Julia Cameron, sharing a favorite inspiration

    The ethereal world of Julia Margaret Cameron's   photography is so sensitive and evocative I feel like I'm stepping through to another world whenever I take time to visit them.



    Julia was gifted a camera by her daughter in 1868 as a remedy to loneliness, her children were grown and husband traveling on business.   Julia was 48 years old when started taking photos and soon became entranced with photography turning her chicken coop into a dark room!

    I find Julia's work so inspiring, not only did she start her work with a new technology quite late in life (and 48 was later then than now!) she seemed to have little regard for the conventions of the medium, reveling in the soft focus, grains and magic that came with the large glass plates. She was a true pioneer.

This piece is her Merlin, so delightfully atmospheric!

Don't you adore the chicken coop story? I love to read the magazine "Where Women Create" but I don't think anyone can top the coop!

St. Frida the Divine

"St. Frida the Divine with Poppies"

Frida is such a powerful figure to me on so many levels, I've longed to paint her but hesitated. I've decided there is no doing her justice I'll just try to pay tribute. 

The original is mixed media, the poppies I made by hand and collaged on. I was inspired by the Veteran's Day blooms that my Grandmother wore when I was a little girl. Forevermore poppies represented loss and strength of a feminine nature to me.

I'll be back to teaching next week so I'm very happy to have this piece I've been working on ready to share with you.  Sometimes I feel like I'm swallowed up at the beginning of the school year!  This year I have a new art room which is large and shiny but I'm still in a state of overwhelm of arranging and organizing it. 

All in all though the fall is my favorite part of the school year. The anticipation and eager faces of all those young people starting that adventure of Junior High, nothing like it really! 

 If you have young people in your life (or adore picture books like I do!) please take a look at this book I just got for my classroom,  It is poignant, dreamy and powerful. A beautiful introduction to Frida for even the youngest child. 

"Frida" by Jonah Winter illustrated by Ana Juan

"Winter's Muse"

In the middle of this summer heat wave I'm so happy  to reveal "Winter's Muse" book one to you!
I've spent several years painting the Winter Queen, on the cover she lies sleeping but soon she will awake....

I'm so excited in fact I've brewed up a special offer, its for a limited time and includes a custom drawing for you!

The Winter's Muse package includes

 *one copy of "Winter's Muse"

*an original 4x6 custom key word sketch

Cost 25.00

Please allow 2 weeks for delivery

Please leave the word you would like me to work from in notes to seller when you check out. Please keep in mind I work intuitively and your sketch will be an original made just for you. 



Of course you can also purchase the book separately, both are available in my etsy shop http://darklingwoods.etsy.com

*tosses snowflakes* oh but they melt quickly here in Florida!

Queen of Hearts Crown, Where are my tarts?

   Well this hatter has completed her crown,  I've made a tutorial for the crown, just click the link at the top of the page. 
I'd love to see your photos if you make one! Remember you don't have to make a Queen of Hearts crown the pattern can be used for any type of crown a White Queen, or Princess for example.  What I like to do is pull out all my magpie supplies (see previous post) at least twice as many as you will actually use so you will have plenty to choose from and spread everything out, mix match and try different things together, you might be surprised what you do end up using! Heavier trims can be attached with hot glue or even wire.
Wouldn't shelf holding a row of these little crowns look divine?  Of course I just  want to wear mine every day!

Painting the Roses Red

Painting the roses red? I've pulled out all my red and rosy scraps, bits and bobs. You see Dragon Con is right around the corner and I'm determined to make my own "Queen of Hearts" Crown to wear. I've never made a crown before so this should be fun! Should I take photos in progress? Also working on fancy hat pins for Mad Hatter Hats, I love working on the details for costumes!

Congratulations to Melissa winner of the Mad Tea Party drawing! And thank you to all who stopped in for tea! I'm still making it around to everyone's party (is the saying "always late to the party"?) I'm so enchanted by the feeling the event takes on. Its like our little portal through blog land that happens every year now, amazing really. Thank you Vanessa for being such a wonderful hostess!

Mad Tea Party 2010 and Give Away Prize!

