Happy Holidays - Neat Stuff for Sale.

2011-10-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Hallowe'en everyone!

I have three "Giant Portrait Rattles" up for grabs. Any of these noisemakers would be a wonderful addition to your Hallowe'en collection. Each of these rattles is about 18" - 22" long from the base of the handle to the top of the rattle. I said that they were big! All shipping to the US or Canada is free.

"Giant Portrait Rattle - Black Cat's Cabaret Puppet Act"

Black Cat is seen inside a vintage metal Italian picture frame holding two of his cast of puppet characters. The hand turned wooden handle is securely fastened at the base into a wooden plug that creates the stage/base of the vignette in the frame. The background unfortunately looks black but the fabric is a deep purple background with a green leaf pattern woven into it. The rounded back is covered in black felt and the 1 1/4" deep frame edge is covered in vintage green velvet ribbon printed with a gold scroll design. A large bell is attached on each side of the frame.

This giant portrait rattle is 18 1/2" from the base of the handle to the top of the vintage Italian metal frame. It is 7" across the front of the frame and 4 3/4" deep.

When I mentioned to Black Cat that he looked very "Rat Pack - ish" he wasn't pleased. I had to explain who the Rat Pack were and said that he looked very 1960's with his clothes choice of white shirt, narrow black tie, and snazzy jacket. "Snazzy" for some reason seemed to perk him up.

$395.00 - ( shipping included to the US or Canada)

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"Giant Portrait Rattle - Lovey of Lovey's Tearoom"

Lovey is seen inside a vintage metal Italian picture frame holding two pies. The hand turned wooden handle is securely fastened at the base into a wooden plug that is hidden by her dress. Her collar is a machine embroidered vintage cuff held in place with a ruby red antique glass headed dress makers pin. The background looks burgundy but is a pink velvet, it really does work with the rest of the colours! The rounded back is covered in black felt and the 1 1/4" deep frame edge is covered in vintage green velvet ribbon printed with a gold scroll design. A large bell is attached on each side of the frame.

This giant portrait rattle is 18 1/2" from the base of the handle to the top of the vintage Italian metal frame. It is 7" across the front of the frame and 5" deep.

Lovey and her staff of expert bakers and confectioners have a very loyal following. She is holding two of her famous pies - hedgerow fruit jumble and sweet potato pumpkin pie.

$395.00 - ( shipping included to the US or Canada)

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"Giant Portrait Rattle - "Jack came dressed as an Autumn Jester"

Jack rests on top of a cylindrical rattle covered in paper of my own design. The ends are covered in two layers of crushed black glass glitter. There is a vintage brass bell on each end. The handle is a vintage spindle painted black.

This giant portrait rattle is 22 1/2" from the base of the handle to the top of the Autumn leaves. It is 8" wide and 3 1/2" deep.

Jack's clown costume is made from vintage fabric. His collar is vintage orange fringe. His detailed hat and party horn are handmade with papers of my own design. He carries a handmade branch of vintage leaves.

$395.00 - ( shipping included to the US or Canada)

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Thank-you for taking time to look a my offerings for this Hallowe'en EHAG Emporium sale. If you would like to adopt one of these noisemakers for your collection please email me at lenbenny@shaw.ca

As an extra special treat for all of you tricksters out there, I will not be charging shipping fees to the US or Canada on any of the other items listed on my "Happy Holidays - Neat Stuff for Sale" blog. So the price you see is the price you pay. The no shipping fees will be in effect until the end of the year. Now how is that for an extra special treat!

Welcome to Trick or Treat Street!

2010-10-09T05:51:00.000-07:00

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Meet Artemus. He is a little annoyed because he forgot his treat bucket. We have that all taken care of because we stopped by his house on the way, his mum gave us the treat bucket to give to him.

The dull sheen and the deep colouration to the apple skin has been achieved with about 6 or 7 layers of glaze and paint. He has a vintage apple leaf on top of his head. His arms are vintage chenille and his torso is created from vintage ball fringe pompoms. Artemas is wearing a handmade paper mask and is carrying a handmade party horn. The ornament is 7 1/2" from the top of the wire ring to the hand cut tissue paper fringe and 4 1/2" wide at the widest point of the wire ring. He is a candy container ornament.

"Artemas has Attitude" - $45.00 US one only.

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Black Cat decided to come as a bush. He is very pleased with himself because the Byrd brothers got quite a shock when they decided to check out the nest. They have taunted him quite a lot lately.

Black Cat's crown is made of vintage millinery leaves and wire. A handwoven bird's nest of wire and corn husk silk is securely attached into the branch crown. A tiny jack-o-lantern is glued into the nest. He is wearing a handmade paper mask. His arms are vintage chenille and his torso is created from vintage ball fringe pompoms. The ornament is 7 1/4" from the top of the wire ring to the base of his torso and 5 1/2" wide at the widest point of the wire ring. He is a candy container ornament.

"Black Cat came as a Bush" - $55.00 US one only

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Cynthia decided to come as the notorious spy, Mata Hari. She has been enjoying walking around looking suspicious and rubbing her hands together as if she is contemplating "doing someone in".

Cynthia is a purple topped turnip. Her colouration was achieved with deep purple and white overlapping washes. The leaves used for her top are vintage millinery leaves. Her arms are vintage chenille. On her bodice is an early vintage glass button surrounded by burgundy chenille. Her black vintage veil wraps her head swathing her in mystery. The ornament is 6 1/2" from the top of the wire ring to the base of her arms and 4 1/4" wide at the widest point of the wire ring. She is a candy container ornament.

"Cynthia came as Mata Hari" - ~~$50.00~~ SOLD one only.

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Doris is dressed as Carmen Miranda. Doris loves all things Latin, so she decided to make a Carmen Miranda inspired head dress. She is one hot pepper!

Her subtle colouration is achieved with 4 or 5 layers of yellow, orange, and red glazes. On top of her head are early vintage millinery fruit and leaves. Her shoulders are created from vintage ball fringe pompoms. Her arms are vintage chenille. The ornament is 7" from the top of the wire ring to the bottom of her torso and 4" wide at the widest point of the wire ring. She is a candy container ornament.

"Doris came as Carmen Miranda" - ~~$55.00~~ SOLD one only.

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Edna loves Haute Couture and decided to come as a Paris runway model. Her pale complexion is definitely enhanced by her hat of blackberries, blackberry leaves and one very fine curved black plume.

