A Fanciful Twist

A Perfect day for Tea {hosted by Elves}

Dreamy days ensued this week, with a couple lovely visitors.  All bringing treats and floral magic, in the name of an Achilles' Tendon.  Which by the way is doing better than good.  I'll be done with this soon, I am making fantastic progress!! Thank Goodness, because I am getting all wiggy and restless...  Thank you ever so truly, for all your well wishes!!

What have I been doing with myself?  I have been having tea with elves, and creating new bright treats for my room (that I will share in my shop).  Also, I have been rearranging my furniture over and over (in my head). 

Now, if you are having tea with elves, then perhaps you might have to bring tea with elves to life...

       

                    

She & the elves have found their way into my shop.  And, may I hint that the items found on her walls, will find their way into the shop in 8"x10" size, very soon.

I have been having so much drawing and watching movies time.  And, well, can I tell you something, honestly?  I have not really minded being hurt, because, I have gotten to do really fun things.  Is that wrong?  ;)  I mean, movies, plus clay projects, plus drawing, plus treats and visitors?  It ain't so bad (at all)...  I know, I am a rotten horrible girl :)

One thing that did happen is that, I have this bright urge in my soul.  I have shared before that my original dance with Art was a very bright modern and even abstract one.  So, it never fails that, although I adore vintage and Victorian, Baroque and on and on in those realms...  I do crrrave bright and simple in other parts of my soul...

So, to encompass all my loves, I created some new treats for my walls.  But, then I thought?  Perhaps I should share them with you as well??  They fit 8" x 10" mat or frame openings...

      

      

        

So, I am popping them in the shop as well...  I have framed mine.  Here is a side view...

      

I am obsessed with 11" x 14" mats with an 8" x 10" opening.  They make such a great size for hanging (or leaning).

I will show you a front facing view too, but, there is an annoying glare from my giant skylight....

      

So, that is all on the creative front for now.  The dolls are almost done, and I am working on a few new mixed media paper dress girls....

In real life news, this weekend is the 8th anniversary for me and Mr. Lovee (it is a two day long event).  So, I better be off soon, he is sitting in front of me, asking what I am doing...  Also, he is a leg sargeant, so, he is peddling the ice again...

But, I wanted to show you how our other rose bush is blooming...  And what it is offering us...

      

And, when they open, they are just lovely also...

      

Aren't flowers just the most magical things on the planet?  They constantly astound me...

      

Although, a picky garden can have its appeal too, can't it?

      

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about my half a heart attack!  Yesterday, Mr. Lovee held out his arm so I could hobble out for a tiny walk.  I wanted to see the peaches in their very early stage...

      

When all of a sudden, I felt an odd sensation moving over my feet...  It was a creature that Mr. lovee assures is our friend.  He also assures that if I get bitten, it is not poisonous?  Can anyone confirm this?  Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

      

I was not as horrified as I normally would have been, because this snake has been living in our yard for years.  He pokes his face out every now and then.  But he sure startled this girl...

Oh and Miss Niki!!  Send me your address!!  You won the postcard pack!!

      

You see, she gave our wee elfin his name, Berlini.  Oh all of you had such gooood names!!!  I thought of giving him one endless name...  But then of course, he would have this whole complex in a few years, and spend his entire adult life trying to get over his 42 name, name  :)

Well, I must be off.  I have over extended my weird leg postition on this machine.  Mr. Lovee is rigging up a leg rest for me, so I can make some visits this week!!  I am sorry I have not been very vocal, but I have read all of your comments and e-mails.  They bring out the most delightful overjoyed nutcake, in me!!!

See you soon!!!!  V 

Parties & Postcards (new ones) & Crowns, Oh My!

Helloo, Howdy, Hola, Bonjour, Yasou! Wow, I don't know where that came from...  So it has been a wild and wildless couple of days.  But before I get into that, I need to tell you about a very exciting Swashbuckler Soiree.  Hosted by the ever lovely, hilarious, cheeky, wonderful Donna O'Brien! Hey, we get to wear those ever hip mustaches, don't we??  And bring swords?  Of course, we will need them to cut the massive cakes and such...  It is coming up soon, and I wanted to give you time to prepare for it!! 

