The Dark Faerie

A Gift for my Mom....

2012-01-05T09:09:00.000-05:00

This tray is one of the gifts I gave to my mom this year.....it encompasses one of her favorite quotes as well as her favorite colors. I antiqued it and gave it a crackled glaze to give a beautiful aged look. I hope she loves it....something so wonderful about a functional piece of art!

Pixie's Passion: My Favorite Doll Makers

2011-12-15T08:05:00.000-05:00

Pixie's Passion: My Favorite Doll Makers: Today's Featured Doll Maker is: Dark Faerie Creations

A couple more brooches....oh and FREE SHIPPING!

2011-12-10T19:10:00.001-05:00

I finished a couple of custom brooches this week. A great little gift for a birthday or stocking stuffer! You still have time to order for the holidays!!!

Also......I now have FREE SHIPPING in my shoppe...take advantage while the offer lasts....use the code PIXIE at checkout! :)

Dark Faerie Esty Shoppe

The Green Mermaid...

2011-12-10T09:28:00.001-05:00

Special of the Day - The Green Mermaid -

Mixed Media Wooden Cigar box

Dark Faerie Etsy Shoppe

Featured Item of the Day! $15 off her regular price...December 10th only!

A mixture of fairytales, magic and a touch of witchcraft....welcome to the Sorcery series....

Keep all of your little treasures in this beautiful wooden box. An original illustration of a green mermaid graces the top of this enchanting box. Illustration was drawn on beautifully printed cardstock that has been embellished with glitter. The sides of the box have a fabulous glass bead texture gel that has been sprinkled with faerie dust. I have also added some of the mermaids favorite things...found shells, faux gemstones and shells. The inside of the box is painted in a flat black and given a slightly distressed look. It measures 8.5 inches long x 8 inches wide x 1.8 inches high. Signed and dated on the bottom. ("The Green Mermaid" Elise 2011).

Oops...forgot to share Alice...

2011-12-09T13:32:00.001-05:00

I think I somehow completely forgot to share Alice!

About a year ago I was taking one of my afternoon jaunts through my little town and found this wonderful square piece of wood. Apparently it had been left behind by a construction crew. I had recently gone to hear an artist speak about creating art with found objects. Well...I took this as a sign and snatched it up. It has been sitting in my studio since that day just waiting to be transformed. Finally, I had the idea of adding some paperclay to the wood. Paperclay works extremely well with colored pencils!

After waiting several days for the clay to dry completely I took off and this is what I came up with.....hope you love her!

Along with the paperclay and colored pencils I used acrylic paint (to brighten her eyes), watercolor (for the sky) and cut paper and glitter for the stars.

Alice has been lost in Wonderland for way to long......as she waves goodbye she has stars in her eyes.

This piece is roughly 11.75 inches square and was created with colored pencils on paper clay and paper that was affixed to an upcycled piece of wood. Piece has been sealed with a hard coat for added protection. Hardware has been affixed to the back so that it is ready to hang right out of the box.

The Green Mermaid....

2011-12-09T09:59:00.001-05:00

Just finished a new piece! This season is just so busy....between preparing for Santa's arrival, our Winter Solstice Vegan Potluck....and just keeping the household up a running..it is very hard to get much studio time!

I did manage to get this little gem completed before the holidays passed...she will most likely be the last item I complete other than pieces I am working on for gifts (but those will have to wait to get posted til after Christmas...don't want to spoil anyone's surprise! )

much faerie love

The Gypsy That I was.....

2011-12-09T09:36:00.001-05:00

Special of the Day - The Gypsy That I Was -

Mixed Media Wooden Box

Dark Faerie Creations Etsy Shoppe

Featured Item of the Day! $25 off her regular price...December 9th only!

A mixture of fairy tales, magic and a touch of witchcraft....welcome to the Sorcery series....

Keep your precious treasures in this beautiful wooden box. This is a rather large wooden box...great for keeping old photographs and letters or even magical supplies. An original illustration of a gypsy graces the top of this enchanting box holding her crystal ball and surrounded by stars. The illustration was drawn on beautifully printed cardstock that has been embellished with glitter. The bottom of the box has been painted in fabulous black and white stripes and antiqued to give it an aged look. The inside of the box is painted in flat black. The entire box has been coated in a satin finish. The lid of the box measures 12.25 inches long x 9.75 inches wide x 1.25 inches high. The bottom of the box measures 11.75 inches long x 9.25 inches wide x 3.25 inches deep. Signed and dated on the bottom. (" The Gypsy That I Was" Elise 2011).

Vera...Faerie of the Earth

2011-12-08T08:16:00.001-05:00

Special Item of the Day - Vera - Faerie of the Earth -

One of a Kind Art Doll

Dark Faerie Esty Shoppe

Featured Item of the Day! $30 off her regular price...December 8th only!

Meet Vera...Faerie of the Earth!

Vera is a lovely art doll faerie looking to be adopted.
She loves to watch the flowers grow and the seeds burst from the rich spring dirt, enjoys nibbling on root vegetables, and talking to the woodland creatures.

Vera is hand-made from a wire, wood and aluminum armature covered in paper clay. Her wings are made from mod podged paper and other mixed media and sprinkled with faerie dust. Her hair is made from 100% acrylic yarn and her face and body were drawn and coloured with colored pencils and acrylic paint. She is also adorned with beautiful crystals in her hair, on her nose (appears to have a pierced nose) and on her shoes. Her limbs were attached with copper artist wire. She has been protected with a mod podge hard coat. She is wearing a skirt made from hand-dyed ribbons and metal trinkets. She is made from all vegan products and is approx. 14 inches tall.

(Hand dyed ribbon from http://www.etsy.com/shop/abbyandellie
check out their beautiful selection of ribbons!)

When shipped she is packed securely in lovely papers and ribbons within a sturdy box and comes with her very own adoption papers. A perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!

Faerie of Passion!

2011-12-07T08:33:00.001-05:00

Special Item of the Day - Antonia - Faerie of Passion - One of a kind Art Doll

Featured Item of the Day! $30 off her regular price...December 7th only!

Dark Faerie Etsy Shoppe

Meet Antonia...Faerie of Passion!

Antonia is a lovely art doll faerie looking to be adopted.
She loves the color red, sipping on Merlot and a good paranormal romance novel.

Antonia is hand-made from a wire, wood and aluminum armature covered in paper clay. Her wings are made from mod podged paper and other mixed media and sprinkled with faerie dust. Her hair is made from 100% acrylic yarn and her face and body were drawn and coloured with colored pencils and acrylic paint. Her limbs were attached with black colored copper artist wire. She has been protected with a mod podge hard coat. She is wearing a skirt made from hand-dyed ribbons,leopard print fabric,red ribbons and metal trinkets. She is also adorned with beautiful crystals in her hair, on her cheek and on her shoes. She is made from all vegan products and is approx. 14 inches tall.

