sculpted and painted paper clay

party goer is startled by a twisted,

glittery coil of Halloween confetti

popping out of a festive holiday cracker.

Cracker Boo
7" Tall

To purchase email Melissa at:
valeriotedesign@comcast.net
• • • •
Stop by the EHAG EMPORIUM
to see other available pieces of
Halloween Folk Art
• • • •
New Halloween goodies available in ETSY.
Click HERE for link.

Halloween Noisemakers

2010-08-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

Time to scare up some fun!

Festive wooden clackers now available in

my ETSY shop.

Halloween Candy

2010-08-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

A cheerful little treat for those who have

outgrown their desire to wander the streets

in search for something sweet. Now available

in my ETSY shop.

More Halloween goodies coming soon.

Anticipation

2010-08-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Having all I can do to hold myself back from

pulling out the Halloween crates and start

decorating. Seeing all the holiday decor

popping up all around town has me longing

to join in on the fun. How about you?

Back to Basics

2010-08-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

80 days and counting!
Click HERE for my ETSY link.

Nightmarish Lands

2010-08-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

the spider weaved a tangled tale
of nightmarish lands where the moon is pale
and wicked grins that haunt the night
sharpened by the glow of the candle's light

ELENA VALERIOTE

Click HERE for ETSY link.

2010-08-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

she weaved a web

of silver thread,

a doily for her date~

a little fly,

with big brown eyes

quickly approaching fate

ELENA VALERIOTE

Spidery gift cards available in my ETSY shop.

Click HERE for more details.

Spider Catcher

2010-07-30T17:05:00.001-07:00

• • • •
Wicked Webster
sculpted from paper clay
• • • •

• • • •
A not so happy victim dangling
from a wire web
• • • •

• • • •
Comes armed and ready with a netted
bug catcher
• • • •

• • • •
Sporting a grungy muslin drawstring sack
stamped and embossed with a spiderweb pattern
with additional hand detailing. Trimmed with
a crepe paper yolk and bottom ruffle.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

2010-07-26T14:24:00.001-07:00

A sneak peek of my soon to be released rapscallion
Wicked Webster

The EHAG Emporium updates this Saturday
July 31st. Save the date and stop by to see the
latest offerings from the Halloween artists of
EHAG. Be sure to enter our giveaway for a chance
to win festive holiday art donated by the über
talented Halloween artists Chris Klinger, Shelia
Bentley and Allen Cunnigham... woohoo!

An Adventure

2010-07-04T21:03:00.000-07:00

Off to see what's new in the world.
Be back soon.

Location, location, location.

2010-07-01T19:46:00.001-07:00

We've all heard the phrase location is everything.
Well for the next several months I will be dancing
under my lucky stars rejoicing in the fact that I have
a Bay area zip code address. Which means I live within
a short driving distance to one of San Francisco's
crown jewels, the de Young Museum of Fine Art.

Right now, for a brief moment in time,
the de Young museum is the only museum in the
world to be graced with a coup of a lifetime
two consecutive special exhibitions
from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris:

Birth of Impressionism
Masterpieces from the Musée d'Orsay
May 22-September 6

Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and Beyond
Post-Impressionist Masterpieces
September 25-January 18

Oh happy day!

This dazzling collection of one hundred works
by the masters of nineteenth-century French
painting tells the story of the Impressionist
movement that changed the way artists view
the world and the way the world views art.
Do what you can to see this exhibit.
C'est magnifique!

And speaking of magnificent art
be sure to stop by the EHAG Emporium
for an opportunity to purchase some
wonderful new Halloween art.

A big warm hug and heartfelt thank you
goes out to all of you FANTASTICAL FOLLOWERS
who stopped by and left sweet comments during
the Mad Tea Party giveaway.
Crown and Scepter recipients are Lori R. and Tristan B.
Thanks again!

Mad Tea Party Giveaway

2010-06-25T21:04:00.001-07:00

Vanessa, the Queen of twinkle and sparkle and
all things Fanciful, is hosting her annual
Mad Tea Party.

Check out the madness at A Fanciful Twist
and be prepared to do some serious blog
hopping with some zany and uber creative
party goers.

You know I couldn't resist whipping up some
sort of party favor.

Simply leave a comment to this post for a
chance to win either this Queen of Hearts Scepter
or mini Glitter Crown.

