Cupcake Wizard Soiree!

Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble....

The Nightshade Sisters are on their way to the Annual Hollows Eve Cupcake Soiree, hosted by Verisa Moltenbuilt at The Dudley Grimsaw Hall located on The Beverwicke Campus in Gleamsby Hollows!

This annual Hollows Eve Soiree is the best one of all the parties held during the month of October, every witch, wizard, sprite and fairy friend are preparing for the event. The wee hours of the day are filled with magical events throughout the Beverwicke Campus.


What to Expect at the Annual Hollows Eve Day and Cupcake Soiree:
1. Hayrides to Goblin Field and Blue Pumpkin Picking.
2. Cornhusk Doll Making
3. Carnival Games, Raffles and Rides
4. New this year: The Spinning Broom Coaster Ride.
5. The Flying Mer-Mystiques
6. The Cupcake Challenge
7. The Hollows Eve Pageant Queen
8. Hollows Eve Cupcake Soiree and Midnight Pageant Parade.
9. Plus many more exciting things....

So start preparing, conjur up a few outfits for the day, you will need at least 2 or 3, one for morning, afternoon and the soiree...

I think I'll wear a vintage pink and black chiffon dress or a tulle one, not sure, but both will have loads of sparkling jewels and rhinestones....

Each doll is made for large toothpicks, tulle, and vintage and/or new supplies.

Recycled Baseball!

The B Queen Cuff Bracelet!

"Queen of the Field" Besides loving art in every form, I'm a huge sports fan, love Hockey, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Tennis, Golf and Polo.

My faves are Hockey, Football and Baseball!
Huge Yankees, Giants and Rangers Fan, yet my fave football player is Peyton Manning from the Colts, LOL!.
Since I go to alot of games I became inspired to make a sports cuff mixed with some vintage and chic flare. This one is called: "Queen of the Field", for this project I used one recycled baseball (Older the better) which makes 2 cuffs, then added some glamour and glitz through vintage rhinestones, tiny pearls and an ornate silver clasp, then I lined the back of the baseball leather with a good quality beige wool.
Each baseball will yield you 2 cuffs, on some cuffs I have lined the backing w/suede, colored leather or velvet. With these cuffs I have also dyed the leather of the baseball, added more rhinestones, pearls or flowers and charms.

Tommorrow Glenn and I are going to the Yankee Game: Yankee's vs. Orioles, I will be wearing this cuff and feeling like a true Queen of the Field!

Hope I inspired you to recycle objects around your home or garage, if baseballs aren't readily available, try recycling an old leather belt or leather clothing, try turning an old tie into a ribbon cuff bracelet or using as a belt, top the ribbon belt w/ a rhinestone pin.

Magic and Joy!
Lisa!

The Wonderland Carnival Charlottes!
Welcome back to the Land of Charlottes with these new additions, meet the characters from Wonderland as they go to the Carnival! Everyone is going. Maddie the Mad Hatter's Sister and Mr. Hatter himself, Alice, The Queen, Mrs. Taylor Rabbit who is the white rabbits pink rabbit cousin, Ida the Caterpillar, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, Flamingo Sam, The Dutchess and many more. Meet Missy, the Lion Tamer Mouse who is ready to put on a show, see her publicity photo below, just released from the Wonderland Circus Photographie Studio!
Now look at sweet Alice in her favorite light blue and white dress, she is wearing her new ribbon headband from Oliver and Piddleson Millinery, Co.
The Queen always wearing her regal red best has incorporated some pink into her dress and has topped it off with her new crown from the Royal Hearts Crown Makers, exclusive to the Heart Family!Here is The Queen and Maddie walking down Stoney Bridge Lane on the way to the Carnival located just outside the Queen's Gardens!Look at Mrs. Taylor Rabbit in her Carnival best: Watch for more Charlottes and their many adventures.

