Fairy Tale Inspired Writing Pages Coming

The Carlo Collodi Fountain Pen nib detail

It's come to my attention that almost all my fairy tale inspired short stories, podcasts and other work have been slowly disappearing from the web due to personal site upgrades, defunct blog programs and various other things...

So:

I am going to be adding pages to the Once Upon A Blog site when I can so some of my fair tale writing can have a (hopefully permanent) home here. :)

First cap off the rank:

Torn

(A short story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Marsh King's Daughter)

It was originally written for as a Halloween story for Supernatural Fairy Tales, a great site which has recently had an upgrade. (Note: This is STILL an awesome site full of fantastic fairy tale short stories by Dorlana Vann and other wonderful finds. At last look, my two-part article on True Love and Fairy Tales is still there.)

You can read more about the initial publishing HERE in the announcement post on this blog (which I have also updated with the new page link).

The direct link to the story is under the header next to the About InkGypsy page or you can click HERE.

And, since we're on the topic of fairy tale writing, what better than a fairy tale pen? Look at this lovely, lovely Montblanc Carlo Collodi Fountain Pen I found recently. (They come in rollerball and ballpoint pens too apparently, but you need to contact them for prices. I'm guessing $$$!) It was released just in time for Christmas last year (2011).

Though I haven't been able to write (or blog or be online!) much at all the past year or so, I am beginning to write again and just the thought of this pen is very inspiring. Though it will likely take me a little while to publish anything new, I am excited to go dig up some fairy tale bits and pieces of my own and share them with people again.

I hope you enjoy the pages to come.

:)

Article/Advertising: Gifts For Fairy Tale Characters

Inspired by the recent public fascination with fairy tales a couple of clever writers at the Los Angeles Times put together an article (which is really a cleverly disguised set of advertisements) on fairy tale gifts, with a difference. Instead of fairy tale themed things for people who like fairy tales (though those are awesome too!), these gifts are all about what you might consider giving the characters of well known tales for a present.

Hansel and GretelTwo adorable young children get lost in the woods and outsmart an evil witch in a candy cottage. For a sweet tooth: Vosges Haut Chocolat Ensemble du Chocolat, $135 at Vosges Haut Chocolat boutique, Beverly Hills.
Survival tool: Victorinox Tomo in apple green, $24 at Victorinox Swiss Army boutique, Beverly Center.
Cottage warmth: Semiologie quilt by APC, $548 at Anthropologie stores.
Angelic dressing: Lanvin ivory taffeta coat with grosgrain bow, $1,050 at Lanvin, Beverly Hills.

Although these gifts are obviously high-end and really just a cleverly disguised set of advertisements for Hollywood-end types, I really like the idea because it requires considering the tales themselves and the situations and challenges being faced. My favorite suggestions are the truly practical things like foot-rub lotions for a Dancing Princess' sore feet, or a Swiss Army Knife for Hansel.

Red Riding HoodTaking a basket of goodies to Grandma's house, the girl in the red cape (briefly) becomes lunch for the trickster wolf. Pack it up: A Bottega Veneta Plaster Cioccolato Nero Canvas Basket print Vachette tote, $1,550 at Bottega Veneta, Beverly Hills.
Off you go: Ralph Lauren Blue Label cabled hat and scarf, $200 at http://www.ralphlauren.com.
A pop of red: YBF Royalty Collectable Pewter lipstick in Royal Red, $28.80 at http://www.ybfgirlfriends.com.

You can see the whole fairy tale gift guide HERE. There are also photos of the suggestions items HERE.



I would really like to see a list of potential gifts that is more in the price range of regular folks. I think that would be a fantastic read and maybe spark some ideas on how we could be of more practical help to people who are undergoing similar challenges to fairy tale heros and heroines.

In the meantime, consider your favorite fairy tale people in the middle of their tales. What would you gift them with? [And let's say you get extra points if you can enhance their tale life without making spoilers. ;) ] How about a a beautiful cook book for Snow White or a decorative boot scraper or a discreet peep-hole for the front door? What about a diary for Rapunzel instead of just hair products, or equipment to facilitate time lapse photography?

Your turn. :)

12 Days: Lots of Different Fairy Tale Books

My apologies for the lateness of this post today.

I've been having connection difficulties.