Be sure to let me know if you are one of my
FANTASTICAL FOLLOWERS!

2010-06-04T17:39:00.001-07:00

There are just some pieces that are hard
to let go of. At least I know that MY DECREPIT
will be well looked after.
Fly away home...

Birds of a Feather

2010-05-24T09:26:00.001-07:00

I couldn't have imagined a more perfect day.

Sitting in the hallowed halls of Colleen's
studio, making bird dolls with fellow artists,
Carol, Eleanore and Natalie,
sharing techniques, vintage finds, family
stories and delicious food was like living
in a dream. We worked our little fingers
to the bone but oh what fun we had.
Just look at what we got to make!

If you ever have the opportunity to attend
one of Colleen's doll making workshops
do so. She is an incredibly gifted and
generous artist who is extremely organized
and has the patience of a saint. Twice
now I've had the good fortune of being a
guest in Colleen's magical home and both
times I've come away walking on air.

Play date

2010-05-20T12:04:00.001-07:00

It seems not so long ago that I was arranging
play dates for my wee ones. And then in a
blink of an eye they miraculously grew up
and became every mother's dream of being
self sufficient... (big, beaming smile)

So being on the eternal quest for finding
balance, fairness and all that is good
and right with the world, I decided to
schedule a play date of my very own.
And who better to play with than the sweet
and gregarious master dollmaker herself,
the one and only Colleen Moody.

Colleen is hosting a "workshop" slash play
date in her lovely home studio on Saturday
with a handful of lucky ladies (that would be me).
She will be walking us through the steps
and techniques for creating her sweet
signature bird doll. I am positively giddy
with bats in my belly! I felt like a kid in
a candy store as I shopped for my fabrics
and trimmings pictured above.
Oh the possibilities...

Ebony Bird Beguiling

2010-05-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

"... only this and nothing more."

Sneak peek of things to come.

Spooky Squeezebox Serenade

2010-05-05T12:07:00.001-07:00

The Halloween artists of EHAG have set aside
their vibrant color palettes and challenged
themselves to a create a spooky piece of
Black and White themed art. You will find
these one-of-a-kind BLACK & WHITE FRIGHT
pieces on ebay, etsy and various blog sites.
Have fun haunting!
• • • • •
SPOOKY SQUEEZEBOX SERENADE
Email me for purchasing information.
• • • • •
SPRINGTIME GIVEAWAY
The very talented PFATT artists are at it again!
Stop by the PFATT blog for a chance to win
one-of-a-kind Spring inspired art.

Spring into action

2010-04-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

Started this piece well over a year ago.
I'm happy to say that Large Lolli Lou is
finally complete and ready for his close up.

Critical Path

2010-04-23T08:37:00.001-07:00

Only 6 weeks remain until the house is crawling
with miniature rapscallions clamoring for attention.
Six weeks until summer distractions become
priority number one and business plans, schedules
and soon to be fleshed out sketches collect dust
in the corner. It's time to get crackin!

Cliffhanger

2010-04-22T08:20:00.001-07:00

Finding myself on the precipice of a precarious
path. Not exactly a difficult dilemma but a
situation where difficult decisions must
be made in a very timely manor. My Crystal
Ball is foggy and my Magic 8 Ball is stuck
in a continuous loop of "cannot predict now."
Time to locate that internal compass and
head for that horizon.
• • • • •
Sneak peek of a new work in progress
slanted towards the macabre...hehe
• • • • •

Clowning Around

2010-04-15T14:38:00.001-07:00

Corny Clown
I could almost hear him giggle as I panted
his belly.

They're back...

2010-04-09T11:23:00.001-07:00

Works in progress.
The Halloween Hooligans are finally getting
their day in the sun.... or a least moved up
to the front of the assembly line.

Calling all Angels

2010-04-08T11:16:00.001-07:00

Producing an army of bald headed angels
was not on my to-do list for the week but
somehow managed to trump all plans of
painting my long neglected gang of ghoulies.
Sometimes sculpting is a chore, a necessary
part of business. Other times it is a joy,
bringing me comfort in uncertain times.
I am happy to have indulged in the detour
and released these little chubby cherubs
from the swirling confines of my imagination.
I can now move on to my original plan of
tending to the other restless characters that have
been residing on my desk for far too long.

