Ending 2015 on a Soprano's Note



Earlier in December, I had the lovely surprise of having my Christmas tree gown appear on Faerie Magazine's Facebook page. I was literally floored by the amount of 'Likes' and 'Shares' it generated and genuinely touched by the very kind comments and sweet compliments. Ms Carolyn Turgeon, Editor-in-Chief at Faerie Magazine, later asked me if she could include my dress in their newsletter.
I was honoured.

18th-Century Christmas Tree Gown 2015
Faerie Magazine is an enchanting publication that celebrates beauty and imagination. The style captures an otherworldly dimension that many creative types can retrieve to. My spirit friend, The Countessa Papera Ephemera, for whom I design these dresses, would approve wholeheartedly.


About Faerie:
Faerie Magazine is a quarterly print magazine that celebrates all things enchanted—from a scattering of mushrooms in an ancient forest to a sweet, scented gown made only of roses. Every issue features exquisite photography, original fiction and poetry, travel pieces (from bioluminescent bays to Scottish fairy hills and castles), artist profiles, recipes, home décor, otherworldly beauty tips, craft tutorials, and much more—with a dash of faerie (and mermaid, and dragon!) magic sprinkled throughout. Regular contributors include Alice Hoffman, Wendy and Brian Froud, Charles Vess, and many more. Faerie is published four times a year—in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—and is available in the Lifestyle section of Barnes & Noble (ask for magazine #28145) and through the Faerie Magazine website. We ship all over the world.

Faerie Magazine also as an online gift shop offering unique and carefully curated products, many of them made by artisans. From intricate miniatures, limited edition prints, jewelry, crowns, books, soaps, candy and much more. For every budget, age group and occasions, all in keeping with the enchanting spirit of the magazine. 

Below are a few of my favourites.


Blueberry Cluster Necklace
Mermaid Lollipop
Nesting Herb Spoon Set
Thank you Carolyn for an enchanting journey into your world.
On this crowning note...
To all a magical New Year!

Christmas Diamond Ornament 2015 - Last DIY of the Year.

A cazillion karat diamond pendant for my house
The last DIY creation of 2015 was made by my daughter, Astrid. It started out as a school art project about three years ago, made from shards of broken mirrors. I was incredibly worried, but not wanting to smother her creativity, encouraged reluctantly with many words of caution. As it was progressing, I could see tremendous potential as a bold and festive holiday ornament for the entrance to The Dusty Victorian.


The base structure was made with corrugated cardboard and every bits of broken mirror she could get her gloved hands on from her clumsy family and friends. We are not superstitious. The shards of mirror were applied with hot glue creating a sort of mosaic madness.


To securely suspend the diamond, I used a 30lbs-capacity picture frame wire. Starting at the bottom point, I weaved several strands together, similar to a basket and made my way upwards to the widest part of the diamond. I then gathered all the strands at the top centre to form a strong loop.


And voila! It's now hanging at our entrance with delicate strands of pine greenery.
Note that for obvious reasons, I do not recommend to anyone this DIY project.


Wishing you all a very cheerful holiday season!
And Chazy-Bear, at the top of the stairs,
wants me to remind you of the many animal shelters that need help.