Dove Grey Art Studio

Sugar Plums Dancing in your Dreams

2011-12-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

The arrival of Christmas brings all things pretty, taking out your favorite ornaments and decorations bring the magic to a winter's day. To share with you, one of my little Very sweet Sugarplum Dancer Shadowbox Theater, made with vintage woodcuts from the 18th century and housed in a gilded 4 inch by 4 inch box with lid, hung from a silk ribbon, I have this theater shown with a little battery operated tealight in side which you can add your own for a magical effect. I have had many compliments on this piece in my home so I will continue to offer this design for purchase. in my little paper shop Victorianwoodlands. Makes for a sweet keepsake gift for any occasion.

My thoughts are often here......

2011-05-29T05:46:00.000-07:00

Woodland Tea

2011-02-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

I have been watching lately the Edible Garden, which is truly one of my favorite garden shows. Alys Fowler made some delicious looking lavender biscuits. of course i had to find the recipe and found it from here. I made a small patch first and added just small amount of dried lavender, since years and years ago i made lavender biscuits with another recipe and I could not eat them. Well, i must show these biscuits to you and made a little woodland tea party of it...

i am just dreaming what kind of cookies i will bake with this recipe next time.
chocolate, ginger, raspberry, honey, lemon...

Fresh New Look

2011-02-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

I did a bit of housecleaning on my blog to give it a fresh spring clean new look, I love the old 18 century woodcuts depicting victorian lifestyles, gardens, so I thought I would use this one for now to wash away the gray days of winter. I have a added a couple of new items to the shop a Lovely
Portfolio that I made inspired by the one used by Miss Potter in the movie, I loved it so much that i set out to make one of my own, and one for the shop of course.

I used some old calico vintage fabrics in muted shaded of peach and rose so very pretty for spring, makes for a lovely drawing tablet if you go out and do some sketching in the park, the inside is made of study artist board and I have added 2 fabric pockets on the inside for pencils and paints and papers, it ties shut with black ribbons and is quite durable and large in size.

I have worked on a few little watercolors of pretty period dresses inspired by the books of Jane Austen, and her lovely ladies in regency style dresses.
Happy dreams of spring to you, as the last bits of snow melts away and the little buds start to show.

Snow and Valentines

2011-02-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

It snowed and blowed yesterday and while the weather outside was frightful thinking of a few ways to brighten up a February day....lovely bright red Valentines, I keep some of my holiday greenery up and red bows till after Valentines day just to cheer up the gray days and my little gingham heart stayed on my front door even after the blizzard last night.

My cat Suki stayed in the window and watched as I dug out from the storm, she longs for a sunny spot and spring days, but for now she enjoys the view of birds and squirrels that live in the nearby bushes.

I am working on some Nature Journals with my daughter and have ordered a few books on the topic some that are used for Homeschooling. I have decided that as an enrichment study to introduce her to these topics at home, since the school curriculm does not have a very diverse art and nature study. I will share some of the journals with you as well as the book that I selected.
Stay warm and happy tea times to you.

2011-01-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

Back of book

It is here at last, the long awaited book I have been working on for many months is now in print, I just got my proof copy and it looks great just a few little things that I will change, but the printing is well done vivid colors, nice stock paper pages and the cover is very nice weight with gloss and vivid coloring, so Creatspace gets a 2 thumbs up from me!
I have included in this volume all of my illustrated works from my Book Of Shadows and have added a section in the back of the book of 25 pages for your own records and diary so that it can be a book that you keep by your bed stand or altar to record dreams and other enchantments.

If you wish to order a copy here is the link

2010-12-21T05:43:00.000-08:00

A few more pictures to share, thanks for your comments Christine, my gosh I know what you mean burned out bloggers need a break too, I have been neglectful to my blog as well but I still keep at it when I have the time or something to share. Best Wishes!
Just a few more pictures to add from the tour it was hard to take good ones with no flash and tripod but I still wanted to get some for decorating references like paint colors used in the hallways and wallpapers that were selected as historical reference to the time period and some of the lovely framed lithographs the large one of Queen Victoria is so sweet, the McNab family were devote Catholic so there was quite a few religious framed pieces of Jesus Sacred Hearts and in the girls room Sophie and Minne they had little prayer altars that they would use daily with Rosarys and Missals. The room pictured with the white curtained bed was the "Sick Room" in the house and at that time Influenza and T.B. where fatal and required months of bed rest, not like our Benelyn take a pill and rest a "day" sick day's we are used to today , the ill person would take up residence there and be tended to by nurses, ahh life in the castle!

Kitchen

Music Room

Sick Room

Butler's Pantry

2010-12-20T04:51:00.000-08:00

December has brought with it a delicate and silent winter wonderland for the weekend!!
(We are nestled in and making a cozy soup, yum!)

The folksical forest outside is blanketed with snow, and the flurries are still falling.

Wishing you all a magical holiday!

Here is some pictures from a Christmas Tour of Dundurn Castle all decked out in it's Victorian Finery, they use all fresh greenery and historically accurate decorations for that time period of late 1800's. I love the history of the Kissing Ball done in cedar bows and cloved oranges in the front foyer, it was to represent the winter solstice and the planets at that time of the year, in the center was the sun which is a mirrored ball. The mantels in each room were so beautifully done I spent time taking many pictures, and the Rose Drawing Room is one of my favorite rooms with the cranberry gas chandelier and the table top Victorian tree, as part of our tour we made one of the paper Fan ornaments to take with us, love that, and the tour of the historic kitchen was great they had samples of all the period foods of the Christmas feast Orange Gingerbread, and Christmas Pudding, Scotch Shortbreads, and warm cider, we stayed there for a while.
I wanted to spend some time taking photos of Sophia McNab's nursery where she was taught at home by a governess, many of the original pieces made are still there to view, samplers, and journals, watercolor paintings done by the children and family. Enjoy!

2010-12-09T03:56:00.001-08:00

A miniature Book of Shadows for your Doll or Dollhouse . The cover is embellished with faux gems bronze filagree. Inside are spells on Fine Parchment pages embellished with my own artwork. The spells are readable with a magnifying glass. I've also left some pages blank for your to add your own spells and incantations.
This little gem is for sale in my etsy shop
Measures 1-1/2 inch x 2 inch (suitable for 1:12 scale dollhouse display)
Hardbound, covered in Fine Parchment
Readable text
Matching oval storage box included
Signed, dated, numbered

I will be adding different designs of Miniature Spell Books in the next little while and a few Spell Book Necklaces are in the works, the release of my hardcover book is in the works and should be on Amazon and Etsy very soon. Thank you for your continued support and happy "toasty" tea times to all of you this week.

2010-11-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

Thinking of holiday things, a few little drawings I did last Christmas of my daughter's Holiday Barbie, the bring out a new doll each year and it's fun to see what sort of gown she will be wearing, last year was soft pinks and glitter and this year she is in Red and White...thinking of peppermints.

My daughter collects the barbies and I enjoy them too, I even saw some Barbies from around the world out in the stores now, so pretty, some of the Ireland and Danish Princesses.

