Lenae May

NEW Love Spell Captured Faeries of the Windlewood

2012-01-26T17:51:00.000-08:00

I love making these little characters! Is Brea Litriu is Love Spell in Irish. Faerie stories have always been a favorite thing and now that I'm an adult, I feel a little more like an author to another chapter in a faerie tale! I love dreaming up their stories.

I've been very busy of late, working on new designs. I have various projects on all surfaces.

Today I thought up a few wearable art ideas..hum...I need a dress form...haha.
Talk to ya soon...I'll let you know if I get that dress form because if I do...you gotta see this! :)

You can view my new sprites on their own Love Spell Captured Faeries page of my website:

www.lenaemay.com

Love Lenae

And the Winner Is!!!!!...Melissa Green!

2011-12-08T05:35:00.001-08:00

Congratulations, Melissa, and thank you, all, for participation in my Give Away Drawing!

Until next time...

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Love, Lenae

2011-12-01T10:49:00.001-08:00

Hi everybody!

Wow...I go away for a while and Blogger is different!...goodness!
I hope you all are well and inspired.
I've had a very busy summer with new designs and artistic adventures.

I wanted to share one of my new Elfin Stocking series with you: The Pennyroyals of Peppermint Place. I created the patterns for each of these lovely girls to be a wee bit smaller than my super large Elfin Stockings.
You can view their details on my website on the Elfin Stocking page. www.lenaemay.com.

Also!
I have a new seasonal FREE give away drawing just starting!
This bundle of Vintage Clock Face Ornaments include 1 Sherman, 1 Henrietta, 1 Muncie and 1 Humphry.
Just leave your comment of Sign Me Up below OR on visit the FREE Give Away Drawing Page ( just after the home button.) on my website to sign up there and I will add your name to my hat!

I hope your all enjoying your seasonal preparations. I added moving to my busy summer schedule and am enjoying the once again warm hearth of a wood stove. We woke up to snow a couple of days ago....brrrr.

The winner will be posted here and on my website December 8.

Now...back to work :)...if that's what you call it...it's just too much fun to be called work!

Love, Lenae

St. Clair Fine Arts Fair 2011

2011-07-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

This was a fun show! St. Clair had absolutely perfect weather and soo many people came out! I had a ball meeting and chatting with visitors!

If any of you live close to Lexington MI., stop by the Lexington Fine Arts Fair Aug. 6-7!

I would love to see you!
Take care...love Lenae

New Faeries in the Windlewood!

2011-05-31T05:23:00.000-07:00

I haven't disappeared from the planet :)....I've been busy with projects and I can't seem to pull myself away! I wanted to share a little about my New Petite Faeologist Displayed Faeries.

First of all, I LOVE vintage items and old wooden thread spools are on top of my list. Concocting a tiny cage to mount to a small vintage spool is a wee bit of a challenge since they're mounted with 3 tiny brass screws. Each cage displays a dated copper tag. The above largest footed cage actually has ME as a faerie! I have always loved this picture of my first day of kindergarten! I was determined to wear my matching navy blue shoes even though they pinched my toes...the things you remember. I used Monarch Butterfly wings because Monarchs are one of my favorite child hood memories.
I have also created a new selection of Itty Bitty Faeries. They always seem to turn out as dainty as jewelry. In my display above I put 5 old brass screws into the wall in a row...It makes a fun display anywhere. Tiny brass nails would be fun too, maybe with a little vintage button at the end to resemble a push pin.
These are my large Faeologist displays. I found wonderful USA crafted pedestals for this project. I created clusters of faeries for this size. Drop by and check them out: www.lenaemay.com.

I also want to share my excitement that my little Faeologist Displayed Faeries are published in this Junes/summer edition of Somerset Studio Gallery Magazine! The Stampington company always does a fabulous job with their publications! I have personally read and learned fun new techniques while also being introduced to some of this nations creative artisans.

Well...I better get back to work...so many things to fiddle with today!

Take good care my friends and be inspired today!

Love, Lenae

NEW Vintage Lavender Fiber Art Elfin Stocking

2011-03-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

Ok...so this was a fun challenge because I wanted to start with a vintage wool blanket with its own pattern and boss it, if you will, to bend to MY idea! The master painters used to paint over old paintings whether to be thrifty with their supplies or just too impatient to go buy more canvases but this idea helps fuel my idea.
The blanket starts with a retro combination of colors of salmon, khaki and a blue green algae on ecru. I found in my travels the most wonderful Irish Mohair in perfect lavender shades. As soon as I found it, I could imagine Lavender buds...I think you will agree,
I cut and free motion stitched each flower cluster. When you see pictures of the deep purple Lavender mounds; the flowers are really in bud form with a few blooms open as I have embroidered with floss and tiny Raspberry Japanese glass bead centers for twinkle.
You can see the woven pattern of this fuzzy blanket on the back.
I'm a fan of mixed textures so to add a decorators touch, this Ecru and French Blue trim is added around the cap.
I had a ball in developing these little girls! Just pile it up. Beautiful rich Salmon pink wool petals embellished with a mossy Alpaca vintage wool with an elegant dressmakers golden netting.
I crafted several petite size stockings in this design and they will be on my website soon.
The featured monogram is created from a vintage Italian metal frame with my own stitched details.
I have several others I will be loading as well. I have been MIA for a reason. :)

