A Fanciful Twist

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???)

I braved the real world {during holiday insanity}...

Why is the real world so overwhelming?  People are so bizarre in the shops and in their driving skills.  We are lucky that I am here right now with the traffic jams I faced today.  I could still be sitting at some red light.  Why did I brave the big bad world?  I'll tell ya why, I had a realization that Christmas is (choke, gasp, freak out) 5 days away?  Is this correct?  No No, come on, really?? 

I am not ready.  I just am not.  Period.  I was going to make all my gifts.  YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!  I know, I was all into the spirit before we even had turkey.  But time slipped away from me.  Is this what they mean about time going by really fast as you age????  All my feelings aside, I had to get with it, so I hit the shops and really spent more on crafting stuff, than I would have spent on real gifts.  My floor looks like this...

      

Am I insane?  Am I really going to accomplish this in two days?  I have to get ready to travel out of town.  It is only a few hours away, but still, it is away...  Packing and making and and and.  I feel like Faun Boy.  Only I neeeeeed Shroom-NOG!  I can do it, breathe, think positive! I can I can!

Okay, you know what, I am not even going to think about it... I am going to get cozy... And, perhaps come up with a new gift plan...  I need to disconnect from the real and get back into the fairytale... I think I should visit my little friends...

      

Hi little creatures, what are you up to... Oh they are having sooo much fun!!  Wait until a few days, when they show you what they are doing!!!

      

I am feeling soooo much better now!  You know what else I think I need to do...  Put on some tea, find a book...  YES!  Let's escape!

      

Hmmmm, okay, this one, oh wait, did you say this one?

      

Okay got it!!!  Yay, just my favorite thing to do!  Oh wait, all these calm vibes you are sending me, seem to have made me remember some cozy head gear I made last winter!  Could I gift them, now where to find them? Oh yes!!! Brilliant idea!!!

Hmmm, this one doesn't feel half bad... All that hard work.. Maybe...

      

Maybe I should just keep it??  I kinda like it...  Oh no, back to square one...  What, you don't think I should keep it?  Okay okay, I'll gift it...

      

Well, I think I deserve some tea now... As this blog post is getting a little weird. Don'tcha think?

      

Shhh, don't tell anyone about the hidden sugared Ginger...

      

Oh and, I picked up some fun things for my dollhouse renovation that is underway... Ooo, it could be good if it all works out...  Keep your fingers crossed!  Now, I must say, it is sooo gooooood to be home!!!!  Ahhhhh, now this is bliss...

      

I will be back with big fun before I go in a couple of days!  Oh and, I decided that I will hold off for my shop update.  I don't think there is a major rush right?  I have 6 pieces ready...  But, I think everything is too hectic right now to inundate you with a shop update... See you real real soooon!! (to answer a question, I don't wear fake eyelashes, but I do wear lots of Voluminous black mascara by L'oreal, it is good stuff!)

WOooooHOooooo HEEEeeeee YAaaaaaaaaa!!

Okay, I know I said I would be back with some new art pieces.  However, something major has happened & I am making an impromptu visit to Bloglandia.  It is here.  The reason that I know the Halloween season has arrived.  There is nothing we can do. The season can no longer be put on hold.  Everyone is in the mood. No more waiting.  I know you are still hot, it is still hot here too.  You think it is hot where you are?  It was 103' here today. And I am still having to jump in.. So come on already! JUMP!

Here is the story of what happend on this curiously wonderful day!!! And, how I was forced, full force, into the Halloween mood. 

I was hanging around this afternoon after my trip to the real world, minding my own business... When all of a sudden, I heard a noise & felt a pain...

      

I ran to the mirror. The pain was on my chin. YIPPPEeeeeee!  My witches WART had arrived!!! My annual wart!! Yay!!!

      

You see.  I told you I was a witch.  I am morphing.  I am a good witch though. Spreading light and love.  ;)

Then after the find I heard this loud crashing sound. It was like metal breaking through the walls...

      

I knew it!! The Pirate ghost ship with the yearly loot was here.  Yippeeee woo hooooo!!!! Is this exciting or what??? The skeleton pirates are here, and they only come here during the Halloween season. So you see, It is here!!!

