Enchanted Revelries

First Enchanted Reveries Giveaway of 2012!

2012-03-01T17:46:00.000-05:00

I'm so lucky to be able to offer you this terrific giveaway from PrintRunner.com.

If your number is drawn by the random number generator, you will receive 100 custom 5"x7" postcards, with rounded corners and UV coating on the front. How cool is that?! Even if you don't have a business, it's a great opportunity to design your own greeting cards or calling cards!

PrintRunner is your convenient online printing resource. Check out their postcard printing services online.

To enter this contest is so easy. Just leave a comment below and "like" them on Facebook here or follow them on Twitter.

There is a requirement that the winner be in the United States and at least 18 years of age.

I will draw the winning number on March 13, 2012.

Please tell all your friends, and get them to enter, too!

OH! And they want me to let you know that I'm going to receive the same prize for offering the giveaway. So, I'll be sharing in on the goodies!

So, sign up - and good luck!

Don't be left out!

Now, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Make Yourself a Matchbox Pocket Circus!

2012-02-16T10:42:00.000-05:00

Make yourself a matchbox pocket circus - or make one for somebody who needs a smile!

Supply list is easy! A matchbox, Graphic 45 "Le Cirque" cardstock pad, some German scrap (available here at Altered Pages), glue or Xyron (I use Xyron, but the choice is yours), gold glitter, scrap of chipboard. That's it!

Click on photos to get a larger image if you need to get a closer look!

1. Take your chipboard scrap (I used a piece of cereal box), and cut 1/2" taller than your matchbox and 1" wider than your matchbox.

2. Draw an outline of where your matchbox will sit on the cardstock and apply a thin layer of glue to that area (I use Martha Stewart glitter glue).

3. Sprinkle generously with gold glitter (I use Martha Stewart ultra fine Florentine.

4. Cut a piece of the Le Cirque cardstock large enough to wrap around the matchbox sliding cover. It will help to get a good tight fit if you use a bone folder to crease the corners.

5. Glue or Xyron the cardstock to matchbox cover. Glue matchbox cover to the glitter-covered cardstock.

6. Add German scrap to front of matchbox cover and the edges of the cardstock backing.

7. Using the border strips page in the Le Cirque cardstock pad, make a paper fan and edge the top with the gold glitter. Glue to top of match box. I added a feather, but it's not necessary.

8. Using the Le Cirque scroll image, glue to bottom of paper fan. Cut a circle from your favorite image in the Le Cirque pad, back it with a 1/2" larger circle cut from another pattern and apply with pop dots (or just glue to matchbox cover). If desired, use Stickles to circle the image.

9. Cut paper to fit inside of matchbox bottom. Using a bone folder to crease corners will give you a tighter fit!

10. Use two different borders and apply to bottom and lower edge of back of matchbox.

11. Cut various images from circus scene sheets (I like using different scale images for a funkier look).

12. Cut small pieces of toothpicks or very small dowels and apply to back of images. These will give the images a good "resting" spot to glue into matchbox. Also, you can glue to back "wall" of matchbox to add depth to your circus scene!

There you have it! Your own little pocket circus! Have fun!

Check out all the great supplies available for your altered art projects at Altered Pages!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T16:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day from Betty and Me!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

The Poolville Store / Then and Now

2012-02-13T12:32:00.000-05:00

In 1835, a small store was built in the prosperous small town of Poolville, New York. It was located two and a half miles from then Baptist seminary, Colgate University. It catered mostly to the locals and supplied them hardware and groceries.

In 1848, there was a second story erected on the building and a huge wheel-and-gear pulley operated a grain elevator built on the side of the building. It became a grain and feed weighing station, as well as general store. It was also the site of the first town post office.

The building and business went through many owners, until the early 1960's when it was purchased by Colgate University, and operated through the Economics program as an exercise in running a small business. It became a popular destination and tourist stop - well known for it's eclectic stock and huge cheese refrigerators.

In 1982, Professor Farnsworth, the force of nature behind the economics project passed away, and the university auctioned off the contents of the building and the property itself. My business partner at the time, Dominic, and I purchased the building at the auction - which was really just a shell of a building, as everything from the wiring to the plumbing was ripped out and sold at the auction.

The Poolville Store Restaurant and Bed and Breakfast was born!

After what seemed like decades - but was really only 9-11 months! - our restaurant (sans B&B) opened. The above photo was taken at our opening Christmas Eve open house, where we greeted and met our fellow residents in the small hamlet of Poolvile - our home for the next (almost) twenty years. It's a little hard to see in the photograph - but at the far left is a twenty foot wide by eight foot tall walk-in fireplace, complete with bake ovens and log storage. We managed to get some pretty big fires roaring in there!

I also took a small room off the dining room, and turned it into my art, craft and gift shop. It was a popular little shop in the area, and I had a lot of fun shopping for it ... it's always fun to shop with money that you can justify spending because it's "money to make money!"

I lived on the second floor of the building - it was a quite large open space and I enjoyed filling it up with a collection of hand-crafted tapestries and pottery and glass.

I also turned part of my living space into a performing space, and my theatre company "Above Ground Productions" started here. Above is a photo of Mike Tefft and (then) Colleen Law - now Colleen Law-Tefft! They performed in the first ever production of "Above Ground," The Beard, a story of Jean Harlow and Billy the Kid - in Eternity. Not exactly run-of-the-mill fare!

About thirty feet from the store, there was a small building which served as the village butcher shop. The small building to the right was, apparently, a residence, but was long-gone by time we had made our way to Poolville.

The butcher shop became the first room of our bed and breakfast business. It was a self-contained one-room building with a bath and kitchen and a small bay breakfast nook we built to the side. Believe it or not, even way out in the boonies of upstate New York, the room was leased almost every evening. It led us to buy the residence on the other side of the store, and enlarge our lodging accommodations.

Behind-and-to-the-side of the restaurant, we had a gazebo built and a large koi pond (which I can't believe I don't have a picture of!). The gazebo was used by lodging guests to hang out for cocktails in the evening, and was often the site of small weddings.

So, what is the point of telling you all this? I just found out that the Poolville Store has been purchased (second owners since we sold) and they have done marvelous and exciting things with the space!

The dining room has become light and airy - and much larger. Notice my "shop" on the right has been broken through and enlarged the seating capacity greatly. It looks lovely and comfortable. I'm glad to see that the walk-in fireplace is still there!

And my second floor living space (and home to "Above Ground Productions!") has become a second floor dining room. I think it looks so inviting! And they left the large wheel gear mechanism for lowering and raising the grain elevator just where I left it! It is so nice to see it's still being appreciated. Even though the elevator is gone (we had a spiral staircase installed in the elevator shaft), it's nice that the apparatus is enjoyed by diners.

Although the gazebo is still there, they had the koi pond filled in, and now have large wedding receptions on the lawns ... I'm sure it's marvelous, as Spring and Summer (and Autumn) in Poolville is absolutely delightful (I have to admit, the Winter snow got to me after a few years!).

It's also nice that they're still using the sign we had painted for the building 25 years ago by our artist friend, Skeet Guenther.

If you find yourself in upstate New York - in the triangle of Syracuse, Utica and Binghamton, check out The Poolville Country Store ... you can check out their menu and B&B options by going to their website.

Now - go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

This and That and a Bit of the Other ...

2012-02-07T12:59:00.000-05:00

Though life hasn't exactly been as exciting as a circus, I've been keeping myself busy during these cold winter months. Creating a lot of stuff - and watching lots and lots of wonderful movies on tv (only went out to see one movie - "Hugo" - more about that later).

Got caught up on a lot of swaps. These two ATC's (artist trading cards) were for the trading Yahoo artists' group, Art for the Creative Mind. The card above had a theme prompt of "heart strings." So, I used (ta-da!) hearts and strings. The card below is on my signature home-made paper, and I completely forget the theme given. But, rest assured, it falls within the theme constraints. Several people have asked how I do the paper surface design, so I'll be putting up a tutorial soon.

On the same group, there was a triptych (triptych) theme of "simple pleasures." I figured there was nothing more simple or pleasurable than birds and flowers - so this was my little offering. If you click on the image and get a big image, you can see the details - my signature paper and lots of micro beads.

Let's take a break from the craftsy stuff ... here we have some just washed ballerinas - hanging on the line to dry ...

Back to what has been taking up my time ...

On another Yahoo swap group for altered art (altered art), we had to alter a box with the Year of the Dragon theme. On another swap, we altered an ordinary envelope. Mine had to be put into a vellum envelope for mailing, as there was no way it would make it through the postal machinery!

Having to do with absolutely nothing, isn't this a wonderful hall tree?! Even though it's not my style at all, it looks especially nice against that prim and proper baby blue wall-paper. Baby blue may be one of my absolute least favorite colors, ranking right up there with kelly green and taxi cab yellow.

This is a little pocket circus I made from a matchbox. It was lots of fun to do ... and I'm quite pleased with the outcome. I will be posting a tutorial on making one soon. If you'd like to make your own pocket mini-theatres, I'll have you going full steam ahead in no time at all!

Last year, I did a posting on curiosity cabinets (you can see it here) and recently discovered this contemporary version of the antique style curiosity cabinet. I love it!

Oh! Some fun news ... I've been invited to become a member of the Altered Pages design team. So, look forward to lots of projects and new product information - and, most importantly, SALES! I've always been a big fan - and customer! - of Altered Pages, so I'm especially pleased to be part of the team!
Click the button below, and you'll be taken to the online shop ... check out all the great supplies for mixed media and altered art - and a plethora of collage sheets with fantastic images!

Does this skirt make my butt look big?

Oh, for the days when there was much less serious crime to fight ... and children didn't have to be afraid of strange men on the streets in tights and a speedo!

I don't know if my taste has changed dramatically - or if this piece of furniture is just especially ugly. When I was a child, my grandmother had a gorgeous Victorian tête-à-tête upholstered in a deep dark green watermarked moiré which had a bazillion tufting buttons. I used to think it was so fanciful and romantic - and just loved it. Now, I've found this 1930's version which I find absolutely hideous. I dont think it's just the fabric - there is something ungainly and homely about it - and the idea of it seems kinda ludicrous. Gramma! Don't tell me, after all these years, that you had pedestrian tastes!

Have you seen Martin Scorses' multiple Oscar-nominated 3-D film "Hugo?"

I'm hoping everybody sees it before it leaves the theatres. It's an absolutely amazing film. Scorsese has taken the 3-D process to a whole new level. I have never seen such a breathtaking film - every frame is layer upon layer upon layer. It never looks like "a movie" - it always is a visual feast of depth and texture. Nothing like it has ever been done before.

Sadly, the story didn't do that much for me. It's an adaptation of a children's book (albeit, a sophisticated children's book), and didn't hold my interest. The final full 1/3 of the film was an homage to early pioneer filmmaker, Georges Méliès; although honorable, not exactly edge-of-your-seat stuff.