      

I plan on being there, untamed hair and all...  In my crown, proclaiming ownership of the world's tallest cupcake...  And, in Donna style of coming clean, I dare say, I mostly roam around the country, in 3 layers of prairie gowns, and wild unruly hair... 

      

Without my beloved 17 layers of mascara per eye.  Everything I own has a bit of paint on it here and there...  And I guess, sometimes, I might even look like a haggette :) But really, noone cares right?  You still like me, don't you? ;)

So with that, I have something else to say...  You see, I feel like such a silly girl, when I whine about my sniffles and my leg, and my cold and and and...  Annnnnd, I sure hope I don't sound like this annoying girl with an uber long list of sniffles and hurts.  As, I am a pretty healthy girl, but lately, I feel like I sound like poor me (which I detest)...  I just don't want to freak you out with my this and that...  I surely don't feel like a poor me at all. 

So, I soooo thank you for the leg love.  But, because some have asked for news on that realm, the facts are that, I did see someone about it, and I did do some semi-serious damage to my Achilles' Tendon.  And, all I can do for now, is keep my leg up, iced, and do a few excersises with my leg.  It is not half as bad as it was the first 2 days.  And, I am doing marvelous hobbling around (but don't tell the sargeant caretaker, Mr.  Lovee, as he wants me to stay put!!).  But, in all seriousness, I am just fine :) (and I have learned not to run down stairs, with three large bags filled with stuff and hands full, while wearing wedges - what a numbskull)

But, just to play it safe, it looks like there won't be much of this around here for a couple of weeks...

         

But, my right leg, wouldn't miss a Swashbuckler Soiree for anything (thank goodness it is happening in bloglandia)!!!  So, we are already trying on outrageous over adorned shoes for the event...

      

Lucky for me, my work doesn't require me to put on tap shoes and open the greatest show on earth every night for throngs of adoring fans (but wouldn't that be fun?).  So, my artwork won't be hindered at all... And, guess what???  I have a new postcard, which has already made it's way to the shop...

The Mime's Daughters Rehearse...

      

And I adooooore the backside.  I was just waiting to hear that this lovely pink was too much!!  But it wasn't, & it worked... Just make sure to use a fine tip Sharpie & you will be sending out the brightest postcard in the entire post office ;)

      

Alsooooo, I finally put a large postcard pack in the shop.  It incorporates 1 of each of my mixed media pieces that are available in postcard form...

      

So, that is fun news...

Oh! And I forgot to tell you that the canvas prints of "The Queen of the Carnivale," and "She dreamed of a faraway place," are also now in the A Fanciful Twist Shop...

      

      

So, that is about all I got for ya for now.  OH wait, I am reminded.  Mr. Lovee wanted me to show you our new child (he actually wanted me to tell you about it ages ago, and I forgot).  My friend Ellyn Powers makes marvelous clay creatures!  And we now own one!  Isn't he adorable???

      

I will tell you what, if one of you comes up with a name for him, for us, we will send you a new 10 Postcard pack!  One of you must know his name???  Tell us, pllllease!!

Weellllllllllll, I guess I must be off... See you soon!! xoxo, V

ps:  I have also been asked a certain question several times, now, and am compelled to share.  It is about how I met Mr. Lovee...  click link below to keep reading... 

Creative Abandon, Dances under a full moon & playing dress-up...(plus a tiny update below)

Have your ever been toodling around, minding your own business...  When all of a sudden, whamo!! A gush of creative passion and inspiration finds you & hits you like lightning?   Dancing all around you, like magic?  It seems like that can cleary be described as a visit from your muse...

      

This sometimes happens to me, when I am listening to my most beloved music.  Music that takes me to places and memories in me...  Or when I am reading a book or watching a film about a great artist...  I just get this course of energy that makes me not able to sit still...

This very thing happened twice last week.  Once while listening to one of my beloveds, Tori Amos. Another time was while flipping through a book...  Of course, with it being about Frida Kahlo, who wouldn't feel the vibes?

      

Growing up in and around Mexico, you find Frida's face to be a fixture in much home decor, and in portraits in people's homes.  I have known of her, just about as long as I can remember.  She has always inspired me.  The whole idea of personal expression and emotions through art, was something I grabbed hold of at a very young age...  Frida epitomizes that...

