We ran off and joined the Circus + A shop update...
Well, we really didn't join the circus.. But we did do a disapearring act that would make Houdini jealous, didn't we? The real world has been trecherous, however, it is looking up for certain. I have been pulling 3 a.m. nights to get some fun treasures created. So without further adieu, let me share what I have been up to...
I have built a place for all the new creatures coming alive, to have a place to perform...
It has taken countless days and nights, and although it looks simple and clean... May I just say, it did not start out this way... I have been working with pieces and scraps... Sewing curtains, painting...
The newest members of our family (our, meaning you and me) are ever so excited about this...
From left to right, Maude, Matilda (Mattie) and Charlotte (Lottie). They would like to say hello, and introduce you to our very fun...
"A Fanciful Twist" Theater...
I built this theater myself out of old pieces of furniture. The only help Mr. Lovee gave me was making sure the back was on safe with bigger screws, helping me lift the heavy thing onto a base and making a last minute run to the fabric shop for the striped stuff. Other than that, he was banned from looking until it was complete. I am so excited about it. I wanted to share it after I had backdrops made up and such, but, really, that might take forever. So, why wait?
We have had one night time show...
And, several day time shows...
Permilia (Millie) has especially enjoyed being on stage. She and Faun boy have become great friends...
Are you wondering who these girls are? Here is a bit of the story. You see the way they came to be in my mind was... They are peasant girls that live in a village just outside of the fairytale forest. Right before you enter the forest, you pass a cobbler, a book binding shop, a dressmaker & jeweler and a Pastry shop. The girls wait ever so patienly for the book maker to throw out pages in order for them to make these dresses. They use mushroom paste and slivers of mica to jewel their gowns. Also, the dressmaker and jeweler occasionaly throw out some wonderul scraps to add to their dresses and to embellish their paper gowns. Some days there are lovely pastries left at the end of the day, that the pastry maker gladly shares so that the girls may take all of these treasures and run deep into the forest. In the forest they become as lovely as any princess in the land. They stay for hours and hours putting on plays for the forest creatures & throwing tea parties. There are so many more stories.. But for now, you have a brief introduction...
The other exciting news is that, the girls will be looking for new homes to expand their adventures. They will be going into my shop today along with fauns and mushrooms and paper dress girl paintings.
Here are some snippets...
Permilia (Millie, the tallest of all the girls)
Who has hair to her ankles that I carefully created the most wonderful updo with. Wish my hair looked like that. She has a vintage dictionary page dress embellished with vintage mica flakes and actual vintage jewelry pieces on her dress and hand made crown...
Then there is Faun boy Dulin. He is quite the kind little fellow.
You will also find a mushroom trio and a couple of mushroom pairs...
Another treat is Sweet Matilda (Mattie). She is so funny. Quite mischevious. She comes with three hats. Well, actually one crown and two hats & a bouquet of German vintage mushrooms (attached to her right arm). I made her a wee stand which I will include with her, as she can not stand alone...
She LOVES the crocheted hat I made her. She loves that one the best...
She has a really lovely vintage clasp with two little pearls dangling at her waist... And don't you love her in a dunce cap...
Mattie in her crown...
And then we have Maude. Oh, she is so funny. She has a dry sense of humor. Yet, she secretly loves romance. She carries with her a Lyre (for playing music) and a storybook...
Oh Maude makes me giggle so much..... hee hee
The dresses have a chicken wire base. The girls actually have full bodies, legs and feet. Want a peek?
Oh and we can not forget faun boy Vand... He is a sweetheart too...
Little sister Charlotte, is a darling girl... She will join the shop as well, with her little birdcage (with a teeny tiny bird in it) that I made out of a flattened bottle cap and wire... (she also carries a mushroom with her) I think Charlotte, is a collector of sorts, wouldn't you say?
I have to say, I truly do not understand how people part with their dolls. I know I have to learn to take this plunge. The labor, the time, the love, the time... They are all so dear to me. But, I think others should get to enjoy them as much as I do... Everyone needs a diorama in their own home, and that is what we are all about here at "A Fanciful Twist." Working towards that. There are so many more treats that will join us in the future... Then you can create your very own diorama.
As I promised, I will also be putting some new paper dress girls in the shop. Here is a sneak peek before I head over there to update...
The Mime's Daughters Rehearse...
The Bird Girl, Escapes...
The Siren follows her heart...
And, last for today's update...
