I loved miniatures as a child. I spent hours decorating and cleaning my dollhouse my father made for me when I was 7. I still love little things, and I often think in 1/2 inch scale. When I lived in Chicago, my favorite place to go was not Millenium Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo or Michigan Avenue. It was a little vintage and antique shop in Evanston, called Secret Treasures. I spent a lot of time (and $$$) there finding all sorts of treasures for my charming city apartments and tiny ephemera for art projects. One day, as I was looking for a cabinet for extra storage in my kitchen, I spotted a $20 top of an old kitchen cabinet. It looked like the top of an old hoosier, and it was painted plain white. I thought, this will do nicely, and when I am finished with it as storage, it will make a fabulous dollhouse! So, I bought it, lugged it home in a van cab and almost lost it to city junkmen as it sat next to the curb for a few minutes while I searched for help to carry it up the stairs to my apartment.

It served its purpose in the kitchen and then became a bookshelf for my husband’s obscenely large book collection when we moved to our little farmhouse in MA. Then, last summer, I knew it was time. It was time to transform the vintage cabinet into a French Dollhouse! I was able to partially complete it last summer with the help of my dear friend, Gail. Then, I taught a camp for kids on making recycled dollhouses, and my own creation was put on hold. This winter, I finally found time to complete it. It made its debut at the Westford Winter Farmers Market here in Westford, MA. What fun it was to see children’s eyes light up – especially when they saw the sign, “PLAY WITH ME!” And, everyone was mesmerized that things we usually throw out or put in the recycling bin could become tiny masterpieces – Altoid tin refrigerator, cellphone box beds, soap box sofas, yogurt cup cafe tables, wine cork chairs, vintage linens-turned curtains, and etc. My husband especially loves the stove with old buttons for burners and metal snaps for knobs. It was a labor of love for me and my beloved glue gun.

The Recycled Dollhouse will do a bit of touring this Spring and then find its permanent home in the Rumphius Recycled Schoolhouse here at Meadowbrook Farm. And, every summer, it will inspire children to create their own Recycled Dollhouse at the Rumphius Recycled Dollhouse camps. I love having something that is totally unique. No two recycled dollhouses are alike which is part of their enormous charm! Enjoy!

Having tea and a biscuit at Kimball’s here in Westford with my gal pal, Gail Flannery, is dangerous! One can never tell what new project will come about when our two minds connect over tea! Within a few minutes of me mentioning that I would like for us to host a doll tea party, we already had the space booked and were working on the menu and doll bonnet buffet! Gail is a fabulous artist and baker here in Westford with her own certified kitchen. She specializes in butter-rich French treats that make your mouth water! We became fast friends last year when she helped me host my Winter’s Tea Gallery Reception at the PCA. The tea was such a hit, I knew that we would someday be at it again!

On Wednesday, April 20 from 1:30-4pm, Rumphius Creativity Unhinged and Sweet Visions Patisserie will host All Dolled Up! A Fashionable Tea at The Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street, Westford, MA. Join me, Emily Piper of Rumphius Creativity Unhinged for a doll spring fashion sewing workshop including a “bonnet buffet” for your favorite doll! Then, enjoy a grand tea hosted by Gail Flannery of Sweet Visions Patisserie.

Springtime fashion, fine china, vintage linens, old-fashioned tunes, delicious teatime treats and favorite dolls! It’s the perfect way to celebrate Spring for adults and children alike! Come “All Dolled Up” in your favorite Springtime fashions and bring along favorite dolls and teddy bears for a Springtime fashion makeover! This is a great event to share during Spring Break with your daughter, grandchild or your child’s best pals.

$75 for a table of four – includes fashion workshop, full tea and gift bags. Ages 4-104! Reservations are a must as there are only 12 tables available for the event. To reserve, contact Emily Piper at rumphius@creativityunhinged.com or call 978.995.7002.

Curious about the fabulous tea menu presented on tiered china servers?
Here is a sneak peek (subject to change):

Traditional Cucumber Sandwiches
Tomato and Goat Cheese Sandwiches on Focaccia
Mini Currant Cream Scones
Assorted Filled Mini Cupcakes
Petit Fours
Spring Bonnet Cookies
Butter Shortbread Teapot Cookies
Honey Bee Cakes
Sparkly Pastel Meringues
“Tuxedo” Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Assorted Chocolate Truffles

Plus, of course, an assortment of fine teas and punch served in Gail’s collection of lovely china tea cups!

