Happy May Day!

May Day Celebrations in 1910 (above) and 1911 (below) at the University of Missouri.

{Images from here}

Happy Easter!

Four Little Bunnies is a children's book from the 30's ~ written and photographed by Harry Whittier Frees, who was born in the town where I grew up ~ Reading, Pennsylvania. A whole series of books like these were created using kittens, puppies and other animals dressed in clothes and set in various different scenes ~ I remember liking these as a child ~ the books must have been my mom's when she was young.
The etsy seller where I found the image of the bunny washing clothes mentioned that the book has two notes in the beginning, the first is a dedication: "Dedicated to all the little bunnies who posed for the pictures in this book" and underneath that: "Note: These unusual photographs of real bunnies were made possible only by the patient and unfailing kindness on the part of the photographer at all times."

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Easter!

Bon Poisson d'Avril!

This morning I read about how the French celebrate April Fool's day here ~ I have always wondered about the meaning of these funny postcards with fish ~ I just figured some artist liked fish and had a sense of humor. It is nice to know that there are still some clever people out there who like fish ~ visit here and see for yourself! Happy April Fool's Day!

{images from here}

Happy Groundhog's Day!

Despite the fact that Punxsutawney Phil DIDN'T see his shadow today, given the weather across the country, does anyone really believe spring is on the way?! I actually question whether or not they were even able to find Phil today - if I were a groundhog, I would not be coming out of my tunnel today at all! While I really want to believe Phil, it is hard to be optimistic when shoveling a foot of snow and braving the frigid temperatures! If you are truly snowbound and forgot to hit the grocery store before the snow hit, one can always resort to this - if you can locate a groundhog:

Happy Groundhog's Day everyone!

Thanksgiving Nostalgia

This year I will be spending Thanksgiving Day and sharing dinner with my boyfriend's family ~ while I'm sure it will be a wonderful feast filled with all sorts of midwest delicacies, I will miss my two favorites: The Cranberry Log and Cope's Dried Corn ~ two of my family's traditions!

While I don't remember our cranberry log being served in such a grand manner, no matter how it was served, there were never any leftovers. Too bad my mom didn't happen upon the ad below ~ I'm sure she would have put me to work making this masterpiece. The image below is from a great posting on the history of this delectable "sliceable sauce" by the bewildered brit.

The other dish I will miss is John Cope's Dried Sweet Corn ~ I don't think it is even available in Kansas City as it is a Pennsylvania Dutch recipe and I think this brand is the only one left of its kind. Cope's corn is produced in Lancaster, PA ~ I have a vague recollection that my dad's family is somehow related to the Cope's family ~ I'll have to look into that so I don't make a liar out of myself while name dropping!


Trust me, while stewed corn or baked corn casserole doesn't conjure up a very appetizing image, however my mom prepared the dried corn (I'll bet she followed the directions on the package!), it was always something I looked forward to at holidays. If you are adventurous, looks like you can order online here and try some for yourself. I always thought to myself that this corn was what the pilgrims and indians ate at the first Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours!

Happy Halloween 2010!

{Beelzebub (Speck) & Lucifer (Sprocket)}

Happy Halloween from Beelzebub and Lucifer ~ my very own Scottish devil dogs! The boys are very patiently modeling my Devilish Dog Accessories ~ aren't they hideously handsome?

This year we had to give up on costumes for home as it has just been too busy to squeeze another project in. I did manage to whip together a quickie costume for work though ~ and found a way to incorporate Sprocket as well. As I am the art director for the American Girl Crafts line, we went as an American Ghoul Doll and her pet, Lucifer the devil dog. Beelzebub remained at home ~ he's not one to embrace the corporate life. Another coworker showed up as an American Girl Doll, so we were a great pair - we both won prizes ~ I won for scariest, Kristen for most creative.

Sprocket did very well on his first (and only) day on the job ~ he wore those devil horns all day long with no complaints. He also cleaned up after the breakfast party, managed at least 10 rooster crows, and networked with everyone at the event. After the long day at work, he too was looking forward to a good night's rest! Happy Halloween!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks to you all for being a part of my life ~ wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

BH&G Christmas Ideas

Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Ideas is now on newstands everywhere ~ this year, it was exciting for me to have some of my work included! Debbie Dusenberry's (Stylist & Owner of Curious Sofa) beautifully decorated home is featured in a lovely multi page spread ~ her unique style and impeccable taste is evident in every image. Debbie borrowed some of my book sculptures and paper ornaments for the photo shoot ~ I am flattered that she chose to use my work and I love seeing how beautiful it looks in the vignettes she styled! Even though only one of the images shown below made it for the final cut, I thought the other photos are worthy of sharing too.

There are lots of great ideas in this issue, so go pick up a copy ~ visit Curious Sofa Diaries to see more of Debbie's home.

{book sculptures ~ image from magazine spread}

{Paper ornament ~ see more here}

{more book sculptures}

. . . hopping down the bunny trail

Couldn't let Easter go by without posting some of my photos of Easter themed antiques ~ here are a variety of vintage Easter goodies ~ tasty, but no calories! Happy Easter!

{vintage chocolate egg moulds}

{nursery rhyme paper covered papier mache egg container}

{papier mache bunny candy containers}

{Easter themed tin toys}