... We're launching a new storefront this fall, and it's going to be a blast! ... Don't miss our 1-year-anniversary Partea ... Our first Critter Campaign is LIVE!

Do you have a Children's Book in you?

Studio 14 is thrilled to be able to offer Storytime once a month including crafts and tales with heart for the whole family. But there's a hitch. We've only published a handful of children's stories!
If YOU have a children's book in you that has been begging to be brought forth and benefit the world, please reach out to us. There is no cost to the authors our arts philanthropy chooses to publish, and you maintain the copyright and receive all of the proceeds.

So if you'd like to hold a children's book in your hands that shows your name on the cover, please get a hold of us and let's see what we can do. Make 2026 the year your book is born!

( Feel free to send questions & start a conversation with us via cestlaviesirene@gmail.com )

An all too familiar saga ...

We asked children's book author/illustrator Bradley Miller about the creation of his charming book Where Do Lost Socks Go? Here's what he had to say:
The idea for this story began after a day of laundry. Where two socks from two separate pairs miraculously disappeared from beginning to end. 

For some reason this started a long conversation at night between Trish and I as to what causes just one sock to disappear and not an entire pair.

We started bouncing ideas back and forth with each other and came up with a basic idea. Trish came up with the idea for Mr. Argyle, and the main character was named after my best friend who had passed a few years earlier. 

It took quite some time to get all of the ideas into a story, but it was fun for the two of us to get it all together.

Hear Brad read his story during Storytime at Studio 14 on Saturday, January 24 at 2pm. There will be a simple craft and coloring pages available at no charge.

How it all begins ... 


Grab your favorite family recipe to submit to the 2026 cookbook compendium!

OFFICIAL CALL FOR CONTENT for our 2026 COOKBOOK COMPENDIUM. This one will focus on RECIPES THAT INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE INGREDIENT THAT COMES FROM THE WATER (the sea, a river, etc).


Be sure to submit a recipe that is either original or "tweaked" (so we don't get sued), and include a blurb or short story — factual or fictional.
  • Intentions due 02-28-26
  • Content due 05-31-26
  • Publishing date 08-30-26

All proceeds go toward our Whimsicalitea nonprofit's brick & mortar fund.

Submissions should be emailed to CestLaVieSirene@gmail.com
  • Format: Word (preferably) or Google Docs
  • Please do not put words in ALL CAPS, and limit yourself to 1 exclamation mark per sentence!!!
  • "Fancy" fonts and formatting will need to be stripped out ... which means more work for our admin ... which means please don't do it! 

When Socializing Turns Serious

When we announced our Gilded Age themed tea a few weeks ago, we had several people champing at the bit to step into the golden shoes of the period. But the question arose, how? Our Socialite Survival Kit option (available to event goers) includes calling cards, but as we learned, most of us don't know how to use them! So we've upped the ante by offering a tutorial of social graces from the era.

The Gilded Age did not boast your garden variety social structure. The rise of the Nouveau Riche plunged the Old Guard into crisis, and signaled a crumbling of tradition.

Relive that era of opulence and outcasts with a pair of symbiotic afternoon tea events hosted by Whimsicalitea Arts & the Tea Travellers Societea. The guest crowned Socialite of the Season will earn a $100 Curated Experiences card at Studio 14, applicable to all the events hosted there ... of which there are plenty! (2nd place earns $50, 3rd place $25)

Guests attending both events will receive a $10 discount in homage to their good graces.

Teavent 1
Sunday, FEBRUARY 1 at 2pm
Studio 14 . Huntington Beach
The Snares of Gilded Age Etiquette
Learn the do's & don'ts of the day to get a leg up on the competition come for when the big day comes
$45 includes light afternoon tea (in the mode of the 1880s), societal history, tutorial, secrets to becoming the socialite of the season. (If you ordered the Socialite Survival Set for the Feb 22 event, you can pick it up at this preliminary tea)

❖

Teavent 2
Sunday, FEBRUARY 22 at 11am
To be held on the grand balconies 
of Spring Tea Garden in Fullerton, overlooking the ballroom
(Think Bridgerton meets The Gilded Age)

The Gilded Cage — Move Up or be Moved Out
Join Lady Castor and the creme de la creme of 1880s high society for an arts fundraiser tea that will determine who will be the socialite of the season. Expect tea to be spilled, rumors to be manufactured, and machinations to run rampant among the elite.