So, on a warm day last week, while a jolt of art energy hit me, I decided to play a bit.  And you might know how I love hair do's & hair-dress-up play time! :).  (I have shared before, revisiting photo below),

      

And, how can you mix Frida's hair-do with a bit of Victorian flair, and not have fun???

         

Oh and don't forget the jewels and leg color choices & such...  I don't have all my dress up treasures at the country house with me, but we can conjur up a few, I am sure!!  (Although, I have to admit, taking photos of myself is not my favoritest thing in the world)

      

Also, the thing about taking photos of yourself, is that, it is not that easy to do...  Especially, when you have done a very bad thing.  Like lose a major component of the tripod connecting to the camera thingie.  Oops....  Mr. Lovee = not amused. Another thing, I don't know why I always look afraid in my photos...  Do I have a scared girl face all the time?  I wonder if I look afraid in the grocery store, or at Target?

      

Anyhow, back to some fun...  So after major leg and jewel choices, in our not so vast country jewelry box...

      

We hit the studio (crazy over ribboned head and all)....

      

I just love studio time.  Hidden in my little studio (not to be confused with the gallery/shop), which I do keep private in real life, and can really only be seen on my blog...  I love getting into the moment, and I loooove paintbrushes...  They are such a crucial component of a good work of art, they make such a huge difference...

      

Anyhow, while dress up was goin' on, my attention started to creep away from the paint.  I was being beckoned to go play outside wearing 5 layers of gowns and ruffles.  I just had to oblige ;)

Of course, when I arrived outside, the whole mad afternoon and evening made perfect sense...  There was a full moon!

      

Why, it was time for a postcard event & a dance under the full moon, in billowing layers!!  Mr. Tree makes a perrrfect dance partner...

      

I think we all need to break free sometimes, and play dress up!  Act nutty and dance and sing and have a grand ole time!  No matter what age we might be... 

      

      

Whooopsie, I am getting a little vertigo hopping around the tree...

      

I think perhaps I shall write this blog post from here...

      

Well, what should we say?  Was it a ball?  Did you get to play?  Although, I think it is time for me to run...  Perhaps I have overdone, the loads of fun?

      

I must collect all my things, and be off...  Next time, you must play dress up with me...

      

Back to the studio in Frida jewels we go...  Seems, I just can't get enough of playing dress up...

      

      

See you sooooon!! xo, V  (A shop update is coming very soon!!  And this time, I promise to announce the update a couple days ahead of time!!  ;)

What was I up to last week?  Here is a peek at what is coming (I think they are cross with me for showing them without their lovely hair and dresses ;)

      

Update on the PS (below):  Thank you!!!  With your encouragement, I have decided to see someone about it tomorrow (working on that).  It hurts less sharp today than yesterday, but still can't put the heel down...   

(ps:  I have a question.  This morning, I was going down the stairs outside carrying heavy stuff, and I heard a strange pop in my leg between the back of my knee and the back of my ankle.  I have had my leg up all day (with an ice pack and belladonna and arnica) and still, it is not getting any better.  If I try to put my heel on the ground, it is excruciating...  Has anyone experienced this out there?  I will take any tips you have for me???)

Little Pleasures...

Thank you so much for all the Achooo Love!!!  I am feeling so much better.  I am still slightly recovering though, as I am still a bit wilty off and on...  But, truly!  How can anyone not feel better when nature is offering up these treasures in our garden? 

      

I am stunned at the beautiful flowers that grow in our very humble garden.  They bring me such peace and love.  I know, so sappy, but true!!  When I first found my way to the country home 8 years ago (Mr. Lovee had been here years before me), I used to collect buckets & baskets of roses, and make paths with their petals, all over the yard...  I used to make an especially full path of roses to our tree hanging bench in the yard...