Easter Celebrations

2010-04-03T09:23:00.001-07:00

A favorite Easter tradition in the VALERIOTE household
is the annual Confetti Egg Smash. An event where hallowed
out, confetti filled eggs are broken over the heads of family,
friends and at times innocent bystanders. There is always
excitement in the weeks leading up to Easter as we begin
to collect hallowed eggs during meal preparation. The
competition is fierce as we wait to see who will bring the
largest basket filled with eggs and who will end up being
covered in the most confetti as the final egg bursts.
Guaranteed to fill your home laughter and your yard with
more confetti than a ticker tape parade.

CONFETTI EGGS
Use the back end of a spoon to crack open the top of an egg.
• • • •
Drain egg into a bowl.
• • • •
Rinse out hallowed egg shell and air dry.
• • • •
Dye, paint or cover eggs with tissue paper with water diluted glue.
Throw in a Halloween patterned egg just for fun!
• • • •
Air dry eggs completely.
• • • •
Fill eggs with confetti, money, fortunes, small toys, etc.
• • • •
Cut a piece of tissue paper slightly larger in size than the
egg's hole. Run a glue stick around the edges of the hole
and over one side of the paper; seal the hole by pressing
the paper firmly over the opening. Air dry.
Let the fun begin!

Wishing you all a fun filled Easter and a smashing good time!

Moonshadow Madness at the Emporium

2010-03-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

The EHAG Emporium is now open!
Original one-of-a-kind Halloween art is
available for purchase on a first come, first
served basis from the EHAG artist group.
Click HERE to see what all the fuss is about.

Monsieur Moonshadow
Mixed media 3D hanging theater.

Click HERE or on PHOTO to see additional
images and purchasing details.

Click here for ETSY listing.

March Madness

2010-03-29T12:23:00.001-07:00

How happy am I to see March end....whew...

What a whirlwind month. One big blur from
beginning to end. Fortunately March will close
on a high note as another EHAG EMPORIUM
goes live on the 31st with an abundance of
one-of-kind Halloween art from EHAG.

A sneak peek for Wednesday's debut.

Trying to get ahead...

2010-03-16T09:01:00.003-07:00

...but running a bit behind. With best of
intentions one of these characters will be
up for grabs at the end of the month for
the EHAG Emporium blog sale.
Off to work I go!

A Flurry of Activity

2010-03-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

Now available in ETSY.

Converse with Nature

2010-03-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

Spring has been whispering of Winter's end for weeks now
as I've been keeping a weather eye on the garden for signs
of its arrival. I am happy to state, with a fair amount of
certainty, (fingers crossed) that Spring has finally taken hold.
Time for me to brush off my dusty dungarees, fill the wheel
barrel with pointy tools, strap on my oh so stylish
straw hat and head outside to tend to a much neglected
garden... or what I commonly refer to as my happy place.

Art pieces will be scarce during the next few weeks as I
juggle life's transient diversions and work out the details
of an exciting new venture. In the mean time I will be
adding a few more small pieces in my ETSY shop
later this evening.

Sending warm wishes and promises of an early Spring!

Working around the flock

2010-02-27T10:15:00.001-08:00

There's been a flurry of activity in my studio
this week due to the gloomy and rainy weather
keeping me indoors and out of trouble.
Halloween ornaments, party favors, noisemakers,
and hooligans are taking over my work space
as I prepare for looming deadlines and events.
I'll be posting some fun new Halloween pieces
in my ETSY SHOP shortly.
Wishing you a safe and cozy fun filled weekend!

Great Expectations

2010-02-16T10:25:00.001-08:00

Spring is in the air. Oh happy day!

Penny Tree Auction

2010-02-14T16:47:00.000-08:00

THE PENNY TREE AUCTION will be listed
on eBay FEBRUARY 14TH at 9:00pm EST-6:00pm PDT.
• • • • •
This beautiful tree is the brain child of Lori Davis.
She has rallied together over 30 Folk Artists
to create, and donate an ornament to benefit
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The winner
of this auction will receive a treasure trove of over
30 pieces of original Folk Art ornaments and
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Alabama
Chapter will receive 100% of the proceeds.
• • • • •
Here's a peek at the tree and my handcrafted ornament.
Click HERE for auction link.

