Random Thoughts on a Cold Afternoon ...

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” .... Roald Dahl

The snowfall on Wooster Square in the early morning hours, while I'm walking Dusty. Isn't it lovely? So peaceful and still.
I think this grumpy little girl needs to take some Roald Dahl advice, don't you? She doesn't seem at all able to see the great secrets hidden! And her eyes are anything but sparkling right now. But she is still absolutely adorable. I found her at Sue Barton's blog Barton Originals.

Where is that darn cat now?!

My friend, Anne at el Milagro Studio just got out of the hospital after having surgery for the second time. I thought this was the wheelchair she should be using for the holidays - it's festive, but not too garish or over-the-top. I know that Anne is only interested in things that are the epitome of refind taste.
The fabulous New York store Buckhouse has the most gorgeous windows. Do I even have to tell you how much I lust for that fabulous early twentieth century English Follie?! So perfect!
...here's a better shot of the follie alone ... can you blame me for being moonstruck by it?!
Speaking of moonstruck - how about this holiday vignette?! Nothing short of enchanting!
... as is this globe ornament with French lord and lady of the court and a bottle brush tree! Yes, this would definitely find a place of honor on my tree!I recently had to get my hair stripped of the color put in it for the play last October...I really don't look like me with black hair. I look more like a convict with a parole violation. But, I got it returned to it's blonde glory a couple of days ago. Then I realized, not everybody prefers blondes!
Two new Wizard of Oz ornaments I found yesterday ... PLEASE - I need an intervention NOW. The yellow brick road outside the house lights up, and the ornament plays "Over the Rainbow." The witch's crystal ball with the quartet will disappear when you move your head, it also lights up and plays someething when plugged into a light string - I forget what LOL.

I do hope one of you is getting me this little entertainment for Christmas! I think having a singer-soothsayer on tap in a bottle would be an extremely convenient item for many occasions.
I hope everybody has been on their toes, getting their Christmas errands and shopping and baking and wrapping accomplished in a timely manner ...
...so that now you can go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Decking the Halls...well, the studio trees, anyway...

Not wanting to be confused with any of the above nefarious creatures, I spent the greater part of yesterday decorating the two trees in my studio ... one is an artificial pink tree and the other is a tree-shaped wire ornament display. As always, if you click on any of the photos, you'll see an extra large version.

These are a few of my favorite ornament collections - some of the Wizard of Oz characters, and some of my Marilyn Monroe ornaments ...
why is it so hard to photograph Christmas ornaments? I love the huge globe ornament in the bottom right of this photo ... so extravagant!
Here are a few more of the Marilyns...and the Red Queen from the Alice in Wonderland series of ornaments that I actually STOPPED collecting because things were getting out of hand.
This is my new Marilyn ornament. I try to get a new one every year - but, there aren't that many of them out there anymore. And, frankly, I'm a little fussy about them, so they're even harder to find. (Notice the Lullaby League Girl from Oz behind Marilyn?)
More "Wizard of Oz" characters. The little scene in the lower right is battery operated and when you push the button you hear Glinda. "You don't need to be helped any longer. You've always had the power to go back to Kansas. Now those magic slippers will take you home in two seconds. Just close your eyes and tap your heels togethr three times. And think to yourself, 'There's no place like home. There's no place like home."
This is my new "Oz" ornament this year. When it's plugged into a light string, the carriage bounces and you hear the driver say "This is the horse of a different color you've heard tell about." and then the song "Optimistic Voices."
These are three of the seven globes that contain scenes from Wizard of Oz by the Branford Exchange. They're too darned heavy to hang on a tree, so I just put them around the base. They're very detailed - I love 'em!
Where else would Glinda look as at home as on the top of the pink Christmas tree?


These are a few of my most absolute most favorite ornaments! I love large glass ornaments, and this 6" golden egg is just exquisite. I really like the combination of matte and glossy gold - and of course, the "jewels" at each junction of a gold glittered line!

This chubby diva is adorable. I found her in Paris a couple of years ago, and always smile when I unpack her each year - she's covered with beading and 'gems' - and feathers, no less! ... very Moulin Rouge! I also think the frog lovers are too cute ... and the castle-in-the-clouds ornament has long been a favorite.This blown glass angel is almost eight inches high - a really large glass ornament. Also, click on the photo and look at the egg shaped ornament behind her - it's so detailed and lavishly decorated.
Well, that's it for the trees in the studio. Today I'm starting the decorations in the living room. This is just the beginning ... our metal sculptures of the Three Magi.
If you're here in the Northeast, stay bundled, warm, cozy, and SAFE during the nor-easter they're promising us. And most importantly ... dress appropriately!!!
All that snow - and the holidays practically here - it's the perfect time ... now go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

What Have I Cooked Up For You Today ...

Well, I think today is going to be a long sequence of unassociated images that have nothing to do with each other ... but have intrigued me nonetheless.