That clock is exactly two days late! Oh Alice, I do know how you feel! You see I'm very excited the Mad Tea Party will be on my Birthday this Saturday the 26th (not Unbirthday but the actual big day!) But now I know I won't be home and was feeling a little perplexed over what to do.... When I heard the rustle of leaves outside my window. Wandering out what did I catch a glimpse of but this lovely spirit.
I do believe she is dressed for tea! She beckoned for me to follow her through the garden.

I trailed behind till we came to the back garden gate, curiously there was a key left out, I opened the gate and followed her through. (she didn't need a key of course!) I have to admit I was feeling rather sheepish at this point, Would I be letting her and other ghosts of tea parties past and future down by not having a tea party on my birthday ... Then she turned and smiled and said, "Silly goose, looking glass time runs forwards and back whichever you choose!"

She then disappeared, just like that, leaving behind her hat on the gate post. I placed it reverently upon my head like a crown and raised a cup to her. Promising to remember to let time be on my side for a change!

And to remind yourself to take some time out to be *mad* here is my birthday giveaway for you! An archival print of "Mat Hatter" raising his cup and an original ATC (artist trading card) "Tea Time" To enter just leave a comment! I will draw the winner July 4th!

I hope I'm forgiven for having my Mad Tea Party a bit early, But I'm on Wonderland time!
Be sure and visit the magical Valencia's blog to find the rest of the Mad Tea Parties! (most of which will start on the proper date of June 26th!)

*Passes out cups, and toast with jam* (yes, jam today! ;)

Distracted by Shiny Objects

A Magpie Post....

I went out to purchase a bath mat, and was distracted by a giant wooden key and scissors. What do you think came home with me? Let's count hands.. Bath mat *peers about room* strange oversized objects?* Yes! you have met me!

Well these unsuspecting plain Jane scissors had to sit and wait for me to have a day off, and when I did I pounced. I think it was time for some art therapy because it took two cans of pink spray paint and a large assortment of rhinestones to complete.

I'm quite pleased with the results, this blingy pair of scissors is just what my studio and creative spirit needed!

And speaking of creative spirits I came across this great series on creativity (posted by firefluff on twitter) this article on being eccentric and creativity.

Check out the list of eccentric tendencies

Score 10 out of 15 on this doctors list and you are quirky my friends!

I'm not big into taking quizes but this list was an eye opener for me. You see, not only do I fit just about every item listed, I never grasped why others didn't, and often feel/felt so sad for them. Really, bored? There is so much in this world to marvel at and learn! Of course we all have off days but I can't imagine not having interests and passions. My stress is not having time for them all! I'm so fortunate to have all of you here in blogland who are so eccentric (and I mean that as a high complement!) with bright eyes and open hearts! You are much appreciated!

What do you think, does eccentricity and artistic talent go hand in hand?

Or are eccentric folks simply more likely to feel free to pursue their artistic passions?

Food for thought, and do eccentrics ever own bath mats? I wonder....

Mad Tea Party 2010

It's almost time again Hatter's, Hare's and sweet Alice's don't be late... time to sign up for the 3rd Annual Mad Tea Party Hosted by "A Fanciful Twist" just visit her blog to sign up. Its a wonderful romp through blog land!
The party isn't an Unbirthday one for me, the 26th is my birthday so I will be working on a special giveaway to go with your tea and cakes!
If you missed my 2009 tea party (which was crashed by the doormouse ) you can take a peak here.
*runs off to gather tea cups*

The Mad Hatter

*Clean cup Clean Cup!* Well this little dandy is finally presentable! Hare, Please pour the tea, would you?

I worked my little thimbled fingers on this one, he just insisted on everything just so... well dandy! The most challenging was his little waist coat and jacket (which silly me added needle and thread after the glue dried*ouch* ) and the most fun was making his teeny tiny hat pins! The mushroom grove was a delight to imagine and create, I hope to revisit it someday soon, maybe with another Wonderland resident.

I couldn't be happier with how the prints turned out, the colors are so rich and the mixed media pieces just pop, looks almost 3-D! available here in- My Shop

We're All Mad

A new member has joined my mixed media Alice family, Cheshire Cat sitting pretty in a tree!