Living A Heart Full Life

2010-02-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Whispering hearts spill out in ink drops on paper
cautiously etched with a breath of certainty.
• • • •
Wishing you lightness and frivolity throughout the day!

Cupid's Quest

2010-02-09T14:55:00.001-08:00

There are those who surrender the affairs
of the heart to the roll of the dice, leaving
delicate decisions to the hands of Fate.

There are others who rely on Cupid
with his golden quiver of love tipped
arrows to be the bearer of loves fortune.

And then there are the super heroes of love
who boldly walk with a bullseye emblazoned
over their heart leaving nothing to chance.

This Valentine’s Day, whether bewitched
or besotted, celebrate the heart. Celebrate
the small random gestures. Celebrate the
grandiose and all its pageantry. Celebrate
love that overthrows life. Celebrate!

My Chubby Valentine

2010-02-04T14:03:00.001-08:00

In just a little over a week is the

Holiday of Hearts!
Treat yourself to something that
celebrates a life filled with love.
• • • • • work in progress • • • • •

Halloween Season Kick Off Celebration

2010-01-31T10:37:00.001-08:00

This evening at 9:00pm marks the Grand Opening

of the EHAG Emporium! A wide variety of original
Halloween art pieces will be available for
purchase on a first come first served basis by the
EHAG artist group. Set your clocks and stop on by
our kick off celebration of the 2010 Halloween season!
See you there!
Click on photo for purchasing information!

One World One Heart Giveaway

2010-01-26T09:47:00.001-08:00

It's time once again for the 4th annual
ONE WORLD ~ ONE HEART blog event hosted by
Lisa from A Whimsical Bohemian.
The idea behind this event is for bloggers to
connect with artists from all walks of life on a
global scale. How fun is that?
If you'd like to join in on the fun and spread the love
hop over to Lisa's BLOG and sign up today.
• • • • GIVEAWAY • • • •
For a chance to win one of my Mini Cupid Trees
leave a comment on this post by midnight
February 14th. The winner will be announced on
February 15th.

Resolutions and Other Nonsense

2010-01-12T15:29:00.001-08:00

So I decided to take a few days off to recharge,

regroup, and rewrite my business plan for 2010.
Needless to say the few days turned into a few weeks.
(thank you to all those who so kindly emailed me with gentle
reminders during my absence...hehe... you know who you are!)
Now I wish I could tell you that during my absence I
got into a bit of mischief, hence losing all track of time
but I'm sorry to report quite the opposite.
I did however get a chance to manage my mischief
and am now feeling all the better for it.

So here we are at the beginning of another
New Year full of the best of intentions and
endless possibilities. Just around the corner is the
opening of the EHAG Emporium (a Halloween Marketplace),
and a Feather Tree auction from the artists of PFATT.
More details to come...
For now, it's back to the drawing board and my
rapidly approaching deadlines.
• • • • •
*Work in progress for the EHAG Emporium

2009-12-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

Wishing you endless days of merriment.

And so it begins...

2009-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

25 days of merriment, a festival of the heart.
A time when there are no limitations on
intangible gifts. Take a deep breath and let
the warmth of the holiday spirit wrap itself
around you on your countdown journey
to the most magical day of the year.

2009-11-30T18:48:00.000-08:00

Art finds her own perfection within,
and not outside of herself.

She is not to be judged by any external
standard of resemblance.
She is a veil, rather than a mirror.
Oscar Wilde

Holiday Traditions

2009-11-17T09:38:00.001-08:00

There are just so many things to love about
the holidays. But topping my list of favorite
holiday traditions is getting down the ornament
box and sorting through the glittery heirloom
treasures. When my girls were wee ones they
would sit for hours in whispered conversation
and gleeful giggles rekindling connections of long
lost jingle jolly friends. I knew back then that
these would be those snap shot moments that
would stay with me my whole life and that the
holidays are merely a gateway where
make-believe transcends reality and in the
quiet moments magic is palpable.

