The MAD Hatted Bear AKA MADAME Whimsey

Fleas...gotta love em.

2011-05-16T16:47:00.005-05:00

I absolutely love fleas....even a very bad flea is better than housekeeping ...heck anything is better than housekeeping !

I have mentioned in previous blogs that my husband Tom and I are semi-quasi antique dealers. We have a booth at a local mall and occasionally exhibit at shows & flea markets in the Midwest. This past weekend we had a booth at a local antique flea market in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. It is one of the best in this neck of the woods....southeastern Wisconsin. A small town with a good size flea around 500 dealers on the county fairgrounds. As with most fleas you can find everything there...from herbs...to French lighting..to homegrown tomatoes...to framed Victorian bridal veils...to garden art....to breweriana..to vintage jewelry.......primitive items......to antique patriotic...to dress forms....to buttons & beads galore....to spools of antique lace and the list goes on and on...of course many of these items were in my own booth..lol.

People line up at the gate an hour or two before it starts ...when the gates open ..it is craziness. You can also get in early the day before during setup ...I believe the gate price is a lot higher at $25.00 per person...we get a lot of Chicago dealers coming in early for first pickings. They know Wisconsin prices are good prices to buy and then resell.

My husband and I set up the day before in our usual spot inside the small animal building. The weather forecast was iffy....wet and cold but we put on a brave face and carried on. I don't usually get a chance to shop early...too much to set up in our own booth which takes 8-9 hours. But I do take a peek when I take potty breaks...lol. I grab some cash and yell to my husband "I am going to the bathroom"..of course he is not stupid knowing this means "she is going to the bathroom BUT will also shop along the way & on the way back"....yes, he is not a stupid man.

This time I didnt have to go far for my first purchase....a life size lady mannequin right next door to our booth. The dealer who has been next to us the past few years gave me a real deal....she is a sweetheart. I was going to keep the mannequin and name her...but alas decided to put her in the mall for sale ....I have a lot of vintage clothes and hats so she will show off what I am selling while being for sale as well. I would prefer an older mannequin as this one is pretty current....very pretty but I like the look of a vintage mannequin.

Our booth at the mall and at flea markets is a real eye catcher....we get a lot of compliments from the customers...which is so nice when you are extremely tired, cranky and need a bath....lol I have several dress forms in which I dress with funky clothing and use the front of the forms to showcase my bracelets and necklaces. Of course at every show or flea customers want to buy the dress forms..I could have sold each one 2o times over. There are 5 full size ladies and 3 children plus an upper torso form. Not only do I display my handmade charm bracelets at the fleas but I specialize in vintage holiday items, vintage ladies and children clothing, lace...mega hats, Victorian scrap, ladies vanity items, teddy bear & accessories and old toys that need good homes.

On one of my few trips to the bathroom I did manage to sneak over and visit other dealers I knew and obtain a few bits and pieces for the bracelets...all from one vendor. He specializes in jewelry, vintage bits and bobs, buttons and beads. I pull up a chair and sort thru his boxes...it is amazing how fast time goes by. I carry a walkie-talkie so my husband can contact me if a customer has a question or he is bored and really needs to hear my voice. Of course, this happens frequently when I am in the bathroom stall doing important things....lol.

You meet the most interesting people at the fleas...a first time flea market visitor...she was in her 50's and she was thoroughly enjoying herself....even though she spent all her money she was just delighted to be there.... her eyes were glazed over, she was shaking and could barely talk and was so excited that I wanted to give her a hug. Then I met a man who was a bit strange...he told me he was an angel...OK I thought I will hear what he had to say. Needless to say he entertained himself more than he did my husband and I. After 20 minutes he shoke our hands and left. My husband & I just looked at each other and smiled. Of course after meeting an angel what does one say...lol.

I noticed a lot of people love to give you their life stories ...they love to talk about their purchases & what they will do with them...most are so interesting ..others not so much. I think they are lonely ....I am a good listener and always thank them for stopping. I have several customers stop who have bought from me over the years...it is like seeing old friends...I cant remember their names but I usually remember what they bought....go figure.

I had an elderly man stop and looked at my antique cardboard mask of Uncle Sam...he is also a collector of vintage patriotic. He didn't have one of these in his collection and we talked a bit about it. He left and I knew he would be back. A little less than an hour he brought his wife...took the mask off the shelf and brought it over....he treasured that mask I could tell. We agreed on the price and he left with a treasure that day...I think it made his day actually. I love when that happens.

The weather was pretty nasty...it was COLD & WINDY & RAINY......I am so thankful we had an inside spot...although there was a small leak in the roof right over my husbands head. We brought a small heater and after turning it on for a few minutes it knocked out all the lights in our aisle...lol. The dealer next to us knew where the electrical box was and turned them back on. We turned the heater on to minimum and manged to not knock out the lights again. Of course, my husband had to go around and tell the other dealers it was us that did it. This is what happens when you marry an honest man. Several dealers laughed...others smiled because they thought it was their heaters that knocked out the circuit....lol.

Even for being bad weather ...the crowds were great....I saw a lot of stuff go by...our sales were good...a bit less than hoped for but I am happy with what we made. Of course I cant wait for the next one on June 26...then we bring the fans !

Yours in whimsey,

Karen

This Saturday.....

2011-05-13T15:38:00.006-05:00

I am delighted to tell you that....this Saturday, May 14
I am being represented by

Felicia Hymer of The BEAR SCOUT

* Felicia Hymer *

at the

Philadelphia Doll & Teddy Bear Artist Convention
at the Ramada Airport Hotel.

then

On Sunday, May 15
she is holding a Bear Scout "Trunk" Show at

Country Meadows
in Kutztown, Penn.
This is adjacent to Renningers Antique Mall

11am - 5pm

*

At both events, she will be featuring along with other bear artists
a number of my pieces...

as

The MAD Hatted Bear

from my bears...to cat dolls ...to whimsical pincushions...to bunny muffs

~ Sweet William ~

~ There's A Pig Dancing In My Garden ~

~ Miss Puss ~

and as

MADAME Whimsey

....assorted bracelets with charms of teddy bears, The Roosevelt Bears,
old toys, Brownies and more !

~ A Bears Story ~

~ I LOVE Old Toys ~

~ Teddy Bears Are My Passion ~

~ The Roosevelt Bears ~

* * *

Felicia Hymer
has been an exclusive rep of teddy bear artists for the past 15 years.
She is also known nationally as a lecturer and even has been
a judge for the Tobys three times.
Internationally she has written several articles
for the teddy bear magazines
around the world.

Her website is

www.thebearscout.com

***

Her email address is

bearbroker@aol.com

***

Her Facebook site is under her name -

Felicia Hymer

Check out her website for upcoming teddy bear show schedule in your area....it is well worth the trip so see so many fabulous teddy bears & friends
represented in one place !

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

And yet another trifle....for your perusal.... a whimsical pincushion !

2011-04-26T17:45:00.004-05:00

This whimsical pincushion on my Easter web show was fun to create.
I called this one of a kind...