So, why do I want everybody to shell out twenty bucks and see it in the cinema? Because the filmmaking is awesome. And, when it's shown on tv without 3D capability, it's going to lose all its impact on an unsuspecting audience. I know people raved about "Avatar" - but this is cutting-edge film making. Visually stunning - and if you're into steampunk style, you're going to be in 3D heaven! Don't wait to see it on DVD - it will never ever be the same thing!

Well, I suppose I should get back to the studio and play around a bit ... or maybe take a nap ... or maybe watch Hitchcock's "Lifeboat" on Turner Classic Movies. Maybe all three - though I doubt one can cat nap through Tallulah Bankhead's foghorn of a voice!

Now, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

It's a Christmas Sale!

2011-12-13T16:44:00.000-05:00

My first ever Christmas sale is now taking place!

30% off everything in the Etsy shop!

http://tristanrobin.etsy.com

Use coupon code CHRISTMAS2011 when checking out.

It's a great opportunity to finish up your shopping for those on your lists who appreciate the fanciful and enchanted ... or to find that gift for your self that you know you ~~want~~ need!

Of course, after you finish shopping, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

2011-11-29T11:30:00.038-05:00

Helllllloooooooooooo ..... !

I know I've been really neglecting Enchanted Revelries ... but things have been a little crazy (somewhat literally) around these parts. As many of you realize, I was in the hospital for five weeks ... including a 2 1/2 week drug-induced coma. I contracted spinal meningitis (my fifth-count-them-fifth time!), and they gave me a new drug to get rid of it. My brain had a drastic reaction to the new drug, and it gave me, what is called, a complete psychotic breakdown. It was scary to say the least! The strangest thing is I remember the entire time I was in the coma - but, as it turns out, none of it was real. It was all some bizarre alternate reality my mind had taken me to ... and it was quite a creepy place to be!

But, I'm back home now and recovering. I'm still a little weak and sometimes get confused by things ... but for the most part I'm back to normal (whatever that is!) and the doctors say I should be completely rejuvenated by the holidays.

The only thing that is kinda fun to know about is my G.P. and his nurses all say that they are still talking about me at St. Raphael Hospital. I'm the first patient in memory that managed to break the leather restraints LOL - and it took three security guards and two nurses to hold me down. I didn't know how powerful I was when agitated!

Okay. Enough of all that - and on to some enchanted revelries!

You haven’t really suffered for fashion until you’ve donned Susie MacMurray’s “Widow,” a gown hewn from black Napa leather and more than 94 pounds of adamantine dressmaker pins. Now on view at the Victoria & Albert Museum’s “Power of Making” exhibit in London, the prickly garment translates the grief of lost love into a shroud that inflicts physical pain and repels human contact and sympathy. Widow is the fourth in a series of garment sculptures that explore concepts of female identity—pins have strong associations with “women’s work”—and vulnerability. Look but don’t touch.

The Elms was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind of Philadelphia and New York. Mr. Berwind made his fortune in the Pennsylvania coal industry. In 1898, the Berwinds engaged Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer to design a house modeled after the mid-18th century French chateau d'Asnieres (c.1750) outside Paris.

Construction of The Elms was completed in 1901 at a cost reported at approximately $1.4 million. The interiors and furnishings were designed by Allard and Sons of Paris and were the setting for the Berwinds' collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings, and Oriental jades.

The elaborate Classical Revival gardens on the grounds were developed between 1907 and 1914. They include terraces displaying marble and bronze sculpture, a park of fine specimen trees and a lavish lower garden featuring marble pavilions, fountains, a sunken garden and carriage house and garage. These gardens were recently restored.

Mrs. Berwind died in 1922, and Mr. Berwind invited his sister, Julia, to become his hostess at his New York and Newport houses. Mr. Berwind died in 1936 and Miss Julia continued to summer at The Elms until her death in 1961, at which time the house and most of its contents were sold at public auction. The Preservation Society of Newport County purchased The Elms in 1962 and opened the house to the public. In 1996, The Elms was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Spinning the wheel of fashion ... and the winners are! ...

This is a quilt I finished up not long ago...I still haven't got around to getting it listed on Etsy or eBay ... but I thought you might like to see it. It's based on a design by Kaffee Fassett - though not a slavish copy. I love the way the eight different size squares all fit together evenly!

I do believe this is one of the most fanciful beds and wall murals I've seen in a while! It's from Shabby Fufu as well as some other lovely romantic French furniture. Check it out if you're in the mood for a little shabby chic fufu!

Now, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

ugh. I just realized that the text I found and loved - and overlayed on some of the photos - is impossible to read! So sorry - I'll never use it again - cross my heart!

Okay, I Know I'm Being Judged ...

2011-08-14T11:12:00.032-04:00

I know, I know, I've been a very bad blogger and communicator.
Has it really been since March that I've written?! Where does the time go?
Of course, I have to admit, that between school classes, directing a play, taking on a short role in an indie movie, redesigning my studio, trying to make art, going to plays, and dealing with pre-knee replacement getting-about aggravations, I've been fairly well tied down.

But, enough with the pathetic and lame excuses! Today I'm feeling tip-top and particularly celebratory (which I'll explain a bit more about later). Meanwhile, grab a cuppa and sit and visit for a while! I'll just stay here on my tip-toes and balance all things good-and-sometimes-bizarre.

Glamour, anyone?

Is there anything as chic as an understated and sedate cocktail frock?

Ooooh! I ~~want~~ need one in every single color!

What is so fascinating up there on the ledge?!

oh. It's just the toddler, Ms. Minnelli herself, making her grand entrance.

Got hair?

Any theatre this exquisite in the midst of being destroyed must have been magically enchanting when it was up and running and filled with tuxedos and perfumed gowns.

" ♫ Devil or angel, I can't make up my mind. ♫ "

Don't these women look like they'd rather be anywhere else than standing next to each other? I think the grumpy one in the middle just lost the election of Junior League President.

Does this dress make my butt look big?

I don't even use any toiletries - but I'm in awe at this Wicked Queen merchandising!

...speaking of Wicked Queens...

OKAY!
Are you ready to frolic and revel?
Put on your best velour harem pants and favorite gold lame chest harness...

Hear ye! Hear ye!
Jon's latest book was just published!

It's my favorite of all his books so far. Intriguing and interesting and thrilling and filled with non-stop twists and turns. I got so angry when my Nook lost batter power and I had to put it on
the charger for a couple hours before I could finish it!

I hope you'll check it out - especially if you like literate mystery/thriller/crime/psychological drama - I know you'll love it! It's only available to e-readers (i.e. Kindle, Nooks, etc.) So far, all the reviews have been 5-star! I'm very very proud of him - and I thank him for a really good several hours of reading! You can pick it up (only 3.99!) for Kindles at Amazon.com and for Nooks at Barnes and Noble.

Thursday, August 18th was a big day for us! Jon's book was released - and that night was the premier of the movie "Digits" that I had a small role in. What fun! My on-screen rap debut. Nothing like being the butt of a joke in front of a full cinema audience to really boost your ego!

It's a small indie film, being shown at quite a few indie festivals - including Sundance. Hopefully, it will get picked up by a big distributor so you can go to your local cinema and point your finger at me and laugh, too!

Thank Tony Duquette for the brilliant concept of having a stage installed in your foyer so that you can greet your guests like the star we all know you are - or deserve to be anyway!

From the days when tussy mussy really meant something.

Okay, I'm sure I've worn you out ... as usual.

Thank you so much for following me all this time, even though my blogging has been non-existent for a few months. I officially promise to do better, and to try and blog at least once a week from now on!

Hope you're having a swell summer! ... and gearing up for a fabulous autumn!

Now, Go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Just a quick pic for Pink Saturday ...

2011-03-19T00:13:00.000-04:00

Isn't it nice that Helena Rubenstein could still fit into her quinceañera dress?

Go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Quick Shameless Plug!

2011-01-07T18:26:00.005-05:00

I just listed a quilt on eBay ... you can find the particulars by clicking here.

After you check it out, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Hot News Alert!!!

2011-01-04T11:57:00.002-05:00

Ever dreamed of sleeping in the Palace of Versailles?

It looks like you'll get your chance in about a year. Officials announced a plan to convert a building at one of Europe's most popular tourist attractions into 23-bedroom luxury hotel earlier this week, Agence France Presse reports.

"It's a pioneering initiative," Jean-Jacques Aillagon, president of the Chateau de Versailles, said.

The hotel will be built inside the Hotel du Grand Controle, an outlying building that has been the traditional home of the chateau's treasurers.

Some of the rooms will look out on to the "Orangerie" - the chateau's elaborate greenhouse - or the Swiss ornamental lake, the story says. It's expected to open in late 2011.

The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site that's deemed one of the crowning achievements of 18th-century French art, the story notes

The hotel will be turned over to a private, Belgian company, which will operate the hotel and pay a portion of its profits to the site as rent, the story says. The building will first undergo a $7.3 million renovation, led by historic monuments architect-in-chief Frederic Didier.

In November 2009, France's culture and tourism ministers agreed to encourage the economic and touristic development of French heritage sites. See the article for more information.

Given the role of a private company, however, the plan is not universally embraced in France.

According to France24, the motive to make money isn't a good enough reason to turn over one of France's most prized cultural possessions to a company.

Philippe Revault, a professor at the Paris School of Architecture, told France24:

"Once again, it's economic logic that wins out. In the name of profitability and lack of finances, they're gambling with a public possession, which by definition is inalienable and must remain accessible to all citizens."

I leave you with dreams of Versailles - what better way to go make something beautiful?

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

... and another year glistens ahead with promises

2011-01-02T08:45:00.029-05:00

The New Year's Eve celebrations are over ...
... the last of the champagne was toasted with and the last of the confetti tossed

... the last dance is but an echo
...and we've taken off our white ties and packed away our top hats until next year.

Now it's time to sit down and write a blog post - the first of 2011! Please forgive me if I get long-winded or you go on photo overload. But, as it's the first blog post of the year, I don't want to shortchange any of my favorite categories...
Here is a lovely photograph taken by - ah, geesh, I forget his name...and I just facebooked him about this picture! Anyway. It's the first snow - right in time for Christmas! - here on Wooster Square. All homes courtesy of Victorian masters, snow courtesy of God, the other-worldly golden light by the artist.
Sadly, today is grey, rainy, gloomy and slushy. Ych. But, we still try to keep our chins up and style in check!

Before I completely forget about Christmas treasures, don't you just love these little papier maché hot air balloons?! These charming pieces are by Iva Wilcox of Iva's Creations. Pay her blog a visit and check out all her lovely things - and tell her Tristan sent you!

I've made my New Year's Resolution:

I thought I would redecorate the upstairs landing. Do you like the hand-painted silk wallcovering? Also notice the chandelier reflected in the gynormous pier glass. Just a trifle.

Now, we all know I don't like to be catty ...But. I will be. I, for one, have never been a huge fan of Donatella Versace. Between the extensive plastic surgery, and the troweled on make up, I'm never sure if it's really Donatella, the fashion designer, or Janet, the lead guitarist for The Electric Mayhem on The Muppet Show. Come to think of it - have they ever been seen in public together? hmmmmmm ....
Anyway. Finding her aesthetic to be on a somewhat different level (stratosphere?) than my own, I was shocked to discover that one of the living rooms I most admired in the latest Elle Decor was actually Ms. Versace's. Yes, that paragon of conspicuous consumption (and Botox) actually has a room that I would give a small toe to have! Who'd've thunk it? This one goes right into the scrapbook of Rooms I Would Move Right Into.