Also take a visit to Creative Therapy and read my interview, see my charlottes and get inspired. These gals are wonderful and I enjoyed the interview process with them. I am Catalyst number Seventy Six, read the interview here:
http://creativetherapy.wordpress.com/2009/08/23/catalyst-seventy-six/

http://creativetherapy.wordpress.com

Le Petit Corsaire Danseurs, Art-Upcycled!


Meet the: Le Petit Corsaire Danseurs!

These are small ballet dancers that are made from cat toys, which I up-cycled from my cat's toy collection, and have given them a new look!

The inspiration for this project actually came from a project I made for my art book:
Altered Art Circus, Quarry Books, Feb. 2009. The original project was made from recycled rubber toy animals, which were similar to circus/carnival toys that you might have won at the circus or amusement park, using your tokens or tickets to redeem them.

Circus Toy Animals are getting harder to find, so I used rubber and plastic animals I purchased from a Dollar Store and Michaels Craft Store, which I further painted and embellished with crepe paper, trims and jewels, as a result Jeannie The Giraffe and Alaister the Lion were born.
To update this project, show variation and recycle at the same time I tried the cat toys I had from my cats toy box, these were less played with and in great condition, so I decided to transform them as I had done with the carnival toys in my book.
For the "Le Petit Corsaire Danseurs" I used a stuffed mouse toy as the base, then embellished them with layers of crepe paper, sequins, trims, mini tree ornaments, tiny pearl strands, white floral wire, recycled Christmas tree light bulbs for the crowns, and either my home made mica flakes or a variety of glitters.

Then I had to name them, their names are: Muffy, Matilda, Miranda and Millie!

This project could be done using tiny stuffed bears or animals, plastic animals, felt animals, clay animals, wood animals, pet toys or what ever you have calling for a tutu or crown.

For complete instructions on this project look for Chapter 5, Carnival Toys,
Pages 92-95 of Altered Art Circus!

Hope this project has inspired you to make your own ballerina's and artful toys!
Magic and Joy!
Lisa!

Art Opera 2010, Red Bank, NJ!
Here is a slide show of the many workshops being offered at Art Opera from the many talented and well known artists:
Ruth Rae, Traci Bautista, Pam Huntington, Suze Weinberg, Terri Ventura, Ann Denise Anderson, Jenny Heid/Aaron Nieradka, Kecia Deveney, Heidi Wallingford, Linda Hahola, Joan Kettell and ME!

More photos of the workshop examples to be added as they come in from the artist.
Stay tuned for the mini workshop photos, free demo's at the Vendor Faire, Vendor List, Supply and Store Sponsors and Guest Speakers, Hotel Highlights, Art Opera Activities and tours, etc.

The music I choose for this slide show, represents the magic within this event anmd throughout our entire art community!

To register visit:
http://moonfairesworld.com/the_art_opera.htm

To Visit the Art Opera Blog for the latest updates:
http://artoperanj.blogspot.com/

To visit the Art Opera Ning Group for 24 hour updates from Art Opera, Art Opera Attendees, Instructors, Info on other art retreats, workshops and events:

http://www.artopera.ning.com/

Magic and Joy!
Lisa!

Midsummer Nights Silhouette Crown!

Visit: The Art Institute of Glitter Blog for the complete material list and directions on how I made this crown using their fabulous glitter click on the link to the project on their blog:
http://artglitterblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/midsummer-nights-silhouette-crown-by.html

The Story:
On a Midsummer's Day, deep in my secret garden, lives a colony of birds, bees, butterflies and all garden creatures with fanciful fairies, who all live in complete harmony, making magic from flower pollen to sprinkle on those that are lucky.

Every midsummer in late August or early September, these enchanted delights get ready for the end of summer ball, complete with glowing lanterns, dazzling stars, Mr. Moon's Dancers and a symphony of magical sounds created from violins and flutes. This party is the grandest of all, each guest is required to wear their ball gown or suit best, not to mention wear their shinest of jewels. The theme this year is Masquerade, so don't forget that elaborate mask when you come, or one will be given at the door......Now I must go and get ready for this spectacular ball.

