Pretty Places, a Party, and a Present.....

"The busy bee has no time for sorrow."

~William Blake~

I have been as busy as bee buzzing from one project to the next and it has left little time for blogging so I thought I would direct you to some pretty places to visit and tell you about an exciting blog party coming up in July. I have add a few new sites to my blog roll and thought you might enjoy visiting them also.Last week I introduced you to a wonderful artist, Toni Kelly, of A Spattering. Her paintings are just amazing and I am sure you will love getting to know her.

I'd also like to introduce you to Lori of Before the Stroke of Midnight. Lori is a very talented and I just love her digital art!

Heidi of Birds of a Feather has such a dreamy style in her decorating and art. I wish I lived in her area to be able to attend her Mermaid Tea workshop!

Katie of Raggamuffin Gal is a wonderful artist and such a sweetheart. I know you will love visiting her too!

Tiffany of Shabby Scraps has exquisite style and her blog photos are just so dreamy to browse through.

Sharon of SharDon Exclusives makes some of the most beautiful jewelry I have ever seen. Her bead work is amazing!

Domestic Bliss, well the name says it all, this blog archive is pure bliss to browse through!

Rose Garden Romantic has that great feminine vintage vibe that I love so much.

Sandi of Wayside Treasures also has that dreamy cottage style.

If you are looking for some terrific party ideas you will not want to skip visiting Entertain Exchange. You will find all kinds of gorgeous table settings, party themes and ideas. I am in love with these little black olive penguin appetizers, they are almost too cute to eat!

Speaking of parties, Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage is having a blog party called, Where Bloggers Create, to be held on July 24, 2009.Karen was inspired by the publication, Where Women Create, as well as a post over at Bella Dreams, where Denise posted some photos of her studio space. These inspirations got Karen's juices flowing thinking there must be many more gorgeous studios and work spaces out there in blog land. Karen's invitation is to join her in a blog party to share your creative space whether it be a full blown studio space, a converted closet, or a humble kitchen table.

To participate just leave a comment on this post link along with the address of your blog. Karen will add you to her link list on her sidebar. On July 24th you simply post your photos and stories about yourself and your creative space on your blog. To visit all the links just go to Karen's blog and click on her sidebar link list and enjoy. I hope to see you there!

Since I could not play with you today I thought I would leave you a little present to keep you occupied in my absence ~ a paper playmate! Isn't she adorable? I found this paper doll sheet at a free online paper doll site. I can't find the link to give proper credit so if you know, please let me know. Feel free to download and use her in your paper crafting. Enjoy!

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

Dancing by the Light of the Moon...

"On with the dance! Let joy be unconfined;
No sleep til morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet."

~George Gordon, Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage~

In the inky dark of night,

She danced in the garden in bare foot delight.It was in these pre-dawn hours,
That she twirled among leaves and flowers.
The hem of her gown was ripped and torn,
Upon the last blushing roses thorn.
Her wrap became the veil of a fairy bride,
As she pretended in her moonlight glide.All her finery was getting soiled,
But her fun this night was not to be spoiled.She tilted her head so the moon and stars illumined her ornate hair,
While she gazed at her reflection in the pond, without worry or care.Tonight her WISH, her dream had come true,
Guess what it is, I leave the ending to you!I can't wait to read your creative answers!

I have been working on a process of making a slightly dimensional soft sculpted version of a paper doll and La Belle here is the result. It was a bit like being a mad scientist trying various processes and sculpting until I had one that was complete and looked right. I want to continue to play with the process to see if I can get more depth to the form.

La Belle is mounted to a handmade background of brownish taupe tissue paper and paint. I used a white pearl paint and layers of a rich cream and burnt umber to mottle the background. The white paint gives hints of shimmer. Her clothing is made from a coffee filter, bits of tulle, vintage lace with natural age spots, and a snip of vintage silk for her bodice. Her hair is braided, twisted, and sewn from real wool and is adorned with ostrich feathers, pearls, crystal beads, and ribbon rosettes. Her gossamer wrap is a snip of a white bridal stocking. Her "wish" is torn from an old tattered dictionary. She is mounted in a double framed shadow box. I like the inside frame of black and gold very much but am undecided about the wood outside frame. I may need to paint or change it up. Any suggestions?

I hope you all have a glorious day!

Blessings,
Miss Sandy