I decided to run to my little diary I have kept for many years...  Since 2nd grade actually (not the same one of course :) And found this photo I took the first day Mr. Lovee put up this swing in our yard for me... And I painted it...  This is where I used to sprinkle hundreds of flower petals... (sadly that paint is gone, and now it looks different, but still lovely to us) 

        

As for the pink roses above.  These roses are 3 & 4 days old.  I love when the pink roses get browned edges...  We have a bush that puts out these pink cake like roses, that has a trunk like a tree.  There is also a giant bush that graces us with big nectarine colored roses, also with a giant trunk.  I am sure they were here for many years before we set foot.  The previous owners gave us such a huge gift (including fruit and nut trees).  I wonder if they miss their roses?

I also wonder if they would have ever guessed that their gardening/canning house would have another purpose.  Like a wee gallery/shop for me :)  Oh, and what is that I see?  A package on the front stoop? (you can always click on any photo to enlarge) 

      

My little space here (before it was my little space), used to have ceilings caving in, and was stuffed with hundreds of vintage frames (I love finding treasures like that).  Then Mr. Lovee agreed on my idea for a gallery/shop and voila.  6 years ago we put a new roof & ceiling in it, fixed wall damages, painted and just like that, I had a place to hang my work for Artist studio tours & private visits (that way I can have this little gallery/shop and keep my actual studio private, and have this other space to share with guests).  I just love charming. I don't need fancy or outrageous.  Charming works just beautifully for me...  And I do believe, with just a little love, anything can become charming...

As for that package there...  You can imagine my surprise, when I saw this lovely package waiting for me, with bits of vintage book pages on the box, here and there...

      

And a few magical words warning of the treasure I might find...

      

I knew who it was from right away, and I let out a true swoon!  The wonderful and talented artiste herself! Maker of magical treasures... Miss Sandra Evertson!! 

And I warn,  there is true magic in her fingertips.  Where else on earth would one find, flowers with wee faces...  Voices, born from the center of a tender flower...  Why, from Sandra Evertson, of course ;)

      

Now look closely at this treasure and you shall see...

      

Can you hear them?  Calling your name?  Whispering secrets...

      

      

And if you hide behind a wee white branch, you just might hear the little voices, chirping away...

      

Now, isn't that a lovely treasure to find waiting for you?  Thank you Miss Sandra!!  I just looove them!!

So, how'dya like them apples?  Here we were sitting over breakfast, contemplating how to amuse ourselves...

      

When all along, the day had its own plans for us... Ahh, how I love those wee little faces looking up at me...  Seems part of my life's path is to give a home to wee faces, doesn't it?  A lovely thing... I am tickled!

      

So, here is my simple little pleasure offering to you...

    

For being so extra lovely and nice to me...

      

Little pleasures, cut from my garden....

      

And, if you ever get to roam this strange land, be sure to wait for that perfect moment...  When you just might find a full grown pirate, swinging like a mad man from a tree swing...

          

We once invented a song, on that swing, that had some lyrics that sorta went like this... "And, when you are feeling, sad and blue, and life gets you down, and feels real cruel...  Remember I'll meet you here, because, One hundred and fifty percent happiness, comes from swinginnnnnnnnnnnng..."

Oh and, if you ever find an old shopping cart (mine was a bit topsy turvy and had a hard time standing up until we rigged it), it is perrrrfect for growing things you don't want the rabbits to get.  I gave it burlap bottoms and sides, and I grow lots of herbs in it...

Well, with that, I must bid adieu, until next time...  As, my paint beckons...

      

Life is lovely, embrace the tiny little things.  They make all the difference!!  See you soon, xoxo, V

This & That... {achoo, achoooooooo}

How did this happen, she mumbled, forgetting that a giant tablespoon of cold medicine way trying to be poured into her mouth...  Red stickiness poured instead, down her pink beautiful vintagey nightgown.  She sat at the edge of her bed, her sobs now ridiculous.  A Mr. Lovee held out a paper towel and ran for a damp one...  he giggled...  She cried louder... She sat, totally congested, one swollen right eye, a very clogged left ear & utterly raw nose and lips... She stammered madly, "Why are you laughing, this is nooooot funnny!"

      

He returned and shaking his head in a genuine manner whispered, "You are right Dovee, this is not funny at all, you look terrible, just terrible..."  Oh, great she thought...  He stated he was going to the store to buy fruit and veggies and juice and other lovely things...  She said okay, and sulked deep under the covers...