Again please visit the art glitter blog for the project instructions on how to make this crown!

Conservatoire Du Cirque d'Alice!"Conservatoire Du Cirque d'Alice" translate from French to English: "Alice's Circus Conservatory" This is a new piece I created which is part of the Storybook Friends Collection and is inspired by vintage storybooks, their whimsical and enchanting characters. For this piece I choose to work with my favorite storybook: Alice in Wonderland and my signature Carnival/Circus theme. The main character of this storybook piece is a yellow chix named Alice, who comes back to Wonderland to visit the Circus, and gets transformed into costume as a chix for the day, while enjoying the many treats that this circus has to offer.
Alice is scene here through the looking glass entering Berrie Diddle Dee's Fun House of Sugary Sweets, notice the edible sugar bulbs hanging over head and the lollipop columns and gumball lanterns surrounding her. Everything about Berrie Diddle Dee's Fun House is sugary sweet, a candyland utopia filled with everything edible, there is even a gondola boat made from hardened marzipan which floats you out of the fun house on the cherry cocktail water stream, all who leave the fun house receive a sour cherry heart candy wand, curteousy of The Queen of Hearts Confectionaires.

Stay tuned for Alice's adventure at the Circus! For Project directions on how to make your own glass jar vignettes/glass assemblages/glass jar fairies/jar cozies visit or pick up a copy of my book: "Altered Art Circus", Quarry Books!

This piece of Storybook Magic was created from a canning jar (ACMoore), Acrylic paints (Ranger, Ink) and Pink Paint (Plaid), Glitter (Art Institute of Glitter), Clay (Model Magic), Scrapbook Paper (Prima), Crepe Paper (Blumchen),Forget Me Knots Paper Flowers (Paper Source), Tinsel Sheets (Candyland Crafts) and other fab supplies.

A Midsummer Night's Paper Dream!

Its been quite a busy summer, I have been working non-stop on new works, commissions, submissions, deadlines, workshops and my business orders. A few weeks ago I saw something out of the ordinary, something magical and well odd. I was gazing upon an unusual sized ladybug type insect, walking happily along my garden room wall. I blinked my eyes a few times, and it was still there, red in color with tiny polka dots, this beautiful insect looked like a Lady bug Queen, straight out of one of my imaginative stories.

I turned my head for one second, and when I returned, this fascinating creature was gone, no where to be found in the room, needless to say, I knew it was late and crawled upstairs to bed. Now to some this encounter would be merely dull, but to me, it was a moment of enchantment on a warm summer night in August. The next morning I woke up feeling happy, energetic, inspired and LUCKY. In some folk legends, Lady bugs are a sign of good luck/good fortune, some happiness and in others love, but like many icons in folklore, each one has its own meaning, but I'll stick w/the luck interpretation.This was a morning that escalated into a wonderous one, an inspired day, works completed, contacts made, I was very productive. The past 2 weeks would bring me new art, and business relationships. During this time I came into contact w/Tiny Prints, a truly exquisite company, which possess such inspiration and exceptional products that it takes you a whole day to get through all the illustorous eye candy on their site.

However Tiny Prints isn't just a card site, but your ONE STOP SHOP to a Paper and Card Wonderland, they have everything you need for that special event, beautiful invitations, card wares, and stationary, favors, accessories, photo books and more. Whether you are searching for that special baby announcement or party invitation, a moving card or wedding program, TINY PRINTS is wonderful, one look at their site and I became instantly hooked.