(Hand dyed ribbon from http://www.etsy.com/shop/abbyandellie
check out their beautiful selection of ribbons!)

When shipped she is packed securely in lovely papers and ribbons within a sturdy box and comes with her very own adoption papers. A perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!

Drusilla the Ghost Girl!

2011-12-06T11:45:00.001-05:00

Here is Tuesday's featured piece....

Drusilla the The Ghost Girl - one of a kind Art Doll Jester Stick

Featured item of the day! $20 off her normal price!

A Marotte is a prop stick or scepter with a carved head on it, also know as a Jester Stick.

Give her a little jingle jangle and this spooky little scepter will make you feel like a creepy little kid again.

Drusilla is hand-made from a styrofoam ball, wood, colored pencils, acrylic paint and paper clay. Her collar is made from mod podged paper and fabric and other mixed media. Her hair is made from 100% acrylic yarn and her face and body were drawn with colored pencils and acrylic paint. She has been antiqued to give her an aged look and protected with a mod podge hard coat. She is decorated with hand-dyed ribbons and metal trinkets. She is approx. 11 inches tall.

(Hand dyed ribbon from http://www.etsy.com/shop/abbyandellie
check out their beautiful selection of ribbons!)

When shipped she is packed securely in lovely papers and ribbons within a sturdy box.

Far, Far Away.......

2011-12-05T13:33:00.001-05:00

The Featured item of the day! This gorgeous keepsake box features an original hand painted, mixed media illustration of a beautiful Irish Princess......

Today only I am selling her in my Etsy Shoppe for a very special price of $45....

Dark Faerie Creations Etsy Shoppe

Special Sales....

2011-12-04T17:37:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone....hope you are getting your holiday celebrations underway! We got our tree today so let the transformation of the living room begin! If only I could get rid of this nasty sinus headache!

I am going to be featuring one item in my shoppe each day starting today until next Sunday. This piece will have a special price for one day only and then will go back to it's original price.

The first piece is this adorable Little Piggy Jester Stick!

Dark Faerie Creations Etsy Shoppe

FREE SHIPPING PROMO!

2011-11-29T12:57:00.001-05:00

DARK FAERIE CREATIONS SHOPPE

I am offering free shipping in my shoppe from

now until Saturday, December 3rd!!!!

Every week until Christmas I will be offering a

different promo so check back often.

Also as a very special gift to my customers....I will have a drawing

at the end of December! Everyone who purchases something

from my shoppe will be automatically entered to

win a very special, one of a kind, miniature faerie

that you will design yourself!

SALE SALE SALE!!!!!

2011-11-27T08:39:00.001-05:00

Dark Faerie Creations

SALE! SALE! SALE! Use the code BLACKFRIDAY15 to receive 15% off your purchase through Cyber Monday! Spend $100 in my shoppe and receive a gift certificate for a free custom jester stick......offer ends Midnight Cyber Monday!!!!!

some new jewelry....

2011-11-21T15:02:00.001-05:00

These are some pieces I recently listed in my shoppe...all of the them are created from paperclay, color pencils and acrylic paint....so much fun to make! These make great one of a kind gifts.

You can find all of these piece and a few more right here.... Dark Faerie Jewelry

I can see my style transforming....

2011-11-16T20:15:00.001-05:00

I have just finished a couple more pieces that I wanted to share. The first is a commissioned piece that is really in my earlier style in which my color palette is very vibrant. The second piece is a mixed media piece that I think reflects the direction my art is going. My colors are slowly becoming more muted and romantic...and I am incorporated more papers and textures. It is such an amazing journey...

Sharing a little about my faeries....

2011-11-16T11:21:00.001-05:00

Wanted to show a few photos of the process I use to make my faeries......I hope you enjoy....

These are the basic materials I use to get started.

Once I glue the styrofoam ball onto the wooden dowel...I add a bit of aluminum foil to bulk up the torso...and then I begin to sculpt with the paperclay.

While the torso and head dry (which can take a few days up to about a week) I make the legs, arms and feet.

Once the head and torso are dry I begin adding color.....I use mostly colored pencils with a bit of white acrylic paint.

My workspace tends to get a bit crowded! :) Once the legs dry I paint them with my favorite black and white stripeys.

Once all the paint has dried and I have added all the details I want with the pencils I wire on all of the body parts with copper wire.

I am usually working on more than one faerie at a time so I have a little assembly line going.

I have a paper template (seen bottom right) that I use to make wings. I use various papers and several layers of Mod Podge hard coat to create the wings...once I add the final coat of Mod Podge I sprinkle on the faerie dust.

I make their little skirts from hand dyed ribbons and also add little metal trinkets and a tiny bottle of faerie dust to complete the look.

Before I add the skirts and hair I coat the entire body with the Mod Podge...and sprinkle with faerie dust on the cheeks and dress. The hair is simply strands of acrylic and/or rayon yarn that have been attached with hot glue.

Life is a roller coaster....

2011-11-07T09:23:00.001-05:00

The last couple of weeks have been crazy.....two loved ones in the hospital...Halloween...and hockey....phew! Things appear to be calming down (crossing fingers!)

Here is a little something I did a couple of weeks ago.....

A sweet little brooch created for an awesome vegan girl turning 16!

I haven't listed custom brooches in my shoppe yet but I will make a custom one for you as well...makes a great little gift! Just $25...all hand formed and hand painted in you or your loved one's likeness.....:)

Or I can do a necklace for $35......here are some examples of what I have made so far....these are all hearts but I can do other shapes as well as long as the shape gives me a large enough canvas to work on....

Featured in the On The Boomstick Blog.....!

2011-10-29T12:14:00.001-04:00

On The Broomstick!

Check out my little feature on this delightfully witchy blog! Dana has graciously included a couple of photos of my art as well as a link to my Etsy Shoppe! In return I will be giving one lucky person a signed print of my "Witch's Tea Party" illustration! Be sure to pay her blog a visit and enter to win!!!!

Brightest Blessing and Happy Samhain!
Elise

Meet some of my new friends...

2011-10-25T19:50:00.001-04:00

Finally finished these three lovelies! The one in blue is Linnea and she was a gift but Fyona and Annona are now up for sale in my Etsy Shoppe and are anxious to be adopted! :) These girls are quite a nice size measuring in at 17 inches tall. They would make quite a striking addition to any faerie collector.....

it's getting spooky........