Books are the obvious fairy tale gift to my way of thinking, which is why I tried to find non-book ideas these past two weeks. But I can't help recommending a few, so I saved a bunch for this last post in the series. :) Here are some different types of fairy tale books that you may not have heard of. Some are new, some are not and you can find more information by clicking on the titles below the cover images:

Magic Hoofbeats (with CD)
by Josepha Sherman

Availability: Released September 2007 - still available.
Description: Multicultural fairy tale and folktale collection on a horse theme. An unusual collection of tales not often printed with the added bonus of horse facts scattered throughout. Scholarly yet accessible to kids. Includes a CD of the stories being read, lovely watercolor illustrations and a brief list of sources.

There Was An Old Lady
by Jeremy Holmes

Availability: New August 2009
Description: Hardcover - the book is like a piece of art. Unusually shaped, comical, whimsical and the eyes close at the end via a clever little paper tab.

The Diary of Hansel and Gretel
by Kees Moerbeek

Availability: Out of print but still readily available.
Description: At last, here is the true story of what really happened to Hansel and Gretel, in the words of Gretel herself. This book is a faithful reproduction of Gretel's original diary, complete with all of her drawings -- as well as the very first newspaper article by the Brothers Grimm. (Pop-ups, inserted notes and artifacts, interactive.)

Black Pearls: A Faerie Strand
by Louise Hawes

Availability: Released May 2008 - still available
Description: Seven edgy/dark retellings of fairy tales (and one legend). Beautifully written in a fairy tale style with lovely pencil drawings throughout. The twists sneak up on you and you should beware of the sexual content if you're giving it to younger teens. As a hint to the twists, the cover is actually a picture of Cinderella herself.

Pretty Monsters: Stories
by Kelly Link

Availability: Released October 2008 - still available
Description: YA collection of fairytale style stories. This book has been getting rave reviews and comparisons to Neil Gaiman's storytelling. The hardcover has black edged pages and illustrations by award winning artist Shaun Tan.

Sisters Red
by Jackson Pearce

Availability: Not yet! Coming June 2010 (you can pre-order a surprise for someone!)
Description: The story of Red Riding Hood and her younger sister after the death of their grandmother... of and some werewolves. Jackson Pearce talks a lot about fairy tales in her interviews so this is one to watch for at the very least.

Twisted Tales: Fairy Tale Anthology
by Isabelle Rose

Availability: New November 2009 for Kindle (hard copies available HERE)

Description: Anthology of short stories and poems for Kindle. Dark retellings of classic fairy tales by newer authors. I haven't read any excerpts but the folks involved love fairy tales. Contest for a free copy through December HERE.

The SurLaLune Fairy Tale Series
by Heidi Anne Heiner

Availability: New August and September 2009 for Kindle (PDFs coming)
Description: Excellent collections of hard-to-find fairy tales, with new translations. By the mastermind behind the SurLaLune website. Three titles so far: "The Frog Prince and Other Frog Tales From Around the World", "The Fairy Tale Fiction of Anne Isabella Thackery Ritchie" and "Rapunzel and Other Maiden in the Tower Tales From Around the World".

The Book of Lost Things (Unabridged Audiobook CD)
by John Connolley

Availability: Released October 2006 - still available
Description: A fairy tale for adults - a boy mourns the death of his mother and reality and fantasy worlds start to blur together. On his journey back to the real world he meets many fairy tale characters. By turns funny, poignant, surprising. A book about hope and the power of stories. While the paper book is available the audiobook highly recommended to take you through the journey.

The Beastly Bride: Tales of the Animal People
by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling

Availability: Not yet! Coming April 2010 (you can pre-order a surprise for someone!)
Description: The newest collection of retold fairy and folktales on a shape-changer theme from the best authors and editors in the business. Gorgeous illustrations throughout by Charles Vess (I've seen a couple of previews!). The pre-order price on this one is excellent - you will still save even with shipping.

Baba Yaga Laid an Egg by Dubravka Ugresic

Availability: New October 2009 for Kindle (Hardcover available February 2010)
Description: Part of The Myths series. From the website: Dubravka Ugrešić takes the story of Baba Yaga and weaves it into something completely fresh. The result is an extraordinary meditation on femininity, ageing, identity, secrets, storytelling and love.

The Seeing Stick
by Jane Yolen
(new illustrations by Daniela Terrazzini)

Availability: New September 2009
Description: A newly illustrated version of Jane Yolen's original fairy tale about a blind emperor's daughter (originally published 1977). This is a stunning book with gorgeous specialty printing and embossed pages - which underlines the story perfectly.

Once Upon a Tutu: Five Ballet Fairy Tales Starring the Ballet Friends:
Including The Princess and the Prima, Ballerella,
Snow Tights and the Seven Dancers,
... the Three Barres, and The Klutzy Duckling
by Kitty Michaels

Availability: Released November 2008 - still available
Description: Retold fairy tales in ballet settings (with a whole lot of humor!) based on the classic tales. From the Ballet Friends series but it can definitely stand alone.

