Bird Cages

Sunday, January 31, 2010
I love birds and do not like to see birds in cages I think they should be free.

I do however find bird cages very attractive as decorative pieces.

This lovely collage is from my very talented daughter Tabitha Emma



I love the pieces in this wonderful shop Home Made Circus



And a little self indugence from my Cafe Baudelaire shop.



Be Free.....

Disney Vacation Club

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

See the Disney Vacation Club DVD Right Now!

Disney Vacation Club was created in 1991 to meet the needs of families vacationing at the Walt Disney World® Resort every year or every two years. Today, Disney Vacation Club has grown beyond the Walt Disney World Resort and offers tens of thousands of Members the opportunity to vacation at over 500 destinations worldwide.



Disney Vacation Club was created by Disney Vacation Development, Inc., a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.




Vacation flexibility is key to Membership in Disney Vacation Club. As a Member, you may choose from any of the multiple Disney Vacation Club Resorts, or from select Resort hotels at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort in California and Disneyland® Resort Paris. In addition, you can set sail for dream destinations on Disney Cruise Line® or select from over 500 Member Getaways worldwide.

Through the Member Getaways Program, you may, for example, exchange reserved Disney Vacation Club Resort accommodations for a Hawaiian beach vacation, a Lake Tahoe ski retreat, an African safari or a Caribbean cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line. All accommodations are subject to availability. 



There are many exciting benefits of being a Member. You may take advantage of special benefits such as discounts on select Theme Park Annual Passes at select Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts. You're also entitled to savings on golf, recreation, dining and merchandise at select locations throughout the Resorts. And you'll have a dedicated team of Disney experts to help you with every aspect of planning your vacation and using your Membership, a service exclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members. Travel options for Members include the Disney Vacation Club Resort network of over 500 Member Getaways worldwide through The Disney Collection, Adventurer Collection, World Passport Collection and Concierge Collection (subject to availability). Call (800) 500-3990† to learn about these and other exciting benefits.



You may vacation as often as you like until you have used your entire annual allotment of Vacation Points. For example, you can escape to the Walt Disney World® Resort in the winter, go on a cruise in the summer and still enjoy the fall foliage in Vermont. Don't have enough Vacation Points for all the places you'd love to go? As a Member, you can bank this year's Vacation Points or borrow Vacation Points from next year.





Resorts at the Walt Disney World

# Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
# Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas
# Disney's Beach Club Villas
# The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
# Disney's BoardWalk Villas
# Disney's Old Key West Resort
# Disney's Vero Beach Resort
# Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort



Just as Walt Disney imagineered an amusement park into a Theme Park, Disney Vacation Club was created on the foundation of earlier time-share programs. What sets Disney Vacation Club apart from others is the "Disney Difference", gracious hospitality, Disney quality and creativity throughout. Disney Vacation Club also offers unprecedented flexibility in choosing among a wide variety of vacation experiences (subject to availability).



On average, it costs about the price of just seven family vacations* to join Disney Vacation Club. But for that same one-time purchase price and closing costs, plus annual dues, you and your family enjoy over 45 years of amazing vacations. In addition, Disney Vacation Club offers ways that can make Membership affordable. Through special incentives that may be offered and financing options for qualified buyers, you can find a plan that's just right for how you like to vacation. Simply call Disney Vacation Club at (800) 500-3990† and a representative will help you customize a Membership plan that lets you and your family start making magical memories today and for years to come. Outside the U.S. or Canada, please call (407) 566-3100.

Impromptu meet up & booksigning: Berkelouw Books, Newtown with Pia Jane Bijkerk

An impromptu meet up & booksigning: Berkelouw Books, Newtown with Pia Jane BijKerk.

I am so thrilled to know this will be so close by and we are hoping to go buy a copy of Pia Jane BijKerk's new book, "Paris: Made By Hand" and have it signed by the author!

Meeting her will be such a privelge:)



If you are in Sydney next week this is a wonderful opportunity:)

Regency Romance

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I love the Romance of Jane Austin's books, it is lovely to sit in a comfy chair, cup of tea in hand and indulge in a little romantic escape.

This beautiful gocco printed card is from Yardia on etsy

A Regency period dress accompanied by the phrase, "A girl likes to be crossed in love a little now and then.

" The text is taken from Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice".



Washing up can be romantic too! with this gorgeous Dish Towel from Brookish



A little romantic card from me inspired by Jane Austin's 'Emma"  available from my Mulberry Muse shop



I repainted her face, I think she looks a little cross, I think my moods tend to reflect in my painting!

