Somerset Studio + Sharing a long kept secret...

Hi there!  I am sooo happy to be back, I can't even tell you.  I had a wonderful holiday, as I hope you did as well.  I have sooo much to share, such fun treasures and thoughts.  However, I have been waiting to share this little secret for so long that my head might pop off my body.  It has to do with one of my favorite magazines ever, Somerset Studio.

      

In late July of 2007, the paper dress girls were asked if they would like to be featured in an issue of Somerset Studio.  I adore Somerset Studio magazine.  I remember while attending the University of Arizona (which I later graduated from),  other artsy friends and I would pour over the pages between classes, ever so excited & inspired.

In August I shipped off 5 of my creations and did a pretty good job at keeping the whole thing to myself (the girls were slated to be in the January/February 2008 issue).  I was not asked to keep it quiet, but I am superstitious that way. 

Last week I start getting e-mails from blogging friends who had received their subscriptions.  I didn't have a copy, so the wonderful Kristen sent me some scanned photos, Thank You sweet Kristen!!!  Borders finally got their shipment last night, as they were sick of me calling and asking, "Are they there yet?"

      

I am so pleased with the quality of the girls in the magazine.  And I have to say, this issue (as they always are) is pretty spectacular, so I feel extremely blessed to be a part of it. 

      

      

What you will find in this issue (amongst other wonderful things) is the only public copy of the Marie Zine, a collaboration put together by some of our most admired artists.  Details about the Marie Zine, here (scroll up when you get to the link)...  Plus, a wonderful story accompanying the creations of Sally Jean Alexander, also see her blog here.  Some wonderful green treasures from Kristen Robinson, and a ton more.  So, if you can, get a copy, or subscribe!  Somerset Studio/ Stampington and Co. are up to so much goodness, it is wonderfully magical sensory overload!  Served up in the most perfect way!! 

The girls are hanging out, feeling happy...

      

While I am unpacking and making some sense of the mess in my room + Christmas gifts.  Boy, do I have fun tales for you!!!  Oh golly!! But I will save them for the next post.  Let's just say, hours and hours of ghost stories & bunnies & ships makes for a magical holiday season! 

Now, tell me, how are you?  Fill me in!!  xxo,  Vanessa Valencia      

PS:  Canvas prints of the girls in Somerset Studio,  can be found in my Etsy shop, A Fanciful Twist.

Comments

[Dave]

Oh! Congratulations! That's so wonderful!

I think your paper-dress creations are amazing, they are really exceptionally beautiful.

Enjoy settling back in at home!

[Pam Aries]

Groovy COOL! You rock, sistah! Can i have your autograph??? Whhee hooo! Love and hugs!

[Mo'a]

Congratulations...I looooove your girls and I am not surprised that Stampington did a feature on them. Well done!!!!! :)
I will be going out to get my copy tomorrow.
I look forward to hearing more about your Christmas celebrations.

[Anastasia]

Vanessa - thats SO wonderful!! its my favourite magazine too and Im a subscriber so I cant wait to get my issue now
your dreamy artwork looks amazing!!!!

[Chris Klingler]

Hi Vanessa!

WOW Congrats!!!! :-)

That is wonderful & your layouts look FAB!

PS: Thanks for your lovely note today too!

Best,
Chris

[Casey]

Oh Vanessa!!!! How exciting and wonderful... and how ever did you keep it to yourself?! I would have been bursting at the seams with excitement!! (Yet, being a wee bit superstitious myself, I can understand waiting! hehe!) I shall have to hop over to Borders and see if I can procure a copy for myself--because I have always drooled over Somerset in the stores, and this is a great excuse to finally buy a copy! Your ladies look so pretty too!

How was your Christmas?! I hope you had loads of fun, and got lots of goodies. ;) hehe! I've been so spoiled this Christmas... and so incredibly blessed too! I am more than ready to settle down for my Long Winter Nap, but the Shoppe has to be updated veeery soon, so no rest for the weary... er... not quite. hehe!

Hope you have a lovely weekend!!!!!!

[Nancy]

Miss Vanessa....OH MY!! I do not even know where to begin! First of all, welcome back!!! And then, I have to say I am SO beyond happy for you that your work has been published and is being seen by a gazillion people! And in a magazine that you yourself have admired forever....congratulations!!!! The paper dress girls that were chosen to be in the issue are fantastic, as all of your paper dress girls are, but wow....you did good!!!!! :-)

I can not wait to get my very own copy, well at least 2 of them, of the magazine! I am so off to Borders in the morning!

Also can't wait to hear your stories of Christmas ghosts and ships and bunnies when you have the time!