Her lovely pale colouration is painted over a bright grey green base coat. It is built up with 4 or 5 layers of yellow, lemon yellow, and soft brown glazes. There are areas where the green shows through very softly. Her haute couture hat is created from vintage millinery blackberries and leaves. The early vintage plume sets of her dramatic hat. Her arms are vintage chenille. The ornament is 9 1/2" from the top of the wire ring to the bottom of her elbows and 6 1/4" wide at the widest point of the wire ring. She is a candy container ornament.

"Edna came as a Parisian runway model" - $55.00 US one only.

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Julian decided to come as "King of the Forest" this year. He is feeling and acting quite regal, much to Black Cats annoyance.

The rich colouration of Julian's head was achieved by using 7 or 8 layers of paint in yellows, oranges, and warm browns. It was painted on and patted off revealing the layers beneath. It has a leather like look and sheen to the surface. The crown on his head is made from a piece of vintage metal from a glass lampshade collar. A row of green cotton chenille yarn was sewn into the base for contrast. It is accented with green feather down and one brown feather. A brown vintage button finishes the crown. Vintage berries, leaves and floral pips accent the paper covered wire sceptre in his hand. He wears a handmade paper mask. His arms are vintage chenille. His torso is created from vintage fabric fern fronds and erica moss. The ornament is 11" from the top of the wire ring to the bottom of the sceptre and 7" wide. He is a candy container ornament.

"Julian came as king of the forest" - $65.00 US one only.

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Lester is ready to go trick or treating. His party horn will scare the pants off any unsuspecting people that he meets.

Lester's grey green colouring was built up up from a yellow green base coat. 5 or 6 layers of paint have been added and then patted of to give his shell a lovely mottled appearance. He is wearing a handmade paper mask. His arms are vintage chenille. His torso is created from vintage fabric fern fronds and erica moss. In his hands are a handmade party horn and treat bucket. The ornament is 9 1/2" from the top of the wire ring to the bottom of his treat bucket and 5" wide across the wire ring. He is a candy container ornament.

"Lester" - $50.00 US one only.

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Everyone so far has mentioned that Ron's treat bucket is as large as he is. He laughs and just mentions that he needs a LOT of sustenance to grow into a mighty oak.

Five layers of soft browns and ochres have built up the subtle colouration on his face. His cap has had three layers added and patted off to give the cap a natural look. He has a vintage millinery leaf on his cap. His arms are vintage chenille. Pompoms from vintage ball fringe create his torso. Ron and his treat bucket are wearing handmade paper masks. The ornament is 8 1/2" from the top of the wire ring to the bottom of his treat bucket and 5" wide across the wire ring. He is a candy container ornament.

"Ron brought a particularly large treat bucket" - ~~$55.00~~ SOLD one only.

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Larry has brought fireworks for later when we all gather at the bonfire. He loves noise so all of the fireworks he chooses end with an explosion. To further add to the racket he has his party horn at the ready.

Approximately 12 layers of yellows, orange, reds, greens, browns and ochres have built up the lush colouration on his head. The white stripes were then painted on. He has a hand painted vintage millinery leaf on the turban part of his head. He is wearing a handmade paper mask. His arms are vintage chenille. His torso is created from vintage fabric fern fronds and erica moss. In his hands are a handmade party horn and a handmade firework. The ornament is 7 1/2" from the top of the wire ring to the bottom of the hand cut paper fringe of his party horn and 4 3/4" wide across the wire ring. He is a candy container ornament.

"Fireworks for the Bonfire" - $55.00 US one only.

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Nigel has brought apples for roasting by the bonfire. We'll drop those off, get his mask on, and then go trick or treating.

The complex and beautiful colouration on Nigel's head was built up from bright yellow to oranges and then to various layers of light greens, dark greens, and grey greens. All of the colours were either scrubbed on with a brush or patted off by hand. He was then finished with a spatter of grey green paint. The complexity of the colouration is truly beautiful. He has a vintage green velvet millinery leaf at the base of the stem on his head. He is carrying a handmade paper mask and a vintage basket. The basket is trimmed with vintage millinery leaves on the handle and filled with painted apples on a bed of wood shavings. His arms are vintage chenille. His torso is created from vintage fabric fern fronds and erica moss. The ornament is 10" from the top of the wire ring to the bottom of the basket and 5 1/4" wide across the wire ring. He is a candy container ornament.

"Nigel Brought Apples for Roasting" - $65.00 US one only.

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Prentice tried on this party hat at Marty's Mercantile and liked it so much he decided this is what he would wear for trick or treating. When I asked him why he liked it so much his response was, " My face doesn't look so skinny!"

Prentice started out a light green and the colour was built up with grey greens, then glazes of deep rich greens finished the colouration. In the deep pickle green are some beautiful colour variations. Hand painted papers make up his party hat. The 3/4" head from a early vintage brass paper fastener ornaments the centre of the hand painted orange and black burst of hand cut paper frills. His arms are vintage chenille and his torso is created from two hand painted vintage millinery leaves glued back to back. The ornament is 8 1/4" from the top of the wire ring to the bottom of his torso and 5" wide. He is a candy container ornament.

"The Grand Party Hat" - $55.00 US One only.

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Xerxes left his costume to the last moment because he was so busy doing last minute preparations for The-Man-in-the-Moon's magic show. He is a stage hand in charge of props. He grabbed an old black curtain and quickly made a cape and then used black tape for eyebrows and fangs. He looks scary even for a quick costume like this.

Xerxes started out yellow and then layers of orange glazes were painted around the circumference to give an interesting variation to the orange. It looks very carrotish! His carrot fronds are made from vintage fabric fern fronds. The eyebrows and fangs are cut from hand painted paper. The cape was cut from an old piece of blouse fabric that originally had beads sewn to it. It is filled with lovely holes and the edge is left raw. The ornament is 11" from the top of the wire ring to the bottom of his cape and 5 1/2" wide. He is a candy container ornament.

"Xerxes came as a Vampire Carrot" - $50.00 US one only.

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Walter Melon is ready to go. He was with Prentice when he bought this party hat. Walter loved all of those orange and black strings hanging down from the top of the hat.

The colour was built up with layers of green paint patted off to reveal the light green base coat. His handmade party hat is made from a section from a cardboard cone and vintage fringes. He is wearing a handmade paper mask. His arms are vintage chenille and his torso is created from vintage fabric fern fronds and erica moss. The ornament is 7" from the top of the wire ring to the bottom of his torso and 5 1/2" wide. He is a candy container ornament.

"Walter Melon" - $50.00 US one only.

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Owen loves going trick or treating with his dad. Luke came home with these big nose glasses for them to wear trick or treating. Owen wore his to bed that night.

