My Collection of German Doll Heads

This year has brought on my love of not only Frozen Charlotte dolls (which I posted about many moons ago) but also a love for German doll heads. It seems to be the thing I search for on those rare trips to my favorite shops. They can also be found on ebay, but many of these came form my friend Kristin's shop Retro Cafe Art. Seems like any time I have a sale in my etsy shop, I head over to her shop and purchase a few of these dear heads.

I have them displayed in my studio on the top of a large cubby storage system. The doll on the far right belonged to my great grandmother and now she has lots of friends.

I really like this part of the display because these crystals came from my Grandma Betty's chandelier from her old haunted house in Youngstown, NY. The home was part of the Underground Railroad and had several spirits walking about. Oh how I would love to visit that beautiful house. Maybe one day...

I love this little tiny one that I purchased from Kristen. It is less then an inch tall and she does a fabulous job with cutting them even so I can just stand her right up. Yes, in time I will use more in my art work like the one below, but for now I just like to look at them all and think of the story of where they came from.

I am currently finishing up a collage that I made for Cassandra's design team. It will fit in perfectly with my doll heads and I will share it with you soon.

Have a Merry Christmas and a fabulous holiday, whichever it may be that you celebrate.

Christmas At Versailles 4x4 Book Swap

I've been a very busy elf, I mean, gal. I hosted another 4x4 book swap with my beloved Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group. It is fabulous and is my favorite of the three that have been made thus far. My hope is that even more will be created next year. Sign ups for a Valentine book are already underway and I am just thrilled that people still want to sign up for them. I love to hear from participants that they love their books and will cherish them. It gives me so much satisfaction to be a part of that. It is such a wonderful gift. Many thanks to everyone who made and have made these books such a success! Enjoy!

Snow

When they call for snow, I never believe it until I see it. They were correct and we did get some snow. I woke up early and peeked out the window to see if it was actually true and could see that wonderful way the light looks different and white all around. When the girls woke up and crawled into our bed, I knew they had not looked out the window. I reached out to pull the curtains open to hear them yell with glee, "It snowed! It snowed!"

The next hour consisted of coffee and a mad rush to find the snow clothes that still fit their growing bodies. When you rarely have snow, it is a huge task to prepare those little bodies for playing in the white stuff. Talk about excitement.

It wasn't that much snow, but any amount for us is just magical. I'm really surprised it happened so early in the season and hope that we have at least one good snow this year. One where we can ride down the road on the slide and the whole town comes to a halt. But for now, this was a wonderful day.

One of the things I love about my neighborhood, the many tall trees that are all around me. I love my tall trees. This is the same view from my studio window that I love so much. I feel like I am in my own castle overlooking the road and the trees.

It wasn't a lot of snow and I was surprised with how much play time the kids got out of it. It was perfect for packing and we made lots of snowballs and snowmen. You could tell instantly as we walked upon it to hear the perfect crunching sound. We rode down the hill several times, warmed up in front of my neighbors fire pit and enjoyed some hot cocoa and Christmas music from the radio.

I love the way the light shines in the house after it snows, the stillness and quiet that comes and the way it looks upon the trees. I feel really blessed today to enjoy this time with the kids. Have a great weekend and stay warm! Off to cozy up in front of the fireplace!