This is an event not to be missed! We hope to see you there in all your finery!

My parents were children in the 1950s and both believe it was the best time to be a kid. Well, I think it was also the best time for Christmas music! This decade produced more Top Ten Christmas hits than any other decade, and we are celebrating the music and the era this year in An Old-Fashioned Noel. Also, if you know and love Patti Mason, you know that she is one of the most innovative community-givers in Westford. When you see our skit, “Oh Sputnik Tree”, you will understand why Patti is so creative and inspiring. We celebrate her fifties childhood in this short play to be performed at both the 2pm and 7pm shows. So, come and celebrate Patti, great music, yummy treats and more at An Old-Fashioned Noel Celebrates the 1950s! And, remember, your ticket money supports three great causes: Big Fluffy Dog Rescue (that’s our Big Fluffy, Wallace, pictured above), Sustainable Westford and local arts programming.

An Old-Fashioned Noel Celebrates the 1950s!

Come and celebrate a vintage Christmas era on Saturday, December 11 at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA. This year, we celebrate the childhood of favorite local, Patti Mason, and her father’s creative genius in the short play, “Oh, Sputnik Tree!” We have two shows on December 11 to get you into the holiday spirit . . .

An Old-Fashioned Noel Family Matinee: Doors open at 1:00pm for shopping in our Santa’s Elves Workshop with gifts made by local crafters and food artisans. Our show begins at 2pm. Old-fashioned root beer and hot cocoa, “Oh, Sputnik Tree”, games and giveaways all wrapped in a bow of great live Fifties Christmas music . . . it is the perfect family outing for the holiday season. Family ticket: $25, Adult: $10, Children: $5 Look below for information on our Santa’s Elves’ Workshop!

An Old-Fashioned Noel BYOB Cabaret: Show begins at 7pm. Go back in time and join Emily Piper as a 1950s chanteuse with Bill Harman on piano performing songs such as Santa Baby, Baby, It’s Cold Outside and more of your vintage holiday favorites. Enjoy a performance of “Oh, Sputnik Tree” and live music from special guests. Complimentary savories provided by Sweet Visions Patisserie. Adults: $10 BYOB

For tickets, call 978.995.7002 or e-mail: tickets@creativityunhinged.com

Proceeds benefit Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, Sustainable Westford and local arts programming

Come and support local crafters and food artisans in our Santa’s Elves’ Workshop! Below is a sneak peek! Perfect for kids to shop for their families, teachers and friends! Only at our Family Matinee. Doors open for shopping at 1pm.

Susan Lyall Haley- an award-winning watercolorist and glass painter elf will have paintings, prints, greeting cards and gorgeous glassware.
Kimberly Scott – an accomplished and talented author and potter (and elf) will have her wheel thrown creations – functional and food safe art for anyone on your list.
Cindy Craft of Carlisle’s Subito Farm spins from fleeces purchased at Sheep and wool festivals throughout New England. Her handspun yarn is available for sale in natural and hand-dyed colors along with hand knit goods to keep you beautifully toasty and warm. Santa keeps this elf very busy indeed.
Terry Golson- elf, author and artist extraordinaire will have her tote bags made from feed bags, pins and even great toys for dogs!
Wendy Brown- felting wizard elf will have her adorable felted animals ready for those stockings hung on the chimney with care
Carmela Coughlan- owner of La Bella Dolce- Our own local baker elf will offer stunning handmade cookie garlands and herold-fashioned caramels- yum!
Corey Kingsborough- Santa’s top seamstress elf will have lovely and practical creations- reusable grocery bags, wine bottle sacks and more…
Marie Doctor- owner and Elf of Le Gourmet Jardin will have gourmet chocolates, holiday candy and gift items from her lovely store at 40 Main Street in Westford
Gail Flannery- Gail Flannery Fine Art & Craft and owner of Sweet Visions Patisserie -this busy elf will offer a luscious homemade holiday cookie jar bar and a variety of art and craft for your shopping pleasure.

In August, my business celebrated its first anniversary. It was a year full of new experiences, projects, classes, workshops, tea parties and recycled art. I started the second year of my business with a big undertaking – and something entirely different from my other projects. Rumphius hosted the Antique Boutique at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA. My parents and their antique-loving friends brought up a trailer filled with antique and vintage treasures from Northwestern Pennsylvania, my home region. April’s Attic and 3Little Figshttp://www.3littlefigs.com/3LittleFigs-Tasty_Bakin/Tasty_Bakin.html joined us in the first-ever Antique Boutique at the PCA.

