Lilac Grove ~ Paper Sculptress

Dancing Dragons, Ferocious Lions & Faery Mushrooms!

2012-02-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

Recently I was in Chinatown, Toronto, to catch some of the local Dragon Dances. The Dragons were visiting each shop in Chinatown in order to bring luck for the new year. They were accompanied by drummers and a crowd of onlookers:

These aren't dragons but these lions, on display in a statue shop in Chinatown, were too photogenic to pass up!

And, now, a little preview of what I'm making for Faery Frest this year...mushrooms...many more mushrooms will be popping up in the Grove! These will be something new in my booth at Faery Fest this year. I'm really looking forward to it - hope to see you there!

Time to Wake the Dragon!

2012-01-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

It's January 23rd, 2012 - Happy Lunar New Year! Did you know that 2012 is Year of the Dragon? And more specifically, it's Year of the Black Dragon - which only happens every 60 years.

To start things off on a related theme; I've put my Black Dragon Mask up for auction (*free shipping*) on eBay. This auction will end later today! To take a peek, please click here.

Here's to ringing in the Year of the Dragon - may your 2012 be creative, courageous and successful!

(If you're the artist of this beautiful Dragon illustration, or you know who is - please let me know. I'd love to give credit where credit's due!)

Mushrooms on my mind...

2011-12-17T18:20:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it has something to do with the lack of snow here but I've been thinking about mushrooms for quite sometime now. It all started this past summer. While hiking in the Algonquin area, I spied and photographed mushrooms I've never seen before. What a lovely variety there was:

And then this past Hallowe'en, there were Tim Murton's mushrooms. Which were awesome!

And then I stumbled across the Spore Project - check it out! So, inspired, I started playing around with making my own paper bag mushrooms - fun! And then, naturally, I took it one step further and paper-mached my mushrooms.
Oh, and added a dragon.
Here's a WIP pic:

And the finshed piece:

And guess what? This little pixie dragon and her mushroom base are up for adoption on eBay. Click here to view the auction.

Christmas Craft Show

2011-11-27T22:50:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I was asked to be a vendor at a local craftshow, the Cardinal Leger Craft Show. It certainly helped to put me more in the mood for Christmas. Plus, I met some really great fellow vendors!

Here's a couple pictures of my table - including a borrowed feathered Christmas tree (thank-you Tabitha) that everyone seemed to love!

I completed a couple new pieces for this show:

A Blue Dragon Mask, made with handmade paper containing flecks of crushed seashells and seashell bead accents.

And the tiniest Hippocampus/Seahorse that I've ever created!

We had a lovely, bright room with windows from nearly floor to ceiling as a venue and the atmosphere of the show was a very cozy, family-oriented affair. Despite the lack of snow here, I'm feeling a little bit more Christmas-y!

Post-Halloween/Pre-Christmas Blahs

2011-11-23T21:14:00.000-08:00

I really find the transition between Halloween and Christmas troublesome. Never quite ready to let go of
Halloween and not quite ready to embrace the Christmas season. I can't believe that there is only one week left in November! I'm still behind in posting pics from Halloween! So in effort to wish Halloween 'so long until next year' and to clear my mind for the next holiday season, here's a brief pictorial summary of my 2011 halloween activities:

I visited Elora, Ontario and saw the work of local artist,Tim Murton. Tim makes these amazing, huge illuminated sculptures from wire, paper & cloth. If you want to see more of his work, click here to view my album.

I attended a Witches Cotillion in support of Enchanted Ground, the Guelph Faery Fest.

I decorated my studio, and hosted a Scary Movie night there, for my cousins - which is always fun! You can see my studio here all decked out for Halloween!

And last, but definitely not least, I went to the Day of the Dead festival in Toronto for some authentic Mexican cuisine and some examples of how this day is celebrated! If you want to see more pics from the festival click here.

I think I envy my American friends who celebrate Thanksgiving between Halloween and Christmas. That would make a good transition holiday, unlike the Canadian Thanksgiving which was celebrated back in October.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends in the U.S.!

Hallowe'en Anticipation...