2011-10-21T09:50:00.000-04:00

do you have your costume ready???? My mother-in-law, who is our personal costume designer, has been busy stitching up a storm. Looks like we will have a gravedigger, a ghost, a red witch and a Dorothy. Patrick is still undecided...but he likes to wait until the last minute :)

Also been getting geared up for the holidays....spending lots of time in the studio! I will be unveiling 3 new faerie art dolls early next week so check back soon!

Until then.......a view from my backyard.....

some new things.....and a sale!

2011-09-16T10:32:00.000-04:00

Wanted to share my latest pieces and also announce a sale!

Here are pics of some works I just completed this week...

First....here is a serving tray entitled "The Witch's Tea Party" that will have your guests spellbound! Triple coated with a mod podge hard coat so you can actually use this

beautiful tray to serve tea and faerie cakes!

"The Faerie with Purple Wings" another pendant in my jewelry section....she will make

you happy whenever you put her on!

Here is the enchanting jewelry box I promised! Entitled "Wish" this roomy jewelry box is perfect for all of your little treasures! Painted is beautiful berry and copper colors and then given a crackled surface so that it has a fabulous aged look.

Here is another lovely wooden keepsake box.... entitled "Walk in the Woods" this autumn inspired box will make you want to unplug and venture out into the woods to be one with nature! Sized perfectly to hold your most precious little treasures. Your items will be stand out beautifully within the box which has been painted a rich black.

Also...I will be having a special sale on Vera and Antonia.....they are anxious to be adopted!

Check out my shoppe to find out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/darkfaerie

summer is over.....

2011-09-06T07:59:00.001-04:00

and my kids are off to school tomorrow. My daughter is starting preschool and my son begins middle school. I know I am going to be a mess but I plan to keep myself occupied in the studio once they are off to school. It is so bittersweet...life just goes so fast...but I am looking forward to the few extra hours I will be getting to create!

Here are a few pieces that I have recently completed......the Witch's Tea Party will actually be used on a wooden serving tray...but I have prints for sale in my Socery3 Shoppe.

Sorcery3 Etsy Shoppe

and you can find the necklace that has not been sold here
Dark Faerie Creations Etsy Shoppe

Two more mixed media pieces....

2011-09-01T15:59:00.000-04:00

I have been having such a wonderful time playing with mixed media this past month. I am hoping to experiment even further very soon. With autumn just around the corner I have been totally focused on fall colors and themes. These are two that I just completed. Both will be featured on the top of wooden boxes. One is a simple trinket box and the second is an adorable jewelry box. I will post pictures of the boxes once they are completed...until then here are the illustrations. I will be back tomorrow to post pictures of my latest pendants....

Love and light to all and I hope everyone fared okay during Hurricane Irene. We were extremely lucky but I have neighbors who weren't so lucky. You are all in my thoughts....

Getting geared up for my first vendor event....

2011-08-23T16:22:00.001-04:00

Eeek......so I will setting up shop at the 2nd Annual Unionville Vineyard Pet Festival on September 17th in Ringoes, New Jersey. Check out www.coalitionforanimals.org for more info!

I am really nervous as this will be my first time setting up a table to sell my artwork...but I am very excited as well! In preparation for the event I have been working on some new Faerie Wands. I finally managed to photograph them today so I thought I would share them with you :) I am anxious to hear your thoughts!

Custom Orders....

2011-08-20T11:09:00.000-04:00

Well, I know I don't like to think about the holidays just yet....but when it comes to getting things custom made you really do have to start planning. So this is just a little reminder that if you have a custom faerie in mind for a special someone....my turnaround is roughly 3 weeks. So as much as I try to squeeze all the orders in try not to wait too long :)

Order a custom faerie here!

much faerie love!
Elise

A Little Sorcery - Cloth Paper Scissors

2011-08-20T10:54:00.001-04:00

A Little Sorcery - Cloth Paper Scissors

This is my entry for the "A Little Me" contest in Cloth Paper Scissors. I will find out September 12 if I am selected to be a finalist. Here is hoping! :)

A fairy necklace....

2011-08-14T17:23:00.000-04:00

I have been experimenting with jewelry a little bit lately....the paperclay is amazing for accepting watercolour as well as colored pencils so I have had a wonderful time trying new things. I hope to start working on some more jewelry pieces as well as some hanging ornaments soon so I will keep you posted on. Until then this is my most recent pendant that I listed last week which was scooped up right away by a good friend of mine in NYC.

kitty kitty meow meow....

2011-08-03T18:29:00.000-04:00

This is a little kitty illustration I did for a friend......I hope she loves it.

Sorcery is open! Blessed Lammas!!!!

2011-08-01T18:19:00.000-04:00

I have been having a fabulous time working on these mixed media pieces and I have finally gotten them all photographed and listed in our Etsy Shoppe. Come by when you have a moment and see what you think. We opened today with the pieces I have been working on over that last few of weeks. My mother-in-law just retired from her state job this past Friday so we hope to kick start the arts and crafting real soon! Sorcery Shoppe

Once upon a time....

2011-07-18T21:35:00.000-04:00

So, I have been working on some mixed media pieces that are fairytale themed...I have been so inspired and have just had so much fun created these pieces. They will be attached to wooden cigar boxes once finished and I will be sure to share photos one they are completed and added to my new shoppe! :)

Happy Friday...

2011-07-15T09:07:00.000-04:00

Well summer is just flying by isn't it!? I have been spending many lovely evenings down at the beach, on bike rides, eating on the patio and just enjoying the beautiful weather (when it hasn't been so hot it has forced us into the air conditioning).

Also...I mentioned a little bit last time about a new shoppe that my Mother-in-love and I will be starting very soon. She is retiring August 1st and we have decided to combine forces to create some beautiful new items for our Sorcery line. She does magic in the sewing and quilting department so will be adding that to my artistic abilities to see what we come up with. We are still in the brainstorming stage until she finishes up at work but the ideas are flowing like crazy! The artwork I have been creating for the Sorcery shoppe is a little different from you are used to seeing from me. Here are some more sneak peeks.....

New Faeries.....

2011-06-30T15:24:00.000-04:00

Hello lovelies!

Finally I have some new friends to post. Now that school is out and my husband and kids are home for the summer I am hoping to get on a better work schedule...but we will see how that goes...LOL! Lydia will be starting pre-school in the fall and my mother-in-love is retiring in August. I have high hopes of getting my business off the ground as well as beginning another business with Mimi (my mother-in-love). I will share more details once we get things moving but until then here is a little peek....

As for my new faerie friends....meet Sherbet and Sorcha. Sherbet was a custom order but Sorcha is now up for sale in my Etsy Shoppe. She was inspired by my illustration that once was part of my logo.

much faerie love.....