~Victorian Easter Frippery ~

Over the years I have accumulated a rather large collection
of antique portrait pins and sometimes
select one to place on
a creation when it calls for an interesting
bit of trifle !

The bunny is 4..25" tall .... entire vignette is 12.5" from
bottom of base to top of bunny ear.

I just love the polka dot sash !

Note vintage millinery flowers...very hard to find these days.

Completely hand-sewn bunny.

This endearing pinkeep
commemorates the days from long ago.
A wee hand-sewn white wool bunny sits upon a 2-tone
chocolate wool egg. The arms of the bunny are jointed with one holding
a wee basket waiting for Easter treats.

The bunny named Harvey wears a silk ribbon gathered collar,
has an embroidered nose with tiny bead eyes.
A pink blush covers his tummy.
The large egg features on the front, 2 wool felt medallions of creme
and pink with a brown pleated ribbon encircling the egg.
On top of the medallions is a wired creme with brown polka dot sash, 2 vintage floral sprays, a brown velvet ruffle
& an antique portrait pin of a mother and daughter.

The bunny is removable as it is attached with a vintage corsage pin to the egg.
The egg rests on 2 wool felt skirts of pink and a star shaped dark brown.
The egg is permanently attached to the wood base which displays a velvet ribbon.
Both bunny & egg are stuffed with polyfil.

~Victorian Easter Frippery~
Pincushion

Price $ 195.00

Free shipping to US.
Paypal accepted!

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.....I dont bite much !

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen A. Meer

Easter Web Show is up & running...yahoo !!

2011-04-20T22:44:00.008-05:00

Yes, I finally got the Easter Web Show up and running....
my eyes are bleary,
I can't remember the last time
I went to the bathroom

and

I just ate cold pizza for dinner at 10:30pm.....but the web show is DONE !!

I am offering ...

~ Gorgeous Pincushions ~

~ Hand-painted Chalkware Novelties ~

~ Adorable Trinket Boxes ~

and so much more on 2 Easter Web Show Pages !

Check it out at -

www.themadhattedbear.com

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

Easter Web Show is coming soon....

2011-04-19T14:33:00.002-05:00

Yes, I will have an Easter Web Show...and yes, I realize Easter is on Sunday...lol.

Well, due to house problems.....a huge pipe in basement cracked and flooded our basement with not such nice stuff, our plumber went on vacation for a week and then when the pipe finally got replaced they hit a light that shorted and knocked out 1/2 of our house electricity...which included the 1/2 of the house with the computer and sewing machine. Yesterday, the electrician fixed the problem and life is back to normal "gulp" I hope.

Needless to say I have fallen behind at least a week. So.........I am frantically finishing up the pieces that will be featured on my Easter Web Show....hopefully tomorrow unless the lightning I hear in the distance strikes our home...lol. Ok...that is not funny.

Yours in a semi-catatonic-albeit frenzied-humble state of being,

Karen

Brownies ....should we eat them or just play with them ?

2011-03-26T16:31:00.016-05:00

Yes....I enticed you to read this blog about Brownies....not the wee Girl Scout lass or unfortunately the yummy hi-caloric chocolate
very naughty gooey dessert treats

BUT

whimsical little creatures albeit kind-hearted sprites created by Palmer Cox during the later 1870s.

~ Brownie Nine-pins ~

A few years back a dear friend Mrs. S. was conversing with me via the phone and somehow the topic about Brownies came up. Thinking she was speaking about the dessert brownies I was anticipating a pan of chocolate goodies for our next trip...lol. Alas it was not meant to be BUT the conversation got me interested in pursuing a little more info on these tiny gentlemen of whimsey and design a MADAME Whimsey special bracelet for Mrs. S.

~ The Foot Race ~
Postcard

~ Handkerchief ~
The Dude was the most popular !

Four years later....and I am hooked....lol. I will not say it is an obsession nor the main focus of my collecting. BUT......I love to read, gather and absorb all that I can find about the Brownies and their creator...lol...OK I have just a wee obsession.

Over the next few months I will include more info & photos I have gathered...
there is no set schedule.....it takes about 5 full days to gather, sort, write and edit.....I am an artist and make no claim to fame as a writer....lol. Plus my husband needs a little attention once in a while...

Check back often for interesting facts and images. I would love to include images and info from my darling readers !

There is a quiz below....lol...and a dandy prize to boot !

* * * Brownies * * *

PART 1 -

Most of the information I found is from current & past magazine articles & a few websites about Palmer Cox. There is a wonderful & diverse selection of Brownie items also for sale on the internet... via Ebay of course and websites of antique emporiums like Ruby Lane.

* Brownie Items *
Many of these antique items are comics and books written & illustrated by Palmer Cox the creator of the Brownies. Due to the popularity of the Brownies, dolls were created in different materials which lead to more merchandising with the Brownie images on dishes...

~ Brownie Salt & Pepper Shakers ~

Update 4/25/11
I just found out more info on these shakers. They are Napoli pattern glass by Mt. Washington Glass. The Napoli pattern is a raised web-like design....very rare.

They sold through Skinner, Inc.in a live auction a few winters back for $6000.00.

Source: The GPSA Gazette June 2007

....rubber stamps, frames, humidors, desk items, toys such as nine-pins and ten-pins...

~ Brownie Nine-Pins Box Cover ~

....puzzles, blocks, postcards, trade cards, candy, candy containers, biscuits in the shape of Brownies, spoons, stickpins, charms, handkerchiefs and of course the "Brownie" camera !

Two of the most unusual items I came across were a .......

~ Brownie Slot Machine & The Merry Band Of Elves Ten-pins ~
Photo from Roy Nuhn article (see sources below)

and

~ A Set Of Brownie Andirons For The Fireplace ~

* Brownie Dolls *

Dolls were some of the most popular items created representing these sprites other than books or comics. (1)The books, save for the cover, were in black and white. The dolls, of course did something else. They made the unseen Brownies, the Brownies who only came out at night and could only be seen by Uncle Palmer, who had "second sight," visible and huggable.

(a)Brownie dolls were made of papier-mache', rubber, bisque and even kid heads and armature bodies. In 1899 Schoenhut Co. created 12 different large wooden Brownie characters for a display at the National Export Exhibition in Philadelphia.

Some of the more colorful Brownie dolls were printed as paper dolls & were very popular. I will write about these & show photos at a later date.

Other Brownie dolls that were very popular with children were printed on cotton fabric panels featuring the most popular Brownie characters. There were 12 cloth dolls not 10 as some sources state. A person would purchase these 1 yard panels for 20 cents in dry good stores and take them home, cut out the back and front of the 8" with seam the individual printed doll. More than likely they were hand stitched together and made doll-like with a bit of stuffing made of cotton, wool, fabric scraps or even bran for a more hefty feel. Once sewn the doll size was smaller from 6.5" to 7.5" depending on the skill of the sewer in sewing seams & how much stuffing was used.

* My Brownie Doll Collection *

I am at the beginning stage of collecting...my accumulation of Brownie items is quite meager...lol. I do have high hopes of accumulating more as time goes by.