...just a small enchantment from Ulla. I always find so many delights to ooh and aah over on her pages. Be sure to pay her a visit if you aren't a follower already!

Do you have your New Years project already planned? If not, how about re-creating the Disney puppet Pinocchio? If you click on each image (like all the images on Enchanted Revelries) it will lead you to a larger image. Then click on THAT image, and it will grow to life-size templates! I don't have the skills to do this one - but I think it would be such fun to have the real Pinocchio living with me, don't you?!

If that's too much trouble, here's an easier project: a do-it-yourself teen-age boy paper doll.
Is there a better place (or outfit?!) to pick up chicks than the Walmart snack department? "What's your sign, sweet thing?" "Yield"

We're having the gardens groomed soon. Do you approve?

Edith. Just because ... she's Edith!
Those Minnelli kids took playing dress up seriously!
... as does little Tommy
If somebody gave me this eggshell porcelain teapot, I might even think about drinking the filthy stuff and give up coffee.

Those Victorian darlins sure knew how to wear hosiery, didn't they! All that embroidery! I wonder what kind of Victorian cussing was used when they got a run.

Too many holiday cookies and egg nog, eh?

Whenever I see a fantastic and stunningly chic ensemble - with Paris in the background - I always think of my friend, artist Ingrid Mida. This one's for her ...

Okay. Who are they?

The Clarke Theatre - isn't this just a jewel-box of a theatre! I just love the private boxes (the third photo) which allows you to curtain off the rabble and rif raf below until the performance begins!

Update! Artist William Bezek has corrected me! This is NOT Clarke Theatre. It is Cleveland's Severance Hall. And he told us a wonderful interior design tidbit: The filigree on the ceiling of the auditorium is taken from the lace on Mrs. Severance's wedding dress. Thank you, William!
Everybody else be sure to check out his blog -today is a wonderful examination of ... eyebrow plucking!

While on the subject of theatres, I was browsing through production photos of one of my favorite set designers, Clarke Dunham, and discovered this marvelous shot of his production of Madama Butterfly. Of course, it's easy to tell that this is from Butterfly.

What I found interesting was this set from

Oscar Wilde's Importance of Being Ernest! I just love the idea that Ernest's London bachelor digs were done up in grand Victorian Chinoiserie! Of course, his country estate was more suitably traditional. It's so much fun to see a truly gifted designer at work!

Now don't make fun - you know you've received an ugly Christmas sweater, too, at one time or another.
Just one last Christmas Polaroid from this holiday at our house ...
Now, I'm off - you should definitely start the new year by making something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

...are you a smart girl?!

Have an Enchanted Christmas, Dear Friends and Readers

2010-12-24T07:21:00.004-05:00

Please click on image to see my holiday card to you...

Remember ~ Sparkle! Shimmer! Glimmer! Gleam! Make it a beautiful weekend!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Let's take a break from the holiday rush ...

2010-12-18T20:09:00.018-05:00

... have a cup of coffee and chat about beautiful and absurd and fun and outrageous things.

In the holiday frame of mind, I've been curious why I am dreaming about taking these revolving seven-foot high crystal and gold pillar lamps and wrapping them with spirals of ivy and mistletoe and placing them beside the front entrance. Did I mention: they revolve?

Now some might find these a little over the top (as such a thing exists), but I believe I've figured out why I am so attracted to all that glitters and shines.

I had a deprived childhood.

No. It's true. All through my childhood, I begged (by which I mean screamed and cried and kicked my heels on the floor of the grocery) my mother to let us put Glass Wax stenciled pictures on the windows at Christmas time.She always refused. She always had some argument or other: they weren 't pretty; they wouldn't look nice with the other decorations; they would make too much mess; they were too expensive (yes! she even tried THAT, knowing full well that the person kicking the floor of the grocery was 15 years old and knew how much money 39¢ was!).

So is it any wonder that I am so warped and in need of extreme at the holiday time? It's my mother's fault. As is everything, of course.

Don't you just LOVE this photo of Yves Montand, lifting Edith Piaf for a kiss?! How short was she? Well, to begin with, he's not very tall - plus, notice her shoes? She's not even as tall as she appears to be! I do wish whoever Magic Marker'ed (is that a proper verb?) all over this photo hadn't done so.

Doesn't this look like a fun place to shop?! It's called Gypsy Honeymoon. I first ran across it online - but then they did an article about it in Bliss Victoria. If I'm ever in San Francisco - and I haven't been for ten years - but you never know! - I'm heading there directly from the airport!

How ticked off would you be if you had to be one of the damned swans? That really goes past being a mere runner up. That's like saying you had some cheek to even enter in the first place.

Ann Wood, one of my absolute favorite fanciful artists, has created a new series of charming papier maché and fabric boats. Isn't it gorgeous! I so want to have it soaring over the dining room table! See more of her work at Ann Wood Handmade.

Do you do special holiday baking? I'm not much of a baker - and living in a city (and a mere two blocks from the fabulous bakeries in Little Italy!) there's really no need to mess up one's own kitchen with flour in the air. But at Christmas time, I really do like to make some cookies. Nothing extravagant mind you. Just plain old down home cookies. Usually, after the holidays, I can always find a part-time job...

anyway. I always make chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate cheesecake brownies and a few ice box "bar" cookies. I'm a regular baking crew all on my own!
My favorite of the cookies is the plain old everyday crisp-but-moist sugar cookies cut from big Christmas cookie cutters and all decorated with frosting and little candied - well - things. For the first time in the history of my blog, I'm going to share a recipe. (Geesh, the holidays have really gotten to me, haven't they?!) This is the never fail sour cream sugar cookie recipe that everybody loves. Give it a try!

Tristan's Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
2 tablespoons evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 cups confectioners' sugar

Cream together 1 1/2 cups white sugar, butter or margarine, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and eggs. Add sour cream.
Mix together 5 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, baking powder and baking soda. Gradually add to the egg-sugar mixture.
Cover and chill dough for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Roll out on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out cookies. Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet for 10 - 12 minutes.
To Make Frosting: In small bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat together the softened cream cheese and evaporated milk until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/8 teaspoon salt and confectioners' sugar. Beat until well blended. Color as desired and frost cooled cookies.

Take care not to overwork the dough. Just mix it, chill it and roll it. Don't torture it. Make sure to cool on a rack. Be sure to wait until they're cooled completely before frosting.
Get ready for a host of Christmas hallelujah's after you've served them!

Doesn't this dear child look like she's going to be serious trouble?! She's just a mug shot waiting to happen.
Actually, it's a boy. I have no idea why he's dressed like that. He's just a mug shot waiting to happen.
What do you want to find in your stocking Christmas morning?

I really think I should have this 24k gold sleigh which once belonged to Ludwig, the mad king of Bavaria. And it would add to the holiday decor while it was waiting to be given to me!

Oh - this little swan pedestal flower pedestal would be nice, too. And not quite so much a commitment to the insurance company.
Who am I kidding. I'd be glad to have just the floral arrangement - even in a margarine tub.
Now that we've discovered the joy of Blu-Ray on a big plasma HD screen, I'm sure the very next step will be a small little unpretentious home theatre, much like this one. Nothing fancy, mind you. Simplicity is the mantra of my life.

Aren't these charming. I think they look so smart and modern in this photo. Of course, in my house, I think they would look like I hadn't cleaned up after a craft project. Still, they're pretty cool. You can see more such simple designs at Spidatter.

I'm such a huge fan of color, I can't imagine having an all-white house. But, if I did, I would hope it would look just like this. I would like it even more if it had a view of the Eiffel Tower - but I'd settle for just the design.

Hi-diddle-dee-dee
An actor's life for me
A high silk hat and a silver cane
A watch of gold with a diamond chain

Hi-diddle-dee-day
An actor's life is gay
It's great to be a celebrity
An actor's life for me

Hi-diddle-dee-dum
An actor's life is fun

Hi-diddle-dee-dee
An actor's life for me
A wax mustache and a beaver coat
A pony cart and a billy goat

Hi-diddle-dee-dum
An actor's life is fun
You wear your hair in a pompadour
You ride around in a coach and four
You stop and buy out a candy store
An actor's life for me!

Björk thought she was so original. Anna Pavlova wore her swan (Jack) long ago!

Some things are just too chic to be real, aren't they?! A Dior fantasy gown ...

I'm going to leave you with this poem which perfectly expresses my feelings about being a dog!

18 REASONS I WANT TO BE A DOG

1. I’d be fuzzy, like the essence of love.

2. I’d wag my tail and be at one with the universe. I’ve always wanted a tail.

3. My nose would be like a button on a sock puppet.

4. I’d know what I wanted, when I wanted it. I ‘d bark until I got it.

5. I wouldn’t have germ phobias. I’d welcome touch.

6. My tongue would be glorious.

7. I’d snarl and let the world know it.

8. I’d be enraptured much of the time.

9. I’d sleep whenever I wanted, as much as I wanted.

10. I’d keep strangers away. I’d be permitted to hate.

11. I wouldn’t have to know table manners.

12. I wouldn’t care what was on TV.

13. My hands and feet would be more alike. I’d crawl again

like I did before everything happened.

14. I’d amaze humans for my differences and similarities.

15. I’d love the thrill of the chase.

16. My dreams would not be overpopulated with strange cities

and people who like me though they do not exist

and I wouldn’t miss my bus stop, pulling and pulling the chord in fear,

or care if I were naked on 5^th Avenue.

17. I’d belong to the earth. I’d roll in it,

luxuriate in it, eat its bitter wood,

offer it my piss and shit and puke up its grass

and the earth would give back, give back,

it would know me as no clothed human could.

18. I’d ride in the car with my head out the window

and the wind would lick my face.

Thanks for stopping by for coffee and a chat! Now - go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Let's Make One Thing Perfectly Clear ....

2010-12-12T11:03:00.014-05:00

Now that we have that misunderstanding corrected. Let me explain a few things ...

Here, at Enchanted Revelries, we often spend the days (and nights) lounging in the briefest of costumes. This is not to be confused with any kind of indelicacy or inappropriate behavior.

First of all, we all find it much easier to just get right to it when we have the sudden urge to improve ourselves with exercise ...
In addition, we have found that clothing in the trees is so much more intriguing and mysterious than clothing actually worn on the body ...

I'm so glad that we have that little detail attended to. Speaking of details! How about this detail work from a Christian Lacroix jacket?! All that exquisite beading and embroidery work - wow.
And, while on the subject of wow - how about these fantastic Forensetti table tops! I'll take the yellow one and the blue one please!

During the summer, an old friend of mine got married. As I was on blogging hiatus, I saved these to share with you. Aren't they super fun?! These kids are a hoot - and their wedding invitations were so "them!"

