Florence,Colorado: Sandy Dale's The Gnarlies Have A Party

Sandy Dale is one of Florence's most cherished artists with her magical creations, The Gnarlies.

So I was delighted to be cantering down Main St. and see a whole window display of the adorable creatures.

For those who don't know about Sandy Dale and The Gnarlies, my sympathies, but you can get up to speed by reading this previous blog post: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-magical-world-of-artist-sandy-dale.html

Sandy has her own studio at 220-A W. Main St. in Florence, which is open by appointment or chance.

But recently a group of The Gnarlies decided to have a party in the window at Florence Antiques, at 103 W. Main St., which is open seven days a week.

You all know how hard it is to take a picture of a window display through glass--so please excuse all the glare and car reflections in the background.

Isn't this little dude winsome? He makes me want to break out into a hula. But that might start an earthquake in Florence, so I'll just sing Tiny Bubbles quietly.

Now this Gnarlie with his cloven hooves is totally adorable. And he's ready to make music at the party too. Between him and furry fellow with his ukulele or guitar....we've got a jam happening.

This Gnarlie is riding a wonderful vintage style horse. Apparently he's riding--and on his way to the Gnarlie party.

When I asked the owner of Florence Antiques (Larry Nelson) if these were the beloved Gnarlies I spied in his window he said yes.

Now, I couldn't get pictures of all of them due to the window glare. And it would have taken too much heavy lifting to get in the back of the window to take pictures. But trust me--it's a Gnarlie delight and party you won't want to miss.

Larry also told me he had put a few steampunk accessories and hats(not pictured) on the Gnarlies (in anticipation of Florence's steampunk festival in April). He said he wasn't sure how the artist would react.

I promised not to say a word. Tee hee! But I never said I wouldn't write a word or two. He suggested that she'd find out soon enough.

I think it's quite obvious that it was not Larry Nelson that steampunked The Gnarlies up a little, but they did it themselves, when no one was looking. We've got to love those impish Gnarlies.

And these Gnarlies are available for purchase of course.

If you want to see even more Gnarlie delights, check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TheGnarlies-148314498558258/

Florence, CO: Sandy Dale & The Gnarlies Smackdown Valve Cover Race

It's a grudge match! Now, this blog doesn't go around spreading gossip--so you'd better make sure and listen the first time. I have it on good authority that the usually peaceful artistic genius, Sandy Dale and The Gnarlies (also peaceful and loving) are still experiencing the slight agony of defeat of last year's Florence Car Show in the valve cover races.

Sandy said her valve cover car didn't even place--but she had a good time. This year she and The Gnarlies are planning on a good time again--but are stepping up their game to be victorious in the race.

When she slammed, I mean gently placed on the counter of ye olde antique mall-- a deluxe repurposed lunchbox (translated: lean, mean speed carrying case for The Gnarlies and their smoking-hot valve cover car) I knew she meant business.

Yeah! See it right there. on the carrying case: GNARLIES, NEED FOR SPEED.

Florence artisan Sandy Dale picked her three fastest Gnarlies to compete in the May 22 valve cover race.

It's going to be an epic smackdown of WWE proportions. Or maybe not. But I like my version of events better.

You can tell I'm a Gnarlies fan. I could have just taken one picture. But the guys were speeding around the counter so fast, I had to snap multiple pictures so I could capture the speed. Not really. But that's the kind of smack they talk in grudge matches and such.

Oh, yeah! Us Gnarlies have been practicing on roller coasters and drinking raw eggs to train for this epic race.

Oh, excuse me? You don't know what Gnarlies are? Well, you can read a bit about them in this previous blog post: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-magical-world-of-artist-sandy-dale.html

And you can read about the Florence Car Show and find out about the epic valve cover races in a previous blog post: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2016/02/15th-annual-florence-merchants-car-show.html

Sandy Dale & The Gnarlies Holiday Open House In Florence, Colorado

'Tis the season for a magical time. And what better time to journey into the magical world of Florence artist, Sandy Dale and The Gnarlies, as they invite one and all to a holiday open house at their studio, Friday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 8.m.

Sandy Dale's (and The Gnarlies') studio is located at 220-A W. Main St. in Florence. Yes, Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado.

Everyone is invited. There will be punch, cookies and perhaps a new addition or two of The Gnarlies.

This is a picture we took last spring at Sandy Dale's studio, right before Florence's first steampunk festival. But there will be new creations at the studio for the holiday open house.

Besides being able to visit with Sandy Dale and The Gnarlies, there will be a sneak peak at Dale's latest artistic adventure--Rat-A-Tat Bindery And Book Repair.

More information about artist Sandy Dale and The Gnarlies is available at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheGnarlies-148314498558258/timeline

The Magical World Of Artist Sandy Dale And Her Gnarlies -- Steampunk

Prepare to enter a magical world when you enter the studio of Sandy Dale and her Gnarlies.

The Florence, Colorado artist has shared her creations for many years with Renaissance Festival goers, but also has a studio at 220A W. Main St.

Sandy's artwork covers many medias and subjects, but in honor of Florence's Steampunk Festival on April 11 and 12, we're just showcasing her steam punk-type creations.

Sandy's Main St. studio is open by whim or appointment, so we felt honored to get a peek into her magical world.

Sandy's email is gnarliemother@hotmail.com

Magical steampunk.

A steampunk bird clock that uses a pair of vintage sheep shearers for the beak.

Even the outside of Sandy Dale's studio evokes a magical atmosphere.

Sandy Dale's gypsy wagon, formerly used to sell artwork at fairs, is now parked outside her studio for all to enjoy viewing.

A mural on the outside of the studio.

The world of Sandy Dale and The Gnarlies is complex and magical.

More information about Sandy's artwork is available at: www.linkedin.com/in/thegnarlies and at: www.Facebook/pages/TheGnarlies

In honor of Florence's first Steampunk Festival on April 11 and 12, Sandy will be displaying her artwork in front of King's Flea Market.