My Medusa

I loved Medusa when she was a child,
Her rich brown tresses heaped in crispy curl
Where now those locks with reptile passion whirl,
By hate into dishevelled serpents coiled.
I loved Medusa when her eyes were mild,
Whose glances, narrowed now, perdition hurl,
As her self-tangled hairs their mass unfurl,
Bristling the way she turns with hissings wild.

Her mouth I kissed when curved with amorous spell,
Now shaped to the unuttered curse of hell,
Wide open for death’s orbs to freeze upon;
Her eyes I loved ere glazed in icy stare,
Ere mortals, lured into their ruthless glare,
She shrivelled in her gaze to pulseless stone.

-- Thomas Gordon Hake, The Infant Medusa.

As told by Ovid in Metamorphoses, Medusa was a beautiful young woman whose crowning glory was her magnificent long hair. She was desired and courted by countless suitors. Yet, before she could be betrothed to a husband, Poseidon (Neptune) found her worshipping in the temple of Athena (Minerva) and ravished her. Outraged at her sacred temple being violated, Athena punished Medusa by turning her beautiful tresses into snakes and giving her the destructive power to turn anyone who looked directly at her into stone.

My Medusa holds a stone heart in her palm -- blazing red with the torment that burns within her.

It's ALL about imagination

I've had some posts ready for a while, but I'm so intimidated by the incredible craftsmanship showcased on this site.

Today I'll take a chance and share something from a recent show.

Dollhouse and Miniatures shows always inspire me! I attended one in El Sobrante, California over the weekend and had a chance to meet some wonderful artists. I was impressed by the creativity shown in the photo above -- the artist had looked beyond a box of detergent and seen the possibilities! The miniature laundry area is cleverly crafted.

I did something similar years ago with a gallon container of ice cream and a mini soda fountain. Now I'm looking around for something different. A kitchen in an oatmeal carton? A bakery in a box of sugar? The possibilities are endless and kind to the environment.

Victorian Manor by Genevieve Rindner

This Victorian House was built in 1979 by the well-known New Jersey miniaturist and doll house collector/enthusiast, Genevieve Rindner. This doll house is a replica of a residence in St. Stephens, Ontario, Canada. The house sold for $440 on eBay last week.

Spellweaver Witch's Shop by Lisa Kline

For all Halloween mini-lovers out there, I present the Spellweaver Witch's Shop by artist Lisa Kline. My most favorite thing among many is the little sign that hangs outside, advertising the List of Services ranging from fixing fairy wings to hex removal! So, in the words of the artist herself, a tour of the Spellweaver Witch's Shop...

Well known throughout the Enchanted Woods "Spellweavers" is for sale! Just in time for the Halloween Season!!

The shop was established in 1857 and has been a favorite source of supplies and books for Witches, Wizards, Sorcerers and Village healers. The shop will come with all you see here. Plenty of room to add much more , but this will certainly get you started. The current Witch (taking a rest upstairs after a hard day over the Cauldron) comes along with the shop.

Downstairs there is a shop counter with cash register. Sign on counter gives the payment accepted. "All major cards accepted, Also Cash, Pearls, Gold, Magic Beans, Goats and Toads."


Next we have a Bookcase filled with spellbooks and charts, and a tub of Very hard to gather "Vulture Eggs", also a barrel of Mugwort sold in bulk.

A shelf filled with Alter Cloth fabric, Crystal balls and Skulls. (Every work-bench needs at least one skull).

In the center of the shop is a Reading Table complete with Crystal Ball and tarot Cards. Readings are usually made around Midnight.


A lovely corner unit holds Spell charts, Witch-fired Spell scrolls, Herbs and potions. Under the window is a ceramic stand Holding Besoms. They have been fully charged under a full moon and are a very economical form of travel, "Spell-Powered." A little shop bell will let you know if anyone comes in the shop, Invisible or slithering under the door.


Oh Looks like there are a few little guys on the Porch now waiting for the shop to open. I imagine they are looking for a Hex-Breaking spell.

Upstairs we have a bed, dresser and Gargoyle torch.

There is a sign on the side that reads "Services Listed---- Fairy-wings Fixed, Wands Polished, Broom Cleaning, Forest Animal Care, Hex Removal, Elves Made Visible, Trolls transformed.

You can find Lisa Kline online:
eBay ID: millie98
Etsy ID: LilWitchy

My Jahan

This doll was a wedding gift I made for my aunt. Dressed in salwar-kameez, Jahan is a vision in gold and turquoise. She is adorned in traditional jewelry: bracelets, anklets, necklace, tiara and bindi. Her veil or dupatta is hand-embellished in jewel-toned fabric paint.

Where's This Dollhouse From?

A message from Andrea Perelman:

Hi—
I have an old doll house I’ve had forever that I think is German decent. I have been researching a bit and need direction. Can you help? I am looking to finally sell it to the right owner who will admire and care for it. It comes with all the original furniture…

Midnight in the Secret Garden by Christina Pardy

This impressive structure by Christina Pardy is based on an old Medieval walled town in Germany. It’s a Tower, with a walkway on one side of the wall, and a garden with a water fountain on the other side. The Tower is three floors; dungeon, middle floor landing, and the lookout area. An archway on the ground level is the entry into the garden

All of the faux stonework and shingles are hand-carved, each individually out of Creative Paperclay® and hand painted and aged. There are real glass tile in the fountain and raised patio area. The structure is fully electrified from original torches on the walls, to the blue neon-like light that shines from under the eves, archways, and inside of the water fountain. This blue light produces moonlight like shine in the dark. The moon dial and the trunk-pedestal it’s on also glows blue from within.


It has also won an award for first place at the "Hand Crafted's of Miniatures Show" in Braintree, Massachusetts of October 2006. It has also been featured on the cover of the October 2007 edition of Dollhouse Miniatures magazine, with a few page write-up and tutorial inside.

More photos can be viewed at:
http://dragonscaleminiatures.com