      

Oh, this is just too good to be true!  Look at all the loot!! (that is my ship, it used to be in the yard, it is now inside...  I want Mr. Lovee to make it hang from the ceiling. Is that too much to ask?)

      

I could not have been happier!  I ran to the mirror to make sure that my wart wasn't just a rogue zit... Hey, looks like my nose is getting pointy too!!! Well, maybe I am stretching it.  But it will get pointy, I just know it. It has too!!! For my witches party!

      

Well, the chin visitor is questionable.. But, let's stick to Halloween wart, k? (I have not had a zit in years, what is up with that???)

I was at Barnes & Noble today, picking up some gifts for a lovely creature, and I was standing facing the magazine stands, feeling like, Halloween just might pass me by if I don't get into it now.  Every magazine was screaming my name.

      

Well, they are all off to Paris... But, I am keeping the socks... And, I refuse to remove them (they are the same socks I have worn on Halloween for 5 years, impressive, but perhaps I should get a new pair?)...

      

As I was taking this photo, I glanced to the left, and what did I see??? But an orange light peeking in and toying with the Halloween in me!!

      

You see. For all these reasons, I am jumping into the Halloween spirit.  Starting now.  Will you come and play along with me??

You don't have to dress up as a witch.  You can dress up as anything else. Like Wonder Woman?  Your pillow case lovin' friend thought she was in fact Wonder Woman, once upon a time... See her little shortie self there on the right... Yep, that is me. The only time in my whole life I have had short hair... Dorothy Hamill hair...

      

Cheeeeese! See you soon!!!

      

Dreamy. Humble. Not Combing Hair. Day.

Where does a girl, who feels so lucky and grateful, begin to express the magnitude of such feelings?  The kindness so many of you have shown me has been undescribeable.  It goes way beyond this swap, which by the way, has  wonderfully floored me.  Your generosity leaves me without words.  I know how busy everyone is, and how we all have real lives outside of this blogging world...Yet, you take the time...And for that, I thank you so very much.

(I had already posted this blog post  last night, when this morning, I read the most tragic story.  I too, type through tears. Details Below.)

        

The seasons have definitely changed.  While at my home in town, the air conditioning keeps the house nice and frozen in the 100 degree weather. Yes we hit 100 today.  In the country home, it is a whole other story.  Mr. Lovee got on the roof a couple weeks ago and did the cooler thing (commonly known as a "swamp cooler").  Which means that it is wavy hair season, as the swamp cooler adds humidity to the air. 

Please share your stories of what happens to your hair in the humidity.  I want to hear it, so I don't feel so alone...I used to hate humidity as a teenager, as Arizonans have a weird hatred towards moisture(although we pray for rain??).  Now as an adult, I don't mind my wild untamed waves so much...

So, I know you guys are going to begin to get annoyed at me.  But I have to tell you.  I received another package today.  And it was good.  FUN - Good.

      

I must confess, I really worry what is to become of me, that sorrowful day when the packages stop coming.  I am becoming so spoiled.  But, the parcels have been arriving at a time when I really needed them.  My real world and work and all was getting a bit much. 

I have to say, your generosity has been incredible.  I never expected so much parcel love!  I can not say Thank You enough.

Today's treasure came from Emma.  A kind wonderful soul who lost her apartment in a fire a few months back.  She has been waiting patiently to get her living space back.  It will be fixed up extra nice for her. But in the meantime, the poor dear has all of her belongings in storage.  I can not imagine how she must feel.  Big Hug to you sweetie.

      

      

Having an energy boosting lozenge, Hmm, interesting. Oh, these stickers are fab, did you make them Emma?? Oo, I love them!!

      

Isn't this so much FUN!!  Unraveling and unraveling.....Oooo, look , a wee package...

          

OH!!!  I love it!!!  A Key, on a chain!!! Oh, Emma, that packaging was so clever. I just love it!!  Thank you!!!!!

      

Do you see what I mean?  You gals have spoiled me, and I am loving every minute of it.  From this day to this day, to now....Oh, I feel so greedy....But, oh so happy!!