$125 includes Champagne & keyboard reception 
Afternoon tea service 
Teacup party favor 
Meaningful Mingling (orchestrated socializing to determine the Socialite of the Season)
Auction &/or drawing 
Opportunity to be crowned Socialite of the Season
& earn a $100 Curated Experience Card at Studio 14 
(good for all events held there)
2nd place earns a $50 card
3rd place earns a $25 card

The following ADD-ONS are available to embellish your experience
(and may increase your chances of being selected as socialite of the season)

Socialite Survival Set
$15
includes: 
~ "Dance Card" schedule of social opportunities during the tea that will put you in Lady Castor's good graces 
~ 25 society Calling Cards to hand out at the tea
~ A list of conversation topics (and trivia) that will garner praise amongst your peers
NOTE: If you attend our Feb 1st Gilded Age Manners class, you can pick up these items then so you'll have them ready when the time comes

Just a Trifle
$10
Surprise Keepsake from Lady Castor

Feb 22 event also includes
$25 donation to Whimsicalitea Arts philanthropy 
tax & gratuity
(Reminder, you'll receive $10 if you attend both events)



Journey for a better me

Today's blogpost comes from Whimsicalitea board member & Studio 14 volunteer and Craftress Merilou Benson:



At the start of the year, I pause to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new year. I'm not good at goal setting, but I try. I think about some short-term goals and a couple of long-term ones. Then, I create a vision board.

I find that having a vision board is a great way to display what I want in life. It helps me pause from the craziness of the world and spend some time focused on me. On the board, I put not only pictures but also key words/phrases and positive affirmations. I also include little hidden things that only I know about. 

When I'm feeling lost or drained, looking at the vision board is a great way to have reminders of what I'm living for and what I want life to be. It also can give me a little spark to inspire me or be a cheerleader to help me keep moving forward.

If you want to create your vision board, click here to join me at Studio 14 on January 10 to create one.



See your name in E. Gads Hill Press' Autumn 2026 Anthology

It's that time again, friends. Time to place a CALL FOR CONTENT for our this year's anthology, TURNING POINTS.

Write whatever comes to you based on the title. It could be about a decision you made, a sliding doors situation, deja vu, you name it.
  • Intentions due (to save you a spot) 01-31-26
  • Content due 08-31-26
  • Publish date 11-08-26

Submissions should be emailed to CestLaVieSirene@gmail.com
  • Length: haiku (minimum) to 3K-word short story (maximum)
  • Format: Word (preferably) or Google Docs
  • Please do not put words in ALL CAPS, and limit yourself to 1 exclamation mark per sentence!!!
  • Resist the temptation to use "fancy" fonts or tap the spacebar repeatedly to indent your text

All proceeds go toward Whimsicalitea's Studio 14 venue fund

🎁 Gifting Aftermath 🗑️

Welcome to our first official S14 blog post!

Our Cynosurae Tidings & Hearsay site is the place to go for gnuslets, facts, and info snippets. This blog will be where we post actual topics and "stuff". 

And we're starting it out with a look at 
what the blazes to do with all that post-holiday wrapping paper?!
Most commercial wrapping paper is not actually "paper" in the recyclable sense. Many varieties are coated in plastic, glitter, or metallic foils that contaminate recycling streams, and the wrapping paper ends up in landfill. So separating it into the recycling bin may not have the positive environmental impact you were hoping for.

