A Fanciful Twist

Welcome to Mad Tea Party 2021

Hello and welcome dear Wonderland guests.

I have a tale for you.

Of course it is true, and real to be sure, but some things you simply must see to believe...

You see, grown Alice woke up one day to a memory deep in her heart.

A memory of a place so magical, she was certain she had been there at least once before.

She remembered it the way one recalls a dream, in flashes of visions and feelings that seem so ardently real.

And so, she set out to the place where it all began...

A picnic under a big tree, where she read books and dozed.

Memories began to flood back...

A table, a certain time...

But what to do, when both clocks stop at a completely different hour?

She recalled stacks of plates and teacups, as she began to dream once again.

What was this place, she wondered?

And why did it beckon her so deeply, as though it was where she was meant to be?

She took one last sip of tea on her delightful picnic...

And sat back to watch the shapes of the clouds drift by.

She felt her eyelids getting heavy, and right away she was taken back to those vague memories, of that place of utter enchantment.

But, no sooner had she started to doze off, when she heard a rustle in the shrubs.

She turned her head slowly, and saw a bottle and a key strewn about.

Oh my she thought, I have indeed been here before!

She had never been more sure of anything in her life.

Although her memories were from her childhood, she stepped back into the moment as though it was today.

She was sure she had seen this Drink Me concoction before.

As she sat up dazed and in complete wonder, a white rabbit emerged from his burrow.

She could hardly believe it!

It was at that moment that her mind became flooded with with vivid images.

She knew just what to do.

She took a sip from the bottle and grabbed the key.

And just like that, she went right back in!

Crawling carefully through the rabbit hole, and then slowly falling, like a feather...

Her dress billowed in the air, and when her feet touched the ground - 

She knew it had been this place she had been dreaming of all along.

She pinched her arm to make sure it was real, a grown up Alice, returning to that place buried in her most fantastical dreams.

Wonderland!

Yes, that was it, that is where she had been before.

Up the little hill and through the garden, a Mad Tea Party was in full swing.

Everyone was there, with laughter and endless tea pouring.

Oh hello Alice, why yes, hello Alice! Said everyone.

We've been waiting for you, where have you been? They asked.

Well, I'm not quite sure, said Alice.

Then she went on to say, rather quickly and awkwardly -

I do know that I grew up you see, and it's been many years since I've been here.

I was out for a picnic and taking a nap, when the white rabbit appeared with a potion for me to drink, and...

Wait there, said the Mad Hatter!

You have not been gone for more than 3 minutes Alice, of what do you speak?

Yes Alice, of what do you speak, asked everyone at the table.

Alice knew, she was in a place where dreams and magic never end, where time stands still.

And so, she smiled and said, oh yes yes you are correct!

It was perfectly clear then...

She had stepped right back in -

Could it be that she was, Alice in Wonderland?

She knew by now not to ask such silly things in this place of magic.

So, she grabbed a seat and a big beautiful tea cup, and asked you and you and you to join her once again.

And here you are!

She knew not to question the happenings of Wonderland, but to enjoy being here instead.

Please, take your cup, and have a sip...

A deliciousness unimaginable shall grace your lips!

One lump or two?

Tea and milk will always do!

It is always time for a Mad Tea Party, wouldn't you say?

And more importantly, how do you do?

There were the most exquisite teacups stacked so high -

And treats that would melt in your mouth.

A spoonful of magic helps the medicine go down you say?

Oh but wait, that is another fairy tale altogether.

In Wonderland you can drink the stars!

Twinkle twinkle little bat...

Just make sure you never lose your way through the Looking Glass, I say dear girl!

It was a tea party feast, everyone was happy, and time was no matter.

They felt content and fulfilled, with a joy only a child can feel.

They laughed at absurdities and embraced everyone's differences.

Nothing matters here, but the trueness of one's heart you see.

As golden hour descended upon the party...

Fireflies twinkled in the trees.

Alice did not want to go, and continued to wonder to herself, how she would ever get back here?

She asked around, does anyone know?

The magic was so beautiful, she did not want to have to let go.

However, she felt herself feeling so tired again.

She had eaten far too many treats.

She rubbed her eyes, and searched for her watches...

What time could it be?

And then she realized, she was back at her picnic under the tree, where this all began so many years ago.

She felt utter joy in her heart, because she got the one answer she had been searching for her whole life.

The question she carried with her since the last time she was here.

The question of her heart being...

How do you get to Wonderland?

The White Rabbit, March hair and Mad Hatter (even the mouse) shouted the answer to this question when she asked them.

How do you get to Wonderland you ask?

Why dear girl, all you have to do is BELIEVE!

And so you see, the Mad Tea Party and all of its magic is always there for you.

When you are a child it is easy to believe, then you grow up.

