Oh my, what have I done...

Ever since I found out about them I’ve been resisting the urge to furiously start compiling Etsy treasuries, knowing that if I gave in even for a second I’d be hooked. Thought it best just to keep posting the odd handful of finds up here. Unfortunately I had a few application forms to fill out last night and the procrastination fairy reared its mischievous little head. “Sure there’s no harm in it,” he reassured me. “Just start one now while you enjoy your tea and you can come back to it another time.” I now have five. And, no, the applications still aren’t finished. Neither is my first art journal page. But I did find lots of pretty little things! 

So here’s my first, probably of a very many:

 

Check out my others here.
I hope some of you recognise a few of the treasures!

A REAL Fairytale Castle

I was on a wee wander through blogland this afternoon when I came across this via a post at Diamonds and Toads: Enter the Enchanted Conversation.  It’s a miniature doll house and the life passion of silent film star Coleen Moore and it’s on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.

It’s not just any old doll house, though. Noooo. This is, in fact, the most deliciously decadent, wonderfully indulgent, completely over-the-top doll house I ever set eyes on in all my years. And it’s so fantastically beautiful too.  “Experience the enchantment of  a fairy’s dream home…” invites the museum on their website. Indeed. 

Adorned with the stuff of legend and fairytale, it is a place where Arthur could rest his weary bones after a good night’s feasting and Cinderella could dance her pretty little feet off. Well, if they were five inches tall that is.  But if they were (5” tall) they’d undoubtedly be impressed with the quality and extravagance of the décor. 

In true fairytale style, there was certainly no expense spared when it came to the construction of this castle. Bathrooms made from alabaster, solid gold cutlery, etched crystal walls, platinum furniture, floors of rose quartz and jade… Seriously, if it wasn’t so wonderful it’d be immoral.

I think the most special and precious gem in the whole place has to be the vigil light in the chapel. In it is the diamond from Ms Moore’s mother’s engagement ring, which she left in her will to be put in her daughter’s doll house.

Here are just some more examples of the finery that abounds in the castle:

A Royal Doulton china miniature tea set, one of only two  in the world (the other resides in the Queen’s own doll house);
Tapestries from Vienna which have the smallest stitches ever sewn;
Gold chandeliers with real diamonds, pearls and emeralds;
Amber vases over 500 years old;
Ancient artefacts thousands of years old;
Murals and paintings by a certain Mr Walt Disney;
The smallest bible ever printed from 1840;
A weeping willow tree in the garden that cries tears into a little pool.

All I can say is WOW. Santa brought me a doll house one year and I was all chuffed that the lamps in it lit up!

Journaling in July

Picture by Shannon Blue

"Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with books on algebra etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the creative bug is just a wee voice telling you, 'I’d like my crayons back… please.'"  -Hugh McLeod

I heard that quote from a friend of mine a few weeks ago. As someone who downed her crayons many years ago, and as someone going through somewhat of a pre-midlife crisis, I can completely see the verity of it. Since I turned 28 I’ve found myself getting all nostalgic and longing for childhood (a few of my recent posts should be testament to that).  At the same time I’ve had an urge to take up some sort of creative or crafty hobby, although until I heard that quote I hadn’t really connected the two. 

Anyway, why am I babbling on about this? Well, I’ve finally found a way to get my crayons back and it’s all thanks to D over at The Whimsical Cottage! Ms Suplicki is taking us along on an art journaling adventure this July and it’s just the kinda thing I was after. I’m not the most arty and I can’t draw to save my life but with the helpful tips and inspirations D’s has been and will be posting on her blog, the whole thing seems quite achievable. I think I’ve finally found my hobby! Anyone can join in too so hop on over there and share the fun!