Truthfully, I do not know how it happened.  I can't tell if I have a cold or outrageous allergies.  I had allergy shots (4 of them) twice a week my entire life.  I have not suffered from allergies in 10 years... And now, I think I am.  You see, both Zyrtec and Nyquil "are" working...  So, what is it, a cold or allergies?  Or both?  Any ideas?

So, in the story of this weekend, there I was Friday, minding my own business.  I just wanted to sit at my drawing table and finish some new drawings.  I had had enough.  My stomach was a tax anxiety pit (paperwork makes me insane).  And, my real job kept me really busy all week (and complicates my taxes).  I rented a stack of movies (I do have netflix but I needed movies sooner).  And went to drawing, while Sweeney Todd sang his way through a mad spree...

      

And then the sneezes and such started to creep in...  So I crawled back into bed...  Then on Saturday, while under layers of covers, Mr. Lovee scared me by saying, "someone is here to see you..."  Eek, who?  Noone visits unnanounced... Who could it be...  And, it was my sissy (my sister)!!  The Bobbypin Bandit herself!  She was in the neighborhood (strange, but she was at some meeting thing in the middle of nowhere)?  How fun!  She jumped into my bed, in her fancy dress.  Aren't sisters so special?  I mean, yes they can be annoying when you are gowing up...  But if you grow up to actually like them, they can be a special wonderfulness...

I was feeling better with her visit and wanted to show her 10,000 things...  It is so funny, everyone who visits immediately wants to go on their own little voyage around our crazy property (out of control property).  We have a nook of vintage metal sheds filled with who knows what...  But, where they are located, is so fun, it looks like a chicken house area...  Then there is the sanctuary and such... So before I could show her too much, she was off...

There she goes, passing through the two towering prickly pear...

      

Of course, the lovely Grinch soon turned up, and so did our baby,after her bath and dirt dry off...

      

My sister and I were then off... I spotted some beautiful little daisy type flowers growing near one of the metal sheds... I took a photo, and then I noticed my OUTRAGEOUS shadow!!!

      

I was soooo amused, I just couldn't get enough...  My shadow was becoming its very own character...

      

You see, my hair was in this enormous bun on the top of my head... And, I was wearing cat ears to hold my hair back :)  it actually looked something like this, but it sure made a fun shadow, heee!

      

Sorry, I just can't show my awful cold ridden face...  Anyhow, we continued our little stroll around the yard, and found ourselves at the most precious site of a stump...

      

Isn't it so adorable?  I could sit by it all day.  If only a little gnome would be leaning aganist it, resting...  I would love to encounter such a sight...

We then came upon a much awaited happening...  A cactus blooming....

      

So we all stood and enjoyed it...  Our pet Ostrich, The Lovee Grinch & some version of moi...

      

My guest soon had to leave...  So I gifted her a vintage orange cape, which she promptly put on, as she went on her way...

             

I was feeling fantastic, so I sat back down to draw and work on some new prints for the shop (as well as some dancers for new mixed-media paintings)...

      

But, I got worse.  Yes, worse in the cold department... So, I had to go back to the sneezing bed... I took all of the comments left on the Tiny Tea Party post with me to read them yet again...  They are sooo gooood!!!  (I know I am so behind, soooooory)...

I have to tell you, as I sat there reading them, loving them more each time, and making more notes...

      

I had a wild idea.  The different outfits, and so many of you who joined in, just touched me so profoundly...  In your amazing Tea party attire, you inspired me, and I thought....

      

What if I slowly worked on each one, bringing them all to life?  And made a little book of sorts with them???  All my drawings using your descriptions?  Wouldn't that be fun?  Then I could complie them in a little book... And perhaps offer the book for sale in my shop?  Annnnnd, some of the proceeds could go to charity?  And those who shared an outfit would be named with their blogs???  What do you think??  Is it too complicated?  I am totally up for it...  As, I think everyone had such wonderful ideas...  But, it could take a while... Please share your thoughts...

For now, I must go back to my sick bed, before Monday comes with many many things to do...  Achoooooooooo...  I will put on a giant Bakelite Cameo for a photo, but me an my kleenex still refuse to show our faces :)

      

I know, you tell me not to apologize for scarcity...  But, I have been peeking around alot.. At what you are up to...  I will make a proper stop & heloooo soon!! 