An Enchanted Dance...
So, there you have it, I am heading to the shop to add all these new pieces... That is, my "A Fanciful Twist" Etsy Shop... :) See you soooooooon!!! xoxo
Oh goodness, I almost forgot. The darling Denise at Mormar asked me some fun questions... Visit her here... Thanks!!
Oh my goodness Vanessa you have been busy! Those dolls are just exquisite and that beautiful theatre - how do you do it? Seriously, everything is just so divine. Such detail and beauty - *swoon*.
Posted by: shell | January 10, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Absolutely FANTASTIC! A feast for the eyes Miss Vanessa! Each photo was more magical than the last...you are truly an amazingly talented girl!!!!! :-)
Posted by: Nancy | January 10, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Ohhhh, Myyyyy!!!! Your wonderful girls have just lept OFF their canvases into the real world! This creativity is just OOOOZing out!!
I must go back and look at the details again of these lovelies....
x...x!
Posted by: stephanie | January 10, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Ooh, I'm so delighted to meet the girls! And if I ever grow my hair out, I'm coming to YOU to get 'dolled up'! Your theater is divine and I am already hearing vast echoes of delicious applause. You have a wand, I know it! [Oh, Vanessa, I received my print and am now auditioning frames - this could be a very long process!]
Posted by: Toni Brown | January 10, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Oh No, a new Siren. I have to quit looking!
Posted by: denise | January 10, 2008 at 05:16 PM
OH MY GOSH! So that is what you've been doing! Girrrrl, is there nothing you can't do? What amazing dolls! I was waiting for you to say where you bought them!
The mime's daughters are muy bonita! Love those sunglasses LOL! And the long-legged birdcage needs to be in my boudoir! Can't wait to see your comments on this one.
Posted by: phyllis | January 10, 2008 at 05:18 PM
My eyes are popping open in wonder over the DOLLY GOODNESS HERE, what amazing things you've been creating! They are absolutely wonderful, I love their little personalities, their stage, their hair and hats and dresses, everything! You are having the most fun creating! The photos and your descriptions of them bring them to life!
xoxoxoxoxxoxoxo MUAHHHHHH!!!!!
-m
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | January 10, 2008 at 05:34 PM
I think Charlotte is my new BFF! It was hard to choose but she & I have a thing for collecting & a passion for birds :) I am ever in awe of your creativeness !
Posted by: Johanna | January 10, 2008 at 05:56 PM
**sigh** just checked out your shop & my new fickle BFF took up w/someone else! ... off to pout in the corner & dream of what could have been!
Posted by: Johanna | January 10, 2008 at 06:00 PM
So very cute, my dear. Did Lovee ever give you your package?
Posted by: Sarah | January 10, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Wow, Vanessa! You put the rest of us to shame! Your fingers have been flying! Amazing work.
Posted by: Dorian Fletcher | January 10, 2008 at 06:22 PM
EEEEEK! Enchantment overload! I am a smitten-kitten...love them all.
Posted by: Randi | January 10, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Oh my goodness! You have been so busy. Have you slept at all? Those girls are enchanting and that theater is amazing. Every time I've tried to build something it falls apart. Charlotte is my favorite. (You're all pretty girls though)
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | January 10, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Vanessa!! I am always delighted and astonished by the wonderful whimsies you dream up!! I am in love with this BEAUTIFUL theater! What a lovely idea... and such a special place for the tiny princesses and their woodland friends to gather and play. :) Your imagination is truly boundless and a huge inspiration to me!! :)
And the dolls are so pretty and "fanciful"; as are the new paintings!
Have a lovely, creativity-filled weekend!!!
Posted by: Casey | January 10, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Wow. Oh Wow, oh Wow, oh Wow!! This is all amazing, Vanessa. I love that you've listed originals (and that they're being snatched up immediately!)and the new theatre/stage is perfect.
Stunning, really, darling! Stunning.
Posted by: Wende | January 10, 2008 at 08:00 PM
I am absolutely breathless! I am so happy to meet such lovely girls. I have to agree with the other comments, there really is nothing you can't do! I love every little bit of them! The real fun is in the details. What are they made of? Other than book pages. You are either keeping the book section of your local thrift store really empty or gutting your personal book collection! But for what cause! I just can't say enough! And oh the new art! Love it too!
