A Fanciful Twist

The day after the two day show...

What a weekend.  The show was so lovely.  So many wonderful happy people.  I heard so many people giggling and chatting.  Whispering "look at that," with a giggle following.  I was sure it was about the jelly bean heads.  Then I heard lots of little gasps and swoons over the paper dress girls, which touched me to the core.  So many questions to answer and tales to tell. 

      

I was so glad I took pictures before the show started.  Once I got busy, the walls changed quickly.  I find that if you do not take pictures before anyone arrives, as a priority, then you will get caught up in the gift-wrapping and chaos, and never get to take pictures.

The night before...

      

      

      

As things sold I had to fill wall space and shuffle things around, so you might notice changes here and there...

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

This was sooo funny, the door to the back patio was in the way, so Mr. Lovee simply removed it.  It was so funny seeing him walk away with it!

      

      

      

      

      

A last minute sign to lead people in the front door as opposed to the back door...  I have people coming by today to pick up some treasures, originals that I was so glad to be able to keep on the walls during the show...

The good news is, I made so many goodies for the show, that there will be a fun shop update in a few days.  The show was different than most, in that I saw many new faces.  I had a few people waiting for the opening to take an original home...  People purchased different things from other shows, and that was really great.  It was like a whole new group of people with different likes...  Quite interesting and lovely indeed. 

I also had so many visitors who are dear to me.  So touching for wonderful friends to come out and support me.  That warmed my soul!! Thank you my dear friends!!  (I know you are reading this Miss Yodee, you are a love!!!)

One of the funniest things about the show was hearing the following more than a few times... "Your work reminds me of Alice in Wonderland with a bit of that movie, about, you know the nightmare..." Then I would say, "The Nightmare before Christmas?" and they would say "YEs yes, that... do you like that?"  I heard it so many times, from such a wide array of people, so funny!

There were also people who came back the second day and took home framed 11"x14" canvas prints.  That was so nice, considering the framing part cost a fortune, but more than that, was so frustrating.  The frames were totally unprepared for framing.  And those teeny tiny screws they give you, worthless.  I had to drill and use sturdier hangers.  Now, let's talk about nightmare... HA!!

I am more than tired today.  I took all those photos just for you... I hope I covered it all?  You let me know.... See you soon.... Must rest & clean the studio &...

ps: Silly me.  Okay, in case you didn't know, please don't get annoyed if you have heard it all before... My little gallery is on a magical property in the Arizona Hills.  Mr. Lovee has lived here many many years, and I became a part of it, 8 years ago.  It is very quaint and country and wonderful.  Mr. Lovee has graced me with my own little living quarters and my own studio. Along with this little space on the property, which I turned into a gallery 5 years ago.  My real home (which I have had for 13 years) is in the city of Tucson, Arizona.  But, lately I spend most of my time here, in the country...  The show happens twice a year.  It is a fine arts tour/show of the Catalina Artists.  We are a non-profit organization and sponsor an art program at a Catalina school.  People visit each artists studio or gallery during this two day show.  So, there you have it...

pss:  Our lovely Maryam in Marrakesh is 1 of 10 finalists in the 2007 Annual Weblog Awards, in the category Best Middle East and Africa blog.  Click on link to vote for My Marrakesh.  Thank you!!

      

See you soon.....

The show starts in 9 hours and I am working away like a mad woman...  I leave you with a few cakes, and hope that you and Claudine (The Sweets Thief) can mind yourselves...

      

Madness has taken over.  Sheer madness.

Oh, and if you are curious as to why my blog is loading faster... It is because Instead of showing 10 posts at a time that you can scroll through, I trimmed it down to three (You can always go to recent posts or archives if you wish to browse any older posts, in the right sidebar....) I think the loading of ten posts full of photos was too much.. Anyhow, that is the deal....