Have I shown you how the reno on the upstairs master bedroom bath is coming along? ... seriously, I would give a little toe or something for this gorgeous room!

If I were forced to be a bird in a gild cage, I believe this is the cage in which I would prefer to be imprisoned ...

Hopefully, hanging somewhere in the charm of this olde world room!

Oh, yes! I WAS that boy!

At Little Augury I found this terrific inlaid traveling chest filled with gold encrusted bottles and jars and compacts for the combining of scents. Isn't it a marvel?!

I love a designer who is not afraid of color!
Just as I am impressed by a man who is not afraid of using tricks from the world of beauty to enhance his appearance ...

If there was any fairness and justice in life at all, I would be sleeping (and eating and reading and ...) in this room every day and night of my life!

While on the subject of gorgeous rooms, this is a teaser photo of the magnificent 1916 Miami estate, Vizcaya, which I'm working on a posting about. It's an absolute knock-out!

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today. Now, just like these fun and free-wheeling kids, it's time I got lost in Bohemia and made a little art. Why don't you go make something beautiful, too?

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Enchanted Revelries is Alive and Well!

2010-12-11T07:42:00.018-05:00

Don't faint!
Yes, it's me! I've finally found my way back to Bloglandia after a wild and crazy ride of an autumn! I've missed all my blog friends - and I thank each and every one of you who sent me private messages, expressing concern.

Actually, much like Alice, I fell through a hole in the ground. Unfortunately, my destination wasn't quite so exotic and enchanting. I ended up taking four courses at university this fall (one of the perks of a professor-spouse is free schooling!), and have been completely overwhelmed. However, three months, and a couple reams of paper and boxes of ink jet inks, and I'm through! I think I'm only taking two classes next Spring ... I learned my lesson!

ancient photo of moi during college

This Spring I intend to lay back and enjoy myself a bit more ... and get back to some serious blogging - isn't that what really matters in the world?!

I directed two one-person, one-act plays this autumn. Both plays by Jane Martin, "Twirler" and "Cul de Sac" were very well received - and were chosen by ACTF (Kennedy Center College Theatre Festival) to participate in the New York showcase production in May - how fun is that?! Here are my two fantabulous actresses - aren't they adorable?! ... and such very focused and dedicated craftsmen.

Oh, yes! Had I shown you the photos of the remodeled foyer in the attelier before I took my hiatus from Bloglandia?

I like to believe I live as Marie Antoinette would have lived if she had money. (Great line stolen directly from Joan Rivers!)
We decided to have the entrance hall redone at the same time ... I like a home-y warm lived-in feeling - don't you? So important to the greeting of guests into the home - of course, there must be the space to get them and their servants in and out of the weather quickly, so size is still of utmost importance.
Next, we'll be working on the la galeri and the pièce de déjeuner de famille ... you see, our work is never done.

Oh - I'm posting this for my friend Ingrid at Fashion is My Muse simply because I've been saving it for her ... and I've been wanting to show it to her! Tres chic, no?
Okay, I'll let you off easy today ... no marathon post to wet my toes on my first day back. It's been a couple of months since I've hit the Pink Saturday route - so I'm on my way to Beverly's to check out the fanciful stuff and this week's participants. Hopefully, I'll find some uber-fab pink holiday goodies at which to cheer!

It's wonderful to be back - thank you so much for being patient with me and returning to the Revelries to find a little enchantment! Until next time ... go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Back to the Land of the Blogging ... Grab a Cuppa ... and a Contest!

2010-06-26T08:55:00.027-04:00

The doc has given me the go-ahead to get back to life as usual. My hands have healed almost completely - though they still ache a bit, the sharp pain is gone. Hurrah!

It's so nice to have a thoughtful and compassionate dog. While I was not feeling so well, I decided to open up the sofa bed in the living room, put on my favorite embroidered sheets, and spend my day in there instead of living in the bedroom for days on end. Dusty couldn't have cared less about my plans. He rooted around and scratched until my lovely sheets were the perfect nest for him to sprawl out on. No doubt he was dreaming of being a

Just look at the gorgeous little get-well-and-good-wishes faery doll from Kaerie Faerie! What a delightful surprise the postman brought from Bloglandia.

Thanks so much Kaery ... and be sure to visit her site - not only does she make the most marvelous dolls, but she is having a splendid tea party in honor of Vanessa's A Fanciful Twist's 3rd Annual Mad Tea Party event!

Speaking of gorgeous. Look at this stunning miniature torso theatre from Amada at Over the Top Studios. Amada has also thrown a knock out Mad Tea Party, so be sure to visit and see the enchanting spread she has conjured up!

And, in the I-Could-Move-Right-In-This-Afternoon Department, we have ...

Has it been unseasonable (and unbearably) warm where you are, too? We've definitely been having some ruff weather.

Truthfully now, does anything say "I love you" like a boiled clean skull?

Stick puppets and romantic silhouette cutouts from someplace on the web...if I found these on your blog, please let me know so I can credit you! These are just terrific!

Update! I've been told that these are from Lotte Reinigers "The Adventures of Prince Achmed." - Thanks, Harry, of Toy Theatre Digest!

Mary and Maggie at The Decorative Paintbrush create such delightful little treasures with paint and creativity and a witty eye! Visit their site to see more of their work! I'm not sure I'm a fan of porridge. But I believe this 1938 sterling porringer from Savoir Faire: For the Chosen Few just might have me crying, "please, sir, can I have more?" Perhaps instead of porridge, I could have it filled with tiramisu! If you don't follow Savoir Faire, pay a visit - you'll find everything from fashion to - well - vintage porringers! - and all with savoir faire!

Speaking of savoir faire ... I know it's a little early - but I thought I should post this now so you have plenty of time to whip these up for this year's family sumptuous repast!

From the early silent film of Peter Pan ... does Wendy look just a tad narcissistic or is it me? I'm afraid Peter should never have gone to RuPaul for his make-up. But, still, a charming ... still!

Don't hate her because she's ... well ... don't hate her.

Do you think she's going to grab a brush to use as a microphone and start lipsynching to Cher's "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)?"

So what are YOU staring at? How do you dress when you're hanging out swabbing the deck?

Shall we meet for lunch here at Agitato, in Barjac in the south of France?
Read more here about this fascinating restaurant, gallery, performing space and cultural center!

Now that it's summer, I finally got all the fabrics aired for spring cleaning ... and fall will be here before you know it!

If you've been following for any length of time, you'll remember last year I was busy with a commission for large miniature theatres with vintage circus themes. They were for a new ballroom being restored in The Banker's Suite (Astoria, Oregon). The ballroom was completed and had a grand opening recently - and these are photos of this breathtaking and opulent space. You can see two of my theatres installed! Please visit The Banker's Suite and see other spaces - the guest rooms are to die for! ... and the gift shop has been stocked with extravagant offerings!

Oh! What have I been working on? I started a postage stamp quilt. This is one block (26"x26") - I have three completed and there will be 16 blocks, and the final quilt will be 104" square - large enough for a king sized bed. Each block has approximately 450 patches. Except for the Irish Chain part (the orange and brown), none of it is strip pieced. It's all done individually. The quilt will only have 4 repeats of each patch fabric. This has a lot of fabric! Doesn't it look like a Depression-era blanket? I know I don't usually make traditional quilts ... but this seemed like a terrific way to use up some of my way-too-much-to-deal-with fabric stash!

Contest time!

Okay. Who is this? Still alive ... but this is a pretty old photo! First person to accurately identify the celebrity wins something fun from the Tristan Cupboard of Curiousities!

(6.28 update: We have a winner folks! Forever Jan guessed it! - 19 year old Harvey Fierstein!)
Enjoy your day - and weekend! I'm so glad to be back in the land of the blogging! It's been a long and lonely road! Thanks again for all the thoughtful emails and cards and treasures - both physical and written - that I've received!

Now, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

... got ants?

I have to share my surprise!

2010-06-15T12:12:00.007-04:00

The doorbell rang ... and was waiting for me?!

a gorgeous array of roses ... yellow (my favorites!), red, peach, and some gorgeous two-toned pink-and-red ...
Why did I receive this plethora of beauties? They were a get-well gift from Daniel, le petit Américain! Daniel is the delightful son of Julio and Dan, who enchanted us with "his" stories of his first ever trip to Paris this year. Click here to read them yourself. You will fall in love with le petit Américain!

Also, if you aren't familiar with Daniel's dad, Julio's blog, Beaux Mondes Designs, you owe yourself a visit. His tablescape photos are always spectacular!
Thank you Daniel - and Julio and Dan! You have brightened my day so much!

Also, thanks to everybody who has sent good wishes and cards and emails - I appreciate each and every one. It's astounding what caring and generous and thoughtful people are residents here in Bloglandia!

I'm back to my sick bed ... but you ...

Go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Does He Hurt and Have a Temperature?

2010-06-07T12:20:00.007-04:00

... and the answer is a resounding, YES.

Late last week I decided to go to the doctor to have a persistent rash checked out. It seemed to be getting worse, and my self-medication of Cortisone 10 just wasn't doing the trick. Not only was the rash growing, but it actually hurt (as opposed to itching), and seemed to be blistering, rather like poison ivy.

Turns out I have Shingles (isn't that a disgusting name for something that is growing on your body?! UGH). Apparently, it's rather an adult version of Chicken Pox.

So they gave me shots of something-or-other, pills to take four times a day, and orders to wear long sleeves because it's highly contact contagious.

By Saturday the rash and blisters had almost covered by hands (my arms seem to be getting the worst of it all. It's so nice that Mother Nature chose to put them somewhere that is highly visible - not on my chest or abdomen that can be hidden. Grrr. Grrr.

So, it's fairly painful to type, and I've spent little time on line - mostly just to check email. I haven't visited any of your blogs since last week ... sorry! I will get around to them when my poor pathetic fingers are in better condition. Thanks for sticking with me during my "down" period!

I'll leave you with this Betsy Johnson chair to cheer your day. See you soon!

Now go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Relaxing After the Holiday Weekend ...

2010-06-01T07:29:00.033-04:00

I love a gang of kids who really know how to have a good time ...

From Princess Margaret's estate auction at Christies is this 1900 3 tier chandelier. I won't even say I want it ... but, I do!
This is the fabulous Moroccan home of Yves St. Laurent which was used in the new Sex and the City 2 film. I love the color surprises - the teal and white checkerboard floor - the aqua and white living room (so spare for a YSL residence!) - the blue chandlier. So beautiful and soothingly cool.

Wyntoon, the summer retreat of William Randolph Hearst, Northern California. The murals are by Willy Pogany, an artist fashionable in the 20s. What I'm most curious about is the "grown-up Hansel and Gretel village" that apparently exists on the same site, according to the book from which these scans were taken. Said village was built by Julia Morgan and commissioned by Hearst after the original Rhenish castle his mother had built burned to the ground. This house is beautiful, but a grown up Hansel and Gretel village??? Seriously??
... just look at these exterior murals! Fantastic!

Let's spin the Wheel of Fashion and see what we come up with today!