What then, can we do with it? Here are 10 ideas to get started:
  • Homemade Gift Tags: Cut out festive shapes from the used paper (stars, trees, circles, rectangles) and punch a hole in them. These can be used for future gifts, saving you money and adding a personal touch
  • DIY Envelopes: Smaller, less crinkled pieces of wrapping paper are perfect for making custom envelopes for thank-you notes, birthday cards, or even just small messages throughout the year. There are many templates available online
  • Paper Bows: Create beautiful, multi-layered bows for future gifts. There are various tutorials online for making intricate paper bows that look just as good, if not better, than store-bought ones
  • Decorative Confetti or Shredded Filler: If you have a paper shredder, turn your leftover wrapping paper into colorful confetti for New Year's Eve parties or as decorative filler for gift baskets and packages throughout the year
  • Line Drawers or Shelves: Give your drawers, shelves, or even the inside of a closet a festive or stylish makeover by lining them with pretty wrapping paper. It adds a pop of color and can protect surfaces. This used to be the go-to move for brides—they'd use the wrapping paper from shower and wedding presents to line drawers. In addition to being practical, it was a sweet reminder of the gifts received and those who gave them
  • Christmas Ornament Storage: Use crumpled wrapping paper to cushion delicate Christmas ornaments when packing them away. It's a free and effective way to protect them until next year
  • Paper Chains or Garlands: This is a classic craft! Cut the paper into strips, loop them together, and glue or staple to create colorful paper chains to decorate for future parties or even next Christmas
  • Decoupage Projects: Use scraps of wrapping paper to decoupage onto various items like old shoeboxes, tins, picture frames, or even plain furniture to give them a fresh, decorative look
  • Kids' Craft Supplies: Save all the leftover bits and pieces for kids' craft projects. It's excellent for collages, paper crafts, or even just for drawing and scribbling on the blank side
  • DIY Book Covers: If you have larger, less damaged pieces, use them to cover textbooks, notebooks, or journals. It's a fun way to personalize and protect your books

Before you start, remember to remove any tape, ribbons, or embellishments from the wrapping paper, and flatten it out as much as possible for easier use. Do you have any repurposing ideas to share? We'd love to hear them!

☔️ Rained Out on Boxing Day 🥊

WEATHER ALERT:
The first day of our holiday sale has been rained out!
We will be closed on Boxing Day (December 26)
and will open at 11am Saturday December 27 for the sale, 
Mystery Ink's Wine Down party, 
and Casketeria's Black Christmas demented caroling singalong




2026 kicks off the Tea & Sympathy Book Club

After numerous requests to run a book club ... 

---------------------------------

What's a Victorian young lady to do when her heart longs for adventure, but society demands she settle down and behave? 

Twenty-year-old Dee has come home after graduating from the exciting boarding academy where she’d lived since she was ten. Now back in the nest, she doesn’t know what to do with her life. Her sister-in-law, on the other hand, has definite plans for Dee, all of which threaten to quash the budding adventuress’ spirit and dreams. 

Ada Hancock & le Chat Noir is the first of Dee’s Marvels & Mysteries stories and details the origins of the enigmatic black cat that peppers the 1920s Tea Cozy Mysteries series. 

Join Dee in her search for real sunken treasure, as well as herself
at our first
TEA & SYMPATHY Book Club gathering
Thursday, January 22 at 7pm

$15 includes tea & light refreshments. 
Discounts on books.
Prize for book trivia winner

$20 GIFT SET includes 
Gift trifle, Book, Signature tea 

♣️ Clubs win! 🃝

"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member." 
—Groucho Marx
Behold your Top 10 reasons to join a group or monthly activity
at Studio 14 in 2026!

BELLS & WHISTLES BOOK CLUB ~ Science Fantasy, Magical Realism, Urban Fantasy; ages 13+ 
Thursdays, 7-8:30pm (meets every 7 weeks, see calendar for dates)

WRITING ON A WHIM ~ Author group, in-person & online. (Follows Author's Journey Act II Lazer Lessons) 
Thursdays, 8-9pm (online meeting link)

CRAFT CREW ~ Drop in, craft, sip, chat 
Dates & times vary, 1-2 Saturdays per month + 1 weeknight

TEA & SYMPATHY Historical Fiction Book Club ~ We'll dig into the Tea Cozy Mysteries & associated works, solve Cup of Mystery games (and embark on outings & trips) 
Weekend afternoons over tea (dates vary, see calendar)

FANTASY FITNESS ~ Ta'o Qheng, Village Walks, Theme Dance 
Fridays, 10am (by advance sign-up)
(If there is interest, we may add an evening)

FIRST FRIDAY FANDOM ~ Enjoy theme trivia, treats & prizes as you gush about your 'favorites' 
1st Friday, 7-9pm (based on sign-ups)

