Bewitched, Bothered, and Bifocaled

Debra's added a twist to her VIF with a Porch Party this week. Since my home away from home is Winnie & Tulula's and my window could be perceived as my front porch, I thought I would share what I'm brewing up for Halloween!See Debra...it even has steps going up into it! That constitutes a porch...right? There are two windows at the shoppe and this is the small one. I prefer working in the smaller of the two because...well...just because! Maybe since my own home is so tiny, I work better in encapsulated spaces...or maybe it's because I am the queen of "I think I can squeeze one more thing in"!

I've told y'all how much I love the movie Practical Magic, so it seemed natural to go with that as my inspiration. Not that I could ever do anything like the sets of that movie....consider mine a poor gal's rendition!

I'd really love to see all this stuff practically and magically disappear! That's the only drawback to a window...folks worry about messing up the display. Please...feel free to destroy it. I relish it being destroyed...for a price!

Are y'all digging the bookshelf as much as I do? I didn't know it at the time I bought it, but it's actually a signed and dated collector's piece called "Barbaric Bar and Beastly Bookshelf". It was designed and made by sculptor Jim Rumph back in the early '70s to be used as a display for perfume bottles. He made it specifically for department stores. My California readers may be familiar with his work as that is where his studio was located. I have to be honest with y'all. If it doesn't sell...it won't break my heart. I love it that much!

The chippy, black pedestal is another cool piece I found at the Red Shed. (Wait until you see the magic Grace has dreamed up for Halloween now on display at their store!) When I saw it, I knew it would be a perfect prop for Halloween. Got a little secret I'll share with y'all right now if you promise not to kiss and tell...IT'S STYROFOAM! Is that not a hoot? I can lift it over my head with one finger! Hercules ain't got nothin' over me!

Do y'all ever shop this way? See something and think...hmmm...I need to get that and stick it back for something special? My problem is remembering where I stuck it in time to actually use it when I need it!

I decided Sweetie Pie needed a little R&R...she was getting a little pruney from so much time in that tub! I used a dress form Cat Daddy had bought a couple of months ago and made her a skirt from pattern paper...while I was sitting in the window.

"That's right folks...step right up...come on, come all! Watch the strange, little, chubby lady make a little prestidigitation right before your very eyes. Don't point and laugh children...it's impolite!"

Squirrel Alert!

If any of you REAL photographers can help an old gal out and tell me how to take photos through a window...I sure would be obliged! In the meantime, you have my permission to either:

A. Go blind trying to figure out what the heck I'm showing!

OR

B. Skip these photos all together!

Your call...just don't say you weren't warned!

While we're on the subject of photos...is anyone else having problems getting Blogger to cooperate when uploading photos? It's driving me batty...get it...batty!

You can't tell it from my sorry photo skills, but this is a Fab U Lous witch's hat that Jenn made. She used vintage feathers, jewelry, a buckle, faded and dried roses, an owl AND the kitchen sink to create it. (I'm just kidding about the sink, but it truly is loaded down!) Believe me...it would make the Aunts proud to be sporting one like it while jumping off a rooftop!

These bubbly, globe lamps from the '60s are the greatest thing since cornbread! I have used them for so many holidays...I've lost count. They've held snow, trees, shells, sand, and now crows! There is a tiny light in the top and if something shiny (and we all love shiny) is placed inside...Sparkle-A-Plenty with a capital S happens! There are only three words to describe 'em...Fun...Fun...Fun!

The last crumby/crumbly photo is of a lamp shade I bought from Liz and Fran a year ago. It's fringed out the wazoo and tattered like nobody's business. If it doesn't scream decayed elegance...I don't know what would! F&L always come up with the coolest things and it's best to buy it from them quickly!

Keep in mind this is only the second layering. I still have to go back to W&T and apply the final layer. Window dressing is kinda like putting makeup on a face as old as mine. You gotta keep piling it on...hoping and praying you'll stop traffic for the right reasons!

I'll call this a wrap before y'all start thinking you're seeing things! I hope you've enjoyed a little ghoul's night out with me and thanks Debra for being such a great hostess!