      

I know lately I have been so "me me me." But, I promise to get back to the whole reason for this blog, very soon.  Do we even remember the reason?  ART.  Speaking of art, I just placed another Jennifer Kerr order, and my mother's days gifts are here.  Only they are sealed.  I don't know how I will part with them.  I will photograph them when the Queen bee opens them...They came from my darling Stiletto Heights and from Thompson Designs, her checkbook covers are wonderful, I ordered one for myself also. Check them out!!!!

If for some reason, I don't get to see you before Sunday, Happy Mother's Day!  Even if your baby has outgrown the buggy, he or she will always be, your baby....XXO, Vanessa

      

Update May 11,2007 11a.m..

This morning I was reading Pam Garrison's blog.  I read a story that shook me to the core.  Many of you have read this story, but I have to say, everytime I read about it, I feel so much pain for the family.  Lori and Chris Coble lost their three children last week in a car accident.  If you are not aware of the incident, newspaper article here and here.  I have been in tears all moring.  I can not imagine the pain Lori must be in, I am not a mother, but the thought.  Just the idea of it shatters my heart. As I went to comment at Pam's I saw a link left by Risa, the ParTea Planner to a tribute site at Life to Motion.  I decided that, even though I do not personally know the Coble's, and I am all the way in Arizona, I want to share my thoughts and prayers.

      

Risa said the following on her blog "Should you find it in your heart, please tie two pink and one blue ribbon on your tree in remembrance of these lil' angels. Thank you."

So, in memory of those three little angels and through my tears and heartache for the family, I did tie ribbons around my tree.  One blue, two pink.  Little birds fluttered around me and chirped, wondering what I was doing...I offer my deepest sympathy and prayer for the Coble family...words can never say enough...

      

The faces, they came out to play...

The teeny plates with teeny faces are gone, but a whole new batch is a-bakin'. Before I get into this topic, let me give a huge warm thank you to our Hostess for the weekend slumber party.  It was fun girls!

I had to have a typepad ticket made up as I am having major problems with comment sections, meaning I can not leave comments.  Typepad is working on it, so don't think I disappeared!!! I have been visiting, I just can't comment at any typepad locations.

Back to faces and places. I went to pick up some of my creations this weekend, including these wacky faces. They are masks that hang on the wall.  They have holes in their ears, therefore I will make some funky fab earrings for them. They are popular at shows...I have a few more to make. The story of my life...

          

      

Sometimes I make smooth ones, sometimes lumpy, sometimes wide, sometimes long.  I will take pictures of others and share them soon.  Then there are the plates.  The reason I am frantic for time is because they take a long time. First you have to throw them on the wheel or hand-build them, then let them get leather hard, then trim on a different day. Then let dry all the way, then do your underglaze and fire the 1st time. Then fire for a couple days, then come back and put on the shiny diamond glaze, then fire again. The quickness of this huge process depends on how often you get to the studio and do all these steps and how full the kilns are when you are trying to get yours fired. Whew, yes, it takes that long. A long 4 step process.

      

The batch that is being baked right now is my favorite. It is cuter and more evolved than these. Even though I love these too. I feel like they are all the little characters running through my mind, visiting me and manifesting themselves as cards or faces on plates.  I vowed not to sell and to save for the show. But, as you well know, I did sell all but two.  And, I gave one to my client today as a birthday gift...so all I have is 1. One plate ready for the show.

      

Here is the batch in the kiln now (below). I just can't wait for these, and I have a new batch in progress also. Whew! I have been busier than I thought. Wow!!! I am happy now, well let's not jinx it, the kiln has been known to blow-up several pieces!!

      

      

Enough of clay for today.  I want to share a thought with you.  I was thinking, I have been open about so many things but kind of anonymous about me, me as a face on a person. And, seeing as how I am so into faces. I thought maybe I should share mine.  I was sitting at a clients home playing the piano...Waiting for a buyer with a million bucks in cash...No luck though. So, I took the slow time to attempt a photo.  I am so SILLY!!! I can not take a pic of me. I did every look except happy.  I am really good at - evil look, Mona Lisa Look, Wanna be who knows what look & plain old dumb look.  Mr. Lovee says I have too much blush on and I look like a witch.  Well, he better watch out, I have told you this before, I have Gypsy Witches in my family past. Cackle Cackle....As for the pictures, I don't know why it is so hard for me to share this...I just feel so silly, so let's just ease into it...

