A Fanciful Twist

Of Sparkly Handmade Sculptures & Halloween Delights

It's that time of year...

Where my fingers are ever so busy hand-sculpting little sweeties out of chunks of clay.

I spend a lot of time on each piece, sculpting them entirely from scratch, then adding 3 to 4 layers of paint, stain, sealer and fairy sparkles.

The Halloween cuties are especially fun to make.

With pink ghosts and pet stars...

And Jack-O-Lanterns in tree stumps.

Oh, and we mustn't forget big ear mousie...

And mushroom fascinators on smiling pumpkin faces.

This year I spent a crazy amount of time paying homage to one of my favorite Halloween characters - 

Sam, from the movie Trick r' Treat.

Needless to say, I've delighted in the weeks it's taken me to make these cuties, spending so much time with them.

Alas, it is now time to bid them adieu, and send them off on their own adventures.

Perhaps one will be on its way to live with vous?

Original one-of-a-kind clay sculptures.

All now available in my Etsy shop below.

aFancifulTwist.Etsy.com

 

Such a fun way for me to fully immerse in this time of year that I enjoy so much.

Now, I must be off to check the pumpkins in the garden and take Teddy for a walk.

I think I have glitter all over my forehead as I type :-)

 

Hope you are doing extra lovely today.

 

Lots of love, 

Vanessa

 

 

Welcome Magical October

Wonderful, enchanted month, how I love you.

The days and nights cool down.

I adore seeing the most giant greedy bee in the pumpkin patch every morning.

The garden comes back to life with vigor after hot months.

Pumpkin babies are growing everywhere.

Teddy and I are absolutely delighted.

Running around and playing in the garden.

The birds are happy, the moon is happy, everyone is happy.

Dahlias bloom like mad, crazy long-stemmed pumpkins turn up...

The air is perfection...

Just as expected, with perfect timing, the magic trickles in.

I write cards from my shop to my beloveds -

(So many fun cards available here at aFancifulTwist.etsy.com)

Whilst sitting under trees, with roses in full bloom once again.

The sheer enjoyment of it all leads to complete elation.

It seems like everyone is overjoyed.

Little guys sharing blossoms, pumpkins creeping up trees.

It's truly like a brand-new spring.

I'm just here marveling at it all and trying to make sure to soak in every last drop.

Octobers are just too wonderful for words.

It's a time of renewed dreaming...

With lots of oohing and aaaahing on my part.

The light of early morning and golden hour afternoon shines with such iridescence at this time of the year.

Trees will not change color until the end of November because the weather becomes just too delicious for them to want to leave.

And so, everyone stays a little longer and the high desert mountains become just the place to be.

A lot of people have said that this summer was a terrible monsoon season.

But I for one, cannot complain.

The clouds were good to us.

There were a few good July rains in the garden, and then it rained nearly every day in August, and then some in September too.

Monsoon rain is not a blanket everywhere around us, but more pockets of rain landing here and there.

My garden was very lucky that we had so much rain, and now it is so lush and green.

I'm soooooo eternally grateful for the rain clouds that found their way right over this parcel of earth.

We all are <3

It's made for a wonderful beginning of Autumn and October.

We nibble garden treats under the wonderful light and watch all the hummingbirds dip down for a sip of blossom nectar.

There have been endless courgettes (aka zucchini) and peppers and chilies.

With more coming in soon.

I especially love the Winnie the Poo dahlias, don't you?

Because summer started so late, with a mild June, the zinnias and cosmos did not take over like they normally do.

But I don't mind at all, because it gave other plants their own space to thrive and shine.

The culinary rosemary plants (there are several) have gotten absolutely gigantic.

This year I shifted my garden to be more edible and perennial, with more local drought tolerant plants added.

There are many more herbs such as thyme, oregano, marjoram and different types of sage now as well.

I've especially enjoyed the Thai basil and lemongrass.

I've had so many varieties of chilies and tomatoes, and the arugula has become a total self-seeder.

I use them all daily and enjoy as much of it as I can.

There's nothing like running up to the garden to get what you need.

The citrus trees are packed for winter picking, and the limes are just ready as they fruit twice a year.

I always add chilies, Thai basil and lime to my Asian noodle soup - so incredible.

Teddy loves to run all over the garden like mad.

He has his favorite sniffing spots and goes wild when he sees a javelina outside the fence.

He immediately becomes a Matty like guardian.

No need to worry, he is safe in the fenced in garden.

It's interesting how Teddy is so much like all of my dogs rolled into one.

He has all the distinct characteristics of Baby, Matty and Miles.

Although, I think I told you that already in a previous post.

It's just that it amazes me so much.

Ah well, here we are.

Another October of the heart.

Garden magic not disappointing one bit.

Halloween on the horizon.

Lots of goodies in the shop, with new sculptures coming this week as well.

I have spent weeks working on them, so many steps, but really fun to make.

It has been so chilly at night, that I no longer need air conditioning.

Windows are open once again and I hear the birds at the first sign of daylight.

October is such a heart-exploding gift after a long summer.

I wish I could slow down the time.

I love this month so much.

Pumpkin everything and all the Halloween magic swirling about makes for a wonderful time, with leaves and apples and hot drinks added on top.

Cardigans and chilly air at the tip of the nose, so good.

I want to hug the time as tight as I can.

 

I hope you are doing just lovely in your neck of the woods, and that October finds you more than swell.

I will return soon to share my sculptures.

In the meantime, don't have too much fun without me :-)

 

Love, 

Vanessa

 

 

 

 

Pastel Pumpkins + All New Halloween Cards

Oooo October, how can it be?

It's here so soon and with a few days in too.

So exciting!

My dining table is full of pastel pumpkins and stripes and Mexican paper flowers.

I have not officially decorated because I've been so busy.

With what you ask?

Well, the extra fun news is that the shop is full of new Halloween infused cards.

They are so pretty and fun, I just can't stop looking at them.

They are printed by a professional card printer so they are commercial quality.

Nice satin finishes and sturdy enough to be used as little art pieces.

Tacked to the fridge or to be framed which I see often and it makes me swoon!

There's so much to choose from, sprinkles and tea parties galore.

The Whimsical Witches are a card this year too, wish you could see them in person.

Light and bright autumn festivities.

I think I'll make a banner garland with some of these for my mantle.

Pumpkin cottage has tales to tell and...

A very whimsical garden party is ready to send to your friends!

 

I've made up some new card packs too.

Just in case it's too hard to choose.

Bundled witches are waiting for you :-)

 

Unpacking, doing inventory, stocking, making parcels ready to go.

It's been a busy beginning to a favorite season.

The shop is bursting with Halloween goodies right here.

I've also restocked favorites like floral spirit board, fortune teller & a bunch more.

Take a peek.

I'm shipping every 24 hours so Halloween card orders will arrive very quickly.

I wish this season had a couple extra weeks in it because I just love it soooo!

It's pretty hot here again, which means a lot of this is still going on, lovely...

However I'm tending garden everyday still, and while I looove flower power, I'm ready to raise my white flag.

I'm ready for cool temps and a huge break from the heat big time.

I'm ready for fall everything.

I'm ready, I'm ready!

I've savored my summer to the last drop.

Fall, I'm sooooo 100% in!

Pleeeeease come on over.

 

How bout you?

What's going on out there in your neck of the great big woods?

 

See you really soon,

Lots of love!

Vanessa

 

 

New Clay Sweeties in the Shopling♥

In a certain English ivy forest spring has swirled in.

And with spring comes the yearly swan parade through the fairytale land.

The elves and fairies hide amongst the green, spreading their fairy dust for all.

The swans sing the most hauntingly beautiful songs as they pass by the tiny elfin village.

The fairies twirl in delightment as sparklies fill the air.

The patisserie is open just in time as the village lights up with joy.

The swan song awakening of spring, oh my!

Please come in says little bakery girl.

There's tea and sweets galore.

It's so warm and inviting - delightful indeed.

The elves hide under ivy leaves and watch the fairy dust magic come to life.

It's a perfect time to live in a 3 story cake...

Or a pink pumpkin!

Or or, a sweet mushroom house.

And let's not forget the charming tree houseling<3

Can you hear the swan song?

It's spring.

It's time for magical things!

Like flowers and gardens and warm beautiful nights.

I'm sorry I disappeared for so many days, I was working away on these claylets.

The details are time consuming and I like to put my whole whole whole heart in.

Totally hand sculpted, painted, stained, varnished and sparkled by me.

One of the local elves ;-)

 

All can now be found here in my online shop.

aFancifultwist.etsy.com

 

 

Sweet Things {Fresh Labels}

Helooooo!

Yes I did fall through a rabbit hole.

Yes, I did have wayyy too much fun.

Yes, I am back, hooray!

:-)

Back with some fresh goodies to share too.

I was craving some fresh labels for sweets jars, so I thought, perfect timing.

With Valentine's day on the horizon, I created some candy inspired labels.

I touched on Valentine's day a little but also wanted to make them usable throughout the year.

I made 9 styles to equal 1 set, and I am hand cutting them all with scalloped edges.

You can get yours here.

It's a fun excuse to go crazy shopping for candy.

And what better time than now when the shops are bursting with sweets at good prices.

I've popped some of these in the shop today, and I've made some jars of my own.

I'm so glad I save peanut butter, jam and spaghetti sauce jars because they always come in handy for projects like this.

You can hot glue all manner of pretty things to the lids.

Crepe paper, doilies, ribbons - you name it.

The stickers are peel and stick, so you just have to apply them to a jar of your choice.

I like to use my favorite scrap ribbon stash for crafts as such.

My sister gave me a stocky wine bottle that I love, so I used it for the Message in a Bottle sticker.

Tied a beautiful old key on it and I'm kinda smitten, I must admit.

You can either keep the jars for yourself, or give each one away.

I used gummy worms on the Love Bugs jar, problem is, I can't stop eating them.

It's crazy, I didn't even know I liked gummy worms :-)

As I was filling my jars the treats were disappearing at lightning speed.

Every time I looked some were missing, hmmm.

Sneaky Mad Hatter I'm sure.

I'm tailoring some of my jars for specific people.

Then I'll keep a few in my kitchen for display.

I love the pink kisses, don't you?

I also made some kid friendly ones with Nerds and tropical chewey type candies.

I had to throw a little Paris in there for good measure.

And voila!

Pretty jars to keep or share.

I really enjoyed putting on some music and making these.

I have a few more to complete & then I'll start gifting.

Confections a plenty, yummms!

Sweets and pretty things!

Treats and goodies galore!

Here are a few finished up below.

They just make me happy.

Pretty colors and sweets, what more can you ask for?

So, the label sets are now in my Etsy shop, right here.

And, I'm back for some serious fun.

My guests are all gone, I'm not sick anymore, my house is a mess.

And I'm here here here.

Yippee yay!

Wanna help me clean?

Just kidding :-)

 

It's sunny and warm and wonderful out.

I had lunch on the front steps.

Trekking hills/mountains is glorious as usual.

I had my first bad fall in 1 year but I trekked on.

The pups are great.

The Hatter is up to his nonsense.

Lots of other special people and stories in my life.

Having so much fun.