Barbara Streisand, Marlene Dietrich, Elsa Martinelli, at a Chanel show, 1967. What a juxtaposition!
"I like my own taste, good or bad!" stated Helena Rubenstein ... and Helena Rubenstein had so much good taste, I'm pretty sure it was oozing from her perfectly refined, scrubbed, and polished pores.

Not only did her wildly successful beauty empire employ 30,000 people, making her one of the richest women in America at the time, but she was also an extremely stylish, fiercely saucy taste maker.

It was said that her style was a cross between "Byzantium and the flea market." I rather like that mix.

This photo of chopines is just for my friend Ingrid ...
Somebody get me a bowl, a spoon and some milk ... I'm ready for breakfast! Apple Jacks on the house!

This is a fashion shot ... but what I love is the apartment! Look at the mouldings and the trims - and doesn't everybody need a secret door to escape once in a while to a world better than this?! And not just any door - a curved door!
As I've mentioned before, until a couple of my blogger friends posted photos of their dollhouses, I was never really interested in them. But, now that I know how much time, skill, and care goes into creating one, I've become fascinated with them. Now, when I see photos of dollhouses that I find especially grand, I feel the urge to share them!

In 1743, Sara Ploos van Amstel-Rothé, a Dutch merchant's wife, employed a different craftsman each for the ivory work, copper and brass, earthenware, and ironwork in her two dollhouses and Below, then commissioned another artisan to build a cabinet to encase it.

What I find especially interesting is that when I take both photos, and blow them up side by side, it is clear that after the dollhouse above was completed, there was some redecoration and reorganization of a few of the rooms before they were permanently installed in the cabinet. And I though the originals were pretty awesome!Check out this stack of drawers from hand-painted chests, desks, and cupboards. Be sure to click the image so you can get a really good look at the detail work - and don't miss the wall murals!

From Indecorous Taste - an astounding blog of beauty and surprise - comes this magical combination of dignified toile cotton print, and candy-colored hues. Click on the link to get her directions (and links to supplies) for this - what she calls - easy DIY. What a statement in a room, right?!

It's one thing to adopt a culture - and something else to totally f**k it up. Looks like a winter white out.

The bedroom was part of the New York city residence of Marie Hélène de Rothchild (1927-1996). The bed, walls, and curtains were all designed by the late (and very great) Geoffrey Bennison. It's a bit fussy, even for me with my love of over the top exuberance. But, it's certainly beautiful, that can't be denied.

A handpainted French pianoforte circa 1860. I'm sure even MY playing would sound good coming from this rare treasure!

I'm sharing two images with you from Ulla's collection of fairytale style and inspiration, Moth Tales.

First, this marvelous mermaid brooch, created by Kelly of Beadfuddled. I'm thinking it would make a pretty fabulous belt buckle!

...and then, for all of who love books and enchanted places as much as I do, this magical image. It comes from perhaps one of the most inventive website titles yet: Bookshelf Porn. It's for those who are excited by bookcases! Wouldn't you love to spend a day (or week!) reading in this fantastic library?! If you super ♥ bookcases, you owe it to yourself to take a little time perusing this site!

It takes a lot of work to put together a dinner party hosted by Mrs. Post of Hillwood. Be sure to click on each image so you can read the attention to detail required!

In the Making Do With What You Have section today, we have the prison cell in Eastern State Penitentiary of gangster Al Capone (1899-1947), where he served nine months on a gun charge. Not even Martha Stewart's cell was this put together!

A hidden grotto at the 14th century Villa La Pietra, in Italy. Look closely, the decor is composed entirely of pebbles and seashells. I wonder how long this feat of magnificence took to complete...

Now that summer has arrived here in gorgeous New England, we can look forward to witnessing more gems like this.

This decadently bejeweled and dripping glam rock orgasm of a $32,500 chandelier by jeweler Erickson Beamon is still available at Vivre. WHY?

Yo. What are you lookin' at?

The café entrance to Brassi Place d'Italie in Paris, 1943. Don't you want to stop in for an espresso? - or an absinthe?! It's so romantic looking!

...an excellent example of walking the fine line between beautiful and questionable with conviction...

Good, better, best...
This marvelous assemblage is by the mass market grunge-and-distress king of the mixed media universe, Tim Holtz. I find his curio 'cabinet' intriguing and whimsical and mysterious. Apparently he gives workshops on making this jewel - but I don't think he ever comes to CT. I would very much have fun making one of these and using a lot of my what-am-I-ever-going-to-do-with-this-fabulous-thing junk!

Well, I'm off to start playing with fabric and working on a new quilt. While I'm away, here is something I thought you might get a kick out of playing with ...Now, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Time to Announce the Winner ...

2010-05-30T06:59:00.015-04:00

It's time! ...

{via}

to announce the winner of our sparkly bubbly mermaid night light!

So I called up ol' Mr. Random Number Generator

and the winning numer was ...and number 47 was none other than
Cat from In the Light of the Moon

I've long been a fan of Cat's work. If you aren't familiar with her clever and intriguing art, check out her blog, and you'll be a fan, too!

Cat, if you'll email me your address, I'll get your prize right out to you!

So, now that Cat has been crowned Queen of the Mermaid Nightlight
I really need to put on my art mining clothes and get to the studio to work - I've taken off two days, and I feel the lure and pull of sparkly shining things calling me!Enjoy the holiday weekend.

Go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Angela Lansbury in the original Broadway production of Mame!

A Pink Saturday Celebration!

2010-05-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

This is the second anniversary of Beverly's Pink Saturday ... and how far Beverly has taken this fun weekly event. Hundreds of participants - and a feature in Artful Blogging, no less! She has also counted over 800 participants over that time. Now, that's a lot of pink love!

I've had fun participating over the past year ... yes, I was a Johnny-come-lately to the event! I thought I would repost some of my favorite pink discovery collections I've put together this year for Pink Saturdays.

If you don't remember these postings, feel free to click each mosaic/collage and get a larger image so you can get a better look!

We've found it all; from the irreverence of pink appliances ...
to part of my own stash of pink art supplies ...
and then on to see how pink transforms a bathroom into a fantasy world...
It was a blast finding pink chandeliers for every room and style in the house!
And it's incredible to see the various styles and periods that are enhanced in home decór with a little pink added to the mix...Could haute couture exist without pink of every shade?

... and the hottest designers seemed to always have some pink extravagances on the shoe shelf!
Is any toy as much fun if it's not glow-in-the-dark neon pink?! Nothing beats a Magic 8 Ball that will tell your fortune if it's in the shape of Jesus!
So, to celebrate Beverly's Pink Saturday fête, I'm having a giveaway. Hurrah! Every birthday celebration should have a birthday gift, right?!

I found this while I was out shopping the other day. I think it is THE coolest night light ever. Now, I don't use/need/want a night light - even a super cool one like this. So I decided that I would buy it for a giveaway, and if the winner feels the same way I do about night lights, there is sure to be a youngster around that would appreciate it!

From the Lights in the Night series from Seasons of Cannon Falls comes this fun and fanciful mermaid in the ocean nightlight!

The water bubbles; the glitter flies, the starfish bounces around, and the entire base lights up. Seriously fun and fanciful, right?! And, it's big! When it comes to fanciful, size matters!
So, all you have to do is leave a comment on THIS post only, and tell me if you are going to keep it or give it to a youngster. No other criterions - you don't even have to post it on your blog or become a follower (though, if you're not a follower, make sure I can contact you!).

Since this is in celebration of Beverly's Pink Saturday 2nd Birthday, the contest will only run until tomorrow (May 30) at 8am. I'll announce the random number generator winner by noon tomorrow. Fast and fun!

Be sure to check out all the other people celebrating Beverly's Pink Saturday 2nd Birthday today ... and then find someplace that stimulates your inspiration ...and go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Guess What Today Is ...

2010-05-28T05:00:00.001-04:00

hmmmm ... whatever could it be?

Yep, today I'm officially older than ...
So, I'm off to play. No long chatty post today. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the 2nd birthday of Beverly's Pink Saturday ... and my Pink Saturday Birthday Giveaway!

Until then, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Hmmmmm. What to share today, what to share ... and a little quickie contest!

2010-05-26T17:27:00.022-04:00

Is she contemplating an attempt to type using only her breasts?

How about we take a little jaunt over to the Netherlands and listen to this calliope awhile before having a Heinekin? I would so rather have this to listen to on the street rather than the eternal *thump thump thump* of the bass line of whatever garbage music is being blared by every low-rider that comes down the street!
...maybe we should have a few crackers to go along with our Heinekin ... I've never actually had a beer-and-cracker break - but I'm game!

Remember "The Shining?" Come play with us. I know they're probably made of lace or something - but I swear it looks as if they're wearing plastic gloves and are ready to do an autopsy.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. On one hand, of course, it's a fabulous improvement over the regular-every-day-plain-old-ordinary-run-of-the-mill playground slide. On the other hand, I find it decidedly eerie and macabre that they keep these kids imprisoned in the head and torso of this fantastic creature. Sort of like a real life "Bladerunner" disposal for children.
Am I the only one who was completely unaware that there is a Cheeseburger in a Can product? If the pictures aren't enough for you, you can see an actual review of this product by clicking here.

I love this French hair styles advertisement. I especially like the "Hollandaise" style - I'm sure it inspired Minnie Mouse.
... and, out of the blue, a costume design for the Follies Bergere ... somebody should wear this for Halloween this year!

Frankly, I'm concerned that there were parents who thought these children's products were a good idea ...

The Pollute the Kid Bubble Gum

The Raising Obnoxious Demanding Children Bubble Gum

The Call Your Children Mean Names Bubble Gum

The Terrify Your Children with Drowning Bubble Gum

and, last but not least, The You Can Break Your Teeth Off If You Try Candy

Tim Holtz is having a challenge on his blog to use his Ranger Distress Inks products on a project. So I made and entered this little shrine/cupboard/shelves/box/thingie ... and distressed the bejesus out of it. This is the front ...
...and this is the back. His prize is something I really want (greedy ol' me, again!), so I hope mine is chosen as one of the twelve winners!What do you think this was? A ride? A performance? Whatever it was, it looks intriguing and magical - and as the advert clearly states, a sterling attraction!
Origami has always fascinated me. I've never tried it (well, I did when I was about ten and met with disastrous and life-long-scarred psyche from the failure), but I love looking at the work of others. I have never seen origami like this before! It is work by Robert J. Lang, and you can see much much more of his creations by clicking here. He even has books with diagrams and patterns to make some of his designs. I'm contemplating it.

Aren't these dapper dames? ... the shameless trouser-wearing hussies!I wish I had any of these wallpapers in my bedroom growing up! I'm particularly fond of the space age paparazzi getting shots of the moon men celebrities! sigh. I had a plain ol' blue painted bedroom with a matching early American bedroom suite. shudder. What were they thinking?! I was also not allowed to put things on my walls. My father always said that thumb tacks would ruin the sheet rock. sigh. I had a deprived childhood.