A few weeks ago my dear friend Lara asked me; "Do you want to do our Halloween Party this year?" Then Lara and I finally agreed to host it, but where and when? was the next question we asked each other. After much careful planning we have decided for a few weeks prior to Halloween as to keep our party isolated from the other Halloween parties which will be popping up, now comes the fun part: "INVITATIONS" I'd like to have a simple invitation, great background and graphics, unique, yet in-expensive, that's alot to ask for in an invite, but a question that crosses many party host minds when investing in an invite, after all, to me an invitation can really set the mood of the event you are hosting. When choosing one, sit back a minute and ask yourself some of the following:
1. What is the theme of your event/party
2. What mood are you trying to set
3. Is this event more geared for children, teens, college, adults or seniors.
4. Time of year
5. Your color scheme (keep it simple, stay within 3 to 4 colors)
example: A Cupcake Bday Party:cream, white, pink and red (or eliminate one color and add a fun pattern)
example: Halloween Party: black, orange, yellow, cream or brown, pink, red and orange (think out of the normal color box)
6. Budget, how many invitations are you going to need?

These important questions can help you design your party and the accessories needed to go with it. The following are some of the invites that are catching my eye for the party:
Pumpkin Heads by Tiny Prints
Classic Candies by Tiny Prints
Fer-ocious Feline by Tiny Prints
To view all their Halloween Invitations and cards click on this link below:
http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/halloween-party-cards-invitations.htm
From Tiny Prints:"You don’t have to succumb to the temptations of trick-or-treating this Halloween—instead, host an eerily cool party with our Halloween party invitations! Lure your guests into your lair with enchanting Halloween cards or put your guests in a festive mood with ghoulishly gorgeous Halloween party invitations. These Halloween party invitations are the perfect way to celebrate without having to deal with empty calories or a cheesy cat costume!"

Afterwards I'll be making a personal photo book for myself of all the images from the party, like a digital scrapbook, and we all know how I love photos and books!
http://www.tinyprints.com/photo-books.htm

As soon as you see a site you love or products that you believe in, doesn't your heart rate pump faster, mine does, so when I see a wonderful site, product or location, I can't wait to share with everyone I know. The best part with Tiny Prints is their whole company is a pleasure to deal with, so not only do you get a great product, but great service. Please visit their site at: http://www.tinyprints.com/ and see all the producst they have to offer. Look for more posts and info from me regarding my adventures to Tiny Prints.


Oh and stay tuned for a project on how to recycle those invitations, cards, programs and menu's you receive or have left overs of. I turned a bridal shower menu into a tiara, my 30th birthday invite into a mask and my Christmas cards into a holiday banner.

Step by step projects on these soon!
Magic and Joy!
Lisa!

"Art Opera April 7-10, 2010 now open!
Registration for this event is now open on my website at: http://www.moonfairesworld.com
or click on the art opera page: http://moonfairesworld.com/the_art_opera.htm


Also at the event is the 1rst ANNUAL ART OPERA AWARDS!
Whether you are attending the event as a full or a la cart attendee, whether you are vending or even if you can't make it, all are encourage to vote for your favorite authors, designers, crafters, artists and more. The Art Opera Awards has been created as a way to thank and recognize those who have acheived and are acheiving so much to inspire all of us in the field and outside the perimeters.

Voting begins on Oct.1, 2009 and will run til March 1, 2010. Voting forms will be available on or before Oct.1, 2009, each nominee will be notified by email and all winner will receive an award and additional recognition at the Art Opera Orientation Dinner! These awards are the oscars, the goldens, emmys, tony's,music,etc awards of our field. Now its time to be recognized and thanked for the contributions you have made!

If there is anyone I should know about, please email me their names at:
lisakettell@yahoo.com

If you would like to donate business cards, moo cards, company merchandise, buttons, store coupons, discounts, supplies, artful wares and goodies for the goodie bag please email me at the email address above!

Magic, Hugs and Joy to you all!
Lisa!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Gala!
Over the weekend, many bloggers escaped into a magical place filled w/munchkins, flying monkeys, yellow brick roads and the Emerald City, not to mention some high profile people: Glinda of Oz, Wicked Witch from every corner, The Wizard and Aa girl named Dorothy. This place could only be one place, The Wonderful Oz!