How do I get younger in my heart and soul the older I get?

Not sure what's up with that?

But I like it.

 

How the heck are you???!!

Lots of love,

Vanessa

 

 

 

Nutcracker Sweet Collection {Treats & Gifts}

 Hello friends!

Writing to you from a brand new computer & a crazy week.

I sort of feel like I'm writing to you from a whole other universe on this machine.

I've wanted to share a Nutcracker tale with you for ever so long.

Finally, today is that day.

Hooray!

With new treats in my shop too.

But first, here's the tale.

The company (BPlusPrintworks) that I worked with on my ballerina giftware line asked me to do something fun this summer.  They asked if I would consider illustrating characters inspired by The Nutcracker ballet. The illustrations would be used on some fun products for the ballet industry.

I agreed and set off to watch The Nutcracker endless times.

It became Christmas all summer.

I just let The Nutcracker repeat in the background as I drew for months.

I submitted my drawings, worked on edits and pretty soon things started to take shape.

Clara and the Nutcracker grew very near and dear to my heart.

 

As visions of sugar plum fairies really did dance through my head.

Over and over and over.

Pretty soon I had 60 or more drawings to choose from.

Then I spent another couple weeks adding color to all the drawings.

After that I waited to see how they would be brought to life.

Or what kind of products would be made.

And then, I received some super sweet pieces.

 

These are boxed notecards featuring some of my illustrations.

I love the box they are in so much.

There are also coffee/tea cups.

I was so overjoyed and just smitten with these little delights.

Then I was inspired to create a poster using all of the characters.

So, I created this Nutcracker Sweet Poster for BPlus Printworks.

(they sell to retail establishments and do gift shows etc)

They have sold out on the poster a couple of times, however I got my hands on a dozen which I popped into my shop.

The price point is pretty amazing, but it's a vendor promo price that may not last, so do take a peek if you'd like one for yourself.

Here's a better peek below at what the boxed notecards look like.

They are great quality fold open cards.

This is what the back of the box looks like.

My camera was being finicky, sorry about the pic.

There are also collectible pins as you can see below.

And some super adorable 3" mirrors.

These make such great gifts.

I've bundled them into little gift sets in my shop.

They turned out so crisp and clear.

I'm so excited about how sweet the pieces turned out.

I really couldn't be happier after a long drawing summer.

So, if it seems like I've been missing here and there...

Now you know why.

I've had a bunch of things going on and been quite busy.

I'm also trying to finish some sculptures and paintings while working on other projects.

 

I have a few of all of these products in my shop.

Not a ton, but a nice little smattering.

I hope you like them.

You can get some right here.

 

It feels like these officially kick off the holiday season.

In my world at least.

:-)

All my seasons sort of did a mashup this year.

I'm trying to sort it out somehow in my mind, haha!

 

 

Off I go for now.

See you real soon!

Love, V

 

 

 

Of Ballerinas & Lovely Nature

It's a beautiful warm day.

One day it snows on the mountain, then 3 days later it's 80'F.

The good news is, that means there are still roses coming in from the garden.

They last and last too.

Lovely things.

I've had a busy few days so I cherish my endless tea sips.

Candied ginger too.

The photo lighting is quite terrible below, but this is where I've been, in my office packaging ballerina parcels.

Thank you sooo much for the positive support on the new giftware line.

(Available here)

I just receive an order I placed, from the company who I licensed my products to, with a little bit more inventory. So, I've added some pieces I ran out of back into my shop.

There isn't and infinite amount of these products, but I'll try to get my hands on as many as I can to carry myself.

I've heard from some folks that they have seen them in dance shops in the US and Canada, so that's fun!

I've been working on some other new original little pieces in my studio.

I never realize how many trinkets and treasures I have in there until people say, I'd hate to dust all that, haha!

Or they wonder how I'll ever move.

Then my perception goes, ooops!

Haha!

Luckily I never have to move if I don't want to.

Hooray!

So, yes, lots of studio time and sculpting my little houses & creatures too.

I can't believe how quickly the last few years have gone by.

I was just looking at photos of my houses and elves and art dolls from 2008.

How is that 7 years ago, almost 8??

(here are some late night houses I've been working on)

And yet, time keeps on churning.

The pecan trees are going golden.

The garden is trying to hang on.

Despite the frost and cold.

Luckily it's warm now.

Poor confused jardin.

Some pumpkins start to rot, others I bake.

Wisteria finally decides it'll go autumnal too.

Pretty roses greet me on my garden walks.

Miles rolls in wild grass that is starting to look mighty ugly.

Hanging out in the culinary rosemary.

All the while his brother Matty follows behind me.

Running away if I try to turn to take his pic.

So, I don't try.

I just let him follow me.

Sometimes when I'm going from my studio to my office to the mailbox, Matty follows me like a shadow, right up behind me. So, I pretend I'm looking for him and he beyond looooves this. I crouch down and open cabinets and I go "Matttty, yoo hooo, are you in there, I wonder where Matty is?"

I'm telling you he practically giggles.

Getting on his stomach and smooshing himself underneath me with joy.

But if I turn to try to grab him he'll run away, so I just mind his boundaries.

For the most part :-)

Where was I?

Oh yes, the garden...

Where tufts of fluff dwell.

And bees delight in the ornamental rosemary flowers.

Birds sit and gobble down my red pyracantha berries.

As Miles searches for what woke us up in a fright at 1 a.m.

Was it a racoon or a bobcat?

They might know but I never will.

Oh well.

I'm delighted at how all of the wild verbena and marigolds self seeded throughout the entire garden this year.

It's such a joy to come upon clusters of self seeded flowers in the most unexpected places.

And today, they're still hanging on.

We had so much rain late summer to now that I never have watered any of it.

It's a miracle really.

Oh, I also noticed little pumpkin babies still growing.

I can't believe the frost didn't take them out.

I told ya, it's a bizarre bizarre Arizona.

I live in the Southwest, but I live at a higher elevation north of Tucson, close to some big mountains that are forest on top.

So, like I've said before...

I live where the desert meets the forest.

And I'll tell you, that alone is quite curious indeed.

Makes for very interesting weather.

Anywho...

Enough chitter chatter about this and that nonsensical thing.

I do veer don't I?

I'm off to finish sending beloved parcels.

As I said, I have some fresh ballerina inventory I just popped into the shop.

Not sure how much I'll have access to, but I'll share what I can.

Thanks for being so great.

I hope my blogging babble entertains you enough to count as repayment for your kindness.

:-)

Happy day!!

Hope you're exceedingly well in your neck of the woods.

I'll be back soon.

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

It's Official! Vanessa Valencia Giftware has arrived♥

I'm so excited to finally get to share my giftware line with you!

In fact it's in my shop now, right here.

If you've been wondering what the heck I have been up to lately?

Here is part of the tale...

The last couple years I've been working on some product licensing with the most wonderful folks over at B Plus Printworks. We have so many fun goodies coming to fruition.

They've made some beautiful little treats with my ballerinas.

Things like cosmetic bags, mini journals, glass magnet sets & playing cards.

You can purchase them in my shop here beginning this morning.

Hooray!

I am sooo in love with these little journals.

Being a book lover, I just can't get enough of them.

They are the perfect size to toss in your handbag and boy would they make wonderful stocking stuffers.

4 of my ballerina pieces have been used to create this line of products.

The cosmetic bags are oil cloth on the outside & have a dreamy water color quality.

Each bag has a beaded zipper pull.

The cosmetic bags come in small and large sizes.

There are also beautiful glass magnets that are packaged in lovely little boxes.

The little journals include an elastic band and a satin ribbon bookmark.

Inside they have 80 lined sheets of cream paper.

And, my favorite part, a hidden pocket in the back for small keepsakes.

Aren't they so charming?

They make me so so happy.

It's a lovely combination of art and function I think.

 There are 4 styles, as you can see here.

I love the silk bookmark and elastic band.

The cosmetic bags are oil cloth on the outside and a red dotted fabric on the inside.

You can see extended details of each product in my shop.

Available in 4 ballerina styles as well.

Oh and, must not forget the playing cards.

These are soooo much fun and have the Theater of Dreams piece on them.

Crystal clear in person.

The little box is cute too.

I'm so pleased that I entrusted my art to a company that made such darling little treats and treasures.

I'm carrying some in my etsy shop at, aFancifulTwist.etsy.com

Pop on over to take a peek if you'd like.

There are more details and photos over there.

The sizes of all the items are so great for gifts and stocking stuffers.

I hope you like them too!

 

So that's some of what I've been up to.

Finally getting to share is soooo exciting!!

 

Hope you're doing great.

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

 

ps: If you'd like to shop for these you can pop into my shop here to purchase.

However, if you are a retailer and would like to carry these items feel free to contact B Plus Printworks. They specialize in ballet giftware. Their products are sold worldwide and they are wonderful to work with ♥

 

New Littles in the Shop ♥

Just in the nick of time!

New littles in the shopling!

So many faces and tales, oh my!

Weeks of making and getting to know these lovelies has been such a joy!

I love them all soooooo ♥

And guess who stopped in from the Fairy Tale Forest?

A Frog Prince!!

Heloooo Edmund!

Smiling sunflower elves...

All decked out for the family portrait.

Funny little girls in party hats...

Sparkly happy cakeheads!

Ribbbbit!

Kiss me now or lose me forever ♥

Delicate whispered tales from Celestine the swan...

Giggles from little elves...

Sparkly wings...

AND...

Our first extra large doll in ages.

Years.

Meet Francesca Flowerbottoms.

We love her to pieces!

She is about 14" tall seated from toe to the top of her head.

Totally hand-sculpted, as are all the others.

All hand made clothes.

And vintage jute hair, deconstructed and reconstructed :-)

So many flowery treats in her hair, pink butterfly too.

Mwwwuah!

All handmade clothes, tea stained and lace ribboned to the T!

Of course, she goes nowhere without her pet toadstool.

Everyone gathering.

Looking for homes.

This really is as close to a family portrait as we all get around these woods.

I loooove them so.

Little pieces of my heart in clay.

Looking to go live with you.

 

All in the shop now.

Right here at, aFancifulTwist.Etsy.com

 

Soooo, that is where I have been.

If you have been wondering.

Ever so busy.

Regular blogging now resumes!

xoxo

 

Looove, V

 

 

*Impromptu Jewelry Shop Sale*

How about a fun sale in the Jewelry shop?

We don't have these often, so this is extra fun.

25% off, hooray!

Simply use coupon code: Holiday2014

There will be a place to input the code at checkout, easy as pie.

There are sooo many treasures tucked in there.

High quality gems I hunt all over for.

Take a peek here.

Lots of bangles are extra fun, don't you think?

Baubles and baubles of happy choices.

Many pieces have antique elements, or items I have searched high and low for, collecting along the way.

I wish you could see them in person...

Delicious colors and sparkles.

So there you go.

A little impromptu sale, yay!

Again, when you visit my shop at VanessaValencia.Etsy.Com

You simply enter the code at checkout.

There will be a box for typing it in.

Coupon Code is:

Holiday2014

For your 25% off.

Fun fun in December.

 

I am still in denial that it is December.