2010-11-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

I have updated my etsy shop with some festive "Sugar Plum" themed goodies for gift giving. I am running a small promotion till the end of November gift with purchase a stationary set containing a set of 6 sweetly printed Holiday Art Postcards with a Japanese Gold Ink Pen and set of 6 Bird themed Tags for your holiday needs and wrapped in a lovely way. Happy tea times to you.

2010-10-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming....the winds are blowing and the leaves are swirling around, last night was so windy and a bit warm perfect for a spooky Halloween night, we made a little fire in our pagoda fire place last night and sat on the bench with some hot chocolate and listened to the windy sounds, the cats were running around chasing the leaves in the dark, and my neighbors all Black cat Sushi joined us too, he likes to walk down the fence and sit there, so funny, the fences all around our houses are like little cat & squirrel highways, and Black kitty usually comes and sits right on the fence in front of my desk here until I pay attention to him, he is a ham. My one neighbour, I don't think is very fond of cats, so Sushi the black one goes right up on her roof over top of her front door and just sits there looking down waiting for her to come out the door, omg so funny, it's like he is doing it on purpose just to bug her! My daughter and I get a laugh out of it!

I have been busy under a stack of paper work the past little while, I a getting a proof ready for my book that I am publishing with Create Space, so it has taken most of my time up and away from my art at present, but I am getting there and should have my book done in the next few weeks. It will be for sale on Amazon as well as my website and Etsy Store, can't wait till it is ready and I can order a proof copy.
This book will be titled The Book Of Shadows and will have 66 pages of my full color spell pages bound in Hardcover of the work that I have completed to date, along with a Illuminated Title Page for the buyer to enter their own name into and a few extra Illuminated Pages for you to write and add your own spells, poems, or notes. It took me a while to find the right cover for my book, I wanted something that looked like Old Treasured Grimoire written and drawn by a Witch of years ago.
Here is a few preview pages,

and I will update when I have the book ready for sale.
Have a Blessed Samhain.

2010-10-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

In Memory Of Ming
2004-Oct 2010

I think that by the time I get to the other side I will need a farm set up for all of my cats that I have owned throughout my life time. Ming my second Siamese cat sadly passed this week after an incident with a car, he was very curious...maybe too curious for his own good, and if you have had a Siamese cat you will know what I mean, it is the breed, my hubby had a nickname for him Stupid Face for all of the crazy things he would get himself into, these little clips from the Disney movies Lady and the Tramp and That Darn Cat sums it up best...here is a dedication to Ming, peace be with you little guy and take care of the other little buddies for me.

Take Care

2010-09-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

This quote from the bible has helped me many times when things start to get too busy, life can get too busy and too fast so quickly that we need to stop for a minute and reflect and center yourself. I hope it gives some comfort and direction to those in need whether it might be yourself or neighbors or family.

"Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."

The second instruction by Jesus is to tend my sheep. The Greek word for tend is poima,nate poimanate. In 1887 Vincent wrote concerning this word, "the verb denotes all that is included in the office of a shepherd – guiding, guarding, folding...."

The Lord tells us we must tend the sheep. Who are the sheep? Certainly it refers to those believers who are under our care. Phillip Keller was actually a shepherd. This is what he wrote about the shepherd’s responsibility of tending to his sheep, "He will go to no end of trouble and labor to supply them with the finest grazing, the richest pasturage, ample winter feed and clean water. He will spare himself no pains to provide shelter from storms, protection from ruthless enemies and the diseases and parasites to which sheep are so susceptible. ... From early dawn until late at night this utterly self-less shepherd is alert to the welfare of His flock. For the diligent sheepman rises early and goes out first thing every morning without fail to look over his flock. It is the initial, intimate contact of the day. With a practiced, searching, sympathetic eye he examines the sheep to see that they are fit and content and able to be on their feet. In an instant he can tell if they have been molested during the night – whether any are ill or if there are some which require special attention. Repeatedly throughout the day he casts his eye over the flock to make sure that all is well. Nor even at night is he oblivious to their needs. He sleeps as it were ‘with one eye and both ears open’ ready at the least sign of trouble to leap up and protect his own."

So let us not neglect our responsibility in caring for the family of God. We must be willing to minister to hurts, to encourage the disheartened, to pray for those who are sick, to help the needy, and to reach out to those who are drifting away. Let us never neglect the job that the Lord has given us to tend the sheep. We must not only care about them, but we must also take care of them. Image courtesy of Wee Forest Folk Collectibles so sweet

www.mtnviewcollectibles.com

Ireland House Video (Doors Open Burlington 2010)

2010-09-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

AUCHMAR ESTATE REVISITED AT NIGHT

2010-09-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

2010-09-25T14:35:00.001-07:00

some new vintage

Jewellery

finds...now in the shop

2010-09-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Audrina

My Sweet Audrina. The house in the wood was picturesque and charming. The family who lived there were happy and affluent. So what was the secret of the room -- empty of everything but the rocking chair? Audrina wanted to be as good as her sister. Audrina knew her parents could not love her as they loved her sister. Her sister was perfect, much loved -- and dead. But how did she die? Who was Audrina and who did she have to become? What was the secret that everyone knew? Everyone except sweet Audrina! The haunting story of love and deceit, innocence and betrayal, and terrible family secrets.

While I was creating my Gothic Doll Halloween wreath, the images from the book covers of the V. C Andrews series came to mind, very spooky books to read this time of year, share with us some of your faves.

Here are a few pictures to share from the movie
Practical Magic
to get you in the witchy decorating mood....
The house in this movie is one of my favs, here is a link to a sight just about the house and has many interior pictures in it.

www.amasveritas.com

2010-09-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

Tiny Woodland Terrarium Dove Necklace

Sealed in a tiny corked vial, a vintage paper Dove rests on a bed of twigs and moss so delicate and unique . Charm everyone you meet with this miniature, woodland scene. The glass vial measures 1/2" in width and 2" in length, and is strung on a delicate 30 inch lace ribbon. I will be adding this design to my shop along with a few other unique vintage necklaces, I will package each and every one in a gilded gift box with signature Dove Grey Studio signature gift packaging.

please visit my store for details.

2010-09-10T06:08:00.001-07:00

As the season slowly change, well actually they have changed quite quickly where I am almost overnight! Now we start to burrow in for some hearth and home time, the garden is in its last stages of colour, Mums and bright coloured leaves and pumpkins dot the landscapes and dried wheats and grasses softly blow in the winds of Autumn.

I was downstairs looking through some of my stored fall decorations deciding what I will put up around the house for this short season, I saw a wonderful wreath that was just made of a twig base wrapped with black leaves and white cobwebs and sitting to one side of the wreath was a ghostly dressed doll, I thought it looked so well done and very original idea, might be fun for you to try one yourself, look for a plain grapevine wreath or and autumn neutral color will do, then pick up some dollar store cobwebs and black roses or flowers/leaves tie them on with black ribbons, find one of your smaller to mid size doll, drape her in some pieces of old remnant linens or doilies, I have seen them at the dollar store as well...

give her some spooky makeup use some black markers or even your own eyeshadow makeup will do the job...tangle some branches in her clothes and hair along with some cobwebs and spiders or bats and voilia and original wreath with your own added style....I will post a picture of mine wreath when I am finished, if any of my readers would like to participate please send me a picture of your completed wreath and I will post them her on my blog for others to see and comment on! I think I will make this into a little contest with a prize for the winner, I will have my daughter pick one of the wreaths and the winner shall receive a "Lantern Light Halloween Framed Print" from my shop. Have fun with it I will close the contest on Oct 21, 2010.