There was a blog party hosted by Twyla and Lindsey over at: http://twocrazycrafters.blogspot.com/

And what a party it was. Un-fortunately I could not escape into Oz for the weekend, as my valuable magic computers ran out of magic, due to a new anti-virus system and storm which has resulted in an un-magical router box, being replaced asap. So I had to wait until internet service (from the grand computer wizards), in order to re-visit the party and all the enchanting blogs which took part in this event.

Since I couldn't create as much magic as I had wanted to, I have included for all the wizard of oz attendees and faerie enchantment followers, some freebie images and a wizard of oz collage sheet to use in your most magical of art projects!



I hope you can create a world of magic with these and I thank you for visiting!
Magic and Joy!
Lisa!

Tinsel Wonderland Workshop

Welcome to the Xmas Workshop and Artful Treasure Hunt entitled: Tinsel Wonderland, located in Historic Lafayette, NJ on Saturday December 5, 2009 inside the 1850’s Lafayette Mill Antiques Center and the Old Vaudeville Theatre!

Workshop is limited to 30-35 students only.

Theme:

Art Nouveau Victorian, Do you have an elaborate, crazy or vintage hat you have always wanted to wear? What about a frilly shirt, ruffled collar or soiree skirt, velvet pants or velvet coat, fur stoll or vintage gloves, rows of pearls, glistening crystals in red, black, clear, green or dazzling aurora, rhinestone pins or a ladies sash? Have you ever wanted to wear these timeless pieces? Then please do, I know I will, come in your vintage best, or just wear that fabulous hat or dazzling necklace, let’s set the tone for the holiday season.

Itinerary:

-Event Time is 9 am to 6pm
-Breakfast starts at 9am till 10:00am inside a quaint Anne of Green Gables Style Cafe which is known for their Gourmet and Simple Foods and is situated in the middle of numerous antique stores and across from my favorite of all: Lafayette Mill Antique Center, this place is also a favorite among other artists. Its so fabulous, that I warn you, you might night leave, the entire up stairs looks like a place straight out of a Vintage Time, filled w/secrets and magic, right out of Santa’s Toyland or Old World Storybook.

During breakfast you will be given your special goodie bags filled with project kits and surprises.

-The Workshop starts at 10:00am-2:00pm students will make a project straight out of a Tinsel Wonderland, this part of the workshop is called Santa's Toy Apothecary!

Students will make a clay/paper mache christmas tree doll with china doll head face, faux mercury glass bulbs, tinsel bulbs, tinsel sheets and tinsel treasures. You will also make an illustrated and distressed tag to go with your piece.

What you will learn:

-Doll making, clay sculpting, mold making, primitive/vintage painting techniques, how to make your own glitter and faux mercury glass. You will learn light illustration and distressing techniques as well from: Lisa Kettell, ooh that's me....

More Information:

-Enjoy hot chocolate and surprise treats as you welcome in the Christmas and Holiday Season, set inside a village straight out of Dickens Book.

-Enjoy a symphony of Christmas and Holiday music to get you in the spirit of the season.

-After Class we will begin shopping inside the Lafayette Mill Antiques Center and start Treasure Hunting, afterwards we will hit a few more antique shops all within fast walking distance.

-Dinner after the event is optional, but you are invited to tag along to the Lafayette House for dinner as well.

-There will also be some giveaways and I'll be hosting a swap or two before hand as well, again seating is limited since this is a smaller event and only for one day.

-Price for this full day of workshop, treasure hunting and surprises will be $150 registration will remain open until fill, once sold out, the next big event will be the ART OPERA April 7-10, 2010

-This workshop price also includes your project kits/material fees, so NO EXTRA material fees its all included.