Happy Summer Soltice!!!!

2011-06-21T10:11:00.000-04:00

TODAY ONLY! In honor of the Summer Solstice I am offering FREE SHIPPING on everything in my shoppe! Just use the coupon code SOLSTICE when checking out! :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/darkfaerie

Sale on some of my prints!

2011-06-17T14:06:00.000-04:00

Hello my Faerie friends.....

I am running a small sale in my Etsy shoppe on a few select prints. From now until next Friday these specific prints will be $5 off! Don't miss out :)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/darkfaerie

a little something for a friend of mine...

2011-06-15T21:16:00.000-04:00

One of my friends recently asked me to help her with a business card. She is a singer and wanted to have a card to hand out after shows and such. After perusing her photos and listening to her music this is what I came up with....

The first image is of the the original illustration and the second image is after layering in photoshop. It was so much fun to create...I love being able to incorporate my illustration into my graphic design.

My very first mermaid!

2011-06-13T11:42:00.000-04:00

Meet Meliora! Mermaid of love and light!

I have had an idea in my head for while for creating a mermaid. This is my first attempt. I may make a few tweaks on the next one...but I think she came out pretty well. Her tail is flat and is attached so that she is able to sit on a shelf for display. She is full of sparkle and has lovely crystals adorning her very long hair. She even comes with her little vial of faerie dust :) I found her hair on Etsy....a shoppe that sells lots of vegan roving (http://www.etsy.com/shop/spinup). This roving is made from hand dyed tencel and is a gorgeous mint color! I also purchased some beautiful magenta roving made from bamboo for the next mermaid!

Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Some more custom orders and a very special faerie!

2011-06-02T18:03:00.000-04:00

So once again I have not managed to post on a regular basis....but I still can't figure out how to add more hours to my days. So for now I do what I can :) I just finished up a couple more custom orders...and oh did I have fun with these two! I just loved the colors my client picked out and I decided to shoot the photos outside in the garden. It just seems more fitting that you find the faeries in the garden anyway plus you just can't beat shooting with natural light. So here is Bella as well as a new faerie wand in pink. Lydia also makes a guest appearance in one of the photos..she is my very own special faerie.

Made it to the finish line...woohoo!!!

2011-05-19T20:41:00.000-04:00

So, I had quite few custom orders to complete over the last two weeks so all of my evenings have been spent in the studio. Today I finished up and shipped out just about everything....I love that feeling of accomplishment! Once I know all of my customers are happy I too will be a happy girl :) Now I am looking forward to getting back to some other ideas I have been tossing around such as a mermaid art doll! I have been planning her in my head for a while but now I think I am ready to get started on her. I hope to have something to share in the next week or two. Until then here are some pics of all of the projects I completed this week along with some pics of my studio in the midst of the chaos. I tell ya...when I am going to town in my studio there is so much glitter you would think Tinker Bell exploded in the middle of the room! LOL! My husband is not a fan of all of the glitter but I LOVE it! Perhaps it's because his hockey equipment shares some of my studio space....I suppose it's not very manly to show up to your hockey game covered in glitter! (teehee!)

oh how I love Spring!

2011-05-14T08:56:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday everyone. I got totally behind on posting this week...I have been covered in glitter and hot glue every night this week and during the day the weather has been so perfect I refused to stay inside! I thought this morning would be a nice time to squeeze in a little post before making pancakes for the kiddos.

Spring is in full bloom, the babies squirrels are out munching on the maple seeds and the air is intoxicating (even if I am in New Jersey! LOL) I visited one of our local nurseries yesterday and picked up a ton of new herbs and my little one picked out several flowers including her favorites, marigolds. We will be heading out after breakfast to find them new homes in our garden. I hope to be harvesting lots of herbs for some future projects. I don't have a ton of space for drying herbs. Does anyone out their have any tips for me...?

With Spring in the air and all of the flowers in bloom I wanted to create a piece using flowers and spring colors. So for Mother's day I decided to create a 3-d collage for my mom and mother-in-love that included one of my favorite shots of my daughter. This was my first attempt at something like this...and I must say it was so much fun. I plan to make more of these in the future and was thinking of including some of my illustrations. So many ideas...if I could only cut out sleep from my routine I could probably manage to do all of the projects I have lined up! :)

Here are a couple of shots of the collages....I wish they were better pics...I kind of remembered at the last minute to photograph them.

Studio pics...

2011-05-08T20:52:00.000-04:00

I have posted pictures of my studio before and I have also mentioned how much I love to see other artists' work spaces. I decided to post some updated pics...not quite finished but I think studios are always a work in progress....

Want to WIN one of my OOAK Art Doll Faeries????

2011-05-06T10:10:00.000-04:00

Okay...so I need to drive more traffic to my blog....sadly I don't have tons of time to go blog hopping in order make that happen. SO here is where the contest comes in.......I need YOUR help! So my idea is that whomever gets the most visitors to my blog will be the winner. What you need to do is to make sure whoever visits my page leaves a comment on one of my posts (doesn't matter which) and they have to include your blogger name in the post (must be all different people...cannot be the same person over and over). I am going to run this contest until Friday, June 15th. At that point I will count up the comments and announce the winner! The winner will get to decide on all of the details (color of hair, skin, clothing and so forth) of their very own faerie! Good Luck and have fun!!!!

I was lost in a messy studio...

2011-05-04T20:27:00.000-04:00

I have been cleaning out my studio....organizing my things...and discovering things I forgot I had! I got so lost in setting up my space that I stopped worrying so much about sales (it has been soooo slow!) Seems like the universe has a funny way of taking care of you (like I didn't know that! LOL) anyway with my attention diverted to such domestic things I received THREE custom orders from my Esty Shoppe! Oh what a happy girl I am! Also...with that bolt of bliss...I was inspired in other ways! As some of you know I have another blog that I share with a good friend of mine that I went to art school with, AE Reed. A little over a year ago while venturing through Strand in NYC we stumbled across an amazing book of illustrations. It led us to create a blog solely dedicated to creating pieces inspired by artists featured in the book "The Garden of Eye Candy". The latest artist inspired these latest pieces...

Please check out mine and AE's blog at http://dopplegangersandshadowrealms.blogspot.com/

New Faerie Wand....

2011-04-28T21:18:00.001-04:00

A little Goth Girl..she's a little dark and a little spooky...just like me!

playing around with some jewelry ideas....

2011-04-15T14:21:00.000-04:00

here are the first of my pieces.....some brooches. These are also created from paper clay and colored pencils....what do you guys think?

I know I know...I am so slow! Oh and a SALE!!!