The World Before This One: A Novel Told in Legend
by Rafe Martin

Availability: Released August 2005 - still available in paperback but I recommend hunting down a hardcover
Description: Folktales (Seneca tales) retold in novel format in a wonderful storytelling fashion. The book is worth getting for the incredible papercuts alone that illustrate the stories, but the writing is beautiful as well. A good gift for scholars and older children who love tales alike.

The Illustrated Book of Fairy Tales
by Neil Philip & Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry

Availability: Released March 1998 - out of print but still easy to find
Description: This remains a favorite fairy tale collection of mine because it's multicultural and contains facts along the way (scattered in the sidebars of the pages) and points to similar tales across cultures. Many of the tales are not the usual version you might expect, though the familiar ones are referenced. The illustrations are unusual in that they span the pages of the book and flow from one scene of the story in to the other (see the Beauty & the Beast example above). An excellent way to be introduced to tales from other cultures and lesser known variants without losing that 'fairy tale feel' those of us who grew up with European tales love.

1001 Nights: Illustrated Fairy Tales from One Thousand And One Nights
Edited by Robert Klanten & Hendrik Hellige

Availability: Released November 2005 - still available
Description: Contemporary illustrations by a number of different illustrators of traditional 1001 tales - some well known, other less so. A good way to become familiar with the tales. More suitable for adults.

Today is the last day I'll be specifically posting gift ideas for Christmas/Yule/Kwanzaa/Hannukah/etc on a fairy tale theme but ideas are everywhere!

Heidi Anne Heiner, of SurLaLune, has a knack for finding the most gorgeous games and toys, not to mention is the best source of fairy tale books around so be sure to browse her blog. The link is HERE.

Also Elva Undine of Folk and Fairy (Folklore and Fairy: Clever finds for the faerie inclined) finds some of the loveliest things including things you can purchase as gifts. Her blog is HERE.

NOTE: As usual, please note I am not affiliated with any of these stores or products. I do not receive any commission from any visit to the site or any purchase. These are just items I thought may interest people as fairy tale themed gifts for the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Yuletide/Holiday Season. :)

Don't forget the "Pursuit of Happiness" Giveaway!

This is the last of the "12 Days" posts but you still have TWO DAYS to enter before the deadline on December 20th, so be sure to email me before then.

(Check out one of the prize options in the preview above! Click for a larger view...)

Details for the giveaway are HERE and the wonderful London Particulars (who are making this giveaway possible through their generosity) can be found HERE.

12 Days: Disney Fairy Tale Shirts

The Hot Topic website seems to be struggling under the workload of lots of traffic but this may one of the reasons why: they have nice stuff. And that includes for people who love fairy tales.

Rather than spend another day trying to link you to each relevant page, I'll just send you to the home page HERE where you can then search for the shirts I'm about to show you and more.

But first I have to share my favorite: the Tim Burton Cheshire Cat Reversible Hoodie. It seems to go out of stock very quickly then reappear again wthin a day or two. Coincidence? Hmm...
I love the whole disappearing cat thing. Very clever. Plus it looks awesome.

And now here are some examples of the Disney fairy tale shirts they carry.

Hot Topic are licensed to sell quite a few brands including a number of fairy artists, so have a browse - and don't forget the accessories, eg striped leggings or belt buckles as stocking stuffers. If you live close to a store brave the loud music and the heavy metal decor and go in, in person. They have fun fairy and fairy tale themed stuff (not just clothes) for everyone - babies up to (and through) the rest of us. Plus they have some of the most consistently nice and helpful store assistants, multi-colored hair and piercings or not.

It also looks like the official Disney Store are having a sale too: up to 40% off kids apparel and up to 50% off adult apparel. You can find the store HERE.

NOTE: As usual, please note I am not affiliated with any of these stores or products. I do not receive any commission from any visit to the site or any purchase. These are just items I thought may interest people as fairy tale themed gifts for the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Yuletide/Holiday Season. :)

Don't forget the "Pursuit of Happiness" Giveaway!

Entries close in THREE DAYS on December 20th, so be sure to email me before then.

(Check out yesterday's prize preview post!)

Details for the giveaway are HERE and the wonderful London Particulars (who are making this giveaway possible through their generosity) can be found HERE.