"Peace" is a new design too and I will share her with you soon...I think it will make you smile.
I'll be back...
Love, Lenae

The Country Living Fair

2011-03-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Just a glimpse of a past Country Living Fair.

I'm so excited to share that I will be an an exhibitor at this year's Country Living Fair in Columbus Ohio!

I am stretching out this year with several art shows and I know I am a little MIA from my blog but I have some really fun new projects that I've finished and new upcoming ones in progress...I think you will like them...I had a great time designing them, searching for just the right ingredients and pulling it all together ;)

I will be getting my new works posted here and loaded to my website soon.

Take care all and Happy Spring!!!
I will be back soon with my goodies!
Love, Lenae

Drum Roll Please..........and the Winner is......

2011-02-27T06:01:00.000-08:00

And the winner is....Barb Kowalik from the Hive! Congratulations Barb!

I do want to thank each and everyone of you for taking part in my drawing AND your lovely encouragement! I'm sure many of you feel the same way about kind words being the wind under an artist's wings!
I LOVE making new things for all of you and am forever thinking of fun new ways to embellish :).

Thank you all...my friends!
Have a wonderful and creative week!
Love, Lenae

Time for a FREE Give Away Drawing!

2011-02-20T14:45:00.001-08:00

I just finished several petite Faerie Cage Necklaces! I LOVE the way they turned out...just too fun! You can bounce over to me website and find them on the jewelry page or click here and I will take you there:)
But first...scroll down and find out about my new FREE drawing Give away!
Ohhh...and before I forget...I just finished 2 more River Birch Table Runners in 100% wool and Cashmere! Limited edition of 3 and you can find them on the NEW serendipity page of my website for more information.

NOW... on to my give away drawing!!!!

I only created one of a kind of this little bracelet. The petite cage is the smallest to date measuring 3/4" long with a genuine fresh water pearl faerie egg drop. Copper dated tag is displayed with the cage. This sweet contraption is made right here in my Windlewood studio and just remember...BE PREPARED! This Faeologist Bracelet assures your readiness to capture the fae where ever you may go!! hehe

Just leave your name in my comment box with a hearty sign me up and I will add your name to my hat! The winning name will be announced right here on February 27th.
Good luck, all and enjoy...

Love Lenae
P.S. Make sure if you don't have a blog you leave your email for me to contact you!!!! Thanks!

All You Need Is Love...hum..hum...hum..hum...

2011-02-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody!!
I just finished a new batch of Love Spell Faeries and they turned out so fun! I just love making these little sweeties! The cages are made right here in my studio. I darken them with Liver of Sulfur to give each cage a vintage look. The little copper tags are marked with the new Fae species year of discovery and with this little character, each has a red glass heart drop to mark them according to their little gift.
I hope you all have started the new year with fun new inspiration!...I have a mind whirling with ideas and I can't wait to get to work on them!
If you want to drop by my website: www.lenaemay.com and check out the new captured faeries, just click on my link! You will find the new characters under Love Spell Faeries.

Take care!
Love, Lenae

River Birch Reclaimed Fiber Art Table Runner

2010-12-19T17:27:00.001-08:00

I discovered another fun project! This Reclaimed Fiber Art River Birch Table Runner was such a challenge to my patience and skill. I wish my photography was better...it's just so much deeper in person. I had a special request for a birch table runner so I created a pattern based on table size and began the adventure! The pattern looks a little like a puzzle but I needed each line to fall in place to give a forest of Birch look.

I used three different beige wools for the tree bark and shrouded the deepest one with a couple layers of black netting to push it farther away...it worked great!
Did I say how much I LOVE my free form sewing foot!!!! I have such a whimsical freedom with that little thing...anyway, I used it to create the bark markings mixed with small pieces of felted wool. I combined dressmakers netting and more wool to create the exfoliating bark. Other peels are stiffened cotton all stitched with silver thread.
The three dimentional knots are a must! I love making stuff like this! I finished the edge in a gloriously thick looped cocoa trim for a mix of artistic and formal. This runner measures 54 1/2" long to stretch down the center of a formal size table.