See you in a few days with lots of photos and new and exciting treats!!!! V

Babbling & Rambling

My limbs feel like feeble branches that were run over and scotch taped back together.  My fingers are raisin nubs and my hair has grown so long, the ends blow in the wind, quite like those of a cackling witch.  I wake up in the morning and my glowing face has turned into a tired sad case of, showtime.  Mr. Lovee and I have been going non-stop getting the gallery ready...   I am so sore and tired...  But I am not complaining.  I am taking the pain as punishment.  Punishment for something so greedy, you may never look at me the same.  You know how I posted those white and red mushrooms a couple posts ago???  And I was swooning over them, and you all were so happy for me and my shrooms?  Well, I failed to admit that, umm, I have others.  Yes, the mushroom hoarder of the century.  In my room I have these guys...

      

So, I take my sore and sad punishment, and accept it wholeheartedly, as long as I get to keep the shrooms of course...  I was going to avoid blogging as to not bore you with whining about the show and preparations and so on and so forth...  But it feels so darn good to whine, how can I not... The one thing I am looking forward to this week is, Halloween in Bloglandia. 

            

I am sadly going to miss one of my favorite days in real life.  And, I have to say, I am so terribly sad about it.  I feel like Halloween has already passed me by... (I told you this would be pitiful, caccccckle caccckle)

      

You see,  I have not done my yearly carving of the wonderful Halloween pumpkins.  No major decorating...  All I did was plug a little Halloween pumpkin doo-dad in...  Although, he ain't half bad...

      

My skull has been hanging around all year, so he was ready to go!

      

And of course, the witches hand is out and partying with candle skulls...  Alas, they all waited for the witches party this year, that never was...  But hey, I can have a witches party any old day right??

      

I made you some turtle brownies, just to help you get through this with me...  I knew I could get to you through your belly!!!  I just have to bake them!! HA!

      

And then I made you some orange food, carrots and yams, in my cauldron of course...

      

The only thing is, I think the neighbors are wondering why this cross in a pot is right in front of our front gate (I think some of them were spying on me building it).  The fact is, I never did finish that scarecrow, who was going to hang on this wooden structure...  Perhaps I should build him on Halloween???  What do you think??

       

Well, I am off to do more shroom penance...  You see, the main reason I am so sore is, I decided in my insaneness, that I wanted to repaint the entire gallery in the same color it was already in, Vanilla Cream.  That meant, everything off the walls and then me with a can going up and down a ladder (and then you wonder where the heck I have been??).  Now, I have to rehang everything..   I purchased 49 frames today (I am making poster size canvas prints!!).  Due to the frames, I have no more coins in my piggy bank.  I just handed the guy my entire piggy bank.  It cost the actual ceramic pig too...Sheesh... 

I am feeling the freshness of white these days so I ironed this white tablecloth today...  I think I am going to use it.  I am not in a black tablecloth mood when it comes to the gallery/shop right now...

      

OH MY!!! Before I leave I almost forgot to tell you...  Sweetie-Pie himself is one of a few featured Etsian prints (animal prints)  in Domino Magazine online.  Chosen by the lovely Holly Becker of Decor8, I was surprised and overjoyed when she told me!!!  The best news to a girl like me!!!  Click here to visit him at DominoMag.Com.  He makes his Momma proud...  There are so many wonderful artists included here (lucky me!).  Swooon!

      

Okay I really am off to do shroom penance now... Oh and, thank Corey and Lou if my blog is loading faster for you! 

I promise I will visit you when all this is over!! Pinky Promise!  See you soon!!!! V

Sometimes you fall in love & Sometimes you have to say goodbye...

      

Shop Update, But first, some thoughts....

It is a strange time in a strange little life.  Waves of change flutter by, and sometimes I get swept away kicking and screaming... Other times, I am prepared.  I catch the wave, and let it drag me out to sea... A whirlpool here, a little floating there... I might even find myself doing a bit of synchronised swimming...

What is all this aquatic talk you ask? One word, Art.  Or better yet, where Art takes me.  You see, Art came into my life and saved me three times. 

The first time, he whispered to me as a confused little girl, "Psst, come here, you're not alone, let's play..."

The second time, years later, he appeared as a winged creature.  Taking me under his coat of lush feathers, forcing me to get out of bed during a "shattered heart" period.  Throwing my "angels in my rabbit convertible..." We drove, ending up at an angel art gallery... Painting and repairing my soul... Sharing with all kinds of people... A woman suffering with cancer, a French-man all alone in a strange country, and so many others... I waved good-bye, watching my little loves go to new homes...