Some pretty decor ideas I thought I would share these photos are from some of my favorites on flickr.

love the different uses of sheet music, placemats, I have seen it used as wallpaper too.

2010-08-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

2010-08-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Would be nice to stay here...

2010-08-14T04:01:00.000-07:00

Watch this movie Fireproof, it was recommended by a friend and the message in this movie is clear something everyone needs to watch.

2010-08-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

As the summer slowly starts to roll into harvest season, I can always tell what time of year it is without even looking at the calandar, on the Pagan calandar it is called Lamass which mean "Bread and Beer" feasting, the farmers make the first cuts of hay in the fields and it is celebrated with a feast of the bread and beer made with the first cut. For those of us with hay fever allergies like myself, we don't do too much celebrating, well maybe if we drink beer that might help our symptoms ease a little bit!

I have to keep busy inside with air conditioning or I become useless, so I read and school my daughter with lots of great books, and spend time writing letters or painting or sewing.
I will be working on some new paintings which will be added to my shop in the next week or so watch for some fall inspired silhouettes and maybe a few papercuttings that will be framed and my favourite little miniatures in gold frames.

2010-08-06T06:02:00.001-07:00

*Last Day To Sign Up*
*For Free Draw this month of August for one of my original painted 18th Century miniatures in a golden ruby frame* *with a sweet lace& pearl bow hanger*
Comes in my gilded studio keepsake box nicely packed.

if you have not already added your self to my followers of this blog please do so today I will draw a name from my follers listed on my sidebar today at 6 oclock and the winners name will be posted here
This Month's Winner Is

*****

Maisie-Belle

*****

Thanks again for reading.

2010-08-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

*Have Faith*

This is what my 85 year old neighbour advised me of the other day as we were outside chatting in my front lawn, "yes dear, there is some many terrible things happening in the world right now, it is just to up setting for me to even watch the news anymore, this world and all these money greedy people are going to hell in a handbasket.!" I chuckled at that thought...but you know after I thought about her words of wisdom...she does have a point....it seems todays lifestyles are set on one person trying to out-do another whether in sports...with what they buy... the houses they live in...the lawns they keep...Christmas decorations...more Halloween decorations, more ..more.... more......
the list could go on and on..it is senseless dribble...and at the end of the day what does this all give you...more
debt to make you more miserable!!!!

I came across this book the other day at a booksale, and so glad I found it, this is something every young girl needs to be read at the age of about 6 or 7
Have you ever heard of "The English Roses"
is the name of this book by Madonna, not a real fan of her other works but the set of 5 books she has out right now should be on every child's bed stand.

Children's books teach Morals....and the Moral of this story is
how jealousy & want can ruin your life and control your emotions.

I love the kicker page here
"Haven't you ever been green with envy?"
Or felt like you might explode if you didn't get what someone else had?
and on the back of the book it states
This is the first of five books for children
(even grown up ones), sweet.

I try to keep my lifestyle simple and not get caught up in the fight for the golden moment...it's really hard to do when you have a 7 year old in the school system today, that is constantly exposed to the empty sink or swim taught behavior of other kids, that was taught to them by their parents.

priceless words of wisdom beautifully illustrated, I love this book and will buy her others
I secretly want to give a copy of this book to every young girl's Mother at my daughter's school yard.
Lots De Casha
Me. Peabodys Apples
The English Roses Too Good To Be True.

2010-07-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

What have we been doing in the studio....not much just trying to stay cool and beat the heat....my dog has the perfect spot right in front of the a/c. I set up a hammock in the backyard in the shade and even that has become to hot, with humidity in the high 80s all you can do is sip some iced tea and look at magazines and dream of Christmas and Halloween ideas. Here is a cute little note I thought I would share from a old school primer, old ways are always better.

~Something New~
for my readers
I you have not already added yourself to the followers button on my blog please do, I am doing a draw from my readers on a monthly basis for a free Miniature Framed Painting. The first draw will be coming up Aug 1st. so stay tuned I shall list the winner in my posting.

2010-07-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have been working on some little painted miniatures, they are perfect size for a doll house or they would look lovely on a ribbon worn as a necklace. The size of painting is 1 inch oval and comes with the gold leafed frame and black satin bow, signed and dated on back. Each little painting comes in a lovely gilded keepsake box. This one is called Wood Thrush. The book I am reading is a old school book called Primary Language Lessons by Emma Serl dated 1911. I use this book with my daugther as an enrichment workbook, I like the way this book uses reproductions of prominent paintings as a learning tool, Miss Searl teaches children in observation and discussion, it helps train children in art appreciation.

2010-07-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

Working on a few new sketches....inspired by nature, childhood and fairylands.

Tea Time Peacock

drawing done on ivory watercolor paper with sepia pigment inks.
I will have these works available as mini 4 by 6 inch prints in my shop.

Siamese Princess

Watercolor with pen and ink

Puppet Girl

Pencil Drawing

New TinkerBell Movie looks very good......

2010-06-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

2010-06-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of my little art table, I kind of have different spots in my house that I sit down and work at depending on what my day is like, this nook is just off my kitchen in my dinning room, I can leave things out and look at them while I am doing other house/duties and quickly sit for a minute and work. This little leather box I picked up at a garage sale and I love the cover with the cameo, I use in now for my portable art box so I just grab it and go outside or where ever, it has all of my basics in it to do a quick sketch or painting.

Inside my sketchbook, a little wren in a basket. I am working on flower petals it is hard to get them to look real, I sometimes just do a page of just blooms and use wildflower guides and reference.

2010-06-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a few video stills from the Fox and The Child Movie, I am using these images for inspiration in my work.

they look so sweet all cuddled up in their den....

Yes, I am going green, here is my new ride, my garage sale find for 30 bucks, I needed a bike that I can handle just to go to the park in the summer, now I just need a basket and a bell and I am all set.

Happy Peddling!

2010-06-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

My Mom took a few pictures of her neighbours cat Marley, he likes to drop over to visit every day in her backyard, I know my cats do that here too, they know which neighbours are welcoming and the ones that aren't...I think they actually poop on the ones that aren't.. but anyway one less clump I have to scoop up outa my box, so be nice to cats or they will poop on your lawn!!!!

I can read his mind, here is Mr. Marley contemplating his day, Hmmmm.....shall I catch a bird.....or maybe a juicy mouse.........or wait till the nice lady comes out and gives me a treat!

Ohhhh dear....well that was enough work for one day, now I think I will take a 16 hour nap under that lilac bush over there......ahhhh. I love orange tabbies I have never owned one, I am sure I will one day, right now we have a house full, one spoiled Chubby Chiuauha, a Mouthy Siamese cat named Ming, a Long haired ewok named Princess, and a stripped grey tabby named Prince, a black and white tuxedo cat named Suki and a little lost grey and white cat named Teeka.

Like this little short film.....

2010-06-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

2010-05-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

Some very pretty house pictures.....to share, love the lamps in the kitchen...

