This, That, the Other...and a Contest!

What have you been up to the last few days? I haven't posted since Monday ... but, NO, I was not playing Bingo for the Lonely

Mostly, I was just lounging around and contemplating life and fabulosity - as artists are want to do now and then ...
I did receive a wonderful Valentines Day card. Now, I know some of you are scrapbookers and make fun paper things-that-do-things all the time. But they still amuse the heck out of me! This card was flat, but when opened, there were dozens of little images on separate spring-y thingies that caused the card to explode with cool stuff. I loved it. It almost made me forget what was going on outside ... ugh ...
I took this photo last night on my last Dusty walk for the day. Flash photography does nothing for the snow. But, it's so depressing to see nothing but white, White, WHITE everywhere! It's almost time for our gorgeous Wooster Square (or, as I refer to it, the front lawn) to burst out with millions of pink Yashino cherry blossoms. But, for now, just snow, snow, and more snow.

This babe may think that hat is going to chase away the winter blahs ... but it sure doesn't do it for me...... though living in this brilliant Spring-like environment might, indeed!, change the blahs to the bliss!
I spy, with my little eye ...This lovely 19th century French Demilune Vitrine
With a flat back, in the original gessoed and painted blue/gray finish with gilt beaded and leafy bands. The door with beveled glass panels. Notice the lovely damask backing. Seashells make me think of the beach - which makes me think of no snow!
Do you have high ceilings in your home? Perhaps you could use this early 19th century palace-sized giltwood and painted carved Italian sconce. It is seven feet high ... which means I couldn't really utilize it ... unless it could handle really really big bulbs and we were able to use it as a furnace.
However, this beauty I could easily - and most happily! - accommodate! Circa 1850, this Italian sofa with a carved and gilded frame is upholstered in luxurious black mohair, and accessorized with pillow embellished with 24k gold embroidery. I think Dusty would look like the royal master he is on this!
This carved 19th century French mirror has seen better days, admittedly. But with a little loving care - and the attentions of a quality gold-leafer! - it could be a regal centerpiece again! I love the detail work in the carved flower basket.
This early 18th century Italian or French chasuble back with polychrome silk embroidery on a cream silk satin ground, is embroidered with flower heads, fruit, including grapes and metallic embroidered flourishes. The embroidery is finely done with multiple colors to effect shading. The embroidery is so fine, it looks like printed fabric to me! It might almost be worth a lifetime of celibacy to join the priesthood and get to wear such wondrous things!

hmmmm. well. maybe not. But it's fabulous, nonetheless!
I have long been a fan of both Alice in Wonderland - both the book and memorabilia associated with it. So, it's no surprise that I'm just knocked out by this amazing creation by Amada at Over the Top Studios
Please click on the image to go to Amada's etsy shop and see some of the other magical and imaginative paper treasures she creates. Be sure to check out the circus cake topper - it's wondrous!
Whenever I enter a friend's home, and am greeted by a huge live white snake on the bed, it just makes me feel so welcomed. Doesn't it do the same for you?

I have had this photo hanging around forever ... I don't remember where I got it. If it was from your blog, please let me know and I'll credit you immediately! Of course, I already love Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) mementos and shrines - but this piece of art just takes my breath away. The extravagance of the costume, which appears to be all lace and gold filligree, as well as the lavish frame, all show great respect for someone's belovéd who has passed over. I just love it.

Speaking of light hearted things. Does anything sing out "children's toy!" to you like a doll which represents a woman whose hair turns into snakes and turns men into stone? La! How jolly! The stuff dreams - and psychopaths - are made of!
Oh, joy! Leap and dance and turn all giddy with excitement. It's ...

Contest Time!

Do you know who this young and tender celebrity is? There is a prize for the first person to guess accurately. What is the prize? Hmmmm. I don't know. It will be something fun or useful or vaguely desirable. I'll let you know what you win, when you win!

Now, after you have entered the contest, call your best friend, get on your favorite matching outfits, and ...
Go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
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(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