Recently I was able to acquire all 12 of these small cloth dolls either as a large panel of six, individual panels of three dolls and seven completed sewn dolls. The panels are in fair to good condition ...color is slightly faded & stained but details are still notable. The sewn dolls are a bit ragged & soiled from years of tugging, dragging and hugs from the wee human folks (children).

~ My Indian Brownie Doll Panel ~
Arnold Print Works
North Adams, Mass.

~ My Highlander Brownie Doll Panel ~
Arnold Print Works
North Adams, Mass.

~ My Set Of Antique Brownie Dolls ~
The Dude, Canadian, Irishman
John-Bull, Highlander, Chinaman, Sailor

~

* Larger Cloth Brownie Dolls *

There was also larger size Brownie dolls that measured
at 12" & 16.5" before sewn.

I include 2 photos from the few images I have come across.
Information on these larger dolls is very scarce.

~ Larger Brownie Doll Photographed With Toddler ~

~ A Cotton Fabric Panel for a 16.5" Brownie Doll - Uncut ~
Cocheco Manufacturing Company
Lawrence & Co.
Boston-New York-Phila.

* Some Interesting Tidbits *

Female Brownies

Most collectors and well known antique experts state that the Brownies were all male characters however, after extensive research I found an article (b)that stated there was one female a Nurse....the only woman among the men. She was added to Cox's cast of over 50 male characters at the urgings of his publisher. To date I have not seen any doll or image of her but I will pursue the hunt for this elusive female....lol. I am dying to see what she looks like.

Another source (2)does state that the male Brownies did dress up as women during a few escapades.
Oh my, I do hope one was not just dressed as a Nurse & there really is at least
one female Brownie.

Famous American Soldier Plays With Dolls
General George S. Patton played (c)with a group of six Palmer Cox cloth dolls - Sailor, Indian, John-Bull, Highlander & the German. In fact a set of 26 Brownies went to bed with him every night. Born in November of 1886 he was raised with a life of hunting, fishing, horseback riding and playing history games. He loved to reenact battles and was quite imaginative.

One can only imagine the trials those little Brownies went through in the tiny hands of this future commanding and highly decorated General. The dolls were on exhibit at the Patton Museum of Calvary and Armor at Fort Knox, Kentucky. My magazine source (below) is dated 1986 so contact the museum first before making the trip.

~

* My Fascination *

Due to my wee obsession over these past few years I am offering as a tribute to the Brownies limited edition reproductions of these cloth doll Brownies printed on fabric with both sides of the doll showing a front and back. They are completely hand stitched ( 3- 4 hours ) and I created them larger at a size of 8-8.5" when sewn. The original antique dolls were 6.5" to 7.5". They are a lot of fun to place with a favorite teddy or in a basket as if peeking out or placed
with a vintage toy such as a small piano, wagon or vintage toy car.

With Easter coming.... The Dude Brownie riding a rabbit or pig would be a hoot !

The characters include - The Dude (most popular) which I offered in February of this year & the Irishman which was posted for sale just a week ago.

~ The Irishman ~
Larger replica with antique doll
sorry antique doll not for sale

"In greatest trials always bright, I bear a heart 'That's ever light"

At an introductory rate the replica Irishman dolls sell for $ 22.00 each...as the limited edition sells...the price does rise. So I am featuring the Irishman this month of March. The price of $ 22.00 is good until I feature the next Brownie.....guess who.

~ The Dude ~
Larger replica with antique doll
sorry antique doll not for sale

"I'm called a dude because I show The fashions, and good form, you know"

The first replica doll featured in February ....The Dude now sells for $ 24.00.

The remaining characters I will be offering for sale over this year of 2011 are -

Policeman, Indian, Uncle Sam, German, Canadian, Highlander, Soldier, Sailor, Chinaman and John-Bull

The month they are introduced they will start out at $ 22.00 each until the next replica doll is featured. Shipping is extra but minimal.

~

I did create 2 Brownie charm bracelets....which I will feature at a later date. I made one for
Mrs. S and a customer of mine last summer when we attended the Golden Glow Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This years convention which I am attending with Mrs. S will be in Rye, New York.....I cant wait !!