I think I will do a building scape next, perhaps...kid art style! Sky's the limits I guess when it comes to creative freedom!...and I do enjoy creative freedom!

I have to start a few gift certificate envelopes for my family so I'm not sure if I'll get another post before Christmas but I do want to wish you all a beautiful Christmas! I hope your dinners are perfect...your cookies are sweet and your family time is deep and rich!!

Enjoy my friends!
Love, Lenae

Drum Roll Please..........and the Winner is......

2010-12-17T06:36:00.000-08:00

Sunni Sandy!!!

Congrats, my dear!
Thank you all for participating in my drawing! I really love doing this...it just makes me smile :)
I hope you all have the most wonderful holiday!
Be sure to be part of my newsletter for up coming drawings and project updates.

Merry Christmas!
Love, Lenae

Free Give Away Drawing...Fa la la la la la la la la!

2010-12-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, everyone!
This is such a lovely embellished time of the year around my house and I just wanted to share a fun selection of my Vintage clock face ornaments with you! As you can see above, they always turn out a whimsical addition to your Christmas tree.
My FREE give away drawing includes my Lydia, Sherman and Job ornaments.

I will be collecting names from here on my blog and my email ( found here or on my contact me page of my website www.lenaemay.com) for those of you that don't have a blog.

I will draw the winning name the morning of December 17th and posting it here.

Be sure to drop into my website and check out my new stockings!
Enjoy!
Love, Lenae

NEW Francesca on Holiday Elfin Christmas Stocking

2010-11-16T07:04:00.001-08:00

I'm so excited to share this with you all! I felt like I was encased in Pistachio silk ribbon for days!!! I will tell you stitching yards of this to the edges of fine black dress makers netting was not my most relaxing adventure! haha
Each layered ruffle graduates in size until you reach the top. I found a fabulous black netting with glorious blue polka-dots scattered all over and added a peek a boo strip near the top.
My original inspiration was the costume of a French Can Can girl...you know the kind with the poofy ruffle panties ;) The two tone vintage wool blanket I used was exactly what I went looking for; soft carnation pink and ivory. I stitched around some of the floral pattern to give it a quilted depth of sorts. The cinnamon flocked bow was also in the original plan using just a little unexpected color. I created the toe from two sections of coffee and vanilla stained floral cotton and a vintage brass button.
This is one of my favorite parts! I have always love vintage fabric florals so I decided to craft berry velvet rosebud drops embellished with genuine freshwater seed style pearls! I strung them on a soft silk thread and tied them to the stem of each bud; they were just the right detail for this very feminine stocking.
As close as my photos came to capturing the lovely shades chosen for this design, they still don't capture it perfectly. I made a topper of a wonderful faux fur I found...give you an Einstein look..so fun and unexpected! Silly girl! Each stocking's foot is gently stuffed to maintain the original idea and is completely lined in coffee and vanilla stained cotton.

The petite version of this stocking was created to suspend from gifts or packages or tuck in with other stockings on the mantle. This little girl shares many of the same details as her large version including the drop velvet rose buds. You can view all the details of my new works on my website: www.lenaemay.com!
I hope this inspires your up coming holiday festivities!
I'm off to work on my next design...Silly Poppies!

Enjoy!...Love, Lenae

NEW Great American Suffragette Rose!

2010-11-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to find this image! This lovely lady is dressed in vintage whites right down to her toes with large floral embellishments on her wonderful hat!
She is even photographed with a flower. I bet she was just a lovely lady! She paid the greatest attention to detail. I have so many pictures of this suffrage movement and many of the brave women are dressed just like this.
I hope you like her...she is one of my new favorites!
Rose is now avalaible on my website: www.lenaemay.com ...stop by and check her out!

Love, Lenae

My Pupcycle Pimm

2010-11-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my sweet puppy with you. My daughter took the video and if you can't hear what Danny says at the end that makes her spring around it's: squirrel! She loves to hate them!

Enjoy!...Love, Lenae

My House in My World during All Hallows Eve

2010-11-02T04:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my house in my world! I had a blast gathering fun things for my daughter's costume ball. My long hallway opening into my living room turned out fun!
I dropped into one of our local craft stores the other day and low there stood a whole bin of blackbirds...I decided I needed a flock. When you walk into my living room, you really have a sense of being watched by the little devils from the window sill.
I was lucky enough to have much of this stuff lying around to convert into a spookier element. I was given a bunch of old bottles so I added poison labels to them. During the party, I burned candles...the glow was fun. The silver glittered skeleton dangle was one of my first purchases...he started the spooky adventure. I've never decorated like this for Halloween. We haven't had a costume party in years and they were other themes and not really the traditional Halloween theme.
The goodie table was a blast! My daughter made cupcakes using white cake mix and added a dollop of Red Velvet cake mix to the bottom or center. When the cupcakes bake they seem to encase the blood spot...it really looked creepy!