I just adore this picture! It's Big Edie and Little Edie - the Beales of Grey Gardens. I believe it's the first time I've ever seen a photo of Little Edie as an adult without a turban. Honestly, I had kinda presumed her hair had all fallen out and she was bald.Marleen and her girls are here to help announce a quick little guessing game contest. The first person to guess ...
on whose private gate this sign appeared ...
will win a little something from my private stash of never-ending prizes. I dont want to go take pictures, but it will be something goofy and fun and eminently re-giftable!

Edited to add: We have a winner! Malisa from Moonlight Hollow knew this was Frank Sinatra's charming and inviting property sign!

Okay, one final gorgeous thing to inspire you, and then...
Go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

... and We Have a Winner, Folks!

2010-05-26T07:48:00.010-04:00

Have you heard the news?

To find the lucky winner, we used the Random Number Generator ...

which came up with ...which means the
...of our 600th follower blog groovy flower power craft giveawayis Jan of Laughing Dog Arts! Jan was sent here by Anne from el Milagro Studio. Please visit Jan and Anne, if you haven't already - they both have marvelous blogs with lots of inspiration for the artist and the artistically inclined!
Jan, if you will email your snail mail address, I will get your package right out to you!

Now, we can all relax, and after a few blog visits and cups of coffee, I know you will

Go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥
click to enlarge - gorgeous vintage modeling session!

Let's Brighten Up This Grey and Rainy Day!

2010-05-24T10:56:00.046-04:00

Oh! Will this infernal rain never end? I want Spring sun and warm breezes and flowers blooming - and no rain! What did I ever do to deserve this?

But, never fear, we're going to brighten the day by looking at some absolutely stunning art.

In the fourth decade of the 18th century a new form of entertainment emerged in a world hungry for novelty, cleverness, and beauty in the privacy of one's home.
About 1730, artist Martin Engelbrecht (1684-1756) created cards for miniature theatres, which when inserted into a display box showed religious scenes and pictures of daily life in a three dimensional perspective.
He devoted an entire series of these to the Italian theatre. It would see that Engelbrecht came up with the concept of home theatre long before it was appropriated by cable television and dvd's!
From holograph numbering to the rear of each card, we know that Engelbrecht created at least forty-one sets of miniature theater dioramas. Many if not most have yet to be accounted for. All are scarce, many extremely so: these miniature theater engraved cards were roughly handled and often. That any have survived is quite remarkable.

Obviously, this woman did not adhere to the admonishing of Coco Chanel when she instructed women to get dressed - then take off one thing before leaving the house.

ah. From the fabulous E-Deco Magazine, this enchanting dining room at Château de Christin in Gard, near Herault, France. Shall we sit out this rain shower having lunch?
Speaking of stunning restaurants ... how about this beauty in Italy. It is literally the smallest restaurant in Italy. It seats ... two! That's right ... when you reserve here, you have the entire restaurant to yourself and your companion. Now, is that luxurious or what?! The gardens are also just magnificent - and, again, will only accommodate two people!

Who, other than Carol Channing, would consider being presented to the Queen the ideal opportunity to try out her new Loretta Lynn look? And does anything say "country virgin" quite like wearing a chandelier around your neck?Speaking of crowns...this magnificent Ann Carrington piece, Pearly Crown and Jewels of England, is just one of a series she has created, using pearl buttons. Below is a close-up detail ...
More of Ms. Carrington's stunning work can be seen by clicking here.

And, when thinking of stunning, remember the old Wild Wild West ... when men were men ...
This charming little altered spoon is by Hels Sheridan of Ink on My Fingers. I found it a delightful little quicky artsy project. Hels does delightful work - and offers tutorials on techniques, and always has loads of her own artwork to show. Pay her a visit!

I received a lovely little silver demitasse spoon as a prize on October Farm, and I'm thinking I may do some altering of it and put it in a small shadowbox. Though I don't think I'll make mine purple ... the silver is too pretty. By the way, there is a weekly giveaway at October Farm, so, be sure to check it out!

I was delighted to discover this photo on Ulla's Moth Tales site. I used to visit this often when I lived in upstate New York and spent time trolling around the exhibits at the Corning Glass Museum.
This French 1th century mechanical glass theatre is constructed of multicolored glass, lampworked, assembled; wood, mirror, rock, crystal, fabric and shell. It is 60" high and 74"wide. It is the only one known with movable figures. They are operated with 14 levers and wire pulls that protrude from the lower right side of the box. The theatre shows the Wedding at Cana, as told in the Gospel of John (2:1-10).
As magnificent as the photo is, it simply does not do the piece justice. It is jaw-dropping out of this world in "real life."

While we're on a miniature theatre exhibit, check out these fascinating pieces by English artist, Alexander Korzer-Robinson.

From his artist's statement: I am an artist from Berlin now living in Bristol. Drawing from a background in psychology, my art practice focuses on the notion of the “inner landscape”.

Using generally discarded materials, I make objects as an invitation to the viewer to engage her/his own inner life in order to assign meaning to the artwork.
The cut book art has been made by working through the books, page by page, cutting around some of the illustrations while removing others. The images seen in the finished work, are left standing in the place where they would appear in the complete book. As a final step the book is sealed around the cut, and can no longer be opened.

As we remember the books from our own past, certain fragments remain with us while others fade away over time – phrases and passages, mental images we created, the way the stories made us feel and the thoughts they inspired. In our memory we create a new narrative out of those fragments, sometimes moving far away from the original content.
This is, in fact, the same way we remember our life – an ever changing narrative formed out of fragments. This mostly subconscious process of value judgements and coincidence is what interests me as an artist and as a psychologist. Through the artistic work, these books, having been stripped of their utilitarian value by the passage of time, regain new purpose. They are no longer tools to learn about the world, but rather a means to gain insight about oneself.
I am intrigued why Noël Coward has a half-empty bookshelf! I'm assuming this is home, as that is a very famous drawing of a youthful Sir Noël hanging over the bamboo sideboard. Curiouser and curiouser!
I never like to include political things on this blog ... I contribute on other websites for that! However, I found this photograph so poignant and sad. I am so happy that I have been able to tramp for hours over the rocks of the Athens Acropolis - and slept in a hotel overlooking it - before demonstrations and protests overpowered the breathtaking vista. Such a sad sight. I know their protests are valid - but I do wish they had found a place less relevant - and delicate! - as these ancient monuments and temples.

Did you know that Cotton Candy is called Barbe de Papa (Daddy's Beard) in French? This and other marvelous facts, tales and tidbits about life in France - along with lovely photos - are included at Tongue In Cheek: Stories Collected While Living in France. Anita, Trish, Marilyn - and all my other fellow Francophiles - will want to check out this charming blog!

It worked! I can't believe it! I have blogged the return of the sun to New Haven! I guess that makes me the Sun King!
I am going to take Dusty for a long leisurely walk around the square and enjoy this burst of sunshine! Thanks so much for helping me while away the gloomy hours this morning! I hope you've found some things that brightened your day ... and that now you'll

Go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

If you haven't entered the Groovy Flower Power Crafting Giveaway yet, scroll down to the previous post and enter ... 48 hours to go!

Funkalicious Flower Power Crafting Blog Giveaway!

2010-05-21T11:42:00.005-04:00

I have reached another benchmark 600 followers - actually, a few over, but I was late! Since such a momentous occasion deserves flowers - and because I just re-watched Valley of the Dolls for the umpteenth time this week - I decided a fabutastic retro flower power crafting supplies giveaway was in order! As always, you can click on the photo to make it g-r-o-w!

So, just what all is in this grab bag of Funk and Wagonality? Well, let's see ...

4"x6" DCWV La Créme mat stack
4"x6" DCWV Latté mat stack
Fiskars Flower Power paper punch
Marvy groovy tree paper punch
Marvy miniature flower power paper punch
ColorBok far out polka dot ribbon
Color Bok ultra metal dot embelishments
Martha Stewart hot orange and pink 3-D flower paper embellishments
K&Company Glitter Blossoms Grand Adhesions embellishments
... and a few other uber groovy surprises!

So, how do you enter? Easy as pie! Just a leave comment below. If you would like another entry to win, leave a second comment saying you've become/already are are a follower of Enchanted Revelries. If you are greedy (like me!) and want a third chance to win, grab the button below and place it on your sidebar and blog a sentence or two about my giveaway! The button should link right back here!

And, for a fourth chance, be the person who has the most people comment that you referred them here!

Now, isn't that a lot of chances? And all easy-peasy!

I will choose the winner NEXT WEDNESDAY (May 26), chosen by Random Number Generator.
I have to end it rather quickly, because next Weekend, I have two giveaways in the offing for other milestones. More about them then!

Until then, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Musings and Wanderings on Vicky's Birthday ...

2010-05-19T20:40:00.002-04:00

Today is the day Canadians celebrate Queen Victoria's Birthday.
This was a woman who understood the value of a good crown!

Aren't these most detailed and finely crafted lampshades ever? I like the fabric well enough - but it's the artistry of pleats and bindings and borders that just knock me out!

Hey, Mollie. They don't make tube bottoms for a reason. Now go change!

Well, there is no question. My favorite aesthetic is the over-the-top artistry of 18th century France - followed closely by the glitz and glam of Hollywood Regency. However, this house would be so much fun to live in! And what a groovy spot to have a swinging mod party! My taste just may be evolving!

Have I introduced you to my parents? They had such style, once upon a time.
How does one manage to look as if they've tucked their ass in their pants, as if it were a shirt?

From Heather Bullard, this photo of the best sweets smorgasbord I've ever seen! I have no plans nor intent to cater a reception for anything. But, if the occasion should ever arise, I am so stealing this idea!Also from Heather Bullard comes this Regency crown. I know it's greedy, as I already have quite a number of crown hanging around, but dammit, I ~~want~~ need it!

Wanna bet that he wants you to be his next little rascal?

If life were more fair, I'd be going to sleep in this incredible bed tonight. sigh.
One pill makes you larger
and one pill makes you small.
And the ones that your mother gives you
don't do anything at all.
Go ask Alice
when she's ten feet tall.

Adorable photo. But the newspaper article attached to it was the best!

PHILADELPHIA'S SOCIETY LEADER SAT GARDEN FETE

Catharine Clothier, one of the innumerable attractions at the annual garden Fete of Philadelphia's Smart Set, held at the Clothier Estate at Wynnewood. Mrs. Percy Frazer III, wears a smart afternoon frock.
1922

How much fun would it be to have been part of the Smart Set?! Speaking of fetes and events, I want to be invited to parties that have fabulous entrance tickets like these!

Hmmm. I'm not sure she got the complete pattern for her Never-Never Land costume.

I have great admiration for a woman who plans her outfit for Casual Friday the night before.

I wish I could remember where I found these photos of Nantucket homes, decorated with paper parasols and lanterns. So festive and pretty and fanciful. If these are from your blog, please let me know so that I can credit you!

Do you love this as much as I do?

... must be a Prell girl ...
"You just can't be in a bad mood in here," said Karen Kalish, who has decorated her 105 year-old historic home in Clayton showcasing her love of color and art.
For more (pretty remarkable!) photos of this fabulous home and art collection, click here.
This colorful, magical, quilted skeleton knocks my socks off!

