Well...This is Curious...

Hmmm...so today, this space is supposed to show various cute dolls that I've been working on for the last few weeks. When I tried to upload pics, I get THIS sort of thing:

Ok, feel free to unbend your neck and read normally, now. So after a dozen or so tries, the photo loader apparently STOPPED loading pics altogether--it acts like it's working, but--nope--once it's DONE uploading, I have no pic at the end. Again, I've been wresting on and off with it for a good couple of hours.

Needless to say my li'l parade of dolls has fizzled for the moment. Cross your fingers that I can figure this out before my Magical Halloween Carnival begins! DOH!

Maybe tomorrow I can get this done? In the meantime, I now have a FULL list of the events for the Carnival (click the above red linky for the rundown, scroll to the bottom of the post)

Mystery Unveiled!

Hello Lovelies!

Alright, I teased you a bit with yesterday's post regarding a "mystery" I had in the works! And I WILL get to that, but bare with me for a bit of sort-of-related news...

1. I still have the Holiday Ball Swap afoot. If you are a doll artist or doll crafter and would like to join in, you can see that post HERE. You can also see my previous swap hosting, such as The Mermaid Parade and Monsters in the Closet, which drew nationally known doll artists and crafters...what fun those were!
AGAIN, the DEADLINE TO REGISTER is OCTOBER 15th and the deadline to send out your dolls in DECEMBER 5th...so hurry and register if you wish!

2. I keep mentioning dolls that I've finished and I'll finally have a small parade of them TOMORROW! No really, I mean it. (grumblegrumble notenoughhoursinthedayforart grumble). So join me again, TOMORROW if you can!

Alright...so, having gotten those creative topics out of the way...I wanted to highlight that, you, like me, are dedicated to creative, imaginative, and fun stuff...and, like me, you probably love Halloween..right?

I used to think I was the only "Halloween Queen" around here, but since then, I've come to find many other creative souls who flourish madly during the month of October. Oddly, however, I've found I've never went quite to the full lengths I've always wanted to for Halloween, so I thought this year, why not change that (or, as Mama used to say, "if you're gonna do something, you might as well do it all the way").....so here goes:

Folks, I am doing 31 WHOLE DAYS of Halloween Madness on this blog!
Yep, you heard Correctly! (And yes, I know I mentioned keeping this as a sales blog, but sometimes you just have to have to be creative for a month!)
Starting October 1st, there will be Halloween Lore, recipes, tips, tricks, treats, giveaways and the whole shebang ALL having to do with Halloween! (Yes, this is probably a complete lapse of sanity, but at least it should be FUN!)


Every Day, I will post something new regarding our most favorite creative holiday, and YOU can participate! How?
*If you own a blog or business that mostly focuses on Halloween, EMAIL ME at beyondvagabond@gmail.com and let me know--you will be listed on the days I profile Halloween recommendations.
*If you have FUNNY PICTURES, or even want to guest write, then let me know by OCTOBER 1st! Free exposure shall be had by all who participate...

*Other ways to take advantage of the Halloween Goodness: Sign up NOW to become a follower, as I have several giveaways planned! Speaking of which...

Here is an overview of the Month, already planned. The blank spaces denote my holding out for writers/advertisers and recommendations.

This is a veritable table of contents/preview of yummy and funny Halloween things to come!

FINAL LIST! October:

1. Welcome to the Magical Halloween Carnival! Parade of Vagabond Halloweeny Creatures!
2. A History of Halloween
3. A Spooktacular Giveaway! 3 Prizes and Pumpkin Contest!
4. Victorian Superstitions and Spells for Halloween
5. A Few Blogs of Note For Halloween
6. Animals/Symbols of Halloween
7. Halloween Goodness and Recommendations
8. How to make a (Scrap)Book of Shadows!
9. Famous (and Creepy) Haunted History
11 Tasty KitchenWitchery
12. More Halloween Blogs of Note: Artists and other creative Souls
13. Devilishly fun films, books and other Halloween Haunts
14. History of Vampires
15. Deadline for FALL DOLL SWAP SIGN UP!
Spooktacular Giveaway Winner #1 Announced!
16. Halloween Party by a fanciful TwistPost
17 Announcement of HOLIDAY DOLL BALL SWAP PARTNERS
18. Garden Witchery and Flower Magic
19. History of Werewolves and other monsters...
20. Spooktacular Giveaway Winner #2
21. More fun Halloween links online!
22. FULL MOON FABLES
23rd ~ A Tea Party Under A Halloween Moon Post
24th ~ Costumes, Anyone?
25th ~ OPEN
26th ~ OPEN
27th ~ OPEN
28 Spooktacular Giveaway Winner #3 Announced
29th ~ SPECIAL DOLL SURPRISE...
30th ~OPEN
31 HALLOWEEN SURPRISE WINNER for Pumpkin Contest!