It is warm and sunny here.

I hear it might change this weekend.

But I am loving these mild days!

 

Hope you are having lots of December fun!!

Are you?

 

Loooove, V

 

 

 

New Treats in the Shop ♥

I am so excited to share!

I have a few whimsical new cards I've designed in the shop, ready for the holiday season.

There is even a calendar card for 2015.

It was an incredibly grey day here for taking pics.

So, keep in mind, these are a little brighter in person.

 

But I just had to share them sooner rather than later.

Here is the C'est Noel card.

The back is cute too, with little scallops...

 

Then we have this fun tree polka dot card.

I looove polka dots!

The back sides have stripes in green.

 

The next card is sugar plum sweeeet!

The back has pink and white stripes with a minty green space for writing.

 

And last but not least....

It's the little things in life that really matter....

The back of this card is a 2015 calendar.

These are great little gifts too.

I wish I could convey how lovely these are in person via screen.

Like I said, they are brighter in person.

I don't know why today was so grey, but it was very.

 

I have these professionally printed, so they are great quality.

And, I include complimentary white envelopes with every card.

 

They are all in my shop here-

aFancifulTwist.Etsy.Com

 

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

We ate too much delicious food.

We had a National Lampoon's Turkey day.

More on that later.

Never a dull moment, hahahaha!

But it was fun and great.

 

Loooove, V

 

 

 

 

Witchies and Ghosties and the Man in the Moon! {New Shop Treats}

These days of magic and dreams flutter about.

New shop treats find their way.

*they have all now found homes, but there will be more soooon*

 

October with its curious mischief, brought some new littles to share.

All hand-sculpted and hand-painted by me.

Thought up in the wee after hours of nighttime, when goblins come out for story time.

They brought with them...

Sweetie Moonface, the Man in the Moon!

Sitting amongst the clouds.

And a bevy of sparkled wee creatures.

Like witches and ghosties and tiny pumpkin loves!

Sweetie Moonface smiles with glee surrounded by his friendly clouds.

There are also the kindest of witches, dolled up for the occasion.

Such as Gretta with her two pumpkin babes!

While pink pumpkin houses always make us smile.

With little teal shutters and rounded elfin doors.

Everyone would loooove to fly off to new homes near and far!

I know little witch Anga and her kitty Charlemagne would love to live with you.

All dolled up and sparkly as can be.

Hee hee heeeee!!

Oh yes, he is reminding me to say, ahem....

Sweetie Moonface has a pet star :-)

I'd love a pet star myself, wouldn't you?

A gathering in the leaves.

On this lovely day of October.

Charming ghosties with tales to tell!

I am certain that Little Witch Franny's pink ghostie named Persnickety is full of tales to whisper your way.

And sweet little witchies...

With adventures to share.

All are now........

In my online shop right here, aFancifulTwist.Etsy.Com

(they have all now found homes, but there will be more soooon, promise!)

 

There is magic and frolic and mayhem fluttering about everywhere these days.

With a party looming and little faces looking for homes, on their way to new homes.

They will be shipped the same day they are ordered.

Since Halloween is not so far away.

Hooooray!

 

 I have noooo idea what I will whip up for my Halloween party.

Never fear, this is not uncommon.

I am one to leave things right down to the wire.

So, tonight I begin.

Which sort of (totally) makes the bustle more exciting for me.

;-)

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

Delicious Baubles in the Jewelry Shop

Pearls, rubies, citrine, candy colors, gold tones and more!

They are all finally in my shop right here...

VanessaValencia.Etsy.Com

Oooooo, fun fun!

So many collected and treasure hunted bits and baubles to share.

There is a wide variety.

Layers and layers, dangles, charms and glorious stones.

Vintage and antique elements too.

Sparkles, semi-precious stones, crystals, oh my!

So many trinkets I have collected, some for years.

And earrings galore as well.

I just adore earrings, don't you?

I took so many photos for each piece.

I wanted to give a good visual.

Every piece will be hard to part with.

I make each piece as though it is for me.

I try them on over and over, making sure I love them all.

Moons and stars too!

I wanted to make a super rich and colorful gypsy bohemian necklace...

So, there is some color in the mix too.

Rubies, peridot, iolite, citrine, garnets and charms too!

Along with lots of pinks and greys and golds.

Oxidized and antiqued elements a plenty as well.

Such pretty minty and pink colors too.

Pink + mint chalcedony, angels and key love.

Lots of details and fun elements.

And...

To satisfy my love of mystery and such...

I had to delve into my take on a Fortune Teller necklace.

Something collected and intriguing.

With oodles of semi-precious stones.

Each with their own meaning and healing properties.

Lots of pearls and metals too.

Antique religious elements...

Something for everyone me thinks.

All now in my jewelry shop.

Take a peek at VanessaValencia.Etsy.Com

If you have any questions contact me.

I will happily assist.

 

I am a lover of all manner of jewelry.

I have all styles for all my different moods.

The more the merrier I say.

 

Hope you like them too.

There might be a perfect treasure waiting for you.

;-)

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

Photos & Jewels Coming Soon, Oh My!

Ooooo, it's jewel time!

Almost.

I am just finishing up taking hundreds of photos of jewels.

Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and all sorts of goodies I have been making.

I am adding a huge variety of new goods to my jewelry shop.

From pearls, chalcedony, golds, citrine, candy colors...

To delicious colorful gems like...

Rubies, amethyst, iolite, peridot, garnet - yumm!

Charms, dangles, beads, semi precious stones...

Antique elements.

Oxidized metals.

Crystals and more!

Such treasures I have searched high and low for to make lovely jewel treats.

I am so excited, I never make anything without trying it on several times.

If I would not wear it I don't make it.

I wish the camera would do a better job at showing how fun all of this is in person.

Alsoooo...

If you know me, then you know that I always wear a longish rosary pearl necklace with antique religious medals on it.

I first made mine 15 years ago from some broken pieces I had.

I have worn it nearly everyday since.

No matter what I am wearing, I always throw on my necklace.

Even if I have other necklaces on.

(I love layers of jewels)

It doesn't have a clasp, it just slips right over my head.

Often people come up to me and just touch the medals.

I know, could be awkward :-)

But I guess they feel compelled?

Or, they ask me about it, or ask me where they can get one.

So, I went on a hunt for old medals and rosary pearls -

And....

I made a few to add to the jewelry shop as well.

So, they will be a part of this rather huge update coming in the next few days.

I just wanted to share a little peek.

Show you what I have been up to.

I got a little derailed by a bad eye allergy.

Don't mow strange dry grass in the dark okay?

:-)

Anywhooooo, I am sooooo excited about sharing these jewels in detail soon.

 

Are you into jewels?

What is your birthstone?

 

I have about 40 hours of photo editing to do.

A lot!

But scrumptious jewelry pics are coming, and then I will start the process of updating the jewelry shop.

Fun fun!

 

 

Loooove, V

 

 

 

Hello October!

Well, it's here!

I can't really believe it.

As it still feels like summer.

And it was only July yesterday.

So now I scramble to soak it all up.

It's soooo good!

I just started putting up a little Halloween goodness.

I got this banner from Kathy Jacobson, I love it!

Isn't it fun?

Just what I needed.

That and some autumn spice.

I baked up two pumpkin breads last evening using this recipe, to celebrate.

I am not sure where my cream cheese mixture went???

It disappeared into the bread, and there was a ton of it.

I am sending one off to Mister's rehearsal gig tonight.

And made another for him.

He loved it, but says he likes my recipe here better.

Brownie points?

How the man is so svelte I do not know with all the treats.

This was a good and nice trial.

My recipe has a more mild spice, so I think that's why he likes it better?

But this was really good and the crunchy topping was lovely.

Soooo...

The Halloween mayhem is just trickling in...

Whilst napping seems the "in" thing around here.

The big white birdcage is being devoured by pumpkin leaves, hooray!

As orangey roses turn up for the event.

Flower power is in full garden effect.

And new pumpkins turn up in droves.

Hope a cold spell doesn't come in and do them in.

They are even trying to escape through the chicken wire it seems :-)

Some are ready for picking.

Others are a surprise we had missed.

Giant ones get daily peeks.

Little butterflies decide to sleep as I find them in my path.

And orange orbs start to get tucked in everywhere.

It's time, it's time!

Can't wait to see what the season brings!

Welcome October!!!

Are you all excited for October?

What is your favorite time of year?

 

I suppose I like them all for different reasons.

But the heat relief that starts to trickle in with October sure is magical.

Not to mention the mayhem and frolic ;-)

 

Yipeeee yay!

Time for tricks and treats galore!

 

Love, V

 

ps:  My online shop is bursting with Halloween goodies and I am shipping daily for the season!

Take a peek ♥

Potion labels, Halloween cards galore and more!

 

 

 

Halloween Goodies Galore {New Treats in the Shop}

It's mere hours until the first day of autumn.

Can you believe it?

So, I thought, what better way to celebrate?

Time to share some new Halloween cards and prints in my shop.

Where to begin?

Let's just plunge....

There are 4 new card styles.

(all cards are commercial quality with a lovely satin finish)

First off is...

Halloween Cottage

The backs of the cards can be quite fun too.

The back of this card looks like this...

 

Then we have Halloween Moon...

And one of my faves...

Halloween Tea -

The back of Halloween Tea looks like this, below...

And then, because I was asked several times....

Halloween Festivities in the gypsy garden turned into a card...

I am sooo excited about these.

They are so pretty and fun in person.

Oh oh, almost forgot, I brought back this card...

Because lots of folks were asking me to, so here it is.

Hauntingly Magical Celebration -

 

I also have two pieces that have never been prints available as fresh new prints!

Halloween Tea Party with Mathilde.

I normally never make prints until an original sells, however the original version of Mathilde is still looking for a home, but she sooo wanted to be a print for the wonderful autumn season, so I obliged ;-)

Mathilde Print...

(I made a test print and she is so much prettier and crisp in person, if you click on the image below you can see a clearer view)

 

Last but not least is a piece that was itching to be a print.

From the Through the Tree series...

Magical Night at the Autumn Carnival.

 

So there we have it, some Halloween fun.

I am crazy about Halloween.

Can you tell?

:-)

Ever since I was a kid, every adult in my family would dress up.

(uncles & aunts too)

We would plan costumes for weeks and give out candy all night.

We would go to Halloween parties and festivals galore.

It was endless fun.

I looooved dressing up.

I was raised to enjoy it so, and the magic of that sort of frolic.

So, I hold it dear.

Once I had this beyond words dream of the most perfect detailed Halloween village in full party mode.

I can remember the scents, the sparkle, glitter, magic and more.

It was a dream that felt so real, like I was there.

So, every year I try to bring a little bit of it to life.

 

All new Halloween goodies are in my shop right here.

 

Happy Autumn in 7 hours!!

Wonderful times!!
The pumpkins are growing, the air is slowly changing, I even saw a yellow leaf today.

 ♥

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

 

Flower Petals {New Cards in my Shop}

I am soooo excited today!

There are pretty new flower cards in my shop, hoooray!

When you design a new batch of cards, you never really know what to expect until they arrive.

These do not disappoint, they are soooo pretty in person.