Once again...welcome back!!

[Donna O.]

GET OUT!!!!! I'm SO glad I placed my order BEFORE this!!!I knew a good thing when I saw it!!!
A BIG congratulations to you,'Dream Girl' !!!
XO
D.
PS- Is Mr. Lovee still gushing?????

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

Vanessa! That is such exciting news! I woke up this morning with a nasty sore throat or I would be out the door to Borders right now. I love those paper dress girls! You know I would buy them all if I could. Congratulations to you Sweetie!

[Kathleen]

I am looking for that mag. How exciting for you!

[Gillian @ Indigo Blue]

Oh that is just the freakin grooviest thing! Way to go girl! I am definately buying a copy now. Tonight!
Gotta go to the store now...bye!
xo
Gillian

[michelle]

I am absolutely breathless! I swear each one is more lovely than the last and I am so glad your amazing talent is being recognized. I am so tempted, constantly by your shop! Let's see, my mom's b-day is coming, valentine's what other excuse can I find?! I have got to go find that magazine! Congrats! So glad you had a great holiday, can't wait to hear stories. Mine was great, we weathered our first without family and it wasn't bad, I just did the old Scarlet O'hara and refused to think about it too much. We are still playing with new toys at our house, that is the fun of kids you get to play with new toys again(after you buy them the ones you wish you'd had!) Have a great weekend!

[lou]

i love the reproductions, especially the full page image. i would be proud! this is excellent stuff!
how to subscribe.....

yay for you:) xxx

[Chantal]

Congratulations Vanessa!!! How wonderful! I can't wait to buy my copy. What a wonderful way for you to end/start the year! Yippie!

[noodle and lou studio]

Oh my goodness....I'm SO EXCITED for you!!! How on earth did you keep this all to yourself!!?? I'm going to the bookstore RIGHT now! Somerset is the best and now that your paper ladies are dancing through the pages...it's even better!! Congrats to you sweet and deserving Vanessa!
xoxo...jenn
p.s. I wound up parting with my fabulous vase from you (sniff, sniff). It was the hardest thing to do, but I knew my Mom would really love it for Christmas. AND, she totally adores it!! Thank you so much Vanessa!!!

[Emma]

Vanessa, that's wonderful! Congratulations on such well-deserved media attention. I'm off to find a copy!

e

[melissa @ the inspired room]

GASP of joy! How did you keep it all to yourself! Of course those lovely ladies deserve every moment of glory, as do you Vanessa! My heart is bursting with happiness for you. I simply must have a copy of it to treasure!

I am looking forward to a new year of fanciful times and inspiration from one of my favorite girls, that would be YOU. I am delighted beyond words to have found you and will continue to hang on your every post to make me smile and burst with inspiration. You delight and inspire me always.

Love and XOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXO

Melissa

[Jill]

Congratulations! You go girl! I'm running to Barnes and Noble tomorrow early to get my copy. YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[lissette]

Congratulations Vanessa! I love that magazine and can't wait to get the issue. Everything looks absolutely gorgeous and I love the layout. That is totally stellar!

p.s. Sophia cried for her Santa pic.

[stephanie]

Oh Vanessa!!! Congratulations! I just adore seeing my creative friends getting recognized and published...I will run out and get a copy! The Marie Zine was quite spectacular, I was excited to be able to see the real thing when Lisa Hoffman shared it with me.

congrats again to you and the dancing girls!!!

x....x
steph

[Lisa M.S. Oceandreamer]

I bought my copy last night and I just squealed with true delight - I am ever so proud for you and of you! What an honor! You deserve it Darling girl and so much more! (I mentioned it on my blog post this morning too)
I can't wait to hear all your tales - I am in suspense now! I am so glad you had a joyous holday!
The holidays were VERY quiet here but that's ok. Been busy, busy in my studio trying to get a body of work ready for my Etsy shop opening.(maybe in a month) So that's not a bad thing!
I hope to chat soon!
Love and hugs,
Lisa
XOXOXO

[Marilyn]

What? What? What?? Check you out!!! Your girls look amazing and I am SOOOOO excited for you! I never heard of this magazine before so thank you for introducing me to it. I must track it down now. :)

[Sarah]

Congratulations, dear! They look wonderful! I like the bird cage girl the best.

[Lisa-Vet]

Vanessa, I'm so happy for you. I will be getting my copy tomorrow. God bless you.

[allyson]

Oh my gosh, how exciting! I'll pick up a copy for me too.

[flutter]

Vanessa! That is amazing!

[Bronwyn]

Congratulations, VV!

