Where I've been hiding...

Welcome to our "little" project and the sole reason I've been away from blogging for so long...

Our "new" property complete with white barn and 150 year old stone house. We started "renovating" November 2010 with a complete gutting of the house and addition of the new structure. If you're curious and want to see more photos you can check out our blog dedicated to the project http://oldstonefarmhouse.blogspot.com/.

And what does this have to do with Whimsy House, besides taking a lot of time and attention away from creating? Well, along with a lovely home for our family, I personally will be gaining an AMAZING studio all for me!! It is located above the garage with a funky ceiling and two dormers. Here is the door entering my little slice of heaven.

Dormer facing the front of the house which looks over our drive way and onto a lovely tree.

GIANT closet on the back wall... Oh, the organization that will be happening - I can't wait!

The view out my back dormer window. I'll be able to watch the girls play while I create away!

Sure to be an inspiring space to work in, my little Sophie is already hard at work creating something wonderful out of saw dust. My girls will have a little corner to themselves as well, to support their creative endevors. I love it and am excited by the mere notion of space that will be dedicated to Whimsy House and possibly the rebirth of In Home Designs - my interior design business that took back burner when my second daughter was born premature. I hope to blog more frequently as we proceed so that I can share the progress. Lots of Whimsy Love!

XOXO Molly

Craftstravaganza!

Whimsy House is proud to have been accepted as a vendor at this years Craftstravaganza in St. Paul, Minneasota. I hope to see you there! Enjoy this press release about the event...

6th Annual Craftstravaganza scheduled for April 30

Rogue Art Show Celebrates 6 Years Promoting Local Handmade Goods

ST. PAUL, MN --- On Saturday, April 30, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds' Fine Arts Building will open its doors to over 70 artists and thousands of returning attendees in the 6th annual St. Paul Craftstravaganza. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., attendees can browse tables bursting with handmade crafts and meet creators, including 34 artisans new to the show. The Minnesota Center for Book Arts and the Textile Center will be conducting workshops throughout the day. The first 100 shoppers will receive free swag bags with samples of vendors’ work and other goodies.

This year’s new artisans and products include: The Elixery vegan lipstick Ugly Baby suction-cup shower art Juicytoots cloth diapers Sprouting Soles baby shoes Innad vinyl wallets ...and many more!

Craftstravaganza founder Andy Krueger said, “Our change of weekends has opened the door to more new participants than ever before. Craftstravaganza vendors are carefully curated for quality and variety, and this year's selection is especially exciting."

The Season of Love

So sorry to be missing lately!

Life has been crazy busy and exciting since the start of the new year. We have been making slow and steady progress on our house construction - a major and necessary distraction from my world of Whimsy House. You can follow our trials, tribulations and occasional celebrations on my house blog ~ Old Stone Farm House. Meanwhile I've been designing a few new goodies in anticipation of the upcoming Fall in Love with Handmade trunk show on the calendar for Sunday, February 6th at The Glitter Workshop here in Madison. The heart brooches above have just been listed on Etsy and similar ones will be available at the show. Lots of other new designs are dancing in my head, ready to be born... hoping to find some time to work on them this weekend. So, with the season of LOVE in full swing I send you a hug and thank you for your patience while I'm in the middle of a construction zone.

XOXO Molly

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Many thanks to all my family, friends and Whimsy House shoppers for making 2010 a fantastic year. Now, on to the Year of the Rabbit ~ 2011.

"According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise."

Sounds good to me! Warm wishes for a happy new year to you and yours. In appreciation, enjoy 20% off your purchase at Whimsy House now through Friday, January 7th by using coupon code THANKS at check out - your discount will automatically be applied.

Cheers!

XOXO Molly

CYBER MONDAY SALE (of course!)

So sorry to be absent from blog-land for a bit... Lots of work being done for my holiday shows but those are almost done and I will now focus more on Etsy-land! To start the ball rolling again Whimsy House will join in the spirit of CYBER MONDAY with ONE LAST SALE before the holidays... and it's bigger and better than ever...

BUY ONE GET ONE HALF OFF plus FREE SHIPPING...

one day only!! Your savings will be applied to the lower priced item (or items!) and will be promptly refunded after purchase. Or, if you prefer, send me a note and I can adjust your pricing before you purchase.

Many thanks to all my Whimsy House shoppers for a fantabulous 2010 ~ I am truly blessed. Happy Cyber Shopping!

XOXO Molly

SHOP EARLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS SALE!!

Gleeful Garden Necklace

Hard to believe but YES, the holidays are right around the corner!