I've been in a pink mood of late and it just spilled over to this "in the pink" Cheshire kitty. I always loved how Cheshire might mad, but always so calm and cool. A good role model I think!

Prints available here

Bits and Bobs

Sometimes I get the urge to sew, although my relationship with my seam ripper is stormy one. What I love most is gathering, finding the perfect bits of trim and velvets one thing leads to anther and I've landed into a new project. I had all good intentions of completing this on my "spring break" a bus trip to DC ( I had 15 hours after all ) but I underestimated the distraction of 45 8th graders, and motion sickness. Lets just say I wasn't very productive. But no worries, I'll be back to busy hands in no time now that I'm home again! So soon this little pile of trim should become sweet little cuffs!

I'm actually even more motivated after our trip, I don't get to travel much and I'm not much of a monument girl so I had an eye out for fashion without realizing it. Not trendy/pricey fashion of course, but what real people might be wearing in another place, especially a big city (like Philly!) Imagine my dismay to see only a sea of drab sad drab sad drab, actually worse than home! Now of course we didn't get to go clubbing, this is malls, museums and on the streets and metro. Hope I'm not offending anyone as Cliff and Stacy would tie me up and burn my closet in an heart beat (my own person style ranges from Wednesday Adams to Punky Brewster, I don't take it seriously!)
I've actually thought of starting a fashion blog but I'm afraid Cliff and Stacy would hunt me down!
And a shopping hit, London based Accessorize href="http://www.monsoon.co.uk/page/acchome"> where we found the cutest hair flowers in DC!

The Time Has Come...

Sometimes I read a poem or hear a phrase and the images float around until I have time to land them on paper. This is one of those pieces. The quote is from Song of Solomon "The time of the singing of the birds is come" from the first time I heard it spoke of freedom in all of its aspects. My image is of the birds circling around the spirit who holds the key to their escape.

Wishing you a joyful springtime!


(print available http://darklingwoods.etsy.com )

Somerset Studio Hurray!

Happy Spring! Still a bit chilly here (and I'm in Florida!) but the flowers are starting to bloom and we've packed away the mittens. I've been placing pink flowers by our front door and have a few in the studio as well, pink always makes me think of spring (and cotton candy... but then everything reminds me of candy!)

I have a bit of exciting news..two of my mixed media paintings are featured in the March/April issue of Somerset Studio! "I'm Late" and "Down the Rabbit Hole" were the two selected. This issue is chock full of whimsical wonderland creations, be sure and check it out if that's your cup of tea!
Hope the days are getting warmer where you are with many blooms!

Cutie Pie!

What a cutie pie! I had the pleasure to paint this little sweetie as a recent commission. She asked to be painted in her favorite dress in the style of my "Poppy" painting. It makes me smile to think of a little girl out there with this "dolly style" portrait hanging in her room!

My girls are growing so fast (one is learning to drive!)... seems like yesterday they were in little sundress like this!

Happy Valentines Day!

Hello m'dears! Wishing you a day of candy hearts glitter and hugs!

Sharing a Valentine sweetie named Poppy, and my favorite romantic poem by Yeats.

Cloths of Heaven

HAD I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

W.B. Yeats

thank you all for entering my giveaway drawing and making such kind comments, I'll be doing the drawing and announcing the winner tomorrow! good luck!

*tosses out candy hearts*
Cat

edited! The winner of my OWOH giveaway is Moonfairydreamland congratulations!
I have to say I was overwhelmed by the response for the giveaway and wasn't able to keep up visiting all the blogs but I plan to start my rounds a little at a time!
*cheers*

One World One Heart Giveaway!

Welcome to my One World One Heart Giveaway for 2010!

be sure and grab a magic ticket and visit all the blogs on your way

One World One Heart

The theme this year is magic carpet ride so I'm offering a print that features a magical journey from the fairy tale "East of Sun, West of Moon". Our heroine ( who I call Snowdrop) is shown here riding on the back of the white bear. "Hold tight to my shaggy coat" said the bear. Off they go into the unknown, love and adventure lie ahead!

