 |
| Beautiful Easter shoot by Green Wedding Shoes. See their work Here: |
I like papier-mâché and used to have a collection of Easter egg boxes. I've no idea how or why I began to collect them, like so many things I have, they just happened. And then they just disappeared, probably during one of many moves in either a pre clear out, or a mislaid box. I used to give and receive them filled with chocolates, and tied with a ribbon. I don't miss them, but I wish I would have owned a camera and photographed them, and I hope that wherever that they are, they found a good home.
 |
| A charming Easter egg box |
Papier-mâché boxes and eggs always remind me of both Easter and Alice in Wonderland. Our cottage is adorned with several Alice vignettes. One of my Grandmothers was named Alice and I was given the name as one of mine too, after her.
 |
| Mad March Hare from Graham & Green Here: Alice cloth ornament from Alice's Shop in Oxford. Here: |
Although the Easter egg boxes are gone, I have a small collection of hand painted papier-mâché boxes from Kashmir in which I keep pieces of jewellery on my dressing table.
 |
| This box is quite large and the lid is painted in an exquisite pattern of mille fleurs. I keep another collection in it - Miracle jewellery. |
 |
| This little papier-mâché rabbit came from a shop in one of the fairy tale cottages in Carmel by the Sea, 20 years ago. I love the cat shaped box, adorned with bright flowers. |
As March ends you would expect Spring to be in full bloom, but it is not so here. I have seen no Deer in the woods, and few Hares, being mad or not. We have had very high winds (we do live on a hill) and rain with hail. It is a bitter biting wind as if the Snow Queen has grabbed hold of you with icy fingers and a sharp nail has pierced your skin.
 |
| Kelly McMorris, Snow Queen book cover, for Stephen Player's Fantasy Illustration class Published: February 02, 2013 Her website: Here: |
This weekend is a Bank Holiday in England. The church school behind our cottage is very quiet without the children, and the cats have been playing in the wild woods of the church amongst the daffodils and primroses. This time of year I like to wander in the gardens of English Country houses and ruined abbeys where you feel as if you may at any moment come upon a Mad Tea Party or you could have your own. Alas, I think that the Easter Bunny may even need to don a long tweed coat and a rain hat prior to bringing children their treats.
 |
| The Mad Tea Party Alice illustration by John Tenniel. The March Hare is wearing straw in his ears, a sign of madness! |
Even in this weather, and whatever that we believe, this is a time for rejoicing in the life that is beginning all around us, and giving thanks for each day we are here to see it.
I think I will wrap up warm and venture out to see if I can find some March Hares and then curl up by the fire with a book and the cats. Oh, and chocolate. That diet will just have to wait for a few more weeks until the sun comes back.
 |
| I love this painting, but do not know who created it. Please leave me a comment if you do! |