Each base for Owen and Luke is a composition candy container covered with hand painted papers. The papers have been hand crimped and then repainted to look like cabbage leaves. The big nose glasses are made from metal rings, wire, black fur, and a composition nose. They have been securely attached to each face. Their arms are vintage chenille. Owen is 5 1/4" from the top of his metal ring to the base of his arms and 4 1/4" across the widest part of the metal ring. Luke is 6 3/4" from the top of his metal ring to the base of his arms and 5 1/4" across the widest part of the metal ring. Both Owen and Luke are candy container ornaments.

"Trick or Treating with Dad" - set of two ornaments, Owen and Luke, $95.00 US. one set only.

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Could Jack look any sillier? He doesn't think so and thoroughly enjoys his new look.

The paint finish was achieved with a base coat of brilliant yellow with layers of oranges and yellows layered on to give him a rich orange colouring. The big nose glasses are made from metal rings, wire, black fur, and a composition nose. They have been securely attached to Jack's face. His arms are vintage chenille. Jack is 6 1/2" from the top of his metal ring to the base of his torso and 4 1/2" across the widest part of the metal ring. Jack is a candy container ornament.

"Jack and His Big Nose Glasses" - $50.00 US one only.

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Since Max has put on his big nose glasses he has been walking with a swagger in his step. He says he looks rather distinguished, that is until he bursts out laughing!

The paint finish for Max was achieved with a coats of medium and dark oranges painted on, patted of, and scrubbed on with an old brush. He has a rich orange colouring. The big nose glasses are made from metal rings, wire, black fur, and a composition nose. They have been securely attached to Max's face. His arms are vintage chenille. Max is 6 1/2" from the top of his metal ring to the base of his elbows and 4 1/2" across the widest part of the metal ring. Max is a candy container ornament.

"Max felt he looked rather distinguished" - ~~$50.00 US~~ SOLD one only.

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Can you believe it, Carter, the wise old owl or so he says, started all of this silliness with the big nose glasses. He was right though, they have been the most silly and most popular disguise this year.

Carter's colouration has been built up on a base coat of medium brown with several layers of a warm dark brown dry brushed on top. The big nose glasses are made from metal rings, wire, black fur, and a composition nose. They have been securely attached to Carter's face. The limb that he is sitting on is decorated with three early vintage velvet millinery leaves. Carter is 7 3/4" from the top of his metal ring to the bottom leaf and 4 3/4" across the widest part of the metal ring. Carter is a candy container ornament.

"The Ring Leader" - ~~$50.00~~ SOLD.

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Bentley, the crow and Carl are the best of friends.Bentley has a nest on the ground that they intend to fill with their swag, at least that is what Carl called it. They are going to fill the basket several times and intend to empty it into the nest. They're not greedy, there were several young children that were ill and didn't have a chance to go out tonight.

Bentley is cast composition with wire legs. Carl is a cotton wrapped wire frame dressed in vintage textiles with a vintage tassel hanging from his hat. His head is composition. Both of them are wearing handmade paper masks. Carl has a painted vintage basket resting in front of him. The nest is a handmade basket of paper covered wire. There are two hand painted vintage millinery leaves decorating it. They are standing on a papier mache base.

Treats can be placed in the nest, in the basket in front of Carl and inside Bentley. Bentley is a candy container. Gently lift Carl to reveal the interior.

"Bentley the Crow and Carl" - $195.00 US one only.

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Everyone finishes their trick or treating, has a little something to eat and then it is off to see The-Man-in-the-Moon's Hallowe'en magic show.

This year's show is "Princess Rosamund and the Attack of the Pie Zombies".

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Reginald plays "A Dignitary - from a Very Foreign Land". He is in disguise, he is actually "The Evil Conjuror". He enchants the pies of the kingdom, turning them into pie zombies in hopes of taking over the Kingdom.

Reginald has a cotton wrapped body over a wire armature. His head is composition painted in multiple layers to give it a rich orange colour. He is dressed in vintage and antique textiles and trims. His hat is vintage leatherette with antique trim and a peacock feather plume on the front of hat. He carries a scroll wrapped with antique metallic braid in one hand and a twisted root in the other hand. He is 12 1/2" tall to the top of his staff. He is standing on a papier mache base.

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Lift off the top of his hat to reveal that he is a candy container.

"Reginald was The Evil Conjuror" - $250.00 US one only.

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Wally was one of the Pie Zombies. The smaller children were a little frightened when "The Evil Conjuror" passed in front of a pie waving his staff, then to reveal Wally as a life size "Pie Zombie".

Wally went out earlier to trick or treat in his stage costume and frighted several young children. They were later heard yelling at the magic show, "It's only Wally!"

Wally stands 9 1/2" tall. He is made of composition over a wire frame. There is a vintage millinery leaf on top his apple head. The arms and legs of his suit are made from vintage striped fabric. He is carrying a small jack-o-lantern treat bucket. His pie crust is dusted with crushed glass glitter. The back of the pie is painted with multiple washes to look like an old tin pie plate. He is standing on a papier mache base.

"Wally was a Pie Zombie" - ~~$185.00~~ SOLD.

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Princess Rosamund was trapped by the Pie Zombies and placed into a large cage above the stage. It fell open, she disappeared and a bird flew away. The-Man-in-the-Moon finally defeats The Evil Conjuror, but where is Princess Rosamund? The-Man-in-the-Moon drapes a large scarf over an ornate footstool, lifts it up to reveal the lovely Princess Rosamund.

The-Man-in-the-Moon is dressed in vintage and antique textiles and trims. His head is composition painted with several coats of light yellow over a dark yellow base coat. It was patted off to give an interesting yellow glow. In his right hand is a vintage silk scarf while his left hand holds a black staff and a long ribbon of vintage rayon. His shoes are papier mache. He stands 14 1/2" tall.

Princess Rosamund is dressed in vintage and antique textiles, trims, and jewelry. An antique button closes the neck of her robe. Her head is composition painted with several coats of orange over a dark yellow base coat. It was patted off giving her head a rich subtle colouration. She is holding a jack-o-lantern in each hand. She stands on what was vintage pierced metal glass holder that has been transformed into an exotic footstool. She is 11 3/4" tall standing on the footstool.

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The stage is created from a 12" piece of oak molding painted an orange red. Gold paint was then put on very thickly direct from the tube to give the effect of old woodwork. It was then rubbed with a deep warm brown for an aged look. The stage floor is 11 1/2" wide and 7" deep. Individual "planks" were glued down to simulate a wooden stage floor. It was then rubbed with the same warm brown that was rubbed on the gold molding.

This sculpture is 16 1/2" tall, 12" wide and 9" deep.