Remember: There will always be those who are judging you.

Well, Jon and I are dressed and ready to go out to dinner. Thank you for spending some time with me this evening. I hope you found something to amuse and something to amaze you...and that you'll be back for a visit soon!Now, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

All work and no play ...

2010-05-17T16:10:00.015-04:00

Oh, my aching back!
Because I spent the past two weeks working on quite a few small hangings, my studio had become uninhabitable. Seriously. We're talking Katrina-esque disaster mess here. Stuff everywhere. So I decided to take a day off and clean, straighten, neaten up, and generally not do anything productively artistic. We can all use a slave labor day to keep us humble and thankful right?

I got my sewing and storage shelves straightened out. My mother would be so proud of me - I took off every item, dusted it, Pledged the shelves (we always used Pledge Furniture Wax as a verb - don't ask), and put it all back together. Go ahead. Click on that photo so it gets huge. I defy you to find a speck of dust!

In addition to storing boxes and baskets and jars of things I use in my art, some of the items on these shelves are gifts from dear Bloglandia friends. Just some of the stuff that I treasure and enjoy having around me when I create.

And, here is my neated, rejuvenated, reclaimed, and immaculate work bench! This is the best workbench in the world! Actually, it's an oak and stainless kitchen island from Ikea. But it makes the best work bench. Perfect height ... and all the drawers are so handy. I used to like having the glass fronts and being able to see what is in all the drawers. But they started making me crazy seeing how much they had in them. So I hid them by putting paper "curtains" inside the glass.

The quilt is one of mine (I rotate them) ... and the partial views of paintings are by Jon. More unframed paintings are stored under the bench. Bad storage, but no choice in the matter.

See how those little glass front drawers fit embellishment trays perfectly?! And rubber stamps. And ink pads and embossing powders. And Stickles and alcohol inks. And brads and soldering supplies. And and and ...

I spent so much time emptying out my showcases and Windexing (yes, we use that product as a verb as well!) all the shelves. This holds a lot of gifts and swaps and giveaway prizes, as well as storage for a few of my mini-theatres that haven't sold yet. The piece of red and gold art glass hanging above the cases I found in a wonderful art glass shop in Athens - and the curlicued pottery sculpture is by Jon.
Tell the truth ... does any grown man need this many boxes filled with silk, vintage and reproduction ribbons? Seriously. What do I do with all this stuff?!
So, I'm wiped out. It's been a long day. I should be finished, right?!
But, noooooo. Tomorrow, I have to work on this disaster storage cabinet. I may just find Jimmy Hoffa.

I mean, really, isn't this how everybody stores their supplies for easy accessibility and convenience?
Then, I have to tackle this hodge podge of mediums, glues, adhesives, acrylic paints, and plastic-toys-waiting-to-be-primed-and-then-rusted-for-collages. Do you also buy supplies thinking you need them, only to find out that you have already one - er, two - er, four?
This mess may required a shovel. I hide it all very neatly behind my large "scrap barrel" basket. But, it really must go. However, don't you just KNOW that the second it all gets thrown out, I'm going to need a box exactly that size?!

But, after all is accomplished tomorrow, they can do a featured article about me!
Now, you know you don't want to clean up your studio. So, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

A Spring Morning's Ramblings and Wanderings...

2010-05-13T08:02:00.019-04:00

Spring has finally arrived in full splendor at long last! Everything is blooming and the grass has become soft and sweet and that marvelous shade of New England sod green. The air actually smells of lilacs and salt from the breeze off the ocean. Perfect!

Anybody leave their shoes at my place after last week's soirée with Sarah Palin?

Straight from Ulla's Moth Tales collection of faery tale style and inspiration comes this charming little frog marionette. Don't you just want to play with him for a whole afternoon and make him go on lots of frog marionette adventures?!

Hey - what are you looking at?

The question for the day is .... (no answers required, just a hypothetical...)

Is one ashtray in the children's rooms enough? What do you think?

The exquisite restored crown on the gates of Versailles ... just completed this Spring.
I have a feeling this wouldn't be a HUGE seller today ... certainly not in Arizona (oops - did I say that?!)

sigh. Obviously these poor women have no gay men in their lives ...

Any other Marilyn fanatics out there? I have never seen this photograph before - and I can't figure out what film it's from! It is completely unrecognizable to me. Anybody have the inside info? I thought maybe it was for a costume that was cut from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" - but it doesn't seem quite right for that film. Of course, that could be why it was cut - IF that's what it is.
Here we have the Wizard of Oz on his leisurely journey back to the land of E Pluribus Unum.

There is a lot about this room I'm not fond of ... however, that chair with the is-it-peacock-feathers-? upholstery is stunning! Overall, the room looks a bit too much like a second hand shop for me. But there are some fab individual items. I'm sure my opinion matters to Hamish.

One hour. Go ahead. Try it. I dare you.

OMG. I've just died and gone to over-the-top fabulous day bed heaven! I want this so badly I can taste it!

I've never really had that much interest in doll houses. But there have been a lot of blog entries lately about doll houses - from Kaerie at Kaerie Faerie who is keeping us updated on her lovely and loving restoration of her childhood dollhouse, to Maggi at Just Add Glitter and Stir who today showed us a pretty amazing dollhouse-used-as-laundry-storage. So, now when I run across a really awesome dollhouse, I stop and take more of a look ... like this one. I could move right in!

Whatever the occasion - Halloween, play, masquerade, costume party, Tuesday afternoon - I so appreciate all the time and effort and skill that went into making these costumes! If there were prizes involved, I hope they won!

I'm enchanted with these collages - I'm fairly certain they're digital. I don't know the name of the artist. Only that he wrote: "Where they now- those who went before us? Or- in the words of Francois Villon- Where are the snows of yesteryear?

I have always been fascinated by old photographs of long-dead people. They look at us from out of the past- and we can only wonder who they were, and imagine what their stories are."

You can see many more here.

When we see the exquisite (or bizarre, on occasion!) offerings by fashion designers, everything is so perfect and spot-on-target with accessorizing and styling, in order to show the clothing at its best advantage. The marvelous Alexander McQueen even insisted that the pores on this model's face be removed.But, seeing these photographs reminded me that every show - be it fashion, Broadway, or art exhibit, has a backstage story to tell. Which often belies the calm, dignified and elegant proceedings we see in front of the "curtain."

These shots were taken backstage of the 1954 showing of Pierre Balmain's Spring collection. You can just see the frenzy and excitement - and sweat! And then that moment of taking a calming breath before hitting the runway ...

Thanks for spending some time with me ... I see I'm at 599 followers! Welcome to all the new-found friends! Just one more follower, and I'll have to come up with a groovy giveaway to celebrate another blogging landmark!

I hope you found something to delight, amuse, or amaze you today. I'm off to the studio today to put the finishing touches on a few pieces for a weekend exhibit next week. Such a shame to miss being outside in this glorious Spring weather - but obligations must be paid!

Now, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

So, We Have The Caption Winners!

2010-05-09T20:22:00.008-04:00

"Wendy thought she would punch Martha in the head, if she bragged about that damned seashell planter one more time tonight!"

"The Schlitz family realized early in life the bonding potential of daily 'Evening Family Beer Time'. It also helped to distract them from Father, who had most untoward desires and fantasies about the family pet parrot, Caligula.

Father frequently tried to get Caligula drunk and coax him away from his perch, but thankfully, the parrot was the smart one of the bunch."

The winner of photo caption #1 - and the Martha Stewart Encyclopedia of Crafts - is Jo Archer!

The winner of photo caption #2 - and the Twilight series of books - is Anne Huskey-Lockard!

Ladies, please send me your addresses and I'll get your prizes right out to you!

Thank so much to everybody who entered - I had such a good time reading your entries - lots of snickers and "come in here and read this!"-ing was going on around the computer!

And - an especially big thanks to Mo "Mad Dog" Stoneskin, who chose our winners!

Now, I'm off to watch my Sunday evening tv shows - "Desperate Housewives," "Treme," and "Breaking Bad." I love Sunday tv!

Enjoy what's left of the weekend!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Is It Friday Already?

2010-05-07T11:38:00.033-04:00

I totally feel like a king for the day!

Look what I received from Nicole at Beadwright! I won her gorgeous beaded gourd giveaway. Am I the lucky lucky boy, or what?! Please take a look at her website ... such interesting and clever work - and so meticulously created. I couldn't be more pleased with my prize! Thank you, Nicole!

Speaking of gourds...take a look at this sparkling and wondrous gourd creation by Marilyn of As Seen Through My Eyes. Be sure to visit her and read the process by which this offering bowl was created.

Out of curiosity, how do you even manage to find a shirt that covers absolutely nothing? That's like buying a pair of pants that start at the knees and go down.
Oh. Never mind. That's been done...
Back in my day, clothes that started at the knee and when down were called socks.

"Someday, I'm going to have a daughter, and I'm going to name her Jon-Benet and she's going to be a slave to beauty and fashion, too!"

♫♫♪♪♫♫ Sisters. Sisters. There were never more devoted sisters. ♫♫♪♪♫♫♪♫♫

um, I'll just have some water. Thanks.
I forgot where I found this ... but I really like it!

I think you'll have to click on the image to get a larger and more clear version that you can read.

Just another Casual Friday for the gals in the typing pool.

I simply cannot take it...

When the radioactive glow of your skin from your tanning salon sessions causes your hair to literally try to run away, it is really really really time to stop.

Apropos of nothing - as if anything here is apropos of anything - I need all these vintage pieces of bling to use in art. Well, maybe I'll wear one of the tiaras for awhile. But, then, it goes right into an assemblage, I swear!

The person serving this was wise. It's clear they understood that I was going to eat ALL of these delights by myself...and they only provided two spoons so that I could eat with both hands.

Oh! I want to live in this living room!!! From the LaCienega Design Quarter site:

Legends of La Cienega: Celebrate Hollywood is a 2-day event honoring design on the silver screen, television, and the creative talents that have made Hollywood the capital of the entertainment industry. A collaboration between ELLE DÉCOR and LCDQ, Legends of La Cienega: Celebrate Hollywood will feature a lineup of distinctive panels with leaders in design and entertainment, as well as window displays and vignettes decorated by today’s top designers and set decorators, honoring design in iconic films.

This room, by Woodson and Rummerfield celebrates the classic film, Auntie Mame. And I just love it. Check out the awesome mural! Click on the photo to see all the awesome detail!
For photos of more rooms designed, honoring iconic films, check out Maison 21.

This pretty tag was created by Ingvild at My Paper Art. She has generously provided a very good tutorial with instructions for creating these textured and all-but-transparent wings using rubber stamps and Liquid Applique. I thought of a lot of cool things that could be done using this technique. I always check out her blog ... though she's primarily a scrapbooker, and I don't do scrapbooking, she always has some beautiful designs and useful tips and ideas for techniques.
This is another one of her tags ... I love that peeling wallpaper look.

Okay, ladies. This is the story. See what happens? One day you're letting your butt hang out from beneath your skirt ... and the next day it thinks it can pop out wherever it wants. Slippery slope, people, slippery slope.