Bright and happy!

Here are some close ups...

The back of the card above is extra fun, with yellow polka dots!!

Oh, it makes me want to write snail mail now.

 

This one below is a very dear fave of mine.

I love the shadows and details the back window light casts.

Almost like a painting.

Here are some fairy lights and lovely little petals.

It's almost like an underwater scene isn't it?

And, last but not least...

That beautiful golden evening light...

I have always adored that image above.

Outside the gypsy wagon, cooking on the cast iron stove.

Graced by the sun and all the magic it imparts on photos snapped just at the right moment.

I am smitten by these.

I hope you like them too.

 

You can find them here.

 

And those polka dots below!

I think polka dots make the world a better place ;-)

Don't you?

All of these cards are now in my shop.

Stocked and ready to go.

I even have an assorted set of all of them available too.

I just adore receiving and sending snail mail.

Isn't it such a luxury?

 

I find it so dreamy, this whole taken for granted postal service.

Mail right in your mailbox, it is amazing isn't it?

Even my little path to the mailbox makes me happy.

I think we should all send more fun snail mail, don't you?

 

Also, don't forget, I can always make you any custom assortment you might fancy.

And would be more than happy to.

 

 I have been ever ever ever so busy.

I can't even describe it all.

You know those days when you are busy every single moment?

I have been like that for about 12 days now.

Creating, shipping, custom behind the scenes work, aiding in a move in 104'F weather for days.

The list goes on and on.

Plus playing in jewels and paint past midnight.

 

Many more fun things to come.

I have so many garden photos and things to share soon.

I invented some herby cheese scones by whim & accident.

I needed something to accompany a salad, so I took a cookie recipe I had in my mind, omitted all the sugars and replaced them with garlic and herbs and salt and cheese.

And a scone was born, oh my!

I also whipped up two new dressings.

One is a basil avocado vinaigrette.

Beyond delicious.

Must remake them to test my recipes before I share.

 

How are you?

What is going on out there in the great big world??

 

Loooove, V

 

 

 

 

Isadora Woodhaven Apothecary {Spells, Herbs & Potions, Oh My!}

Something magical and lovely to share for today...

New spell and potion labels in my online shop, with an herbal twist!

Details and names of the labels are listed in my shop.

There are 15 in an order, lots of them, so you can quickly have your own little collection.

They are also fun mixed with other spell and potion labels I carry.

They work well on any shape or size of bottle, as you can see below.

I collect assortments of bottles from extracts, oils and more.

I find antique bottles at estate sales sometimes.

I have found some oldies on our property over the years -

Which I always save for labels as such.

You can fill your bottles with real or make believe ingredients, that's the fun of it all.

It's all up to you.

Let's set off for a visit to Isadora Woodhaven and her garden apothecary, shall we?

And see how she uses her labels?

Through the garden of giant morning glory vines...

Trinkets, treasures, herbs and spells!

Come closer, and peek...

Outside of the gypsy wagon we gather.

What sort of concoction do you fancy?

Mmmm, the scent is sublime!

A mixture of herbs and flowers swirl around.

A clustered display makes me extra happy.

Let's see, what do we have here?

Something for anything that ails...

Curious and wonderful, all the same.

And the first pumpkins of the season, snuggled in.

It's sooo much fun to put these together.

It takes you to another place in time almost.

I dare say, I think Isadora Woodhaven even showed up for a good while.

(she might be my conjuring alter ego)

As I collected and filled and played.

It was an enchanting time.

From Garden Angelica...

To Sacred Sage!

Just collect a few bottles...

Pick up some labels...

Peel and stick just like this...

Easy!

And you are well on your way to your own potion and spell apothecary shoppe.

The sun is changing, the breeze whispers the secrets...

Oh, a magical season is on its way!

Morphing and twisting, from summer to autumn.

Just in time to pick a few garden treats to fill your jars with.

 Soooo, the new labels are now in my shop.

I must go now, and play in my own apothecary display, it's sooo pretty in person.

I highly recommend you getting into these sorts of shenanigans yourself.

It's a lovely time, I sure enjoyed myself.

I know you will too!

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 ps:

I have also spent some time making and restocking other potion and spell labels I carry.

 You can find these in my shop as well.

 

Through the Trees ~ The Loveliest Day {New Painting}

Through clouds that billow in tufts of cotton candy pink...

Dreams of memories live.

Places in time.

Where trees bloom and mushrooms grow.

Where pale teal skies backdrop the most wonderful moment in tine.

Where bike baskets burst with fresh flowers.

And all manner of treats are cycled in.

The gramophone plays.

As the setting is set...

On The Loveliest Day, Through the Trees

A picnic makes it just perfect.

A garland of crocheted lace hankies hang on branches.

Little friends stop in just to say hello.

Hello...

As a cheese wheel in a bell jar and a decadent chocolate cake are set out.

With little sips of tea from bowls.

The sun is warm, the breeze perfection.

Your favorite tune dances about.

That is where we have been.

A memory of the heart.

Made up of dreams.

 

The painting I have been working on is now complete.

 

Through the Trees ~ The Loveliest Day.

It can be found right here, in my online shop.

24" x 18" x 1.5"

 

It is such a joy to get to spend moments with paintbrush creating dream memories.

I love sheep and bikes and teal skies and cotton candy clouds and cakes and gramophones.

Do you?

 

 

There is another baby owl I have to check on.

So I best be on my way.

See you really soon!

 

 

Love, V

 

 

 

 

A Painting in 5 Acts {Part 1}

Over a year ago, a dream came to me.

A tale, a story, an art piece.

Slowly it unraveled.

A long trunk, a big heart, led the way.

Stars, music and blue sky drips turned up for the painting party.

Along with golden honey.

My early art days of abstraction, painted emotions as I call them, intertwined with today's sketching of details and characters met hand in hand.

The first character turned up over a year ago.

A creature so dear to my heart.

I sketched it at 4 a.m.

Right onto my canvas with dripping teal blue skies, paper stars made of antique french letters that I dared to cut up.

Honey dripped like gold.

My heart, full of those winged little creatures that make the stuff.

And...

Then bursting forth, I met the first part of this huge painting.

There she was.

Strong and thoughtful.

Wise and knowing.

A symbol for caring and kindness and hope in my dream.

Free handed in pencil, onto canvas.

 

And so, I had a plan for this large complex piece.

A painting, in 5 acts, I thought.

Each act offered as a print.

Until finally the whole piece comes to light.

A year's work (or longer), very close to being completed.

At which point the original will be available as well.

I already know most of the story.

More than half of it is in painting process right now, close to completion.

The beauty and hope and dream quality that lives in it has come forth.

A mixture of abstractions and details.

Much like our dream thoughts.

 

So, to begin the unraveling journey..

Today I am sharing...

 

Elephant Hearted.

The central part of the painting.

 

The first print of this 5 act piece...

Now available in my shop.

Right here.

 

 I can't wait to finish up and be able to share the next parts of this puzzle art piece.

:-)

 

See you soooon!

 

 

ps:

I don't know about you, but I am an elephant lover of the deepest variety.

I have carried around a little elephant with me for a decade and a half.

I got it from a little old man, sitting in a rocking chair outside his old barn porch in Northern Arizona.

I was on a road trip.

Going anywhere and nowhere.

Here and there.

Meandering.

Enjoying.

Down a winding street in a thick green forest.

There he was.

Rocking away.

He was selling all of his earthly possessions.

A little wooden sign sat by a rickety wood picket fence, with wild roses rambling along.

I swooned when I saw a tiny elephant.

He said, it was my wife's favorite.

She had passed a few years back.

So I took her elephant with me, and hold it near and dear to this day.

Elephant love ♥

 

 

Glittered Girls {Original Art Cards}

I have some fresh new sparkly lil' gals in the shop today.

Original art cards, some in pencil and others in ink.

All water-colored and sparkly.

I wish you could see them in person.

As photographing sparkles is soooo hard.

They throw off the brightness of the cards.

So, just know they are lovelier in person.

Most folks who have given a card or two a home mat and frame them.

And hang them on the wall.

I have been playing in pencil and ink.

Along with different shades of backgrounds.

For all sorts of little faces.

They are all in the shop as of now.

Looking for homes.

Glitter makes the world a better place doesn't it?

:-)

 

It's going to be very warm today.

I noticed tomatoes and carrots sprouting in the vegetable garden.

Time to paint in the garden before it gets too hot.

 

I just love the warmest sun.

Remind me when I am melting in summer okay??

 

Hope you are having a loveliest day!

 

Love, V

 

Sweeties + Yarn + Days

Heloooooo there!

My oh my, I got swept away.

If you can't find me, search under piles of crochet!

Besides buckets of yarn in my world...

I have been spending a crazy outrageous amount of time in my kitchen.

I have been working on a wonderful behind the scenes project night and day for weeks.

Looong busy days.

It kept me busy all December, including the holidays and straight through the new year.

It's been fun!

I am just finishing up soon, and hope to be able to share in the near future.

Don't you hate secrets?

I'll tell you all about it when I can.

Alsooooo...

I've been popping treats in the shop.

Fresh new cards, with extra sugar on top.

They can be used for everyday and are also sweet enough for Valentine's day too, me thinks.

They are double sided, with pleasant little backs.

 

They are available in the assortment above or in same cards packs of 5.

Take a peek here in the shopling.

 

♥

 

Also...

Squeezed into my schedule, crochet season crept in.

I think I need an intervention?

There is yarn everywhere.

I mean everywhere.

When I am making things you will find yarn busting out of the house.

Does that happen to you?

I have this beautiful wooden yarn side table holder thingamajig I need to bring into the house.

It was my grandma's, but she gave it to me a few years ago.

It's in the cottage.

Right now every bag, laundry basket, table top...

Is all about yarn.

I think I may be boring everyone around here with it?

I stopped working on the great wall of blanket one day (sort of the way Forrest Gump stopped running). 

After 8 years of adding and adding, I just stopped.

Just like that.

It's huuuuuge.

It's so heavy, and so warm, and too giant for words.

I got a tinge carried away.

Why don't I have an enough button, I ask?

Now, I am undertaking something quite like it.

But not as big, and to be finished soon.

I started it a few weeks ago.

I'll take some pics soon.

I stay up waaaay too late, crocheting away.

My back falls asleep, my hand freezes, falls asleep.

I move and wriggle around.

But don't stop weaving away :)

See, an intervention.

It's what I need.

Maybe not.

:)

 

How have you beeeeen???

What's happening out there in the world?

We have had days and days of 75'F weather.

It has been dreamy.

 

Are you all extra cold out there??

We're dropping soon too I hear.

 

Keep me posted, what's goin' on out there? ♥

 

Loooove, V

 

 

 

Happy Little Creatures ♥ (Shop Update)

Hoooray, finally!!

In the shop now, and searching for homes near and far!

Owlies, princesses, bunny ballerinas, elves, kitties, and hooot hooot hoooot!!

Pink birds in pearls!

Pretty dressed girls and lace edged bloomers!

A garland of stars too.

Lovely lasses ready for festivities!

In very old dictionary page dresses encrusted with vintage mica flakes.

Everyone is preparing for a gathering in the forest...