CLUE CLUB ~ Interactive mystery books-&-cases group, ages 10-teen 
(beginning Autumn 2026)

FRIENDS OF FABLED CREATURES & Endangered Monster Rescue ~ Monthly thank-you-note writing club & Pawsitively Purrfect pet activities 
1st Saturday, times vary

TEA TRAVELLERS SOCIETEA ~ Entering its 12th year, the Societea is being infused with fresh tea. Expect a monthly activitea in one form or another, including tea treks here & there 
Monthly dates vary, 
generally during daylight hours on a Saturday or Sunday

POPCORN & PJs ~ Watch a free film in your jammies. Refreshments & trivia with prize during intermission 
Various Fridays as the schedule allows

+

... clubs & camps in waiting ...

Novel Ninjas ~ Youth writing & publishing camp

Family Musical Theater Camp ~ with show veterans Bradley & Patricia Miller

Scribblers ~ Pen Pal club

Biblioperatives ~ Library Goodwill Bombers

What sort of club would you like us to host?

🙏 Giving Gratitude on Giving Tuesday 🫶

One of our founding philanthropy board members, Cindy Freeman of Wisconsin, asked to say a few words about her thoughts about our 501c3 on this dedicated to giving

"Giving Tuesday is today. I’d like to share why your Giving Tuesday donations are important to Whimsicalitea, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports artisans. 

There are many ways Whimsicalitea has given to the Arts. We have given more than $100,000 to creatives to support their work. We helped one person start a business. More than 50 authors have been published by E. Gads Hill Press, the publishing arm of Whimsicalitea that represents seven different genres. These authors retain their copyrights and 100% of the royalties from the sale of their books. 
Well over 100 classes, events, and even theme trips have been hosted by Whimsicalitea so the community can participate for reasonable prices.  

Prior to this year, Whimsicalitea offered events in various rented locations. In 2025, with the opening of a brick and mortar location named Studio 14, we finally have a place where artisans can sell their creations. We are able to offer events at our own location, making them even more accessible to the public. To keep costs as reasonable as possible, Studio 14 is staffed entirely by volunteers. 

I have watched Whimsicalitea evolve over nearly a decade. It had gone from an idea that started long before most of us heard about it or attended an event. Finally the philanthropy has a brick and mortar location. However, we have recently lost our two primary funding sources. To continue the philanthropic work we have been doing, we need to replace those funding sources. That is one reason Giving Tuesday donations are so important to us this year. To support the ways Whimsicalitea is currently and planning in the future to give to the Arts, go to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donated-to-bring-together-creativity-and-community ."



MERRY MISCHIEF — Village Scavengings Hunt

Krampus, the fearsome counterpart to kindly St. Nicholas,
has decided to hang up his horns and retire to Miami Beach, FL.

This will not do! Without Krampus' presence, children around the world will have no reason to behave. The lure of holiday gifts for good behavior only goes so far. The threat of retribution for wrong-doing is what has kept children in check since the days of olde. Just read a classic fairy tale if you don't believe us!

Please help us remind Krampus of how needed he is, while there's still time, lest society be overrun by unbridled brats and Christmas be ruined forever! 
Join us to restore the holiday balance
December 20 — January 3, 2025  
Tuesday—Saturday, 11am-2pm

(Activity involves meandering around the village visiting 4 establishments & answering about a dozen questions online. Allow 45 minutes, though you may finish in as few as 30) 
$10 for 1st participant
$5 per additional participants

~ CLICK HERE TO HELP SAVE THE HOLIDAYS! ~

Please note, as a tiny volunteer-run arts nonprofit, we are unable to offer refunds, and all sales are final. In the case of rain, we will gladly give you a voucher (and a hug) to come back at another time. We promise to try to make it worth your while.





The Magic of a Victorian Christmas

Join historian and storyteller Charles Spratley of Dreams Within a Dream for an evening of bygone magic
Saturday, December 13

$55 for Holiday High Tea at Pamela's Tea Room at 6pm
includes Scotch Egg, Soup, small Shepherd's Pie, side Salad, Sticky Toffee Pudding, and tea (as well as tax, gratuity, and $5 donation to Whimsicalitea Arts philanthropy) 

$30 for Victorian Magic Show at Studio 14 at 7:30pm
Includes performance & $5 donation to Whimsicalitea Arts philanthropy 

A Spot of Tea & Mystery

Have you been to Pamela's Tea Room in the village?