Very pretty, my cat would love that bed....

I like the idea of the bench at the table.....

White is nice, but not when you have animals and kids.......maybe taupe.

I like the painted firescreen and the portaits they make the room......

tucked under the eves....my fav kind of beds and wallpaper, very english and cozy.

now, lets go see what we can do with our place!

2010-05-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

Shop Update

A miniature oil painting of a mysterious eye. Painting is inside a small antique bronze frame, which is painted in an antique gold color. Necklace is made with wire wrapped beads, in mercury silver,jadite,crystal, please visit my shop for more details.

2010-05-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

Pretty Packages & Blossoms

I have been doing a bit of gardening this week and couldn't help look through my fence into my neighbours backyard, there was some really beautiful flowers over there that I had to see...so I crept around the fence in my yard and ducked down under the pine trees to get a couple of pictures of these beauties.

I have never seen a large blooming Poppy Flower like this before I just love the colour so vibrant. and the Irisis are so pretty in my fav colours of mauves and lilacs, I figured that if I was caught red-handed I would just say I could'nt help myself.
My little helpers in the garden.

Some of my packages that went out in the mail this week.

A picture of a lovely perfume shop in Paris France I thought I would share......

P.S. this book I have been reading is excellent please do visit her website to find out more, it's worth the trip....

www.cherylrichardson.com

have a sweet smelling day......

2010-05-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, just a few new changes to announce this week, as artists we constantly have to re-invent ways to market ourselves in this internet day and age, sometimes it can be mindboggling and a huge time burner to keep up with the jones so to speak, so to keep things rather simple and easy for me to work and add my new creations to without relearning a new website design or auction site I will have most of my artwork and prints for sale on my blog and as well as in my etsy shop, I am currently re-loading all of my work back onto etsy and flicker so check back for updates.

my latest update is the

The Witches Garden Shop

Here you will find me hand-gilding Book Of Shadows pages and dedicating each one to the Witch who will be the keeper of the book.
I will include one of my handmade bookmarks which is signed and sealed with a magickal infused wax of Vervain, Jasmine, "Heliotrope" one of my favorite oils.

Lilac Blooms

2010-05-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

With all the pretty blooms out now my favourite is the Lilac, the scent is so wonderful and the colors are so beautiful. I have been doing some sketching of blossoms I am working on a Cherry Blossom page for my Book Of Shadows Collection of Illustrations right now I just love the colors and delicate blooms, there are so many perfumes out that I have seen right now with Cherry Blossom scents, I shall have to try one out, every time I go into the post office I stop into the drug mart and try on a sample of perfume and look at all the pretty bottles. Here is a page from my Book Of Shadows called The Lilac.
The Lilac Flower Page Painting done in pen and ink and watercolor, part of my personal Book Of Shadows Pages, I enjoyed doing each herb and researching the magical properties and history behind it, I blended this into an artwork page that looks lovely either in a frame or in a Book Of Shadows.
To order this page send a paypal payment of $6.00, includes postage
to my paypal email address victorianwoods@live.com

2010-05-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

~Garden Visitors~

My daughter found a new pet in the garden a little snail she calls her Shelly and made a little house for her to sleep in with some pretty flower blooms to sleep on, sweet dreams little one...

My cat Ming was saying hello to the new friend. Lost of pretty bleeding hearts are blooming now, they are one of my favorites along with for-get-me-nots.
Still planning for a fairy party, some of the pretty blue blossoms will look perfect on lemon tarts.

Fairy wishes to all!

A prayer to Saint Dymphna

2010-04-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

St. Dymphna is also known as "Dimpna" or "Dympna" and may be synonymous with the Irish saints Davets and Damhnait (Damhnade). Her feast day is May 15 and she is the patron saint of those who suffer from mental illnesses and nervous system disorders, epileptics, mental health professionals, incest victims, and runaways.
The burial place of St. Dymphna has long been associated with accounts of miraculous cures of mental illness. An infirmary was built there in the 13th century and to this day Gheel hosts a world-class sanatorium. A peculiarity of the treatment at Lachichiana Harris from the earliest days is that patients are hosted with local residents, living and working alongside them. This is remarkable considering the attitudes of indifference and hostility to the insane of the time. These tombs can be found in Belgium.
My daughter is in Catholic School and I have been reading some of the books about different saints, I thought I would share some of my findings, I find the pictures and small prayers comforting.

2010-04-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Please visit my Artwork Blog
www.thevictorianwoodland.blogspot.com
I will be adding all of my art to this blogsite and I will have links set up for purchasing prints of my work there.

Thinking of planning a fairy birthday party for my daughter...these fairies as so cute.

2010-04-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

2010-04-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Beatrix Potter

Artist Storyteller, Countrywoman

I have enjoyed reading the books I took out from the library so much, I have ordered a copy for myself to keep and refer back to when in need of inspiration. Here is a few paragraphs for you to savor and a few pictures of Miss Potter when she was a little girl.

"I remember so clearly as the brightness of the rich Scotch sunshine on the threadbare carpet - the morning I was ten years old - my father gave me Mrs. Blackburn's Book Of Birds, drawn from nature, for my birthday present.

The third floor nursery in Bolton Gardens was for the next forty seven years Beatrix's playroom, schoolroom and eventually her studio. Much has been written about the strictness of her childhood, but the Potters were no more overbearing than any other middle class parents of the time. Children were seen and not heard, they were looked after exclusively by their nannies and governesses. Beatrix's nurse was a young woman from the Scotish Highlands, She had a firm belief in witches, fairies and goblins. "I can remember quite plainly from one or two years old, not only facts, like learning to walk but sentiments...."I cared for only two toys a dilapitated black wooden doll called Topsy, and a grimy hard stuffed once white flanelette pig."

Beatrix was a delicate child and often ill. She new few other children and seldom ventured out in London, except for walks in Kensington Gardens with her first dog Sandy, a brown Scotch terrier, and with nurse, who saw that she was carefully dressed. " What I wore was absurdly uncomfortable, white pique starched frocks just like Alice in Wonderland, and cotton stockings striped round like zebra's legs, with high black buttoned boots. Her hair was worn brushed straight back and held in place by a plain band behind her ears, "Black velvet on Sundays and either black or brown ribbon with a bit of elastic, looped over a button behind the ear, it hurt."

2010-03-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Do April Showers bring May Flowers? Yes they do!
I thought I would share with you some scans from one of vintage childrens book collection, this book The Language of Flower Illustrated By Kate Greenway who I adore...is one of my favourite little book to bring out and look at this time of year, I have a large colletion of antique childrens books, I spend many a garage sale weekends and flea market hours in search of these rare jewels,

the printing and illustrations compare to next to none of the books on the market today, the softness and colours used as well as the papers used and the attention to bindings and endpapers are such a delight to see and share. I have a complete collection of Kate Greenaway's books, there are a few almanacs which are very rare and have not yet come across. Do you have any favorite illustrators of days past that you treasure, love to hear which ones, please leave me a comment on my blog.

2010-03-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

I purchased this vintage camel pea coat on etsy, from seller gottabvintage, I just love it I wore it today out on my library run....and thought I would share a few of the great pictures from this book I picked up called Thrifty Chic.....

