I never thought I would find myself back in a circus frame of mind...especially at this time of year. What is it about the imagery and fantasy that is so appealing? A visit to Ringling Bros. in the early fall inspired a Halloween version here...Cirque du So Spooky. Pinterest was the place to find hundreds of circus-related images and sites. This time around, Pinterest was not the inspiration for another ride on the circus merry-go-round...but an ornament found at one of my favorite little stores.
Broadbent's...
Owned by the same family for over 130 years.
Visiting Broadbent's is like going back to your childhood. The store is a tad more modern than the picture shows, but not by much. When I was a little girl my Grandma Patta...who only lived a couple of blocks away...would take me shopping there. The store is filled with gifts and toys. There is a fabric department and a "general store." At Christmas time it is the closest you can come to taking a trip back in time for a "Department Store Christmas." It's truly a magical place this time of year. While browsing in the "look but don't touch" china and glassware room I found some wonderful ornaments.
A Christmas Circus Animal!
As soon as I laid eyes on this ornament...my imagination was soaring on the flying tapeze! I knew I would have to do a Christmas Circus...so this wonderul wheeled bear came home with me for inspiration! Later today I am going back to Broadbent's and get the other two animals.
Cirque d' Noel...
My Christmas Dream Circus!
The tree and box are about 2' tall.
Parade of Animals...
There is an elephant, zebra, camel and giraff.
I used tinkertoys as bases for the characters.
Send in the Clowns!
I am so grateful to The Graphics Fairy for her wonderful
circus images.
Smaller boxes become sparkling "Drums."
I was so lucky to find so many images in the same style.
This circus will be performing nightly in my office until New Years.
Happy Circus Dreams!
Oh Shirley-how beautiful!!! You've done a fantastic job!! It does look so "Old World"... How lucky you are that you have that wonderful store to go in and go back in time! I can almost smell the peanuts in Woolworth's as I gaze at your darling circus!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sandie
Oh, you are so smart, these are just gorgeous!! So much detail!
ReplyDelete~Dorothy~
I think it looks really neat. It is a very different and creative but, that is what I love about you is that you are so creative!! I love you!
ReplyDeleteHow stinkin' cute. You know I love a good circus, and yours is perfect. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meri
So adorable and such beautiful details!! Perfection!! xo Heather
ReplyDeleteHow precious! I can't believe you put this together using free Graphics. You are amazing! I so love seeing everything you make! I love your blog!
ReplyDeletehow stinking awesome! I love your circus! I have to check out that graphics fairy!
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend
xoxo
vivian
You always inspire me..I love it all...smiles..Renee
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh Shirley,
ReplyDeleteThis is so darn fun! Broadbents is one of my favorite stores also. Have not been there for some time though. I agree, it is a must see at Christmas time. I don't think I would have even picked up the circus items. But you have turned them into wonderful treasures. Oh how I loved the going to the circus when my kids were young. My 2 year old grandson just went this year for the first time and loved it.
Hugs,
Jann
Tinker toys have never been so cute! Love the circus and the glitter! Really creative there girlfriend! You won't want to put this away!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely adorable! You are so creative!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Linda
Absolutely adorable! You are so creative!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Linda
Amazing and adorable! Every detail is perfection.
ReplyDeleteHi Shirley!
ReplyDeleteWhat fond memories you have of your Grandma Patta. You've been very busy creating. Your circus has a touch of magic, sparkle and fantasy all rolled into one. I can remember as a young girl when the circus came to town. Would you believe a spider monkey escaped and ended up hiding in our garage? It was one of the most exciting, wonderful days...even if the monkey was a bit freaked out and ready to bite anyone who came near it.
I, absoluately, love your theme for Christmas! What fun!
Have a great week, my friend,
Blessings,
Carolynn xo
These are adorable . . . They take me back to a time when Christmas was magical instead of so commercial. Thank you for keeping this magic alive.
ReplyDeleteHave a marvelous day.
Your newest blogging sister,
Connie :)
Oh Shirley...you did such a wonderful and creative job! It is so cottage and wonderful! Thank you for sharing! I just wanted to drop by -- send you a hug and let you know how much you are loved...thank you for being you!
ReplyDeleteOh Shirley, this is all so amazing, and so charming! You never cease to amaze me, you are so talented, I love that you shared your inspiration route, now I have to go to Broadbents. I had never even heard of the place before!
ReplyDeleteHi Shirly!
ReplyDeleteFound you through GF, and I love your wonderful Christmas circus! I was going to do my baby's room theme in vintage circus but switched at the last minute. I am still collecting pieces though- I'm going to make it happen at some point! I love your inspiration ornament, too. Broadbents sounds amazing!
Sorry to leave the "e" out in your name- as I was hitting "publish" I noticed it! :/
ReplyDeleteLink exchange is nothing else but it is only placing the other person's webpage link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar in favor of you.
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