The third time, Art stayed.  He gives me little gifts.  He plops them into a brain cell. Characters dancing around, begging to come alive.  To anyone else, a little creation might be insignificant, even silly... To me, they are all dear little friends.  With stories, and hearts.  Their tales, so precious.  Sometimes they don't come out as they were in my mind... But I can see them in there, through one eye, or even, through a curl of a lip...

There are so many facets to what I create & so many reasons to create.  For me, it is the only way I know how to exist.  Not only do I find myself in my own work, but in the work of others.  Admiring others work, and <evil grin> sometimes hoarding the pieces I get my hands on...

Sometimes I feel so silly, sharing my little creatures.  The ones that come to me in the middle of the night.  Then, I have a week like this one. Where my creatures & characters, touch other people. Visitors to the gallery take home new friends. Visitors to Etsy, find a new love...Of course, Arthur then says to me, "See, I told you so..."  And I have to respond "Oh, Art, you were so right..."

That said, I have been motivated to start putting some characters in the shop.  The gallery is full of friends that many of you have not met.  Plus, new friends here and there.  The vast differences in my style floors & confuses me, so I expect it might do the same to you. Consider this fair warning, ha. 

You see, you all are making me feel so comfortable, that my fears of sharing are slowly vanishing.  It is one thing, for you to walk into my little gallery and peek.  Soaking it all in.  But, putting it on the screen for you to see, feels so, abrupt.  Like a kiss with a stranger, when not prepared...

Tonight I will be working on a shop update with many originals.  We are on a small road trip, and I have prepared myself, to share with you, from afar.  I will be back in town in 3 days...

      

      

      

      

"Strange Beautiful Lady II"  24" W x 30"H x 1.5 "D. Acrylic on Canvas, 2006 (Original)

The painting above is called, "Strange Beautiful Lady II."  I have an ongoing series about this peculiar woman.  I have done three similiar versions of the same characters.  Each version is slightly different, tree/no tree, etc.  The other two are in private collections (sold).  I wrote the tale about her... The main theme is that she sings a tune, "The children will play, they will dance and they'll sway, on a perfectly gloomy day, they say, they say."  The village on the other side of those hills can hear her singing this tune....

       

      

"On a Certain Day..."  Acrylic on Canvas. 12" x 12" x 1.5" depth (Original) Satin Varnish. She waits, with her 7 tier cake, and party hats...As she sees her friends coming down the path, for a visit...

      

"Leaves will fall, fruit will ripen, time will tell..." 8.5" x 6" x 1.75" D (Original)  Acrylic on wood, Original Illustration drawn on card stock, then glued to wood.  Fabric collage dress. Satin Varnish. Dark brown painted sides. Top side, Vintage Dictionary pages.

      

"Super Bake Girl, Ophelia" 8.5" x 6" x 1.75" D.  (Original)  Vintage Dictionary pages, decoupaged onto wood.  Illustrated in ink and Painted with Acrylic.  In this piece you will find words such as, "Pastry," "Ophelia," "Scrumptious," and more... Satin Varnish. Black scalloped sides.

      

"Declairing your love in the rain..." Vintage dictionary pages, decoupaged onto canvas. Illustrated in ink, and painted in acrylic.  Handpainted cutout water drops.  8" x 10" (Original) Satin Varnish.

      

      

"Super Cupcake, Bake Girl, " 8.5" x 6" x 1.75" D.  (Original)  Vintage Dictionary pages, decoupaged onto wood.  Illustrated in ink and Painted with Acrylic.  In this piece you will find words such as, "Cream," "Cupid," and the word "CupCake" in the curl right on the top of her head. Satin Varnish. Black scalloped sides.

      

"On a sleepy, Fungi, morning" Acrylic on canvas board.  8" x 10" satin varnish. (Original).

All of those creatures will be in the shop by early, June 07, 07 A.M.