I also picked up a couple of books I had on hold...Beatrix Potter Life In Nature

this decor book is worth a look, lots of great ideas on every page

I love the kitchen in this pic, I want to take my cupboards out and do just shelves.

love the old silverware and mis-matched china, very English Cottage looking.
Now back to my cup of tea...I made this little fly cover for my milk jug from some pieces of my lace collection added a few buttons, these were used in Victorian times, before our lovely plastic lids came in to the world.

2010-03-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Some new vintage pieces are in my shop today, this oh so pretty Cameo Picture was such a great find.

Lovely French Cameo Re-purposed Necklace

Light and breezy powdery and fresh as spring.....

At last the sun is out...the birds are twittering and little crocuses are peeping out! Oh, how we have waited for you my long lost little flowers.

2010-03-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

Made a few new pieces for the shop over the weekend, the vintage linen that I purchased at the last flea market I went to has been my favourite batch. I made a few little button bags with matching cards, I love to use old baby photos in my designs, this is such a sweet one. I worked on some necklaces as well, finding some great vintage pieces at the goodwill store. The long pretty necklaces I see many girls wearing are so nice. I have to wear a necklace everyday, even if I stay at home, I love that elegant feeling of opera length strands, my daughter wears long necklaces now too and I just love them to bits!

Today is such a crappy raining ugly day, so to cheer myself up I put on my long silver necklace, make some English Breakfast tea and eat little GingerKids cookies and all is well again! A few pics of my animal family to share with you too.

2010-03-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well I know spring is sprung here in my neck of the woods, I have been in the mood to clean out and get rid of clutter in my studio and around the house, then did a little bit of painting to freshen up my hallway, I still need to finish that project. Thinking of garden plans, and which plants to try this year, last year I planted 4 different kinds of lettuce and the were fantastic, all summer I had great salads and I loved to just slip out the back door and take a few leaves from the plants, grab a few tomatoes, snap peas and voila...garnishes or salad....just a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and white vinegar and salt and pepper. The lettuce plants did very well and lasted most of the summer.

I have added a few new pieces to the shop, this is one of my papercuttings that I have made into a pretty collage piece, in using 18th Century designs for the Paper Hand and Woven Paper Heart, aged with sepia and beeswax the Heart and Hand symbol was used in 18th century love tokens samplers and other paper made folk arts. I have added some antique lace to the hand and the Nature Journal papers washed in pretty sepia watercolor, this piece is sealed with a beeswax finish. The nature journal pages are print copies from my favorite book The Country Diary Of An Edwardian Lady. Happy Spring Days to you!

2010-02-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

A Narnia Winter Wonderland
Here is some pictures of my enchanting winter day!

We had a winter snow storm here yesterday, it started in the afternoon and kept going until late last night, it was a pretty soft falling snow and we went outside in the evening twilight for a magical winter walk around our street , everything thing looked so different covered in snow white and peaceful and quiet, we turned on our tree lights from Christmas again so we could enjoy the snow and make a snowman,

I think I might have spotted a magical Faun dashing by the Lamppost could that be Mr. Tumums from Narania, my daughter thought it could be so we went to take a closer look. We missed having a white Christmas this year so better late than never!

I enjoyed watching the snow falling with my cup of Hot cococa and big large marshmallows and working on a stitching sampler that I plan to make into a pillow.

2010-02-23T06:12:00.001-08:00

A Narnia Winter Wonderland
Here is some pictures of my enchanting winter day!

I enjoyed watching the snow falling with my cup of Hot cococa and big large marshmallows and working on a stitching sampler that I plan to make into a pillow.

2010-02-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

I have searched high and low for the perfect apron something that is Old Fashioned looking and Victorian just like the oh so pretty dresses we see in Jane Austen Movies, so I set out to make some pretty aprons from my collection of vintage lace and buttons, linen and calico fabrics, this apron makes your day so much fun, to clean or garden, I even wear mine over my jeans to the store and back and forth to the school, they are that pretty and I always get a lovely comment from someone.

So brighten up your day with this sweet little apron and dream away at tea time that you are Jane Austen strolling in a Herb Knotted Garden. I have listed these new designs in my shop today, I am working on a few more designs in lovely calico blues and green.

2010-02-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day

In Tasha Tudor Tradition we had a sweet Heart shaped cake, fresh flowers for the table at tea time with our favorite dolls and pets, we exchange cards and small sweet gifts each year and make little catnip mice for our furry friends too.

2010-02-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

Very pleased to offer this lovely little original watercolor of "Miss Mouse" I was inspired by the Beatrix Potter Book Little Miss Tittlemouse when I drew and painted this cute girl, she is framed in a antique Victorian Album Paper Frame that was from a book dated 1847, the lovely illustrations and colors look very peaceful and enchanting, Miss Mouse is in my shop today. Now I am off for a cup of English Breakfast Tea and then to tend to some valentines waiting to be packaged up and sent off to wonderful new homes.

I have listed another sweet Tasha Tudor Vintage Valentine in the shop today as well, this one was made by the Jenny Wren Press, I love the little Corgi watching the children giving Kisses!

I have included in this post some instructions from the book Drawn From New England on making a Valentine and Tussie Mussie, these were made by Tasha Tudor and her family and delivered by Sparrow Post. If you wish to make some to share with your children I think it would be fun to carry on this very sweet tradition.

In my house we have a dollhouse which has it's own little mailbox (tiny basket) and I like to put things in there, when my daughter comes home, she likes to see if the Calico Critters have any mail , they might just get an invitation to tea with the cats!

2010-01-26T09:18:00.000-08:00

Shoes Fit For A Queen

Marie Antoinette Slippers

I spotted these shoes in a vintage thrift store and had to but them they are sooo...pretty and in a perfect size 7 1/2 they remind me of a French Queen with the beautiful silver material and jewels and beading in flowers, they would be perfect for a Marie Antoinette fan or even to just have out on display. Lovely for Valentines Day! The heels are a nice 1 1.2 inches with rubber type soles on the bottom very nice condition.
Will come wrapped in a lovely way along with my a little vintage "gift with purchase"!

Listed in my shop today.

I love to include a little something extra in my packages for each sale, this week is a pretty Button Card with bits of glitter hung from an Ivory Ribbon.

2010-01-20T07:04:00.000-08:00

The Storybook Necklace

"The Childe Wynd"

Today I looked around my art room to find a spark of inspiration, I have been drawn to working with story necklaces right now, looking though my collections of vintage costume jewelery and taking bits and pieces from each, once I have a theme in mind it could be sparked by an old tin type photo or a pretty tarnish piece of silverware they speak to me and give me images of graceful and unique designs.

This necklace is one I made using bits from nature, the feeling of cool breeze, clouds, white clouds, and blue sky, sparkling, sunlight from a frozen tree branch. This is my Story Necklace "The Childe Wynd"
I have added this newly created piece to my shop Victorian Woodlands.

The pale blue beads and mother of pearl buttons, twisted with the prettiest blue wire, and a gorgeous drop butterfly in silver pewter with wee blue stones, the wood is a fallen piece of alder in which I have used my old typewriter to spell the words out "The Childe Wynd"

I have just purchased Rachel Ashwells latest book and the photography is just excellent, the old worn finishes that she has in her home living along with bits and pieces of silverware and crystal dropped lamps, old worm silk cushions, lovely , I have heard this type of decor called Vintage Boudiour.

