Somerset Workshop & Fanciful Twists

I have a tale I have been itching to share for so long.  A tale about one of the largest projects I have ever worked on.  A project super dear to my heart, that I managed to pull off during a time that I was spinning in all sorts of life madness.  A project whose pieces are now available to find homes too...

Come on in, and I will share this lil' story...

An art tale of sorts.

 

You see, this was the type of project that you lose yourself in the busyness of, and work load of.  But then afterwards you say, I am sooooo glad I jumped into that head first.

 

I think I will start from the end of my story, and work my way to the beginning of this Somerset Workshop adventure tale....

 

You see, it is this very Flower Song girl, who found her way to the cover of Somerset Workshop, and surprised the bloomers off me, with joy.

 

You might recall the towers of packages I shared in April 2010? 

They were shipped off to California, where art dreams are made into reality at Stampington & Company.

 

The lovely editor I worked with is named Jennifer Jackson (she is wonderful).  I was contacted by her in Spring of 2010, and asked to be a part of Somerset Workshop.  Her note was followed by a list of what they would need from me, and a time frame.  Gulp gulp.

I can do this, I thought.

Gulp.

 

15 pieces of art, 4 stepped out Projects (and by that I mean each step, stepped out, to the tune of several canvases per project and several dolls per project) and articles. 

And, every supply and bit and bob I used to create the pieces, was to be shipped to California.  Where the magicians would take photos and put the whole thing together, without me even being there.  Magic? I think so :)

I said yes.

 

After I said yes, I sat in the darkness, and played two hours of invented tunes on my piano, sort of beckoning enchanted characters, to come and find me.

As I recall, it was on that very night, whilst playing my piano, that the girls appeared...

 

The first sketch that found her way to me, on her way to becoming a paper dress girl was -

Bright Star of Love...

 

I had found a piece of music, Violin.

I don't know about you, but violin moves me tremendously.

I could hear the violin strings...

As she came to life...

 

Spring and early summer, was a busy time, creating and writing.

I had a party...

In a painting that is ;) 

With giant mushrooms and colorful flag banners, and oodles of mica flakes and candy colored sparkles...

Then there was a Little Gypsy, with her blue bird and blue shoes, who stopped in for a visit.

Was she secretly a bird too? 

She danced through old French letters, and glowing orbs of silver sparkles... 

The gypsy girl...

 

In her intriguingly plum world...

Then I had a visit from a the Dream Keeper.

Keeping time, and secrets from our deepest dreams...

She has sisters too... 

 

But first I must share about the tea party.  You know, those kind of parties that are pink and teal, and hosted by Super Bake Girls©...

Cupcake infused :) 

The fairies were invited, as per regular tea party custom...

A sparkly fairy... 

And her Fairy Dance... 

Violet, with her shiny brown hair, keeps dreams too...

Perhaps she is keeping a dream for you, the one your tried to remember, but then forgot :)

Maybe it was the dream about the billowing gown you wore, and the stars dancing all around? 

Where pink skies and golden clouds, keep you from touching the ground... 

I think, this is where I'd like to be right now :) 

Then again, Tea for One is something I enjoy too, don't you? 

A teeny gal, in a pretty dress, baked a cake just for herself, to celebrate a pretty little everyday. 

Oh, and I must introduce you to Magnolia.

She keeps dreams as well, and sometimes, she brings treasures back with her from dream world.  Like mushrooms and golden bees.... 

I can't tell you, how delighted I am to finally be telling you this tale.  Many of you know the laundry list of things that turned up every time I wanted to share my exciting story.

It's like, I would open my mouth to talk, and the universe would say, hold on to that thought... :)

 

What is it that they say?

Patience is a virtue.

I have more patience in me than I ever knew.  I always thought I was impatient.  But it turns out, I am a bit the opposite.  Funny, the things you find out about yourself, when the ballerinas come to visit...

Calm and peace in...

Love's Confession.

 

With a wooden filigree accent, and golden paint here and there...

I love that there is sparkle on her lip, that you can't really see in person, unless the light is shining just right.... 

This piece takes me to such lovely places... 

I'd quite like a giant birdling too, how about you?

