A Fanciful Twist: 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

I know we talked already but I have to leave an official comment on here! Okay here goes...I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU :) And for all of us because we know you and all of your fanciful little friends...Knowme...Mr. Lovee...Kristen who isn't a bandit at all it seems...Adam the wonderful musician and hermano...your Mom with her fake cheesecake (did you have some for Christmas?) and your Daddy who does that grande thing with las fruitas...the Dubudoo sisters...am I leaving out anybody? Life is only gonna get better with you being in print via Somerset!!!!

Posted by: phyllis | December 30, 2007 at 06:03 PM

Congratulations Vanessa. What a wonderful way to ring in your New Year!

Posted by: Natalie | December 30, 2007 at 06:41 PM

Running out to get my copy! You go girl!
Can't wait to hear your holiday adventures :)

Posted by: JbaskArts | December 30, 2007 at 06:47 PM

Cool beans, girly girl!!! I am off to Barnes and Noble... to take the third magazine from the back of the pile.... you know... that is the one that has not been fondled yet!
Congrats!!!!
xoxoxo
Jill

Posted by: Jill | December 30, 2007 at 08:35 PM

Vanessa!!! I finally had the time to look at SS on my drive out of town this week...I couldn't believe it when I saw your stuff in there. I was thinking that I hadn't seen you mention it. I LOVE those girls and their dresses. Congratulations! I was thrilled to see it...so I know you were ECSTATIC! Happy Dance everyone!!!!

Posted by: Linda Richter | December 30, 2007 at 08:57 PM

Congratulations on your magical girls! And good on Somerset for recognizing your amazing talent, V.

Posted by: Maryam in Marrakesh | December 30, 2007 at 09:45 PM

Congrats!
Your work is truly singularly unique! The layout looks Amazing! Your ladies in their ruffled paper dresses are nothing less than STUNNING!
Happy New Year to you!
Sandra Evertson

Posted by: Sandra Evertson | December 30, 2007 at 09:56 PM

I audibly squealed with delight & recognition today in Borders when I saw your ladies in print! How special - never forget from whence you came and know that where you're yet to go is only higher! Full-circle-life-happenings-baby!!! Happy New Year!
Somerset...YOU ROCK!
Take care!!!

Posted by: Lauren | December 30, 2007 at 09:59 PM

Congrats on Somerset!!! I will have to run out and buy it, love it, love you!!!!!

Posted by: stilettoheights | December 31, 2007 at 05:48 AM

Vanessa....Superstar!
Not just Vanessa...just Superstar!!!
(hands waving in front of face...)
Congrats! I am getting a copy...will send for autograph!!!!
LOL!!!!!

Posted by: Stacie | December 31, 2007 at 06:31 AM

The girls are my most favorite - so wonderful to see them displayed in such splendor! I don't know if I can get that magazine here but I sure will try! :)

Happy New Year V.V.!

Love,
J.Z.

Posted by: Joy | December 31, 2007 at 06:37 AM

Congratulations, clever you! They look fabulous - you must be so thrilled! :)

Sarah

Posted by: Passementerie | December 31, 2007 at 06:53 AM

OH MY! Are you still pinching yourself at this wonderful celebration of your girls?? How awesome! What an honor! I have never seen this magazine but I am heading to my bookstore 2 DAY to get my copy... I love you and I am a silly Sally Jean fan! So I MUST get my copy, no??? Many congrats to you...you are so precious to us and we love seeing the universe bless you! : )
VB

Posted by: VelvetBrick | December 31, 2007 at 10:16 AM

As stated a blog or so ago, I received my copy of the magazine last week and was beyond thrilled at seeing your name and your beautiful art! Well, I just bought two of the girls! I am SO excited. I have a very Victorian house and these ladies will add that wonderful touch of today's whimsy, for they fit in ANY decor.

Art is what it's all about! Keep it coming.

Christine

Posted by: Christine LeFever | December 31, 2007 at 10:20 AM

That's wonderful! Congrats! Very well deserved!

:) D

Posted by: Diana | December 31, 2007 at 11:07 AM

Just stopping by to wish you a very Happy and blessed New Year Vanessa...the way your year has ended I just know there are even bigger things waiting for you in the next!!!

xo
Sherry

Posted by: Cherie | December 31, 2007 at 11:25 AM

I came across your article last night and it is truly spectacular. So happy to see your uniqueness in print. congrats!!

Posted by: colleen | December 31, 2007 at 11:42 AM

wow! Congratulations on the article! Your girls look gorgeous! You must be proud!! :)
And also, have a wonderful New Year!!!

Posted by: Beth | December 31, 2007 at 01:33 PM

congrads Vanessa! the shots look amazing!!
Have a great New Year!

Ellen

Posted by: ellen Crimi-Trent | December 31, 2007 at 01:35 PM

Vanessa congratulations on your publication. You must have realized it was only a matter of time when your quality of work would be given the recognition it deserves.We've known it for a long time.
Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year! I can't wait to pick up my copy of SS.
Susan

Posted by: Miss Maddie's | December 31, 2007 at 02:02 PM

Hey Vanessa!

Happiest, Merriest, Cheerful, & FABULOUS wishes on this New Year Eve being sent just 4 U!!!