Aulani - New Disney's Resort at Hawaii

Saturday, January 23, 2010

The Aulani, A New Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina is scheduled to open in Fall 2011. Here is the newest video where you'll see the Concept Art, 3d model, informations and a virtual fly over.

Click here to see the official Aulani Site.

Click Here to read a great article at Star Bulletin.


In a nutshell, how would you describe the Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai`i?

A premier oceanfront resort on the island of O`ahu, Hawai`i, the Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina is a place for families to gather, reconnect and immerse themselves in the stories of Hawai`i. Storytelling vividly brings to life Hawaii's culture and connection to nature, so each member of the family gains from a deeper understanding, appreciation, and ultimately, enjoyment of Hawai`i. The design of the Resort honors Hawaiian tradition in its village concept, including hotel rooms, Disney Vacation Club Villas, meeting rooms and wedding facilities-spread over 21 wondrous acres. Disney's world-class service caters to your family's needs in ways unique to this destination. In a breathtaking setting-sweeping ocean views, glistening white sandy beaches, a pristine cove, lush tropical foliage, a water garden and salt-water lagoons perfect for swimming and snorkeling-this Resort & Spa is a premier vacation destination.


 Lobby View

Why would I choose Ko Olina as a destination?

On the Wai`anae Coast of O`ahu, sheltered by mountains to the north, Ko Olina is a secluded paradise in a beautiful island setting, yet close enough to Waikiki to enjoy the shopping and activity there. Ko Olina is legendary as a source of inspiration to travelers. A place of breathtaking natural beauty where it's said that the goddess Pele visited to re-energize after traveling, Ko Olina was also a sacred place of renewal for Kamehameha the Great and his wife, Ka`ahumanu. Known for its sandy beaches, majestic seascapes and snorkeling, Ko Olina is home to many islanders who make their living from the rich agricultural tradition and fishing in the area.


Main Lobby

What makes this a world-class resort unlike any other?

The Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina offers you the opportunity to discover Hawai`i, while experiencing everything you want from a vacation-leisure, adventure, family time and romance. Designed with families in mind, there's so much for each member of your family to do and see that you can choose to enjoy a complete vacation here-or venture out to nearby points of interest. You can spend hours just exploring the grounds. Pathways wind throughout a wonderland of water, with a river, large pools, waterslides and sparkling lagoons. Children will particularly enjoy the resort's fish ponds and tide pools filled with bright native sea life. Symbolic of the balance and harmony of masculine and feminine elements, 2 streams join together in a waterfall that flows into the tropical garden, giving way to majestic stands of coconut palms, then sandy beach. A family Resort, the Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina calls children to adventure. To the delight of our younger Guests, the magical and mischievous menehune (mythical Hawaiian elf-like inhabitants) are playfully hidden under lobby tables and are out in full view at the water playground, offering endless entertainment. For our adult Guests, Ko Olina offers all the amenities of a world-class resort. Unwind in our extraordinary spa, surrounded by peaceful rainbow reflections of light and color, where you can experience the traditional healing arts of Hawai`i and services, such as hydrotherapy and aromatherapy.


Site Plan

What was the inspiration for the remarkable design?

Celebrating the elegance and history of Hawai`i, the architecture and interior design of the resort takes its inspiration from Hawaiian culture. Inside and out, simplicity, fine materials and attention-to-detail reflect the layers of refined thinking that characterize Hawaiian art. The unique architecture evokes Hawaiian villages in a modern, awe-inspiring interpretation. At the Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, ancient meets modern in a way that will make you marvel at the natural beauty and sophisticated elegance. A large volcanic rock passes from outside to inside the glass lobby wall. This reverence for nature is seen throughout, with volcanic stone columns that line the hallway, works of art perched in the crowns of lava rock rising from the lobby floor, and the lavish use of wood. Pools of water traverse the lobby, one tranquil and filled with lilies, the other rocky and wild, rushing out towards the sea. A dramatic, pitched-beam ceiling soars upward, enhancing the open-air ambiance created by walls of glass. Torch lights and calabash-inspired bowl lamps bring warmth to the interiors. Rooms are appointed with lustrous wood and Hawaiian elements, from the geometric patterns inspired by kapa cloth (textiles made from tree bark) to the craftsmanship you encounter at every turn.


Back of the Resort

What was the approach to creating this Resort?

Disney Imagineers teamed up with members of the local community to determine how the story of the Resort & Spa would unfold for Guests. Through this collaborative approach, the team sought to create an experience of total engagement with the land-revealed through storytelling. Examples of storytelling elements include the lobby mural depicting Hawaiian life and the pathfinding symbols on the floor, pointing makai, "towards the ocean," or mauka, "towards the mountain." Storytelling elements are woven together into an experience for each member of the family, in a journey of discovery and wonder at Ko Olina, "Fulfillment of Joy."


