Valentine's Decor and a Plate Wall

Before I get to the Valentine's Day decor, I have to post about the plate wall I designed. This is the first project I undertook this year and I think it was a pretty good way to start the New Year.

I have a dear family friend, Lori, who had been collecting plates for probably 25 years now. Most are from thrift stores, some from Mexico, and others are special family heirlooms. They are all fantastic! And, as you can see, they all coordinate beautifully. 

I wanted to fill the space but with a completely asymmetrical design that crept over the door to the pantry. The result is a moving creature crawling up and over the wall and I DIG THAT!! Feel free to pin to pinterest as lost as you link it from here.

Now for Valentine's... 

One of the fond memories I have of my late grandpa is going to Bob's Big Boy when we lived in Fresno, California. I would often get the fried chicken, occasionally mixing things up with a cheeseburger, fries, and ALWAYS a chocolate milkshake. Every time we went, it was tradition for my grandpa to allow the rest of the adults to finish their meals in peace while taking my siblings and I to see the life-size statue of the Big Boy in the front of the restaurant. We would climb on him, tell him we loved him, and give him pats on his brown head. We would also do this to the statue. ;-)

  

So when these guys started popping up in antique stores, I had to snatch one. And he kind of has that old fashioned Valentine boy feel to him, doesn't he? Now he sits on our kitchen table and stares at the kids and I while we eat cheeseburgers and chocolate milk.

And please ignore the scratch in my table...

And the bad lighting in this picture.....

I swear the one thing that keeps me from being more professional is the crappy lighting in my apartment! I'm convinced my stuff would look cuter with more natural light. Urg...someday.

Valentine Table. Less is more this year. 

And how could I resist? Some of you know I am OBSESSED with all things Black Apple. This is a recent print I was blessed with by Emily called In the Spring, She Married a Bear. You can purchase it here. 

Isn't it perfect for Valentine's?

Valentine's cards old and new. Some by the lovely Emily Martin, which are a free download on her blog.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Healing Waters

Palm Springs 2011

I was reminded today that Palm Springs, CA has over 22 different spa resorts which tap into its natural mineral springs known for their healing properties. I also discovered that one possible origin of palm in the place name comes from early Spanish explorers who referred to the area as La Palma de la Mano de Dios or "The Palm of God's hand." And a third discovery I came across today is this blog post about the metaphysical properties of intention and how human thoughts, actions and emotions can physically change a water molecule for better or worse. (Really, you can't miss the post - please go check it out. Fascinating truth.)

Healing waters. I love little droplets of information that come together and make a memory of light and water and energy that much more meaningful. The discoveries above combined to take me back to this picture of my little family captured in Palm Springs a year after my divorce. It wouldn't be appropriate to go into the details of it here, but I can say that it was the best decision for my family. It was the only way we could get out of a situation that wasn't right or healthy, then heal, and move forward with our lives in a manner that was best for all. 

This image is art rich with symbols for me and my life. I love to gaze at it and see the light in our faces, the joy, the hope. My heart smiles big to see my son with his arms thrown up to the sky in such a free and child-like way. He has had walked a harder path of healing than his sisters and he is now thriving like a champ. We all are. 

Two years later, we are even more healed today than we were in this picture. Kaiya is loving colorguard and performing with the brightest smile on her face. Trooper is learning to play the trumpet and passing the sacrament in church. Arie just donated her long hair to Locks of Love, becoming more involved in school activities (like Superhero Day!) and saying "apparently" a lot.

The last three years have been a testament to me of the healing power of the Atonement of Christ. His light and energy harnessed and focused in a loving, good way has the power to heal all things in the universe and make them glorious and bright again. 

-Britten

New Favorite Quote

One of the first things we read in my Anthropology Contemporary Theory class last semester was the King Follett Sermon by Joseph Smith, Jr. It's an address he gives at a friend's funeral about the nature of God and it is profound. If you get the chance, you should take the time to read it.

For what better way to understand the nature of man, than to understand the nature of God?

And since I love books so much, I thought it was a good reminder to keep the Holy Ghost with me at all times. He is the best self-help, advice, therapy, and choose-your-own-adventure book in the universe for he speaks TRUTH. And to me, personal revelation is more beautiful and real than any book I have ever read. And you can be certain there will be a happily ever after.

~Britten

September Display = Carnival + Back-to-School Theme

For my September theme, I thought of all the carnivals and festivals coming to town as well as the children going back to school. A lot of my inspiration came from some of my favorite items purchased over the years from The Black Apple.

Behind this little aproned girl are both of Emily Martin's published books opened to their school scene pages: Oddfellow's Orphanage (left) and The Black Apple's Paper Doll Primer (right).

The book underneath her is a limited edition Oddfellow's Compendium I was lucky to snag from her shop.

Another Black Apple doll clutching a small book and pencil, sitting atop some old-school library books.

The Black Apple Lost on the Midway print, complete with a popcorn bag and some stylish tickets.

This may be my most favorite monthly display yet!

Back From the Dead and Feeling Inspired

Where oh, where has the Black Pumpkin been?

Well, winter's bleakness got the best of her and so she was compelled to hibernate for a time and slip into a small coma.

Then the sun came back, kissed the sleeping pumpkin's face and awoke her from her slumber. She arises bathed in light and new wonder.

Illustration by John Bauer

After the onslaught of Christmas and the New Moon Experience in Utah before that, January hit and I suddenly needed to recuperate and take a Black Pumpkin break. I apologize if you have been returning to this blog to find nothing new in the last 2 months, but I have to say that I am glad I took the time to just veg, rejuvenate, and concentrate on the basics again, including my day job, because I now feel ready to plunge into the sea of art and dolls once more!

Plus, it's always nice to get inspired anew after months of not. The two illustrations included in this post are from animationarchive.org in a post about John Bauer and his art from the Swedish Bland Tomtar Och Troll (Among Trolls and Elves). His work inspired some of my favorites such as Brian Froud and Jim Henson and has now inspired me. Just look at the faces of those bumbly, grotesque but lovable trolls encircling the princess! How can you not simply adore them?

And the face of this little elf, below, would make any mother want to wrap him up and put him in her apron pocket, be her gypsy troll or SAHM.

Expect some fairytale-inspired work from me soon, as well as more Twilight goodies.

Illustration by John Bauer

Unlike trolls, however, I come to life in the sun and turn to stone for long periods without it. I must have the sunlight in my day-to-day life, despite what my friends say about me actually being a vampire - nocturnal lover of the night.

In my dreams, I wish I could have both the sun and the moon and do away with sleep entirely.

♥ Have a happy, light-filled weekend. ♥

Hot Goblin King, You Rock My World

Dear David Bowie,

Happy Birthday.
I love you.
You are the hottest goblin king everrrrr and anyone who can dance the magic dance with muppets, a baby in cute pajamas, and goblins, all at the same time, deserves the birthday to end all birthdays, in my book.

Plus, you are the only guy I know that still looks super awesome manly in tights and ruffles while dancing at a masquerade.

*wait*

I'm getting distracted by the perfect drama of this photo...

May you live long enough to film a Labyrinth sequel, should there ever be one that is worth making.

Love,

Your dearestly devoted fan,

The Black Pumpkin