I hope you enjoyed a peek into my world!
Take good care all...love Lenae

NEW Itty Bitty Fairies and Faeologist's Display Captured Fairies

2010-10-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

I had a blast making these little characters! The hand crafted cages are distressed with Liver Of Sulphur and rubbed to a vintage appearance. I displayed them from a wooden hand which is the approximate size of a real hand; they are Itty Bitty Fae for sure! I include a gift box for the little sprites for the Fae collector...hehe
I added a copper tag displaying the date of discovery. They are a charming ornament added to any prim tree OR hide them deeply in the Christmas tree and make a special prize available to its finder...like the traditional pickle!
I add vintage linen tags with my signature to the top...it makes them look a little Frenchy to me...not sure why.
I created the footed displays to be a more formal Faeologist's Laboratory display. Drawing from my experience with antiques I chose black with greenish wash in the crevices. I remember this combination from my memory bank...somewhere.I like to maintain a vintage quality appeal so each cage is fasten to the book print Masonite base with little brass screw. I only made a few of these...I'm off to work on Christmas stockings.
Take care everybody and be sure to sign up for my newsletter above for mailings about FREE give away drawings and project updates!

Love, Lenae

Drum Roll Please!!!....and the Winner Is....

2010-09-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

...........
Janet Goswick!!!! Congratulations!!!
I want to thank all of you that participated in my drawing and be sure to sign up for my mailing list for up coming drawings, if you haven't already! I'm plotting another one right directly. Hummm....what should it be.....Ah...I know! ;)

ALSO!! Thank you for all your lovely encouragement about my work, it really does mean a lot to me that you all like it; it's like sharing MY wonder with you!
Have a wonderful day!
Lenae

FREE Captured Fairie Drawing! ...Stop by!

2010-09-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my Somerset Studio Captured Fairie article; I am soo excited to be sharing my very first Itty bitty Captured Fairie! Yes... this little character is only approximately 2" tall! The cage is a fantastic miniature created with primitive detail in solid copper made right here in my studio in the windlewood. This little sprite is know as Itty Litte Fae...one of the smallest of the Fae and considered to be good luck if you are fortunate to have found one! :)

Here's how to win her: Just drop into my blog here and leave your name in my comment box with count me in and I will add your name to my HAT for the drawing. If you can't drop your name here just send me an email through my email me link and again let me know to add your name and email and I will add you...simple as that!! I will draw the winning name the morning of September 30th and post it here on my blog.

Be sure if you sign up on my blog that I can follow you back and contact you.

For those of you that are just dropping in; be sure to sign up for my newsletter at the top left of the page to receive updates on other FREE give away drawings and new projects!

Good luck!! and have fun!
Love...Lenae

See My Work in this Months Somerset Studio Magazine!

2010-09-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to share with you my work is featured in this months Somerset Studio Magazine! I'm honored to be included with so many other wonderful artists! Pick it up and check out ALL the fun pieces!
I could only wish that my photography was as beautiful as what they do.
This project is one of my all time favorites! It's a childhood memory of capturing fairies! The vintage style copper cages are crafted right here. Each cage is 100% copper treated with Liver of Sulphur for a distressed aged look. I chose this guage wire to resemble a look of a pecil sketched cage. The copper plate at the bottom of the cage displays the scientific name of the Fae...like you would find in the laboratory of the Faeologist! haha.
Display several together from chains to look like a laboratory!
Each of the clip fairies are created from vintage candle cups with my own hand crafted copper cages on top. These little creatures display anywhere you can clip them! Several fairies are marked with my Beware of the Fairies scull and crossbones due to their dangerous tendencies.
Be sure to look below at the other work displayed this month in the magazine...my Witches of West Windlewood!

Also included in this months Somerset Studio magazine...

2010-09-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Look at these two...so proud of themselves! But don't take your eye off them...they're just double trouble! ;)
Lenae