2010-01-19T06:28:00.000-08:00

~~Bunnys with Hearts Of Love~~

I have added some more charming prints of one of my favourite work "Bunnys & Hearts" to the shop, just in time for Valentines Day.

2010-01-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

Today I walked by the lake and through the trails in the nearby brush, the scenery of the wilds looked different somehow silent and sleeping, the tall grasses blew with the strong gusts of wind, the sumac trees looked gnarled and twisted with bittersweet red clumps of growth on the ends of the branches, I gathered a few dried yarrows and thistles, wandering down futher in a small tree was a little sparrows nest, very tiny looked like a small cup. I was invigorating and wonderful to walk in the winds even on a cold day I try to spend some time in nature to reflect upon its beauty, it always inspires me to create, draw and dream. I brought home my wee woodland treasures and sat them down at my art table, I will draw some of the things that I find today, while I sit and drink my English Breakfast Tea and nibble on some tiny tea biscuits.

2010-01-04T09:44:00.001-08:00

"Rose"

I finished this Angel painting on canvas over the New Years weekend, I have always enjoyed painting Angels and when I don't they seem to say Hey there...please pay attention to me, I am right here! So I paint them, I have a picture in my minds eye as to what they look like. Interesting thing about Angels is from what I have read, they love to give us messages, help when we ask for it and in return they wish for us to acknowledge their existence may that be through art, music, or acts of kindness to others.

Rose is painted on stretched canvas over wood she is wearing a gown of pale yellow gold and pearl tones, there is tiny flowers in many colours that she carries with her and ribbons of luminous pearl and pale pink, when the light hits this pearl paint it shines and looks heavenly. The size of this piece is 11 inches by 14 inches with painted sides ready for hanging. This Angel painting is called "Rose" that is the angels name, if you would like to have Rose grace your walls you can email me at dovegreystudio@live.com

2010-01-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

"Rose"

2009-12-23T08:25:00.001-08:00

Brrrrr...it's cold in the Dollhouse Today!!! The first snow arrived last night while Mrs. Fox was sewing up some last minute gifts to put under her little tree.

downstairs the mouselings are busy making Gingermice to hang on the tree.....

My decorations are hung and my Tree is lit, now we must wait for Saint Nick.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing.......

there is a Furry Ewok about to attack my Tree!

Christmas Sweets!

................well getting closer each day now, hope you and yours are having sweet time this holiday season. Cheers

2009-12-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

Brrrrr...it's cold in the Dollhouse Today!!! The first snow arrived last night while Mrs. Fox was sewing up some last minute gifts to put under her little tree.

downstairs the mouselings are busy making Gingermice to hang on the tree.....

My decorations are hung and my Tree is lit, now we must wait for Saint Nick.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing.......

there is a Furry Ewok about to attack my Tree!

Christmas Sweets!

................well getting closer each day now, hope you and yours are having sweet time this holiday season. Cheers

2009-12-13T12:59:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to me! Just sharing a few pics of my birthday treats, I was so lucky this year my Hubby bought me a sinful chocolate cake....from Sinful Desserts cute name! and my daughter got me a lovely woolen shawl from The Last Hurrah Vintage Boutique...that is run by my 2 nieces, Cassandra and Sarah..

yes I was spoiled this year and my Mom and Dad got me some lovely things from The Tasha Tudor Store, the Cookbook,Pretty note cards and dove cookie cutter is sure to be well used and loved muchly! Thank you again everyone for the lovely gifts!

We have had some snowy weather for the past few days so I have been doing some wrapping of presents and bits of decorating, here is my hanging advent wreath,

and a few garlands twine balls and fairy lights, we need these little bits of sparkle and bright reds to perk up our long winter nights!

Hope you have had a wonderful weekend. I shall be updating the shop this week and my blogs so please to come back for a visit soon....

2009-12-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

We have had some snowy weather for the past few days so I have been doing some wrapping of presents and bits of decorating, here is my hanging advent wreath,

and a few garlands twine balls and fairy lights, we need these little bits of sparkle and bright reds to perk up our long winter nights!

Hope you have had a wonderful weekend. I shall be updating the shop this week and my blogs so please to come back for a visit soon....

2009-12-11T04:29:00.001-08:00

Hurray! One of my little Fox Brooches was featured on the Esty Front Page!
here is the link to view the treasury pics.

http://www.craftcult.com/etsyfeatured.php?userid=dovegreystudio

that is exciting for me! A Big ..Thank you to the person how choose my work!

2009-12-11T04:29:00.000-08:00

2009-12-09T10:10:00.001-08:00

I have been busy with preparing little gifts, and wrapping things, doing some Christmas crafts along with my daughter, we try to do as much as we can in the way of home made gifting, it has a nice sentimental attachment to it and makes for a fun afternoon when the weather outside is frightful!

We put up our tree and made some little gingerbread girls and boys for the tree, make one then eat one was more like it! I put out some of my favorite Tasha Tudor books, like The Dolls Christmas, Take Joy, and the new addition to my Tasha collection, Becky's Christmas, I finally found a affordable copy online, even though it is a library discard it still is in wonderful condition, this is a Christmas Story that Tasha wrote herself and illustrated, I really like it, so we shall read this one along with the others, as we light out advent wreath on the dark nights of December.

I was able to make up an advent wreath to hang over my dinning table similar to the one Tasha has along with some twisted pieces of pine garland, wire candle holders and red ribbons for hanging. Well happy decorating and nesting to you!

2009-12-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

Tea Time

2009-11-30T12:06:00.001-08:00

Brrrrr.....no leaves, no fruit, no flowers....that is November.....well now today is a real November day. After nursing a head cold for most of the weekend I did feel well enough to get back to my studio this afternoon, with the help of my little heater stove and hot peppermint tea, I have soothed my aches as well as my eyes...with warming up my with tea and warming up my toes. I walk my daughter to school and today was ever so damp and cold.

So enough complaining about that, and now to share some lovely inspiring books I have come across this weekend, one of the books if called Sew Pretty Christmas, I have it on loan from the library right now I may decide to buy a copy of this book for it has some lovely patterns and ideas in it! The magazine I was looking through also had so very sweet holiday decor ideas, that I thought was worth a picture, these few pics are from Romantic Homes, Jan edition, wow!!! already....I thought it was the holiday issue, oh well it is still good to look through! The tree is so cute and not overdone, I love the soft colours with bits of red and the snuggily Orange Ginger Cat perched on the chair, the pink and reds give a nice glowing warmth... that we miss from our summer days.

Tea Time

2009-11-30T12:06:00.000-08:00

2009-11-17T10:56:00.001-08:00

The woods have been growing ever barren...no auburn, shining leaves are left,
and I think Winter is soon upon us!
This little drawing is one I have done while thinking about Christmas preparations, she is out on a winter walk looking for a small tree that would be just right for her doll.

A perfect time for knitting hats and scarves, and, for staying warm and bundled up inside while working away on this and that.

And, my news to share
I've added a pretty drawing to my Christmas Market.
I will add my drawings and other doodles from my sketchbook now and then as well as other little bits of news.