Location/Directions:

Lafayette Mill Antiques Center
12 Morris Farm Road (Just off Route 15)
Lafayette, NJ 07848 (973) 383-0065
http://www.millantiques.com/

1hour from NYC
40 minutes from Warwick, NY
1hr 15min from NJ Shore
35 Min from Morristown, NJ
35 Min from PA border (Poconos Area)
1 hr from Pa border (Allentown Area)
1 hr 15min from New Hope, Pa/Lambertville, NJ
1 hr 45 min from CT border

To Register Visit: http://artoperanj.blogspot.com Once on this site, Please use the paypal button on the right to purchase your workshop.

Contact me about paying on layaway in 3 installments of $50 at: lisakettell@yahoo.com

To pay by check or money order please contact me at: lisakettell@yahoo.com


Visit:
http://artopera.ning.com/
To join the art opera group!

Meet the Storybook Toys, Friends of the Charlottes!
Pictured are: Violette, Bluebelle, Taffy, Pippie, Piccadilly and Percy!Each Doll is hand sculpted, (no molds), painted, felted, glittered and brought to life w/ a variety of techniques, each started with an illustration! These dolls are apart of my new illustrated doll line.
Now available on Etsy at http://www.moonfaires.etsy.com/
or click on the direct link to their listing at:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29165141
In my Etsy Store you will be able to pick which style doll you want and it will be handmade and assembled for you, all one of a kind.If there is a specific toy wood block base you'd like, I will do my best to accomondate you!For your doll you must pick between these styles: A. Violette B. Bluebelle C. Taffy D. Pippie E. Piccadilly F. Percy. Then your doll will be handcrafted and mailed off to you safe and sound. Each doll w/their toy block measures between 5 1/2 inches to 6 inches tall.The dolls are available and custom dolls as well!Magic and Joy!Lisa!

Their Story:
A whimsical symphony of music can be heard in the faint distance, as you walk closer it becomes more profound, sending delightful chills through you. Now just a short distance away the smell of chocolate, candy apples and cotton candy have filled the air, flickering lights in colors of the rainbow can be seen over head, the pitter patter of footsteps abound. Birds with pointy hats can be see flying overhead followed by racing dragonflies and Charlotte Flying Muses.

"Where is that red and white striped gate?", you have just asked yourself outload, then a little voice replies, "Straight ahead bare a quick left by the grand oak tree"
You turn to find a tiny chick who introduces himself as Piccadilly, an enchanting chick with a tinsel hat. After a grateful sentiment, you proceed ahead, bare a quick left at the grand oak tree and voila there it is, The red and white gate!

This is an enormous sized wooden gate with 2 pink column turret structures attached to it, followed by a line of giant bushes, to thick to pass through. The sign on the gate reads: "Ring Bell, To Enter", Once you ring the bell, the door slowly opens, revealing more and more glimmers of light and amusement.

Within minutes the gate opens to reveal the most magical, the most enchanting, the most amazing site to lay upon the eyes, a feast of pure imagination begins to surround you as you enter this most mystifying place. A Carnival, A Toyland, Storybook Land, A Fairyland, what else could you call it? Wizards of every kind, fairies, carnival-ites, real life dolls, charlottes and toys. "Could that be Pinoccio walking with a Princess?" "Is that a pool of mer-chicks frolicking around in the water?" As you walk by, you come across the most fabulous carousel ever seen with gilded golds, pinks, aquas, every color of a cupcake palette, with beautiful storybook characters gracing its floors, did I mention it is a three tier carousel!

Just around the corner from the carousel is The Magic Toy and Apothecary Shoppe, owned and operated by Percy Withermoore who also owns The Percy Withermoore Circus!
One glimpse through the large framed windows, one can see rustic shelves lined w/colorful bottles in odd shapes and sizes, ornate handmade toys and special goodies, a feast for the eyes.

In the garden of Mysterious Delights located on the outskirts of Storybook Land, is filled with secrets labrinyths, and tunnels, which lead to many other areas of Fairyland, including the Land of Charlottes, who are close friends with the Storybook Toys and Friends, One day if you come across a flickering light caused by a sweet chick, ask him or her the way to Storybook Land!