Beautiful Blogging Party

First, I want to thank Joy of Cupids Charm for hosting this Beautiful Blogging Party.

Why Do I Love Blogging?

The people, the beauty and the hope out in blogland encourage me.

I’m not the best writer or the best photographer, but blogging has given me a greater awareness of the world and the way I view that world through my camera lens. The view is more hopeful than the nightly news or rumors of the next tragic happening. Yes, ugly things happen, but main stream media seems to fixate on these things and the beauty of our world fades away, leaving us with a view of fear and despair. Blogging brings hope.

Have you ever read a fun post when you were feeling down, and then realized you’ve laughed your bad feelings away? Have you ever been inspired by the beauty of people’s hearts and the passions that drive them, especially when they are facing insurmountable odds? These have been my experiences with blogging.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the people who always take time to visit my blog and leave comments. Though I’ve never seen most of their faces, I realize that those connections mean the world to me. My readers are people of substance with beautiful hearts and kindred spirits.

Joy’s party has presented me with an opportunity to say to all of you, from the very bottom of my heart and soul . . .

THANK YOU!!

Thank you for the encouragement.

Thank you for the joy.

Thank you for the tears.

Thank you for sharing your hearts.

Thank you for your kindness.

All Photos © Fete et Fleur Designs

To return to Joy’s party please click here.

~ Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ~

People kept passing it by, only seeing the ugly celluloid ovals.

She picked it up and shyly asked the dealer the price.

The item was bought for a song. She took it home, and pulled out the cracked panels.

Because in the eye of this beholder, the beauty was here. . .

Add flowers and the picture is complete

Traveling in Style

I recently sold my blue silk shoe! I'm super excited about this sale, as this is my very first silk shoe. I loved every moment of making it.

The most difficult process of making my shoes is the mailing. They are supremely delicate and I have to be very careful in packaging them. I've only had one shoe arrive with a boo boo.

Here is the blue silk shoe surrounded in fluff. I also stuff the toe to make sure it doesn't smash.

I love the look of this fluff with the blue silk.

The first box is closed and tied with a french wire ribbon and a few antique wax flowers.

Then a lovely image is added to my thank you note, and voilà, it is ready to ship.

I'm thinking a pink silk shoe next. Stay tuned . . .

Kindred Hearts and Magical Creations

A few years ago, I came across an artist whose art is pure delight. Her work has refined imagination and fragile beauty. To my surprise she recently contacted me and I believe I have found a kindred spirit friend. There is nothing more wonderful than finding someone who shares your sensibilities and passions. Joanna Thomas of Inchelina captures fairytale dreams, and in her sculptures these dreams take flight.

I am pleased to present her work to you. I’m sure your hearts will be touched by the beauty of her art doll creations.

Can you tell who this lovely little lady is? Her name is Little Marie. I was stunned by the details of her costume.

This was a special order Joanna made. I just adore her and the name plate on the base, Bebe. I almost wept when I found out she and Little Marie were sold!

The Duchess

And what fairy tale collection would be complete without the white rabbit? I love Joanna's take on this wonderful creature.

I've presented only a few of Joanna’s creations. If you want to delight your eyes more, please visit Joanna's blog for links to her recent works and Etsy shoppe.

Painting

I've been busy!

We're having the outside of our house painted, and I’m painting the inside!

This weekend I decided to tackle our kitchen and a few other rooms in our home. Painting the kitchen was a bit of a nightmare. The prep work alone was exhausting.

I started off using a hand-brush on the cabinets. I was wishing I had a sprayer the entire time. I eventually got rid of the brush and used a fine sponge roller (my new painting buddy) instead.

Painted satin finish on our wood work. The super fine sponge roller worked great!

Phew! By the end of the first day, I was covered in paint and ready to pass out. I ended up on the couch staring into space. I still haven’t finished, but things are coming along nicely.

This is what caught my eye while I was staring into space. This photo is a reflection in my living room window. I loved the silhouette this vintage bust created and of course had to share it with you.

I’ll be back soon.

Prancy Pony

In the aftermath of our Easter holiday, I found this little fellow in a memory box. Having just posted about my childhood red princess shoes, it seemed appropriate to mention this little fellow too. He has been with me for many years. When I was a babe he was my constant companion. He had a pull string I would tug on and he followed whereever I went. His paper covered body seems to have escaped the ravages of time and my tiny hands.

It still makes me laugh to see his head bobble back and forth. Obviously, a toy made to last. I wonder why they don’t make them like this anymore?

The Red Shoes

She awoke to the morning sun streaming in through eyelet curtains. She rushed to the closet, threw open the door and dropped to the floor, cradling the shiny red shoes. She had worn these pretty little shoes every day for the last two months. They were her princess shoes. When she put them on, she was magically transformed into a vision of loveliness. She slipped them on her feet and stood up, smoothing her wrinkled pajamas. She ran to the mirror and there, looking back at her, was a princess. The same princess she discovered the first day she wore her beloved shoes. She waved at her reflection and danced around the room with joy.

A mini tale inspired by my childhood red shoes, pictured below.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful Easter,
~ N ~

Get ready for a Magical Adventure . . .

This adventure takes place in Karima Cammell’s Castle in the Air. I’m not sure I’ve ever posted this many photos. I hope you enjoy them all.

Q. How do you make a Wardian Glazed Glass Garden?

A. Very carefully, and with tons of beautiful embellishments and trims.

These gorgeous displays were used to safely house exotic plants. They are the predecessor to glass terrariums.

I had the privilege of being invited by the amazingly talented Ulla of Ullabenulla to join her in this wonderful workshop hosted by Karima of Castles in the Air, and instructed by genius designer, John MCrae.

When I first arrived at the Castle, I was giddy. I stuffed myself with as much eye candy as I could before our workshop.

When I met John, he was everything I had expected. A true artist and kindred spirit in his sensibilities. I’ve caught the bug to create more of these beauties.

Photos of the store and workshop:

A birds eye view of the store from the wonderful workshop loft.





This mannequin is part of the loft decorations.





Gilded chandelier






Optical devices from another workshop







Punch and Judy Theater






Sweet half doll in the style of Marie






Diorama Easter egg






I want this wax head!






Italian puppets for sale






Our workshop about to begin . . . Here's John climbing the steps to the loft.






It was so neat to see many of Ulla's pieces displayed throughout the store.






Here is is the Wardian glass display

Our displays finished! Mine is the one with the chain and bunny and Ulla's is the tall lovely one. I'm infamous for never sticking with the plan. I strayed from the original design and created more of a glass cloche then a true terrarium.

Here are the finished projects of the entire class.






You could hear the applause from the peanut gallery.






This has made a lovely Easter display in our home.






Details of the chain and dresdens on the box

I hope you enjoyed all the photos.

This was truly a magical day for me, one I will never forget. Thank you Ulla! If you live in the bay area or are just visiting, Castle in the Air is one shop you do not want to miss. You can check out their website here or Karima's blog here.

Happy week to you all!
~N~