Kids Club

 

Be sure to register on this website, so we can send you communications as news is announced and our grand opening gets closer.

The Tooth Fairy

After another tortuous visit to the dentist, having determined to replace all my amalgum fillings I needed a light hearted look at teeth:)

A Vintage advertisement for toothpaste from The Vintage Mode



This lovely find from  StoriesDivinations etsy shop.



I think this would have fitted well in my "Scale" post !



A rather extravagent piece from Claire Kinder on etsy.

However it is still costs less than my dental bill!

The Dragon Fly

Thursday, January 21, 2010
Dragon Fly, an Insect belonging to the order Odonata ( For my Scientist husbands benefit !)

I love Art Nouveau, this Print I designed was  inspired by that time period in Art History. Dragon flies were a wonderful inspiration for Art Nouveau artists.

Libellule Mannequin available from Cafe Baudelaire



A stunning steamunk Dragonfly from The Gold Bug on etsy



This fabulous print from one of my favourite etsy shops The Nebulous Kingdom

By artist Anna- Julie Aubry

A Little Bird Whispered to me...I have been blogged about...

The gorgeous blog Dandelion Day Dreamer did a wonderful interview about me  and is also running a competition to win a print of your choice from my Cafe Baudelaire shop:)

Just leave your comment on Dandelion Day Dreamer's blog and you may be the lucky one!!!

The Scale of things...

Wednesday, January 20, 2010
My daughter, Tabitha Emma bought me a lovely vintage postal scale from Sadie Olive now I want to make a collection !!



A wonderful and inspiring collection of scales, these are beautiful just to as decorative pieces.

These two beauties from Satisfind





The simplicity of the next one is so charming I can think of so many uses for it! From bellalulu



Rusty perfection From bellalulu

Christmas Pudding Recipe from Mulberry Muse

Tuesday, January 19, 2010


My favourite part of the traditional Christmas dinner is the plum pudding with lovely homemade custard!

I am unable to eat wheat and sugar so I have adapted a recipe from "consuming passions" to suit my special dietry requirements.
I am able to tolerate spelt so that is the flour and bread I use in this recipe.
Gluten free products will work equally well.
My husband made the mixture for me and today they are boiling gently on the stove.
Simply steam them in the basin for an hour on the day of serving. They keep well refridgerated or in a cool place for months.

Moleskine Cahier "Vieux Chiffons"

Monday, January 18, 2010


A beautiful new French Mannequin cahier to add to my Mulberry Muse Collection

Pocket Calendar Winner!

Thank you to all of the lovely people who entered the pocket calendar competition. Aestraea is our winner!!!! Congratulations Aestraea :)

With Love....

Sunday, January 17, 2010
I finally took some time this weekend to indulge in playing with my new digital SLR.

I love photography but rarely get the time to just have fun.

The Valentines day card is available in my etsy shop Mulberry Muse

The typewriter is not for sale it is a vintage treasure of mine and makes a wonderful prop:)

35th anniversary of Carousel of Progress

Friday, January 15, 2010


Links About the Carousel of Progress:

Wikipedia

Carousel of Progress dot Com

Official Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

General Electric Carousel of Progress at Yesterland

Photo Gallery since 1964 from All Ears

The Best Time of Your Life from Walt Dated World

Carousel of Progress at Amazon.com


Videos with subtitles. At the end of the 4th video, The Sherman Brothers are playing the theme song along with Walt E. Disney.














"Thank you for joining us at the Walt Disney's Carousel or Progress.We Hope you've enjoyed this tribute to the 1964 Carousel of Progress from the New York World's Fair. Please, gather all of your personal belongs and exit trought the doors located at the back of the theater. Have a great big beautiful day and remember: Tomorrow is just a dream away!"

Free Pocket Calendar Giveaway!

I have a pocket calender to giveaway to one lucky winner.

To enter, simply email me with the correct answer to the following question...

How many crows/ravens are there in my "The Peacock Mirror" Collage. The answer can be found by visiting my etsy shops.

The winner will be drawn on Monday and announced in Monday's blog post.

The calendar is the size of an aceo, perfect for pocket wallet or purse or small desk top. It is fully laminated for protection.

There are more calendars available for purchase in my etsy shop look for the calendar and journal section at Mulberry Muse

The Australian Love Pears

Thursday, January 14, 2010
I have always loved the beautiful plush fairy tale ornaments from the wonderful lapomme.