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"Princess Rosamund appears from under the scarf" - $650.00 US one only.

"Jasper" - Large Double Sided Portrait Rattle

2010-07-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is the second in an ongoing series of the large double sided portrait rattles. I would like to introduce to you my very good friend, Jasper. He approached me a while back and asked if he could have his very own rattle. Of course I said yes! Most of the time Jasper is a very happy fellow. He loves to make silly faces and it was this one characteristic of his that inspired me to make an animated rattle.

"Jasper"

Click on the above and any further pictures for a much larger image.

The front of the rattle is "Jasper". Jasper's head is hand sculpted in composition and hand-painted with about 5 layers of paint. I lost track of the layers! To build up the colour that I liked I applied the paint with a brush and then dabbed it off with my fingers, I must have liked finger painting in kindergarten.

His eyes are painted on two vintage ping pong balls. Each eye has a wire loop securely attached to it that is suspended from a loop on the inside surface of his face.

Jasper's tongue is made of four layers of heavy weight paper glued together with a stiff wire sandwiched in the layers. The tongue was given a curve before it dried and is suspended from a loop behind his nose. I had no idea how time consuming the process of suspending the eyes and tongue would be, but it was worth it!

Gently moving the rattle causes Jasper's eyes and tongue to move back and forth, sometimes together and sometimes in different directions.

Two hand-painted vintage fabric floral leaves are attached at the base of the stem at the top of his head.

Hand-painted Chinese rice paper has been crimped and glued in two rows around the perimeter of Jasper's head.

The rim of the rattle has two layers of black glass glitter glued to the surface. At the top of the rattle is a loop for hanging the rattle. On either side of the rattle is a very large, very noisy bell. The handle is painted black.

"Hanging Out With The Guys"

The back of the rattle reveals what Jasper is looking forward to it is and is titled "Hanging Out With The Guys". He will join his best friends Petey, the little guy, and Frank later.

The fence pickets and fence post are constructed from late 1950's wooden plant markers. The original yellow stain of the markers works wonderfully well with the rest of the colours. Vintage floral pips and pieces of hand-dyed and natural twines made from assorted plant fibres are tucked in between the pickets to give the illusion of an overgrown autumn garden.

The tree trunks are made from some very sturdy plant roots that I came across years ago when camping with the family. The leaves are vintage fabric millinery leaves that have been painted to appear more like fall foliage.

To ensure that Petey and Frank will not fall off of their resting places they are securely held in place with wire and glue.

This large double sided portrait rattle is 8 1/2” wide from bell to bell, 11 1/2” high from the handle tip to the top of the rattle, and 5” deep.

Here is a video of the rattle so that you can see the animation of the eyes and tongue.

"Jasper - double sided portrait rattle" from Len Bentham on Vimeo.

1 only, $250.00 US.

to purchase "Jasper" e-mail me at - info@happyholidays.ca.

Please include - name of item, your name, and address with postal or zip code. I will get back to you with the total amount including postage. The postal rates vary so much that this is the best way to give you the very best postal rate that I can.

I accept Paypal and credit cards.

If you have any questions e-mail me at - info@happyholidays.ca.

The Grand Party Horn

2010-05-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

"The Grand Party Horn"

This is the first piece in the "Table Folly" series. The grand gardens of the past all had a garden folly placed in them for interest and intrigue, so why not steal that idea and build a folly for the centre of the table. I know that they are usually called a centrepiece, or table centrepiece or decoration, but doesn't "Folly" sound so wonderful and appropriate. A garden folly is only there for decoration and most of the time have no use; that sounds so appropriate for the party table.

Click on each image for a more detailed close-up look.

"The Grand Party Horn" stands 24 1/2" high with the bell of the horn measuring 10 1/2" across. The body of the horn is constructed from papier-mache. The horn is painted purple and has a black mouthpiece.

Three arched windows are cut into the horn. A single floor connecting all three windows has curved partitions placed in the centre of the floor to create three separate stages, one for each character. Japanese paper from the late 60's is glued to the floor. This Japanese paper has an incredibly thin veneer of real wood glued to the paper backing; presto, instant wood floors. The front curve of each stage has a scalloped edge to finish off the stage floor. Curtains cut from a vintage black crepe dress have been glued to the edge of each window. The top of the curtain is held back with vintage braid that runs to the top of the party horn. Orange pompoms cut from vintage ball fringe run down the braid and finish off the base of each curtain.

The bell of the party horn is covered in hand-painted/hand-distressed paper. The join between the bell and the conical portion of the party horn has giant burgundy pompoms glued around the perimeter. Six sections of the vintage braid and the vintage orange pompoms finish off the base of the party horn.

The hands and arms of the figures are wire covered in papier-mache that are then painted brown to resemble wooden branches.

"Gourdon"

Guordon tried on his false moustache and said that he looked very, "Oriental and mysterious", so this is the costume that he came up with.

Guordon's robe is made from a vintage printed silk scarf. Vintage handmade lace is painted with black acrylic paint to colour and stiffen it. It is then glued to the rim of the conical hat covered in hand painted rice paper. A pea green feather is glued to the front of the hat with a yellowish tan pompom from vintage ball fringe glued on to the base of the feather to finish off the hat.

The hand-made party horn in Gourdon's right hand is covered in paper of my own design. In his left hand is a tray with a chocolate glazed walnut cake on it. The cake is cast out of paper pulp from a miniature vintage mould.

"Jack"

Jack didn't intend to dress as a clown to begin with. He saw this rattle at "Marty's Mercantile" and really liked it. When he came across the costume they just looked good together and the rest as they say is history.

Jack's costume is made from vintage rayon fabric. The collar is made from vintage rusty orange fringe. Two yellowish tan pompoms cut from vintage ball fringe finish off his costume. His hand-made hat is covered in hand-painted rice paper trimmed around the base with 1/2" vintage chenille. A tassel of vintage copper tinsel is added as an accent to the front of the hat. He is wearing a domino mask of hand-painted paper.

The working rattle in Jack's right hand is covered in paper from a very damaged box from the 1920's. The pumpkin pie in his left hand is hand-sculpted and then hand-painted in a very old tart mould.

"Stanley"

Stanley likes pirates. He also has a good sense of style so he decided on a pirate that is very fashionable, eccentric, and flamboyant.

Stanley's coat with exaggerated lapels is made from a vintage man's handkerchief. The belt for the coat is a soft vintage woven black cord wrapped around his waist and knotted each time it comes to the front. The four knots at the front create added detailing to his costume. The ends of the cord hang over the front of the stage. His ascot is made from a section of vintage purple satin ribbon. His pirate hat is made of hand-painted paper accented with hand-cut orange tissue fringe, two yellow stars of hand-painted paper, and a rust pompom cut from vintage ball fringe. His black eye patch is made from hand-painted paper.