Happy tea times to all of you and stay toasty!

2009-11-17T10:56:00.000-08:00

2009-11-06T15:38:00.001-08:00

These little toys are just the cutest things.........

just thought I would share the pictures with you!

I would love to live in this little Miss Kitty's tiny cottage with a pretty green painted table and chair set...an old black iron stove....and a tiny wood bed tucked under the window nook...so snug and cute...and tiny little light to read a wee book and a little fabric covered chair beside her bed...delightful indeed....and to wear calico dress with a starched white apron...yes that would suit me just fine! I happened to come across these little pictures while I was window shopping online for present ideas!
For those of you wondering these are called Calico Critters!

2009-11-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

2009-11-03T04:53:00.001-08:00

Just a few fun pictures of our very windy and spooky Halloween Night, my cats were very curious of all the lights and sounds of goblins running down our street, Prince decided to check things out for himself at the screen door then go back and tell the others what he sees! My dog Chi was not to impressed with her spider costume this year she tried to bit the legs off and was a bit embarrassed by the whole deal. Princess and Ming stayed out of the way and watched from the couch they were not too sure about all this goblin fun! My Daughter and Husband brought us home lots of little candies and some tales of spooky houses on our street to share with us!

Is it November already!!!! Oh boy life is just going too fast! I always think of my anniversary once the last wind blow leaves are left on the trees outside, we decided to have a fall evening Wedding with lots of pretty warm glowing candles in the Church and at out Dinner reception and one of my favourite pictures of our wedding was taken outside at night in front of 3 birch trees speckled with golden leaves.

II have always liked this picture and had it framed and now when I look at it years later after my daughter has been born she is now 6.....it was almost as if those trees behind us were a representation of our life together the two larger trees with one small one in the middle, I think if time permits this year I will go back to that spot and see if I can get another picture of us in front of the birch trees.

Happy fall blowing and swirling leaves to you all!

2009-11-03T04:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween Hauntings

2009-10-30T11:19:00.001-07:00

May you have a safe and scary, chocolately and merry Halloween!!!!!!
Ooooh went the wind and out went the lights and the five little
pumpkins rolled out of site!!!!!!

Happy Halloween Hauntings

2009-10-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

May you have a safe and scary, chocolately and merry Halloween!!!!!!
Ooooh went the wind and out went the lights and the five little
pumpkins rolled out of site!!!!!!

2009-10-25T08:07:00.001-07:00

I have been inspired to do some miniature paintings this weekend so I thought I would get about and scan them and share them with you before my little artist helper Chloe takes off with them to her room, then I have to fight with teddies and dollies and bunnies in order to rescue my
hostages! So This little lady was inspired by Tasha Tudor's book The Dolls Christmas
it is one of my favourite books and each year we like to bring it out after halloween and start to set our dollhouse up like the dolls in the book. Last year I purchased a really cute stage set with a tiny piano and real working miniature christmas tree for our little Christmas Doll show and I will be happy to set it up again this year and play with my daughter Christmas Pagent...toys for big girls.
This is Holly in the Snow and it is a miniature watercolor in the size 2 1/2 inches 3 inches in size done on Arches Fine French Watercolor Paper. I will list this little lady for sale on my little blog shop if you would like to purchase her for your little dollhouse. Have a lovely day!

Holly In The Snow

2009-10-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

Holly In The Snow

Does Etsy Hide Behind Beurocrey

2009-10-24T09:34:00.001-07:00

I wondered the other day when I went to log into my etsy store why it had dissapeared! How could that be I pay my invoices they are up to date I have over 400 positive feedbacks and maybe one or 2 customers that I have the odd problem with. So after I limped around the Etsy site trying to find some help and after emailing them a dozen or more times only to receive standard letter replies what the heck kind of company treats paying customers like that!

I went off of ebay years ago because to the same type of treatment you are either too little for them to bother and not big enough for them to care!

Here is a link to a online forum about this Esty Extortion Proceedures

This is unbelievable to me. I mean I already knew that Etsy did close stores over one complaint, without contacting the seller first or even asking for their side of the story. That’s happened to enough other people that it no longer surprises me. But the shocking thing here is they are doing this to over 500 people sellers, and their top income producers.

I know whenever this happens someone says “well that’s just one side of the story, how do we know the seller is telling the truth?”
Feedback doesn’t lie.

Does Etsy Hide Behind Beurocrey

2009-10-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

I went off of ebay years ago because to the same type of treatment you are either too little for them to bother and not big enough for them to care!

Here is a link to a online forum about this Esty Extortion Proceedures

I know whenever this happens someone says “well that’s just one side of the story, how do we know the seller is telling the truth?”
Feedback doesn’t lie.

The Little Dolls Halloween Party Book

2009-10-19T16:13:00.002-07:00

The Little Dolls Halloween Book

I have put together a charming little booklet which I was inspired to make after having so much fun sharing Tasha Tudor's Little books with my daughter and her dolls, that I decided to make my own little book about 2 little dolls having a Halloween Party. This is a tiny book only 6 pages long and 3 inches by 4inches is size, the paintings inside are of my own design and they have cute verses and recipes amongst the pictures. All of the artwork is done by me and I am happy to share this little treasure book with you. The book is bound with ribbons and comes in a small basket for safe keeping.

To purchase a copy for $8.00 plus $1.95 for Sparrow Posting!

through paypal payment here

The Little Dolls Halloween Party Book

2009-10-19T16:13:00.001-07:00

The Little Dolls Halloween Book

~Ask The Angels~~

2009-10-19T07:17:00.001-07:00

I have made a few more brooches this weekend and using a very pretty dark red velvet ribbon I found made them into little ribbon brooches, the other ribbon I am using is a lovely permmisson burnt orange colour, I bought it early this year just for the deep colour and texture of the velvet. I made a few Angel Cameo Style Pins and my Little Lady Fox drawing in on one of the cameos she looks very wintery next to the red ribbon so I put them together in a brooch.
Here is a little prayer I think about when I need the angels to come around me
~~~~~~
I recite/think in my head
~~~~~~
Angels please protect me and the loved ones around me from the many faces of evil in this world, the people who wear masks of truth and then defy your trust. With your golden glow of peaceful light bring these people to justice show them love and free them from the arms of darkness.
```````````
Amen.

And when ever you are in need I wear my little angle brooch to help me through difficult times or situations that you may need to attend and I find it works great for me, almost like i have a clear bubble around me where the poison arrows can't get in!
Please visit my little shop Dove Grey Shop if you wish to purchase a lovely angel brooch

~Ask The Angels~~

2009-10-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

2009-10-14T09:53:00.001-07:00

You are invited to attend

~~~~An Early Folk Christmas~~~~~

Date Oct 15 2009

At Early Works Mercantile

I invite you to come and visit Early Works Mercantile, I will have an update this October 15th with my Holiday Folk Art.
These pieces are original works designed by myself and exclusively sold on the Mercantile site only so please do come back with your cup of hot tea and browse through our offerings!