Our custom regulations sadly made it difficult to purchase them,  lapomme however has now produced a gorgeous Australia customs friendly "Love Pears"

Now all I need to do is save some pocket money:)

"Let them eat Cake"

Wednesday, January 13, 2010
I have been very busy redrawing some lovely old vintage images of ladies for valentines day.

I find the vintage images often have very crabby looking ladies with double chins and a 5 o'clock shadow !  I re draw them with pretty new faces and peaches and cream complexions. This can take hours of work but the result is worth it, I hope you agree!



Another design for Marie Antoinette fans with a Valentines day note card from Mulberry Muse

I carry your heart with me...

'I carry your heart with me' a charming and adorable paper bird sculpture from the very talented Cotton Bird Designs

Temporary Insanity

Monday, January 11, 2010
I discovered a wonderful shop on etsy today called Temporary Insanity

Two very talented and Quirky artisans creating amazing characters using  antique door plates, old hardware,vintage casters, bobbins, crystals, whatever they can find that's fun and funky!



Nancy Needs Control Altered Art Assemblage from Temporary Insanity

Main Street Trolley Parade - Magic Kingdom Welcome

Sunday, January 10, 2010

As part of the Main Street U.S.A. Parades at the Magic Kingdom, this is one of a kind and most guests don't even heard about that.


The parade with dancers started on February, 2003 and is performed periodically during the day. I think this is a wonderful way to start your day at the Magic Kingdom.

In this video you'll see first the main street at dusk (my favorite time) and after a minute of video, the Welcome Medley from the Trolley Parade record during 3 diferent days  :)

You can find this track in the WDW Happiest Celebration on Earth CD Disk 1 [Expanded Version] and the video comes with subtitles in english!

Unfortunately I didn't add this in this video because of COPYRIGHT ISSUES but I have some amazing footages of my father dancing among then back in 2007.

The song called "Walkin' Right Down the Middle of Main Street, U.S.A." have credits to Stu Nunnery. Here is what he said on ClassicRockMusicBlog.com: "I wrote words and music to 'Main Street, U.S.A.' in 1978 while writing for a 'jingle house' in New York. Disney bought the song and there was supposed to be a rollout of the song in 1980 when Disneyland was to celebrate its 25th anniversary (1955). The song did not appear publicly until 1985 when Disneyland celebrated its 30th anniversary, and it was sung on a TV special by none other than Marie Osmond and a cast of characters. Since then, the song remains a parade theme at the parks, and is sung by the barbershop a capella groups walking down Main Street at the parks."

Enjoy :)



Amused

I always love to visit Winona Cookies shop on etsy, her collages are a delight and her stories fabulous fun.

I have one of her calendars for this year so I can enjoy many of her lovely collages.

This Calliope Cookie, Muse Print is a personal favourite.


Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World

Friday, January 8, 2010


*This Discovery Channel HD special, Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World, shows you the ins and outs of making and spending a Disney World vacation from the fan's point of view. Two families, a young couple and three best friends show different perspectives on the Disney World property and its entertainment to give you an overview of the entire Disney vacation experience. Dining tips, utilizing FastPass, secret pathways, hidden Disney surprises, Disney at dark and much, much more are in store in the Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World.
* From Disney Park Videos

Part 01 - Meet the Families







Part 02 - Starting your Day

Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's Royal Table and Adventureland
It's Tough to be a Bug
Going to Hollywood Studios and Epcot
Grand Floridian Resor





Part 03 - Fans Favorites



Animal Kingdom - Dinoland USA
Hollywood Studios - Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and Indiana Jones.
Epcot - Test Track and Mission to Mars

Priority Seating
The Art of Disney
Soda Store - Free Coke







Part 04 - Parks & Restaurants


Hollywood Studios - Backlot Tour, Muppets 3D and Star Tours
Animal Kingdom - Rain Forest Café and Camp Minnie-Mickey
Magic Kingdom - Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland
Baby Care Center






Part 05 - Parks & Resorts

Animal Kingdom Park & Lodge - Epcot [World Showcase] - Fort Wilderness Resort -





Part 06 - Disney at Dark

Fantasmic - IllumiNations - Wishes - Downtown Disney











Le Secret Muse

Le Secret Muse, my Muse.

I do not find words very easily, my world is seen through pictures, images, colour.

I cannot even put together a shopping list for my husband without describing the item packaging, it's colour and design!



Thank you to French Kissed for the Gorgeous Postcard

Masquerade



"Masquerade Rose" A charming Valentines Day folded greeting card from Mulberry Muse.