So for those of you who are interested, feel free to copy the button above, and I hope to see you here at the beginning of October!

Ahhhh, what have I gotten myself into! May the Halloween Mayhem Begin!

And Now...For a Mysterious Post!

Hello Friends!

What a weekend! Creativity and blog fun was the name of the game!

Before I get to our mysterious topic at hand, I wanted to quickly thank ALL of the participants of the Practical Magic Blog Party! Especially it's hosts, Justina of La Boheme Magique and Anna of Frosted Petunias! What a wonderful idea, ladies!! For those of you who missed out on my post, simply scroll down for witchy goodness....and click the link above to read the magical entries of 200 other participants! Thank you so much!

Alright...now to our curious subject at hand: I had a wonderful post all rearin' to go yesterday, but this morning I was hit with one of those ideas that--as I remember this quote from my childhood--is "so crazy, it JUST MIGHT WORK!"

It's inspired by my love of Halloween and creativity and the crazy, imaginative stuff that I'm sure inspires most of you. AND, it involves YOU, TOO! Yep, you! Fun shall be had by all in a brand new blog event......

So what's all the hoopla about? Is it creepy? Curious? Just plain spooky?
I can't let "the cat out of the bag", just yet! But.....

JOIN ME HERE TOMORROW AND I'll let you know! But I promise you, it should be VERY INTERESTING, indeed!!
Mwaahahaaaaaaa.....

The Practical Magic Blog Party!

Find the Practical Magic Blog Party HERE

~*Once upon a time, there existed a Magical place..... where Practical (and not-so-practical) Magic was practiced in an enchanted home.....

As Halloween approached, one could see all of the spirited

A sign greets all who enter....


Charmed toys say hello....



In the kitchen, you may taste magical brews, as you enter the....



Let us make a magical tea using these spoons....


Ahhh, perhaps a recipe will do! Let us open the **Magical** book....


Here you will find potent witch's brews....


Halloween Traditions and tidbits...


And herbal lore and remedies...

Now....let's see...what are we looking for? Oh yes!

Amas Veritas Tea

Huge batch dried Lemon Verbena Leaves
1 large lemon
1 Cinnamon Stick
1 tsp. Orange Water
Honey
Rose Petals (optional)

In a large Cauldron (or kettle, if you prefer), boil Lemon Verbena for 10 minutes, until lemon verbena scent fills the room. Turn off kettle, squeeze large lemon into brew. Grind small portion of cinnamon into brew. Add 1 tsp orange water to tea. Steep tea. Pour into teacup of choice. Add a small drizzle of honey. Add sugar cube. Stir clockwise, and dream of that thing you love. Rose petal can be added for affect. Imagine happiness and positivity coming your way! For full effect, best done by full moon! ENJOY!

We think the little witch in you will approve!

Thank you for visiting! May you have a MAGICAL DAY!

Halloweeny Magic!

FINALLY! The Halloween Magic works it's way into the Vagabond Studios!

I've managed to get a few little Halloweeny munchkins together and ready for new homes! Take a look at these new Vagabond Creations:

Here are Mischief and Mayhem: The Double Trouble Halloween Kitties! (though they really are sweeties!)

And may I also present Halloween Vagabond: The King of All Hallows

Both are cloth dolls that have been painted, sanded, repainted, detailed and given accessories such as buttons and ribbons.

Of course since I'm running out the door (again!)--I'll have these listed in my Etsy shoppe this weekend!

I also am still busily making MORE HALLOWEENIES in-between the job and all other madness around here---which you can read about on my other blog.
CLICK HERE TO READ: "Autumnal"

a FEW Sneak-Peeks at new Halloweenies:

In the meantime, one more bit of magical news! I'll be participating in the PRACTICAL MAGIC Blog event THIS SATURDAY--yep, that's tomorrow!

So stop on by to see my mysterious, mystical and magical offerings right here, for you!

Until then, have an enchanted Friday!

Halloweeny Musings and Updates

Hello Friends!

Just a few words about things going on around here! First, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful responses regarding the Holiday Doll Ball swap (which you can see HERE, in case you missed it!) Wow, everyone! So many wonderful and diversified dollmakers and artists!

REMEMBER, you can register until OCTOBER 15th! And you should have your dolls in the mail on Dec 5th!

