Vintage Freebie~ Paper Doll Boy

Here is the little boy paper doll that I promised you all. He makes a sweet companion to last week's little girl paper doll. Just left click on the images to copy them in their full size. Print them out for traditional or altered art use. Enjoy!

Vintage Freebie~ An Adorable Paper Doll For You!

How cute is she?!? I know, I know...Freakin' ADORABLE!
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I don't know about you, but I have always LOVED paper dolls. I spent hours as a kid, cutting them out, creating new fashions, playing with them and crafting little paper doll worlds for them to play in.
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Well, while I may not spend much time actually 'playing' with them these days- I haven't lost my fascination for them. Now, I tend to use them mostly when creating my art. And thanks to a wonderful Lady in Blogland , I now have some to share with you! (Incidentally, I am VERY embarrassed that I didn't write down the source to give her credit! So if you recognize these, and know their source- please leave me a comment so that I can amend this post and link her blog).
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Left click on the image to view and copy it in its full size; and print out for your own use.
Enjoy!

Fly Over to Mrs. B's For Giveaway Fun!

Quick Giveaway Post to let you all in on the fun going on over at Mrs. B's. Head over there to throw your name in the hat to win:

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~An Altered Wooden Spoon from Cauldron Craft Miniatures
~A Skele-Spider Hair Flower from Jammerz Designs

~A Knitty Kitty from Thalia Took

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So join in on the fun! Good Luck!

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~Danae <(:o) aka 'Crafty'

**Update*

~Guess what guys? I won Mrs. B's Giveaway today!

I will be recieving a Skele-Spider Hair Flower from Jamie @Jammerz Designs!!! I just love Halloween!

Today's Give Away Fun

The fun doesn't stop over at Mrs. B's Confessions of a Pagan Socer Mom. Here is a list of what you will find there today.

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~A Pendant featuring The Eternal Embrace from Agony's Decay Creepy Crafts
~a set of felt Runes from The Caricoa Witch
~a pair of Spider & Hematite Earrings from The Gypsy Eye Studio

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And don't forget to check out the Guest Blog post, Mrs. B Get's Crafty, The Haunted Blog Tour Host (with more GiveAways to be found!) and also Mrs' B's newest article over at the Examiner.com! Plenty of good stuff to keep you busy.

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Have a Spooktacular Day!
~Danae <(:o) aka 'Crafty'

Some 'Don't Miss' Halloween Blog Fun!

Today is a DO NOT MISS DAY on Blogger! There are some AMAZING Blog Parties/Hops & Giveaways going on today all over the Blogosphere!
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First...you must stop in to Mrs. B's for your daily dose of October fun. Here is a rundown of the goodies:
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~a set of porcelain clay Runes from Marie Segal
~a batch of handmade Saffron Insence from Lavanah
~Wintra the Witch of Warren Hall Wall Hanging from Michele with A Single L Designs
~a Halloween Neckalace from Shadow of The Goddess Designs
~an amazing Bag Of Goodies from Salem, given by Jaz of October Farm
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Then, be sure to read the Guest Blog Post, and Mrs. B's Halloween Craft Post. Then hurry on over to today's Haunted Blog Hop Stop!
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But...the fun is not over! No! It has just begun! Don your purtiest pair of stiped stockings, and your pointiest pair of Witchy shoes...Hop on your broomstick and fly on over to Miss Vannessa's Blog- A Fanciful Twist- for her 2009 Halloween Blog Party! It is an event you surely will not want to miss!
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There you will find the fete of your wildest imagination (trust me...I was there!)- and afterwards you will find the links to an ever growing assortment of fantastic places to hop on to! With Tricks, and Treats & Giveaways galore! It will take you all weekend and maybe next week to cover the all! (This is why I suggest going to Mrs. B's 1st! Otherwise you may not make it back before the 'whenever-we-get-home' prize drawing deadline! LOL)

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Then...if you are not 'all-blogged-out'...you can stop by Domestic Witch's October Blog Party for more fun links.
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And don't forget the fun on Smeared & Smudged this month as well.
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There are many, many more wonderful bloggy fun places to visit...but as I am already late for my own fun...I must be off! Have a Spooktacular Day today! Bwa ha ha ha haaa!