Between now and then Whimsy House will be at four holiday shows for you to shop in person (listed at left.) For those who prefer to shop on line or aren't in the Madison area, now is the time to shop and SAVE!!

Here are the details...

SHOP EARLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS SALE

at Whimsy House on Etsy

~

Buy 1 item and save 10%!

Buy 2 items and save 15%!

Buy 3 items or more and save 25%!

Mention sale code CHEERS at check out and your discount will be promptly refunded via Paypal or you may request an adjusted invoice before payment. We run very few sales at Whimsy House so let it be known that NOW is your chance to SAVE... and make a dent in your shopping list! Win Win!

Sale runs from November 11th through November 18th at midnight CST.

Custom orders are always welcome and I have many additional items not listed on Etsy so if you have something in particular in mind, please send me a note and I'll see what I can come up with for you.

Cheers and Happy Holiday Shopping!

XOXO Molly

Craftamongous!

Back from vacation in Florida (pictures soon!) and the holiday craft fair season begins!

Tomorrow I will be at the Craftamongous show in Shorewood Hills. There will be over 30 local artists and craftspeople selling their work. Stop by and BUY LOCAL for your holiday gift giving needs. There will be a great assortment of products available including jewelry, fiber, painting, photography, assemblage, fiber arts and more....

My 2010 Holiday Show schedule is listed at right. Lots of handmade goodness to be had! Mark your calendar and stop by to say "hi." Cheers!

XOXO Molly

All Hallow's Eve at Confectionique

Don't miss All Hallow's Eve at Confectionique! It is bound to be a wonderful market... I'm sure that Jessica and Anastasia have whipped up some fabulous not-to-be-missed Halloween and Autumn inspired goodness to delight one and all!

I will have a big batch of felted wool flower brooches there ~perfect for your fall coat, winter scarf or hat...

And here's a sneak peek at some Whimsy House rings that will be there. I will also be taking a fun assortment of seasonal inspired necklace. I love autumn!

My little spook, Sophie. Found her in my bin of felted wool enjoying the sun yesterday.

XOXO Molly

Autumn WAS in the air...

We had a change in the seasons since last weekend... it seems summer has returned to Wisconsin! It was in the 80s which means a JEEP ride was in order.

We headed to Wollersheim Winery on Sunday with friends and family. This is the view from above and you can see my girls rolling down the hill - of course! We did the wine tasting and took our favorites to the patio to enjoy.

The sandbox is GENIUS ~ our girls actually ask to go there because of it. Always appropriate for a 3 year old to ask "can we go to the winery this weekend?" Well, my husbands family is French so I guess it was inevitable that they would be so versed in vino at such a young, tender age - ha!

Sophie and Elle ~ post hill roll.

Sophie was NOT so fond of the "dairy air" we were blessed with. She had her nose plugged for almost the entire trip! Country girl? I think not.

We took family and friends back to our place for chili dinner and apple pie. Along the way we stopped at our "farm house" that will soon become our brand new home. It's 150 years old and fabulous - 2 foot thick stone walls. You can read more about it here - it will be the subject of many blog posts VERY soon if things proceed as planned. This is our friend Tony waving to my husband outside.

And here's my Elle. She was 2 when we bought this property and is now 6. Sophie wasn't even a thought when we started. The past 4 years have flown by and simultaneously dragged on (an effect of a family of 5 in a 1000 square foot townhouse??) Hoping with huge hope that we will be in our "new" home come spring... I'll keep you updated.

So that was our weekend. Very little crafting was completed which is NOT good seeing that I have 5 shows this holiday season. What can I say ~85 degrees in Wisconsin in October is pretty distracting! I hope you had an enjoyable weekend too.

And here's a glimpse of LAST weekend. We got our Halloween on when it was 50 degrees - phew!

XOXO Molly

Autumn is in the air...

We've had some chilly nights an frosty mornings lately here in Wisconsin. I love the changing seasons... it's what makes the Midwest "all that" and then some. Autumn is particularly inspiring to me. We had friends over last Friday night for an Autumnal meal ~ portabella mushroom tarts, french bread topped with baked tomatoes and melted chevre, balsamic marinated flank steak and spinach salad with dried cranberries and apple ~ yummy! All this with good red wine and an apple pie for dessert. These flowers are left from the evening - loved them in the morning sun.

These felted wool rose brooches are my favorite way to recycle worn out sweaters. I pulled out this project over the weekend while we watched the Badgers get stomped on... At least I had something to show when the game was over!

How does Fall inspire you?