Posted by: michelle fitzgerald | January 10, 2008 at 08:06 PM
I'm speechless! What adorable, beautiful creatures! I want to run off into the forest with them and wear a vintage paper dress sprinkled with mica flakes!! These are absolutely magical, Vanessa! Everything is just eye candy at it's sweetest! Congrats on all of your creations! LOVE them! : )
VB
Posted by: VelvetBrick | January 10, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Love love love the new dolls! They're all so wonderful, and the detail is just amazing. You are fantastic!! I also enjoyed the interview and learned a bit more about you!
Posted by: Janet | January 10, 2008 at 08:57 PM
These dolls are truly amazing! Wow! I can't believe that you actually MADE these! I don't think I would be able to part with them. My favorite is Matilda. I identify with her. She rocks!
You do too!!!
Posted by: Karen Beth | January 10, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Oh my goodness, I am head over heels in love with all the new ladies (your creativity and imagination have me swooning, oohhing and ahhing...!) The first thing I thought when I saw them was, how can you part with such beautiful creatures? must be heart-breaking, but your generosity to share the love is evident, and the lucky recipients of your creations will enjoy them tremendously. And...the theatre, gosh -is there anything you can't do? I WANT THEM ALL :)
Posted by: cruststation | January 11, 2008 at 04:11 AM
wow, wow, wow!!! What a beautiful concept - using the papers for dresses. An Enchanted Dance is my favorite!
Posted by: allyson | January 11, 2008 at 04:45 AM
jesus, im lost for words! only the most perfect post i have ever seen! im in awe! i mean, this is too magical to exist, you shouldnt be allowed to do this to me!
i want one so bad, i want them all!
vanessa i cant speak!
xxx
Posted by: lou | January 11, 2008 at 05:13 AM
oh oh OH! I LOVe your dolls, my Dear!! And those wee mushrooms with such details! And your paper dress paintings, and, and.....it goes on and on, your magic!! :)
And now you've got me worked up into a doll making frenzy....time to go play with clay!!
And I know what you mean about parting with dolls....I used to sell them (my dolls)....but now I don't think I have the heart to....it's hard enough parting with paintings!! ;) I know they are going to loving homes, though....so that makes it a little easier! :)
Posted by: marjorie | January 11, 2008 at 05:25 AM
this little world is fascinating my dear...the girls are wondrous...i love mattie of course...and one day, when i get extra bucks, i will have one of your paper dress girls...i may attempt one of my own in the meantime...i have ideas after your article...you go girl...i am enjoying your journey...one day soon, when you have time,i need to talk to you...blessings and hugs, rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | January 11, 2008 at 05:35 AM
Busy woman... what fun you have been having, and oh so brave of you to agree to share your creations.
Posted by: Natalie | January 11, 2008 at 05:42 AM
I love those dolls my dear it is like your girls in your paintings came to life and stepped right off the canvas and are now performing French Farce for me....I love them.
if only...if only....I could get one someday.
maybe. Maybe someday.
Posted by: stilettoheights | January 11, 2008 at 06:04 AM
All I can do is GASP!!! Someone get me air please!!! Miss V! You have really outdone yourself! You should feel really proud!!!! Just LOVELY!!!
Hugs!
Michelle
Posted by: Mosaic Queen | January 11, 2008 at 07:41 AM
I truly think it is the Crime of the Century that you are not featured in TONS of magazines!
I'm in awe....
Posted by: Joy | January 11, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Your art is amazing. There is no other word for it.
Posted by: saraH | January 11, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Oh what wonder and enchantment! Love your 3-D paper girls and the theater VV!! Just magnificent. Wish I could come to the night time show!
Hi to Mr. Lovee and Keep the magic coming!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | January 11, 2008 at 09:37 AM
ps I think Mattie's my favorite, love her braids! But all the girls are lovely in there special way!!
Posted by: rochambeau | January 11, 2008 at 09:39 AM
You are remarkable!
Christine
Posted by: Christine LeFever | January 11, 2008 at 09:57 AM
I am just giggling with mirth Vanessa because you have the MOST fanciful imagination I have ever come across...the girls are quirky and cute (I don't usually look up girls' dresses!! Hee!) and the faun boys are charming....your 3 a.m. nights have paid off!!! Tra la...they will not be in etsy long...
Posted by: Cherie | January 11, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Vanessa, Vanessa!!!
You have been busy playing!!!
I just love everything so so much, and am heartbroken I missed out on buying sweet Charlotte...but she was meant for someone else..such is life.