12 Days: Cardboard Castle Kits

These lovely building playsets are affordable, recyclable and sturdy. And you can customize them because the painting part is up to you (or the clever little one you 'gift' it to). I love things like this because they're great for playing in general for girls and boys of many ages, for adding to storytime but they're also great for grownups who are involved in theater and writing as a creative tool.
The buildings, which include a number of different castles, a tree house, a farm, a windmill, a dollhouse and a fort are by Calafant and come in two sizes. The smaller, less complicated buildings (like the one below) come with non-toxic markers. You can get small toys too which can be used on their own or as accessories, such as this carriage.Creative Toy Shop (which factors recycling toys into the products it carries) is also having a special 25% off sale on these Calafant buildings when you use code CMP25 at the checkout (for orders over $20).
You can buy these buildings and the smaller toys HERE (don't forget to use the sale code!).

NOTE: As usual, please note I am not affiliated with any of these stores or products. I do not receive any commission from any visit to the site or any purchase. These are just items I thought may interest people as fairy tale themed gifts for the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Yuletide/Holiday Season. :)

Don't forget the "Pursuit of Happiness" Giveaway!

Entries close IN LESS THAN A WEEK on December 20th, so be sure to email me before then.
(Watch for a preview of the prize in the next few posts..!)

Details for the giveaway are HERE and the wonderful London Particulars (who are making this giveaway possible through their generosity) can be found HERE.

12 Days: Rapunzel Skateboard

A Rapunzel skateboard - how can you not want one?

The art is by by Jasmine Becket-Griffith (a.k.a. Strangeling), whose art is becoming known everywhere and licensed with different stores too and she's selling products with her art through Zazzle (like this skateboard) and through her Etsy store HERE (you can even get her original acrylics through her Etsy store direct from her).

About this gorgeous painting:

"Rapunzel in Rococo" - Rapunzel is shown in a tall tower with a muted French country landscape behind her. The window is impossibly ornate in proper Rococo style, and her hair cascades impossibly long down the length of the painting.

Strangeling has carefully chosen, and in some cases adjusted, her designs for the skateboard shape (and her shoes too!) so these look really nice from all angles. You can order different types of boards according to your needs/preferences and they're less expensive than I expected ($63.50) too. Have a look HERE. The only thing is, I think I'd want another print to just look at... (You can see a close up of details at Strangeling's website HERE.)Strangeling has a whole series of fairy tale paintings (Red Riding Hood, Kitsune, Alice, Nutcracker Suite, Snow White, Beauty & the Beast, Miss Muffet and some other less specific) and various products they're printed on. You can see those HERE (eg. check out the gorgeous 'photo sculpture' of Snow White and Her Animal Friends, shown below, HERE). She also has an official website with even more exclusives HERE.
NOTE: As usual, please note I am not affiliated with any of these stores or products. I do not receive any commission from any visit to the site or any purchase. These are just items I thought may interest people as fairy tale themed gifts for the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Yuletide/Holiday Season. :)

Don't forget the "Pursuit of Happiness" Giveaway!

Entries close IN LESS THAN A WEEK on December 20th, so be sure to email me before then.
(Watch for a preview of the prize in the next few posts..!)

Details for the giveaway are HERE and the wonderful London Particulars (who are making this giveaway possible through their generosity) can be found HERE.

12 Days: Féerie Perfume

This item isn't fairy tale specific but I have a feeling it will appeal to readers of Once Upon A Blog. It was, after all, inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream.

This luxury perfume, in an incredibly beautiful bottle with a tiny fairy perched on top, came out last year. The perfume is called "Féerie" (yes, that's two 'e's) and is by Van Cleef and Arpels with the bottle designed by Joël Desgrippes. No idea what the perfume smells like as I haven't seen it in person but the bottle alone is present-worthy.You can see more about the fancy launch HERE (which included that designer mini-trunk you can see in the image below) and read more about the actual perfume HERE (btw this site is a great place to browse if you love perfume - the scents, the bottles, the ads, anything related to perfumes!) but if you're interested in a bottle for purchase I suggest shopping around - this, like many good perfumes, isn't cheap.
NOTE: As usual, please note I am not affiliated with any of these stores or products. I do not receive any commission from any visit to the site or any purchase. These are just items I thought may interest people as fairy tale themed gifts for the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Yuletide/Holiday Season. :)

Don't forget the "Pursuit of Happiness" Giveaway!

Entries close IN LESS THAN A WEEK on December 20th, so be sure to email me before then.
(A preview of the prize is coming soon too.)

Details for the giveaway are HERE and the wonderful London Particulars (who are making this giveaway possible through their generosity) can be found HERE.