To enter my giveaway just leave a comment (and a way to contact you if you aren't on blogger) the deadline to enter is Feb 14th and I'll draw the name and announce the winner Feb. 15th

Good luck and happy travels!

Isabella Art

I'd like to introduce you (if you haven't already had the pleasure) to the work of Dutch artist Isabella Baudelaire, fairy tale weaver and shadow puppet maker extraordinaire. (goodness, her name rhymes with extraordinaire, I just realized that!)
Isabella's work is seeped with tales of old world charm but with her unique whimsical twist.

Pictured here is her drawing "Learning to Fly" I adore this illustration. Its filled with storytelling while being so very personal.

And her Shadow Puppet "Guardian of Springtime" Which is pure delight.

to see more here is Isabella's blog and her deviant site

"Sleeping Beauty" Mixed media collage on canvas

Diamonds and Toads is holding an "Enchanted Conversation" with original stories, poetry and art inspired by Sleeping Beauty.

I'm honored that my Sleeping Beauty collage is featured as an illustration to the poem "Happily Ever After" There is even a comment contest so don't miss out!

I hope all of you have awoken to a magical new year filled with promise!

The collage is available at a special sale price over at my shop

Very Merry Yule to You!

This just charmed my socks off! I do so love bunnies, especially when they are so inspired as this creation.

I've been off on holiday and am far behind my reading in blogland, I do plan to have time in the next week for a breather and to catch up. Miss all of you!

Please do have a wonderful holiday and treat yourselves well!
Brightest Blessings,
Cat

"I'm Late"

I'm loving working with this paper doll method, I think I'm just thrilled to be able to some type of doll (oh woe are my sewing abilities!) I have one more Alice themed one after this then I'm off to a bride of Frankenstein one!

I hope everyone who celebrates had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ours was small but nice, honestly its not my favorite holiday. Part of me is just sad Halloween is over and I don't like spending all day in the kitchen either. Lucky for me family brings dishes as well! Well the Winter Holidays are around the corner and they feel much more festive!

*passes cider* Cheers!

Down the Rabbit Hole

New mixed media piece, "Down the Rabbit Hole"

I've longed to make dolls for sometime now, but alas sewing isn't a strength of mine. So I've recently been experimenting with a watercolor paper doll technique and having so much fun with it. This one I stitched with needle and thread. More in the series are on the way!

print of Down the Rabbit Hole here

Dead Can Dance!

My lovely friend had a Halloween wedding last week, I thought I'd share the painting I did for them. They had amazing costumes (pretty close to the painting, only the bride had a delicate black tiara and red veil.

Wishing an eternity of happiness to Erica and Bill!

Emaline

A new spooky girl in town, Emaline, she's small but I think she has a big bite. She's available in my shop

Congratulations to Ginny , the winner of my art box giveaway. Thank you to everyone who entered and blogged and tweeted. You guys are so supportive and encouraging, I'm a lucky girl!

I'm off to sew more trims on the girls costumes, I'm excited about Halloween but the unseasonal hot weather is dampening my festive spirts... *mops brow* the heat index was 102 on Friday. I long for the crisp chill of Autumn!

Black Cats in Hats, Halloween giveaway

A special gift for you! I've painted a cute papier mache box, featuring "Soot" the little black cat. This sweet little box is in need of a magical home! Just leave a comment (and way to contact you if you don't have a blog) and you will be entered to win this original piece of holiday art. If you blog about the giveaway with a link back here, let me know and you will receive an extra entry for each! (or twitter, facebook etc :)

I'll be drawing names from my black pointed hat Saturday, Oct. 10th!

Good luck my dears!

Mythic Images, Stu Jenks

I'd like to introduce you (if you haven't already met) to a most remarkable artist Stu Jenks. I was fortunate enough to visit one of his installation pieces at Mythic Journeys in Atlanta a few years ago. Wandering through the exhibit arm in arm with one of my dearest artist friends Fati, was truly one of the most magical art experiences I've ever had. It didn't feel like an art exhibit, although his work was mounted throughout, it was a journey that I felt blessed to be taking. One of those experiences that you can tuck away for when your spirit needs soothing.

You can see more of Stu's work here http://stujenks.typepad.com/my_weblog/