2011-04-15T09:38:00.000-04:00

I can't seem to get myself organized....as I flitter from one project to another in my tiny studio I tend to get a bit overwhelmed. I am so full of ideas but yet short on time. Trying to find a balance is very hard with a family of four. It gets a little crazy around here but honestly I wouldn't trade if for anything! I squeeze in whatever I can so that my creative side is fulfilled...I am a lucky girl!

I know I promised a contest....but I can't seem to figure it out. I want ideas to promote my art (deep down I wish for a manager..LOL) and I wanted to tie that into my contest. Once I figure it all out I will get back to you guys..but until then hold tight!

Also! For a short time I am offering sale prices on the three dolls currently in my Etsy Shoppe! Vera and Antonia are now $40 off and Emmaline is $20 off...from now until Midnight tomorrow! Don't miss this great chance to adopt your faerie! :)

anybody out there! LOL!

2011-03-29T20:20:00.000-04:00

Still working on the details for my contest...so don't fret..I hope to have it figured out by next week!
Until then here are my latest creations.....my new faerie wands. These are a daintier version of my jester sticks...more bells and less bulk! LOL! They are super cute and very jingle-y :) My daughter has already claimed the pink one but the green and blue ones were just listed in my Etsy Shoppe!

Contest!

2011-03-24T11:44:00.000-04:00

I am going to have a contest soon....still trying to figure out the details...but the winner will receive one of my hand-made one of a kind faeries...made especially for you!!! Stay tuned for details!!!! :) Show me some love!

Visit to a faerie....

2011-03-23T20:05:00.000-04:00

Remember Tali.....?

She went to live in Blacksburg, Virginia with a friend of mine...and another dear friend went to visit. She lives in a lovely old birdcage.....but Brian has promised me that the cage door always remains open :)

Thank you AE for the wonderful photos!

Jester Sticks!!!!

2011-03-16T09:43:00.001-04:00

Finally got them completed and in my Esty Shoppe.....I really love how they came out but I do not feel like the photos do them justice. I am going to have to try to get some better shots when I have a chance. They definitely have a dark feel to them...so I have named them Zombie and Voodoo Queens! Lydia has insisted that I make one for her....so we shall see how one holds up to a three year old once I get hers made! LOL! oh and BTW...i have a special right now in my Etsy Shoppe.....http://www.etsy.com/shop/darkfaerie Free Shipping now until next Wednesday...anything in the shoppe! Enter code "PIXIE" when checking out!

Working on some new ideas....

2011-03-07T13:33:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to come up with some different ideas for my paper clay. I love my faeries....but I have been itching to try something new. I have been commissioned to make a mobile of birds and I am also working on some "jester sticks". They will be my own take on these little festive wands but featuring ghosts, faeries and other little spooky creatures and most likely not any actual jesters! LOL!

I am yearning for more time in the studio but my little one keeps me busy during the days and my evenings I just tend to putter out. I am hoping with Spring's arrival as well as some additional exercise I will find the energy I need to fit in some more hours at night.

Come on little Robins......I can't wait for you to bring the Spring!

What is everyone else working on these days?????

Meanwhile...here are some photos of my little one after she managed to talk me into letting her have some of her brother's Valentine's Day candy...eeeeeeewwwww!

New Series....

2011-03-01T11:19:00.000-05:00

I have a begun a series of illustrations that will be donated to the For the Animals Sanctuary in Blairstown, NJ. My dear friend, Debbie Kowalski, who owns the Sanctuary also creates beautiful jewelery to help raise money for all the amazing animals who have been adopted.

http://www.fortheanimalssanctuary.org/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/dkany

Sometime in the near future these illustrations will be made into jewelry (and perhaps other items) and the originals will be auctioned off to benefit the animals.

Here is the first in the series which I completed yesterday....Meet Alice!

starving artist sale...LOL!

2011-03-01T11:08:00.002-05:00

I currently have a sale going on in my Etsy Shoppe.....15% OFF anything in my store! :) just type in the code STARVINGARTIST when checking out......:) Sale ends Sunday, March 6th!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/darkfaerie

Emmaline......

2011-02-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

She is the first of my petite faeries...just under 10 inches....I love her so!

Vera and Antonia.....

2011-02-07T17:01:00.000-05:00

In the studio with two new faeries......one is a commissioned piece for my best friend from high school...and since I usually create them in pairs Vera came along as well!

I have included some pictures of the studio along with the finished photos.

Vegan Heart Box....perhaps for your favorite vegan valentine!

2011-01-28T14:49:00.000-05:00

Slowly trying to get caught up and once again failing to post on my blog as often as I would like. Taking a few minutes, while my 3 year old is occupied with her watercolurs, to post my latest piece.

This is just a little box I wanted to do as a fun little piece in between commissioned pieces (not that they aren't also fun...just different :) I featured my favorite little cow along with a lovely vegan girl...it makes quite a lovely little keepsake box to store all of your favorite treasures!

sniff sniff..cough cough...blow blow blow my nose....

2011-01-06T15:58:00.000-05:00

Well Santa was nice enough to give us a cold for the holidays and we have passed it from one another for a month...but while trying to recover from this nasty cold I did manage to complete my latest illustration! Meet Serena! I just love her!

Hopefully more to share very soon!

a few more little faeries...

2010-12-15T23:30:00.000-05:00

I have been busy, busy, busy finishing up some projects before the holidays. Here are four new additions that were just completed this evening. These are my smaller, hanging faeries that just fill a room with magick! Now that these are finished I can begin my baking and start preparing for my Art Guild Party and Winter Solstice Vegan Potluck...ALL this weekend! Weeeeeeeeee...........

a kitty!

2010-12-15T23:22:00.000-05:00

My first venture into something other than a faerie! I think she came out quite cute...perhaps I will create some adorable farm animals after the holidays! :)

She is made from a styrofoam ball, paper clay, colored pencils, glitter...and pure fun!

some more faeries have flown in.....

2010-12-02T14:16:00.000-05:00

Meet Wystelle and Tali.....

Wystelle (also goes by Stella) is petite and quiet....a shoulder to cry on and has a very kind heart. She loves pink champagne and rainy days.

Tali is a bit more mischievous....she will listen to your gossip and give you her honest opinion on any love interests you may have. She resembles Tori Amos a bit...which could be why she loves her music so much.

Meet Nyssa!

2010-11-04T20:49:00.000-04:00

I have finally completed my 3rd doll in my latest series of faerie art dolls. I am really pleased with her and think she has a wonderful little personality! She is wearing a skirt made from hand-dyed ribbon, black tulle, and cute little metal trinkets featuring a key that says "journey". Nyssa does not come with her own box....though I love the idea of them having their own little special place I do feel the added cost may be too much for those who want a faerie of their own. We shall see how it goes.