The hand-made party horn in Stanley's right hand is covered in paper of my own design. The berry pie in his left hand is hand-sculpted and then hand-painted in a very old tart mould. Finely ground glass glitter is glued to the top of the pie to resemble sugar.

1 only, $450.00 US.

E-mail me your order at - lenbenny@shaw.ca

I accept Paypal and credit cards.

Please include - name of item, your name, and address with postal or zip code. I will get back to you with the total amount including postage. The postal rates vary so much that this is the best way to give you the very best postal rate that I can.

If you have any questions e-mail me at - lenbenny@shaw.ca

When Vegetables Go Bad - Jake and Dewey sneak into the Professor's Laboratory

2010-03-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

Click image for larger version.

Jake is looking at his finger through the marvellous “Wonderscope” while Dewey, who is not as fascinated with the crate's contents, has transformed himself into a pirate with the packing materials and a stick he found in the laboratory.

Click image for larger version.

This one of a kind sculpture is a trinket box for all of your treasures. It is built around an early 1940's wooden drawer front chocolate box, with the original sales tag on the bottom. The wooden chocolate box is covered with a layer of 1/8" thick card stock that is then covered with hand-distressed, hand-painted kraft paper. The wooden slats for the crate were hand cut and split from wood from a vintage fruit crate. the wood is glued to the box surface and then nailed in place with miniature nails, some of which are bent and then hammered flush to the surface. The writing on the sides of the crate, FRAGILE and SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT were created from hand-cut paper stencils. The wood, the nailing of the crate, and the stencilling are not perfect just the same as any real crate would appear.

Click image for larger version.

Once the crate was built the papers on the top were torn to give the appearance that the curious boys, Jake and Dewey, have ripped it open and managed to get at some the contents of the crate. Finely shredded tissue paper is glued in place to look like excelsior packing material.

Click image for larger version.

The Wonderscope is a 1950's metal toy microscope that was available from General Foods Canada. Money with proof of purchase would have been mailed in for this amazingly good quality toy. I am including the original box that the Wonderscope was shipped in. I have carefully wired the Wonderscope in place with copper wire covered in black floral tape so as not to damage the paint surface.

On top of the crate is a key ring of three antique keys that the boys used to get into the laboratory. The ring of keys has a fine nail that is bent into a hook attached to the ring. It is securely nailed to the crate.

Two vintage bottles filled with coloured sand give the look of "chemicals". The bottles have tiny corks in the neck to hold the contents securely. String was placed on top of the cork and then sealing wax was melted to seal the contents "safely from moisture". The string that is used to break the sealing wax was then held in place to the front of the bottles with more sealing wax. The bottles are not attached to the box but can be placed on the crate in any position that you prefer.

Jake and Dewey have composition heads attached to a wire body covered in papier-mache. Jake's head has four coats of paint brushed on, then patted off with my fingers while Dewey's head has six coats of painted added and altered in a similar fashion. They are both wearing clothing made from aged, hand-dyed vintage textiles.

Click image for larger version.

The original label affixed to the bottom of the chocolate box reads -

Moirs

Halifax Canada

XXX

CHOCOLATES

One Pound Net

________________

This box retails for

$3.00 (hand written in pencil)

The sculpture measures 9 5/8" wide, 12 1/2" high, 6 5/8" deep. I have signed and dated the bottom of the sculpture, after I took the photograph.

$395.00 plus shipping.

Click on this link to email me your order or e-mail me at - info@happyholidays.ca.

I accept Paypal and credit cards.

Please include - name of item, your name, and address with postal or zip code. I will get back to you with the total amount including postage. The postal rates vary so much that this is the best way to give you the very best rate that I can.

Click on this link if you have any questions or e-mail me at - info@happyholidays.ca.

Shoe Candy Container Ornaments

2010-03-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

These shoe candy container ornaments would make a lovely Easter basket for that special someone or a novel birthday or wedding gift for the avid shoe collector (or a special gift for yourself). Hang them on a branch year round or on the tree at Christmas.

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"Spring Time"

Click on the image for a closer look

The shoe measures 4 1/2" from toe to heel and is 2 1/2" wide across the branch on the front of the shoe. It measures 4 1/2" wide across the metal ring and is 6" high from sole to the top of the metal ring. On the front of the shoe is a hand-made branch of vintage blossoms and vintage leaves. Tucked under the leaves there is a hand-made birds nest made of wire covered in green florist tape and dried corn silk. Two hand painted eggs are tucked into the hand-made nest. The shoe is covered in vintage "grass" paper. The paper would have been used in railway scenery. It has been flocked with two tone green flocking. The rim of the shoe is trimmed with green chenille taken from a vintage chenille hat. The interior is painted a deep chocolate brown. The sole of the shoe is painted pink. I have signed and dated the sole of the shoe.

$55.00 U.S. shipping not included.

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"Pansy"

Click on the image for a closer look

The shoe measures 4 1/2" from toe to heel and is 2 3/4" wide across the blossoms on the front of the shoe. It measures 4 1/2" wide across the metal ring and is 6" high from sole to the top of the metal ring. The front of the shoe features a large vintage velvet pansy. Tucked in behind the pansy on the right hand side is a vintage branch of blue and pale violet velvet millinery leaves taken from a damaged vintage hat. On the left hand side two bunches of vintage velvet for-get me-nots are tucked in behind the pansy. These flowers have been placed on a barely visible deep red vintage velvet millinery leaf, the colour of the leaf accenting the rest of the colours in the shoe. The shoe is covered in two layers fine magenta sand that I purchased in Switzerland. The rim of the shoe is trimmed with a yellow ribbon that has a woven stripe in it creating a two toned effect. The interior is painted a deep chocolate brown. The sole of the shoe is painted a dark green. I have signed and dated the sole of the shoe.

$55.00 U.S. shipping not included.

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"Victoria"

Click on the image for a closer look

The shoe measures 4 1/2" from toe to heel and is 2 1/2" wide across the bouquet of vintage millinery blossoms on the front of the shoe. It measures 4 1/2" wide across the metal ring and is 6" high from sole to the top of the metal ring. The front of the shoe features a bouquet of vintage millinery blossoms. The stems have been wrapped in vintage green ribbon. At the bottom of the bouquet are four loops of 1950's vintage purple ribbon. In behind the bouquet are three vintage purple velvet millinery leaves. The shoe is covered in two layers of fine red vintage sand from a 1950's child's sand art kit. The rim of the shoe is trimmed with vintage yellow chenille pipe cleaners. The interior is painted a deep chocolate brown. The sole of the shoe is painted a soft yellow. I have signed and dated the sole of the shoe.