But, one day your grown up self becomes in touch with that child-like place deep in your heart again.

And that, that is how you can always get back to Wonderland dear friends.

It's all up to you!

Allow yourself to dream and believe.

Of course, I know you do if you are here my fellow dreamer.

And so, Mad Tea Party 2021 is my gift to you!

Stay as long as you'd like, get comfortable and have seconds and thirds of everything.

Stay all day, stay all weekend, come back any time.

We are here to enjoy each other's company kindred friends!

 

Speaking of...

Below is a list of all our friends who are hosting their own little event.

Please visit them, tell them I sent you.

Lots of LOVE!

Vanessa

Thank you for being my guest and for believing!

The party shall continue throughout the weekend, I shall post fun videos and other tidbits over on Instagram.

 

 

Mad Tea Party Participants

(blogs and Instagram accounts)

Please give everyone a chance to post throughout the day

 

 Vanessa | A Fanciful Twist (@afancifultwist) • Instagram

bobby pin bandit (@bobbypinbandit) • Instagram

Delights of the Heart (heartsdelights.blogspot.com)

Marilyn (@marilyntea) • Instagram photos and videos

Sarah (@moonforeststudio) • Instagram 

Betty  https://gossamertearoom.blogspot.com/

Betty (@gossamertearoom) • Instagram 

https://ziglernews.blogspot.com

Mary - Home is Where the Boat Is

SHERRY'S CABIN - Blog (sherryscabin.com)

Plumfield House Gardens

Butterfly and Bungalow Cottage (@butterflyandbungalow) • Instagram

https://butterflyandbungalow.blogspot.com

Jennifer Hayslip (@jenniferhayslip) • Instagram

what AMBER loves

WhatAmberLoves_Home (@whatamberloves_home) • Instagram 

Heidi Steiner (@steinerbears) • Instagram 

https://laurasfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

https://ricki-treleaven.com

Book of Secrets Blog

Diana | Book of Secrets (@bookofsecretsblog) • Instagram 

HYACINTHS FOR THE SOUL (hyacinthforthesoul.blogspot.com)

Sarah Anderson (@sjpa48) • Instagram 

Laycie Ewing (@on.mulberry.street) • Instagram 

Teacups and Ponies (teacupmosaics.blogspot.com)

Haley Kral (@hkral11) • Instagram

Melanie Ann (@mannmcreations) • Instagram 

Ms Misantropia (@msmisantropia) • Instagram 

Elaine (@sweet_new_england) • Instagram 

Adriana Esqueda (@adrianaesqueda) • Instagram

Rosalia (@reyofshine) • Instagram photos and videos

Misha Dawaioser (@dawaioser) • Instagram

https://bohemianvalhalla.blogspot.com/2021/07/what-i-missed-hosting-mad-tea-party.html

Thank you to everyone who is here with us!

It has been a joy of my heart to have you as my guest once again.

Please feel free to visit all of our tea parties from the past, right here <3

 

 

 

 

ps: Contact me right away if your name is not on the list but you signed up to join <3

Participants, please unblock your accounts so everyone can see them if you are set to private.

 

 

pps: A little video I made for our party <3

 

 

 

Into Wonderland for our 2021 Mad Tea Party!

It's time to plunge right into the fun of one of our virtual Mad Tea Parties!

Yes, It's true!

(details about participating will be shared at the end of this post)

I started these tea parties on my blog in the summer of 2007, on a very bored day, whilst in search of a magical infusion.

(see tea parties from the past by clicking here)

I decided to take all manner of tea sets and pretty things into the garden, and take photos to share here on my blog, and so began our yearly Mad Tea Party.

I took a few years off to pursue other exciting adventures, but now we are back with what is technically our 10th annual Mad Tea Party!

Can you believe it?

Time to get out your fancy napkins and tea cups and join in the fun!

Pour your tea, nice and hot.

Do you take one lump or two?

I've been drawing characters to inspire the event.

Here is Miss Alice herself, beckoning you to join in.

Step through the looking glass, and into Wonderland, won't you?

A little pencil and watercolor to get me there...

You can always count on the White Rabbit!

Now to set the table for the soirée.

We'll all be here on Saturday the 24th of July, hoping you'll join in.

Or at the very least, stop by...

Into that place of fairy tale magic, that we all hold so near and dear.

Through the viewing pane, and into....

A place of enchantment.

Wonderland!

Where you are free to be yourself and dream the dreams of your heart.

I so hope you can join me in this delightful celebration.

Below are two sizes of flyers for your use.

(flyer)

(badge)

 

If you do not recall the steps to participating in the past, I'll refresh your memory, and make it simple.

 

If you would like to participate by sharing your own Mad Tea Party on July 24th, here is what to do...