I must say I feel such an attachment to these little faeries and though I hope they will find good homes very soon....I will miss them terribly!

New Dolls.......

2010-10-19T18:49:00.000-04:00

So....it's been a while I know. Life takes over and blogging just doesn't happen as often as I would like. Perhaps one day I will be able to organize myself better...but until then I guess you will just get random spurts from me now and then :) Anywho I wanted to show off my new art dolls. I am always trying to find ways to improve upon then and eventually get them exactly how I picture in my mind. Well, I think I have gotten pretty close. I am in love with these two little pretties.....they even come with there own box....a little magickal spot to keep them safe. Let me know your thoughts!

WOW!

2010-08-31T21:01:00.000-04:00

Okay.....so I started experimenting with different surfaces to do my illustrations on. I wanted to find a surface that could be a completed piece without the trouble of framing when finished. I tried several surfaces but had not luck....my colored pencils just were not working on the different textures. Normally I work on bristol board which is very smooth and about the same weight as poster board. It let me blend my pencils beautifully...as a matter of fact most people believed that my illustrations were paintings. Nope...I just blend my pencils like crazy. I am guessing I am breaking all the rules when it comes to colored pencils...but what can I say...I am just a rebel! LOL! Anywho...the whole point of my blabbering is that I gave my pencils a try on wood. At first I tried a couple of small boxes....and man did I get excited when I realized my pencils worked great! Then I picked up a couple of wooden panels and tried my pencils on them...it was like butta! (soy butter, of course!) The pencils went on so smooth and just gorgeous. I think this will be what I will be working on for a long while. Once the pieces are complete they are ready to hang...just perfect! What do you think?

Etsy!

2010-08-25T14:51:00.004-04:00

Some fun Treasuries I have made on Etsy....it's soooo addictive!

http://www.etsy.com/people/darkfaerie/treasury

The Water Nymphs!

2010-08-04T15:25:00.000-04:00

Hello all!

I hope everyone is staying cool. I swear it has been like living in a cave this summer and I DO NOT like it at all. I am looking forward to fall even more than I usually do!

Well hopefully this will make you feel refreshed! My latest... I just finished this morning....

hey ya'll!

2010-07-10T09:51:00.001-04:00

Well hey everyone....so I have been sucking at my diet....but I am back on starting Monday. I now have a little support group of vegan friends that are also trying to lose so we are going to keep each other motivated. Wish me luck! :)

As for my art...lots of projects going on. I just finished three new faerie dolls which are now for sale on my Etsy store. I am also in the middle of fixing up an antique doll bed for my daughter. It was my mom's and needs a little TLC but it will be adorable when finished. I will be sure to post before and after shots. Also, I will be starting a new illustration for a friend, working on my monthly "eye candy" challenge piece and starting some faerie boxes (more to come on those little treasures!) I love that my motivation has finally kicked in and now that the boys are home for the summer I have some more time to spend in my studio (thank you Patrick!) Now if only that motivation could carry over to my diet! LOL! Well that just goes to show you that a vegan diet can be just as yummy and tempting as a regular omni diet!

Well off I go....hoping to make it to the farmer's market this weekend and looking forward to "date night" tonight with my hubby. Have a great weekend everyone!

The Blushing Vampire

2010-06-29T20:40:00.001-04:00

Here is the latest of my inspiration pieces. She was alot of fun...and I admit it was weird using pink but I find the color is growing on me. Scary! Look for her to be for sale in my Etsy Shop very soon! :)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/darkfaerie

My other blog....

2010-05-26T08:02:00.002-04:00

Be sure to check out my other blog that I co-author with a dear friend of mine.

http://dopplegangersandshadowrealms.blogspot.com/

Meet Terri!

2010-05-18T10:55:00.002-04:00

my latest....

2010-05-02T10:11:00.000-04:00

also......

2010-05-02T10:06:00.001-04:00

be sure to check out my other blog that I am sharing with a fellow artist and close friend....
http://dopplegangersandshadowrealms.blogspot.com/

From Beltane to Lammas.......

2010-05-02T10:04:00.001-04:00

I want to lose 15 pounds by August 1st! Is this possible.....? I need all the encouragement and advice I can get. I have been working on getting back on my exercise routine.....I just need to watch my calories. What has worked for others? My biggest problem is being home all day with easy access to food. After years of my weight yo-yoing I really want to do this! Comments please!!!!! :)

Meet Stephanie!

2010-03-06T09:13:00.000-05:00

She is finished! I couldn't figure out what to name her until Patrick told me she reminded him of our good friend Stephanie :) So there you have it! I tried something new with her...she is mounted on masonite and coated and sealed with a glossy glaze. The colors are really amazing. Once I add the hardware to the back..she will be ready to hang without having to frame. I will have her for sale in my Etsy Shoppe in a couple of days....

sneaky peek....

2010-03-01T17:32:00.003-05:00

I was enjoying my sunny kitchen today....and was inspired a bit. Here is a little peek at my next illustration....

My little creative space...

2010-02-26T19:21:00.003-05:00

I am always curious to see the space that artists work in. Mine is certainly a work-in-progress...but it's all mine. Most of the time I have my stuff spread out all over the house (skattered...just like my brain..LOL!).....but as I have more time to spend on my art I hope to spend much more time in my little creative corner.

More Star Wars food!

2010-02-26T07:20:00.004-05:00

Here we are in our tiny kitchen making our TIE Fighter Ties....these were mini sausages wrapped in refrigerator breadsticks (these are one of those accidentally vegan things but not exactly super healthy so maybe next time we will make our dough from scratch) - we used Gimme Lean vegan sausage which I made into mini sausage links and cooked in olive oil before wrapping with breadsticks...then baked for 10 minutes.

Some were a little wonky but hey...they still tasted good! :)

Tusken Raider Taters....
Super simple to veganize....just sub'd the butter and milk with soymilk and Earth Balance. YUM!

Well the steamed kale wasn't in the cookbook..but we needed our greens! Liam is addicted to kale...I am pretty sure that is not common for a 9 year old :)

These were the cupcakes I made for Liam to share with his classmates on his b-day. Chocolate with buttercream icing....delish! Each cupcake was decorated with an awesome Clone Wars' ring!

Cordelia the Lake Faerie

2010-02-25T20:23:00.004-05:00

My latest adventure.....bringing to life some faeries! These are my new art dolls that I am now selling on Etsy. I have made six so far and I have already sold four of them! This is the latest...

Meet Cordelia!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41501278

Boba Fett Brownies!