XOXO Molly

Flea Market Finds

Sunday we made the trek to Elkhorn for their last flea market of the 2010 season. We missed the first 3 so it was a MUST on my list and I was thrilled when my husband and girls happily tagged along. Since we are ABOUT to start building our new home we really weren't in the market for furniture... YET... but we got some good ideas. Instead I focused on - BIG SURPRISE - finding a few good buttons. Here's a taste of what I brought home.

An autumn collection - celluloid, metal, glass, wood...

Love this guy!

Some feminine fancy... rhinestones galore! Dainty indeed!

And primary colors always catch my eye - fun "realistics" here...
horses, bowling pins, a bear, anchor, flower, some bakelite...
Can you see the tiny key and heart shaped padlock?? A treasure!

This acorn is my favorite find of the day - so tiny and wonderful - where was it hiding through the years and what was it on to begin with? Today it makes me smile!

And here is Sophie's favorite find - a pink celluloid shank button that will become her new necklace later today... She cannot wait...

But she will have to because this Mommy has to tackle this pile of non-goodness for fear her marriage might end if she doesn't. Yikes! Actually my husband has been a love about my MESS. It's been growing since The Creative Connection and I didn't have it in me to tackle it last week so today I will begin....

And most likely I will continue tomorrow because, for some reason, when I start to organize things get FAR WORSE before they get better.

For instance I started photographing things to de-stash in my Fabric House Etsy shop rather than actually putting all this away. My mind isn't quite focused on the essentials... like gaining back the dining room table for the well being of family dinners. Someday, right? I cannot wait for my STUDIO in the new house. I continue to dream about the inspiring place it will be.

So there you go ~ a glimpse into my weekend behind and week ahead.

I listed LOADS of new autumnal goodness in my Etsy shop so be sure and take a peek. If you see any thing you can't live without, I'm offering my lovely Blog Readers 25% off through Thursday, September 30th at 6 pm CDT. Simply note BLOG OFFER at check out and I will promptly refund your discount ~ Enjoy!

XOXO Molly

Call for Crafty People!

As I'm putting together my winter and holiday show line up I wanted to share this wonderful opportunity with all you Midwest Area craftsters in case you don't know about this show or haven't yet taken the time to apply.

My very first show experience was with Naomi and her FABULOUS Craftacular in Madison, Wisconsin in December 2008. Little did I know what a treat it was to be part of such a seamlessly organized show ~ well promoted, heavily followed, top notch quality products... you name it. I was blessed to have it be my first show experience ~ because these events can be QUITE never wracking to unseasoned artists and crafters.

Applications to this years big event are still open through October 8th so I encourage you embrace this opportunity to become part of Madison's Handmade Movement that is so expertly lead by Naomi (with help from her loyal hubby Jerome.) Give yourself this gift ~ you will be happy you did.

XOXO Molly

P.S. - Fingers still crossed that I get in... acceptance letters go out shortly after the deadline so I will let you know. My schedule so far is listed to the right - lots of fun shows to look forward to!

The Creative Connection Event

Where in the world did the weekend go?? The Creative Connection Event in Minneapolis was a long time coming and then whizzed right by. What an amazing place to spend an extra long weekend, among countless creative souls and inspiring minds. I was overwhelmed and impressed to say the least!

I arrived at about noon on Wednesday and before I knew it my booth was set up and Preview Night was over... the hours literally flew by. I was honored to meet organizer and lovely past editor in chief of Country Living magazine Nancy Soriano right off the bat ~ she was gracious and kind, someone I would love to spend time with. Then author Amy Barickman of new book "Vintage Notions", Indygo Junction and The Vintage Workshop stopped by the booth and shopped a bit - yes, she actually purchased a few of my goodies and chatted about her next book idea... wow wow wow! My heart was singing with excitement.

The next few days were filled with classes for Creative Connection participants. They were able to shop for a few minutes here and there but we sure would have liked to have seen more of them. Hopefully next year the Market hours will run past the class hours so that we can mingle longer. Co-founder Jo Packham from the gorgeous magazine Where Women Create also stopped by the booth and was equally as lovely as Nancy. They are are a truly inspirational duo. They pulled off an amazing event with a hard working, well oiled team. We heard only good things from all the attendees. Job well done ~ Many thanks!!

A few booth shots. My lovely banner was printed at Spoonflower and put together by the ever talented Mary Ann Abbot - love that girl. She makes me happy!

Plans are already being made for next year so be sure and stay tuned to The Creative Connection Event website for details. Surely an annual not-to-be-missed event has been born, don't you think?