I did finish a couple of those drawings I was working on...  I actually made myself my own copies to frame.. Which I rarely do...

      

The pigment ink prints on canvas are just so lovely and rich in color...

      

You can tell, we will have a new snail girl soon...  And perhaps a new bird girl...  You know, my first drawings I ever shared here 2 years ago or so, were Ostrich girls and bird girls...  And, they are wanting to visit again... 

So, in my little shop you can find the following prints...

When Fairytales come to life (8" x 8" On canvas).  I love the idea of tucking into a giant tea cup in the woods, while fairytale characters seep out of a storybook...

      

And, "Firefly magic, an evening she long awaited..." (8" x 10" on canvas)

      

I try to make all my prints fit well in an 8"x10" or 8"x8" mat or frame opening...  But, if a person wanted an 11" x 14" or 12" x 12" upgrade on canvas, I can do that.  It just costs a little bit more... So, if you are interested in prints and want to upgrade your size, feel free to e-mail me at VanessaValencia@aol.com

Off I go!!!   Happy beginning of a new week!! xoxo

My Little World...

After a long run of cuckooooo frenzy, we all need a little time to hide in our favorite place.  My room at the country house, from the day it was built, has been a magic haven for me.  It makes me utterly happy, and it makes me feel like I am in a safe little cocoon where nothing can get me... (you know like goblins and such...)

The last two days I have really enjoyed the weather and my space.  It was overcast and breezy and just perfect for a party with some of my friend's children & my favorite tea cup (for 6 years now, I hope I never break it)...

      

I was also, on this funny wave of the little things that are so blissful.  The little things that bring love into my life.  So, I thought I might share a few...  And maybe you can share a few here, or on your blog too?  And let me know?  The little things in your private space, that bring you bliss?

      

The first thing is getting to have time for a tea party.  I know, we probably over do the idea here, but c'mon, can you really over do a tea party?  Some people have high tea every day...

      

Well, either way, I had to have a little welcome tea party for my friend's creatures, whom are now mine.  You see, when you receive a package from Marmee (her bear is to the left, drawing/painting in pink/red is behind the bear)  you must be prepared for smiles bouncing off of walls.  My dear friend Marjorie, who I call Marmee and Marrrrmmmseee, most of the time (which must make a proper Victorian loveliness, like herself,  crrrazy) sent me the most delightful treats.  I could never thank her enough.  So, what better way, than to have a party?

Of course, the sweet and shy bunny had to be invited.  You see, he was in my friend Shell's show, and I swooooned over him soooo much, that, well, one day, a package from the other side of the earth shows up at my doorstep, and lo and behold...  Bunny.  He is on the right and he has ears that cover his eyes, so when he feels shy, or gets bored and wants to sleep, voila, the perfect ears do the trick.  I loooove him.  He is such a joy!! Fannk yoooo Miss Shell!!!

      

And of course, we can not have a party without Pigeon.  Pigeon is a wee Owl who has lived with us for over a year.  I purchased Owl right out of my friend Sarah's delightful shop.  Sarah is a riot, and so real and practical!!  I adore her.  She is such an amazing sewer and maker!!! (and she puts up with my wacky chats :)

So, what do we do after a tea party?  First we must relax a little, and let the sugar subside a bit.  And while doing so, I got into that whole idea of things that I love in my wee world...  Some things you have seen before...  But, I just had to share little things that fill my heart...

Although I have a love-hate relationship with Anais Nin, I looooove this painting of her.  Well, let me say, when I purchased it, it did not say it was of her...  But, to me, it is her.  Anais, on my wall... Perhaps it was her decked out in a "go as your own madness" masquerade...

      

Either way, I feel so cozy with her looking over me... in a little nook by my bedside..

      

As most of you know, that is a Magic Jelly  piece in the frame.  Also, hanging on my lamp is a Mary Contrary piece.  Looove her work, she is so sweet! And on the wall, to the left, you can catch a wee glimpse of a piece from my beloved John Derian collection.  Wait, soory, I don't know how this turned into the things "I have."  But, I guess, I just want to give credit to the artists who's work makes me happy...