~

My dear friend Mrs. S created the most fabulous Brownie pincushion as a birthday gift to me last November...it is wonderful and very whimsical ....I am so tickled that I will share with you on a later date. My wee gentleman is so cool and anyone who sees him will be coveting him. But you will have to wait as his unveiling will be in the summer....probably around the 4th of July.

~~~~

~ Children Dressed as Brownies ~
sorry photo image is not great

* Sources *

I am listing my sources...I will try and include the web page source where I discovered sites online or the name of the magazine & author featuring the article. If I can identify the author or photographer I will do so...I have saved articles over the years for my own amusement and just didn't think of making note of the original source.....my bad & apologies.

Magazine Articles & Photos-

(a) Talking Antiques Palmer Cox's Brownie Band, Ever Adventurous Imps by Cynthia Musser * DOLLS Magazine Dec. 2007

(b) Palmer Cox's Brownies A Merry Band of Elves by Roy Nuhn * ANTIQUE DOLL Mag. 2004

(c) It is 1986 - Do You Know The Toys Your Children Play With ?
by J. H. Schoelwer * DOLL READER Magazine April 1986

Website or Web pages -

(1) www.gnomesandfairies.com/vagabond.html - Wayne Morgan lecture notes from
the 1996 Letita Penn Doll Club conference.

(2) www.toycollectormagazine.com - Article called Palmer Cox's Brownies From Folklore To Funny Pages Written by Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg * TOY COLLECTOR MAGAZINE

~ Brownies Around The Maypole ~

Please feel free to share with me...your own knowledge, interesting unknown facts and images about the
Brownies or Palmer Cox.
I would love to include your photos of individual items or groups of items collected.....
from the tiniest to the biggest...from the common to the absurd.

There will be a quiz.

There is always a quiz !!!

* QUIZ *

Why were the Brownies called Brownies ?

There are actually a few reasons.....and an interesting tidbit about their faces as claimed by the creator Palmer Cox !

Who could actually see the Brownies ?

What time of day did the Brownies come out ?

The first person to answer all three correctly according to my sources ....wins my one of my replica The Dude cloth dolls....yes really.

~ The Dude - Front & Back ~

Only rules are:

Send your answers via email to meer2@execpc.com or via this blog....no phone calls please
The doll has to be shipped via US Mail within the US
I am allowed to mention the winners full name & state in the blog.

Offer ends April 18, 2011.

Hint: some of the answers seem easy but are a bit tricky.....so do your research carefully on cloth dolls, the Brownies and the biography of Palmer Cox via books, articles and the internet dont forget knowledgeable historians, doll dealers and museums.

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen the Brownie Stalker

2011-03-25T16:51:00.000-05:00

Speaking of Ireland.....lol

I was recently corresponding with a bidder of mine on Ebay. She was curious about my last name....here is what she wrote -

Hello, Karen.

I love your art & recently bid on your "Emmeline & Friends" vignette. I was disappointed my bid was not sucessful, however I was quite interested in your surname as it is also my mother's maiden surname. She was born in Co Sligo, Ireland in 1930 & imigrated to the Philadelphia area at age 19. She was 24 & my father 31 when they wed. My father was so fond are saying she was a meer child. I believe there are a few Meer families in America that have their roots in the west of Ireland.

I thought I'd share my background in the event your family (or your husband's) is from Ireland as well. It is such an unusual Irish name. My mother would tell me the Meer's were quite smart or quite sassy or both. Some were a bit daft she'd say. Her favorite Meer cousin was Cassie Meer Mazza who was a bit of an actress & a Broadway Producer. She was a wonderful character who called everyone darling!

Thanks for the opportunity to share this with you.

My best, Kate

********************
I wrote back -

Dear Kate,

HI..what a great email...thank you for the "meer" info ! My husbands family comes from Germany...maybe Holland....as Van Der Meer. In fact our niece found family in Germany recently and they have been emailing back and forth. I keep meaning to get the info and correspond as well. I am part Irish with my moms maiden name being O'Donnell. So I have more Irish blood so to speak than my husband...he is definitely close to being ALL GERMAN...lol....very stubborn and dry wit. Being part Irish I am the smart, sassy AND daft one in the family...lol.

I often ask my husband to help me with my "crazy" projects around the house and use the excuse that I am just a meer woman and thus need his strength and intelligence to get the project done. He just rolls his eyes at me...lol....but it still seems to work after 30 years of marriage.

We have a good friend who came from Ireland years ago...I love to hear her speak...she tells us stories about her family..one of 19 children...it is a hoot to hear about her relation & their antics.

OK..enough of my stories.

Thank you for the email...I loved reading it.

With warmest regards and an Irish blessing,

Karen The Daft

*****************
Hi, Karen.

Thanks for your nice words. Meer does sound more German or Dutch. Maybe some drunken Irishman said he wanted more beer, and with his brougue it sounded like he said his name was Meer!!

Does your husband know who Johnny Vander Meer was? If he's a fan of baseball he should know.

Feel free to include anything you'd like in your blog. My (first)cousins in Ireland may write back!

I'd be delighted if you'd include me on your mailing list. I do like my fancy tickled.

Nice chatting with you, Karen. Have a grand weekend.

Kate Sacco

*********************

OK all you Irish cousins...I would love to hear from you....even the smart, sassy and daft ones !

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen The Sassy

Happy St. Pattys Day !!

2011-03-17T19:58:00.019-05:00

May those who love us, love us.

And for those who don't love us,

May God turn their hearts.

And if he can not turn their hearts,

May he turn their ankles,

So we may know them by their limping.

May you live as long as you want, and never want

as long as you live.

Being that I am one third Irish...I want to wish all my dear Irish
and "wannabee" Irish friends and family
a very blessed day.

I am celebrating this year in a quiet manner.....no big
celebrations ...just me
and my gas station pizza.....yum.
~
I am so excited to show off my second in the series of 12 wee Brownies....
whimsical rag dolls. The little fellow I am featuring
tis' most appropriate for this month -

~ The Irishman ~

"In greatest trials always bright, I bear a heart That's ever light"

He is a replica cloth doll of the

original from 1880s, printed on both sides with

special attention to detail.

He is completely hand-sewn...which takes about 3- 4 hours.

Note the original antique cloth doll next to

the replica.

Antique cloth doll is over 110 years old.....sorry not for sale.

The replica Irishman stands a little over 8.5" tall

~ The Irishman ~ ~
Price $ 22.00 each
~ limited edition ~

US Shipping is $ 5.00
or
$ 8.00 for 2 dolls.

Way Back In February...

I featured The Dude as the first Brownie cloth doll.

There are still some available for sale .....these are all
limited editions so when they are gone
...they are GONE !

♥♥ The Dude ♥

~ The Dude ~

"I'm called the dude because I show The fashions, and good form, you know"

The Dude is the first in a series of 12 Brownie

cloth dolls that I am featuring

over this next year....

one per month.

He is a replica cloth doll of the original from 1887,

printed on

both sides with special attention to detail.

He is completely hand-sewn.

Note the original antique cloth doll

next to the replica.

Antique cloth doll is over 110 years old.....sorry not for sale.

The replica Dude stands a little over 8".

~ The Dude ~
Price $ 24.00 each
~ limited edition ~

US shipping is $ 5.00
or
$ 8.00 for 2 dolls.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
~~~~~

Yours in a whimsey,

MADAME Whimsey

Organizing....

2011-02-27T13:19:00.002-06:00

One of the things I do the first few months of a new year is organize. My studio, office, packing room and general storage areas look like 19 drunk unruly monkeys have run thru the rooms with wild abandon. I know it was me that did all this destructive, havoc, mess and general untidiness but REALLY cant I blame this on someone else.

The problem is storage....there is just not enough in this house. We have a garage and a large tool shed but those are both filled to the max with my previous treasures. There are some that could say I was a hoarder... I "gasp" here as I do have a small fear that one day my dh (darling husband) will submit my collecting and gathering escapades to the either one of the other hoarding TV shows or even the show INTERVENTION .... I do "shudder" at this point with fear.

Today I am going to clean no, no not clean but organize the back porch. Cleaning means getting rid of stuff...organizing means to sort, label and move things around so the place looks like is has been cleaned ! Am I a smartie pants or what...although my husband calls it bi-annual box migration.

Actually it is quite fun to look into unmarked boxes....I have found unbelievable treasures that I totally forgot I purchased 10 or 12 years ago....my best find was a whole box of Victorian baby socks...they were just too cute...perfect for tiny Christmas stockings....Ok at this point being the end of February perhaps tiny Easter stockings on a pink tree...I could start a new trend here...hmmm will have to think about that a bit...I will probably need more of these however.

OK....next box is full of good junk....pens, bits of paper, price tags...useful GOOD junk so I sort and put these in the proper places. I am feeling liberated already !

Time for a coffee break......5 minutes...ok 10 minutes....30 minutes later..

I am now well rested and must finish this project ! I worked for more 2 hours....only had 5 things - boxes, baskets, & bins drop on my head...very light weight...no major blood spilled. I managed to clear a path...of course the boxes are now over 8 feet tall on both sides of this path. I will have to hold my breath as I squeeze thru the path to find treasures in the future but it looks organized. Good thing I am not claustrophobic.

I did find a large half empty plastic bin with papercups, plates and plastic silverware....hmmm, whats with that ? A perfectly good bin for storing treasures not paper products !!

I managed to throw a large gnarly box away...pretty sad shape..couldnt even duct tape it back together...although I did contemplate it. My husband will be so proud that it was tossed out.

It was physically exhilarating...especially as the storage area on the closed porch was 42 degrees.

Next project ...tackle the garage...this Spring !

Would love to hear your organizing stories...or even hoarding stories....lol...although we will call them massive collection and accumulation stories...

Yours in whimsey,

Karen

What time is it ?

2011-02-24T12:44:00.003-06:00

It is chocolate donut tax time !!! The only way I can entice myself to do the dreaded taxes is to promise myself a chocolate donut. I started to layout all the paperwork, load up the tax program and realized there was NO CHOCOLATE DONUTS in the house. The closet chocolate donut place was the local gas station 3 blocks away.....yes, even gas station donuts are still technically considered DONUTS ! I threw on my coat, scarf and "chocolate buying" winter boots, grabbed my purse & examined it for cash and grabbed a large yellow envelope.

