Its A Mad Tea Party

The day has finally came!! Its time for a very important date! It is the Mad Tea Party hosted by Vanessa at a Fanciful Twist. Dont be late!

Everyone will be there. They are all gathering at the Rabbit Hole. Pinky has all of her friends looking for it... It must be here somewhere.



Heres the White Rabbit now, waiting to show us the way.



The guests are all arriving and the sweets are divne! Wont you join us for a cupcake or two?





The Cheshire Cat stopped by for a spot of tea and to visit. He brought a special gift for Alice. Jewels fit for the Princess of Wonderland.








Thanks for coming to the Tea Party, I hope you had fun. Be sure to visit all of the other Mad Tea Parties by going to http://www.afancifultwist.typepad.com for lots more fun and inspiration.

(Pastel cat photo is the work of the fabulous photographer Tim Walker)

Me and My Teddy

Once upon a time,,, a very long time ago, in the decade of the 80's, I was a Teddy Bear Artist. I designed my own patterns. The real reason for that is, I for the life of me, cannot understand commercial patterns. The directions might as well be written in German. Anyway, I figured out how to draft my own patterns and read all about the Art of Teddy Bear Making. Back in the late 80's and early 90's there were so many talented artist out there making some amazing bears. There still is, but I think its a smaller group. I fell in love with mohair. This is the most amazing fur fabric to work with. I was told that once you started working with mohair you would never want to use fake fur again. That was so true. Its a dream to work with, but very expensive. Back then it was an average of $100.00 per yard and sometimes even more. I remeber the very first time I took a pair of scissors to mohair. It took me 20 minutes to do it! lol But as things often do, my life changed. I had to follow another direction and my Teddy Bears did not get made anymore. At this time I have a huge desire to start making them again. I feel like for the first time in many years I can. Now that I am working I can splurge and purchase some mohair. I am also working on some satin roses and vintage trims and mother of pearl buttons. I hope to combine some beadwork in my new designs as well. I have been doing some research on where to get some of the supplies I will be needing. The type of hardware I used to use for making them jointed seems to longer being used. But I am looking forward to making some more of my furry Teddy friends. One thing I remember about working with mohair,,,,cats LOVE it. You have to guard your cut out legs and ears or the may disappear, and you just cant have that at those prices!

I thought I would share of few of the bears I still have from my life as a Teddy Bear Artist. I saw this piece of fabric and immediately saw the ocean, and that thought process lead me to making a mermaid teddy bear. It was pretty cutting edge for the 80's. I made the momma and baby bear from a pretty pink mohair. It was always my favorite color. They were rescued from a fire when my apartment went up in flames. (Thank you stupid neighbor, but thats a different story.) But the color is a little faded now. I made the flower fairy bear with wings and the little bear head in a rose is a pin. The golder curly hair girl and the blue curly bear were made all by hand. (I lost my machine in the same fire.) Thanks for joining me down memory lane. I will keep you posted on my new designs. Have a pretty week and happy creating...

Some New Ideas

I have been wanting to start doing some bridal jewelry designing. I actually have alot of new ideas. Coming up with new ideas and also being different is hard at times. There are some amazing artist out there doing some very pretty work. I always like the girly girl look and try and find some unusual elements to add. So right now I am trying to think outside the box. I have some ideas that I hope will work out as well in the real world as I see them in my mind. :) I have some bracelets, chokers, headbands and even a ring idea working and hope to share with you all soon. I am getting settled back into the 9 to 5 thing and hope to be able to work in the evenings on my projects. But for now here is two bracelets I worked on today. I like the pearl one because I got the freshwater pearls while in Cape Cod. The crocheted lace is vintage and from a lovely antique shop called Horsefeathers on the Cape too. I hope you all have a great week,,,happy creating.

First Blossoms of Summer

I just wanted to leave a quick post to remind everyone that tomorrow is Make Mine Pink Friday. Its our weekly themed shopping event and this week is a favorite of mine. "First Blossoms of Summer." I have seen some of the beautiful items being offered this week and I think you will love them too. Its one day only, tomorrow June 11th. Stop by and see all of the pretty blossoms.... :)

www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday .

Girly Finds for Pink Friday

I always look forward to each friday. Especially now that I have gone back to work:) But the real reason is its time for Make Mine Pink Friday. This week our theme is "Girly Finds". Its the perfect theme for me because I am such the Girlie Girl. I always have been. I will never outgrow the ruffles, bows and of course pink! I actually had some time to make a few new things this week. It felt great to be creating again. Be sure to visit www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday tomorrow and see what all of the other participating boutiques will be offering thats pretty and girlie!