Don't stop now, keep going and happy creating! You are an inspiration and a delight!
Posted by: Betzie | January 11, 2008 at 10:09 AM
wow... I just LOVE your ability to create your own world, it's inspiring :)
the girls are amazing, all the little details and bits and pieces that make them up!
and I love the bird girl escapes! the little bits of blue stand out and are just wonderful. I hope that one day we will be able to procure one of your original paper dress girl paintings for our home, it would be well loved.
"Only the children know what they are looking for," said the little prince. "They waste their time over a rag doll and it becomes very important to them; and if anybody takes it away from them, they cry..."
"They are lucky," the switchman said.
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: poetas | January 11, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Vanessa...how do you type screaming?? AHHHHHH! EEEEEEK!! Your dolls are PURE magic!! I'm so in love with them that it's making my heart ache!! You are simply amazing...there are no other words!! xoxoxo...jenn
Posted by: noodle and lou studio | January 11, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Miss Vanessa... what a vision are all your lovely creations! Amazing! I just don't know how you can be so prolific and still do such creative work! Everything is lovely. I can't wait til c gets home from school so that I can show her what you've done! There are not words. You are a genius!
Posted by: tiffany | January 11, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Wow! Lots and lots going on! Loving it all! Bird Girl is now my 2nd Favorite! Love the colors you are using!
Love Erin~
Posted by: Erin Earls | January 11, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Absolutely delightful! I'm just about speechless - I love the dolls, the theater, everything!
Karla
Posted by: Karla | January 11, 2008 at 11:24 AM
How sweet and precious is everything you share.
Love Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | January 11, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Hi Vanessa, ALL the new items are gorgeous!!!
You have been a busy bee! '-)
Best,
Chris
Posted by: Chris Klingler | January 11, 2008 at 01:49 PM
:0 :O : O <- SEE MY MOUTH GAPING WIDE OPEN?!?! Wow fantastic girls (Twisted sisters?)!! I love their eyes and the materials you used? Now I'm going to have to play with all the paper I have sitting around (I've got a couple of trees worth). Now you're the one who's going to be inspiring me to break out of my doll mode. The doll theatre is so fantastic now I want one (trying to control my Veruca Salt tendencies) Congrats Vanessa they really are fun and they definitely are you. I like how they stand..so chicken wire is the key to that..hmm...hehe .Now you've got me thinking about materials...did I already say that..am I still thinking out loud? Ok, I'll stop. Wonderful job Vanessa!!
Posted by: Christine | January 11, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Oh my goodness V!! No wonder the late timestamp on emails...indeed girl! You are nothing short of amazing...these little girls (and faun boy) are just beautiful...and fit in this space perfectly! I love them all...the details are sweet...Oh I just can't gush enough, how wonderful!!
Posted by: sadira | January 11, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Firstly, a little irony, i'm your 44th comment which is my age..ha!
Secondly, I am speechless (long pause).....over your creations, the dolls, faun boy, the paintings, the stage you built....All soooo amazingly beautiful and fanciful....hee!
Thirdly....How do you do it all, what is your secret to doing soooo much in so little time???!
and Fourthly....i was thinking about Mr. Rabbit with no name...have you decided on a name yet?
Posted by: Tricia | January 11, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Another Doll Artist...I am, in good company.
I love the dolls, the mushrooms, the theater, your imagination, energy and fun...I want a theater just like that...can Mr. Lovee come over?
Posted by: Mo'a | January 11, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Darling girl you are absolutely, positively, without a doubt, truly,madly, deeply ENCHANTING! You never cease to weave a magical spell over everything you create! I think our "dolls" need to meet and go on some adventures....oh the tales they'd weave!
Loved the interview too!
XOXOXO
Love, hugs and joy,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa M.S. Oceandreamer | January 11, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Wow, I feel like I've taken a wonderful trip into your enchanted world. This was so amazing and magical. Thanks for the little adventure. Love all of your creations!!!!
Posted by: Debbie Egizio | January 11, 2008 at 08:49 PM
YOU.
fancy pants.
have gone and....
OUTDONE YOURSELF.
200% fabulous.
Posted by: Mary Ann | January 11, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Wonderful!
Evocative!
Magical!
merci
Posted by: paris breakfasts | January 12, 2008 at 12:46 AM
I would love to be inside your head for one day......Magical, delightful, whimsical!
Posted by: Pam Aries | January 12, 2008 at 04:09 AM