2011-10-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

Do you get as excited as I do this time of year - waiting for the countdown until October 31st?? If you want to stoke that Hallowe'en anticipation go check out this year's Online Hallowe'en Artists' Studio Tour, from which much of the proceeds go to support Bat Conservation International.We have some new artists this year and an auction of donated items (with all auction proceeds going to BCI!!)

Talk about anticipation - I've already selected one of my pumpkins this year! After a day of apple-picking, at a local apple farm and winery, I also could not resist selecting one of these lovely, intense orange 'Cinderella' pumpkins:

Happy Pumpkin Time to all!!

Costumes, Headpieces & Props Galore!

2011-07-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

I recently had the fortune to tour one of the largest costume warehouses in North America. Just imagine, aisle after aisle of costumes, props, masks & headpieces!!

The Stratford Festival (in Ontario, Canada) houses their collection in what looks like an aircraft hangar from the outside!

Inside, it seemed just as huge:

And then all the goodies inside!

Costumes, of course!

And masks!

Headpieces!

More headpieces!

Props & backdrops!

I loved the backdrops!

Especially, since most of them were finished using papier-mache!!

There even was faux food.

That looked pretty realistic!

Good thing it was time for lunch shortly after that.

But seriously, it was amazing to get this behind-the-scenes view of the Stratford Festival!

If you ever get the chance to take in a performance at the Festival or see some of the behind-the-scenes tours, don't hesitate!!

Magic Happens.

2011-07-12T03:22:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to enjoy the summer weather outdoors, as much as I can (it's been crazy hot here), and at the same time, photographing all the new inhabitants of the Grove. I just thought I'd share one of my favourite images below!

Keep your eyes peeled, because this little darling Feathered Pixie Dragon may soon be ready to find a new, adoptive home!

What a luxury...

2011-07-04T03:29:00.000-07:00

This past long weekend I actually got to spend nearly 3 full days at my studio! No TV, no internet...just intense sunshine, a lovely summer breeze, a couple of BBQ'd meals, a bit of photography and a walk in the park.
This was like balm to my soul. (Although the past two weekends before were super fun; they were just a little too crazy.)

The inside of my studio is still a little topsy-turvy from Faery Fest but check out the view outside my studio door.

It's a jungle out there!

And, here's the King of the Jungle! Having a little mid-day snack.

I have to share pics of my 'shade pot.' :) I'm not much of a gardener but I'm proud of my shade pot. It's what I consider - for me - advanced gardening. I specially choose shade plants for that corner, where the sun doesn't shine so much.

Specifically, giant coleus, balloon flower, two types of day lilies and another couple of varieties that haven't bloomed just yet. I was just in time this weekend to catch the opening of the first balloon flowers.

This is what they looked like on Saturday.

And on Sunday...Lovely!

Oh, and the dragons got out to have a little fun too!

By the way, Happy Belated Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians and Happy Independence Day to my friends in the US!

More Photos from Faery Fest!

2011-06-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

Faery Fest is always so photogenic!!!
Enjoy :)

Enchanted Ground - Guelph Faery Fest 2011

2011-06-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Whew! What a weekend...as always, the Guelph Faery Fest was a lot of fun! There was a great turn out and we could not have had more perfect weather! The entertainment was great; a Midsummer Night's Dream was well acted with just the right amount of humor, the musicians were excellent and there was even a comedic act of 4 guys doing improv during the night of the Masquerade Ball. The jousting never disappoints - and at the very end there was the prettiest Paso Fino dancing horse!

I'm including a selection of pics from my booth and some of the newest dragons in the Grove but I'll have more pics of the Faery Fest itself soon! Oh, and did I mention that I won for 'Best Decorated Booth'!? Yay!!!

Yes! Even a faery cat was in attendance =^..^=

Enchanted Ground - Faery Fest Update!

2011-06-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share images of one of the dragons who will be accompanying me to Faery Fest, 2011. Below is one of my newest Dragon Wands which I will, again, have available at the festival in all their many, splendid colours and finest faery wings!

This Pixie Dragon was photographed amidst the lovely clusters of wisteria flowers growing on the local university campus where I work. The vines have simply swarmed the arbor they were planted near and the flowers are plentiful this year; their heavy perfume attracting a multitude of bumble bees - and this little guy!