So, one of the other things I adore and love the most, is when the sun starts to go down, and casts a blue glow over everything...

      

I just adooore that time of the day.  And, I love when I happen to be in my room in the country at that time...  And, I actually sit back and enjoy it... I love opening the curtains, and letting the blue pour in...

      

That is what happened yesterday.  I got to have a little cozy time, and sit and draw and enjoy the blue light, and curl up, and be at peace...

      

And while I am all cozy, I just loooove looking in my mirror, which is right across from my bed, and getting little glimpses of my dollhouse... And, hoping to see some activity in there....  Just hoping...

      

And after a lovely nights sleep, I always wake up to the most comforting feeling ever since...   

      

You see, late last year, I put my old mantle over my bed as a headboard...  And, I have to say...  You know when you love something, for me it is architectural salvage and such.  I love to see the old paint peeling off of things, and revealing another color below.  But, when you love something like that, and you own a piece you adore, we usually don't get to enjoy the details as much as we would like, right?  Well, putting my mantle over my head, and waking up to it hovering above me every morning brings major bliss to me.  I just love the peeling cracking, paint peeking through.  I get to enjoy it to the fullest...

        

It takes me to another place.  Almost like I get to wake up in another time...  In my room in the country, where you open the door and you find dirt, and bunnies, and quail, and old paths...  and the edges of your skirts get tarnished, and your mantle headboard, holds old stories...  That is life here to me, surrounded by things that make me happy...

      

But besides that I have silly loves...  Like I love that my Valentine's day balloon is still hanging on for dear life, dancing around my room...

      

And I just love dangling piles of trinkets and such... 

      

And I love staring at the girl blowing bubbles from a bird bath (John Derian)...

         

But most of all...  I love being able to have days to enjoy these quirky little things...  Which are so necessary for refueling the soul...

What are your little blissful loves...  Fanciful treasures and simple delights??

ps: Oh oh, I almost forgot, I had to tell someone this...  So, I loooove my new surprise pink rug too...   I got it by washing it with a red towel and fuschia cotton pants...  Heeeee... The little accidental joys.... (yes, I know that red things bleed, but I didn't think this old red towel and old pants would create this wonderful color, I love it!!)

      

pps:  I have not forgotten the Tiny Tea Party winner, I promise.  I have chosen a potential winner, and am working a little bit on the actual pencil drawing before I know... Trust me, it was soooo hard to choose, and still, I sit with the descriptions and go back and forth....  Thank you for being patient!!  xxoo, see you soon!!

I'm Back {with art too}

Hi!  Oh how I missed you all!  I am serious when I say that too!  So, the secret was... I had an art show.  I told a few artist friends about it, and they submitted their pieces to be juried into the show.  Thankfully, they all got in.  So, it was me and 3 artist friends (me in my gallery, them in tents).  The show was the twice a year artists studio tour.  There are about 16 locations with a few artists at each.  I happen to be one of the locations.

So, with that, we had to stop eating jelly beans and get ready for the show, like Pronto!  I had to do my girl's hair, dust...

      

And, work like a mad woman to produce a few new pieces for the show.  That is why I was a bit hush about it.  I had no idea if I was going to pull it off with grace or be in my knickers while people showed up.  All the postcards didn't arrive until 5:45 p.m. on Friday.  The show was on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5p.m.

      

It was madness as usual.  However, shows are funny little things.  First of all, you never know what kind of a show you are going to have.  Strange, wonderful, raw, magical...  You can hope for the best, and then whamo, nothing like you expected.  After much thought about this show, and much talk with my lovely friend, I have decided that this show was a combination of weird and wonderful :)  I don't know how to describe it any better.

        

I guess, it can be really emotional, opening your private little humble place to the real world.  But, I have to say, there was this one lady...  I will never forget her as long as I live.  She was wearing big star shaped earrings, and she was about 80 years old.  She was dressed very hip, and she stayed for a long time.  Looking up at each piece, and whispering lovely things to her husband who seemed just as interested in my work as she was.  She then gets ready to leave, and points at me with her right thumb and pointer finger, and says, "the world needs more people like you, because it can be a very dark place..." She then made this little sound, like clicking her teeth, and says "good job."  I just loved that.  It made the whole show for me...