What a weekend! A few hundred people showed up to shop in our two-day store. We saw a myriad of wonderful items go out the door in the arms of happy customers . . . jewelry, furniture, hats, pocketbooks, flowers, baskets, scones and so much more. I was especially intrigued by an old blacksmithing manual which mentioned that one should never imbibe while on the job!

And, to top it all off, the vendors and volunteers packed up on Saturday night, and we transformed the PCA into a beautiful Go Local Cabaret. Broadway, jazz, classical, folk and even original works were presented by some of my favorite local performers. And, our finale, Jeff Cox, wowed the audience with his auctioneering skills and his fine voice and guitar playing. Gail Flannery of Sweet Visions Patisserie outdid herself with an amazing selection of complimentary treats for each table. Absolutely DIVINE!

This weekend would not have been possible without its wonderful volunteers! Thank you to all of you who unloaded, set up tables, took money at the door, made food, played music, scrubbed antiques, made me smile, took care of my animals on the farm, fed my family and friends and provided a fun atmosphere for our visiting vendors and our fine customers. You are truly all gems!

Looking forward to our future endeavors . . . after a cup of tea and a bit of a rest!

I grew up between some of the best country auction houses you can imagine. This was not in a little town in New England, but a beautiful, yet economically struggling county nestled in NWPA in Amish country. Old wooden floors (if there are floors at all), grimy junkmen bidding against each other, ladies fighting for pretty china and lamps, and the furniture people with big bucks to spend to fill their antique stores with 19th c. finely crafted furniture. I recently brought one of my dearest friends to my parents’ farm in Beaverdam, Pennsylvania to witness this little piece of antique heaven. She was in awe of the auctions, the shops and the gorgeous countryside.

My mom is an antique dealer in little Waterford, PA. Her shop, All Things Nice, is an amalgamation of cool Fifties kitchenware, “chippy” chairs, folk art, china tea cups, grape carts, and other items which raise the question, “What on Earth was this used for???” (always followed by an excited description of its function by my mother). Her store is a treasure of wonderful vintage and antique items.

About a year ago, I was reading Country Living magazine. I stumbled upon an article of “occasional stores.” In this economy, a lot of small retailers who sell antiques and decorative goods are giving up their store fronts and overhead costs and opting for the occasional sales they hold in their barns or a rented space. It is becoming quite popular and is fun not only for the seller, but also the shopper. My mom and I are great teammates, so I immediately called her and told her that she should close up shop for a weekend and do an “occasional sale” right here in Westford. She could bring up her really cool items and sell them to New Englanders who love a great bargain and great antiques. The Antique Boutique was born!

This Friday and Saturday, my mom and a small collection of other NWPA and local vendors will hold the Antique Boutique at Westford’s Parish Center for the Arts on Westford’s Common (10 Lincoln St.) There will be a wide variety of affordable antiques and vintage goods, fall flowers, my recycled art, a café and live music on both floors of the PCA. The admission is $5 which includes complimentary coffee and tea and a cookie. The hours are Friday, Sept. 10: 9-7 and Saturday, Sept. 11: 9-5. Come for great shopping, a place to relax and chat with friends, to enter for prizes and to meet some fun antique people who have been in the business for decades. And, remember, bring your friends! Shopping is always more fun with pals!

Proceeds from admission support local art events and Sustainable Westford.

Fresh from two successful, creative and educational camps, it is time to jump into the next project – my Farm Art Workshops here at beautiful Meadowbrook Farm! My husband and I are lucky to live on this historic 18th c. farm in Westford. Complete with a big horse stable, goats, stone fences, a big farm porch, enormous garden (perfect spot for my favorite green beans – Providers – pictured above), old chicken coop and a very wonderful neighbor, Marti, it is a piece of old-fashioned farm paradise. I invite your children to share their creative skills in the following workshops:

FARM ART WORKSHOPS AT HISTORIC MEADOWBROOK FARM!

Join Artist and Educator Emily Piper of Rumphius Creativity Unhinged in a series of fun workshops on a 1700s farm in Westford!