They're so excited!

They want to go on voyages and have adventures!

Will you take them there?

Will they whisper tales to you whilst riding on pink deer??

Pink deer with flower wreaths and sparkley ears?

Oh yes.

 In elfin hats and lemon meringue gear?

With birds on flower crowns?

Scurrying through the forest in those vintage paper gowns?

And purrrring kitty sounds?

Oh yes yes, they give a hoot, they do!

They ask about you all the time.

 

Finnie and Alistair shall lead the way...

To their shopling adoption agency here...

I know, I was slower than slow.

Actually, I haven't stopped working on getting thes listed since yesterday.

Not slow, just tedious work that photo listing business.

The behind the scenes mumbo jumbo is craaazzzzy cakes.

But finally, here they are!!

Phewey... ;)

Much Love,

Vanessa

 

 

 

ps:  Also, there's an impromptu Christmas sale over at my Jewelry shop, right here.

30% off, use coupon code at the jewelry shop: HolidayMadness

Use code at checkout ♥

There will be Creatures ♥

I have been working feverishly...

Between midnight painting and major birthday week fun, there are littles!

I am shooting for getting them into my shop this evening.

(although more realistically tomorrow)

I need to take pics etc.

Not sure if I will pull it off tonight, but there will for sure be new little creatures and dolls and faces in the shop within the next 24 hours.

I will come here and do a blog post about it before I list the littles in my shop.

They are getting last minutes sparkles, rapunzel hair do's, tutus, varnish, flower neck wear, ruffled collars...

You know, the necessary accessories in life ;)

 

I have a question though.

 

Honestly.

 

Besides your cat or dog...

 

What is your fave animal, and why?

I need to know.

 

The why is important too.

 

Looove, V

(back soooooon)

 

 

 

ps:  My heart is really into killer whales lately.  Between the movie Blackfish and Luna, I am beside myself with love and pity for those suffering.  They have a need for socializing amongst them, and they love each other.  They also are sooooo crazy smart, like dolphins too.

I love koala's too, they seem so loving and soulful.

And goats.

And and and.

Once I saw a show where a guy was crying over the love of his goats, and I totally got it.

Oh, and the shenanigans those raccoons get into!

Oh my!

 

Fresh Goodies!

I have been so entranced with flowing solder, counting holiday cards and cutting labels...

That all my days ran into one big spiral.

So, I fell of the planet a little.

But, there are fresh treats now in the shop.

So, that's extra fun stuff ;)

I listen to movies, radio shows and audio-books when I work.

I rarely look up, so my mind is really accustomed to listening.

I find that thrillers can make me work more steadily and focused.

I made a handful of fresh pendants.

Hung them on their ribbons...

And polished them up.

I think they make scrumptious gifts for you or others.

They are a bit bigger in person than they seem onscreen.

They have a nice weight, and sparkle too.

I loooove soldering.

My very loud and active brain, I have learned, enjoys work where I zone out.

I wish it would go on vacation sometimes.

The only time it shuts up and gives me any peace is when I am painting, or soldering, and especially throwing on the wheel.  Goodness I love that zen space.

The bonus, treasures emerge.

Also, I did some inventory and stocked up the Christmas card section.

So, if anyone is in need of holiday cards, the shop is stocked.

If anyone would like a bigger assortment or amount for sending, let me know and I can make a card pack with many more, or a different variety.

I am beyond glad to do so.

Also, I have gotten oodles of requests for my funny holiday jar labels behind the scenes.

So, I made a bunch of them and put them in the shop as well.

They are so fun and giggle worthy.

Decorating your jars is extra fun.

I love that part.

 

 

So, there ya go, stocking up for the holidays, which are not far on the horizon.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, gasp!!

My shop link is here.

Hooray!

 

Let's see...

On the home front news.

You won't believe this.

It has been 75' - 81'F the last few days.

(that is 24' - 27' C)

Can you believe it?

There are roses coming up everywhere.

But more importantly, yesterday I stood in a flurry of hundreds of butterflies.

Yellow, orange, white and blue ones.

I tried to take pictures, but they were so fast.

Incredibly fast.

I'll try again today.

At one point several yellow ones gathered together and flew around me in a circle.

Then some beautiful white butterflies chased each other endlessly.

It was so interesting.

The basil flowers were covered in a gazillion varieties of little blueish moths.

Moths that look more like butterflies, so I am not sure.

It's an extra spring for certain.

I think that is why the holidays are so odd here.

It stays warm so far into fall, that Halloween and Thanksgiving can be one big blur.

But if we don't plunge, then Christmas smacks us on the forehead, and before you know it, it's February.

Eeeeeek!

Life is a whirlwind I tell ya, a whirlwind.

Okay, off I go for now.

Clay calls.

 

What's happening in your world???

Tell me, I wanna know :)

 

Looove, V

 

 

 

 

New Halloween Goodies!!

I couldn't stand to let Halloween season pass by without some fresh goodies.

I have been working on some treats I just popped into the shop...

Such as this new floral Spirit Board inspired card.

A little spooky fun, with a floral touch.

You can sneak over to the shop if you'd like to see the backs, etc.

I also have some fun new potion and spell jar labels.

I was in the mood for something dark, with white writing.

Something with antique detail goodness.

Took me a few days to cook these up, and finally, here they are.

These are fun because you can fill the jars with spooky potion things, or you can go more playful and use candies or treats for you and anyone who stops in for a visit.

Here is how I styled mine.

These labels are quite large as far as labels go, so they really stand out.

I aged them a bit too, for that extra spooky feel.

Here are the labels up close.

A soul's potion for all that ails....

Creeping Shadows Potion and Spell...

Darkest Elixir...

And, we can't ever forget a proper Magic Spell, can we?

Then we seal the deal with Wolf Fangs, oh my!!

I could design cards and labels all day.

I enjoy it so much.

Oh oh, I almost forgot.

I restocked some faves which were long gone, such as the Fortune Teller and Curiosities in the Apothecary shop.

Also just got a shipment of Tea time of the Haunted Variety, Bell Jar Halloween and Halloween Festivities.

I just had to plunge into Halloween season.

I normally plunge earlier, but it's only October 9th.

Still plenty of time to make it a curiously spooktacular Halloween season.

Party details to follow as well.

Also, if you are really in the mood for potions and spells...

I carry all sorts of label goodies.

They can all be found in my shop.

I LOVE love LOVE this time of year.

You?

Okay so, I best be off to get some party planning going ;)

 

Love, V

 

 

 

Paper Dress Dances + Somerset Holidays & Celebrations Mag + New Art

And so we head off to see the circus girl...

Anticipating those colorful scented nights under cool moonlight.

(new painting in my shop)

Those lights sparkling ever so bright.

Beams of color, imagination in flight.

With such grace she dances on point, way up in the sky.

Every color of your wildest dreams comes alive...

Under the big top of pure delight.

This is the piece I have been working on for about a year, or more.

Adding color in layers and layers...

Sparkles, and gold leaf, and orbs galore.

Circus magic conjurings swirling in my head...

She dances and twirls, calls my name sometimes at midnight.

More sparkle?

Okay, you got it.

And now, she is ready to find a new home.

To start a new journey and adventure.

The Circus Girl

24" x 24" x 1.5

In my shop.

 

Since I will be going on an adventure soon, I thought I would ad these new pieces at the last minute.  I just didn't want more time to pass.

And this little lass has been on an expedition for a year over to Stampington.

So, she's eager to find a home.

Candy colors of party goodness...

She is also now in my shopling.

Sweetie sweets.

With pink and white stripes surrounding the piece.

You can spy her in the 2013 issue of

Somerset Holidays and Celebrations.

It's a scrumptious dreamy issue by the way.

So happy to have little miss be a part of it.

A couple other pieces were on a little journey...

This piece comes to me in my dreams.

I think spring lives deep in the heart.

It's always there...

Even with autumn upon us, the weather shifts, and we get an autumn spring for a few weeks.

Flowers rebloom, and come back to life after the very hot summer.

Then winter spring planning - the yearning for fresh buds, the anticipation.

Spring in the heart...

Awakening of Spring 10" x 10" 1.5"

In my shop.

Sparkles of dew, and hope...

Giant flowers, like Thumbelina in the garden.

A heart full of spring indeed.

A little different from being at the circus - but still two places I love.

The peace of the garden, the magic of the circus.

Don't you love both of those places as well?

Oh oh, last but not least...

Let me not forget...

Nature's Lullaby.

10" x 10" x 1.5"

I wish I could have that background on my wall in my house.

I love those flowers and colors of teals and pinks.

There is gold leaf edging with fairy sparkles surrounding this piece.

Can you hear the tune?  Of nature's lullaby?

It's so hard to convey the sparkle via photos.

Paper dress dancing ensues...

All pieces so different aren't they?

But all little facets and colors in my heart.

All pieces now looking for homes.

And, can be found in my online shop here.

I loved making these so much.

Thanks for peeking in.

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  We have had ever so many projects up our sleeve. Tiling a bathroom, organizing drawers.  How do kitchen drawers get so insane?  It's silly really.  Why does organizing ones closets and cabinets feel so good?  Well, my shop will be open for a few more days, and then I will take a little journey.  After which, we need to talk about a Halloween Haunted Tea Party I have up my sleeve.  You game?  It will be late in happening, but it will happen if I have any say about it, k? ♥

 

Honesty + Life

This is such a hard blog post to write.

Typing this makes everything going on in my world more real...

You see, after a week of tears, fear, confusion, ER and meeting a surgeon...

 The fact is...

In a few weeks I have to have the first surgery of my life.

If I ever get brave enough, I might share some more details.

I can say that the prognosis in the end is said to be good, and the recovery will be a few weeks.

I'm scared, but I have vast faith keeping me from drowning.

I don't know how much I will be able to do work/art wise for the holidays etc.

In the few weeks before my surgery, I am rearranging my house to make it easier for my family to visit.

I am not sure if I will have time for art, but I do have some paintings I would like to finish before I am gone for a few weeks.

I guess all I can do now is go with the flow, and somehow find a way to deal with these stomach pangs of nerves.

I don't like to think negatively, life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes you have to just be braver than others.

This is what I keep telling myself.

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

ps:  Two originals in the shop have been priced lower  ♥

pss:  I have freshly stocked the Halloween and Christmas sections of my art shop.

 

 

Fresh Treats!

I have some new treats to share today, which are available in my shop.

I am so excited about these, they are so pretty in person.

Wish I could hand you a couple through the screen.

Wasn't it about time for some new cards?

All the cards I carry are commercial quality, with a double sided satin finish. 

Nice and sturdy, with complimentary envelopes included.

So, we have two new mad tea party cards...

Then we have...

 

The Star Girl...

 

In the Theater of Dreams...

 

And...

The Gypsy Wagon -

 

I also brought back Avant Garden Wonderland.

I never had too many of these, and had been wanting to offer them in card form again.

So happy to have these available.

 

I also have a couple new pandants I made.

They are tea related.

 

Tea Time has the dainty stacked tea sets...

The back is a photograph of an Alice in Wonderland book, taken through a maginifying glass.

 

The second pendant I made is of...