the Winter Brookie

2010-09-03T19:29:00.001-07:00

The Winter Brookie, my new stocking! This design is my largest to date measuring 26" long and 19 1/4" from heel to toe. This was an inspired idea for a special grandson. I had a special request for camouflage, water blues, and outdoor sports like hunting and fishing.
Considering the Mossy Oak pattern camouflage, I decided on a seasonal selection of leaves including, Magnolia, Holly with berries and Mistletoe. Each leaf is crafted and cut using my patterns from felted reclaimed wool and individually hand stitched. The Holly berries are individual wooden beads covered with three shades of red embroidery floss. The rolling water is created from cotton cord wrapped with cotton and shimmery blue. the heel is covered with a lovely vintage velvet.
The glitzy ball at the toe is covered with glass glitter.
Now the fish...I LOVED making these and can't wait to find another project for this idea! The fish are created from my pattern; using layers of variety of fabrics stitched in a free form style. The golden felted wool dots are also individually applied and stitched with a dark center. the reddish dots are done in the same fashion. The spark you see is from a final layer of soft yelloe netting embellished with flecks of glitter. I used a vintage piece of lace for the belly. The fish eyes are created from vintage buttons. The fins are gold painted vintage Irish linen and artfully stitched. The larges fish measures 9 1/2" long. The bow is created from a fine French ribbon.
I have fresh new designs on the table and can't wait to get to the details! Picture with me...yards and yards of pistachio silk ribbon, soft black netting, golden stitching, carnation pink and ecru woven floral vintage blanket, cinnamon, ribbon and rich blue glittered polka dots...uhuh. Let's see how this turns out shall we! :)

I want to go right over board on this one!
Lenae

NEW Witches of West Windlewood!

2010-08-21T04:38:00.001-07:00

Meet Creada Z. DaVinci...she's a clever one with her flying devise. You might recognize the last name. She and Leonard argue over whose idea the flying machine was...she claims it's hers! I drew a pattern for my hubby to make wings from copper. I covered them with antique sheer fabric and coarsely stitched them. They appear to be held on by leather straps.
Beetle Juis is the newest witchly apprentice. She is becoming a master with spells. I loved her image when I found her. The dress is just too fun!
This little girl is embellished with a touch of glitter to her wand and dress for a glimmer of magic.
Hezzerta is a fancy witch. I discovered how to make my own plumes so I have a box of vintage feathers and curled them myself...after all these years I thought you had to buy special feathers. All you do to make a plume is curl it gently like you would ribbon!
This character is Smerna Fizz and her black crow, Griffon, I used a sprinkle of super fine black glitter on Griffon...he looks pretty snazzy with a sparkle!

I loved working on these new characters! Using vintage pics is soo fun because I use the images themselves to create the story for each one... I have these little girls available on my website and Etsy. The witching hour soon approaches my pretties!
Talk to ya soon!
Love Lenae

the Lexington Art Show

2010-08-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody!
I just wanted to share some pics of the Lexington Art show I attended. It was sooo nice to chat with people about such a variety of topics and all passionate! I met other lovely artists and was greatly inspired by them!
You can really learn a lot from seasoned artists that do art shows. This is the first out door show I have ever done and I was intimidated about it at first. My first moments of being open I could explain it like being in the park without my pants on! It felt awkward but eventually I warmed up to it and just shared my work and my own passions about creating.
My captured fairies were very popular. I'm trying to get more listed on my website. Most of you haven't seen them...they turned out fun. ;) you can see them hanging above from vintage distressed chains.
As you can see by my booth, I love to display things! We spent hours of set up time. I will be modifying some props for next time.
I'm looking forward to the next one...where ever that may be. I have a lot to load to my website and Etsy so that's where I will be for now :)
Take care all!
Love Lenae

Busy Busy!

2010-07-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a couple of pictures of one of my favorite little villages. Lexington Michigan. They have the sweetest atmosphere. I'm very excited and a bit nervous to participate in my first outdoor art show here, August 7 and 8.
I could hardly find photos to post so I think I will drag my camera along and get some myself. Here in Ann Arbor Michigan, they have a HUGE street art show and unfortunately, yesterday, the weather was very bad; I think there might have even been tornado warnings!...Yeh...right!
See why I'm nervous to do an out door show! :l

I've been very busy working on this season's Witches of West Windlewood and a new stocking design so again I've been a bit MIA.

Today is finish the bows day and work on fairies in cages and...maybe a run to Pei Wei for a bite of Vietnamese Chicken Salad Rolls! If you have never tried them...at your earliest convenience...do it! They're wonderful!

Well...I better be off...I've fairies to capture! :)

Just a touch of seasonal color!

2010-07-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Thought you might enjoy a touch of patriotic color in simple form! This charming bunting is located on pamewares.etsy.com.

Happy 4th of July everybody!
Lenae

Weebly Anyone?

2010-06-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard of Weebly.com?
It is soooo easy to use! I have given up my web man AND my old website so I can have the controls and believe it or not...it's that easy!
If you visit MY Store button to the right of this post, you will see a work in progress. Drag and drop! I can finally do all the details myself without chasing someone around!

Some of you might have visited my old site and found it broken on SEVERAL occasions! Not anymore! The problem was I could never fix it...I was at the mercy of someone else...whoever that was!!
Check it out!

And the winner is!!!????