I went outside and saw my darling husband shoveling snow and shouted to him...I am going to the Post Office and waved the envelope to prove I was going to the gas station...oops Post Office...tee hee.

Three blocks later I was in front of the large case of delicious bakery...unfortunately it had been raided earlier in the day, the shelves were quite sad looking and were about 95% empty...BUT there was chocolate donuts on the bottom shelf calling my name and I just knew they were meant for ME.

I grabbed the largest one...and decided to take a second one in case my girlfriend Mrs. S stopped in. Of course she hasn't been to my home in 6 or 7 months but one never knows does one ? Of course one cant have a chocolate donut without a huge mocha coffee so I snagged one of those as well....and a large bag of Cheetos....just in case the tax preparation becomes too much for my brain cells. I have heard Cheetos aid in reproducing ones brain cells or is that fat cells...no, I truly think it is brain cells.

I waited a few minutes and arrived home with the donuts stashed inside my jacket...I had to hurray into the house before my husband smelled the enticing aroma of bakery & I had to share.

I laid the bag down and threw my coat over the treasure...he never knew what he was missing poor fellow.

So I proceeded with the taxes....yuck.....30 minutes later my husband left for work...he yelled goodbye and I ran into the kitchen as the door was closing...the tax prep was over and donut time was NOW. I was so tantilized by the first donut that I barely tasted it...so I proceeded to the second one for my girlfriend Mrs. S. I did feel a bit guilty about eating it so I wrote her an email stating -

I am eating a chocolate donut…I got two of them.... one for me and one for you… BUT since you are far far away I know you will want me to eat the second one. Karen

I didnt hear back from her...so I knew it was OK.

I managed to save the bag of Cheetos for later. Of course when my darling husband arrived home from work later that day he asked where the bag of Cheetos came from...I managed to mumble something about my awful day of tax prep and I may need a back rub.

The day ended quite nicely, thank you...tee hee hee.

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

My Wee Valentine Web Show is finally DONE ...

2011-02-10T18:26:00.011-06:00

I am very pleased to announce the opening of my

♥ Valentine Web Show ♥

It is finally ready for your perusal and public viewing

at

www.themadhattedbear.com

A few photos here as a tease...come and see some unique
pieces that I am proud to show you.

* SOLD *

Thank you !

Please let me know if you have any questions.....I dont bite much !

meer2@execpc.com

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

Almost ready...

2011-02-08T23:15:00.010-06:00

Just popping in to say I am close to finishing my update on the Valentines Web Show. I have included this photo below as a little tease.....I am adding new items to my creative inventory. I love learning new techniques ....I guess this means I am labeled a
Multi-medium Artist....lol and here I was hoping to be
nominated the
"Grand PooBa Queen of Crafts" !

* The DUDE among a bevy of Valentine Hearts *

"I'm called the dude because I show The fashions, and good form, you know"

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

A true confession...

2011-02-04T14:01:00.003-06:00

OK..my husband has left me......for a fish. Yes, dear readers I am one of those lucky wives whose husband is an ice fisherman. I actually did go ONE TIME with him on an ice fishing adventure. I froze my butt off and kept asking him where the potty was. Needless to say he has never asked me to go with him again, go figure.

Well since he is gone I am fervently creating my wee Valentine webshow...and I got a taste for chocolate. I knew he received a jumbo Hershey bar from his Godchild at Christmas and it was still hiding in his secret stash refrigerator drawer...huh, he thinks I dont look there, the rascal !

I figured since he got a nice mini vacation that the jumbo candy bar is MINE. I can always put a piece of cardboard in the wrapping and a few months from now tell him the chocolate is probably rancid and should be tossed.

Well, I dug out the candy bar and it looked enticing and started to call to me......it was DARK CHOCOLATE...my favorite. I carefully opened up the package and snapped off about 1/3 of it...grabbed a mug of hot coffee and simply enjoyed every morsel. Now it is 15 minutes later and I still do not feel guilty..ha ha..that bar was definitely meant for me.

Chocolate and no guilt ...can the day get any better !

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

I love getting photos from readers...

2011-02-03T12:37:00.006-06:00

My husband spent the entire day yesterday shoveling us out....we had a snow blower but it died. I did see a tear run down my husbands face but we decided to wait for the clearance sale on snow blowers of course once the snow melts away.....lol.

You can just see my house peeking around the corner..lol...

OK I am lying here...I just had to share this photo with you.

~~~

A wonderful customer of mine and I are both tired of snow...she also lives in the Midwest and frankly we have had enough. Here in my little town of Oconomowoc in southeast Wisconsin we got 15" yesterday...now I was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin
but come on...15" is a bit too much.

I was emailing back and forth with this fun lady the other day ...both of us commiserating about the snow when I received this wonderful email & photos
that I had to share with you -

She writes: I dressed up Doc last weekend for some funny photos.
His brother, Wyatt, is way too sophisticated to wear funny hats or to act silly,
so he stayed in the house until I was ready for the "real" portraits that we took later.

Doc, ended up looking like an old bag lady wearing a babushka. Which is fine except that the plan was to make him look like a skater boy, but because Collies have
such small skulls (I know there's a joke in there somewhere)
the hat wouldn't stay on unless I tied it under his chin.

I laughed myself silly, because he's a dog who's absolutely up for anything, and we had so much fun just being goofy in the snow. LOL

Honestly, it's like living with Cary Grant and Shemp Howard--they are so
very different. But maybe that's why they get along so well.

~~~~~

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

Working hard.....

2011-02-02T11:30:00.006-06:00

Yes, I am working hard and I am not talking about shoveling snow ! I hope to have my Wee Valentine Web show up and running in a few days. Meanwhile I did manage to load some fun charm bracelets on Etsy...they are designed with a slant towards Valentines Day but can be worn all year long. Here are 2 of my favorites -

* * Chocolate Memories * *

$ 58.00

Several years ago I had an opportunity to visit a chocolate store in Gent, Belgium.
The family run business actually made their chocolate in the back room.
Now, I love Hersey chocolate bars with almonds, kisses and snickers and
have never turned one down ...BUT I was converted to
the ambrosia of all chocolate after that trip. I actually bought 10 lbs of
chocolate back in my suitcase....lol.

When I returned of course I shared my booty with friends and family but a few just didnt get it. I do so regret giving most of it away. It was so divine...I still yearn for a piece now
and then and wish I had kept it all...lol.
Then I could be known as "MADAME Piggy Whimsey".
So I dedicate this bracelet to
my chocolate memories.

To commemorate this fabulous Belgium chocolate store I designed a second whimsical bracelet with images of vintage typewriter keys spelling out
C H O C O L A T E
across the chain. In between the letters are beads designed to look like
wrapped chocolate bon-bons, some heart charms, a small cup for hot chocolate,
a tiny box of chocolates, a cupid and & tiny 1940s celluloid rabbit charm....I have always
loved chocolate rabbits !