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One more thing I wanted to share is how special I think it is to receive the "Thinking Blogger" award from a fellow blogger.  To have a fellow blogger who you respect and admire, consider you a thinking blog, is quite special.  Who better to judge us, than our fellow bloggers - and in this case fellow artist.  I find myself nominated by Lou, of Art&Ghosts, as a thinking blog... So wonderful, thank you! I adore this girl. She is so incredibly talented and a bundle of laughs! Lou, you are a treasure!

Here is how this works...

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think!

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme or blog that you enjoy.
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote.

Of course, it is always hard to choose.  Everyone I visit makes me think, and laugh... and all that good stuff... But here are my five.

Paris Parfait, for French treasures, voyages, and a bundle of intelligence...Plus a really lovely wonderful girl! 

Rodrigvitz Style, for a real life infused with color and major art talent, WOW, check out the art in her garden! And bags, and and and...

A Fairy in my Teacup, for all things fairy.  Living in a land where I think faeries really do roam. Kazzy, the sweetest gal that ever did roam amongst the faeries!

A Stitch in Time, from my first visit I was hooked.  Her lovely creativity and the inclusion of some little elf girls, always makes me long for the next post.  She is so real and funny! Love her!

Zazazu, always thought provoking posts. From photos with just a few words, to longer ideas...Always inspiring!

I promise, not so long posts, in the future. And, I have so many amazing swap gifts to share.  I am so behind in the sharing! You won't believe your eyes!!! xxxooo

La Nina Curiosa, vende sus Curiosidades

What in the world is the meaning of such a title?  Well, I'll tell ya.   It means, "The Curious little girl, sells her curious little things."  That would be me.  Creating and selling curiosities, straight from my imagination onto paper, or into clay, or onto canvas...Anything I can get my little hands on that is...

What is the meaning of all of this you ask?  I am trying to simply explain that I have had a huge shop update at  A Fanciful Twist - the Etsy shop, & I am working on little tid-bits which will trickle in much this week. 

      

      

The whole purpose of my blog was to share the love of art.  Somewhere along the way, I forgot to share some of my creatures.  The first 10 years of my life in the arts, I was creating large scale paintings and art installations for people (much more serious).  As well a peddling my jewelry creations (still doing that).  However, in the past 4 years, I have allowed myself to tap into the illustrations, drawing the images that have roamed around in my head for ever so long.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy creating them.  They are a bit strange, but really, aren't we all??

      

I am having so much fun with it.  It makes me feel alive and free, to draw whatever I want, with no rhyme or reason.  And these little drawings, when I look into their eyes, seem all to familiar.  Like pointing at eachother, exclaiming, "I know you!"  Anyhow, come over to the shop if you'd like to take a peek at them all.  I am having such a hard time conveying how incredible the prints look.  My goodness, I exclaimed when I saw one printed!  It took 3 printers, hundreds in different papers, and so much time and aggravation to find a machine that would create such a lovely print.  I am smitten.

      

I am also still painting.  The serious stuff is lurking right now. Giving me a little break.  I included some paintings and plates in the shop update too. Some of you delightful girls, found your little steals before my update announcement! Thank you, that was fun and inspiring, to say the least!!

        

      

Bowls and plates, and all sorts of little treasures...You'll find...

       

                      

        

      

Miss Blue heart, Red-head (below), found a home already.  She will be missed, but will be ever so happy in her new home, I can more than assure you of that! There are other little plates in the shop and more to be added as they come out of the kiln.

      

Miss Cirque du Cupcake, is in the shop...

      

      

And, so is "Super Bake Girl."  Now remember, I invented her, so if you see her mass produced somewhere, well, actually, is there anything we can do really??? Probably not...

      

      

Those are just some bits and pieces of what went in the shop over the weekend.  I will be adding regularly, and I will let you know when I make large updates. 

Two more little characters which will be added tomorrow are...

Caracol con Flores (snail with flowers) &

      

Peacock Girl...

      

Most of my images will be going into greeting card packages as well. All to come.  I would love to hear your ideas?  Thoughts?  On all this madness???

How was your weekend? What did you do???

I was trying to catch the Fairies, through the old window in the backyard.

        

Instead, I found a half massacred body of a lizard.  I walked passed my chair, the one I swore to do something with 7 years ago, when I found it on the property, hidden. I just love the color...Can it be anything?