2010-06-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sandy Morden! I hope you enjoy Magnolia, my friend, and thanks so much to all of you who participated in my drawing! I will be planning another real soon so sign up for my newsletter to be notified.
Lenae

Celebrating my Article with a Drawing for my FREE Suffragette!

2010-06-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

I'm published in this months Sew Somerset magazine! A great big thank you to all those at Sew Somerset magazine that assembled such a wonderful collection of mixed media fiber projects! It's full of amazing ideas!
Throughout the article I tell you how I construct my Great American Suffragettes and materials I use. I hope you will be inspired to create your very own character!
To celebrate my publishing I will be giving away one of my Great American Suffragettes, Magnolia!

I will be collecting names from my blog and through personal emails to add to the hat from June 1- June 14. I will draw a name and announce the winner June 15 right here.

Just drop by and leave your name in a comment box and I will add your name to the hat. If you don't have a blog and wish to be added, just email me and I will add your name as well.
ALSO...be sure to sign up for my newsletter from this page to your top left if you do not receive it. This is how I let everyone one know of my upcoming give aways and new projects! Never fear...I don't send a bunch of stuff.

You can also stop into my new website by pressing My Store button at the top of this page. I don't have everything in there yet but it's coming along.

Enjoy, my friends!
Love, Lenae

Visit us on our vacation to South Carolina!

2010-05-30T05:25:00.000-07:00

Come with us through here to the ocean! We stayed on Seabrook Island. Seabrook is one of the most beautiful places!
This is where the path through the woods takes you...spectacular huh!
This is Kyle. He's my nephew. They live in Summerville.
Zac, my son, me and Pimm getting a little sun.
Lydia is Kyles little sis. She's one of my favorite people. Lydia is a wee little girl through and through.

more vacation pics...

2010-05-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

Everybody decided to hunt for sharks teeth.
This is me at the ocean NOT looking for sharks teeth.:)
Pimm is our puppet dog. She decided she wouldn't be left again so we loaded in her bag and we hung her on the chair where, by the way, she was quite content! Silly little girl!
This is a pic taken at the Battery in Charleston. You can see Fort Sumter from here. There are some ancient homes in this area; just beautiful!
Ash is my daughter and of course my silly little dog, Pimm. She isn't fond of the water but we kept tricking her into getting her feet wet and she finally grew ok with it.

more vacation pics...

2010-05-30T05:04:00.000-07:00

Ash is discovering beach sun.:)
Here are a few of my baby chickens.
You might recognise this building from the movie The Patriot. This is the old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. The vintage details up close are amazing!
One of the homes on the Battery.
This building sits tucked into a very busy area where we found warm Pralines! Oh yes, they were fantastic!

new Captured Fairies in Cages!

2010-05-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ohhh I'm so happy to share my new Captured Fairies! I just LOVE doing these little characters!
This little dangerous girl is marked with my exclusive fairy warning, Fayette Elva Fae can work her share of mischief! Don't be deceived by her sweet little face.
Lorella Fae is also one of the cute but dangerous Fae discovered deep in the windle wood by our own in house Faeologist! Lorella's petite cage is created from a vintage candle cup with a handcrafted copper cage top. Lorella's cage also displays our fairy scull and cross bone warning tag!
Each cage has my signature tag printed on vintage linen with a tiny metal grommet and string. I think it gives the cage a wee bit of a French look. :)
Finally Buncie Brokk Fae is on display in out NEW copper cages. Buncie is also a dangerous Fae thus marked with our fairy warning. Names are displayed on a hand crafted copper plate.
The above three fairies are exclusively found on Pfatt Marketplace for this month. also would like to thank Sandy Wood of the Pfatt Marketplace for naming me the artist of the month of May. You will be able to find my new Fairies May 10. You will find them here.
Enjoy!
Lenae

A Mosaic!

2010-05-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

the clever Gilded Bee...

2010-05-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

While traipsing around blogs I stumbled upon this very clever artist! The Gilded Bee! I LOVE book print flowers and she does them so well. The above assemblage is just so sweet using such simple supplies!
You can almost see these little guys springing up in an imaginary garden.
Stop by and check out her work. She has an Etsy link on her page to peek at more from her imagination!

Enjoy!
Lenae

A Lovely Idea to be part of!

2010-04-19T17:51:00.001-07:00

I had the sweetest request for a trunk a couple of weeks ago that I wanted to share.
This little trunk was created for a very special person with the attention to detail to honor the beloved contents!
For a dear lady who loved whimsy and clearly had a reputation for being unique.
With a love of reading, the ocean, purple, green, and teal and various other things this trunk was specially crafted.
The roses are created from book print applied to muslin, a kiss of pale pink ends and painted cotton leaves.
Waves are touched with glass glitter and a silver foil touch to the sea gull wings. Faux book ends are incorporated into this crackled finished piece.