A serendipitous encounter

2009-11-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

I love to cook and I love to bake. Some of my favorite
memories are of afternoons spent in kitchens with
family and friends quenching the appetite of body
and spirit. Every now and then I come across a site
that has me wishing that I could be like Alice and step
through my monitor into the wonderland of blogs.
Brooke McLay's Tongue and Cheeky blog is
one of those kick off your shoes, pull up a chair and
help yourself to something yummy kind of sites.
Brooke is hysterical, not the running around the kitchen
with her hair on fire hysterical, (although I'm sure she's got
a story or two to tell that may in fact include flaming
flammables and singed body parts) but funny in her
wit and wisdom that lighten your heart. She's über
talented in the culinary arts and is always whipping
up something extraordinary and eager to share like her
• • • •
BUTTERSCOTCH PIE
• • • •
recipe that can be found by clicking HERE.
To read more about Brooke in her tell all interview
(well maybe not all but definitely a good bit) click HERE
then head to the store for those Butterscotch Chips.
You'll be glad you did!

A Jolly Happy Soul

2009-11-11T10:06:00.001-08:00

Christmas Clown

2009-11-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

• • • NOW ON SALE • • •

Framed Christmas Clown Ornament.
Click on photo for more details.

Christmas Ornaments

2009-11-09T18:56:00.001-08:00

Glitter Star Ornaments available in ETSY.

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2009-11-09T15:15:00.001-08:00

Having a jolly good time with the Ho Ho
happenings in my studio this week.
I'll be posting new items daily in my ETSY
shop all week long. You better watch out...

2009-11-02T08:14:00.001-08:00

Taking one final moment to bask in the lingering
mirth from the hallowed night of mischief.
Lucky for me there is no end in sight of holiday
celebrations as I prepare for a magical winter
wonderland immersion. Though the orange and
black willingly give way to the cream and gold,
they will be back out front before dust rings
mark their absence. I have great plans to bring
several sketches to life of Halloween/Christmas
cross over pieces but first I must pay heed to the
restless chubby cherubs that have been dancing
in my head for the past few months.

Click on Cherub photo for purchasing information.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T08:33:00.001-07:00

May the treats be many and the tricks be few...
• • • • • • •
Happy Halloween!
• • • • • • •
Bruce Elsass' vintage collection Country Living 2007

Halloween Excursions

2009-10-30T10:40:00.001-07:00

If you are a fan of Disney's spooky vintage shorts and are lucky
enough to live within driving distance of the Bay area then head
on over to the new WALT DISNEY FILM MUSEUM for the
HALLOWSCREEN event. Today and tomorrow only treat
yourself to a screening of Disney's classic haunted animated
shorts, including one of my all time favorites, The Skeleton Dance.
This timeless, macabre masterpiece with its beautifully illustrated
iconic Halloween imagery is a celebration of music, dance and
the art of animation. The perfectly syncopated quartet of dark
and mesmerizing dancing skeletons in the nightmarish graveyard
is a beautifully crafted work of art, sealing this films legendary
status as one of the 50 Greatest Cartoons of all time.

Halloween's Final Countdown

2009-10-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

...and so begins the bittersweet week
of Halloween... sigh.
Final listings for the Halloween season
now in ETSY.

Haunted Masquerade Giveaway

2009-10-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling like quite the social butterfly this

season as I head off to yet another Halloween
blog party. The very creative Cassandra from
My Artful Adventures is hosting a Haunted
Masquerade. Though I didn't have time to
make a mask for this event, I'll share a photo
of my favorite souvenir that I purchased
while attending the Shakespeare Festival
in Ashland Oregon.

• • • • • GIVEAWAY • • • • •

Leave me a comment on this post for a chance
to win this mini crown from my 2009 collection.
I will announce the winner on Tuesday 10.27.09.

Halloween Ornaments

2009-10-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Bat Flurry and Raven Ornaments now in ETSY.

Halloween Novelty

2009-10-21T06:40:00.001-07:00

I love unexpected surprises. Not the kind you
get when a bat dive bombs your head while on
your evening walk but the subtle heart warming,
just because, put a smile on your face kind.
Inspired to combine the element of surprise with
the worn out look of childhood toys that spark
imagination and wonderment, I created a small
series of Halloween novelties. The first of this
series is now on eBay.

Click on photo for details on Wooden Boo Pull Out Toy.

Haunting Halloween

2009-10-20T09:52:00.001-07:00

A merry little ghost it is.
Ghost with Spider Pop available in ETSY.