It's just 3 doors down from use, and we're planning on offering all sorts of activities with them, including the Takeaway Tea & Cup of Mystery game 

~ CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ~

Available Wed-Fri, 11am-3pm 

Surrender to The Market of the Night

Join us Tuesday October 14 from 6-8pm 
for our first 
NIGHT MARKET After-Hours Shopping Party
Look forward to 
DISCOUNTS
TREATS
&
LIVE BLUEGRASS MUSIC

Meet the one & only TIGRESSA at her dazzling Trunk Show this weekend

Gorgeous, aren't they?


These exquisitely decorated tequila bottles are just a few of the works of art (including wearable art) by 'Boho Chic' glam designer Tigressa
that will be available at 

TIGRESSA's TRUNK SHOW
Sunday, October 12
12-4pm

She's taking over our entire studio with her popular outerwear bras & corsets, coveted bottles, hand-embellished belts, panties, tops, earrings, bags, and more!

Attendance is free, so come on in, meet the legend, and be dazzled!

Spooky Craft class THIS Weekend!

CRAFT CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT

Our first Craft Class at Studio 14 is just days away
as is our first Craft Crew hangout!

On Saturday October 11 at 10am
Fairy Tia will be teaching 
a SPOOKY MASON JAR craft 
(complete with fairy lights, naturally)

The cost for the class & materials is just $25
plus
In celebration of the kick-off of her new card-and-journal business,
Tia is offering a handmade paper Halloweeny box & fairy-size surprise for only $15

~ TAP HERE TO REGISTER ~
[https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fairy-tia-debut-and-craft-class]

Following the class, from 12-4pm, we'll hold our first CRAFT CREW hangout
where you can bring whatever project you desire to work on while enjoying the company of others who are working on their own crafts.

We'll have scissors and glue guns and very light refreshments on hand.
Cost is just $5 per session; hefty multiple-session discounts available


All are welcome ... as long as they do not bring glitter!

🍬 Join Us for the Joys of a Cruel Yule 🌲

Krampus, the Grinch. Scrooge, Hans Gruber, Mr. Potter, Scut Farkus, Oogie Boogie, the Abominable Snow Bumble, the Wet Bandits, Stripe the Gremlin, Frau Perchta, the Yule Lads  ...


What would the holidays be without them?

Come celebrate the bah-humbug bunch & bad guys at our cruel yule
Naughty List Revelry
Saturday, December 6
2-6pm
Open Hostility House format, so drop in anytime

$25 for adults
If you're unable to ditch the rugrats, you may drag them along
$15 for scamps age 8-12 

includes
Gross Grub, Scraps, and Cheerless Gut Punch
+
a number of groan-worthy ongoing activities such as:
  • Hoard the Presents
  • Holiday Scarols lyrics contest
  • Care-less Crafts: Ugly Ornaments & Wretched Wrapping (expect duct tape)
  • Untangle the Christmas lights
  • Add-to-the-tale writing of the Worst Christmas Story Ever
  • Name the Villain trivia bowl
  • Coal Contest (whoever receives the most nuggets for being awful wins!)
Bring a ghastly (and cheap!) gift for trade & hoarding (note, we didn't say please!)

All sales are final and there are no refunds
HOWEVER
Reservations made by November 13 
may be cancelled up to 1 week ahead with a credit toward future events & classes
(For reservations made after November 13, there are no credits for cancellations)
If you're unable to attend, feel free to give your spot to someone deplorable

SPACE IS LIMITED 








Our 1st FREEBIE FRIDAY is just days away!

 

Join us 
October 3rd 
for our 1st FREEBIE FRIDAY get-together! 