Yes...this trunk will be the resting place for the ashes of a special person. What an honor to create such a precious place...Artistic...exclusive...and personal!

Lenae

Changes here in the windlewood!

2010-04-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

I have been a little MIA! I've been working on some new ideas and have been distracted.
I will explain this sale a little more in depth a little later but for now I will just say that I will be
focusing on just my own work. For those of you who have collected some of my artist's work,
I will find their blogs and site and add them to my links if I don't have them already. You are
most likely wondering why...well I feel very divided when I have sooo many jobs to do
that are required of me to maintain so many artists on my website.
I have some fun news coming up also and I will fill you in on that later as well.

ALSO!!! I will be discontinuing the windlewood.blogspot blog...just another one of my defrag moves. I will be solely posting on www.lenaemay.blogspot.com.

I'll fill you in on more soon...
Lenae

Girls in Black Masks...

2010-02-23T16:21:00.000-08:00

I would like to share my daughters' Girl in the Black Mask photo shoot with you! My little Muses in black masks are my daughters, Caisee and Ashlind.

so fun!

Ohhh Say Can You See...Lady America Fiber Art Elfin Stocking

2009-12-06T06:29:00.001-08:00

Introducing Lady America Fiber Art Elfin Stocking. This is another of my large stockings. Limited design of 4. I am attracted to our nations colors for two reasons: Due to the assault on this nations people through mass imports and what seems to be a cracking in some of her foundations on various levels; and artistically, red white and blue is a challenge for me to combine with other elements to bring them to a creative and opulent level.

Created from reclaimed and upcycled wool, satin, red velvet, specially designed clay hearts, and other fibers.When I crafted the little stars from clay, I pressed a texture into them and slightly distressed them for a vintage look. They're held on by little golden beads.
The main color is a sort of water blue... one of my favorite colors. I attach signature labels to the back.
I originally had a different weave pattern in mind but while talking to my son about Faberge Eggs, I noticed on the cover of my Faberge Egg book, this pattern would work better. Each satin weave is hand stitched.
Now...the driving thought behind this design is this: This nation sprang forth from the wilderness due to the efforts of very brave men and women that had a vision for freedom. The Forget-Me-Not flowers are created for this design also for a very specific reason...to remind us NOT to forget our heritage.

Enjoy your season!
Lenae

New Elfin Stockings! Fa la la la la - la la la la

2009-12-01T09:18:00.001-08:00

Garnets & Filigree Fiber Art Elfin Stockings! This little number was fun to do. I definitely had to fashion a leather thimble for all the hand stitching...wow...I thought it would never end seeing that I made 4 large ones and 2 small stockings. Lovely shades of garnet to pink reclaimed and upcycled wool is used.
Ok...so the French still have it on some of the most established beautiful quality in this ribbon! I collected and studied vintage apparel when I was younger and what astounds me is that the French ribbon created today is so very similar to that of so long ago! A truly wonderful find!
The bow is constructed from French and altered bows.
I fashioned a rolled edge stitched with gold on this shimmery pleated collar.
I mixed vintage and new iridescent sew on crystals for the random twinkle...yeh...gotta have that right?
This little sweety is a lovely accent for a smaller display or as a drop pocket for goodies from a gift. I did that one year for my children. I have themes every year. This year will be an ephemera year...paper..paper..paper, everything paper.

Happy season's preparations to you all!...have fun!... I am!
Lenae

A Great Quote!

2009-11-10T12:02:00.001-08:00

If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will
be silenced.
--Vincent Van Gogh

Mimi & Musette Bureau Trinket Trunk Assembalge

2009-10-30T04:58:00.000-07:00

This was a special order for a special little person but I wanted to share it with you. I'm so pleased with the way it turned out.
It's a 2 compartment trunk with several techniques used. I even found an antique Punch and Judy Theater ad clipping from an antique magazine I added inside...the cost was 10 cents...really!
The bottom trunk is waxed and painted book print encased in bees wax. I love the soft feature of bees wax. This item is more like a collage assemblage.
I also added Swarovski crystals in 2 sizes here and there for a bit of magical twinkle.
The tiny cherries are clay created just for this trunk with a butchered bow.
I do have a question for anyone dropping by; I can't find any more of this style box anywhere! Does anyone know where I might find them? I love the rolled rim.
Better run...so many things to work on!
Have a wonderful day everybody!
Lenae

Pepper Berry Love Potion #16 Bureau Trinket Trunk

2009-10-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

Oh soo fun to create are my Bureau Trinket Trunks! This one is called Love Potion #16.