Tea and Milk

The back is a piece of an old book page about tea...

 

And in my favorite way to display them...

On silk ribbons...

 

All these new little treats are available in my online shop.

Hoooray!

It's so fun to finally get to a place where things can be shared.

The process of making and photographing and listing is crazy :)

But finally, fresh treats, yay!

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  How are you all?  I have been washing floors and tidying up things.

As well as playing in the cottage.

I also have been working on some clay pieces.

And, mixing paint to finally complete several pieces I have been working on for months, even years in some cases.

How is summer going for you?

I hope it rains today.

Nature's help with garden chores would soooo hit the spot.

 

Mad Tea Party Treats {In my Shop}

Thank you thank you thank you for all the Mad Tea Party fun!!!

We all had a blast!

All the characters, tea sets and cakes are now in my shop.

Alice had the bestest time ever, she says ;)

She wanted to keep partying for days!

It was wonderful, and all of you participants had superkalifragilistic parties!!

I had a grand time.

It was soooo amazing to see what you all did. 

WOWIE Zowie!

We are all catching up on life.

Had some real life things to deal with, and getting back into the groove after making making making and then partying like it was 1865, oh my!! ;)

Not to mention...

The hatter wants me to brush his hair every 6 seconds.

And polish his chartreuse shoes with golden stripes.

OH MY!

I have added all the characters to my shop, looking for homes they go.

 

All handmade, one of a kind treats.

 

 Thank you again for all the madness and fun!!

I will be back extra soooooon!

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

Solder Magic {Art Pendants}

I am convinced solder was invented by some brilliant metal magician.

I am having way too much solder fun.

I have a new batch of art pendants today.

I shouldn't have kept all my tools put away for so long.

I am also longing for my pottery wheel bliss, but that's another tale ;)

As for art Pendants...

These are now in my shop.

I wish I could convey how fun and weighty and elegant these are in person.

I am entranced, bewitched, besotted with sitting at my work bench soldering for hours.

Frosting my pendants with solder...

These art pieces turn into little treasures with the glistening silver surrounding them.

Each image is beyond clear in person.

I spent days and days working on getting super duper high quality small art prints of my work.

Perfecting sizes, plus a couple weeks testing pigment ink and archival papers -

So that I could make the last batch, and this new batch...

I added these to my shop a few minutes ago...

The backs have really old sheet music and old dictionary pages...

A little menagerie...

All now available in my online shop.

 

I have to clean my studio this evening.

I think trolls may have moved in.

I wouldn't even be able to tell at this point.

:)

It's like...  Hoarders, the art studio version.

Eeek!

Not really, but close.

 

See you super soooon!

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  For a long time folks have asked if this would ever be a print...

I had to rebuild it to create a print, but finally, here it is...

Carnivale of Dreams.

Soldered Art Pendants

Finally, I get to share some of the arty shenanigans I have been up to...

Like new soldered pendants in my art shop.

I made a handful of them over the last of couple weeks.

Each one taking a bit of time, with attention to detail.

It was about time I got my soldering tools out again, wouldn't you say?

I use a lead free solder with sterling silver.

Each pendant is double sided, encased in glass.

With the double side, it's like you get two pendants really.

I soldered on 3/8" jump rings that are a nice size, so that a person's own chain can easily fit through.

My pearls fit through nicely.

Secret treat on the opposite side.

The pendants hang on silk ribbons...

And can be worn, used as an ornament or gifted.

Nice little gifts for you or others.

I am very generous with the solder.

I was explaining to Mister Lovee that I like to create a frosting effect with my solder.

There are no rough edges and there is a nice sculptural quality to them.

There's that great jump ring size (3/8").

The pendants have a nice weight to them, and are 2" x 2" in size.

So, for a pendant they are a nice size.

I jumped into my secret special silk ribbon stash for these.

Nothing like nice silk ribbon is there?

Below are examples of some of the backs.

I have really enjoyed making these.

They can now be found in my online art shop.

Hope you like them.

See you extra soon.

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:

I also whipped up a new assorted card pack...

It's called -

Pretty Wonderland

 

Tea Parties, Cakeheads and Tiny Mossgrove Elfin... {New Art Treats}

I just added some new art treats to my online shop.

I have feverishly been working on little faces and such the last couple of months, and finally, here they are all varnished and ready for homes.

As you know, some of the elves I make come from the Magical Cypress Grove.

This is just the place where a tea party is happening today...

If you are extra nice, and make a special cake, they might peek out...

More photos on that piece to follow...

Because I also want to introduce you to a few really special little tiny folks.

You see, as in life as we know it, there are all sorts of people.  Short, tall, different accents, different ways of life. 

Such is the same case in elfin worlds.

There are the elfin you have come to know, from the Magical Cypress Grove...

However, even deeper in the forest, is the Enchanted Mossgrove, where the tiniest of elfin creature live.

They are no more than thumb size, I tell you.

And boy can they sing.

Oh, mesmerizing tunes they sing.

If you sleep with your windows open, you might just hear them.

Song traveling on sonic wind waves.

Here is one of the little guys, Lucas Mossgrove.

Acorn hat and all :)

I will introduce you to a few of his friends in a second.

Right now, Freya is tugging at my skirt, so excited to meet you all.

Seems her and her friends must have spent some time at Ladurée in Paris, because they all came back with gold glistening accents.  Maybe they also went to Versailles?

Wherever it was, it rubbed off ;)

But, back to the tea party in the Magical Cypress Grove, for the moment...

You see, it was a perfectly pink sky day, with spring on its way...

Owlie in a ruffled collar...

Cakes, macarons, candied cherries galore!

What more could a girl ask for?

And where can I get a frock like that?

Tea Party in the Magical Cypress Grove.

16 x 20 x 1.5

So, while all that's going on...

Deep deep deep in the woods, at the bottom of the forest, by the stream, where beams of light shine in through thick trees...

Are the tiny Mossgrove elfs.

You met Lucas above.

Below is Juniper...

And Theodore...

All with their own mushroom, plucked right out of the fairy circle, me thinks.

Moss included :)

As for cake heads.

They are extra fancy with their French gold...

Meet Francesca Blossom Cream Cakelette.

And, Juliette Frangipani Queen Cake...

Oh oh, and don't forget

Natalia Cherry Cream Blueberry Madelene!

 

All of these lil' treats are now in my shop, here.

Ready to find a home avec vous?

Possibly maybe?

 

See you soon!

Love, V

 

 

 

Wonderful little tune, makes you want to go exploring in the forest...

 

 

Earrings, Earrings, Earrings & Bird!

What ever have we been up to?

I've been making art, and jewels.

And getting into trouble, of the confectionery variety.

I've been playing with jewels a lot.

Oh that reminds me.

Folks have been asking me how to get to my new jewelry shop, and if my art and jewelry shop are one in the same?

They are not one in the same.

You can find...

Art here  &  Jewelry here.

Links to both are right up there below my banner, see them?

But I have to say, the easiest way to get to any of my shops, or to this blog is....

By visiting VanessaValencia.Com

Which is my main website, and has a left hand sidebar that will take you to said places.

Easy.

As for jewels, and other things...

It's beginning to look a bit Christmasey around here.

My old bird is hanging out with us this year, I can't decide if he is a duck?

I think he is...

But I want him to be a swan.

:)

I have had him for ages and ages.

He was hand carved in Canada, and then after I got him, I had the audacity to decoupage him with French pages.  Oh, about 10 years ago?

But, he likes it.

So, he is having fun this year.

Mister Lovee is thrilled about the 24 hour Christmas radio station.

Not.

Haha!

I say, come on, how can you not LOVE Christmas?

It's aaaammmaaaazing!

He says, Dovee, I'm Jewish.

:)

Then he says in his very sarcastic dry voice.

Yay, Christmas, Yay, woo woo hoo.

But you know.

I know he loves it.

I know it.

I can tell.

No joke.

Lovee, you love it, you know it!

Last night after a hot shower, I sat on my bed and painted my toe nails fresh.

I was listening to the Christmas station on my alarm clock radio.

And then that song came on about the guy who meets his old flame in the store.

And they share some beers or something.

And then at the end he says....as I drove home the snow turned into rain.

And then they play Auld Lang Syne.

And I started to cry.

And Mister Lovee came in and said.

Is something wrong with your toe?

Are you okay?

And I said no.

Not my toe.

(haha, thought I was crying over my toe, silly goose)

Then I said, this song.

The way it goes into Auld Lang Syne at the end gets me.

Just made me tear up.

And he goes.

DOVEE, that is a new year's song, and Christmas hasn't even past yet!

What the heck?

And I said, I know.

But, it just choked me up for some reason, I don't know.

And he says, are you listening to the 24 hour Christmas station again?

And I smile and laugh with tears on my face.

Dripping down my chin.

And he rolls his eyes and walks off chuckling.

Haha!

Madman.

I tell ya.

Veering...

As for those funny Christmas Jar labels I popped in the shop this week...

They are dangerous!!!

The treats stay so fresh in the jars.

I am not a major sugar lover.

But, I was into the jars today.

And I made myself all crrazy.

My sister said, what is wrong with you?

You are crrrrrrrrazy.

And I said.

Well, I've been eating Reindeer p*op..

I can't type the word, or goodness knows what my ads will turn into.

And she just laughed and laughed, and said she needed to make some of those jars.

Imagine, someone calls and asks...

What have you been eating?

Angel toots.

Snowmen's hearts, bwahahahaha!?

;)

Yes, I have.

And.

The bestest.

Elf ears!

Oh my.

Treats in the dark, with twinkling lights, even better.

I love the darkness with only tree lights.

It feels like childhood.

Always and forever.

So, that's a tinge of what I have been up to.

I took out lots of dry plants from the garden.

(2 wheel barrows full)

It is warm in the sun day, but very cool at night.

So the plants know what's up, and they are dying or turning.

But I have my seeds in check.

And I am getting ready.

First winter rain, and in the spring seeds go.

Yes!

Well I best be off.

And as I said....

Lots of new sparkly earrings in my jewelry shop.

I love earrings.

They are such a fun accessory.

I wear earrings all the time.

And, when I make jewelry, I only make things that I would love to wear.

And, I try the pieces on over and over as I make them, to make sure they look good on.

Yay!

What are you up to?

Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me.

 

Love, V

 

 

 

Christmas Jar Labels, Christmas Cards & More!

Ooooooo, have I been up to some sneaky makings.

I can't wait to share.

New treats in my on-line shop!

What, what could these treats be, you wonder perhaps?

Well.

I had a major heart desire for some outrageous, silly, wacky nonsensical Christmas makings.

The sort of makings that make you wonder if I have fallen off my rocker.

And so.

I plunged into Christmas Jar Labels.

(now in my shop)

Of the funny outrageous variety.

If you have a wicked sense of humor, of the bestest kind, then you might chuckle at some of these labels.

:)

Tee hee.

My mom (who has a rated G sense of humor, which told me these are a-okay) was my partner in crime when I was coming up with these.

Boy did we laugh.

I know I know, gross!

But, I just had to.

Forgive me in advance, haha!

 

Jar Labels!

I also have some new cards to share, which I will do after I share the labels.