2010-02-10T19:13:00.003-05:00

Liam and I just started working our way through the Star Wars Cookbook...veganizing everything in our path. First thing we chose (because we are snowed in and had to work with ingredients we had!) were the Bossk Brownies. Sadly Liam does not have a Bossk figure so we changed them to Boba Fett Brownies. Oh well...he is much cooler anyway! LOL!

For the eggs with sub'd with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 Tblsp. of flax meal mixed with 3 Tblsp. water per egg)...and for the butter we used Earth Balance. They came out fantastic!

Hope for Haiti....

2010-01-16T14:40:00.001-05:00

Meet Garnet...

2009-04-23T10:02:00.003-04:00

Garnet Lacey is a character in a book series by Tate Hallaway that I LOVE! The first of the books is called Tall, Dark and Dead and if you love paranormal romances (involving witches, vampires and such)...I suggest you pick them up! Book four in the series is due out next month...so go grab books 1-3 so you can catch up! :)

Re-worked....

2009-02-03T14:14:00.003-05:00

I wasn't quite satisfied with my last piece....so during Lydia's nap today I pulled out my pencils and went to town. I am much happier with Parisa now :)

My latest....

2009-01-27T21:32:00.001-05:00

Meet Parisa...

You can also find me here now.....:)
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5188756

See you all soon!

I'm back.....for the moment ;)

2008-12-28T11:35:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope everyone is happy and healthy and doing well! We have been super busy. We hosted a vegan potluck on the 20th in honor of the Winter Solstice...it was an amazing time with amazing vegan food! We feel so blessed to have our lives filled with such amazing friends and family!

My mother-in-love made these amazing cookies for the potluck and I wanted to share the recipe with you all....they sound kind of strange...but trust me...they are decadent!!!!!

Toffee Cookie Bites
24 saltines
1 cup soy butter
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
12 oz. vegan chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

cover bottom of a 13" by 9" baking pan with aluminum foil and line with saltines.
melt butter and sugar in microwave for 3-4 minutes or until sugar dissolves, stir occasionally.
gently pour mixture over saltines.
bake @ 325 degrees for 15 minutes or until bubbly.
remove from oven and let stand for 1-2 minutes until bubbling settles down.
sprinkle with chocolate chips, spreading as they melt.
sprinkle with nuts.
cover and chill at least two hours.
break into pieces after chilling.

Busy, busy, busy!

2008-10-28T12:02:00.003-04:00

Well...it has been a while. I just can't seem to find time to sit down and blog very much these days. Lydia is on the brink of walking and keeping me on my toes...not to mention that she is into everything she should NOT be! I'm going to try to do better but with the holidays just around the corner (yikes!) I'm not making any promises.

Last week Patrick and I celebrated 9 years of marriage. He took me into Philly to Horizons. For those of you who don't know....this is an amazing vegan restaurant. It was the first time either of us had been there...and we were impressed. It had great ambiance, the service was amazing...and the food was incredible. It was a bit pricey for our budget but it a wonderful place to go for a special occasion. Here is there website if anyone would like to check them out: Horizons Philadelphia.

Over the weekend we made it out to the pumpkin patch and Lydia had her first hayride. She had a great time...as well as big brother. They picked out there pumpkins and now we just have to carve them up! One of the tasty things I had at Horizons were some candied pumpkin seeds that sat atop my amazing Pumpkin "Cheesecake"...anyone out there have a good recipe for candied pumpkin seeds?....cause I'm all about making some of those this week! YUM!

I also recently made some vegan donuts....I got the recipe from VegYumYum.....if you have not tried these yet...please go do it now....they are incredible!

Bean!

2008-10-04T18:24:00.001-04:00

Just some cute pictures of the kiddos...

2008-09-24T21:45:00.004-04:00

Hope to find some time to blog again soon...until then here is some eye candy...LOL!

Vegan Potluck......

2008-09-01T08:10:00.008-04:00

We hosted another vegan potluck this past Saturday and it was fantastic....so much yummy food and a great time had by all! I only wish I had gotten pictures of the food.....whoopsie!

Relaxing outside....and hangin' with mosquitos!

Vegan luuuurrrve!

Vegan baby...

Good conversation...

Excellent food...

Vegan cupcakes.....duh!

Um...yeah...Rock Band!

Bestest friends...

and Dino and Liam playing Harry Potter....GOOD TIMES!

Cinnamon-y Goodness!

2008-08-29T08:34:00.005-04:00

We received our VegNews a couple of days ago and inside the current issue are tons of great recipes to try. I decided the first one I would try would be the Cinnamon Rolls...I don't have a lot of experience dough with so I thought it would be a new challenge for me. Turns out these were easy-peasy...and super yummy! I will have to keep working on my dough making skills...the kneeding and pounding was fun!!!

Rolled...

Risen...

Baked...

Slathered...

Served!

who doesn't need one of these!

2008-08-08T21:11:00.004-04:00

I found these very cool cupcake holders today! They will be perfect for sending to work and school in the boys' lunches....I also picked up one for Lydia for future use. I found them at Sur La Table for $3.00 each. They also have a website....here! So fun!

Quesadillas!!!

2008-08-08T20:50:00.002-04:00

So I whipped up some quesadillas the other night....it is such a quick and yummy dinner!
I suggest that everyone make these soon....get creative with the filling...the combinations are endless.

I made these with refried beans, black beans (mixed with some cumin, chili powders, salt and fresh garlic), tomatoes, green peppers, onions and FYH soy cheese on whole wheat tortillas. I baked them for about 25 minutes at 375 f without the top tortilla...added the tortilla top and baked for another 5-10 minutes. Then I added a dollop of vegan sour cream and salsa. YUMMERS!

Finally....a new illustration!

2008-08-08T13:38:00.005-04:00

It's been a while....busy with the kids and such. Meet Jess the Vegan...she's for sale so contact me if you're interested.

Cupcake success!!!!!

2008-08-06T17:39:00.006-04:00

Well...the four dozen cupcakes turned out faboo!!! There was not a cupcake in sight once the baby shower was over! I made the cookies 'n cream, vanilla with raspberry buttercream (also added a dollop of raspberry preserves into each cupcake before baking for a fruit center), carrot cake with cream cheese icing and coconut heaven. All were from VCTOTW except the coconut which were from Vegan with a Vengeance. I thought I would stress out with so many cupcakes....but it was actually quite fun. I baked them the night before, made the icing the next morning - let chill, then iced the lovlies in the afternoon. I only wished there had been extras to sample...but we did have fun licking the icing bowls!!!