I'm getting so excited for the festival! This year there will be a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and a Masquerade Ball, plus the always amazing Knight of Valour Jousting team!!

These are some Dragon Wands that were available last year (most of whom found their person) and new this year - I will also have some Dragon Masks available. Stayed tuned, more photos to come!

Or you can just come see everything in person on June 17, 18 & 19 at Enchanted Ground - Faery Fest 2011!

Faery Fest -- It's coming fast!!

2011-05-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

In a matter of weeks, Enchanted Ground, the Guelph,Ontario Faery Fest will take place again in the lovely Riverside Park. The dragons and I will be there, of course! We can't wait!!

If you'd like more information check out the Enchanted Ground website or you can follow the Enchanted Ground Facebook page.

You can also check out the slideshow below from Enchanted Ground 2010.
Hope to see you there this year!

Born Rainbow

2011-05-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

Almost as good as May flowers...Check out this gorgeous Etsy Treasury that I've had the fortune to be included in (you can see one of my dragon wands in the top right corner). The colours in this treasury, created by HEraMade, on Etsy, just made me smile! Just click the image to have a peek at some rainbow inspired artwork...

Happy Spring everyone!

Last Blast of Winter...Hopefully?

2011-03-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

This past week brought a huge dumping of snow that will hopefully be the last of the season. But it also meant a last chance to get some winter season pics on the quiet and peaceful boardwalk at a local park. While I went looking for snow pics; I also found some signs of spring in the mix...

If you look closely at the image above,you can see two red-breasted robins sitting on the boardwalk patiently waiting for the spring to finally arrive.

And the melting ice and snow left behind the this lovely frozen sculpture on the Speed River.

Sadly, also 'left behind' was this very early egg which, after being subjected to minus below temperatures, surely won't make it to a hatchling. I wonder why the parents decided to abandon it?

Fortunately, for my camera, the chickadees were quite hungry on this briskly cold day...

The chickadees at this park have become quite accustom to people feeding them from their hands. They especially like to eat those little black oil sunflower seeds - a treat for them. But what a treat for us! To feel those little tickling bird's toes and the flicker of gentle feathers as they land and take off, with a tasty snack.

2011 = "Work In Progress"

2011-02-16T19:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, I do feel like the year 2011 is a work-in-progress and the more I attempt to direct its course one way or another; the less effective I am overall. I think I'll just have to try my best and roll with it. Although, in the meantime, I can certainly share its progression!

Here is the latest creative mess in my studio:

And in the center of that mess (barely visible on the table) is this little guy, a work-in-progress Pixie Dragon:

Unfortunately, his progress has been halted (temporarily) because my best laid plans have been waylaid by the Wonderful Winter Wonderland that mother nature so kindly bestowed upon us here in Southern Ontario. I love the snow - so I'm not complaining - but there was so much snow piled up on top of my studio that it melted through and sprung a leak right in the middle of the wall, just to the left of my work area.
So, I've had to clear all my supplies and finished sculptures off of the shelves nearby and strip the wall bare of any pictures, etc. Fortunately, other than the wall itself, the only serious damage was done to one of my papier-mache books, which was soaked right through, but it is not irreplaceable. Hopefully, following the warmer temperatures expected in the next couple of days; all the white stuff on top the studio roof will melt away! *Fingers crossed!*

One bit of good news; I'm surprised and delighted to be featured on a list of "Top 40 Sculpting Blogs." Thanks very much to the creator for including me! I'm number 9 on the list (you can see my Whimsical Wyvern as one of the feature photos) and it's worth checking out the list because there many great artists featured (whom I'm flattered to be included with) and some great sculpting resources.

Lastly, a small thing that makes me happy; I just love this photo I snapped of Lucas, my ginger kitty!

I took it the other day, outside the studio in the snow. Lucas was standing on his hind legs, stretched full-length, with his front paws on my leg in attempt to elicit an ear-scratch from yours truly. I paused from taking shots of icicles hanging off the roof of the studio and managed to capture his entire face looking right up at me; I love how his face fills the frame! Funny kitty.