*ALSO ~ Please EMAIL me instead of just commenting beneath the posts, that way I can get other information from you! Please send your emails to: beyondvagabond@gmail.com

I have compiled a list of those who I know are in the swap in a list on the top right-hand side of this blog. If you don't see your name here, this probably means that for some reason I didn't get an email from you, or I am not sure that you are interested in the swap for some reason. So please just email me again, or leave another comment here saying you emailed me, and I'll put you on the list!

Next ~ I know I mentioned my Halloween Dolls to you and, as usual, I am a wee bit late with them. There are actually quite a few in the making, so here is a Sneaky-Peeky at them.
THEY ARE going to be in my Etsy Shoppe by Monday and, if I'm super-fast, they might even make an appearance Sunday night!

Double, Double....


Toil.....


And Trouble!

Finally! I'm happy to announce that I'm participating in this amazing and ingenious Blog Event. If you loved the move "Practical Magic" (and you know who you are!), then this is a wonderful event that is happening Sept 25th--and it's NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP!


I LOVE Practical Magic (hey, isn't every day a magical day?) and frankly, if I could live in the house in the movie, that would be a dream come true! Although I guess my weird little "Haunted House" is wonderful enough for me!
So join the fun!--click on the link at the top of the right sidebar here--then join me here as I celebrate all things "magical"!

Up Next: Halloweeeen Dolllieeees from Vagabond Creations! Mwahahahaaaaa!

And Now: A Few Announcements!

Hello Again Friends!

Apparently I've done the unthinkable and MANAGED to post in a TIMELY FASHION! Amazing, I know!

It's been a wild and wonderous week here, with much painting and sewing and whimsical fun! I'm pleased to say (almost shocked, actually, since I almost never have time for dollmaking!) that I'm almost done with a whole slew of Halloweenies, to be placed in "Ye Olde Etsy Shoppe" later this week! So stay tuned!

In the meantime, a few announcements!

FIRST ~ after much consideration, pacing, nail biting and cookie eating, I've finally decided that I will be moving the DESCRIPTIVE PART of my art life over to my other blog, BEYONDVAGABOND. What does this mean to you, Dear Readers? Well, this site will now be a selling BLOG. You will find my dolls and other curiousities for sale, and it will also be a wonderful place where I will hold my swaps, and for other blog parties/contests that I will participate in.

I don't know if this will confuse or complicate things more but at least it makes sense now, it seems! So if you are keen on reading about my loopy adventures, feel free to click on the red link, above and join my other blog :)

Speaking of SWAPS, the next bit of news! I finally, FINALLY am getting to hosting another one!
Some of you may remember The Mermaid Parade and The Monster Mash. After thinking about it a bit, I decided to create another swap for those in a Holiday mood!

Drumroll Please........

(click to enlarge)

WELCOME TO THE HOLIDAY DOLL BALL!
An enchanted party where holiday dolls are swapped by all!

SO HERE ARE THE RULES (PLEAAAASE Read carefully before contacting me if you are interested in this swap).

1. DEADLINE to JOIN THE SWAP: October 15th.
YOU SHOULD HAVE THE DOLL IN THE MAIL TO YOUR PARTNER: December 5th

2. The SWAP GOAL: Create a doll of ANY HOLIDAY of your choosing, to be swapped. What do I mean by this? Witches, cute snowmen, frightful snowmen, The Queen of Hearts (Valentine's Day), Monsters in the Closet, Santas, Angels, Happy Easter Bunnies, Vampire Bunnies...your imagination is the limit but the dolls MUST REFLECT A HOLIDAY THEME...

3. Swaps are open to doll artists and high end crafters. If you are not sure if I am familiar with your work-- PLEASE SEND AN EXAMPLE OF your work in your initial email so I can better match you with a partner.

4. All styles of doll making are allowed. If you create prims, great. If you are a dark artist, wonderful. We accept fairy, folk, clay, cloth and all doll styles in between. *WARNING* I've noticed it is hard to place straight-out GORE type dolls, so this may be the only caveat for those of you joining the swap.

5. Open to USA and overseas friends.

6. Please carry the badge (above) on your blog, etc, if you'd like, so as to invite more wonderful artists. More artists means a great, variable, fun swap.

7. * A big note: Alright friends, here is where I am sort of a party pooper, but it needs to be said: I've done enough of these swaps to notice a few things, and I am hoping to avoid these:

~PLEASE PLEASE know that swaps are an expression of your art, and friendship.
If you are joining this swap (or any other, really) with the mindset of "what can I get/which great artist might I be paired up with", you will probably be sorely disappointed when you don't get your wish. If you join us with the idea that you will make a wonderful/creative piece to be given away in the spirit of fun, I find that swapping will be rewarding. Please keep this in mind when joining a swap.