Have you ever been outside, late at night, when there is a full moon, and the weather is just right? 

 

Where you look up at the stars, and you want to drink them in...

To memorize the moment?

Do you ever tilt your head back, and feel the beautiful breeze, under the moonlight... 

And almost, feel like you are floating?

That is what I was feeling, when I painted

Dream Upon the Midnight Song... 

Around the same time, I was looking through my vintage music books.  Some are so old that the pages crumbled as you turn them.

I came upon the title of a piece of music called -

The Dream After the Ball... 

I thought about, how the color of an old ballroom by night, is champagne toned...

Where the dance is almost a character itself, as golden candle lights flicker.

And how, as the night comes to an end, a flutter still dances around you...

Especially if the night was wonderful.

Creating... 

~ The Dream After the Ball ~

And so, that is the tale of my journey with these art pieces.

I send a hearty thank you, to Jennifer Jackson, and everyone over at Stampington, for the endless days and hours they spend, making art dreams come to life ;)  And, for the 7 HUGE boxes it took to get my work back to me, which were packaged beyond professionally. Many Many thank yous!

By the way, all of the pieces in this post, that were featured in Somerset Workshop 2010, are looking for homes.

I have been working on photographing and listing them in my shop, and they are now available.

Any piece that you do not see in my shop, has sold.  However, per my little protocol, I will offer archival canvas prints of them, shortly after they sell.

 

Now I need some fresh air and coffee, or perhaps a cup of Lady Grey?  Oh yes, that sounds yumm ;)

 

 ,V

 

ps:  Holiday goodies are around the corner.

Comments

[Lisa]

Congratulations, Miss V, on conquering such an enormous undertaking with such panache. When I saw the issue the other day I mini-gasped and exclaimed (in my head - I was in public), "Hey, I recognize that work - Yay for Vanessa!" The spread looks so great. Again, congrats to you!

[mermaiden]

what an amazingly artful, dream-and-fanciful journey.
how incredible for you :D

[Keisha - Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams]

Miss Vanessa, you are truly gifted and magnificent. Each one of these pieces are absolutely gorgeous and DREAMY! I love them all! YOU GO GIRL!

[Krista Komis]

Congratulations!! You truly deserve it. You are an incredible artist, to your very soul, so creative and your work is so beautiful. I am so glad your work was printed in Somerset Workshop, it's so wonderful to be able to reach so many people <3

Yay!!! :)

[ravenmoonmagic]

yes i remember that post with the black and white photo of a stack of parcels.

what wonderful ladies who look delighted to have been created by you.

what a huge amount of work!!!
your so talented Miss V, the beauty you create is such a reflection of the beauty that is laying within you.

Love your work and so happy to have found you

xxx
sheree

[Anna]

I am just swooning from all the magic dripping from all your pieces! What a ginormous task. You are simply amazing. Now I must run out to find that copy of Somerset Workshop so I can drool over the pages instead of my keyboard :)

[Lucinda Keller]

Wow!!! Congratulations! But, I mean, of COURSE!!!
I LOVE these whimsical dancers ... such incredible energy come out of them ... they make me happy just looking at them!
Blessings and light to you my dear!

[Misha/DawaiOser]

They are all beautiful but the *Gypsy Girl* speaks to me - she's especially lovely. Congratulations on another fine professional and inspiring artistic accomplishment. <3

[Tracy Martinez]

I remember that post with all the boxes. So wonderful to hear the rest of the story.
CONGRATS TO YOU!!!! They are all lovely works and I'm so excited for you. Can't wait to see the magazine and your beautiful items on the pages.
Take Care,
Tracy M.

[Christy]

Congratulations Vanessa! Your creations are super amazing!!

[bettyann]

Oh Vanessa my heart sings for you...fab art, fab images and fab creatures of your imagination...thank you for sharing your good news...this post has made my day...thank you..

[My Blessed Serendipity Life]

Wonderful wonderful! So happy for you!

-Danielle

[Maria-Thérèse]

oh WOW!

and also: hmm. I'd never be this generous and inspire people to do something similar to my work! I'd be like... make your own darn art! ;) - even if two people can never ever create the same thing.