I like to keep special secrets to myself, too.

[michelle]

What a great issue to be in. Congratulations!

[rochambeau]

Congrats VV! Oh how lucky Somerset is to have your paper beauties to grace their pages!! Your girls are truly a masterpiece of imagination!
I wholeheartedly share in your joy! Yea!!
Must Celebrate now in your honor!

xox
Constance

[Sonya]

It couldn't have happened to a more deserving person! Oh congratulations Vanessa, that is so wonderful. You are an inspiration. Truly you are!

[the pesky bombolino]

How exciting! I can't believe you managed to keep this to yourself! You so deserve this, I'm glad you are starting to be recognised for the artist you are x.

[Britt-Arnhild]

Wonderful Vanessa!
I am so proud and happy to be your "far, far away" friend :-)

[Marjorie]

OH! How wonderful!!!! Beyond Bliss!! I'm soooooo excited for you!! :) What magic!!! How lovely, indeed!! : )

You are a superstar, My Dear!!! WOW!! :)

[Paris Parfait]

Hooray! So glad the secret is out! And as I knew they would be - even when you were agonising over those paintings - they are all gorgeous! I will have to order the magazine, as between you and Kristen, the publication is filled with delicious creations! I'm so proud of you! xoxox

[Jackie]

How awesome is that!!! I would be bouncing off the walls with excitment!! I'm so happy for you!!!

[Denise Fontaine]

Congratulations...ooo Marie Zine? I heard from somerset about my shoes but they sell so fast I did not know they want to photograph them in their studio!!?? I am honored that I have been 'noticed' Happy New Year..Health,Wealth and Love Blessings Denise Massachusetss

[sadira]

Ohhh...congratulations on the lovely article!! I am so excited for you!! I also can hardly wait to read of your holiday escapades...mine were lovely as well, but I am so happy that they are over.

[Karen Beth]

How VERY cool! Congratulations!!!

[Ben]

WOWEE, You really are going up in the World!, Thanks for asking about my un-eventful Christmas!

[pamelajane]

Congratulations, Vanessa! My issue came and, without prompting, opened right in the middle to your wonderful concoctions. Hope your New Year is filled with opportunity!

[suzie Sews]

How amazing...you did good, well you always do...I always used to buy this..it got kind of expensive paying more for a mag than a book, so I stoped, Wish I still got it...
Well done you. Have a super duper New Year.
Suzie Sews

[Ellyn Powers]

YOU GO GIRL ! ! !
CONGRATS !

[Jenny]

My dear cousin, I am so proud of you. Your paper girls are exquisite and I will be going to Borders to my copy of the magazine! Count on me getting some prints for my self this year!!! You have such an incredible talent and I'm so excited and happy for you! You are my inspiration! Love you lots Cuz ...

[Tricia]

My dear, that is so wonderful!!!! You are published in a magazine??? Amazing!!! You are so talented!!
I am going to Chapters soon, and will check out the magazine! Congrats Miss V!!
What am i up to....hmmm...about 4 loads of laundry to fold, making turkey soup and about to watch a Doris Day movie 'Please don't eat the daisies' while i fluff and fold. What an exciting life i lead. :P

[glitterangel (sharon)]

Wow, how wonderful, I must get hold of a copy - it always takes a bit longer for them to get to the UK, but I will pop off to my favourite shop tomorrow to see if it's there yet, I'm dying to see the article. Well done you! Fabulous!!

[somepinkflowers]

well,
why i can believe you
and your special girls
are in this wonderful magazine
i
**cannot**
believe you kept the secret!

;-)

how cool is that,
a well-kept secret!
i heard of that once...

i cannot ~WAIT~ for the movie version!

[Denise]

Congratulations on being published in Somerset Studio,I love that magazine.Your art is fantastic and I will be looking forward to getting the print I just purchased from you on etsy.

[Cherie]

Glad you finally got a copy!!!!!!!!
Hmmmm....I've been thinking that as lovely as the cover is and I love Pam Garrison's work too..that the girls would have made a delightful cover!!!!!

xoxoxo

[shell]

Congratulations! I have a few old editions of Sunset Studio that I used to love. Getting them here now is almost impossible as Borders is always sold out before I get there, plus they cost a small fortune!!!! But, I remember it as a lovely, luscious magazine chock-full of inspiration and beautiful images. What an achievement! And what a way to kick off the New Year. Happy, happy new year to you Miss Vanessa! I look forward to sharing the journey of this new year with you through your blog.

[saraH]

Congratulations!! That is soooo exciting!! I have never heard of that magazine before, I'll have to check it out!