A Theatre Mystique Halloween!

I walked into a la maison this past Thursday to scout out two things: a birthday present for a friend’s birthday and to see if there were any Halloween decorations I could feature for an upcoming blog.  I scored big on both fronts.  Not only were the Halloween decorations splendid, decorator Jason Parker Counce was in the shop creating beautiful displays with his Nashville-handmade “Folk-Art” creations for two events happening THIS WEEK at a la Maison:

Theatre Mystique Open House
Thursday, October 8th from 6-8P
Saturday, October 10th from 10A-6P.

I was so impressed with Jason’s creations. The work and pride that goes into each piece is evident.  And, I know you won’t believe this, his prices start at just $35. Using antique and vintage elements to give that well loved look, Jason signs and dates every piece. Most items are One-of-a-Kind, where others are made in Very-Limited-Numbers. This protects the collectors of Jason’s work, and also ensures that each season offers new treasures!

Look at the picture of the cat coming out of the white pumpkin. It’s about 12 inches high. The pumpkin was made from an heirloom wool blanket and the cat was made from a 1920′s black Mohair coat, with vintage crepe paper trim, ribbons and an old bell necklace… and it is only $55!   That prices rivals mass produced decor from China and it is one that, with care, can be saved for a future generation.

Check out this sweet white cat made from vintage fabric. Even Jason's handwritten tag underscores how special each piece is. I also like how the cat is white and thus will pop against some traditional black Halloween objects.

Check out this cat-doll below.  Isn’t she stunning?  More stunning is the work and detail: “Themed The “Good Witch”, she has a Vintage Halloween Fabric Dress Trimmed In Old Ribbons and Trim, Holds a Black Cauldron on One Side…and a Vintage Nut Cup Purse on the other, With a German Die-Cut Witch Face on it circa 1900′s.  She Also Has a Black Felt Witch Hat Adorned with Old Millinary Flowers and a Cotton Witch Head Pick from 1940′s, German Spiderweb Die-Cut and an Old Spider Ring!” -$175.

Jason is one of those guys that you can just tell would make your house look it’s absolute best for any holiday or party you are having.  He’s been featured in Country Living, Southern Living, Traditional Homes, Country Home and Nashville Lifestyles.  And, he’s super nice, always a plus! www.jasonparkercouncedesigns.com.  Here are some pictures from his French Dolls Collection, made exclusively for a la Maison.

The Large French Witch (in the window) Has a 1940's Toile' Dress with a Black Felt Hat Adorned with Old Flowers and Net. Holding Her Key in one Hand and an Antique Copper Lusterware Cream Pitcher in the Other. Her hat is removable.

Jason's explanation on this French Doll Collection: (the ones pictured here are the smaller ones) "Each One Starts Off With a Vintage China Head. Then, I Create the Body on a wooden Base, Then Start Constructing the Elaborate Dresses...Using 1800's to 1940's Fabrics. I Make the Final Touches By Hand Sewing on Trims, Bows, Ribbons, Even Old Millinery Flowers. Ending Up With Some Antique Piece to Finish...My Signature This Season is an Old "Key"...Catch Phrase, The Key To Their Heart!

a la Maison has lots of other Halloween decor and I’ve picked out a few pieces to show you in the following photographs. Most everything you see is under $30 and much of it is individually made by Southern artists.

Be sure to stop by Thursday night, October 8th from 6-8P to experience eerie decor and ghoulish delights!  If Saturdays are just easier, another Open House is planned from 10-6P on October 10th.

a la Maison is located next to the Cane-ary and across from Douglas Corner and Karmel Skillington, on 8th Avenue South. It’s still easy to miss – look at the windows for signage, not up on the bricks.  Parking: either in front of the store, or just past that grouping of stores, heading towards town, on your right.  Absolutely worth the trip.  We have some future posts planned for more of the fun things we found!

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