      

I also, did a lot of wondering...Specifically about how I became a country girl.  I shocked the heck outta myself with that....But then I remembered... The tales live in quiet unusual places...And sometimes, I can hear them in the wind...Now, how ever would I hear them amongst the noise in a big city?  Although, I think in the city, the tales seep out of dark warehouses, big abandoned buildings and underground....What do you think? 

I was at a funeral this weekend.  Funny, how everything feels surreal in life for a few days after a funeral...

I am off to work a bit, and maybe even wander....

      

(Next time, more lovely swap parcels that have trickled in.  They are just wonderful!!)

Wonderful Voyages...And a Giveaway?

I survived.  The weekend was quite wonderful. There were so many lovely people to visit with, friends, strangers and people who had come back from previous shows.  It was fun and exhausting all at once.  Two very long days and some farewells to pieces that were off on their own voyages.  Off to hang on other walls, but this time, without me.  Bittersweet is the parting of artwork for me.  Although, I squeal with glee knowing they will bring joy to their owners.

In celebration of a great weekend, I am having a giveaway.  Some treats from the shop. Including an Alice in Wonderlandish ceramic sipping creation.....But, you must help me......Find out at the end....Now on to the tales of this weekend...

      

      

It was time to open the doors.  People were on their way...There were many visitors and so much inspiration for me.  To see little faces peeking at my creatures, laughing and actually getting my sense of humor.  That is bliss.

      

Miss French Maid, my tribute to Amadeo Modigliani, was the first girl to leave.  But, not before she had a small change.  Her dark grey eyes, were turned to blue with a tinge of green.  A request made by the ultra lovely new owner.  Miss French Maid was so delighted to be off to her new world. 

      

The sun was shinging so bright, as feathers and jewels escaped from the bird cage...Flying away, happy as coud be.

      

I was not very good at taking photographs at the jewel treasures that were purchased.  Although, every single one left on the neck or wrist of the new owner - except for gifts...

Bon Voyage to fruits and veggies and Queen head jelly bean holders.  Farewell to Lotti, the red ribbon bee hive ponytail girl, and to Trenches of the heart Puppets...Cheers to a lovely home for Miss red chair flamboyant, and a few others...They were so wonderful to create...I am so touched to the core, that others enjoy my work.  It is such a humbling and mind blowing feeling...Just when you start to question if you are doing the right thing...this thing called Art...

      

        

      

      

There were these huge waves of people that would come by.  It was just fantastic. Carolyn my friend who is an artist, and my dear friend Dino D'Taos, also set up here.  They both did very well.  It was Dino's first show in Catalina, as he just moved here.  I hope to get him many more in town.  His work is just amazing.

      

      

Psst..Can you see the signs of the old hippie who lives here....Mr. Lovee's shells hanging from a tree in the picture above...We have shells everywhere....Funny, seeing as how we are light years away from water...

      

      

          

        

It was an exciting weekend.  The first time I did this show a few years ago, I wanted to fall into a hole and cry myself to death.  It was so hard for me to expose my work.  Especially because I find that, by the time the shows roll around, my mind has started a whole new collection or idea of work, and I always tend to feel that I am not showing what is truly me.  This time I had 7 new pieces I could not complete in time.  But, at some point you have to shake yourself and question..."Why am I my own worst enemy, and why am I so hard on myself?"

Some of my work is very controversial (as last months purchasor of 3 large scale pieces stated).  Those tend to sell to men and I tend to hide those from the world... But as I drifted off in a strange melancholic sleep last night - I thought... Perhaps I am hiding something that should not be hidden...

Giveaway Details:    I am not a mall girl at all (I was there today, hated everything), and I really want to treat myself to a fab pair of shoes....Please give me some tips on virtual shoe shopping!  I am just at the edge and must shop...Whoever directs me to a place I purchase from, wins the Fanciful Twist giveaway!!! ( I was just at Anthropologie, and saw none that I desire....Look at my avatar to get an idea of the kind of shoes I like. Also, they must have a wedge or heel, as I am not the tallest person around) ps:  I would like to make my purchase within 48 hours.

The Show Must Go On...