Anyhow, the whole thing is over (until the next show in fall), and I can get back to my studio and back to here!!  Where it seems you guys had a ball without me!  Hee hee.  Oh, your comments on my cards made me feel welcome back home (home as in blogland home).  Annnnd, I will say, those cards were a hit all weekend.  I had to keep running inside to make more packages.  Good thing I ordered a ton of them...

Before I get to the drawing details, I wanted to tell you...  I will be putting a few new pieces from my show,  in my shop.  I am so in love with these pieces.  It is funny, the bonds we form with our creations.  You know, on Thursday, I felt sick pangs in my belly of sadness for missing the dolls who found new homes :)  I told Mr. Lovee, I am actually sad.  And, I guess I must have made a pitiful face because his eyes got all watery too, as I told him stories I had heard about the dolls and their new homes...

Anyhow, here are some of the new pieces that I will be putting in the shop...

The Queen of the Carnivale (I know, I am obsessed with the old fashioned carnivale, but who isn't? 20" x 20")

      

Wouldn't you just love to hear her voice??

      

I hear she can speak in a bird language.  Can you imagine?  She opens her mouth and speaks to birds in perfect chirps and song?

      

I don't think she would be willing to part with her head dress, but I sure would love one for myself (vintage mica flakes in the clouds)...

      

Our next girl, is so romantic and soooooo, umm, what is the word...  So dramatic and passionate about her feelings.  She has these dreams of a far away place...  An escape, a world she longs for...

"She dreamed of a far away place..." (18" x 24")

      

       

The background is a piece paper I purchased at a papier shoppe inTaos 4 years ago.  It has a map of Paris on it.  And the circles are vintage postcards I had from Rome.  The sparkles on her vintage dictionary page dress, are from my most beloved champagne colored vintage mica flakes...

      

      

The one below does not have a proper title yet, but for some reason, it felt like the male figure, was recalling a profound moment in his life.  One where he was entangled in his deep feelings of love and this overwhelming memory he had, or perhaps even a dream of a dance long ago...  (12" x 40")

                         

The figures, as in most of my work, are first drawn in pencil on cardstock, and then cut out.  I then prepare my canvas with all the layers, after which I glue on the figures, and then paint them and add paper dresses to the girls.  The hot air balloons in this piece were collaged on from a large sheet of Italian hot-air balloon paper...

      

      

      

So there you have it.  A few new pieces I will put in the shop this evening...

Okay, are you ready for the postcard set recipients??  By way of the random number generator we have 6  :)  Instead of 3.  I know, I am sooo tricky...  Make sure you e-mail me your addresses as soon as possible :)  Drum rolllllll.......(if you didn't have a link and you won, I e-mailed you...)

Janet, Beth, Polly, Nicole, Bari & Pam at, Little town big life...

Sooo!  That was way fun, wasn't it???  Okay, I am off to pop these new pieces in my shop!  See you all very soon!!!

ps:  I have been trying to post this for 4 hours and typepad was giving me major issues.  Anyone else with that problem?

         

Sneaking in...

Hi there!!  I am just sneaking in for a little hello and to share some new treats with you!!  You see, I have a huge event this weekend, and I am having some ladies over Saturday and Sunday...  So I am running around like a madwoman, trying to get everything done.  But, I really wanted to pop in and share these with you, and see what you think??? (little update below)

They are a few new postcards for my shop.  Now, there are two others that I won't share because the dye lots came in just atrocious and they are being re-made... But for now, we have.... (oh and these are nice thick satin postcards)

Miss Fungi Fairytale Girl (otherwise known as "She dreamed herself a Fungi Garden").

Front

      

Backside

       

I can't wait to send some of these out.  I am going to choose a name at random from this post and send a little postcard sampler to that person.  So, don't forget to leave a comment...

The next postcard is of "Reverie."  But since she was so square in shape, I decided to make a fun background for her, and float her in the middle.  I am delighted with her...(can you tell the black border has music notes in it? tricky ;)

Front

      

Backside