$55.00 U.S. shipping not included.

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"Turquoise"

Click on the image for a closer look

The shoe measures 4 1/2" from toe to heel and is 2 1/2" wide across the bouquet of vintage millinery blossoms on the front of the shoe. It measures 4 1/4" wide across the metal ring and is 6" high from sole to the top of the metal ring. The front of the shoe features a bouquet of vintage millinery roses and for-get-me-nots in soft pinks. In behind the bouquet are five vintage green velvet rose leaves. The shoe is covered in two layers of fine bright turquoise sand that I bought in Switzerland. The rim of the shoe is trimmed with gathered pink and apple green plaid ribbon. The interior is painted a deep chocolate brown. The sole of the shoe is painted a soft yellow. I have signed and dated the sole of the shoe.

$55.00 U.S. shipping not included.

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"Candy"

Click on the image for a closer look

The shoe measures 4 1/2" from toe to heel and is 2 1/2" wide across the grand flourish of a red "candy" heart accented with vintage millinery blossoms and bullion fringe on the front of the shoe. It measures 4 1/4" wide across the metal ring and is 6" high from sole to the top of the metal ring. The front of the shoe features a red "candy" heart hand made of sculpey and then covered with 2 layers of fine red sand that I bought in Switzerland. Tucked in behind the heart on the left side are two bouquets of vintage daisies. In behind the heart and flowers is a vintage green velvet chrysanthemum leaf. Cascading from in behind the chrysanthemum leaf is vintage green bullion fringe. The shoe is covered in two layers of fine yellow sand that I bought in Switzerland. The rim of the shoe is trimmed with vintage green looped fringe finished off on the inside with a burgundy chenille pipe cleaner. The interior is painted a deep chocolate brown. The sole of the shoe is painted a vivid yellow. I have signed and dated the sole of the shoe.

$55.00 U.S. shipping not included.

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Click on this link to email me your order or e-mail me at - info@happyholidays.ca.

I accept Paypal and credit cards.

Please include - name of item, your name, and address with postal or zip code. I will get back to you with the total amount including postage. The postal rates vary so much that this is the best way to give you the very best rate that I can.

Click on this link if you have any questions or e-mail me at - info@happyholidays.ca.

Large Double Sided Portrait Rattle

2010-01-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

Click on the above and any further pictures for a much larger image.

This large double sided portrait rattle is 8 1/2” wide from bell to bell, 12” high from the handle tip to the top of the rattle, and 8” deep. It shows the Man in the Moon performing magic tricks. One side is called "The Amazing Levitating Lantern" and the other side is called "The Man in the Moon Loves Magic Tricks".

The Man in the Moon heads and the lantern are cast from my own moulds in composition and then hand painted. The heads are attached to a wire and cloth body. Each body is then attached after being dressed to the rattle frame with a screw eye and wire. They will not come off of the rattle! Gently shaking the rattle makes a pleasant racket.

The Rattle Structure

The black wooden handle is securely glued into a piece of wood inside the heavy card frame that creates the upper part of the rattle. Heavy card is glued to both sides covering the wood to create a wall beneath the stage The stage floor is glued on top of the wood and then a heavy piece of card is glued inside the frame to create the back wall for both sides. The card wall below the stage has thin wooden sticks glued side by side with the front edges of each piece of wood sanded to give them a beveled edge. It is then stained with paint.

The proscenium at the top of each stage is made of wood and card. Green scalloped fringe is glued to the front and then a piece of embossed metal from a vintage tray is glued on top of the fringe. The stage curtains on each side of the rattle are created from a 1950's silk velvet dress.

The outside edge of the rattle are covered in several layers black glass glitter. After the glue was dry the bells were then attached.

A metal loop is at the top of the rattle for hanging.

“The Amazing Levitating Lantern”

The stage backdrop has a piece of faux leather fabric from a 1940's photograph album glued to the back wall. The stage is edged with a scalloped piece of card. A section of embossed metal from a vintage metal tray is glued on top of the scalloped card.

The Man in the Moon is dressed in antique purple velvet edged in vintage white and orange cord. His ascot is a piece of vintage Japanese silk from a child's kimono. The blue stick pin is an antique dress makers pin. These pins when they were originally made were hand dipped in molten glass to create the head of the pin.

The ribbons and the gimp assisting the lantern to levitate are vintage.

“The Man in the Moon Loves Magic Tricks”

The black backdrop with blue roses on it is created from a section of an early 1940's dressing gown. The stage floor juts out to create the magic table. A heavy piece of card was covered in black fabric then narrow white silk ribbon was glued in a grid pattern to the top of the table. The stage is edged in the same metal trim as the proscenium.

The papers covering the cylinders are 1950's hand screened wrapping paper by Eleanor Finch. Vintage wooden balls from a child's game, vintage flowers, and an antique ivory ring are nailed or wired and glued securely in place. The table top with all of the magic tricks was glued on to the stage and then edged in vintage green looped fringe. Silk ribbon, hand dyed silk handkerchiefs, a vintage flower, and a wine bottle with a vintage paper “label” are being pulled from the cylinder. A magic wand is in his right hand.

The Man in the Moon is dressed in a black tuxedo made from the cuff of the 1940's dressing gown. His shirt front is made of ruffled white silk and the same silk is used for the cuffs of his shirt.

1 only, $350.00 US.

Click on this link to email me your order. or e-mail me at - info@happyholidays.ca.

I accept Paypal and credit cards.

Please include - name of item, your name, and address with postal or zip code. I will get back to you with the total amount including postage. The postal rates vary so much that this is the best way to give you the very best rate that I can.

Click on this link if you have any questions. or e-mail me at - info@happyholidays.ca.

Alphonse

2010-01-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

Alphonse was visiting over the holidays and was very pleased indeed to see himself, as he put it, "immortalized" as a marotte. If you like to know more about the history of marottes click here to go to my website to read a short article about them.

