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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Contest time!

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

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

Now, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
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(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

... got ants?