A Fanciful Halloween Party

2009-10-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

When VANESSA throws a blog party, count

on me and a thousand other guests to be in
attendance. That's because her parties are a
feast for the eyes and an event for the soul.
Everyone is on their best behavior and the
festivities are over the top creative. Stop by
A FANCIFUL TWIST and join in the magical
Halloween celebration!

PARTY FAVOR GIVEAWAY!
I can't have you leaving here without
taking home a party favor. Leave me a comment
on this post before midnight Tuesday, Oct. 20th
for a chance to win one of my Halloween treat
cups. Wishing you all an enchanting Halloween!

Click on BOO BLOCKS photo for
purchasing information.

Current eBay auction
BAT BOO ORNAMENT BOX

Blog Sale

2009-10-15T18:57:00.001-07:00

Click on graphic for blog link.

Time Marches On

2009-10-14T17:27:00.001-07:00

...or in my case, is in a full out sprint.
Panic set in today as I stood in the very
recently remodeled ribbon isle at my local
craft store. As another chorus of Jingle Bells
filled the air I realized that the retailers
have already moved on to the holiday of
HoHo happiness. That overwhelming feeling
of being behind took hold as I'm no where
near ready to start whipping out the chubby
cherubs nor tinseled trees. After a long,
deep cleansing breath, I was able to regroup,
grab a spool of Halloween ribbon
(now in the clearance isle)
and continue on with my preparations for the
onslaught of ghosts and goblins who are about
to haunt my home in the coming weeks.
Though I can't stop the hands of time,
I plan on celebrating this holiday as if
I have time on my hands.

Bat Box with Boo Ornaments now on eBay .

Halloween Surprises

2009-10-14T10:19:00.001-07:00

Brown paper packages tied up with string,
contains one of my favorite Halloween things!
Click on PHOTO to see what's inside.
Be sure to check back on Friday for my
HALLOWEEN BLOG SALE! I've been busy
creating some fun new pieces.

Halloween Treat Box

2009-10-13T11:27:00.001-07:00

Treat Boxes available in ETSY.

A lot of gall

2009-10-12T08:09:00.001-07:00

Over the years I have shared with you some of my
various Halloween collections. My newest
obsession are gifts from Mother Nature.
These oak balls, also known as galls, are insect
produced housing. Little critters lay their eggs
on tree twigs and secrete a chemical causing cells
to grow over the egg forming a protective housing
for the inhabitants. Each piece is an original, no
two are alike in shape, size or color. They range in
color from gothic black to vintage white to pale
pumpkin. You will find them scattered about my
home in bowls, under glass domes, and displayed in
centerpieces on my dining tables. Some refer to
these galls as abnormal growths and oddities but I
think they are the perfect “green” alternative to
Halloween decorating and I just can’t get
enough of them.

Halloween Victorian Inspired Toys

2009-10-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

The history of animation began with a simple device
called the Thaumatrope. Dating back to the early
1800's the Thaumatrope works on the principle
of persistence of vision which is the eye's ability
to retain an image for a fraction of a second after
the object is gone. In this case, the eye continues
to see the two images on either side of the discs for
a split second after each has appeared. As the
Thaumatrope spins the series of quick flashes is
perceived as one continuous image.

I've always loved the simplicity of these Victorian
toys and their magical effect. So it was natural for me
to want to create some for myself, with a Halloween
theme of course. You can find these Spider & Web
and Cage & Bird thaumatropes in my ETSY shop.

Halloween Party Cups

2009-10-09T12:41:00.001-07:00

Party Cups now in ETSY.
Halloween Blog Sale one week from today!

Halloween Treats

2009-10-08T09:17:00.001-07:00

Visiting my favorite blogs of Halloween artists,
crafters, promoters, and enthusiasts I am continually
amazed at the quantity and quality of work that is
generated this time of year. We are so fortunate to
live in a time where finding the perfect addition, solution
or party inspiration is just a click away.
Treat Cones available in ETSY.

Halloween Harvest Moon

2009-10-03T08:30:00.001-07:00

There is an undeniable connection to our
closest celestial body, the moon.
She is written about, sung to, and howled at
by those who are captivated by her majestic beauty.
Tonight, pause for a moment and observe her
spectacular performance as she illuminates the
heavens in her theater of darkness.
Full Moon Theater available in ETSY.