I had purchased an old 1939(?) Pinocchio marotte several years ago that was in very bad shape; the paint had almost completely peeled off of the handle, the felt cap was moth eaten and sun damaged with none of the decorative details remaining, and the paint on the face was coming off. The head did spin around and activate the music box. It was crying out to be recreated. Pinocchio has been reinvented and is now "Alphonse". Wire arms have been added at the top of the handle and then the arms and handle have been covered in papier-mache. The handle and arms are painted to simulate wooden limbs. The chest is built up of papier-mache. His head is covered with papier-mache. The head and chest are painted to look like a snowman with a carrot nose. Alphonse is wearing a handmade papier-mache party hat with a handmade red paper rose with a coil of yellow paper at its base. Tufts of green paper are in behind the rose. A handmade party horn is in his right hand. The party hat and horn made with hand painted Japanese rice paper. That wonderful fine red fringe hanging from the inside of the party horn is cellophane from very old (1920's-1930’s?) Spanish bonbon wrappers. I purchased 10 packets of these candy wrappers. I love the delicate nature of the finely cut cellophane. Alphonse is nibbling on a lovely large tablet of marzipan, one of his favourite candies.

Alphonse is 16" high, 9" wide and 7" from front to back. 1 only $195.00

Candy Container Ornaments

2009-10-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Persian Scribe

Pierre, a Rouge Vif D'etampes pumpkin, has arrived at the J-O-Lity Fair Costume Ball dressed as a Persian scribe.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Pierre’s lush red orange colouring is built up with multiple layers of paint. He is carrying a vintage millenary feather for his quill pen. His fez is made from a piece of 1920’s dress trim. Strips of rust coloured felt, wire mesh, and black celluloid were woven together at the factory to create this very intriguing trim. The top of his fez is made from black crepe de chine. The tassel on the fez is made from a piece of vintage fringe rolled into a cylinder and attached to the top Centre of the fez. Pierre is holding a roll of glassine paper embossed with a spider web pattern. His arms are made of a rich red vintage chenille. Erica moss and cloth fern fronds are glued on top of the chenille at the neck to finish it off. A wire handle is attached to finish off this candy container/ornament. Small treats can be put in the top. Pierre is 6" high including the wire handle, 7 1/2" wide from fringe to feather tip, and 3 1/2" deep.

1 only, $55.00 US.

King of the Patch

Berny tells me that he was voted "King of the Patch" but I'm not certain about that. He does tend to pull ones leg and enjoy a joke. As he was telling me about this vote he winked and I mentioned as such. He said he had something in his eye and then winked again. What do you think? He does look rather fun in his hand made crown of leaves.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Berny is hand cast in composition from an original mould of my own design. He is painted with four layers of paint to give an interesting finish to his pumpkin shell. His wreath of leaves is made of paper covered floral wire and 1950's handmade glass leaves. A fabric leaf covers the end of the cardboard plug. A wire handle finishes off this candy container ornament. This ornament comes with a certificate of authentication that is hand signed and dated by myself.

King of the Patch is 5" high including the wire handle, 4 1/2" wide, and 4" deep.

1 only, $65.00 US.

Jack and the Party Rattle

Jack is so happy to show off his new party rattle. His best friend Black Cat, known by everyone as BC, hasn't seen it yet. Jack says that it looks just like BC.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Jack's head is hand-cast in composition from a handmade mould of my own design. It has been hand painted with layers of paint to build up a rich and interesting colouration to his pumpkin shell. His arms are vintage chenille. His chenille arms have erica moss glued in place over the chenille and the cloth fern fronds are glued on top of the moss. A wire handle is attached to finish off this candy container/ornament. Small treats can be put in the top of this candy container/ornament.

Jack's rattle is made from part of a turned dowel painted orange. A cats head is mounted on top of the dowel. The head is cast in composition from an original mould of my own design and then hand painted. A small section of vintage orange moss fringe has been added in behind his head. The cats arms are vintage chenille. He holds a bell in each hand. The bells are not very loud unfortunately. The back of the rattle is finished off with a circle of black card. Jack and the Party Rattle is 6 1/2" high including the wire handle, 4 1/2" wide, and 2 1/2" deep.

1 only, ~~$55.00~~ SOLD US.

Bert’s Autumn Bouquet.

Bert, yes that is his name. I know he is a Chinese Lantern but he doesn't come from China. He has stopped trying to explain his name and just accepts the puzzled looks on peoples faces when his name is not Wing Soo or some other exotic Oriental name. He has a beautiful bouquet of autumn fruit and foliage wrapped in black tissue just for you. A small veggie guy has snuck into the bouquet to surprise you. His hands are covering his mouth to stiffle a jolly little giggle. Small treats can be placed in the top of this candy container.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

This little fellow is hand cast in composition from an original mould of my own design and then hand painted. His arms are vintage chenille. Velvet leaves create his torso. Bert carries a bouquet of vintage floral leaves and vintage fruit. Pete, the veggie guy is made from a vintage floral sepal, a vintage black cotton veggie/berry shape, and vintage chenille. The bouquet is tied with green vintage ribbon. A wire handle finishes off the ornament. Bert and his bouquet are 6" high including the wire handle, 4 1/2" wide, and 2" deep.

1 only, $50.00 US.

Set of 5 mini Jack-o-Lanterns

This set of 5 mini Jack-o-Lanterns are perfect for a small Hallowe'en tree. Each ornament is hand cast in an original mould of my own design and then hand painted. They range in size from 1 3/8" to 2 1/8" high including the wire handle. A small treat can be put in each Jack-o-Lantern.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

1 set only. $50.00 US.

What a Lovely Flower

Timothy, a patty-pan squash, is showing everyone his wonderful flower. Don’t get to close to smell its delightful fragrance or you will get a squirt of water in your eye!

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Timothy’s colouring is built up with multiple layers of paint glazes. His arms are made of vintage raspberry pink chenille. He carries a vintage morning glory flower made of celluloid and air brushed a soft pink. The floral stem has a paper leaf that is marked Made in Japan on the back. A holly berry and stem was used to create the black squeeze bulb and tube. His large bow tie is made from vintage rust/orange coloured velvet ribbon. He is wearing a conical party hat covered in dark green paper printed with a silver floral pattern. The rim is edged with orange chenille. Erica moss and cloth fern fronds are glued on top of the chenille at the neck to finish it off. A wire handle is attached to finish off this candy container/ornament. Small treats can be put in the top. Timothy is 7" high from the top of the wire handle to the end of his squirting flower, 5" wide, and 4" deep.

1 only, ~~$50.00~~ SOLD US.

