Shivers of Delight

I'm finally making some progress on my miniature haunted room for the Shivers of Delight Miniature Haunted Room Challenge . As I mentioned previously, I have an Edward Gorey theme to the room. This is what it looks like so far. (You may have seen it on my Instagram page - don't forget to follow me there too.) I hope you'll join me in this fun summer project. Photo of rooms are due by October 1st so you still have plenty of time to create something. And it doesn't have to be fancy! You can use a a cardboard box with paper furniture if you'd like. For a little inspiration, I have some spooky miniatures from Green Gypsies . Find a piece you like and let it inspire your room. Miniature Fortune Teller Sign Miniature Gold Framed Skull Print Miniature Pumpkin Rug Tiny Spooky Magazines Miniature Bloody Hand Towels Doll House Morgue Accessories Miniature Crime Scene Tape I really hope someone is going to create a morgue or a funeral home. ...

Recently I've started seeing circuses pop up around New England. I always know that summer has finally arrived when I see my first amusement ride being hauled on the highway. Yes, I know it's the end of June, but that's when the circus arrives here. The mixed-media art dolls from Alyona Aberly have a dark-circus sideshow presence. They're not frightening (well, there are a few I wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley), but they certainly are odd. The shop is Aberly Arts . Creepy Circus Clown Goth Goblin Circus Clown Morte Teddy Bear Margo the Clown Creepy Bunny Some of these dolls would make interesting Halloween costumes.

Summer nights need bewitching jewelry on bare skin. Don't you agree? Ally Shaw calls the pieces in her shop "wanton whimsies." If you're feeling particularly witchy, take a look. The shop is Feral Strumpet . Dark Moon & Skeleton Necklace Witch Wish Box Necklace Carved Wood Skull Earrings Gothic Bat Necklace Winged Skull Necklace Witches Tarot Necklace Kitchen Witch Pentagram Ring Go out into the night.

My garden is bursting with flowers right now. I thought the roses would never bloom. It's been a very wet New England spring, you see, and I think it's about time I can bring some flowers into the house. These vases from potter Jean Smaglik Wells are lovely in their simplicity and a perfect way to honor life while while keeping in mind the alternative. The shop is Jean's Clay Studio . White Sugar Skull Vase Colorful Sugar Skull Vase White Skull Wall Vase Black Sugar Skull Wall Vase White Sugar Skull Serving Bowl Sugar Skull Mug Set Sugar Skull Vase They're adorable and would tuck right into your altar. I need one.

I have some lovely dark items for you today. It's a macabre mix of artists with pieces I find dreadfully delightful.  Check out all the artists by clicking the links beneath the photos. Skull Mug from Creature Cups Vampire Fangs Ring from Blaqklacejewelry Skull and CrossBones Hair Cover from WyreArt Red Devil Ornament from Morbid Momma Studio Poison Girl Ornament from Velvelka Bat Doll from adelpo Gothic Display Shelf from Folk Forest PL Regan Exorcist Art Doll from Isabella Ooak I love every one of these pieces!

I'm starting to look forward to Fridays and my postings for haunting miniature furniture and accessories. I can't believe how the artists can work at such a tiny scale! There is still plenty of time to join us in the Shivers of Delight Miniature Haunted Room Challenge where you design your own spooky miniature room box and send pictures of your finished project to the blog for some fun October posts. This week I have some shivery delights from The Petite Provisions Co. Wait till you see the tiny Halloween treats! Erika Pitera has items for all seasons, but her Halloween pieces are going to speak to you. Miniature Ghost Brownies Tiny Poison Apple Cookies Edgar Allan Poe's Writing Desk Miniature Gothic Glam Console Table The Black Hat Society Witches Sign Miniature Halloween Pies Tiny Batty Halloween Martini in a Tray Don't you love these? Many of Pitera's items are made to order so don't delay if you want to finish by October....

Killouettes are, as described by the artist John Fair, "a Victorian silhouette cutter's nightmare." These simple black and white prints are macabre and may cause the casual viewer passing by to stop in their tracks.  They also make me grin. See what you think. (Don't despair, there is no writing on the actual prints) Jumping Rope with Claudia The Family that Slays Together Lady Butterwick's Trophy Husband Lord Cranberry Gunpowder Tea Gwen's Got a Dark Side The prints offered in the shop are all $6 a piece. A steal! 

I saw a great looking spider web in my garden this weekend and thought briefly of snatching it so that I could try framing one. You can find the instructions on the "inter web," but I felt bad about disturbing Ms. Spider so I left her alone to bask in the sun. Fortunately there are people out there who know how to do it and don't feel so bad about the uprooting of a spider. Laura, the owner of Creative Cinderella , is an expert at spider relocation. Her shop has framed spider webs and spider web jewelry and even spider web bookmarks. She also has some pillows inspired by the webs she finds. Preserved Real Spider Web Framed Itsy Bitsy Spider Web Spider Web Necklaces Spider Webs Bracelet Spider Web Bookmarks Spider Web Pillow Colorful Spider Web Necklaces Laura must have a factory full of working spiders! Her pieces are really fun and affordable.