The chain is silver tone with a lobster claw clasp. The bracelet is 7.75" from very
end to other end. As with all my bracelets this bracelet can be made
shorter or longer just let me know...no problem.

* * Queen Of Hearts * *

SOLD

Thank you !

OK.....I try not to be partial to the pieces I create BUT I love this bracelet of secrets..lol. On the front side of the bracelet, vintage postcard images of ladies, cupids & tiny hearts are
featured on small & 1 large frame charm. Nestled between are vintage
charms of a celluloid lamb, a dutch couple, metal & red hearts,
a running bunny, key, crown, heart locket,
Victorian hand, pink buttons
& rhinestones.

The secret is revealed on the back of the bracelet..the small frame charms
now spell out
Q U E E N
in black letters on a red background. So much fun when wearing this piece
as the secret letters reveal themselves slightly when your hand is in motion ! Only you can reveal this mystery to the world.

The chain is silver tone with a lobster claw clasp. The bracelet is 7.75"
from very end to other end. As with all my bracelets this bracelet can be made shorter or longer just let me know...no problem.

Oh my...it is time to take down the Christmas decor...

2011-02-01T10:55:00.001-06:00

Yes, it is Feb. 1 and I simply must take down my Christmas decorations & trees. For some folks there would be a gasp of horror. These people would be aghast that I waited so long to remove my Christmas treasures to the storage. These kind of people take down their holiday cheer the day AFTER Christmas...this is where I gasp ! My neighbor who shall go nameless actually has been seen throwing her tree out on Dec. 26...I may take pictures next year & post them just to prove it is true.

OK...I have to admit here...there was a time..a number of years ago I actually took my tree down on April 1st. It had been a live tree but OK it was definitely dead by then. I probably would have left it stay up longer but for my father in law. He stopped over on a March 31 and his eyes bugged out when he saw our 7' tree still standing in the living room. He thought he was so amusing as he would shake a branch or two then 3 and all the needles fell off the appendage. I was quite irritated with the gentleman as the tree was doing no harm to anyone..it was just a bit brown and I thought the color did show off the Christmas ornaments quite nicely. Well as he proceeded to shake all the branches the tree did start to look a wee bit bare....Charlie Brown would be so proud. So in my embarrassment I took the tree down the next day. Thirty some years later I am still finding dead needles in hidden places in my living room. My father in law has passed away since then and I do think of the stinker whenever I discover one of those nasty fossilized needles.

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

Where did I go ...

2011-01-28T12:29:00.000-06:00

Well some of us are quite lax at blogging this past month and of course one of those nefarious persons is ME ! I have had a lot of scenarios to write about and composed stories in my head but they never seem to have made it onto the internet...lol. I have been doing a lot of organizing, paperwork and cleaning...my studio looks like wild monkeys & squirrels have run thru it...I cant believe I can make such a mess and still be creative.

OK..I am starting fresh in blogging as of today now that January is almost over.

I listen to books on tape while I create...I tend to go thru one author at a time. Currently I am listening to Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child novels...very interesting I must say. I find his characters fascinating and a bit "outside the box" so to speak which is good as I am the same way. The most recent novel was THE MONSTER OF FLORENCE...a very good read so to speak...lol although I listen rather than actually read. I love to read books but I have a terrible problem of not stopping when I should. I will start a book at 10 pm and read all nite until finished at the wee hours in the morning....of course this is not good if one also enjoys a good nite sleep..lol.

By listening to the books on tape I find my breaks between working are quite shortened as I cant wait to get back to the novel to see what happens next thus I am more productive.

Our local public library is fabulous I can order almost any book on tape or cd from the entire state which is great as I can start with an entire authors series from start to finish. I have been hooked on this for 30 years now. My biggest fear is that I will run out of authors..lol.

OK...enough of my book listening escapades. I am trying to pull together a Mini Valentines Web show for my website -

www.themadhattedbear.com

& some whimsical Valentine bracelets for

www.etsy.com/shop/MadameWhimsey

I just put 2 pieces up for your perusal. I have several more styles coming and hope to get at least 2-3 up every day on my MADAME Whimsey Etsy page. As always, special orders are always welcomed !

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

Happy Christmas Eve........to one & all !

2010-12-24T20:20:00.005-06:00

As I sit here checking emails & drinking a large mug of eggnog with a shot of brandy
(OK one cant lie on Christmas Eve.....2 shots of brandy..OK OK.... 2.5 shots)
I want to wish all my readers a wonderful
Christmas Eve from my
home to yours.

With warmest regards & a lovely eggnog mustache,

Karen

Guess who came to my front door...

2010-12-22T10:49:00.003-06:00

I was working on my computer the other day when gazing out of my window I spotted an interesting gentleman coming down the sidewalk. I grabbed my camera and ran to the front door. I pulled it open and guess who was there. OK..he pretended he was the mailman BUT I knew better....it was the jolly fellow himself, yes it was Santa Claus !

He was in a hurry but kind enough to allow me to take his photo. I asked as to why I havent gotten any presents yet. He asked the usual question...where you good this year? I said No of course as I am a honest lass. He chuckled and said I had only a few days left to correct that situation. So far it has been an ordeal to be good.

However, I bet if I submit this to the National Enquirer I would cause quite a stir although probably not many presents would be coming my way. Alas, I decided to share this with my followers only as who know the National Enquirer would probably accuse him & his elves and reindeer of nasty accusations....ie fisky activities between the elves, fights between the reindeer and heaven only knows what Mrs. Claus is doing these days with that rum soaked fruitcake.

This photo is my present to you !

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

Just a Wee bit tardy......lol

2010-12-20T12:39:00.003-06:00

OK....I finally got the Wee Christmas Web Show up and running...I feel like I gave birth to an elephant with spikey shoes and curly feathers coming out of his trunk. I wanted to keep it simple...yeah, right. But late last nite it was ready to launch !

Sent out my first notices at midnite..and actually woke up to emails with orders...lol. I guess I have some nite owl customers. Thank you !

Come and take a wee peek....

www.themadhattedbear.com

As always....special & custom orders are welcomed !

With warmest regards,

Karen

What happened to Thanksgiving !

2010-12-13T20:17:00.002-06:00

Honestly, I swear yesterday was Thanksgiving....I woke up today and realized that holiday was over 2 weeks ago. Yes, time does fly around here. I was busy making mohair pieces for one of my stores on the East Coast ...got that done...whew, that was a lot of work & wow did the time speed by.

Now I have decided to do a Wee Christmas Webshow ! Yes, I know Christmas is next week..lol...but there are still plenty of days left before then. I have a number of fun pieces I want to feature so stay tuned to the exact date...I will post it here and on the Enter page of my website -

www.themadhattedbear.com

All the best to you & yours,

Karen

Another turkey bites the dust.....

2010-11-25T15:00:00.003-06:00

As I write this blog today...in total honesty I must convey...
the big old turkey that is in the oven ....
was prepared with stuffing and a bit of lovin.

In one hour the feast will begin... hubbie and I attacking it with nary a chagrin.
To friends & family we must say...another turkey bites the dust today !