So let's look at the labels, and some ideas for tops and contents...

The thing about these labels is that, you can make the jars have scrumptious edibles in them, and either give the whole set to someone as a gift...

(my grandpa would get a HUGE kick out of these)

Or you can gift them individually.

Or use them in your own decor.

Mine are for Lovee, since he loooooves candy.

And will be a part of my decor.

Also...

If I had had more time, I would have made the tops even more ridiculous and over the top.

The sky's the limit!

But these were extra fun to make, no matter the time constraints.

For instance, for Snowmen's Hearts, you could make a glittered cotton ball snowman for the top.

I used marshmallows for the actual Snowmen's Hearts jar contents.

Which I think make perfect snowmen hearts.

Do you?

And some thread for the top, you know, for mending hearts and all ;)

Then we have some angel......

I filled the jar with popcorn for said toots.

But I was thinking, my mom's caramel corn recipe...?

Sprinkled with lots of edible glitter when hot (the good sparkly kind)...

Would be soooo fun in these jars!

I had some small angel wings I tied on too.

Which gave me a giggle.

Also...

Crepe paper and doilies always do the trick in fancying up jar decor.

I also made a couple labels that aren't so, umm, funny?

But make for extra pretty jar filling.

Like Winter Wonderland.

Which you can use on a large jar and fill with an assortment of treats.

Here we come to the funniest one, I think.

I know, eeeeeeeeeewe!

Raisinets work perfectly for this jar.

You know, chocolate covered raisins.

I can't think of any man or child who wouldn't laugh at receiving a jar of

Reindeer...

Hahahhehehee.

Okay, what else do we have?

Oh one of my faves.

Candied Sugar Plum Fairies.

Yes, yes sirree.

The actual fairies.

Candied!

Oh my!

I filled my jar with those giant sized Dots looking candies that are rolled in sugar, and some big jelly beans.

Of course, we need some peppermint love.

So how about Peppermint Kisses?

I used peppermint twists, wrapped old fashioned like.

But you could always use actual Hershey's Peppermint Kisses.

Oh oh.

And how about....

Elf Ears!!

I used orange jelly candies covered in sugar for Elf Ears.

Yumm yumm! ;)

So many things you could do.

You could even make sugar cookie or gingerbread cookie ears.

So many options for the jars.

You don't even have to use edibles.

You could come up with other funny wacky contents.

I have to say, these are sooooo much fun to work on.

I so lost myself in decorating my jars.

I am going to make some up as gifts too.

OH!

I almost forgot.

The question of the season...

Have you been Naughty or Nice?

My local drugstore called Walgreens is carrying this brand of candies and items labeled, Nice!

I noticed that those poofy melt in your mouth peppermints were wrapped in paper that said, Nice!

Perfecto.

You could also use little bits of black licorice for coal...

If the folks around you have been mostly naughty ;)

I just had such a blast making these.

I know, I said that a bunch of times already.

But I so did.

I hope you'll try them.

They're a fun project.

Labels can be found here.

I also just received some new cards for the shop.

These flower and red berry cards made me gasp when I opened the box.

The colors and such.

So pretty.

The berries also make the cards holiday festive.

We also have...

The Magic of Christmas - Sugar Plum Fairy, in card form.

(and canvas print form)

And our Merry Santa is back too.

This card is soooo sparkly looking!

And last, but definitely not least.

Elves.

Furry friend elves, bunny elves, elves!

In card form.

Haha, those wee faces always get a giggle out of me.

So, cards and labels...

Now in my online shop.

Woo hooo!

I have been working feverishly on those jars, to share how they'd look decorated.

I hope they made you chuckle a little ;)

 

Loove, V

 

 

Somerset Holidays and Celebrations Magazine + Christmas Art

Looks like the time has come for sugar plum fairies to peek in...

Wishes and sparkles a plenty, are finding their way.

Twinkling lights and happy music.

Jingle bells and sparkly snow!

Sparkly everything!

Andddddd!

Time for Somerset Holidays and Celebrations magazine,

Plus lots of inspiration in those pages.

Two of my new Christmas pieces were featured in this year's issue...

And are now available in my art shop.

Sugar Plum Fairies make the world a better place, don't they though?

With wishes and sparkles, oh yes!

I just like saying wishes and sparkles.

How about you?

 

The Magic of Christmas

16" x 20"

And a sweet little fur too.

Twinkling trees...

In a world of light seafoam tealish blue and pink.

Happy candy colors.

Tis' true.

Stars and clouds, and...

Wait, there is a Christmas Tea Party too!!

10" x 10"

All fancy schmancy, and oodles of fun!

And of course, sparkly too.

What is Christmas without some serious sparkle, I ask?

 

Both pieces are now available,

 in my shop, right here.

 

Also, I put up a wee tree last night.

And, I have to say, I deserve a tree decorating award.

For, worst tree decorator ever, that is ;)

I stink at it.

It's kind of hard, I think?

I kept calling my mom.

She is the bestest tree decorator, ever.

And makes a whole thing of it.

I am off to meet her now, as she has some Christmas treats for me.

YAY!

I'll snazzle up my own display, and take more photos.

Have you started decorating?

I think my decor is going to have a spring flair, since it is warm here.

And I am typing this in hot sun and flip flops.

You would think I was in the Bahamas.

Last year it was much colder here.

Now...

I just need an ocean.

Oh, lovely ocean......

White sand.....

Dreams.

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:  There was the most jaw dropping pink and lavender sky full moon the other night...

Swwwwooooooooooon!

 

Shop Sales & a Giveaway

Oh my! sale time came at me so fast.

I was up sooo late, after 1 a.m.

We all ate so much we could not move.

We laughed so much we cried.

We sang.

We told stories.

It was grand.

And now,

SALE TIME!!

Kim of Gerushia's New World (one of our beloved sponsors), is having a sale the 23rd-26th

And bonus...

She is also giving away a $50 gift certificate to her shop.

Right here, right now, just leave a comment to enter.

Can you believe it?

A giveaway, plus a sale, which you can apply to your gift certificate if you win.

Wooo hooo!

  

 

ps: Thanksgiving wrap-up...

Miles Birthday. Loved his big horse.

 Awesome eats.

I cooked so much, and my friend brought some fresh/raw homemade cran-orange relish, homemade lemon meringue pie (with her own lemons) and salad.

There was...

Turkey that fell off the bone, brown sugar candied yams, mashed potatoes, stuffing chock full of delicious veggies, green bean casserole, oven baked croissants, fresh cranberry orange rind relish, herb vinaigrette salad, 5 pies (lemon meringue, traditional pumpkin, pumpkin cheesecake), dessert wine, and so much more I can't recall now.

What did you munch???

Are you so tired today?

Phew.

Full full full bellies.

 

Refreshing pomegranate seeds after a long night of fun.

Hit the spot.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving too ♥

 

Vanessa Valencia {Jewelry}

Time to plunge into jewels!!

Yes, it's true!

It's official.

My jewelry is now available on-line.

Phew, I never thought I would say that.

But, it's true, it's true!

After years of folks asking me, what's up with the jewels?

Customers wondering if there was an on-line venue?

And regular calls from my mom (who is my best model), telling me people ask her every time she is wearing my jewelry creations, where they can get some of their own on the internet.

There is a place.

Right here.

www.VanessaValencia.Etsy.Com

And...

If you are interested in a tale of jewels?

Here's a lil' story...

Let's see.

My jewelry adventures began around 1992.

I had several pieces of fine jewelry that I didn't love anymore, so I took them all apart and made one great piece.

People would walk up to me while I was out and about, and ask me where I got it.

I promptly became inspired, and started into jewelry making madness.

There are huge gem and mineral shows in Arizona.

So I started going to shows, learning about stones and gems.

And wearing even more jewelry, which I already did a lot of.

Only because I love it.

Love.

Passionately.

In every job I have been in, some male co-worker always calls my gypsy.

Folks comment on my clanking charms and such.

And then, they want some of their own.

:)

All those years ago, I plunged in the biggest way ever.

Buying tools, so many tools.

Endless beads, stones, silver, brass, copper, gold.

Vintage, new, Czech, Venetian, German...

Crystals!

Investing my whole savings account, many times over, at the bewitching gem shows.

I did huge jewelry shows showcasing my pieces.

Tables and tables of velvet displays, towering acrylic displays.

Mannequins.

So many mannequins.

(and mannequin make-overs)

Sculptural necks, display cases, lighting, credit card machines.

Packaging, boxes and sachets, and neverending information.

Knowledge.

Always learning.

And making, making, making jewelry at all hours.

Shows all over the place.

Renting spaces, folks hosting shows.

Trunk shows, jewelry shows, art shows.

Days of putting up displays.

Car loads.

When I met Mister Lovee he took a huge interest in my jewelry making.

As he once was, and his family continues to be, in the fine jewelry business.

And so, he became my right hand jewelry show man.

Putting up displays, taking them down.

Packing the car, unpacking the car.

Hours and hours of work.

Years and years of jewels.

Investments like you wouldn't believe.

Hunts for treasures.

Endless hunts, and treasures found.

Learning about so many things.

And of course, being hard headed as I am, never taking a proper class.

But trial and error over years and years was a good teacher in itself.

I sold my jewelry when I was in college.

Then whilst being an interior designer.

When I left that career, I did jewelry solely, for about a year.

Then...

I went into real estate about 10 years ago, and started doing bigger shows.

Painting, making jewelry and working so hard at my job, all at once.

Then there were bigger jewelry diplays.

Longer hours of putting a show together.

More gem and treasure investments.

Making more jewelry than ever.

And then, almost 6 years ago, I discovered blogs.

As I built a blog and painted and sculpted, I still made jewelry.

But, I didn't share my jewelry online, as I felt it was too daunting a process at the time.

What with everything else going on.

All the details.

All the photos.

Building a blog.

Opening an online art shop.

And, I was still trying to find my way in the internet world.

Until now.

I have plunged.

I am so excited to finally get to share jewels!

I hope this is the beginning of a really fun adventure.

 

Vanessa Valencia {Jewelry}

Now open at...

www.VanessaValencia.Etsy.Com

Yay!

 

 

 

ps:  One other thing.

I accept credit cards in both my art and jewelry shops now.

So, if you don't use Paypal, or would simply like another option...

You can now use your credit card directly, to shop in any of my shops.

Woo hoo! ;)

 

 

Of Paint & Moons & Pumpkins + Some Magic too...

Time to share more paint, and places and magical journeys.

All popped into the shop today.

What to share first...?

I have ventured Through the Trees again you see.

Part of my ongoing series.

It's a place I really like to be.

What is beyond the trees?

I know you must know.

For all folks who venture back through, and make their way down the dark earthen path, have been to the most wondrous place you can imagine.

There have been clowns and gypsies you've met, and now...

Is it the circus ringmaster himself?

And a good witch?

A fairy queen perchance?

Pulling her loot? 

With wand still in magical glow?

Why yes yes, it must be them.

As giant moon guides their way.

Who would have guessed, that if you look close enough down to the left...

Someone has made a teensy appearance.

 It's their fluffy black cat, Gertrudis, who always meets them when they are halfway home.

