Ireland... Here I Come

Dublin

I can't wait!! Soon we'll be heading to Ireland and Scotland. We'll be spending a few days in Dublin, Ireland and then a few in Edinburgh, Scotland. We are traveling with our son and his best friend who both just graduated from High School as well as our friends (my son's friend's parents:-). 

This is a graduation present for the boys and for all of us. These are both the baby of the family and we are celebrating! Finding someone I know and trust to agree to stay at the house and watch my dogs was challenging but thankfully my babies will have someone there to care for them. (Whew!) 

We'll be exploring Dublin and the surrounding area as well as visiting 

Inverness, Loch Ness and Rosslyn Chapel. 

I have discovered that I have family in Roscommon. 

My mother's family (both sides) are from Ireland and several still live there.

Here is a place I'd like to see from Roscommon:

McDermott Castle, Castle Island, Lough Key

Click on the Picture to be taken 

to a pictorial article on beautiful castles

Check back soon for pictures. I can't wait to see how these countries influence my art. I plan on visiting second hand shops if possible. Last time I was in Ireland I found a single panel of an antique lace curtain in a thrift store - I brought it home and used the lace on several dolls. There is nothing like antique lace when costuming a doll. I'm hoping to bring back more treasures this trip.

Welcome to my Mad Tea Party

Mad Tea Party 2016

Welcome to my Mad Tea Party 2016. 

A BIG thank you to Vanessa from A Fanciful Twist 

for hosting this wonderful party once again. 

Every year I look forward to this event. 

It is fun to participate in and a joy to explore. 

Be sure to stop by Vanessa's party for a visual treat as well as 

links to all of the parties being held today.

The tarts are fresh and the cupcake rich and creamy. Both are perfect with tea. 

Be careful of the tiny bottle you see tucked among the flowers. 

It's pretty and the flavor is most delicious but also quite potent. 

Drink at your own risk!

The Flamingos are always happy to see you. 

They love a good party, especially if there are treats. 

This one put on his best scarves for the day.

The White Rabbit was here for a while 

but he was late for another engagement and had to run,

If you happen to see him please let him know he left his hat!

The tea is ready. 

Please help yourself to some treats. 

I hope you enjoy your time with me this year. 

The weather is beautiful and the company is quirky and fabulous.  

Thank you for stopping by. I hope to see you at the next stop.

This year I am giving away a clay Alice in Wonderland themed directional sign post. Below is a sample that I am still finishing :0). Its ROUGH (obviously)! The winner will get to choose 5 words or short phrases for their sign post. Colors will be the same or similar to those shown.

To be entered into this random drawing you must be a follower of this blog and leave a comment below. I will draw a name using a random number generator (number is based on the number of your comment) on Saturday August 13th. Winner must claim their prize by August 20th or another name will be drawn.

Before you leave let me share with you a silly story about something that happened this morning, as I was setting up my party...

My son and his friend (both 19) were sitting in our living room playing a game when I walked through the house with a life sized flamingo in one hand, a table in the other while wearing a white rabbit top hat. Normally, they never pay attention to me when they are playing games. Today they both looked up as I was heading towards the back door. They looked at me, looked each other and went back to their game. Since I've been doing blog parties not much surprises my son or his friends. They know that they get to play too and help sample the goodies that are left over.

See you at the next party...

Heading to Petaluma

I am so excited. I am heading to Petaluma, CA for the Journeys Through Light & Dark: Dolls as Tellers of Stories show being held at the Petaluma Arts Center.

Fish Tales

My doll, Fish Tales, is one of the dolls in the show and I couldn't be happier. I also have two other dolls in the show. They were not juried but are part of our doll club's table and also part of the exhibit.

I'll be posting pictures from the show this weekend. I can't wait to see my guy in the exhibit.

 Don't forget to stop by for the Tea Party tomorrow.

I just Joined the Mad Tea Party

I am so excited to be participating in the Mad Tea Party being hosted by Vanessa over at A Fanciful Twist.

I've been planning things all year and I can't wait to share them with you! Check back soon for a sneak peak. It's going to be so much fun.

Don't be late... ;0)