Lilac Amethyst Violet Lavender

2011-02-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

Another feature in an Etsy Treasury! Yay - my most favouritest colours too!! Thanks to skeptis on Etsy for the feature : -)

Valentine Fantasy Treasury on Etsy!

2011-02-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

Check this lovely Valentine Fantasy Treasury on Etsy! I'm very flattered to have my Pink Pixie Dragon Note Card included with such a pretty collection of goodies!! Thank-you to FyreflyHollow for including me :)

Santa Claus Parade

2010-12-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

It was cold and windy that day, but the recent Guelph Santa Claus Parade had a really great turn out.

And the Faeries even braved the chilly temperatures to come out to play!

Enchanted Ground - the annual Guelph Faery Festival took part in the parade.

Lovely Faery Float!

But who's this guy?!

It sure ain't Rudolph. Great costume though!!

Happy December!

Awaiting Winter...

2010-11-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

I had such a great Hallowe'en season that I'm having a little trouble getting inspired for Christmas...snow would help, but, so far, no such luck! I decided to go back through some of my photographs of winters past and found a few of my favorite pictures from a morning when the neighborhood was covered in a blanket of hoar frost.

I remember, on that cold, bright morning, how lucky I felt that I got the chance to see such amazing frost and capture it with my camera before the sunshine melted it all away.

Looking back at these images is starting to help me feel a little more inspired...and I'm picturing those cold winter days, yet to come, where there's a quiet, blanket of snow all around....When you're torn between taking a stroll, all bundled up, through the carpet of white or just satisfied to take it all in through a window from inside with a toasty cup of hot chocolate warming your belly.

It's aLIVE!!!

2010-10-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

The tour that is... the online Hallowe'en Artist StudioTour!!! It went live as of October 1st.

And it's teaming with Hallowe'en or darkly inspired artwork...below are my offerings this year:

This is my latest little Pixie dragon; Trixie, the shoe collecting dragon (vintage shoe made by me too)! You can see more pics of Trixie in the haunted woods where my Hallowe'en treats are to be found!

And don't forget that much of the proceeds (including artist fees) will go to support the welfare of bats! For example, $25.00 of Trixie's adoption fee will go towards Bat Conservation International!

And here is my latest Dragon Mask that I created

especially for this Hallowe'en season. Note; it's the second dragon mask that I have ever made and the first one that has been available for purchase!

(I have never been able to part with the very first dragon mask that I created.)

Yes, I did try it on and can tell you that it's a very light and comfortable fit for such an elaborate looking mask. Would be a fabulous for a Hallowe'en party or masquerade ball!

Don't forget to check out the other fabulous artists on the Tour! Including our talented hostess, Karen Waschinski who has worked very hard to organize the tour and also has some wonderful treats to offer this Hallowe'en!

I love this time of the year ~ here's hoping you have a bountiful Harvest season and a spooky, fun-filled Hallowe'en!

In Anticipation of Hallowe'en....

2010-09-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a little sneak peak at a WIP sculpture that I'm in the process of completing for the online Hallowe'en Artists' Studio Tour - can't wait!
This online tour, put on by soft sculpture artist, Karen Waschinski (Scratching at the Window) will feature the work of many different artists, celebrate the season of Hallowe'en and at the same time, support Bat Conservation International!

While the tour does not go live until October 01, 2010 you can view the line up of artists or get updates and info by visiting the Hallowe'en Studio Tour Blog.

I can't wait til October!!! Here's to spooky times ahead...

New Blog & New work by Lilac Grove!

2010-08-27T21:06:00.001-07:00

Hi there & welcome...I finally decided to start a blog (other than Myspace!) I eventually might make this my main blog, seeing how it goes :)

For now, I've included a slideshow of my latest work: Dragon Wands! Yes. Dragons on a stick. Isn't everything better on a 'schtick'?!

In this case, perhaps, yes! Dragon Wands make great, original props to accompany a medieval or fantasy costume for a festival, masquerade ball or even Hallowe'en! Or display your Pixie Dragon in your favorite silk flower arrangement or even in a colored glass bottle. I am offering them until Hallowe'en on both eBay and Etsy. Collect more than one and display them together in a fantasy flower arrangement!