So, put on your heels and hike up that skirt ... let's travel!
...not exactly the most admirable holiday sentiment - but it still makes me snicker...

I've heard of signature accessories, but this just seems a little extreme to me.
I'm so glad that my mom doesn't read my blog, because she would kick me if she knew that this sort of reminds me of her...
Will you just take a look at this! I finished up all my mini theatre commissions, and cleaned and straightened the studio. Isn't it depressing that these jumbled and cluttered shelves have been straightened up?...trust me, you don't want to see the before!


Am I the only one that found these Christmas decorations from childhood creepy as all get out?! I think they were German. Whatever they were, I don't know why they were popular, nor why they were used as Christmas decorations! I think they're capable of permanently scarring children.Apropos of nothing ... but don't these two decked out dollies look like they're straight out of "Some Like It Hot?"
What would a little traveling be without some window shopping? I would like to have this French 18th century Louis XV armchair, upholstered in toile de jouy refinished, gold-leafed, and reupholstered in the same pattern upholstery, but in a red and black colorway.
I'm sure you are all fans of Catherine Delors' Versailles and More blog. But for those who don't subscribe, I thought this was an awesome photo. Doesn't it look like a gown straight from the court of Louis and 'toinette? Actually it's a half-size model, which traveled around the world as a sort of three dimensional fashion plate so that other countries would know what the latest trends in Paris fashion were. There is more information on her blog. But I found it a very interesting subject (I didn't know there were such things as half size models!) - and a gorgeous photo.

...ah, memories of our water disasters and dilemmas last year ...
Now, I usually find boxes of chocolates a miracle. However, it took this polaroid photograph by Andy Warhol to truly make me look at them as works of art in themselves. I am absolutely fascinated with this photo.
oooh oooh oooh!!! I won! I was the winner of the hand embroidered pillowcases by Marilyn at Our Victorian Cottage! Aren't I the lucky boy?! Not only have I been a long time fan of the lovely vintage style work that Marilyn produces, but I will love having a piece of her embroidery, as I consider her a good bloglandia friend.
Have you watched Mark Morris' "The Hard Nut" yet? If not, get yourself a copy and enjoy! It's a totally fab retro 1960's version of "The Nutcracker." All the basic story lines are there, of course, but the look and the choreography is decidedly original. It's on our traditional Christmas season must-watch list - such fun!
Well, that's it for today ... hope you've enjoyed yourself and will be back soon! Get a good night's sleep - and in the morning, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Tuesday Thoughts and Ramblings and Stuff!

Well, I've been busy, busy, busy! I'm tired from the work out ... so I've decided to sit and have a cup of coffee with you for awhile. I haven't posted in several days, so I warn you, this could get long. Maybe you need to get yourself a cup of coffee...I'm having French Vanilla flavoring in mine. If you'd like me to wait for you to run to the kitchen, I'll be more than glad to do so!

I received two very cool awards this week. The first is from oh-so-stylish Marilyn at Our Victorian Cottage. Marilyn is having a give-away drawing now for two of her delightful embroidered pillowcases (I just love them!). I probably shouldn't tell you, since it lessens my chances of winning, but I'm in the holiday spirit, so please click on her link above and enter the drawing! Aren't they pretty?
I'm to pass this on to two more stylish people. Gee! There are so many stylish blog writers out there! But, I have to pick two - so I'm choosing Ingrid at Fashion Is My Muse and Gabriela at Gabriela Delworth. Be sure to check out both of their blogs ... you'll see why I think of both of them when I see the word 'style!'

The other award is so thoughtful. It's from my dear friend, Anne, at el Milagro Studios. I always strive to keep my blog honest - if at times hyperbole rich! So, I appreciate it. Please take some time and visit Anne's fabulous blog. She shares her art and her process and her - everything! It's a terrific blog, and I'm sure you'll become a follower!
This is the fourth - and, alas, final - of the large circuses, which are going to be installed in the Ballroom at the Banker's Suite. Click here to read about the Banker's Suite and here to read about the opening of the ballroom and see some of the amazing fashions that will be sold in the boutique! It's going to be oh-so-fabulous! - and I'm so proud to have had a small part in it.


I also - FINALLY - gathered the vintage Putz houses and counted and measured and listed them on eBay. I've been meaning to do this for WEEKS. But I hate the long form you have to fill out for eBay, so I always put it off. I finally did it. If a collection of vintage Putz houses is your thing, you can check out my auction here.
I had to share this photo with you ... it's the huge carousel set for the Yale production of La Ronde by Arthur Schnitzler. Isn't it just marvelous?! We have tickets for this weekend and I can't wait! I love the play, but this is the first time I will have seen it with this elaborate a set. I hope the costumes are equally as terrific. If you're in the area, click here to read more about it.