Having said that, I will do my best to pair everyone up with a fun and creative partner!

8. If you are interested in this swap, please email beyondvagabond@gmail.com with your name, business name (if you have one, so I can put you on our blog list of members), what style of doll you prefer (prim/fairy/goth/etc), and possible colors you prefer in your doll.

MANY THANKS, and I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOOOOOON!

UP NEXT! Halloween Dolls and a bit of "Practical Magic"

Swaps and Strange Journeys....

Hello Friends!

So as I mentioned, I am back from a long strange trip that took up most of my summer. Most of this involved working with bees (and people who had issues with bees, as our crazy bee operation is located in the middle of the city. Trust me, it's not fun working through red tape, and people who either hate bees, or want so much to work with bees that they find "interesting" ways to try to get free beekeeping lessons or free honey!), and even my new part time job as the manager of an urban farm took quite a bit of time.

While I loved most of the work I did, it was quite involved and in reality, it took me away from doing any type of art, which really was difficult for me. So now, I am slowly inching my way back to writing and painting and doing those things that I really love doing.

I apologize if I've been remiss in reading everyone's blogs--I really miss doing that and I will be doing so shortly! How has everyone's summer been? What's going on in your world?

Two things happening here: for some time, in order to keep somewhat sane, I've truly contemplated just moving my life musings over to my other blog, Beyond Vagabond. There you will find the crazy world of my farming/country/old-fashioned love with the idea of horse drawn carriage transport. On this blog, I try to just stick to my art world, but I'm constantly finding that I am writing about my life anyway, or at least redirecting everyone over THERE to explain something similar. So here's a new thought: I wanted to ADD in my doll making life to the rest over THERE, and just keep this open as a sale blog and for swaps/swappers. Of course, that would mean any of you, dear readers, would want to subscribe OVER THERE, but obviously that would be up to you. Any thoughts/comments/advice on this?

Speaking of swaps, I DID come out of my shell a bit, and decided to join a swap this past month. The lovely Kim Maillard of Prims By Kim (click on that link, you will LOVE her sweet mohair and old fashioned looking stuffed animals!) and her partners hosted a swap for old fashioned, prim, and artistic Halloween dolls in a truly wonderful Halloween Swap!

I was paired with wonderful Tim and Bebe Yeary of Off the Beaten Path Designs. Their dolls and creations are truly amazing, with many prim and old fashioned details, and I will say I am quite a lucky girl to be paired with this talented duo.

So---here is what I sent them. This is Luna the Tiny witch of Halloween. I would guestimate she was about 8" tall. Her little friend Spook went along with her, as did some candy, stickers, and other Halloween goodness.



And HERE, may I present to you the stunning Off The Beaten Path "Halloween Queen" (which is what I have named her, she seems so regal):

(click to enlarge)

Isn't she amazing? She's almost 2 ft tall! And all of her details are TOP NOTCH! Her broom is made of a real tree branch and it has some sweet smelling plant (I think Sweet Annie) attached to it!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE her!

THANK YOU TIM AND BEBE! You are just stellar!

I even loved the cute little tags they sent along with the doll:

Cute, right?

Folks, I can't say enough about these artists--check them out if you are looking for quality art work, dolls, and more!

Up NEXT! A swap of my own! If you remember The Mermaid Parade and The Monster Mash, hold onto your hats!

Until next time, everyone, enjoy the last of summer and the beginnings of Fall and the Halloween Season! Mwahahahaaa...

WOW! What a LONG and STRANGE TRIP I've had!

Hello Friends!!

Yes, I know, I know....I've come out of the fog from a very long and strange trip I've had this summer. Those stories will follow soon, but I wanted to let you know that I AM here, and there are many things happening. All of these will be told to you ON TUESDAY!

There are tales of bees, dolls, a Halloween Swap (that I participated in) and a SWAP that I am planning! So stay tuned!

In the meantime, a question. Does anyone think that a Monster's Ball is too strange to finish in November? People have asked me about last year's "MONSTER MASH" Swap (CLICK HERE for last year's wonderful doll swap event), but obviously it would be too short notice to do something like that by Halloween....

Or....how about a Holiday Soiree? Dolls from all holidays, to meet on November 15th? Thoughts? Comments?

In the meantime, enjoy your Labor Day festivities, my fellow Americans! And enjoy a great weekend, Friends!