First, here is a pic of me as a little girl.  Is that Bakelite I spy?? Who knew I would grow to still run around in the same nightgown all day and I would grow to be an avid Bakelite collector...

      

                       I do look like a witch, cauldron and all...

      

I do adore Halloween, and I do have the most wonderful vintage witches hat....Let me see if I have a picture of that still.  In the mean time, here are my alter ego's, Blurry & Scared...I tried...

               

Okay, that was weird, but I am fine so far. Oh, but I have not hit publish. Yikes.  I was looking at this picture wondering, what the heck was in that pot??? I put my fingers in there like that and I didn't even know what was in it!!! Scary for sure!! No wonder I look so scared! hee hee hee.

      

On another note, as I have been visiting blogs, I see the topic of the Chinese New Year over and over. Boy am I glad I saved this (visit here for a better copy). Why did I? It has been in my bag for 2 months.. Oh Ya, my bag. I forgot to answer the burning question....First the Chinese Zodiac...

                          I am a Rabbit, 1975. What are you????

Now, the answer about the bag.  It is my baby, it weighs 9-15 lbs. Depending on the day...

      

It has made my right shoulder and arm much stronger than the left. I can not even carry it on the left.  It is really weird!!!

      

It is also falling apart, but I do not care, I think it adds character, don't you???

      

Now, the mystery. Is it old?  Nope. Not Vintage. I got it new 4 years ago.  It is an Isabella Fiore.  I have never seen one like it. I heard there might only be 2 or 3 in the world. Not sure???  It is very unusual for being Isabella Fiore.  I also have the little Sagittarius medallion on the left.  I just adore it!! It was a birthday gift from my amazing wonderful Momm, and I love it. Just love it.  It is like luggage.  I love it when a man asks, can I take your bag, and then I hand it to him, without a warning on weight, and let it go abruptly. They always go, "WHOA, what is in here?" 

That is all for now, this was probably the most random assorted bizarre post ever.  Thanks for stopping by, I love seeing all the delightful comments!!! I am trying to think up some kind of way to send a Vanessa Treasure as a prize.. what kind of game can we conjure up???? Any Ideas???

Ready for a Tea Party

Tea parties make my heart sing.  So, in honor of Risa's Friday Tea Party , I am getting out the "good stuff." I am now feeling extra excited for my and Cinderella's very own real life Valentine's Day Tea Party ( Queen of hearts, Mad Hatter tea party to be exact). 

The candy tree is getting ready, for Risa's lovely Tea Party.  Get out the Tea cups and sparkly jewels...A Tea party is the perfect time to drench yourself  in your fancies that you rarely get to wear.

                     

I think I am going to bring two of my favorite little friends that live in my Branch Tree.  They are from FG & Co., and so lovely indeed.

                      

                      

I even collaged myself into a little FG&Co. card to share a big cake plate of cherries.  I am also wearing my sparkly headband (I think it's a stray from the eighties) and added a victorian flower.  Oh yes, and I am bringing my own Tea cup...See it there??

                      

I must make sure all the tea cups are clean...And then, try to choose some jewels...Maybe my huge "diamond" ring...The one that lives in the glass case....

                      

                        

         The tea cups look ready to sip from....Now for the jewels...

                      

Well, I think I wore that big honker of a ring to my last tea party, so maybe I should try something else this time....

                                     

Oh yes, now I think I have some jewels all picked out!!!! That is the funnest part!!! I never let anyone have a tea party at my house without jewels. And, if they don't have any, then they have free reign to choose from my vast collection...I think I am going to do extra sparkly for Risa...

                      

Ah, yes.  I am feeling very very glam.  What FUN!!!!!  I wish we were in the Victorian era and we could dress up and wear these jewels everyday....Although, I must say, I am known to go over the top a tad-bit, in my daily jewel choices...hehe...As for attire, I think I will wear my orangy lacey skirt....

                        

Well, I think we are ready for tea.  I can't think of anything else, oh WAIT!!!! The dessert!!!!I have little white chocolate and rasberry mice!!

                        

Okay, we are set.  What do you lovelies think????  See you at Risa's...I think she'll be delighted with this good-sport!!??