THE WORKSHOPS:
August 19: Barn Art: Perspective on Canvas
August 26: Cockadoodle Doodle: Chicken Folk Art
August 30: Fuzzy, Furry and Fluffy: 3-D Animal Collage Art (a.m. workshop only)
September 2: Fuzzy, Furry and Fluffy: 3-D Animal Collage Art for Homeschoolers

• Two workshop times to choose from each day:
a.m. session 9-12 and p.m. session 2-5
• Each workshop is $25. Materials included. As always, there is a 10% discount for siblings and friends.
• Sign-up for all three workshops and receive a $10 coupon good toward future classes, workshops or Rumphius parties.
• Please bring your own snack. Water and herbal iced tea will be provided.
• Each workshop is 3 hours in length and includes 30-45 minutes for games and their snack.
• Each workshop is limited to 8 students.
• Workshops are for ages 6-12.
• To sign-up, simply e-mail Emily at rumphius@creativityunhinged.com or call 978.995.7002 to hold your place and bring your class registration form and fee to the workshop.

I just want to share perhaps my favorite painting of my “In Style with Creativity Unhinged” gallery exhibit currently at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA. It is a painting of a little girl collecting eggs in her favorite little red dress. It is a happy rural scene complete with a tree swing. It is an interesting piece of salvaged wood. It is very chippy and has a bottom piece connected by hinges which was perfect for a saying. I chose Margaret Thatcher’s “The cock may crow, but the hen lays the egg”. I had so much fun painting this piece. I have dozens of plans in my head for more chicken art. Who knew chickens could be so inspiring? For more images of this work, go to my flickr icon on the left toolbar and view “In Style with Creativity Unhinged”.

In Style with Creativity Unhinged
A Bevy of Finely Dressed Ladies Painted on Vintage Doors

Saturday, February 6, 1-4pm in Westford, Massachusetts:
Join artist, performer and educator Emily Piper for the opening of “In Style with Creativity Unhinged” – ladies in vintage costume painted on salvaged doors. Come and celebrate at Westford’s Parish Center for the Arts with Emily and her ladies in their gallery opening. There will be tea, confections and live old-fashioned music with the artist on vocals and Bill Harman on piano. Emily takes old doors of all sizes and creates in acrylic a host of finely dressed ladies on the salvaged wood. The ladies are painted in a life-size scale in the style of fashion prints of yesteryear. On display will also be photographs of Emily’s custom work painted for clients’ homes from Prince Edward Island, Canada to Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

Emily Piper is owner of Rumphius Creativity Unhinged, a business which ties together her interests in the environment, educating children in the arts and producing shows with an historic twist. She has her own studio, the Rumphius Recycled Art Studio and Workshop located in Westford. For more information, visit her website at www.creativityunhinged.com.

Gallery hours are Sundays in February from noon – 2pm and by appointment. The exhibit runs from February 6 – February 28. The Parish Center for the Arts (PCA) is located at 10 Lincoln Street, Westford Center. Call us at 978-692-6333; e-mail us at PCA@Westford.com; visit our website at www.Westford.com/PCA. The PCA is handicap accessible.

Have Yourself a Recycled Barnwood Christmas! This Christmas, I tried something new. I painted holiday greetings on salvaged Pennsylvania barnwood. It was so much fun, and they were such a hit here in Westford, I have decided to market them to a wider audience. Since each one is handpainted without the use of stencils and templates, I am going to try to be in the Christmas spirit all year long in order to have dozens prepared for the 2010 holiday season.

If you are interested in a holiday barnwood sign, I charge no more for custom designs and will ship to any US address for the postal fee. Signs range in price from $40-$150. Also, the signs are painted with indoor/outdoor paint and are sealed with an acrylic sealant for outdoor use. If you are interested in “going green” with your holiday décor, or want to give one as a gift, contact me, the artist, at rumphius@creativityunhinged.com.   For more images of holiday barnwood, check out my flickr page by clicking on the flickr icon on the left sidebar.

Hmmmm . . .flowerpots, chairs, doors, windows, salvaged barnwood – perhaps someday I will learn how to paint on canvas!

On the evenings of December 18^th and 19^th, we created a new tradition in Westford at the Parish Center for the Arts with An Old-fashioned Noel.  We celebrated our historical roots through seasonal music all dating pre-1900.  We enlisted the help of a fine young cellist, pianist, two guitarists, four musical families, young children and even a harmonica player for our evening of song.  And, thank you to the Westford Farmers’ Market for setting up a special, old-fashioned general store with local gift items from bakers, honey farms and more.  These were two very special evenings showcasing a wonderful selection of talent from our area.  Thank you to all who participated, our audience and Westford’s Local Cultural Council for supporting our event.