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August 31, 2016

Cinderella Castle's Magnificent Mosaics




Next time you're in Disney World's Magic Kingdom and you want to go
from Main Street to Fantasyland, don't walk around the castle, go through it.
It's a fun stroll through the castle's breezeway with the added bonus 
of viewing the often-overlooked, magnificent Cinderella mosaics.




Measuring 10' x 5' each,5 panels depict different scenes from the classic tale.
Dorothea Redmond designed the murals and Hanns Scharff did the mosaic work.
The mosaics are comprised of over a million pieces of glass, 
with some made of sterling silver or 14K gold for extra glitz.








You can see the ethereal transparency of the Fairy Godmother's dress,
plus the "magic" from her wand transferring to Cinderella's new ball gown.



Oh, how detailed! Just one example is the choice of this 
patterned tile floor when a solid color would've sufficed.



The designs of the gowns are stunning!






The placement of each tiny tile is so intricate!




Cinderella's mice-friends watch as she tries on the glass slipper.






Note the deliberate shading of the stepsisters' complexions;
one is green with envy and the other is red in anger.
They're none too pleased that the shoe fits Cinderella perfectly!
(Also, check out that grouchy cat Lucifer.)



These mosaics were later reproduced 
tile-by-tile for Tokyo Disneyland's Cinderella Castle.



Love always wins!



Fascinating facts about the artists:

Dorothea Holt Redmond worked as an Imagineer for Disney 
during the time she created the Cinderella murals.
Before that, she was a production designer for Gone With the Wind, 
The Ten Commandments, and 7 Alfred Hitchcock films, among many others.

Prior to his career as a mosaic artist, Hanns Scharff earned a reputation as
World War II's most successful German interrogator, particularly of captured US pilots.
Rather than by violent means, Scharff used kindness and respect 
to successfully retrieve information from the prisoners.
Because of his non-violent tactics, he was not tried for war crimes.
Subsequently, he was asked by the US military to instruct them on his methods.
He later immigrated to the United States to pursue his career in art.

Great stuff, right?



Photos don't do these mosaics justice!
Promise me that you'll stop in and take a long look
to fully appreciate their beauty and craftsmanship! 


Want to read more of my Disney posts?


August 29, 2016

Wonderful Watercolor Scripture Art by True Cotton



These watercolor prints brought me smile after smile!
Arin Guthe, the creative artist behind True Cotton,
is a loving mom of four from South Carolina.
She illustrates and hand-letters Scripture verses
that bring hope, encouragement and inspiration.

Arin has a grateful heart, appreciating how God has given her this artistic talent.
Here are some of the lovely ways that she shares her heart with us~

























Find more True Cotton here:




Images used with direct permission from Arin Guthe.

August 25, 2016

Amazing Handcrafted Mystery Rings by Secret Wood



Each of these rings, handcrafted by Secret Woodholds within it 
...the floor of the deepest ocean, 
...the surface of another planet,
...or a miniature fantasy world.
Made of wood and resin, every one is unique. 
Absolutely amazing!
















Here's the Secret Wood
website and Facebook page.



Images used with direct permission from Secret Wood.

August 23, 2016

Snapshots of Disney World's Hollywood Studios



Tons of fun to be had at Hollywood Studios in Disney World.
I was especially proud of myself for riding the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
not once, but twice. Screamed the entire time. Twice.
Also went on the Tower of Terror and left my stomach at the top.


Before we continue, I must tell you that I celebrated my birthday
in Hollywood Studios this year! I was given a special button
to wear and was wished a Happy Birthday by Disney
cast members all day long! Now, that was fun!



Part of our gang breakfasting at the Caribbean Beach Resort's food court.
Fueling up to take on another Disney day!



Hubby & I arrive and pose with the Chinese Theater behind us.















The 50's Prime Time Cafe -fun decor & fantastic milkshakes!






Here's our family group of 15 enjoying our Disney World week together!





Disney Sweethearts



August 19, 2016

Hand-embroidered Hoop Art by Gulush Threads



Kristen Gula of Gulush Threads is one talented lady.
She hand-embroiders bold flowers in bright colors.
Loveliness galore!

Custom orders are welcomed for the perfect personalized gift.
Think wedding dates or birth stats for a newborn baby.
I especially like her script initial creations.

Take a look at Kristen's fantastic hoop art!



















You DIY stitchers can purchase patterns 
or join the "Pattern of the Month Club."



More, more, more of Gulush Threads!


Images used with direct permission from Kristen Gula.