[A Fanciful Twist]

Maria Therese, it was a terribly difficult decision to make, so I see your
point :) I dont agree with people copying either, but I do think creative
people should try all different kinds of techniques in order to find their own
voice. And I hope, that that is what they get from this ;)

[Laura S.]

Breathtaking! You're so talented!

[Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions]

These are all beautiful, Vanessa! What a lot of work this must have been, but everything turned out just beautifully.

[Cori G.]

Dearest Vanessa, there are no words to describe the beauty of the world that you live in and create.
Much love to you most Fanciful One.

[Janet]

I am awestruck, I love, love, love your beautiful ballerinas! You must have the most wonderful dreams and then lovingly bring them to life.

[karen cox]

Congratulations Vanessa. Your work is stunning, I love the dancing ladies and dolls the best of all your work. Time well spent, and I can't wait to see the magazine. I think those canvases are your creative spirit dancing right off those canvases into our lives inspiring all of us.

Karen

[Renee]

Congratulations on the wonderful article and the beautiful work. Thank you for sharing the How To with us. I loved your art the first time I saw them in an issue. I never thought about how much work went into making one of those spreads.

The ballerinas are so beautiful. The little dolls are so creative. Love them.

I have that issue as I am addicted to all things Stampington. I love their books and have many issues. The first of the month will always find me in the bookstore. I would have bought that issue simply for the beauty on the cover.

Congrats again.

[Jaime aka artsyfartsyme]

Wow o wow! You are so truly creative beyond words. And so deserving of the cover and feature of the magazine... Congratulations Vanessa, well done.

[urban craft]

wow, brilliantly wonderous work!
Each one just draws you in.

[Teresa in California]

Sigh...I wish I could own all of your beautiful pieces of ethereal artwork...
But I do have Somerset Workshop Volume 7
and I guess I can dream away...
You must have spent hours and hours planning painting, sculpting, and sending these beauties to Stampington.
I am almost speechless, at your astoundingly, whimsical and fanciful designs. Thank you for sharing them for all of us to see.
It seems I am too late for some of the sculptured dollies...if they were in your shop...I must have missed them.
Cheers!
Miss Teresa
I saw your post here after I emailed you!

[Julie Savvyjul]

Wow Vanessa WOW!!!
You are simply amazing and super talented congratulations, you deserve every little drop of it! :-)

[deborah]

Holy Moly!!! **head spins and pops off**
Ms. V!!! How prolific thou art! This calls for endless exclamation points. I need something better than an exclamation point. I need more superlatives and adjectives. All this magic whilst you were gardening??? And pumpkining? Oh my. I am in love love love. Oh my oh my. BIG note on my desk: BARNES AND NOBLE-GET VANESSA ISSUE!*!*!* All of my hats are off to you. Knee bends in a gracious ballerina bow to The Magical One, Queen of the Royal Gypsies, the one who makes my heart quiver! **blows kisses** Deb

[Laura]

I'll be running right to the big b&n to look for a copy of the mag when I go out today! Super Duper Congratulations to you, Miss Vanessa! You certainly deserve to have your work celebrated!
blessings
~*~
xoxo

[Tara Bradford]

So much beauty - am captivated by the Bright Star of Love. Thrilled to see your amazing talent showcased in yet another lovely magazine. Congratulations! Lots of love to you, dearest V. xoxox

[cameron reutzel]

Oh Wow!!! How super, wonderfully, fantastically, magically Thrilling!!!!

I'm so excited for you and so awe-struck by these incredible girls....pure dreaminess on
Earth!!!

It's artists like you, Dear Vanessa, that help those magazines do so well, y'know! ;)

[Tara Bradford]

Well you knew I couldn't resist. Bright Star of Love is coming to Paris, then Amsterdam. Emailing you. Merci, merci, merci, ma petit gateau de noix. :) xoxox

[Catalina]

Congratulations! SO beautiful work! dreamy

[Miss Lori]

The girls are gorgeous! And of course Miss Miranda here has seen them and plans to save her allowance for another picture, to go with the one she already bought! Your blog helps to keep me smiling!