2009-10-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

You are invited to attend

~~~~An Early Folk Christmas~~~~~

Date Oct 15 2009

Give Thanks

2009-10-12T10:31:00.001-07:00

We had a nice Thanksgiving feast yesterday, it was just a small one with just our animals and ourselves so we made way to much to eat and now have to get out side in the almost zero weather and do some fall cleanup in the yard to work of all that stuffing. I tried my own recipe for stuffing this year since I am not a huge meat eater I like different veggie and combination side dishes, we mixed up a big bowl of nice bits of bread and pretty red fresh cranberries, bit of crushed chestnuts and onions and a mixture of herbs from basil to nutmeg they result was very enjoyable and I will have to do it again on the next roast dinner we prepare!

In giving thanks this weekend I reflect on how we are fortunate to have a home and food and our health and each other over this time and wish to all of you and your families the same.

I have been working on some creations for the up-coming Early Work update,
some holiday inspired pieces and wood painted silhouettes of a pair Christmas Sisters "Holly and Ivy" and a few Folk Styled Framed Papercuttings in a festive theme.
So please come back to visit my page that will be updated this week with new goodes.

I was lucky enough on our little walk through the park the other day to find some nicely colored fall leaves to decorate our table and we found mixed through the leaves near the rose garden lots of fallen but still fresh looking rose petals from the dozens of rose bushes, the strong winds we have had must a stripped most of the petals of these late bloomers so I did take a few handfuls to put in some bowls for a pretty Autumn Pot Pourri. My daughter put up her colorful paper Turkey so cute.....! she made in school this week and a few of her coloring pages to add to our table decorations. These 2 little Pagoda Blue dishes we a find at a sale this summer and I have yet to come across any more of the pattern, they remind much of Tasha Tudor's blue and white Canton China that she paints in her illustrations, and that she used for tea time every day.

Give Thanks

2009-10-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

Gift With Your Purchase

2009-09-24T12:51:00.001-07:00

I have been packaging up my orders to send off to my customers and wanted to share a little snippet of what I stuff in with my orders. For the next few months I will include these pretty little things with your order in a sweet old tyme newsprint bag. I so love the little Flora MacDonald Needlepacket with bow. I have a few around my house tucked into cupboards, the other little sewing print is a rare print from a "Early Needlework Book For Young Girls" dated 1890, I love this print and the cute tomato pin cushion with a laughing face! I want my customers to happy and sweetly surprised!

Gift With Your Purchase

2009-09-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Spooky Hollow~

2009-09-14T11:35:00.001-07:00

I have taken my fireplace mantel and decorated it just for this update, after having much inspiration from Autumn and Halloween, I have worked with the Spooky Hollow theme this month.

I have a new Fall Themed September 15th update for the Folk Art Group I belong too Early Works Mecantile, so please visit

Early Works Mercantile Sept. 15th
Update for some original handids.

I was really inspired this week when I purchased a copy of Martha Stewart Halloween Issue, it has some great ideas in it for decorating and making a few hauntingly sweet crafts yourself, I love the masked pumpkins they are great!

My daughter Chloe (6 years old) has joined the fun and made the Dancing Black Cats Sign she is very proud of her little art picture that she made..so.. for a special Halloween treat I will include one her cute cat creations with any orders this month.
I will be accepting orders for any of the items you see here in my Spooky Hollow pictures each piece is of my own design and is completely handmade which is so nice in these fast and busy times. I complete each piece with a Red Wax sealed tag describing the item that you have purchased from Dove Grey Primitives.

Spooky Hollow~

2009-09-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

2009-09-06T11:58:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it's September already!!! Well it is the season I like the most, the weather cools down and there seems to be a hush to all activities as if the earth is getting ready for a long winter's nap.

I like to visit the little farm store markets that are nearby this time of year we have a great selection of fruit and veggies, I will share a few pics of my visit to the Dutch Mill Market, they have a great little outside play area for kiddies and some cute little animals too.
These sheep looked as if they wanted to join in on the escape plan too!

I can never leave this place without some baked goods this time it was a Dutch Apple Pie, and I almost left with one of their little nosy goats too!

This little guy was so tame, he must be a pet, was so funny he jumped right up on the fence then sauntered over to us for a petting, then he walked over to one of the little houses and tried to open the door! I guess his nibbles were in there, so cute.

After that I went back through the field part over into the store to shop and I turned around started by a knocking sound and here he was banging his horns on the screen door of the store to get in, we had a good laugh at this little guy, I had no idea they were so smart and friendly, I want one as a pet!

2009-09-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

I can never leave this place without some baked goods this time it was a Dutch Apple Pie, and I almost left with one of their little nosy goats too!

2009-08-28T14:38:00.001-07:00

I found some interesting books at the library this week on early folk art, I think I will have to find a used copy online to add to my little library of art books the title is The Flowering Of American Folk Art and another one which is just as nice is American Primitive Painting, which has so many pretty portraits and silhouettes in them. I was inspired to do some more painting after reading through the pages, here is a little child silhouette that I have done in 19th century style using a soft colonial blue instead of black for a different look, it reminds me of Wedgewood china. I will be working on a few more original pieces just little ones, the silhouettes do look so pretty in the tiny frames and on the boxes so I plan to paint up some others using different colors. It is a cool day here makes me think of warm sweaters and hot mugs of tea.

2009-08-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

2009-08-26T12:20:00.001-07:00

The Toy Rabbit & Lady Emma Silhouette

These two paintings are my reproductions of originals from the 19th Century. A silhouette of a 19th century lady featuring a lovely detailed lace collar and hair bun set on a background of fawn umber paint. I have painted this on wood using acrylics and gave it a matte finish. In the Toy Rabbit painting, I have a little girl in her red dress holding her favorite pet toy rabbit set against a traditional 1800's style background. They each have a wood painted black frame, see photos. This, and all of my paintings are handpainted, I do not paint over a print or a photocopy, I start out with a plain piece of wood or canvas. I have signed the front of this paintings and the back is covered in a rose calico vintage paper with my studio seal. I am offering these originals on ebay through auction here if you may be interested.

2009-08-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Toy Rabbit & Lady Emma Silhouette

Dove Grey Art Studio

Sugar Plums Dancing in your Dreams

My thoughts are often here......

Woodland Tea

Fresh New Look

Snow and Valentines

Take Care

Ireland House Video (Doors Open Burlington 2010)

AUCHMAR ESTATE REVISITED AT NIGHT

Jewellery

Tiny Woodland Terrarium Dove Necklace

AN HISTORICAL LADY

Maisie-Belle

New TinkerBell Movie looks very good......

Like this little short film.....

Lilac Blooms

A prayer to Saint Dymphna

Thinking of planning a fairy birthday party for my daughter...these fairies as so cute.

Tea Time

Tea Time

Happy Halloween Hauntings

Happy Halloween Hauntings

Does Etsy Hide Behind Beurocrey

Does Etsy Hide Behind Beurocrey

The Little Dolls Halloween Party Book

The Little Dolls Halloween Party Book

~~~~~Ask The Angels~~~~~~

~~~~~Ask The Angels~~~~~~

Give Thanks

Give Thanks

Gift With Your Purchase

Gift With Your Purchase

~~~~Spooky Hollow~~~~~

~~~~Spooky Hollow~~~~~

~Ask The Angels~~

~Ask The Angels~~

Spooky Hollow~

Spooky Hollow~