Folk art has always caught my eye. It's whimsical. It's humorous. It's got personality. It's art. Have some fun with this site:
http://www.chickenlips.biz/
Personally, I think Tim Burton doesn't have much on David Everett. I'm adoring his creations and can't wait to see more in the Christmas motif. And look here:
http://chickenlipsfolkart.blogspot.com/2009/10/pumpkin-in-box.html
What would Pumpkin in the Box say to you if he were to spring to life?
I don't see a witch among the characters, but I am reminded of a storybook that was read to me quite often this time of year: Old Witch and the Polka Dot Ribbon by Wende and Harry Devlin. Old Witch is a devilish old tart with layers of petticoats under her black skirt, striped red and white stockings, and wooden heels. Out of a smack of jealousy, she decides to foil the cake contest:
"A big green moon,
A toad's blue eyes.
I'll make nut cake
And win first prize."
...and so she did. But not before comic mayhem ensues.
I grew up in a baking family, so there was not a chance in hell we were going to miss whipping up the recipe for Old Witch's Magic Nut Cake on the back of the hardcover storybook. It's a luscious cake filled with pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts -- frosted with cream cheese icing. The instructions are to bake the cake in three buttered one-pound coffee cans, which I remember held a special place in the cupboard 11 months of the year until October rolled around so we could make the Old Witch's cake once again. The cake I remember from my childhood yielded completely round slices. It became an autumn tradition. When I baked the cake many years later, I couldn't track down the old seasoned coffee cans, but chose a bread pan instead. Similar results.... with the taste of nostalgia.
Can't subdue the big grin that creeps onto my cheeks as I read Old Witch to my son and enjoy the reverie around baking her Magic Nut Cake. Jumping Jehosaphat! It's almost Halloween.
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