~Danae <(:o) aka 'Crafty'

Sharing Mrs. B's Giveaway & Some More Vintage Halloween Images

Hey Guys, Good Morning! I am sitting here enjoying our first Autumn rain- which is quickly becoming a downpour. I am all cozy, drinking a cup of Pumpkin Chai, curled up with my kitties.
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I have some happy news to share with you all! In the past week I have won two awesome Hallloween Giveaway Prizes! YAY! (I have never won anything in the Blogworld untill now.)
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My first lucky prize was to win Artful Alice- an adorable little polymer Witch from Mrs. B's 31 Days Of Halloween Giveaway. She is absolutely perfect for me, because she has red hair- and I have my own little red-headed daughter who is a Witch-In-Training!

And then yesterday I discovered that I won The Tome Of Ill Wonder from GrimVisions Ghastly 2009 Halloween Giveaway. Woohoo! This is cool for me on two levels...The first is because of me being stuck at home healing from my broken knee, I have not been able pick up any new Halloween Goodies for my house this year. (Also, due to the injury, moneys been a little tight.) So winning these prizes is a happy surprise!

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The second reason this is a neat prize for me- is that I have been trying to add some creepier type decorations to my collecton. Up untill now, my Halloween Decor has been mostly on the happy & cute side. Now that my kids are getting a bit older- I am finally able to add some decorations on the ghoulish side. This handmade peice of Creep Art comes from GrimVisions- a master of Haunting Halloween Horror!

The Tome Of Ill Wonder is a spooky old book with a ghastly grin. When you open up the book, you find a skull. So cool! I just cannot wait to see it in person.


I also wanted to share with you all the awesome prizes being given away today at Mrs. B's- so hop on over & check them out! There are 5 prizes today, and several chances to win each one. There will be new pirizes and guest bloggers every day until Halloween!
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~Another chance to win a set of Emily Balivet prints

~A vial of Black Witches Salt from The Whimsical Witch

~A necklace & pendant from My Pretty Zombie

~A choice of one of three cards from Spirit Helpers

~Your choice of 8x10 art print from Custom Zombie

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Be sure to check out Mrs. B's Haunted Blog our as well as her new article at the Examiner.com!

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The last little thing to share with you today is some Vintage Halloween Images for your personal use. The top image is an early 194o's cover from Film Magazine. And this second image is a circa 1940's Post Card image that comes from Scandinavia.

~Enjoy your day!

~Danae <(:o)

Vintage Halloween Images For You

Hello Everyone! I have some lovely Vintage Hallween Post Card Images to share with you all today. I LOVE Halloween- and I LOVE Vintage Art- so I spend a good deal of ime throughout the year hunting down coyright free images to use on my Blogs, and in my arts & crafts. I hope you all enjoy them as much as I have.
These images are early twentieth century, prior to 1920. (The top and bottom images were circa 1910 I think.)
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At that time Halloween was primarily an adult holiday, and decorations and party favors were made for their use, and subsequent disposal. (Whereas Christmas decorations of the day were intende to be saved and reused throughout the years.)
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It wasn't untill after WWII, and the Baby Boom after the war, that Halloween became a children's holiday. Over time, Halloween decor became increasingly cuter, and less spooky. Many times you can discern the age of a peice by the clothing style and expressions on the characters faces. Because of the disposable nature of the older products, to find them these days, and in good condition, is a valuable find.
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Unfortunately for me, I haven't been able to start my 'real life' Vintage Halloween collection; so I satisfy my Vintage Halloween jones wth newer vintage inspired peices, my own art, and my online Vintage Photo addiction!
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Hey... at least it keeps the costs down! LOL.
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If any of you all are interested in seeing how I decorated my tiny little Living Room- I did a post this weekend over at my other blog, Crafty's Cup. You can find it here.

And be sure to go back and check the other late September & early October posts for all kinds of Hallween inspiration. There are Arts & Crafts, Home Decor projects and idea, recipes and plenty of other Halloween goodies! You will find them all at Crafty's Cuppa Coffee. (Please excuse all of the 'Giveaway' posts lately- there have been a ton of awesome contests & of course you get extra entries if you blog & tweet about them.)
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Have a fabulous day!
~Danae

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

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Like many of you, Halloween is my very favorite time of year, followed closely by Christmas of course. I adore the explosion of the senses that occurs in the Autumn. The colors, textures, smells and tastes excite the inner child in me. I get a thrilling rush of inspiration that carries me right through the Winter Holidays.