Best,
Chris :)

Posted by: Chris Klingler | December 31, 2007 at 03:34 PM

Congrats, Vanessa! You are well-deserving of the opportunity to appear in "Somerset". May you and Mr. Lovee have a wonderful New Year.

Posted by: Dorian Fletcher | December 31, 2007 at 05:51 PM

CONGRATS!!! SWEET GIRLY!!!I LOVE your SWEET art!!!!Your lil blue glitter birdie says TWEET TWEET which means Happy New Year!!! in bird language!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! TO YOU AND YOURS!!!!!!! WOOT! WOOOOOOT! I'll be banging a pan very SOON!!!tee hee Love and prayers, Cinda

Posted by: TurquoiseCRO aka Cinda Rae Oliverio | December 31, 2007 at 07:17 PM

Hi Vanessa! I have to tell you that I just about dropped the mag when I saw your lovely art in it this past weekend!! I immediately recognized your lovely ladies, having spent many days drooling over your Esty shop...WAY to GO! I know you must be SO psyched!

Posted by: Jo Anne Owens | December 31, 2007 at 07:21 PM

hey miss fancy pants - happy merry wonderful EVERYTHING!
your contribution to somerset is so uniquely fabulous. those paper girls are a real wonder and delight.
looking forward to much more visual love in the new year. you do know how to bring it!

Posted by: Mary Ann | December 31, 2007 at 09:31 PM

Congrats! What a fabulous start to the year!
How fantastic to be featured in a magazine that inspired you in your student days...must have been a surreal but exciting experience for you. Wishing you many more blessings and love for the new year!

Posted by: cruststation | January 01, 2008 at 05:00 AM

you so deserve all the adulations...may the spirit of a new year fill your home with an abundance of love, laughter, and joy...may the magic of the moment bring peace to your heart all year long...may your creativity take you to amazing places and may you experience the resulting bliss...much love to all of you and your families...rebecca

Posted by: Cre8Tiva | January 01, 2008 at 08:11 AM

OH! Miss Vanessa! What a fabulous secret!!! Many, Many, Many Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you! THis is a start of a big year.. I've known for awhile now that you'd be famous! Congratulations!!!! WOW!!! :) The girls look so FABULOUS!!

Posted by: tiffany | January 01, 2008 at 10:18 AM

oh! i was hoping to be the first to say congratulations on being in somerset studio! that is my all time favorite magazine and is what started my interest in mixed-media! that is spectacular! congrats and happy new year!

Posted by: sheri leseberg | January 01, 2008 at 10:20 AM

I wonder if this address will work Miss V?

Posted by: tiffany | January 01, 2008 at 01:02 PM

Such congratulations! Well deserved! happy New Year!

Posted by: Jungle Dream Pagoda | January 01, 2008 at 02:28 PM

Vanessa
Fantastic!!!
If ever an artist was deserving a spread in Somerset...it is you!
Love your blog and your etsy shoppe!
Happy New Year

Posted by: gemma | January 01, 2008 at 04:20 PM

wowowow wow! Congrats to you and have a very, very happy new year (you are off to a fab start, no?) I am going to pick me up a copy tomorrow! They look AWESOME!!!! And I love the colors too, not to mention all that yum texture!
((((((hugs!!!)))))))

~*~*~sarah

Posted by: sarahblank | January 01, 2008 at 05:34 PM

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

to you miss fancy - so exciting - can't wait to get my copy - I have been internet-less since Sunday - oh my goodness - so happy to be out trotting around again - thank you for letting me know - the pages are beautiful - of course!

xox - eb.

Posted by: eb | January 02, 2008 at 07:18 AM

Posted by: eb | January 02, 2008 at 07:19 AM

Posted by: eb | January 02, 2008 at 07:20 AM

Wonderful news! How happy I am for you ...Queen of pretty things! Bravo, I cannot wait to see the article!

Posted by: tongue in cheek | January 02, 2008 at 09:10 AM

VERY happy to learn these news. I am getting a copy as soon as I can and if it is out because I am a little late with this post, I promise you I will order it special order from them.
Stay always the way you are now, please do not change.

Posted by: Carmen | January 02, 2008 at 07:28 PM

Happy new year and more better than ever!

Posted by: Carmen | January 02, 2008 at 07:29 PM

Lovely, lovely, lovely, Vanessa!! I am so excited for you and am hoping to get a copy for myself as soon as possible!! Congratulations!!

Posted by: Eileen Weigand | January 03, 2008 at 08:17 AM

Congratulations! That is such a wonderful beginning to the new year! **off to grab myself a copy of the magazine***

Posted by: Johanna | January 05, 2008 at 02:00 PM

Vanessa! You sweet secret keeper! I will have to rush out and get a copy! I just "caught up" with your Blog- what wonderful Christmas photos- I loved them all! I bet your Mom's fairy tree is simply delightful! I love your Grandpa's treasures too! How wonderful! Happy Happy New year and rock on sister!

Posted by: calamity kim | January 07, 2008 at 07:09 AM

Congratulations! I cant wait to see the latest edition with your art in it. I love ballet-- and love ballet art! This is fantastic news, congrats~

Posted by: Audrey Eclectic | January 08, 2008 at 01:42 PM