Happy 10th Birthday

We're celebrating a milestone birthday with Lizzie today....10 whole years old! It's hard not to ponder the future and this decade that will take her from carefree child to capable adult. Plans today include a crafter-noon, Legos and chocolate cake. Happy birthday Lizzie!

How Are You?

How Are You?, collage on orange book cover

Sometimes I discover nonsensical sense hidden in these old book cover pieces...

bells
broken
silly
Molly
sobbing

My mamma always said that silliness leads to crying.

Raggedy Ann Assemblage

Raggedy Ann, mixed media assemblage

My mama heart strings were tugged a bit when Lizzie announced she was too old to dress up and go trick-or-treating this year. She's much more excited about the prospect of handing out candy to the neighborhood kiddos and seeing their costumes. I've been consoling myself by dressing up art dolls in the studio. Remember my little Raggedy Ann? 

Little Red Phantasm

Little Red Phantasm, collage on tattered book cover

Growing up there was one particular book that gave me serious heebie-jeebies. It wasn't so much the story as it was the images....this was the volume. One particular page made me shiver....the big bad wolf in Grandmother's bed....something about those very glinty eyes and the pink nightcap. I would always avert my eyes as I walked past the bookshelf where it was innocently perched. From time to time I would poke it back in the recesses so as to hide it the spine from my view. Even more infrequently I would carefully slide it from the shelf and dare myself to read it.

Chimera Collage

Chimera, original collage on old children's primer cover

I read somewhere recently that September is National Literacy Month. We always have a couple of read-aloud books going with Lizzie in addition to our own individual books. This week we maxed out our 50 book limit at the library. hah! Guess that's the way it goes when you home-school. Patrick and Lizzie are reading the newly released Sky Pyrates Over Oz. Lizzie and I have just started Little Women (we're on chapter 4 of 47). Patrick and I are both trying to read this book (at the same time) and keep stealing it back and forth. Lizzie just discovered the historical fiction books published by American Girl (thus our maxed out library card!) and I've been listening to the original Grimm's Fairy Tales while I work in the studio at night. I'd love to hear what you've been reading!

Follow The Dots

I picked up this dot-to-dot workbook at the Eastbrook Antique Mall on our recent trip to Montgomery, Alabama. Volumes like this are irresistible with their sweet graphics and pencil markings--every image has been carefully mapped out by small hands years ago. The book was published by Cupples & Leon of New York in the 1920's.

A New Home

As promised I'm back to share some images of the fairies new home. Everyone has recovered from the 'tree episode' as Lizzie calls it ;) We thank all of you for your sweet comments, notes, gifts and thoughts for the fairies (and our!) well being.

May Art Blocks

My offering of art blocks for the month of May will be sprinkled into the shop today. There are two distinct groups this round....one of fanciful fun and the other of natural wonder. Enjoy your weekend!

Easter Eggs

Did you dye Easter eggs? Nothing elaborate here....just good ol' Paas and one googly eyed Spring chick :) Hope you've been enjoying your weekend. Happy Easter!

Rock-Paper-Scissors

Rock-Paper-Scissors, collage on old Lippincott's Physiology book cover

We play rock-paper-scissors all the time in our house to make decisions on this 'n that. It's an ancient game of strategy and such fun trying to psych out your opponent ;) Wanna try your hand at it? Play against the computer right here.

Fairy Village

Lizzie has occupied herself for hours over the past weeks creating a fairy village. Even daddy lent his technical skills to assist in building a tiny swing. Each morning the village is inspected for signs of the fairies activities. Every day berries are gathered, firewood re-stacked, fresh flowers strewn and stories are told.

To Market, To Market

To Market, To Market, assemblage with old cuckoo clock frame

Finally put one of these cuckoo clock frames to good use. We always quote the second line of this Mother Goose poem to Lizzie when pulling back into our driveway at home after a road trip or visit to the grocery store. My parents did the same when I was a kid....

....home again, home again, jiggety-jig.

The Bathtub

The Bathtub, original collage on book cover

Sometimes our imagination gets the best of us doesn't it? I've got all sorts of fun objects brewing in the studio this week. I'll be back tomorrow with an assemblage that may or may not include a clown (but more than likely will).

Little Red Riding Hood

Our Little Red Riding Hood filled her basket will all kinds of yummy treats tonight but that pesky Big Bad Wolf (on a stick) was up to his old tricks. Thinking of all you 'lil ghosts 'n ghouls on the East Coast. Hope everyone had a fun & safe Halloween.

Paper Doll Prickly Plaques

Three French paper doll prickly plaques were photographed and posted in the shop today. A few more anatomical plaques should be ready tomorrow. My favorite of this trio is the 'lil beach-goer with the sand pail 'n red shoes.

Topsy-Turvy

Topsy-Turvy, original collage on book cover

Writing Stories

Many stories are being written 'round our house these days. We've also just discovered the treasure trove of Sparkle Stories. Worth every penny since Mommy enjoys listening to them too. A Happy Tuesday and a Happy April to you as it's the first time I've popped in this month!

Pop Tart

Pop Tart, mixed media assemblage

Do you remember those popping toys on wheels from your childhood? Well, that's what this little fellow brought to mind. An old pastry roller plus a handful of hole punches and voilà...Pop Tart came to life!

Happy 7th Birthday

Happy 7th Birthday Lizzie!
We've enjoyed every snippet of time spent with you
this past year and look forward to a new one.
We love you.

xoxo,
Mommy & Daddy