Halloween Blog Sale Coming October 16-18.
Click HERE for link.

Cacophony of Cawing Crows

2009-09-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Halloween icons is the Crow.
I am easily entertained observing a gathered group
as they engage in interesting conversation.
They are raucous, cunning, organized and mischievous...
admirable traits indeed. Though their black plumage,
deadly beaks, razor sharp talons and displeasing eating
habits befriends these birds to the dark side, I find them
to be delightful characters and a welcomed distraction
from my studio window.
Black Wing Greeting Cards available in ETSY.

The Stars of Halloween

2009-09-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

Feeling inspired and energized as I return
to work after a fun filled weekend of mingling
with the Stars at Halloween and Vine.
Glitzy Halloween Ornaments now in ETSY.

Halloween Time Having a Ball

2009-09-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

Finally. For the first time in a long time a
shift in weather has me feeling that Autumn
is on its way. Grinning from ear to ear.
Pumpkin Clown Ornaments in ETSY.

Pumpkin Ball

2009-09-27T21:03:00.001-07:00

Deck the boughs with balls of folly...
The season of enchantment is upon us. Conjure
up some holiday spirits by decorating your
home with holiday decorations that pay
homage to Halloween.
Little Jackie Lantern now available in Esty.

Sweet Tooth

2009-09-22T09:57:00.001-07:00

Halloween treats have come a long way
since the origin of leaving Soul Cakes on doorsteps
to placate the wandering spirits that roamed the
streets on All Hallows Eve. Most of todays malevolent
spirits can be satisfied with Hershey bars and Lollipops.
Tempting as they may be, these shiny bags of Halloween
candy pale in comparison to a festive homemade treat.
In my home the kitchen is the heart of the household.
A place to appease the appetite of body and spirit...
seen and unseen.
Glitter Skull Toothpick Cupcake Toppers & Bag now in ETSY.

Halloween Crowns

2009-09-21T10:23:00.001-07:00

The gothic hues of black and white have got
me spellbound. Eternally appealing for their
dramatic look, the combination of black and
white blurs the boundary from contemporary
class to Victorian gothic. This season I will
be dedicating a small room to black and white
decor. If you need to spark your decorating
imagination go to Ornaments.com for some
holiday collectibles.
Mini Glitter Crowns available in Etsy.

EHAG Blog Giveaway

2009-09-20T19:49:00.001-07:00

The Eclectic Halloween Artists Group
is hosting another spooktacular GIVEAWAY!
Grab your broomsticks and fly on over to the
EHAG blog for details on how you can win a
Halloween treat from the participating
EHAG artists.

Friday's Fantastical Find Giveaway

2009-09-18T17:41:00.001-07:00

Although the sun is setting, technically it's still Friday.
So as promised, I'd like to share with you another
FANTASTICAL FIND!
Since Halloween falls on a Saturday this year
I'm sure many of you are planning some sort of
ghoulish gathering which will most likely involve
spending the day slaving over a bubbling cauldron
concocting a frightful feast. To make your day in
the kitchen a little less dreary I'm giving away
this whimsical pot holder and oven glove to one of my
FANTASTICAL FOLLOWERS.
I will be drawing one name from my list of followers
on Tuesday, Sept. 22 so there's still time to enter.
Happy brewing!

A little horn tooting time...
I just found out that Martha Stewart is spotlighting
two pieces of my art on her Halloween central website.
Click HERE and HERE for the links!
I am over the moon.

A Sparkling Halloween

2009-09-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

Add a little sparkle to your Holiday tree.
Hanging crepe paper and glitter stars now in Etsy!

Halloween Toys

2009-09-15T08:14:00.001-07:00

Got a busy day ahead of me....what else is new right?
So I thought I'd begin the day with a little fun before the
business of the day consumes me. Just listed a few new
Halloween themed toys in Etsy. I'll be posting new items
everyday for the rest of the week. So stay tuned.

While I was out and about the other day, I came across
another FANTASTICAL FIND! I think you're going to like this
one. I'll post about it on Friday. Thank you for playing along
on last weeks giveaway. The winner of the Halloween Parasols
is Jade from New Age Dolls. Be sure to check out her creepy cool
art dolls. Not for the faint of heart.
Enjoy the day!