This petite trunk is created from a lovely variety of items including: hard wood turned compartments, hand crafted Pepper Berries on copper wires (by me), vintage photo copy, antique golden cuff link, painted vintage lace, porcelain knob, wooden disc with the number 16, cotton leaves, wooden pedestal and marble base. The whole creation is gently encased in fragrant beeswax for a soft artful display.
This trunk will be added to the windlewood collection tomorrow.

Make sure that you sign up for my newsletter to receive my updates! I have a coupon ready to go!
Enjoy, my friends!
Lenae

My Sunny Work Space

2009-10-14T10:57:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my sunny work spaces! I love being able to peek out the window and see the out door activity!
Here's just a small display of things that I enjoy, a fun little tin toy iron.
This is just one of my curvy inspirational items and a comfy rest when needed.
I've been accused of having a ribbon thing...uhh...yeh..I think you could say that. :)
I'm pleased to say that I've added the lovely Midori ribbon to my collection! Wait till you see that! I'm planning stockings around it.

Ohhh by the way...I'm planning on starting giveaways and will be contacting everybody on my mailing list to let them know when and for what. Be sure to sign up for it in the black box if you haven't already! I will also be sending occasional special offers and coupons so don't miss any of it!
Take care!
Lenae

2009-09-13T05:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of new Witches of West Windlewood, Izzy and Ella, dropping by to cast a spell or two!
This was a fun vintage photo to stumble upon. As most of my projects finish...I started out with somewhat of a foggy idea how this witch duo would go.
Sometimes there ends up too much void space that must be filled so. In Izzy and Ella's case a space was filled with a twisted and decorated message of the season...Boo!
Boo...such a curious word...I love it! I just discovered ribbon in orange and black with the little word on it. Yup...my wheels are turning where I can put that.
I have a few of these sitting on my table and they make me smile... :) Working with vintage photos is becoming a great pleasure for me. I will be adding these little girls to the windlewood collection later today.
Lenae

New Witches of West Windlewood! Meet Tabithinia.

2009-09-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

I had a ball creating these little witches! I've been collecting just the right characters from vintage photos, that's why it's been a little timely to finish. Some just seem to pull off the witchy look don't they! I will be adding to this collection throughout the year. The Beeswax moon assemblage is created entirely from plain old stuff! The moon is my pattern design cut from foam, carved and paper mached with book print. The finish is painted and rubbed off to expose the book, covered with a soft fragrant beeswax with just a touch of mica and glitter. Tabithinia is fastened to the moon with wire and a vintage button. Her original designed pumpkin ribbon banner's message is Happy Haunting...of course. Special features also include hand crafted tall button paper clay shoes on wire legs, silk primitive ruffled petticoat, cotton hat, hand butchered bow, and wooden disc marking the festive day all resting atop a wooden pedestal.
See other Witches of West Windlewood on my website here.
I'm Just experimenting with paypal buttons on my blog. Let's see how this work!
The cost of this piece is $69.00 + $8.99 shipping.

OH MY GOONESS!!!!!!

2009-08-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well...while playing with blogger, I lost almost everything. Any of you following me are lost...all my back posts...pictures...links!

If you drop in and see you are gone, please post your link so I might add it again!

I'm devastated!

Ohhh goodness. :(

New Great American Suffragettes!

2009-07-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

NEW Suffragettes!

2009-03-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

My new Great American Suffragettes! I can't wait to do more!! I'm presently looking for more cabinet cards for just the right images.
This one I call Hester...she is created a little different with little arms and slightly taller than the others.
Her very flowery hat is spectacular! I used 100% organdy, vintage lace and pure silk ribbon for the Votes for Women ribbon.
Lilly is a smart little character with her fancy feathered hat. Her dress is a embellished with Victorian lace.

Tiny high button shoes are crafted from paper clay.

Minnie is dressed in a vintage WOMAN'S police uniform complete with Billy Club...hum. I touched all the buttons with an old gold color for a shiny brass button look. This police officer carries a banner that reads about the Great Scourge and what to do about it! ( Women's suffrage)

This very zealous and sweet Prudence has her message all over her pinafore! I reduced an actual Women's Suffrage Rosette from a picture in the cause colors of purple, green and white. The center reads: Votes For Women but it's so small you can't read it. I added a drop of clear glaze for an official button look.

Vivian has her hands full with literature and her large banner about the Great Scourge.

Winifred is a dainty thing in her solid white pure organdy and vintage lace dress. I made her boots lace up. Under the pure silk ribbon, Winifred actually wears a women's suffrage ribbon.
Winifred all has slender arm with a vintage lace cuff and paper clay hands. The great American Suffragettes stand at various heights on patriotically painted and distressed wooden blocks. The small wooden discs are covered with 1911 print and touched with a golden edge.
I hope you enjoy them. The more I work on this project...the deeper I think about this period in our history...wow!
These little ladies will be available on ebay starting this Sunday.
Enjoy...