[JO]

Oh Vanessa ... your work is so gorgeous... I cant say enough about it... Congratulations !!!! for a well deserved article in such a prestigious magazine... !!!
One day I shall own an Vanessa Valencia original... I admire your amazing talent... you are my inspiration to work harder and follow my dream !!

HUGS MY FRIEND ... Jo

[Mandy Saile of Bijou's Whimsy]

Your dancers are spectacular Vanessa, wow....congrats on the feature, what a huge job and a huge oppourtunity.

[Theresa]

Dear Vanessa, I send you oodles upon oodles of congratulations. Of course, I'd had the issue for a few weeks and knew about it upon spying your lovely work in an advertisement! :) But it is still so magical to see your work here - on your blog. Thank you for sharing all your hard work and beautiful creations with us! I love everything - and I think its wonderful that you have shared your vision with us. xoxo Theresa

[Jennifer]

Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for this wonderful blog post and for the nice comments on how your art was packaged. Thanks too for being such a joy and pleasure to work with. It was a true honor. Hopefully we will get to again one day.

All the best,
Jennifer

[Papillon Bleu]

Vanessa, there are no words to tell you how pleased I am for you! Congratulations!

[Linda Diane]

Oh, Vanessa! No wonder you had such an "itch" to finally get this post done. What a beautiful reveal, and to think of how you put your sweet heart into each creation. I am so thrilled for you that you were chosen to be featured in this publication. Not a bit surprised am I. : ) Love and hugs.

[Queen of Dreamsz]

Hi Vanessa,

I received my issue several days ago and so enjoyed landing upon your feature. It is by far the focus of the this issue...just fabulous..but I'd expect nothing less than that from you. ♥

You are such a talented soul and you put it to use in such a beautiful way.

Have a wonderful day,
Stephanie ♥

[heather]

Ah! What magical loveliness! Many many congrats, vanessa! This is such amazing news! It all looks beautiful!~

[Melanie]

Gorgeous! I loved taking a magical journey through your artwork :)

[A Forest Frolic]

That is quite the undertaking Ms. V! Your article is AMAZING, you are such a dear ;) I know you felt such a relief to get all of your beautiful artwork shipped off...and even more when you saw the huge spread in Somerset Workshop featuring you, you, you! I love it all of course! I'm so happy for you and am even happier to see it all flying outta your shop ;) Big hugs,

Jamie :)

[KittyM]

Ooh Vanessa your work is just amazingly magical - I LOVE it! What a brilliant achievment - please can I climb inside your imagination and live there? :-) Wishing you lots of success with this project and I hope your lovely ladies dance their way out of your shop to new homes ... Kisses Kitty xxx

[Marjorie]

Oh my goodness me!! How ever did I miss this magical and exciting news!!?? CONGRATULATIONS dearie!! This is fabulous news, indeed!! I'm so proud!! I'm so over the moon! I'm so jumping with glee for you!!! Hoooooray!! What a delightful project, and all your work is beautiful as ever!!

[kristy]

amazing, stunning, beatiful, gorgeous, wonderful, enchanting, fun, sweet, dreamy... and many more kind words. the art you just shared is amazing i love your dancing girls with the glitter and sparles.
WOW thanks for sharing!

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

That is such exciting news and the pieces are just gorgeous too! Congratulations Miss V!!

[Marilyn]

Congratulations for being in the magazine and on the cover, WOW! Love the ballerina's and the teagirl.

[Carousel Dreams]

Congrats darling V...I am so very happy for you x

[Amber]

Congratulations, the pieces are stunning and I am so excited for you. Sommerset made a great decision asking you to put work together for them, and you deserve huge amounts of credit for stepping up to the challenge.

[Katharine]

Last Christmas my friend gave me muffin mix and a box of Lady Grey. I usually drink Earl (Grey) but I enjoyed the Lady tea too.

The paper art is exquisite. Is this just a yearly journal/magazine? What a treat to be on the cover and be a featured artist. :)

Katharine

[Lady Grace Flowers]

Honestly Vanessa, This story has brought literally tears to my eyes. Very emotional like u r my child as I watch U spin and dance and dream. I for one know how hard you work daily. Your creations always amaze me, I never knew an artist who can get so much work done in a day:) All my love and best wishes with this great news and body of work.
XOX