The time is almost here.  A day and a half to get it all wrapped up. No matter what, there comes a time when you have to say, I have done all I can and I just can not do anymore....The Show must go on...200 cards IS enough. I think? They just go soo fast...

        

                   Now to cello package and seal and hang...

      

I have some more tweaking to do in the gallery. But, I have pretty much exhausted myself into psychosis.  I am on the verge of a cold and I have to work in the real world all day today and part of tomorrow.  I will not be seeing any of you for a few days.  But, I will be back to blogland on Monday for sure.  I have so much catching up to do. I am having withdrawl symptoms!!!

The last minute brilliant idea...Or so I thought at the time?  Use my bird cage for jewels??? And the shredded music notes from MizSmoochieLips....And some feathers.....And, Voila....that is not the jewelry piece I will use, that one has a different spot, but it gives us an idea...

      

      

Hang the cards, and hang my little screen girl, who was created to cover the book laden shelves in my shop.

      

Adusting some of my hanging.  Making sure plates are not going to fall out of their little holders.

      

When I was at the craft store picking up more little plate hangers, I found these little teeny stands! I am so in love with them.  I think they are adorable and hold the little plates just perfectly.  I still can not believe I dissected a vintage dictionary for my paper covered canvas'.  You would not believe the terms and words in this dictionary.  Just be more careful than me.  Why?  Well, that little painting above with "super bake girl..."  I found some lovely words on this one page. So, I used it for the cake section.  As I was painting, I realized, I also had the word "poop" on the same page....Not funny. Okay, a little funny. Okay, Mr. Lovee laughed alot...

      

Trying to find a good way to hang cards was tough.  So, I went with my wire hanging clothes pin look.  I am just maxed out on space.  This will just have to do.

      

Mr. Lovee took the day off to make the yard look pretty.  Him(Mr. Lovee with the long curly hair) and Mark(our friend), are out in the yard working away.  Mr. lovee just ran into a branch and gashed his forehead open. yes, blood and all...We were laughing at how my short self can walk under all the branches without a problem, but he slams into all of them....Poor guy...As I am looking at the pic below I am laughing because, well, those are not the branches I can walk under without a problem.  That would only make me 2 feet tall.  So, please don't get confused there... heee heee.  I am 5' 3" on a good day, without heels (5'2" on a regular day).  But, seeing as how I wear heels everyday, people think I am about 5' 5".  I have them all deceived...

      

      

First sign of true Spring as far as I am concerned, are these tender little eggs in nests....How cute.

      

Of course, I had to throw in my daughter, the model.  See how I taught her to tilt her head to the side, her best side of course...

      

So, off I go, venturing.  We all know how much I love that.  And, then back here to work away...Yikes!!  But, I must mention the delight that inhabited my garden...I do believe we are in the midst of a faerie takeover! They have come from the garden of the lovely Miss Amanda Button of, Pandora's Button Box....Boy, are these faeries smart!  They found the first flower of the season on the rose bush!!!  Is that a  little egg I spy?? Mr. Lovee is in love with that little egg.  I think he might steal it for himself! He just gushed over it!!! Thank you sweet girl! We love it!

      

      

      

I know I have said it before.But, you girls are so super special and supportive.  What a great little space I have found here with you all.  Thank you so very much.  See you in a few days!!!! I adore seeing some new faces in my little world!  Thanks for stopping by!  It sure adds a magical glimmer to my day!!!

Tic Toc, Tic Toc

I must admit.  My little gallery is one of my most favorite places in the world.  It's a bit funny, and strange.  Which is probably why I love it all the more.  I was in there late last night, trying to get things wrapped up, as I have a busy week in other realms.  How is it that you can be wishing to be busier, and then be so busy, your head is bound to pop off of your body?

I feel so close to each and every piece.  I do in fact make every piece in my little gallery/shop (to answer a few questions on that).  So, it isn't exactly easy to part with everything.  I know it is silly.  Oh and, the big head sculptures/jelly bean holders are in their last stages of going into the kiln for the 2nd time. So, it looks like I will have them for the show. Here are a few pictures of my progress in the gallery...

