My Frog Prince

In the old times, when it was still of some use to wish for the thing one wanted, there lived a king whose daughters were all handsome.

Near the royal castle there was a great dark wood, and in the wood under an old tree was a well. And if the time seemed long, the youngest daughter would take out a golden ball and throw it up and catch it over and over again.

Now it happened one day that the golden ball dropped to the ground near the edge of the well and rolled in. The King's daughter followed it, but the well was deep--so deep that the bottom could not be seen. She wept and wept as if she could never be comforted.

In the midst of her weeping, she heard a voice saying to her, "What ails you, King's daughter? Your tears would melt a heart of stone."

And when she looked to see where the voice came from, there was nothing but a frog stretching his thick ugly head out of the water. "I can help you fetch it," he said. "But, if you would love me, and have me for your companion, I would dive below and fetch your golden ball again."

And it came to pass that with her father's consent they became bride and bride-groom. He told her how a wicked witch had bound him by her spells, and how no one but she alone could have released him. Now they two would go together to his father's kingdom and live happily ever after.

CREDITS: ALL IMAGES WERE CREATED FROM MOONLIGHT JOURNEY.

Butterfly Tree

Deep in the heart of the countryside,

Two moss maidens look on in awe,

As a miracle of creation takes place.

The spirit of the tree watches,

As her leafy offspring take flight.

Each magical leaf transforms,

Into a beautiful butterfly.

As it is shaken gently from the boughs,

Woodland fairies seize the moment,

To soar gracefully over the meadow,

Nestled safely in the delicate wings.

~Ramath Rajaram

Edited by Nancy Van Hoose

This butterfly tree has been a work in progress for my niece's wedding. It will be a decoration beside the cards for seating at her reception. I even have it done way ahead of time! And, of course, these wonderful little butterfly images are available through Moonlight Journey.

Let There Be Wings

The moment you doubt whether you can fly,

You cease for ever to be able to do it.

The reason birds can fly and we can't is simply

That they have perfect faith,

For to have faith,

Is to have wings.

J. M. Barrie

~ Peter Pan ~

I started a collaborative art journal entitled "Let There Be Wings." At the end of the year, I hopefully will get my book back with exciting entries to share. I love all things winged, so what could be more fun than this! Naturally, I turn to the images from Moonlight Journey. Their winged butterflies and gorgeous women never disappoint me.

Pocket with tag on inside cover.

"Winged Queen" with doorway skirt and flowered wheels on inside cover.

Reverse side of tag on inside cover.

Beautiful woman tag in large pocket on back cover.

Inside back cover pocket.

Thank you for dropping by today!

Fairy Bridal Shower Tags

"From this day forward" are words of promise. Weddings to me are wondrous because they are so filled with tomorrows. I savor these beautiful moments.

Next month my niece Laura is having her bridal shower. I love her spirit and her reverence for the past. I am so excited to see her wedding invitation (she designed it herself). It was such an honor to be included in the process of creating these bridal shower favor tags.

These romantic fairy tags are perfect in representing Laura's personal style. She has always loved winged little fairies. That's why I feel these are a perfect expression of her hope for the wedding of her dreams.

These special images, "Adorned Fairies, " "Faerie Floral Frolic," and "Pastel Faerie Children" are available through Moonlight Journey.

Valentines With Hope

What can you say when you find out that your sister's best friend is diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer? It has been dwelling on my mind, causing me to worry, and there is nothing you can really do except offer your support. If only there was a cure when the cancer has grown too large.

Because I love Valentine's Day, and only wish for a complete recovery for my sister's friend, I have lovingly created a few little valentines with the thought of all those women who have suffered from this frightening disease. What could be more appropriate than to create art in memory of those women we have loved and lost?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Scary Fairy

My "Scary Fairy" was inspired the day I opened my issue of Somerset's HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS back in 2007.

Brenda Rivera gave instructions on assembling this cute little fairy by placing her on a raven who was then sitting on a white craft pumpkin. I changed her a bit, by adding a tutu, and embellishing the pumpkin with gems. I just thought it would be rather non-traditional by gravitating towards a black-and-white theme with a touch of orange. I think she looks rather mischievous and I can only smile and hope you may be inspired to whip one up too!

My Sincere Gratitude

I was one of the lucky ones to win a prize during the "One World-One Heart Giveaway." Thank you so much, Inka Heaton, from Inkaland in Idaho, for this gorgeous "Captured Fairy" necklace charm. She is delicately handcrafted in a miniature bottle hanging from a black satin rope, and labeled so. What an awesome present to hang around my neck. She is my creative spirit!



Photo from The Magical World of Lisa Jane, "Enchanted Childhood."