Down The Rabbit Hole: October 2016

One thing that baffles me is the idea of other people having an interest in what's catching my attention and sending me down rabbit holes. Nevertheless, I've had enough people ask that it's time to consider a routine blog post to sum it all up. I'm willing to give it a try and start with a monthly post. Here's the rundown. Let me know what you think. 

Reading and Bookish Things

• I'm on the road a great deal this month and I really enjoy listening to bookish podcasts to make the journey more pleasing. Currently, I'm loving What Should I Read Next. 

• For some reason I've become obsessed with collecting and showcasing Lost World genre books. Especially anything written or inspired by the Victorian adventure writers. I'm on the hunt for books by H. Rider Haggard and scored a vintage copy of "Allan Quartermain" this month from a charming Etsy seller, Box Thirteen.  This has led me to discover the real life female adventurer, Gertrude Bell, so I'm reading "A Woman In Arabia: The Writings of the Queen of the Desert."

Stationery

• I'm really digging glassine envelopes for my Halloween parcels. They add a nice touch.

• Cataloging my fountain pen inks has become a thing for me. This is totally inspired by a weekly post by Anderson Pens called thINKthursday.  In no way am I comparing my ink catalog entries to their magnificent works of art, but they have raised the bar to a new level and that gets me excited. 

Creativity and Florida Life

• As usual, my neighbors are creating magic in their garden and inspiring what will most likely be holiday party gifts. This year they've started putting air plants in oyster shells. I'm in love with the look. 

• I've gone nuts over Saints of Old Florida. The blog, the Instagram, the book - it's all heavenly. 

Note: All items purchased with my own money. This is not a sponsored post. Please be advised that some of the links provided are affiliate links and I do receive a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.  This does not cost you any extra when you make a purchase. Thank you for your support.

Witchy Wednesday: DIY Spooky Bookshelf

Happy Wednesday. We're busy in Florida today getting ready for Hurricane Matthew. Many of us have to postpone our Fall decorating until after the winds pass us by later this week. 

But, for those of you not in the path of the storm, I've got another paper crafting project for your Halloween decor. Take a look at how a simple paper bag can transform your bookshelf into something old and spooky. 

New Fall Class: The Art Of Letter Writing

Starting in September, I will be teaching a new class at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida. This class will meet once a week for six weeks and cover the following topics:

• Class One: Introductions, History and Review of Tools
• Class Two: Letter Writing Basics and Stationery
• Class Three: Fountain Pens 101
• Class Four: Envelope Addressing – Centering & Handwriting Tips
• Class Five: Envelope Embellishing - Wax Seals and Postage Art
• Class Six: Thinking Outside the Envelope – Adventures in Mail Art

Tool kits will be included in the cost of the class. Here's a breakdown of the tools we will be using:

• Fine Japanese Writing Papers
• Pens (includes fountain pen with cartridge and converter)
• Envelopes
• Wax Seal Kit
• Postage
• Mail Art Materials
• Decorative Storage Box

If you are interested in this class, please sign up here.