Up Up & Away

When I was a little girl I remember seeing my first hot air balloon floating quietly through the summer sky. It was such a magical sight for small eyes! “Where is it going? What far off enchanted world could it take me too?” My imagination soared even higher when I saw Wizard of Oz for the first time. Dorothy was so lucky she didn't miss that flight of a lifetime! 

Love Love Love the Wizard of Oz!



A little Hot Air Balloon History:

“On the 19th September 1783 Pilatre De Rozier, a scientist, launched the first hot air balloon called 'Aerostat Reveillon'. The passengers were a sheep, a duck and a rooster and the balloon stayed in the air for a grand total of 15 minutes before crashing back to the ground. The first manned attempt came about 2 months later on 21st November, with a balloon made by 2 French brothers, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier. The balloon was launched from the centre of Paris and flew for a period of 20 minutes. The birth of hot air ballooning!!!” – www.eballoon.org 

The 1783 Montgolfier hot-air balloon.
Photo courtesy of Wright Brothers

 My dream of floating away to a magical world filled with nothing but beauty is as strong now as when I was a child. I’m afraid of heights but the Hot Air Balloon sits high above my list of things to do in this world. I dream one day of owning a vintage one, full of colour & patterns with an antique woven basket and lots of dangling ribbons of course! I’d travel from carnival to carnival and of course back to Oz if given the chance!

In my more realistic world I've decided to pay homage to the most romantic, silently beautiful form of transportation I know. This fall I will be making 3 miniature models for our fall window display. The complete DIY details will be shared with all of you but for now my lovelies a sneak peek at the inspiration behind my fairy tale madness.

Use your imagination and take flight with me… Up Up & Away!



Antique Renderings: Photo Source Unknown

Gordon Bennett Race 1933.
Courtesy of Young Eagles

The first balloon wedding took place in 1865.
Read the hilarious story at Afflictor.com

An old photo courtesy of Balloon Festival Hotels

 Have a Magical Monday my dears!!

xoxo
Dawna
Creative Curator