      

The pics are a bit dark because I took these really early in the morning. I have yet to put in my jewel creations. I will save those for last.  And, all the cards and prints are being finished up now....You know, the glitter.  It never stops sparklin around here.  Even when you want it to stop, for a bit of sparkle free air...

      

I made a dress for my mannequin.  It is much deeper and lovelier color in person.  I went up to pay for the silk (indian), and it was like, $21.99 a yard. YIKES! I had had 4 yards cut, not to mention, tons of others... Oh well....

      

             

I owe you better pictures. I am just delighted with my little curtains.  I sewed little buttons on to each side for the ties.  The next photos are just a montage of some of my favorite creations. Maybe they will end up in my Etsy shop? Now, that would be fun!

        

      

      

      

        

      

I am chewing and typing and getting dressed all at once.  I have to run.  But I have to tell you about something amazing that totally inspired my week!!!!  The most generous loving MizSmoochielips sent me the greatest package!!!! Thank you sweet Tia!!!!!  You made me happy, and I have almost eaten all the creamy mints! Oops.....Didn't save em for Easter.

      

      

      

      

      

Isn't that wonderful?????  Now, I heard there is a heart thumping little thing happening with fairies in my garden.... I must go peek????? xxo,Vanessa

Vanessa Valencia & A Case of Slight Madness

You can imagine what flashed through my entire system when I realized how close the weekend of March the 31st is.  Not only is it my little sister's birthday, but it is the CAST, Catalina Artists Studio Tour.  My gallery is on the map.  Which is causing frantic preparations. I decided I needed a curtain.  I decided I would make said curtain.  Then my brain went bonkers and decided there are 2,476 items I would like to create for the show. 

      

Alas, I must be realistic. The reality is that, I have to clean up the place, organize it & put it back together.  I do not want to feel stress or anxiety. This is supposed to be fun, and I think I will make it so.  Although, I must say, if I could get some of my ideas created, well, it would be Yippee wonderful! Like, cartwheel wonderful!!!  I will choose a few and go for it!  This curtain being the first item on the list. It has so many fabric pieces that will act as the rod tabs...My rod will actually be a long branch, unless I go for the wire and clothes-pin look, which is charming too.

      

Too bad my two little helpers are inatimate objects. Interesting. I have a lot of them in my life.  Good thing I am a nutcake, and I can pretend to hear their advice...

      

I am going to make some colorful unusual publicity items for the show that will be offered for sale. They will also promote the gypsy wagon puppet theater Dino and I are building on the property. It is a bit of an 1800's early 1900's carnival circus theme. 

You will see them soon!! For the publicity stuff Ratmusque has been a huge inspiration!  She is incredible. I love that she uses one of my favorite songs that was also in Marie Antoinette on her blog, which enhances the lovely visit!  Thank you Babelfish & Emily for posting about her.  Funny enough, one of Ratmusque's posters was created for a local group, Calexico, as well as for Salvador Duran, who lives in Tucson.  I blogged about his visit to Bon.  Funny, how worlds intertwine from one place in the world to another....

As for the gallery.  I will not open my personal studio on the property to the public, even though it is a studio tour. I am private, funny right?  I am, when it comes to things like my personal spaces.  So, I will use my little gallery. I have told this before, but my gallery is in an adorable funky building that used to be a canning shed - once upon a time, before we were ever here.  It was big for a canning shed. Teeny for a gallery. But I still love it. My heart lives here, in this place. So, the organization must occur!!! Here is what I have to work with, piles of art, piles of? stuff? I am good at creating clutter....Must take care of this first...

      

      

      

Look at the sun coming in to the gallery!!It is so very very warm!  I can not convey how it feels to have cold bones, cold toes, cold finger tips. Then, all of a sudden wake up to 90 degree weather.  I am just not ready... it is hot!!!I was looking forward to Spring.  Oh well.  It is nice, just a little warmer than desired so soon.

      

The good news is that trees are in bloom! It is so beautiful isn't it?  I have enjoyed all of the posts I have been reading that show Spring in the air!!!

      

Off I go...My real job started with a phone ringing at 6:45 a.m. And lots of  faxes!  I have to go into the real world now and do some work!!!!But first, let me just sit here and relax...Maybe ride my bike around a little....