Countdown and Halloween Frills!

Hello all, I can see I'm not the only one that's been busy with shows, commissions, and sales. The Spirits on First was a great success for it being the inaugural. We had people come from all over the state and even some from across the border in Georgia. Which is wonderful cause it lets us all know that there is a growing market across the country. I'm already looking forward to next years events there and at Halloween and Vine.

Well I thought I needed to take a break and start getting ready for Halloween in earnest. First off please check out my listings on ebay under the seller hohohalloween of course! They'll probably be my last halloween items.

I have a couple more commissions left that I hope to finish this week and then I plan to relax till the big shingding next week. Actually it's just a Halloween dinner with friends and family but I go all out for my favorite holiday, so I'd thought I'd share my Halloween home decor with you all. Mind you I just started there's more to come.

I try ti mix old and new all around the house. The vintage items mostly stay in a cabinet due to our lovely Florida weather which loves to eat away at ephemera.

As you can see, my decor starts at the front door with a great wreath I picked up at Home Goods one year. It just sets the mood for what's to come.

You step into Halloween right away with orange vases, witches and cat throw pillows and of course my Halloween tree. It's a whopper! Department 56 put it out several years ago. This one's the 4 foot one that's been retired. Still not enough room for all my goodies.

At the base I have one of my favorite vintage pieces, it's an Owl luminaria from my best guess is the sixties. It stands next to a modern Target cat luminaria.

Up the tree you'll again find some vintage with modern glass ornies

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Here is a Larry Fraga spider with bee victim and a Large Radko JOL.

I've been told by my friends that I must have posed for this Slavic Treasure skull since we both have the same crooked smile and have follicle challenges. LOL. Another Larry Fraga and more Slavic Treasures

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Some of my JOL collections ranging from the Illuminations Jack o'lantern to made in japan vintage plastic.

I'm happy to have acquired a William Bezek hula girl skull to add to my growing Skull grouping. Thanks William I love her, and also you Witch candy container that fits right in with my other witches.

In one corner I have my cats which include a Johanna Parker candy container that sit next to the Devilish corner. I love making the crepe paper lamp shades to add that vintage feel you see in the old Bogie Books.

Even my coffee mug gets into the act. I love this halloween mug. As I drink the little treasures reveal themselves, in this cas it's a witch.

And of course the scenario wouldn't be complete without that little lady herself ..........Talula, getting into the act. Say CHEESEEEE! .

I'll try to post again before the big day, but just in case HAPPY HALLOWEEN Everyone!

Next!

Hey all not much of a post, just a note. Been prepping for the upcoming "Spirits on First" the inaugural, annual Halloween Show in Sanford Florida. You can read more about it in a blurb in Celebrate 365 Magazine.

Hadn't had much time or energy, (shoulders acting up again) to make anything new. Keeping up with commissions during show is madness. You are sooo sweet and patient in understanding the limits of this human body. It should all come back to NoMRal! next week before the mad Christmas rush. I'll be getting all those special gifts to petaluma out to you, as well as wrapping up some commissions.

I can only say thank you for the support and encouragement shown September 26 at "Halloween & Vine" and everyday on the blog and through emails.

Those of you in the Orlando area come check us out this Saturday 10 from 9-4. It's 10 Minutes from orlando and you'll find lots more to do in Historic Sanford. There is also a Harley Convention in town.

Well.... better get to bed early so as to be fresh for travel and setup tomorrow.

Finally! Halloween & Vine

Halloween & Vine 2009

After being MIA, I Finally have come down from the cloud that is Halloween and Vine to post. That, and taking a breather from prepping for next weeks inaugural show of Spirits on First in Sanford Florida.

Where to begin. As if being in a show with all that amazing talent wasn't enough, the welcome from them was the icing on the cake.

I was warmly welcomed by Ginny Betourne, Scott Smith and Christy Silacci upon arrival. Then the fun began, I said hello to all the other artist Laurie Hardin, Johanna Parker, William Bezek, Susie Scott and all the others. Everyone was busy either setting up their tables or helping setup the hall. There was a sense of camaraderie as everyone did there part.

Christy Silacci and Laurie Hardin helping out.

I must admit, being my first time I was a bit overwhelmed with setting up and was not able to help as much as I'd liked to. Evidently,to my surprise,I brought so many pieces that my table looked like a carnival, colorful and jammed packed.

The hall looked great even the lighting got into the act after festive lamps and streamers were added.

After a long day of setup we all had a wonderful dinner together , I was too busy eating to take any pictures, by this time I was starving.

The morning of the big day I arrived early for last minute adjustments and was surprised to find fans had formed line outside the hall since 5:30 AM. The excitement was palpable in the air.

After a warm welcome and pep talk from Scott the doors were swung open.

The collectors were so enthusiastic and generous in their praise and they expressed it with their support by buying anything that wasn't strapped down. It was hard for the established Artist to keep up with the pace, so you can imagine us new kids on the block. What fun we had! It was so wonderful to see the faces of the people as they browsed in wonder at all the goodies to be had.

I met so many wonderful collectors and I thank them each and everyone, for their support.

I had time to meet Dani Nelson from Spooky Time Jingles in person. Fellow artist and collector who flew in from the east coast to participate in the event. She is a wonder of support and marketing wiz for all of us that are part of that family.

The following pics speak volumes of the talent of each and every artist that participated and the smiles on out faces lets you know the fun we had. I hope I able to be a part of this show again in the future and developing the new friendships from artists and collectors alike. Enjoy, see y'all next year!

Laurie Hardin and Scott Smith at her table moments before the doors were swung open.

Some of Scott's marvelous creations

Susie Scott's amazing table.

Katherine Webber at her Table filled with halloween goodness.

Johanna proudly showing her wares and those fun leggings.

William Bezek and his fantastic characters!

Finally but not least Twinkle who had a great time and will be on her way next week to her home with Robert Brawley of Halloween Fanatic. A great collector and supporter of us all and a budding artist as well. Read more about Robert in the current issue of 365.