A few spots are remaining for this lovely art retreat weekend in historic Micanopy, Florida!  

JOIN ME!

You will create your own gorgeous Flora Bella Bodice and enjoy a weekend of wonderful artful splendor!  All of the details can be viewed here in an earlier blog post.  

Just scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "older posts" and see posting done on Saturday, June 15th!

Something Old, Something New...

 I have a fondness for vintage wedding cake toppers and this is one of the most precious ones I have ever laid eyes on!  It is from the 1940's and I found it on a shopping venture in Texas at one of my favorite places ever...The Girls Gone Junkin'.  

I adore working on things that have special qualities, but just need a creative eye in order to shine all over again.

  I knew this little forgotten piece of loveliness deserved some attention, and working on it made me feel I was paying tribute to the wedding couple who owned it so many years ago...

 I wanted to leave some of the original millinery in place but it was quite faded.  A little mist of Vintage pink glimmer mist took care of that!  Painting the base of the topper really brought it back to life!

  I added some other vintage millinery, along with some new, and made the little bride a new 2 layer lace dress in place of her faded crepe paper dress.

 I added some special bling and details, and all at once, something old, is something new to be cherished by a special someone all over again!

This sweet piece along with some of my other one of a kind creations will be available for purchase at Annabelle's Vintage Land in Mount Dora Florida next week!

xoxoxo, Karen

Christmas is Coming!!!

I do believe I am GIDDY with excitement about Christmas!  I know it feels as though the holidays are months away, but they shall  arrive within the twinkle of an eye!  

I shared a fabulous creating night with friends and the project was making  ornament embellished Christmas trees. 

 I started with a 12 inch tree and some vintage ornaments, along with some other fun elements  and she ended up in a sweet vintage baby planter I had embellished a few months before.....

I used a sweet candle hugger from my collection and brought her to life with a vintage ear ring which to me, looked like a gorgeous snowflake...

JOY JOY JOY!!  I do believe I fell in love! 

 Now it's time  to create a few for customers... I have to remind my self that I can't keep everything right?  Many times I will need to adore and cherish creations for a little while, and then I can let them go for sale.

This little Christmas creation stirs my heart with excitement about my upcoming Cozy Cottage Christmas Event this November in Mount Dora, Florida.  It is going to be a few days of creative LOVE AND BLISS! 

 There are still a few openings left.. Join me and celebrate the magic! You can scroll down on my blog and read all about it.   xoxo

A Royal Baby Tribute Crown!

It all  started with a vintage tiara!  I knew I wanted to  turn this crown into something special for the royal babe but was waiting for the word...girl or boy?  

 I chose a little bisque baby from my collection..this one looked the most "boy" like to me! 

 On top of the crown, he holds the oval sapphire representing the ring worn by Diana, and passed down to Kate.  

           Welcome to the world George Alexander Louis!

Summer love....

 It has been such a fabulous Summer..I have lived in Florida for many years and although I love it,  in my heart I am a northern girl!  

Every Summer we visit my hometown in Maryland, and my husbands hometown in upstate New York.  Each and every time we leave, a piece of my heart stays behind.

There is something special about cool nights and mornings, low humidity, walking along creeks in the woods and...blueberry picking!  This particular morning was so beautiful...  I even wore a light sweater!

 It was the first day Blueberry Hill opened the farm to pickers and I loved every minute of the 6 pounds of berries we picked.  I made jam and bread and coffee cake and was even able to bring home several bags to freeze!


And then there are the treasures!!!  The prices are so reasonable at my favorite spots.  I find everything from laces to bisque dolls to sheet music.  Lots of items to use in my art work, but also lots of special pieces to bring back for resale.  One of my favorite finds was this lovely lot of cream and sugars!  They are all available in my booth at Annabelle's Vintage Land in Mount Dora.

Wishing you all love and the happy simple joys of Summer! xo

Roses in the Snow Registration Open Today!

 I am thrilled to open registration today for

"Roses in the Snow"

A Cozy Cottage Christmas event!

November 15-17th 2013

Mount Dora, Florida

I can hardly wait to open the doors once again to welcome artists from around the country to my Cozy cottage in historic Mount Dora, Florida.  The projects are DIVINE, intricate and extra special!  It is sure to be a weekend full of friendship and fun...

I am proud to present the project I will be teaching....

The Frozen Charlotte Christmas Shrine! 

Created using an altered vintage book, this is a one of a kind art piece that shall bring "Joy to the World!"....

Display it in your favorite place and let her bring "Christmas Wishes" and "Snowflake Kisses" to all who gaze upon her.

Featuring special details and plenty of bling, a sweet Charlotte and bottle brush tree are nestled among the snow...

Sweet Charlotte is bundled in her winter scarf, ready for the holiday season..

I am honored to have Tampa artist and incredible friend Molly Knox to present and teach this weekend as well!  She will guide you in making this beautiful "Blushing Rose Bangle."  

Soft pink and blue hues and gorgeous fabric roses make this a beautiful compliment to any outfit...

Also joining me to teach is my dear friend and talented Fort Lauderdale artist Judy Stafford. She brought to life the exact vision I had in mind for an extra special project...

Presenting, "The Crowned Rose Necklace"   

A pearl rose is placed within a deco style watch face and is crowned with rhinestone beauty!

Weekend Details:

The fee for this special weekend is $350 and includes all projects, a tea luncheon at the stunning Garden Gate Tearoom, a dessert soiree on Friday evening, dinner Saturday evening,  and lots of surprises and take home gifts.

SPACE IS LIMITED!  I wish not to  turn away anyone,  but the Cozy Cottage is only big enough for so many!  If you wish to reserve your spot, log into Pay Pal and make your Pay Pal payment right away to

pageoflove@aol.com

If you do not use Pay Pal, I can accept your credit card  payment personally!  Just email me!

You can find me on Facebook at

Karen Ricucci Hillman

or

Photography by Karen Paige Hillman

Once you are on board I will  email you with more information including places to stay etc.

If you are planning on flying, the closest airport to Mount Dora is Orlando.

Can't wait to see you all and share Christmas Magic!

xoxoxox Karen

ROSES IN THE SNOW, OPENING REGISTRATION!

REGISTRATION OPENS THIS SUNDAY, JULY 14  

Come back and visit for project line up and details!

I am so excited about the response already!  Lots of out of state artists are joining the fun!  

I love keeping a small and intimate vibe at my events..

makes it so special and meaningful....

THIS SHALL FILL FAST...only 20 spots.

So if you are interested, please sign up as soon as you can!