This past weekend.....

2010-11-12T11:49:00.001-06:00

This past weekend we celebrated my mother in laws 85th birthday. It was fun to see all my husbands family with only a few missing. My husband is one of 10 kids so you can imagine the number of people that show up.

The birthday cake was made by my sister in law, Terri and it was fabulous ! She got the recipe off Epicurious.com. I was able to find it and share it with you. When my birthday comes I am asking my darling husband to make it for me. I mentioned that today and his face went white...he told me he has never made a cake...lol....heck, this could be interesting.

Here is the recipe - she left out the nuts due to some with allergies...it was a light cake but very good.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese-Lemon Zest Frosting Epicurious | June 2009

by Sarah Magid
Organic and Chic

Yield: Makes one 8-inch layer cake or 24 cupcakes

For the cake:
1/3 cup dried shredded organic unsweetened coconut
About 1 pound organic farm-fresh carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch Lengths (3 cups)
1 cup chopped organic pineapple
1 1/2 cups organic all-purpose flour
1/2 cup organic whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 cups organic cane sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/4 teaspoons organic ground cinnamon
Pinch of freshly grated organic nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark-brown sugar
3/4 cup organic canola oil
1 tablespoon organic vanilla extract
3 organic eggs
Cream Cheese-Lemon Zest Frosting

Optional additions (add one or a combination of all three)
3/4 cup chopped toasted organic walnuts
1/2 cup organic golden raisins, plumped in warm water for 20 minutes and drained
1/2 tablespoon minced fresh organic ginger

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper (to ensure that the cake will not stick), or place liners in 2 muffin pans for 24 cupcakes. Set aside.

Place the dried coconut in a cup of warm water to soften and set it aside for 15 minutes.

Place the carrots in a food processor and pulse on and off for 1 minute. Then add the pineapple and pulse until the carrots are cut into very small pieces and the pineapple is pureed, 1 to 2 minutes.

In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. Add the brown sugar and use a whisk to break up any lumps.

Drain the coconut and place it in a medium bowl. Add the oil, vanilla extract, eggs, and carrot-pineapple mixture, and whisk to combine.

Add the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing with a rubber spatula to incorporate but not overmix. When the batter is almost mixed, stir in the additions, if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.

Bake for 55 minutes, or until the tops are a very golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. (It may look as if the cake is too well done, but it takes a while to bake because it's so dense.) For cupcakes, the baking time is 35 to 40 minutes.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then invert them onto a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Fill and frost the cake with the Cream Cheese-Lemon Zest Frosting (for added oomph, add 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh ginger to the frosting).

to decorate

Fill and frost the cake with cream cheese frosting and let chill. Tint 1/2 cup frosting lemon yellow, and use the 10 tip to pipe 5 dots in a circle to create simple buttercup flowers. Then combine any remaining yellow frosting with some additional cream cheese frosting and tint it leaf green. I use tip #67, which pipes small fern stems. Pipe the center stamen with cream cheese frosting and chill to set.

Oh Me Oh My....I have been a busy little beaver.....

2010-11-09T11:35:00.014-06:00

I truly believe my fingers were permanently glued to my keyboard this past week...lol...listing items on Ebay and Etsy before the holiday craziness starts. Yes, I stated craziness...in the past I have actually completed orders on Christmas Eve....lol.

For those who do not know about Etsy ...it is a website that features artists work along with art & craft supplies and vintage items more than 20 years old.

I find a lot of my treasures on Etsy..oops, I just gave away a secret...but lets keep it between you and me !

In the artist section of Etsy, I have listed some of my OOAK Pocket Watch Vignettes in which I had so much fun creating. They are like little showcases of tiny treasures and vintage images.

Today I am listing my charm bracelets ......I have always loved charms....at the age of 13 I would order charm catalogs from the back of magazines. When the catalogs arrived I would circle the charms I wanted. Of course I wanted all of them...lol...a very greedy little girl was I.

I still retain my girlhood charm bracelet and add to it every once in awhile...I think the last charm was from a trip to Paris. I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower all by myself (my girlfriend had a French class and wasnt interested). I found a cute little souvenir shop and bought a Sterling Silver Eiffel Tower. One day I will tell about my other Paris adventures. The trip was what got me started in jewelry making.

Here are one of my Pocket Watch Vignettes and Charm Bracelets

below .....

just to tease you....

* * Bella Floras Escapades * *

* * Grandma Was A Cowgirl * *

* SOLD *

Thank you for your purchase !

Take a peek at my other necklaces and charm bracelets that have been listed on this fun site -

www.etsy.com/shop/MadameWhimsey

If you are not sure how Etsy works and interested in purchasing or have any questions....just email me at

meer2@execpc.com

Thank you !

Karen

A local show...

2010-11-02T12:26:00.006-05:00

Well...just when I think I have enough on my plate to do before the holiday rush....I decided to do a local show at the Waukesha Expo center....it was a flea market type with a smattering of newer items....the first time being held. Crowds were good on Saturday with Sunday a bit slow.

I found a great jar of buttons, a vintage celluloid head jester rag-style doll, a snowman display piece, gumball charms for my bracelets and vintage doll clothes for my bears.... finding treasures always make the show more fun...lol.

Just a few treasures found in my booth ....

* The Five Harlots *

They will do anything for a charm bracelet !

* Necklaces & Bracelets *

* Pop Art Bracelet & Necklace *
A charming extravaganza....

~ Bracelet $ 56.00

~ Necklace $ 98.00

Whistles, compass, tiny cereal boxes, animals, false teeth, toothpaste
tube, tiny soda cups & cans, hot dog, hamburger, 4 leaf clover,
baseball, hairbrush, lantern, pirate ship, pair of feet,
crayons, monopoly pieces, telephones,
birds, helicopter, wine
bottle, monkey,
tiny light
bulb

...just to name a few charms and trinkets
found on either piece.

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

Another peek at my website offerings....

2010-10-30T19:11:00.004-05:00

~ Bessy Culpepper ~

19" tall to top of hat

Bessy Culpepper of the famous New Orleans Culpeppers wears
an antique white lawn dress with a vintage bone brooch
stating her name "Bessy". Around her waist, she wears a double ribbon
of polka dots with a double bow in the back.

Her chapeau is made of straw with Fall foliage, leaves & fruit.

Bessy has glass eyes and staining around eyes and snout
for vintage appeal.

She is made of a distressed tan mohair with a dark back.
Her paws are leather& she has a pearl cotton nose. When tipped
she emits a wonderful growl.

She comes with her friend Rudy The Rooster and a vintage childs
tea cup and saucer.

" One Of A Kind "

$ 495.00

Free shipping until Nov. 14 for US only.

www.themadhattedbear.com

Yours in a whimsey,

Karen

Website uploaded at last !

2010-10-27T21:28:00.002-05:00

For some reason it always seems to take longer than I plan to finish my website...lol. Too many details in the finishing of pieces.