The Peak of Chic posted this photo that I really wanted you to see - those who don't already subscribe to Peak of Chic, that is! It's Alan Jay Lerner (of "My Fair Lady," "Camelot," "Gigi," "An American in Paris," etc) and his wife in their uber-fab living room. Of course, I love yellow and I love gilt and I love crystal - so this would be an interior that I love! And doesn't Mrs. AJL look quite pleased with the effect of her flowing pink chiffon stole? Does anybody really have style anymore? sigh.

Well, what do we have here? A shop window from 1916, all decked out for the holidays. I guess we know time that means it is ... an Enchanted Revelry shopping trip! (Remember, all the photographs will grow when you click on them, so you can catch every detail!)

I would certainly not complain if Santa left me this five foot high French Victorian bird cage! Usually, I like my antiques pristine and in excellent condition ... but the worn wood and chipped paint on this piece really appeals to me. I don't even have the urge to have it gold leafed!Far more possible, is my actually getting this fabulous paper chandelier. It's only a party decoration - but I think I could live with this handmade beauty by Jeffrey Rudell in my studio every day of the year! Click here to see the myriad steps involved with creating this charmer.
Usually I don't pay too much attention to jewelry. I don't wear it - and though I appreciate hand made artist's pieces, I don't have a lot of interest in vintage articles. However, this brooch might change my mind. I don't know exactly what I'd do with it ... perhaps put it in a shadow box and hang it on the wall. Of course, as the price tag is $48,000, I don't believe I'll have to worry about what to do with it in the foreseeable future.
I'm in awe of this pair of 1750 King George III giltwood mirrors. I especially like the detail of the smaller mirror installed above the long one. These six foot treasures would be perfect in my bathroom. Actually, they'd be perfect in a palace restoration - but I'll pretend.
I know this isn't for everybody - but I am totally in love with this Italian 2009 armchair by designer Alessandro Mendini. It's a wooden structure, covered with hand painted fabric. I want it. Really. Right now.
This is another piece that isn't in the best of shape right now - but I am still fascinated with it. It's an American Victorian gilded dressing table, covered and swagged with with stamped and embossed velvet. It's good that I don't really use a dressing table, because to me it looks as if that bottom shelf is going to make it very difficult to actually sit at this table. But, it would look so beautiful just sitting there, I wouldn't care about the lack of function!


Ah, yes. Here we go! One of my favorite things - French 18th century furnishings! This 1745 gilded settee with Aubusson tapestry upholstery would fit right into my dream house. That's right. My dream house - in which I'm the king...of a small country. I once was told by somebody that I was probably a king in a former life. I thought this was because of my sense of fairness and justice and taste. Turns out, it was because I really like people to do what I say. Oh, well ... if it gets me this settee - I say OKAY.

Wouldn't you love to find this delightful Victorian shadow box in your stocking on Christmas morning?! The baby "hatching" from the egg is adorable - and I love the brass filigree on wood case. It's quite small - only 8" high - so it would fit in MY stocking very very nicely, thank you.

Perhaps it's all the glitz and glamor of Christmas that's getting to me. But I find myself being oddly attracted to these flashy trashy 1940's Las Vegas wall sconces. Okay. You're allowed to point and laugh at me behind my back. But I think I could make these work somehow.
Now, this I know I could make work! A 19th century French miniature cathedral box; hand carved and gilded, this box is only 18 inches long. Hmmm. Maybe this is where I could keep that royal brooch above and just take it out and admire it when I wanted to feel particularly entitled.

Well, that's our shopping excursion for the day. I feel very shopping-sated. And, not only didn't I spend a single penny - but I don't have to dust any of those treasures ... now THAT'S the way to shop!

After Christmas shopping, this the setting in which I want to have dinner. The gorgeous setting was designed by the venerable Charles Pavarini for the 2009 Holiday House Designer Tabletop Showcase to benefit the Greater New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. If I actually was able to sit at this table, I would have been in charmed company. The donors who sat at this table were Bernadette Peters, Derek Jeters, Brad Pitt, Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres and C.B. Sullenberger. I think I could have found something to chat about!

Speaking of tablescapes. If I were going to host an incredibly elegant and chic New Year's Eve soireé - which I'm not - I would definitely want to have it designed by Timothy & Associates Designs. Isn't this time-inspired table just incredible!? So festive, so lavish, so fanciful - so ... perfect! (Be sure to click on this image to make it grow and really look at the details!)

Well, as you can see, I'm all decked out to the hilt. I'm going to re-visit Marie Antoinette (yes, that's her name!) and look at her amazing Christmas village video. She has an astounding Christmas village display that she puts up every year. I've watched the video once already, but it really deserves another look. She also shows her new pieces this year - a circus and a cemetary! This is a very very complete village. Take a moment and give yourself a treat - you can visit her here. It's worth the trip! And be sure to check out her amazing dolls while you're there!

I hope you've enjoyed your time visiting today...and that you'll be back soon! Now that I've given you lots of images and links to wonderful places to inspire you, go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