Activities start at 5pm with THE SCOOP: a behind-the-scenes look at the Omni Ocademy paired with ice cream


At 7pm it's time for Popcorn & PJs with the evening's feature film—SLEEPY HOLLOW. Bring your camping chair, don your jammies, and get into the spirit of the spookiest time of the year

Takeaway Tea + a Mystery

Get Tea to Go at Pamela's Tea Room
then 
play a Cup of Mystery game at Studio 14



Use the link or QR code below to reserve your tea & mystery


tinyurl.com/TakeAwayTea-Mystery
 


 

Announcing our first streaming workshop!

 This spooky season, conquer what scares you
by igniting the power within

Join motivational speaker and Certified Firewalk Instructor 
to go From Frozen in Fear to Fired up with Confidence
at a one-night live streaming workshop
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 
6pm PT / 7pm MT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET

Participate either online from the comfort of your home
or with us at Studio 14 in Southern California
(Melissa will be streaming in from St. Louis)

Through storytelling and actionable strategies, 
Melissa will help you reclaim your passion & purpose

$25 when registered by October 4
$30 thereafter

Meet Your Studio 14 Vendors!

Every piece of merchandise we sell represents a story.
And every vendor we feature represents a life.

Get the Stories behind the Creativity at our 
Vendor Open House
Saturday, October 4, 12-4pm
Drop by & find your new fandom

Absolutely Dazzling



Tigressa and ballroom dancing were destined to meet ... and fall in love.

As Tigressa indulged her passion, she was captivated by the glamorous costumes and shimmering jewelry in a world where “too much” does not exist. The fascination with all things that sparkle fueled her desire to create her own line of hand-crafted statement jewelry.

Thus was born her distinctive brand, Designs by Tigressa, with a "Luxury Boho Chic" style that exudes both elegance and bohemian flair. Her product line of wearable art quickly grew to include rhinestone-studded ladies' tops, panties, outerwear bras & corsets, and custom belts. Branching out, she added exquisitely decorated Tequila bottles, water bottles, tumblers, purses, and more—all meticulously embellished by her own hands, one piece at a time.  

And now you can be the first to see her newest creations as well as meet her in person at her solo 
Trunk Show at Studio 14

Sunday, October 12
12-4pm

Stop by anytime to shop to your heart's content and chat with Tigressa to learn about her 
lovingly detailed creation process

Prepare to be dazzled!



FALL CHANGES: Guided Meditations with Cindy Freeman, MS, LPC-IT, CRC


Fall can stir up a lot of feelings—some warm and cozy, others difficult and painful. Taking the time to meditate can make a noticeable impact, not only when it comes to your mood, but to your overall outlook and experience.

Cindy Freeman's guided meditations offer a midweek break to help you focus and align your thoughts with your emotions. Each pre-recorded meditation covers a different topic that correlates with the overall seasonal theme.

Each 20-30-minute session is $10 and will give you a unique experience, so just go with the date(s) that speak to you. Or you may get the entire set of 6 sessions at the discounted rate of $50. 

Please understand, we are a nonprofit funded by donors and are not able offer refunds. All sales are final.


Thursday, September 4 (after 1am PT)
Thursday, September 18 (after 1am PT)
Thursday, October 2 (after 1am PT)
Thursday, October 16 (after 1am PT)
Thursday, October 30 (after 1am PT)
Thursday, November 13 (after 1am PT)
ALL 6 SESSIONS




CARNIVAL OF THE RAVEN KING - an evening of storytelling magic with Charles Spratley of Dreams Within a Dream

 “Come with me down the midway as we experience tales of circus and carnival disasters, and legend and lore amongst the carnies.  Storytelling Magic at its finest, where magic and reality meet.” ~Charles Spratley


    Join us for this celebratory special performance on Studio 14's opening night!

    Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7pm
    (goes until around 8:30pm)

    STUDIO 14
    7561 Center Ave., 14 
    Old World Village . Huntington Beach

    TICKETS: tinyurl.com/CarnivalRavenKing-090625

    • $40 General Admission. Doors open at 6:50pm
    • $15 VIP Add-On: Enjoy preferred seating, a light crudite pre-performance reception, a token keepsake, and exclusive meet-and-greet with Charles after the show. For VIP pre-seat selection, doors open at 6:30pm

    FYI, No sales at the door. All sales are final. Sorry, no refunds, but you may give your tickets to someone delightful if you're not able to make it.