I am very happy with what I produced over the past number of weeks....

lots of whimsical pumpkin pincushions
4 sizes of crows with jointed heads
a charming soft-sculpture moon wears a top hat with a surprise
pumpkin head dolls
2 autumn garbed teddy bears with elaborate hats ...both one of a kind pieces

...all for your viewing pleasure.

Here is one of the fun pumpkins I created -

" Pumpkin Baby "

11.75" tall ***** $ 235.00

" Close-up "

Take a peek at the other pieces on the website !

www.themadhattedbear.com

Yours in a whimsey,
Karen

Working like a mad woman ....

2010-10-20T19:15:00.007-05:00

Thank you for the wonderful comments. I do apologize for not responding quickly...just too many details in creating and finishing these pieces. I do appreciate your emails ...it keeps my creative juices flowing and heightens my own anticipation of "showing off" what I created during the past few weeks.

Even though I have been busy designing, sewing, assembling etc. I somehow managed to spray my left arm a wonderful Satin finish black..lol. I did get a few strange looks tonite when I picked up a yummy Chinese carry out. Although it did look better than the time I showed up at the Post Office with red, blue and black hands.

Yours in a whimsey, Karen

Finally ....Website Update !

2010-10-20T19:15:00.000-05:00

New & wonderful things coming !

2010-10-18T13:13:00.000-05:00

Just taking a quick break from sewing. I am just delighted with how some new ideas and designs are taking shape. In my soon to released website update, I will be celebrating "Autumn" and as a teaser there are some wonderful whimsical pumpkin pincushions, mohair crows with jointed heads and a few fun surprises ! I hope to get this uploaded this week...stay tuned for further posts !

Yours in a frenzy...oops...whimsey, Karen

www.themadhattedbear.com

Somehow a year just slipped right by.....

2010-10-17T15:34:00.000-05:00

OK.... it has been over a year since I last wrote in my blog so I decided to commit myself to writing at least once a week unless I am on vacation, ill, comatose or dead. There I have now stated and will resolve to put pen to paper or in this case cursor to screen and write at least once per week.

I have been busy.... yeah, yeah everyone is busy these days. My actual time-sucking activities included antiques shows, our booth at a local mall, jewelry making, flea markets, creating new pieces for my stores and catalogs that feature my work and general everyday life events. My husband and I are antique dealers in addition to our other occupations which I will go into at a later date.

Recently, we were vendors at the fabulous Grayslake Antique Market in Grayslake, Illinois last weekend. The show was a bit slow heck, the weather outside was fabulous and we all imagined the customers were doing their last hurrah of fishing, boating, picnicking, raking leaves before much cooler weather set in.

Anyway, I met some really great vendors at Grayslake and of course they enticed me to buy some fun things at their booths. I met a very knowledgeable gentleman named Jon J. Vrabel who specializes in vintage watches and other dazzling delights.....diamonds, gold, silver and fountain pens. He brought to my booth a number of plastic and cigar boxes and allowed me to comb through this inventory of watches and watch parts. I was able to obtain quite a few vintage ladies watches both cases and faces plus tiny jack knives, a rhinestone portrait pin that I will use on my charm bracelets. A very nice man who really knows alot about watches.

I also met Carol Kamin who was funny and we traded "war" stories. She and her husband Dean specialize in stereoviews, postcards, ephemera and tintypes. I poured over her albums of tintypes and managed to find several gem and small sizes that I will use on my bracelets as well. The couple are based out of Elgin, Ill.

While setting up our 32 foot booth I met the vendor next to us.....Sumaya Seccurro from Carmel, Indiana. I could see over my tables that her booth was one that had items "calling to me"....I held off as long as possible and the second day of the show I just had to buy these treasures.... vintage bingo tabs, brass tags with a fabulous patina and large red dice that I have been searching for. How she knew that I needed these items is a mystery to me but she was my market neighbor and I was delighted to meet her as well as her husband, Brian. Had the show been less slow I would have probably cleaned her out of more trinkets I saw in her booth.

The last vendor I met was Sylvia Cornell who was just a few booths down from us. She showed scads of jewelry and vintage buttons on her tables. I mentioned that I was looking for vintage rhinestone buttons for my bracelets and the dear lady brought a nice assortment to my booth for me to look over. I also met her booth partner named Connie and took a photo of these ladies as noted below. Note the cool button purse that Sylvia is showing off.

Even though sales were slow for most vendors, it was a great picking for the vendors and customers who did attend ...of course I am tickled with all my treasures. The Grayslake Market is once a month and the promoter Zurko Promotions is based out of Shawano, Wisconsin.

I exhibit at this market once a year and may choose next fall again....although don't be surprised to see me there as a buyer scouting out more bits and pieces for my charm bracelets !

Yours in a whimsey.....Karen

WACKO Friend Story # 1

2009-05-10T20:16:00.000-05:00

Well...dear readers...and fellow bloggites, I felt it was the perfect time to tell you the story of one of my dear Wacko friends.

Many years ago this dear lovely woman (who shall remain nameless) was cooking dinner one evening for her family. Now she doesn't consider herself a domestic goddess nor Martha Stewart but she was able to throw together quickly a few tidbits for her hungry brood. One recipe she specialized in was beef roll-ups...she rolls thin slices of beef and adds assorted veggies to the inside and spices and oil to the outside of each and then cooks these gems under the broiler.

In her haste, she grabbed a can of Pam or so she thought and sprayed the outside of one roll-up with a light coating. Unfortunately, it was a can of oven cleaner. Realizing her mistake she quickly washed the roll-up under the faucet, dried it off and resprayed it once more with the correct can of Pam. She placed a toothpick in the roll-up and finished cooking these tasty morsels.

She presented the roll-up with the toothpick to her husband and the remainder to her family.

Aghast, when she told me the story I did ask if there was any residual effects or health problems with her husband....she told me " no, not really ...but ever since then, in the dark, late at night certain parts of him do glow in the dark " !

Yours in a whimsey,

MADAME Whimsey

Where should one start......

2009-05-01T20:54:00.001-05:00

To start this journey of blogging.....I live in a small town...called Oconomowoc.... it is an Indian word meaning "falling waters"... yes, we have a huge waterfall...all of 4 feet tall. ME thinks those city founding fathers had a tendency to grandiose a few things...hmmm, wonder what their darling wives would have to say about that !

In this sweet little town we have 55 lawyers, 25 dog groomers, 18 bars, 12 gynecologists, 8 liquor stores, 7 coffee shops, 5 tanning salons, 4 huge grocery stores, 2 dentists ( 1 operates a tattoo parlor ), 2 tattoo parlors, 1 McDonalds, 1 Taco Bell, 1 Starbucks, 1 teddy bear artist, 1 antique store,1 Post Office, 1 UPS & 1 craft store.

Soooooo.... if you need an attorney for your coffee drinking dog who ate a bad hamburger, taco or the mailman....and you like to have "nookie" before you sip from an antique glass of merlot at the dentists office while sitting for a tattoo with a teddy bear in one tanned arm and a bag of mail and groceries in the other.... this is the place to live !

OK...OK... I may be lying about the lawyers......there are only 54 of them here.

Yours in a whimsey,

MADAME Whimsey