XOXO Molly

Divine Twine

So excited about this DIVINE TWINE... have you heard of it, seen it, touched it, loved it yet?

Whisker Graphics came up with this fabulous twine, perfect for your every crafting project. I'm planning to use it for my tags and packaging. Can't wait to put everything together! Check out their site for other great designs as well. I ordered a big box of red, apple green, licorice black and aqua twine to have for sale at The Creative Connection Event in Minneapolis in September. Now that my two August show are over - thank you to all you shoppers! - my mind and heart are fully focused on the amazing 4 day event ahead. Be sure and take a peek and consider a class, seminar or shopping extravaganza at TCC... would LOVE to see you there!!

Be there! I simply can't wait... so much to do... it used to be 6 months away and now it feels like it will be here tomorrow. Off to craft!

XOXO Molly

Summer Craftacular

Hoping to see you at the Sixth Annual Summer Craftacular!

The Summer Craftacular will be held Sunday, August 15th from 10 am to 5 pm at the East Side Club at 3735 Monona Drive. We will be utilizing both banquet rooms as well as the outdoor lawn / Tiki patio area. These spaces combined will allow for approximately 80 booths. We are very excited about this new venue! Not only is the East Side Club a great, established location, but it also offers amazing views of Lake Monona, great parking, cash bars (we will be using the upstairs main bar as well as the outdoor Tiki Bar), and a helpful staff. The Tiki Bar will also offer some simple food options for purchase.

Summer Goodness... be there! Cheers!

XOXO Molly

And the Winner is...

I'm happy to announce the winner of Green Cricket's Giveaway... Heather from HRBeaDesign!

Heather has a fun shop on Etsy filled with fun and unique handcrafted bead and metal jewelry. Here's a small sampling:

Thank you to all who entered! Watch for more interviews soon... Giveaways too!

XOXO Molly

Meet Beth from Green Cricket Salvage

Beth from Green Cricket Salvage is one of the most creative and inspiring artists that I know. A self proclaimed "consummate salvager," Beth gives new life to unwanted thrift and curbside castoffs. Colorful chairs, classic kitsch, LP trays, filmstrip earrings, fisher price people necklaces... you never know what you'll discover at Green Cricket Salvage. Beth will surprise and delight you each and every time you visit her shop. And she's as sweet as pie to boot!

Enjoy learning about Beth and her salvage art and be sure to enter the GIVE AWAY below for the opportunity to win a nostalgic handmade treasure.

What is your craft and what led to you to take it up?

I take what others have cast off to their curbs and turn them into eco-treasures for your home, as well as seeking out unique salvage and vintage.

A strong, reoccurring desire to have a creative outlet, while doing something to help our growing landfills. That and I was sick of being laid off one too many times.

What part of your work do you enjoy the most?

Finding the inspiration piece and scheming on what to do with it

What part of your work is the hardest?

Finishing and marketing things. I have lots of 85% finished projects

A top ten list of your favorites –

...handmade possession...
a bar napkin I gave to my now husband, the night we met, with my number on it

...item in your shop...

Filmstrip earrings. My grandfather was on the development team for Kodak, and I love that I found a way to recycle old film.

...item you’ve sold...

The Madison & Soho chairs. One of my first big sales and I loved the way they turned out.

...item in your favorites list...

UK flag chair by Andrea Ford Restyle

...Etsy purchase...

Erin Tyner photo. There is something so magical about macro art. This picture just makes me smile.

...Etsy shop...

Hello Victory. Kate has the greatest finds and print worthy photos to match.

...blog or website...

Red Otter. Julia captures the most captivating images to fit every mood, feeling or moment she describes.

...source of inspiration...

flea markets, junk stores, outsider art and always....nature

...piece of advice...

'creativity is everywhere, it just must find you working' - Picasso

...rule to break...
focus on one or two things at a time.....I break it almost daily.



Now you love Beth's style too, right?! And you need something special from her shop, right?! The lucky winner of Beth's generous giveaway gets to CHOOSE between a pair of filmstrip earrings or a Fisher Price person necklace - yipppee!



Leave a comment here to be entered to win one of these groovy prizes from Green Cricket Salvage.

For additional entries...

* Become a FAN of a Green Cricket Salvage on Facebook

* Follow the Green Cricket Salvage blog

* Share this GIVEAWAY using a Facebook link or on Twitter

* BLOG about this giveaway

Be sure an leave a separate comment for each entry. The winner will be announced on Monday, August 2nd! Good luck!

XOXO Molly