With Fond Thoughts of Spring Ahead

Coming soon ... the imfamous "wearing of the green" (and the mischevious Cordwood Cabin Kitties return!)

Doll Bodies Everywhere ...

So, to distract ourselves from our work, we thought we'd show you some lovely pictures of something else instead:

Awwww. Now isn't that much better than some photos of doll bodies lying around?

A Few of Our Favorite Things: The Victorian Trading Company

It's always exciting when one of these catalogs arrives in the mail ...

... a sentiment shared by Victorian and vintage arts fans everywhere. Not only are the pages loaded with eye candy for antique lovers and romantics at heart, but the Victorian Trading Company seems to have something for everyone.

Candy molds, books, dresses and scarves, ornaments and decorations, even home furnishings, all inspired by the elegant styles of long ago.

The products offered are from a variety of vendors, from clothing and jewelry designers to unique mainstream products (such as the Little Big Book series). Mercury glass reproduction ornaments, tantalizing peppermint bark, knit flower scarves -- that's just a handful from the Christmas catalog (shamefully, I keep the back issues of these catalogs to re-read sometimes).

Getting swept away in visions of Victoriana is a good way to spend the afternoon. Enjoy the catalog with a cup of tea (and maybe a bite of peppermint bark for good measure). The company's offerings will have you drooling with envy in no time.

The Mad Hatter

Even with a million watches, I suspect the Hatter would still have trouble telling time from ravens and writing desks ...

Cut from prim muslin fabric and handpainted with soft and bold colors, the Mad Hatter has poseable arms and legs. Forgive his hat hair -- the top hat fits snugly with a lowered brim from underneath which peer a pair of blue-brown eyes...

A bit eccentric perhaps, with that choice of tie. But he seems quite satisfied with himself for all that.

The Mad Hatter is the first of our new Wonderland dolls made available on Ebay this week, starting Tuesday night. Click the Chessy Cat to the right to see the Hatter starting on Wednesday.