 

1) Leave a comment below with the link to your blog or Instagram account (or both) stating that you are going to join in.

I will be posting here on my blog, and on Instagram.

For example, my Instagram account URL is  -  Instagram.com/afancifultwist

My blog URL is, afancifultwist.com

Leave your url's so I can easily find you, and so that people can click to see who you are.

 

2) Post the event on your blog or social media and let your friends know.

Feel free to use the flyer or badge above and make sure to link to me or tag me.

(right click on the party flyer or badge above and save to your computer to use on your own blog and/or social media)

 

3) On the day of the event (July 24th) post your party as early as you can, and leave a comment in the comment section of my party post, with the link to your blog post or your Instagram account (or both).

That way I can easily find you to link you, and other people can visit you.

I will then add your name to a list I will make in the body of my actual tea party blog post and link back to you.

If you are joining via Instagram I will also link your account over in my Instagram party post. 

Leave your post up for a couple days to allow people a chance to visit you.

 

4) Make sure you link or tag me in your posts so people know where to go :-)

 

Easy right?

 

Remember, you can post anything you'd like for your tea party.

A real tea party, miniatures, art, anything at all.

It's your vision for your own tea party!

 

If you do not have social media or a blog, or if you simply can not participate that is okay too.

I know not very many people blog anymore or can put a party together as such, but you are always welcome as a guest! <3

 

Just come on over on the day of the party and be a guest at my table by visiting me here.

 

And so it's settled, we shall be having tea with each other once again my friends!

Hope to see you here <3

 

Lots of Love, 

Vanessa

 

 

 

ps: Thank you to those who would like to join in with me <3 <3 <3

If you are joining in, here is an example of the comment to leave so I can easily find you (and others can visit you too), thanks much!

"I will be joining in on my blog at, afancifultwist.com and on my Instagram account at, Instagram.com/afancifultwist

 

 

 

July of Apples, Typed Stories, Basket Harvest & Fairy Tales...

It is time for apples my pretties...

Come closer, go ahead, don't be shy.

Take a bite.

I would be a nice witch though.

I'd recruit Hansel and Gretel to deliver garden goodies in a beautiful old flower truck...

And I'd have Snow White help me bakes cakes and breads and tend to injured animals in our nook of the woods.

I harvest early Anna apples, endless cucumbers, zucchini, winter squash and crook neck squash -

And think about these sort of nonsensical things.

The Anna apples are beyond words delicious.

They are early apples, meaning they are ready in July.

Anna apples are the only apple trees that do well in the heat, but you need two Anna apple trees and one Dorsett Golden in order to truly get apples.

My biggest trick this year was a perfect accident really.

The winter veggies went to flower in early spring in a huge above ground bed right by the apple trees.

Since it was early spring there was not much for the bees and winged creatures, so they went bonkers over the flowering arugula and broccoli.

In turn, I had tons of bees hanging around when the apple trees blossomed really early in spring.

It was the most perfectly wonderful accident ever, and now we have gobs of treats to pick.

Shall we go into the secret garden and harvest a few goodies?

I have had endless veggies, and have made so many delicious noodles out of the zucchini.

They taste even better than pasta.

I just spiralize them in my hand held device, put them in a huge colander and sprinkle them with salt.

I leave them there for a couple hours (one hour is enough) so they lose some water and are not soggy when you use them in place of pasta.

I make whatever sauce I want in a big pot, sauté my zoodles that are already salted from the colander, in a big pan with olive oil and then add the sauce.

So delicious!

Anywho, I veer...

Let's go in and pick some goodies.

The garden has been utterly plentiful this year...

I have apples growing at both houses, which is one of my greatest loves.

I'm not sure why I love them so much.

I just do.

And so I fill up my basket...

And recruit some help for carrying it inside...

Because this is a huge basket.

Should I take some zinnias with me as I go?

(to answer this question I get often, my two identical arbors are from Plow and Hearth and I hand painted them with a brush using a chalk paint called sea glass, not sure the brand)

The zucchinis are huuuuuuge.

I know many people say to harvest them when they are young and tender -

But for whatever reason, these taste just as good when they are giant, and are amazing for spiralizing.

And, here we go.

Carry my basket from the bottom garcon :-)

A lovely day indeed.

Which was followed by the most incredible rainstorm that lasted all afternoon, evening and morning <3

Perfect weather for typing stories and letters...

Cozying up on the rug with a fur who needs to be brushed (and hates it).

Reading a few tales with apple in right hand.

And thoroughly enjoying the moment.

I love these billowing cloud days of monsoon season.

They add such mystery and excitement to the atmosphere.

I went out at 5 a.m. to check on my water collections.

Poured some of the water out and strolled around in bliss.

I collected sooooo much water.

I know the cisterns at the country house must have filled up several times over, I can't wait to head over there.