The Unfortunate Costume Choice

Johnny and I were talking about unfortunate costume choices and he recounted the time he decided to go as an apple on the end of a string, that old game that no one seems to know the name of. He couldn't go anywhere. He hung there feeling somewhat nervous that he may become part of the games.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Johnny’s colouring is built up with multiple layers of paint glazes. His arms are made of vintage dark brown chenille. He is holding a working rattle covered with a multi-toned metallic paper of my own design. The handle is a piece of a turned spindle painted black. A vintage velvet rust coloured flower finishes off the rattle. Multicoloured pom-poms from a piece of vintage ball fringe are glued on top of the chenille at the neck to finish it off. A vintage paper leaf is attached to the top of the apple with a string running from the leaf to the top of the wire handle. Small treats can be put in the top. Johnny is 6 1/2" high from the tip of the string tied to the wire handle to the end of the rattle in his hand, 4 1/2" wide, and 2 3/4" deep.

1 only, $50.00 US.

A Jolly Good Racket

Nothing is more satisfying than a good explosion and Carl is ready to set off a string of firecrackers.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Carl's colouring is built up with multiple layers of paint. The first layers of paint are patted on over a coloured base coat by my fingertips and then a brush is used for further definition. His arms are made of vintage chenille. He is holding a string of handmade firecrackers (fake!) that are tied together exactly the way the real firecrackers are tied together. Erica moss and cloth fern fronds are glued on top of the chenille at the neck to finish it off. A wire handle is attached to finish off this candy container/ornament. Small treats can be put in the top. Carl is 7 1/2" high from the top of the wire handle to the base of the match in his hand, 4 1/2" wide, and 3" deep.

1 only, $60.00 US.

Wake Up Guys

Morty is ready to wake up his drowsy fellow mushrooms. His rattle isn’t very noisy but mushrooms tend to be timid, quiet little guys.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Morty's colouring is built up with multiple layers of paint. His arms are made of vintage chenille. He carries a rattle made from a vintage yellow wooden bead mounted on a green painted dowel. Three gold bells are mounted equidistant around the centre of the sphere. Purple chenille hides the hooks that hold the bells in place. Erica moss and cloth fern fronds are glued on top of the chenille at the neck to finish it off. A wire handle is attached to finish off this candy container/ornament. Small treats can be put in the top. Morty is 6" high from the top of the wire handle to the base, 4" wide, and 3" deep.

1 only, ~~$50.00~~ SOLD US.

Black Cat’s Rattle

Black Cat is a pretty good aim and knocked all of the milk bottles over to win this wonderful rattle at the J-0-L-ity Fair.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Black Cat is painted a lush deep black. His arms are made of vintage chenille. He carries a working rattle. The rattle is made from a cardboard ring mounted on half of a turned spindle painted black. The cardboard ring is covered in paper of my own design. The front of the rattle has a cast chalkware pumpkin face mounted on the front surrounded by black glass glitter. The back has a gold star mounted in the centre surrounded by more black glass glitter. Three gold bells are mounted on the rattle, one at the top of the rattle and one on either side. Vintage orange moss fringe is glued on top of the chenille at the neck to finish it off. One white pom pom from vintage ball fring is glued in front for his chest. A wire handle is attached to finish off this candy container/ornament. Small treats can be put in the top. Black Cat is 6" high from the top of the wire handle to the end of the rattle in his hand, 5" wide, and 2 1/2" deep. SOLD

Fireworks for the Party

Harv, as he is known to his friends and Harvest Moon on formal invitations, has an armload of fireworks gathered on his travels around the world.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Harv's colouring is built up with multiple layers of soft yellow paint. His arms are made of vintage chenille. He carries an armload of handmade fireworks made from cardboard cylinders covered in Japanese origami papers. Vintage white loop fringe was first glued on top of the chenille at the neck and then 2" vintage green fringe was glued on top of the white loop fringe to finish it off. A wire handle is attached to finish off this candy container/ornament. Small treats can be put in the top. Harv is 8" high from the top of the wire handle to the end of the sky rocket stick, 6" wide, and 2 3/4" deep.

1 only, $65.00 US.

All Ready For The Parade

Oakley has his parade lantern ready to light the way for the merry entrance in to the J-O-Lity Fair Costume Ball.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Oakley's face is painted a warm biege. The colouring for his acorn cap is built up with multiple layers of paint. The paint arwas patted on over a coloured base coat with my fingertips and then finished with a brush. His arms are made of vintage chenille. He carries a parade lantern made from a green painted wooden dowel with a chalkware pumpkin glued to the top. Orange chenille topped in the centre with a black star finishes off the back. Vintage fabric floral leaves finish off the parade lantern. Erica moss and cloth fern fronds are glued on top of the chenille at the neck to finish it off. A wire handle is attached to finish off this candy container/ornament. Small treats can be put in the top. Oakley is 6 1/2" high from the top of the wire handle to the end of the parade lantern that he is carrying, 4 1/2" wide, and 2 1/4" deep.

1 only, ~~$45.00~~ SOLD US.

"Caws-mo"

"Caws-mo" is wearing a fake mustache so that no one will recognize him. He decorated his hat with a blackberry, a piece of fern and some fleece that he found in the field.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Caws-mo is hand painted glossy black. His legs and feet are made of wire painted black. He carries a Jack-O-Lantern treat pail. His hat is made of card stock decorated with a vintage black floral pip, a piece of fabric fern and a small piece of fleece. A wire handle is attached to finish off this candy container/ornament. Small treats can be put in the top of this candy container and in the treat pail. Caws-mo is 5 1/2" high from the top of the wire handle to the bottom of his foot, 5" wide, and 2 1/4" deep.

1 only, ~~$50.00~~ SOLD US.

Jack and Bob

Jack and Bob the spider are great friends. They are going to meet Black Cat and then they are off to the J-O-Lity Fair.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Jack's colouring was built up with multiple layers of red, orange, and yellow paint. His hat is made of a paper cone covered with a section of vintage silver foil doily. It was then painted black and rubbed off with my fingers to give it a mottled look. It was decorated with a yellow moon, a feather, and a rim of black chenille. His arms are made of vintage chenille. Erica moss and cloth fern fronds are glued on top of the chenille at the neck to finish it off. Bob was made from 4 pieces of wire bent to shape for his legs and then wrapped with thread to build up his round body. He hangs by a thread from Jack's party hat. A wire handle is attached to finish off this candy container ornament. Small treats can be put in the top of this candy container and in the treat pail. Jack and Bob is 5 1/2" high from the top of the wire handle to the bottom of his elbow, 4" wide, and 3 1/2" deep.

1 only, $50.00 US.

Click on this link to email me your order or e-mail me at - info@happyholidays.ca.

I accept Paypal and credit cards.

Please include - name of item, your name, and address with postal or zip code. I will get back to you with the total amount including postage. The postal rates vary so much that this is the best way to give you the very best rate that I can.

Click on this link if you have any questions or e-mail me at - info@happyholidays.ca.