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Some of my regular readers may have noticed my extended absence of blogging posts throughout the last few months. That is partly to do with the natural cycle of being more busy during the Summer months, and partly to do with me breaking my knee a month ago. So, the Crafty Chick Update is as such:

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My children & I had a lovely Summer filled with backyard swimming, BBQ's, Beach & Lagoon Trips, a weekend boating vacation on Catalina Island. In July we had a nice 6th Birthday Party at the Lagoon for my son Jeremiah; and we even squeezed in a Wanna Be Camp Out in early August. (Details on the party at http://craftychickscuppacoffee.blogspot.com/2009/07/catchin-up-with-crafty-chick-gaia-art.htmll/ and the Wanna Be Camp Out at http://craftychickscuppacoffee.blogspot.com/2009/08/advenures-in-back-yard.html/ )

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Then, on August 30th, after a great day at the Lagoon; calamity struck. It came silently,like it usually does; and crept firmly into my life. Basically,the short story is that I fell and fractured my knee. (Details here: http://craftychickscuppacoffee.blogspot.com/2009/09/hey-guysguess-what-i-did-this-weekend.html/) I finally had my surgery last week; and am now on the road to recovery.

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This whole injury ordeal has presented me with many new obstacles; and is teaching me many unexpected lessons. I'm taking lot's of notes. Lol.

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Thankfully, my family, friends, and neighbors have been incredibly kind to me and my kids. It is true what they say about how you find out who your true friends are in times like this.

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Unfortunately, it seems that I am going to have to forgo our Annual Halloween Pumpkin Pot Luck Party for a much smaller affair.

You see, each year for the past 5 years we have invited our friends, family, and the local school & neighborhood families to my home during one Saturday in October. We decorate pumpkins, make chocolate haunted houses, play games and eat creepy fun foods. I think that I look forward to it as much (or more) than the kids. Halloween Parties give me the perfect opportunity to 'play' at decorating, with my arts 'n crafts, as well as making creative foods to serve.

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So, while it looks as if I will not be able to pull of the usual Halloween Activities- that we will definitely still be celebrating in a scaled down version. I figure that all of this will make me even more creative, and appreciative of whatever Holiday Celebrations that we do have this year.

I have also been saving all sorts of fun vintage Halloween images and some great blog post ideas. I will get to them as I have time and energy. The good thing about Holidays is that they come again next year, and the year after. Lol.

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That's about it for now. I hope that everyone is enjoying their own Summer's End, Back 2 School & Autumn Celebrations. Take care. :)

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~Danae, The Crafty Chick

Dinner & Drinks? Ok Just Drinks...

...And a Beer Batter Bloomin' Onion Recipe for you!

That's why its good to have a few cold ones in the fridge! You never know when you may need to placate the Hubby or the Guests while you make a frantic call for Take-Out! And of course light a few scented candles and air out the burn smell from the kitchen.

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Now for me personally, I like to drink beer- but NEVER EVER Schlitz Beer! No way! I am more of a Micro-Brew or Import kind of Gal. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is my favorite 'everyday' sort of beer. But it seems like Schlitz put out quite a few cool ads 'back in the day'.

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In honor of this 'All American' drink- and in 'Sisterly Solidarity' with the poor Lady above who burt her dinner (Lol!); I have a cool beer related recipe to share. And it is perfect for Summertime too.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE BLOOMIN' ONION

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4 Vidalia or Sweet Texas Onions

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Batter:

1/3 C Cornstarch

1 1/2C Flour

2 tsp Garlic (minced)

2 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Pepper

24oz Beer

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Seasoned Flour:

4 C Flour

4 tsp Paprika

2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Pepper

1/4 tsp Cayenne

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Mix Cornstarch, Seasonings and Flour until well blended.

Add Beer, mix well.

Cut 3/4" off the top of the Onion. And peel outer skin of Onion.

Then make 12-16 vertical slits, being careful not to cut down to the root bottom.

Remove the center from the Onion (about 1")

Dip Onion into the Flour, and shake off excess.

Separate the petals, then dip into the Batter.

Gently place into he fryer basket, and deep fry at 375-400* for 1 1/2 minutes

Turn over and fry for another 1 1/2 minutes until golden brown and crispy

Drain on paper towels

Serve with a BBQ Dipping Sauce

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CREAMY CHILI SAUCE

1 pint Mayonaisse

1 pint Sour Cream

1/2 C Chili Sauce

1/2tsp Cayenne Pepper

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~Bon Apetite!