Cupcake help....:)

2008-08-02T13:57:00.004-04:00

So...I have been asked to make cupcakes for a baby shower on Wednesday and the order is for 48! I think I'm going to make 4 different kinds. My question to you guys is "what's your favorite vegan cupcake recipe???" I have a special request to make carrot cake which I plan on using the recipe in Vegan Cupcakes Take over the World...but I have never made them. Anyone out there made these yet? If so...thoughts? Give me all the advice you guys have as these are for omnis so they need to be super, duper good! (of course they always are....but you know what I mean ;)

Cheers!!!!!

chocolate + peanut butter= heaven!!!

2008-08-02T13:39:00.007-04:00

I had clipped this cookie recipe out of a magazine a couple of years ago and have been wanting to veganize it or a while...last night I finally found the time to finally give it a go. They were well worth waiting for! It's not a healthy recipe by any means but I suppose most cookies aren't. These cookies are all about moderation! :)

Magic Middle Cookies

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for dipping)
1⁄2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup earth balance or vegan margarine, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ener-g egg replacer
3⁄4 cup powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Whisk together first 4 ingredients in a medium-size mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, beat together granulated and brown sugars, margarine, and 1⁄4 cup peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg replacer, beating to combine. Stir in dry ingredients, blending well. Set dough aside.

2. Stir together remaining 3⁄4 cup peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. With floured hands, roll mixture into 26 (1-inch) balls.

3. Break off about 1 tablespoon cookie dough; make an indentation in center with thumb, and press 1 peanut butter ball into indentation. Wrap dough up and over filling, pressing to seal; roll cookie to smooth it out. Repeat for each cookie.

4. Dip top of each cookie in granulated sugar, and place 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Use greased bottom of drinking glass to flatten each cookie to about 1⁄2 inch thick.

5. Bake cookies at 375° for 7 to 9 minutes or until set. Let cool on wire rack.

Adapted from a recipe in Cottage Living, March 2006

Out and about...

2008-08-02T13:34:00.005-04:00

Just thought I would share these little gems from our venture out to the park the other day.

I'm a day late but....

2008-08-02T09:12:00.005-04:00

Happy Lammas!!!!

At Lammas, also called Lughnasadh, the hot days of August are upon us, much of the earth is dry and parched, but we still know that the bright reds and yellows of the harvest season are just around the corner. Apples are beginning to ripen in the trees, our summer vegetables have been picked, corn is tall and green, waiting for us to come gather the bounty of the crop fields. Now is the time to begin reaping what we have sown, and gathering up the first harvests of grain, wheat, oats, and more.

This holiday can be celebrated either as a way to honor the god Lugh, or as a celebration of the harvest.

Celebrating Grain in Ancient Cultures:

Grain has held a place of importance in civilization back nearly to the beginning of time. Grain became associated with the cycle of death and rebirth. The Sumerian god Tammuz was slain and his lover Ishtar grieved so heartily that nature stopped producing. Ishtar mourned Tammuz, and followed him to the Underworld to bring him back, similar to the story of Demeter and Persephone.

In Greek legend, the grain god was Adonis. Two goddesses, Aphrodite and Persephone, battled for his love. To end the fighting, Zeus ordered Adonis to spend six months with Persephone in the Underworld, and the rest with Aphrodite.

A Feast of Bread:

In early Ireland, it was a bad idea to harvest your grain any time before Lammas -- it meant that the previous year's harvest had run out early, and that was a serious failing in agricultural communities. However, on August 1, the first sheafs of grain were cut by the farmer, and by nightfall his wife had made the first loaves of bread of the season.

The word Lammas derives from the Old English phrase hlaf-maesse, which translates to loaf mass.

Thank you...thank you...thank you!

2008-07-28T16:01:00.007-04:00

I was nominated for a Brillante Weblog Award......

I had no idea I even had too many readers...with sooo many wonderful blogs out there I am so flattered to be picked!

First, I have to put the logo on my blog:

Second, I have to add a link to the person who gave me this award. Thank you Madcupcake!!!!

Next I have to nominate seven other blogs and provide links to them.

I am happy to nominate the following awesome bloggers for the Brillante Weblog Award.

Here we go...weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! There are so many to choose from it was hard to narrow it down to 7 but these are the one I love love love and visit most often.

Pleasantly Plump Vegan

Bjorkedoff

Lastly, I have to leave messages for my nominees on their blogs.

Thanks to all of you who read my little tidbits...and thanks to all you vegans who are making our planet a more compassionate place to live!

I'm off.......

Much vegan love!!!!!

Liam becomes my sous chef, Lydia gets a tooth and there are faeries in our garden!

2008-07-23T20:54:00.006-04:00

Liam has become more and more interested in baking so I had my mother-in-love make him an apron. Of course something in dinosaur was just perfect! Hopefully once this heat breaks he and I can really go to town in the kitchen! (That's me behind Liam sporting my new, celestial printed apron...thanks Mimi!!!!)

Also...Lydia has gotten her first tooth and her first step toward munching down some yummy, crunchy foods. It's is just working it's way up but I have a feeling little tooth number two is not far behind!

Faeries....I do believe.....and I have always thought that dragonflies are faeries in disguise. We have had hundreds of them frolicking in our backyard this summer and it makes me so giddy! I'm sure that they are in everyone's yard but I do feel that all the creatures have a fondness for us as they can sense that we live a cruelty free life.

Heat wave and dieting keeping me out of the kitchen!

2008-07-23T20:26:00.005-04:00

Damn it's been hot...I mean incredibly hot making me not so interested in heating up the oven...not to mention, apart from Lydia, we are all trying to lose a few pounds. I do have some parties coming up that will give me an excuse to take out the oven mitts and I am looking forward to it. Every time I pull something yummy out of the oven or off of the stove I get an incredible sense of satisfaction...I just want to scream at the top of my lungs "look everyone I made something delicious and without torturing a poor, innocent animal!" You can make amazing baked goods without the use of eggs, cow milk and dairy butter and I have proven it time and time again.

A couple of weeks ago we had some vegan folks staying with us from Canada and New York...they had come to join in the festivities of the very successful New Jersey Vegan Prom. This was my excuse to whip up something yummy for breakfast. I knew our guests were gonna have to hit the road early the next day so I made something they could take along with them. I pulled out my oh so trusty Joy of Vegan Baking cookbook and found a couple of things I wanted to give a go. I had purchased some blueberries from the local farmer's market so I knew blueberry muffins would be one thing I wanted to make...but Colleen's book has a yummy twist on blueberry muffins...Lemon Blueberry Muffins made with lemon extract and lemon zest...HEAVEN in a muffin I say! I also tried her Chocolate Chip Scones....which Liam gobbled up with delight....and so did I! If you haven't purchased this book yet...I highly recommend it. I think it should be in every vegans' cookbook collection.

a couple more...

2008-07-13T17:28:00.003-04:00