I had a busy 4th of July weekend planned, that ended up being canceled which I don't mind either way.

But it made me stop and just enjoy the days.

Everything happens for a reason as they say.

I got soaked in the rain and watched the stream out back flow again, through the property and into a little pool on the other side of the fence.

Such a dreamy sight.

I'm sitting here typing and there are clouds hovering around the mountains.

Clouds that look like they were painted in the ceiling of an ancient Roman cathedral.

I have strawberry shortcake ready and intend to have a delightful low key weekend, I hope.

Knock on wood.

Stay safe out there and have a delectable weekend my friends!

 

Love from the high desert!

Vanessa

 

< 3<3<3

 

 

 

Wonderlandishness & the Making of a Custom Blythe Doll

Hello dear friends!

I hope you are doing well in your neck of the woods.

I've been working on so many arty projects lately, including this lil' cutie...

She is a recently completed custom Blythe doll.

What this means is that I have taken a factory made doll and resculpted, painted, sanded and changed her up completely.

Changed eye chips, washed and cut hair, repainted face, etc etc.

(if you are curious about this you can google custom Blythe dolls to peek into the vast world of Blythe dolls)

I have been collecting custom Blythe dolls by different artists for many years.

They range from around $500 dollars and can go above $1000 easily.

I know, you are thinking to yourself, how is this possible?

But the time and detail is what makes them so expensive, and they are not that easy to come by.

All mine have come from Russia, as most custom Blythe artists are way over there.

Anyways, I got the bright idea that I wanted to try one out myself recently, and not only was it fascinatingly fun, it was so relaxing and enjoyable.

Since I normally sculpt my dolls from a chunk of clay, working with hard and delicate plastic was definitely interesting.

I've also been doing a lot of drawing and painting of the wonderlandish variety, which I'll share more about at the end of this post.

So, to begin customizing a Blythe doll you have to disassemble them completely.

Not the easiest thing in the world, especially the eyes.

There are so many delicate moving parts inside the head, along with springs and strings that make the eyes work, to name a few things.

So, you have to carefully take the doll apart before sanding, sculpting and repainting.

This is what she looked like before I started the sanding process.

And this was her face after I had sanded, sculpted, changed forehead, chin, nose, lips, etc.

Here's a peek into the inside mechanism after removing screws, springs and strings.

Right before I removed the eyes and changed the eye chips.

(eye chips were very challenging and had to be drilled out beyond carefully)

Then there was the making of powder pigments for her face...

I decided to change her skull cap to a more peachy hair color after coloring her face, because of the warm tones I ended up using.

And then, because I go way back as a Barbie hair cutter :-), I decided she needed a little hair cut (after washing and drying).

Remember when your mom cut your bangs as a child?

My dad cut mine once when I was around 8, and he cut them exactly in the shape of Eddie Munsters forehead hair line, it was gorgeous, (haha).

My mom and I both sobbed, so then I ended up with one inch long bangs as the repair.

Luckily it all grew back.

Unfortunately, I only had one shot with my little lass and no chance for regrowth if I messed up, eeek!

That's the thing with the face too, you only get one chance.

I worked very slowly on her bangs (fringe) because doll hair is so straight and cuts so bluntly.

Happily, it all worked out in the end, hooray and phew.

And here she is, completely done.

I had all these different elements of clothing that I put together to create one outfit.

It was such a pleasure and delight to get to put her back together and see how cute she was.

You don't really have a full idea when you just have the face plate in your hand.

Such a fulfilling project, I must say.

I understand why custom Blythe dolls are so pricey.

It takes a very long time, it is super fragile work and there are soooo many steps.

Also, you just get that one chance, and the cost of the doll and supplies and clothing really adds up.

I love trying new projects and this was a top contender in the joy department.

You just have to be super patient and delicate handed.

I've already started a couple more, but I'm not sure if I can part with them.

Maybe if I make a few.

Meanwhile I have been sculpting, I have also been preparing myself for our Mad Tea Party.

I will definitely & undoubtedly post a mad tea party this year.

You can join in if you'd like exactly as we have in previous years.

This time you can join in via your Instagram or blog link.

Or you can just pop in as a visitor.

I will give more details in a separate blog post.

But for now, we have a new little cutie in the house, hanging out in the tea room.

But the question of all questions is...

What should I name her?

Have you any idea?

If you know, then pray tell, please share.

Are you a Blythe doll collector or into Blythes at all?

Many of you know I've been making clay dolls for many years, and now am inspired to make more of my old school dolls.

That's the thing about creativity.

Once you start, all sorts of a ideas and inspirations find you.

You just have to start.

I hope you are doing well friends.

Thank you for stopping in, it means the world to me.

 

Love, Vanessa

 

See you soon!!

 

<3 <3 <3