Am I the only one who is confused by the phrase "back in the days when men were men?"
Some things are just too perfect for words ...
.
My circus mini-theatre is now living with my friend, Peg of Peggy's Mixed Up Art. Doesn't it look nice sitting there with some of Peg's other enchanted toys and creations?!

Well, I must be off to so a little finish work on some wall hanging collages - I would like to get started on a new project, but have to finish up my obligations first!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending some time with me today! ...

Don't forget!

If you haven't already entered, scroll down and enter the
First Ever Enchanted Revelry Caption That Image Contest!

Then, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Provide the Caption Contest!

2010-05-07T11:12:00.006-04:00

A different kind of contest for Enchanted Relveries! We're going to have a Pin the Caption on the Photo contest! There will be two opportunities to win.

1. To win Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts ...
...provide the best caption for this photo...

2. To win all four of the novels in the Twilight series in hardbacked editions ...
...provide the best caption to this image ....

The guest judge for this contest is Mo "Mad Dog" Stoneskin. If you aren't familiar with his blog, be sure to check it out! A terrific writer with a singular - and warped! - sense of humor, he is the perfect adjudicator to choose our two winners.

All you have to do is leave a comment for one or both images ... be sure to use 1. or 2. - so we know which image it's for! Please feel free to spread the word to your friends and followers, but, because of the nature of the contest, there aren't any "extra" chances available. Sorry!

Good luck! ... and after you've entered the contest ...

Go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Make a Wish Sunday ....

2010-05-02T17:05:00.000-04:00

Well, I, for one, wish to be shopping in this exquisite place. I have no idea where it is. But it looks like I need to spend several hours here.
Have you heard the news?! Vanessa at A Fanciful Twist has announced the 2010 Mad Tea Party event! Click on image to get more information and to find out how to sign up to participate.

Elvis and his father, Vernon in 1956. Really, Elvis. We were all skinny in 1956. I wish I still was.
I had no idea that prostitutes were so fond of cupcakes..

Doesn't this look like a totally completely absolutely positively incredible place to shop for trash and flash and stocking stuffers?!

Well, I told you I had made ham salad ... so I was going to make a few Day-of-the-Dead-Ham-Can shrines. Here are the pics. I'll list them in my Etsy shop later today.
Isn't this beautiful fabric? It's called Evening in Paris, and is by Karen Harvey Cox of A Scrapbook of Inspiration. Click on the image to see this - and other fabrics available from Spoonflower by Karen.
Why? Who cares! It's a fabulous photograph!

Just a little bit of royalty for the day ...

Punctuation is so important. Dear, It's Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe. Not Paul Bunyan, the blue ox babe.

I have some favorite magazines. Some of them printed on lovely paper with lavish photo spreads. But, I wish just one of them arrived in a gilded, embossed leather cover!
I know that many of you do wedding artwork - and make wedding cards, etc. So, when I found this romantic and beautifully detailed painting, I thought it should be shared with you so you can use it in your pieces, if you would like. Just click on it to get a nice big clear image and save it to your computer.

Tell the truth. Does anything speak of Eastern gods and goddesses more than a trio of Ziegfeld girls?

La modes de la 19ème siècle ... from Godey's Lady's Book. Although these appear to be photos, they are actually marvelously detailed engravings. Godey's Lady's Book was THE magazine for the cultured woman. It was the avenue by which she learned about the latest fashions, home decorating trends, and literature from the continent.

I wish this lovely sculpture was sitting in my living room! I love the idea of the couple waltzing at the foot of that exquisitely graceful staircase. It absolutely captivates my imagination - and inspires me to make things! This (and many other delightful finds, including the shop at the top of this post!) can be found at E-Mag Deco. The blog is in French - but the photos are universal!

No matter how these boys' mother decked them out in velvet and ruffles and lacy collars, she couldn't really get rid of the slyness in their eyes, could she?

So much style, so little to say ...

From Habitually Chic, comes this charming coy statue peeking out around the corner of the hedges. It would be a marvelous surprise to come upon her on a morning walk.

Polka dot bikini - $29. Pitcher of beer to get her this drunk - $10. Watching your mom strut herself in a redneck bar - Priceless.

Wouldn't this make a wonderful border around a child's room?

Have you tried the lovely new shades from Stepford Cosmetics?
Okay, whoever came up with this brilliant idea for an international symbol for "drowning" really should have asked a few opinions before having the signs made up.

It would seem that joke post cards are hardly a new thing!

Well, I'm off to do a little work in the studio ... I wish I had more time! Thanks for stopping by and spending a few minutes. I hope you found some heavenly items - and some devilish ones, too! Be sure to stop by in the next day or two for a new contest and giveaway!
Now go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Kick Up Your Heels! We Have a Winner, Folks!

2010-04-27T08:09:00.012-04:00

Yes, indeed! Today's the day to announce the winner of the free custom greeting cards from UPrinting.

The True Random Number Generator spun up the number 15 ...
which means, none other than Anne from el Milagro Studio is the winner! This seems perfectly fair and right in the world of balance, as Anne had a lot - I mean a lot - of people saying they were referred here by her which gave her about a gazillion more chances to win!

Congratulations, Anne! I will forward your information to UPrinting, and they will contact you about designing your cards. (Just FYI - when I won a prize on another blog from them, it took a while for them to contact me. But the results are marvelous!)

If anybody else is interested in the custom printing available from UPrinting, click here for greeting cards, here for envelopes, here for business cards - or use their menu for their many services offered. I got my business cards printed - two sided - and I just love the way they look.

Enough of contests and winning and losing! - let's just look at some pretty pictures instead...
Now, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

If It's Sundy, It Must Be a No-Theme Post ...

2010-04-25T13:50:00.032-04:00

I've been having a difficult time keeping up with all the new followers and members ... please know that you're most welcome, and I appreciate your visits and your comments! I seem to be having a more and more difficult time perusing my favorite blogs and keeping up with my own.

So, speaking of keeping up with my own, hold your breath and take a leap with me through Bloglandia and beyond!
Our church just commissioned a new handcarved and crafted communion table. It's hard to see with all the flowers on dedication day ... but it's really beautiful. Our church, founded in 1746, and our current building erected between 1812 and 1816, is always a stunning environment. But the new table adds to the elegance and dignity of the chapel.

Terri at Artful Affirmations made this really pretty glittered crepe paper flower. She was also generous enough to share her secrets on a tutorial video. If you would like to learn how to make these - which I think would be terrific gift wrapping embellishments! - just click the image.
Gross. His bag doesn't match his shoes.Does anyone know who that is on his tee shirt? I’m focusing really hard on that question in order to block out everything else going on here and to keep from bursting into tears.

You know that creep with the cigar and the cell phone who cut you off on the highway - the one you really wanted to turn into a frog ... well, learn how to do it! - and for only $3.99!

I hate to shave on Sundays ...

Self-taught Oakland, CA artist Scott Hove has created an astounding series of sculptures - and environments! - titled "Cakeland: Pretty Enought to Eat, Fierce Enough to Bite Back." Aren't they amazing?

His artist statement includes: Cakeland is a series of sculptures and installations resembling perfect delicious cakes - wall mounted, hanging and standing - and walk-through cake environments complete with their own lighting.

The sculptures have all the appeal of the best cake you have ever tasted, but it can never be eaten. The nature of edible cake is fleeting, lasting only as long as the brief celebration it was made for. These cakes last as long as the artist or society have the wherewithal to preserve them.

Click any of his photos here to go to his site and see much much more...including a virtual VR360° tour of Cakeland!

I have no idea what is going on in this photo from the early 20th century Folies Bergére, but I bet they're having a lot of fun doing it.

I know a few weeks ago I wrote "if you got it flaunt it." It's clear I should have made it much more clear what "it" is. Please note: this is not "it." However, I'm so glad this photo was shot from the back. I don't even want to contemplate what ... well ... never mind ....

I've been fortunate enough to have seen my fair share of Broadway shows over my lifetime - probably even I should own up to seeing a few of somebody else's fair share as well! However, even with all the turntables and electric tracks and miracles of modern engineering, it's still rare to see a stage set as enchanting and magical as this one from the early 20th century. It may not be as complicated as "Wicked" - but it's every bit as lavish and extravagant, albeit via a more simple avenue. (Like almost all my photos, click to get a larger and more clear image!)
Costumes, sets, lights, and - as my theatre professors always stressed - stage pictures!

Isn't it interesting. Fashion always comes full circle. Beards are popular again, though today they're shorter - really more like stubble. But it's nice to see where the trend started, isn't it?

And, I mean to ask you ....

I found this fun chandelier at Heidi's Bird of a Feather. I think it's very clever - not really my personal style - but, still, really creative. It even took me a second (okay, a nano-second) to realize it wasn't a "real" chandelier!

I want to have dinner at this table. Or lunch. Or a light snack. Just let me sit and enjoy it! I discovered this gorgeous tablescape at Habitually Chic - where everything is always habitually chic! The blog's mantra is Glamorous Lives and Stylish Places - and they're always shared lavishly.

Remember when Judy was going to play Helen Lawson in "Valley of the Dolls" (my number one favorite guilty pleasure)? Before she was fired and Susan Hayward was hired, this is what Helen Lawson was to look like. Quite a switch to Ms. Hayward!
Okay. When I saw this next photo, these are the things I noticed, in the order that I noticed them:
1. Dog
2. Moustache
3. Dog!
4. Mullet
5. Popped Collar
6. DOG!!
7. Sunglasses, hand weight, white wine (I kind of noticed all of those at once)
8. Shorts
9. Dog!
10. Wait a second ...
11. DOG!!!
12. Is that .. in his shorts ...?
13. Let's just keep looking at the dog!
14. Oh, no! Please tell me it's not ...
15. DOG!!! DOG DOG DOG DOG DOG!!!!!
16. [violent sobbing]

Oh, please. Some beauty! These magnificent floral arrangements, complete with ostrich plumes and miles of strung cut glass crystals was excitedly discovered at Mahogany Madisson. Check out her blog and all the links to wonderful products - including soap that looks JUST like macaroons straight from Lauderee!

Polychrome roses and cherubs - for no reason other than that they're exquisite ...

Some child in the seventies grew up in a home with these patchwork velvet chairs in the living room. No wonder our nation has a drug problem of epidemic proportions.

This mid 20th century French iron folding screen would be charming used as room divider, wouldn't it? I love folding screens that have absolutely no function beyond being pretty!

This 1860's French birdcage is almost 6 feet high and 3 feet wide! It's so graceful and grand ... I don't even have birds. But, if I could have this cage, I would immediately get lovebirds!
Harrumph. I thought I heard somebody rummaging through the recycling bin last night. Excuse me, you Adam Lambert wannabe, I ask that you kindly give me back that giant wad of aluminum foil. Stealing from the city's recycling program hurts us all.

Remember, this is your last reminder before I choose the winner of the free custom printed greeting cards from UPrinting! Remember! The more people who you refer and mention your name, the more chances you get to win! Click on image to enter ...
Just because it's a fabulous photo of a fabulous character ...Now, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