Oh, The Drama!

******** These just crack me up! ********

Those Were The Days...

W.C. Feilds and Mae West

- The very first

of the blonde bombshell Pin-Up Girls.

The Queen of,

"Why don't ya come up and see me sometime?"

Retro Fabulous Humor

Now this is a real ad...it hasn't been altered. Pretty Funny Huh?!

LARD??? I Dunno Honey. Do I Have To?

I know the quality aint so hot- but come on! Lard Information Council? Whats next?!

*Another- "I can't believe this is a real ad" post.

Can You IMAGINE???

And we thought today's kids were fast! No wonder we've had generation after generation of smokers!
*Just another "I can't believe this is a real ad!"

Russian Vodka...Russian Bride...

Now does she get to drink the Vodka while scrubbing the floor? 'Cause I might go for that...(TOTALLY KIDDING!)

*Another, "I can't believe this was a real ad" post.

The Guaranteed 3 Day Diet...

I think this is gonna be a good kick off for my, "I Can't Believe This Is A Real Ad Week!"

I have quite a few of these beauties stashed away, and I was trying to think of a good purpose for them...well, this seems to be it. So for the next few posts, these are all the Ads that I cannot believe are for real. (And maybe some that I wish were!) As far as I know, these Ads are in their real, and unaltered state. ~Enjoy!

WooHoo! Summer Is Here!

I cannot tell y0u just how happy I am
that Summer is FINALLY here!

The Good Things In Life...

Most of the good things in life are enjoyed in the little moments.
Sometimes we just have to relax a bit, and take the time to truly enjoy them.

Just One Of Those Days...

Do you ever have those days were you feel like the Wicked Witch of the East?

Where you try to be good. You really, really WANT to be good.

But no matter how hard you try...You end up feeling like this?!

At times, I do.

So glad Summer is almost here- I sure am ready for it!

Have a good day guys. ~Danae

Oy! I Feel Like I've Been Stuck In The 1950's!

Boy am I ever glad that's over with!

For those of you who already know...so sorry for the recap- I'll be brief. For those of you who didn't know why I've been neglecting my blog for a month now...it's because I've been stuck in the Dark Ages for the past few weeks. I've had me a real good run of 'bad techno juju'.

First my wireless Internet card busted.

I thought- "No big deal, at least I still have my cell phone's Internet. I can pick up my e-mail, read my blogs, go to a friend's house to post & send in my homework,etc.."

Then- the very next day my cell phone's Internet went out too!

So, I did what I was supposed to, called the tech support folks...and whad'ya think happened next?

Yup... In the process of trying to 'fix' my computer problem, the tech support people locked up
(ie: broke!) my cell phone. The whole damn thing- not just the computer!

After a few more 'major communication breakdowns' and other electronical setbacks, thankfully things started looking up for me. About 5 calls and 2 e-mails later, and they said that they are going to be sending me a new phone- "after their supervisor approves it!"

So cross your fingers for me, PLEASE! :)

And thankfully, last week I was able to get a new Internet card. So I am back in blogging action!

There were a few perks about not having such easy access to the Internet. One, it made me slow down and take the time to work on some offline projects that I have going on; which was very nice. I also was able to focus better on my school work, and I ended up getting not one, but 2 100%'s on my Research Papers (!) and a 98% on a test! Super Woo Hoo!

(Now, before anyone goes and thinks I am a genius or a rocket scientist (hee hee), let me tell you- I am not. These are just some extra-curricular classes that I am taking, and I am sure they are graded as such. (Not that I don't work my butt off to earn those grades- because I do; they just aren't in Biology, or Calculus. So now you know!

Also, I was able to get a bit of art work done, and work on some projects with the Kidlets. We are busy finishing up the school year and getting ready for Summer!

I LOVE Summer! I love spending the days at the pool or Lagoon, BBQ'ing each night, Sunday concerts on the cliffs overlooking the ocean...and whatever other fun stuff this Summer has in store for us! Hopefully a great 6th Birthday Party for Jeremiah, some camping, and maybe a trip to the Lake or to Catalina Island. (Or both if we are super lucky!)

So...I will close up this post with I am super glad to be back online- and Thanks to the Folks who still took the time to email me or comment on the blog while I was gone. You Guys are awesome! You are what makes blogging so much fun! Take care Ya'll- and have a nice weekend! ~Danae