Oh, and let's not forget their little dog, Puppet...

A performer dog, don'tcha know.

Oh he knows all sorts of tricks.

He fancies himself a lion though.

And thinks he can even roar.

Which on some nights, when the moon is extra full, we hear that he can.

Thick glowing clouds and the hugest of moons.

Leaves have fallen from the trees.

Chilly nights, and mittens, four.

There is still a buzz of enchantment swirling around, as they venture

Through the Trees...

Through the Trees, A Magical Night.

16" x 20" x 1.5"

But that is not my only tale for the day.

If you don't mind.

Witches have peeked out from deep in the woods.

Cottage chimneys, with sparkles and fairy dust, puff through the autumn air.

And, what we have heard is that...

Mathilde is hosting a splendid little gathering!

See, in this house, witches aren't seasonal.

They are all the timers.

Once a witch, always a witch, right?

:)

Really, what proper household doesn't host a witch year round, I ask you?

And further, what fairytale, isn't chock full of witches?

Hmm, my pretty?

Looks like Mathilde is throwing just the sort of party I would like to jump into.

You?

Imagine, if we really could be there?

At a little fête hosted by a witch in the woods?

Candy apples, magic tea...

Sign me up, please!

I think it's time for us to dream up some snazzy frocks.

And let the magic totally, madly, unfold.

Mathilde, the Little Witch.

18" x 24" x 1.5"

 

Both pieces, can now be found in my online shop.

I tell you, I am giddy with this flutter of autumnal excitement.

You?

We are so lucky for seasons.

Truly.

See you extra soon!

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

Whirls of Paint

I think the best part about painting scenes that take place in the depths of your mind is that, you get to venture into those places whilst creating.

Each layer of paint, paper and glue takes you deeper in, and for a moment, you are there as well.

The journey into imagined places...

One of my favorite things in life.

In fact...

I have two new pieces to share today, which I have popped into my shop.

 A paper dress girl and a cake girl.

 

Genevieve is our petite cake girl.

About to throw a party.

Planning, preparing.

Dressing up.

Cakes galore.

Genevieve Throws a Party.

20" x 24"

Sweets and butterflies.

Meanwhile...

In deepest dreams, we venture into starlight night skies...

A carousel goes round and round...

Song, dance...

Night time flight, through the sky...

Magic and whimsy...

A carousel horse to guide the way, into our deepest fairy tale dreams...

 

Carousel Enchantment

18" x 24"

Both pieces are now available in my shop.

I still have paint on my palette.

And music in my ears.

So, tonight I will be painting again.

The nights are crispy cool.

The mornings have that chilly autumn flavor.

I am in love.

See you super soooooon!

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  Circus of Dreams is now available as a canvas print.

Also available as canvas print, which I keep forgetting to share is,

Tea and Sweets with Amélie...

Spells & Potions + Halloween Cards!

I am so excited for today, I can't even tell you. 

Working on treats and treasures for Halloween has been great fun, and a ton of behind the scenes hours have gone into it.

So, when I finally get to share it all, I get super excited!

I have new spell labels, as well as new Halloween cards to share (which I have spent last night and this morning filling the shop with), so here we go...

I'll start with the labels, and share a little of what I conjured up this time around.

When I create I always turn to things that I really long for, or would like to see in my own world.

This year I wanted some magical spells to go along with some larger labels.

Plus, spells make it extra fun to invent things to stuff your jar with, as you follow the spell.

Whimsical and fun!

To glitter the inside of my jars I never follow permanent routes.  I always just swizzle a little water on the inside of my jar, coating the entire inside.  Then I pour out the excess water, and pour in glitter, shaking it about, and adding more glitter until I arrive at the desired look.

I used this method to glitter the inside of some jars last year, and they are still glittered.

I prefer this method, in case I ever need my jar for anything else in the future.

I really enjoy thinking up things to fill my jars with. 

Feathers and herbs and glitter, and more!

These labels are 3.25" x 4.25" so they are a pretty good size, and fit my large bottles really well.

I think they are a great addition to other sets of spell labels I carry in my shop.

Click here to see other labels I carry as well -

 Plus more ideas of what to fill your jars with.

I spent a lot of time creating these imaginary spells, and I so hope you like them.

I had a blast conjuring them up...

There are 6 labels, hand-cut.

And no shipping costs on this item.

 

You will find the labels in my shop here.

 

You can also find the spells as Prints in my shop.

They are so fun large and framed.

Here are some close ups...

 

These are fun both as labels and prints.

In person they are really lush and authentic looking.

As, if that wasn't sharing a bundle....

Halloween Cards are here too.

Fun fun!

I have already started sending some of these out snail mail myself.

They all come with complimentary envelopes.

The cards are really great commercial quality.

Sturdy and store bought grade.

They are printed by real card printers, and designed by me.

Bwahahaaaaa!

:-)

 (of course, the "A Fanciful Twist" watermark does not appear on any actual cards)

Miles as a witch makes me extra happy!! haha!

He is such a great sport, that guy.

 

Oh and the Halloween Witchies, loved drawing them up...

Some Halloween party cards too, this one inspires me for this coming year big time.

 

One of my faves, pumpkin village!

I want to live there myself.

Ooo, and night time parties!

Spooky candles and sparkly magic!

 

And, what I find to be a very lovely Halloween greeting, the spooky little pumpkin below.

It has an elegance to it in person.

A great surprise.

 

I know I shared EXTRA huge amounts of Halloween goodies today.

But I had to get it all in before more time crept away from me.

I have to submerge myself into Autumn and Halloween love, or I feel incomplete.

It's such a magical treat, this time of year.

I have plunged.

All the treats above are now in my shop.

Thanks for peeking in!!

Looove, V

See you sooooooon.

(Oh also, the Fortune Teller card has arrived and is available once again)

 

 

ps:  Lil' tip for easily navigating Etsy shopping .

When you visit a shop, there is a left hand sidebar with categories of items carried in the shop.

See below.

Here you will see all the sections, like Halloween and Christmas.

Makes it easier to look at specific holidays etc.

You probably already knew, but just in case you didn't, a tip.

Circus of Dreams {a painting}

In a Circus of Dreams is where I have been lately...

That place where the performance begins.

Sparkles twinkle madly as she flies through the sky.

Golden stars dancing through moist clouds and pink skies.

A ribbon of twinkles holds she, and then, the music...

Oh the music!

Her bestest friend and performing companion trots in...

As she leaps in bliss...

Hints of color flash about.

A magical smattering of teal and purple dance upon the zebra...

Exploding every so delicately through fluffy clouds...

And then, you wake up.

Or do you?

The Circus of Dreams...

A new mixed-media art piece.

Now available in my shop.

20" x 24" x 1.5"

I am so glad to finally be able to share some new pieces.

I have been working on several this summer, but that thing called life gets in the way.

You know what I mean?

As for today...

I think I hear sprinklers calling my names, it's 107' F, with pure 100% sunshine.

(42' C)

It's that space where the heat feels like marshmallow steps in night time thoughts, during the deepest sleep.

Ahh, yes.

This heat.

Finding a way to love it = lime popsicles + laying in the soggy lawn under the sprinkler.

 

Love, V

 

 

Little Matty

You guys!!!  What amazing kindred spirits you are.  Just loooooved your positive vibes in that last post.  I wish I could throw you a real life party, wouldn't that be fun?  Hmmm, maybe, one day?  Imagine?  It would be insane!

On another note, in our little world I have been a worry wart puppy mama to Matty.  He has not been feeling good since Friday, and worrying me to pieces.  Today was his vet visit.  He was put to sleep (yikes), and all sorts of tests were done, plus little scrapings taken of his poor eyebrow skin.

We have to wait for results and more tests to come.

He is now resting with his little big brother Miles, who keeps licking him and loving on him.  Although Matty sometimes makes the scary face and goes grrrrrr, he mostly loves his little big brother.

Especially for playing + chasing and wrestling with.

Oh, and for napping with too.

Snuggle snuggle.

(Matty is brown, Miles is Beige)

We got up so very early to spend our whole morning with the vet.

It is so hard when you are dealing with furs, because they can't tell you what is wrong.  The guess work is so overwhelming and belly anxiety inducing, ain't it?

Here's to getting Matty all fixed up ♥

My boys are always so healthy, and I just don't like seeing them not feeling good.

Gotta get our little warrior back up to 100%

He keeps us all safe, we love him so.

Love, V

 

 

 

 ps:  Matty Update....

Matty seems to be doing a little better, responding to his medications, and we are waiting for all the results to narrow out a few things.  I think, I hope, he'll be all cured soon if all works out :)

 

pss:  Grab bag winner from last post is...........

Lucky number 27 chosen by random number generator.

Lovely Dena Miller! YAY!

Baking Sweets and Treats in the Pâtisserie with Super Bake Girls...

The cakes are finally done, tea is getting ready to be served, just as Furtunato predicted ;)  Wasn't he funny and wise???  Tee hee!  I must confess though, in the manner in which I am channeling Furtunato through words (ahem), is the only way I made it through all my schooling.  With a heavy dose of invention, and not enough bookdom I am sure :)

While that was going on....

My paint brush has been having some fun, with cakes and bows and...

Mini fairy-cakes too...

Tea and sweets are being served now, yes, this is true!

Pick your favorite treat, like cream puffs, or marbled tea cake...

Have some honey in your tea? asks Zippy, the kindest bee...

Take your time to make your choice.

New paintings to browse, as we choose our edibles...

This lass is on a large size canvas, measuring -

20" x 24"  - 1.5" deep.

And, is officially looking for a home...

Tea And Sweets with Amélie

But wait, across the cobble stone street, at the French pâtisserie, it's time for delectable bites too, I see...

Marguerite is up to her magic again...

Ooo, chocolate croissants!!

And...

Lavender cake too!

Yumm!

I've gone to such a sweet world painting these, that I had to make some custard for strawberry tarts during my break...

The custard is cooling... the tart shell a-baking...

Whilst the little gal below, searches for a home as well.

At the Pâtisserie with Marguerite

Measures 16" x 20" and is 1.5" deep

Both can be found in my shop here....

So, that is what I have been up to, while Furtunato took over the bloglette.

I think he is much more like-able than me, so perhaps he should totally take over, and I can kick back and drink cold mint tea????

What do you think?

teeheeee!

He is so soft and kind, all around lovable.

Ooo, Mister Lovee is roaming around, must have him taste the custard now.

He will be so happy!!

Off I go...

See you sooooon!

Love, V

 

ps:  "Through the Trees ~ Enchanted Evening" is now available as a print.  In the shop is a print of that piece, and also a print of the gypsy wagon alone.

I always try to make prints of my work, after the original finds a home and voyages off.

Summer gypsy nights are upon us!!

How delicious!!

(It has been over 100'F for 3 days now)

 

pss:  The Strawberry Tart is a hit.  I used this recipe.

Changes I made were in the crust.  I used all butter, no shortening, and I used 5 tablespoons of "ice" water, instead of 3 of just cold water.  I did not chill my dough either, instead I baked it right away, with parchment paper inside and beans as weights.

After the tart shell cooled, I filled it with the custard, which I had made much earlier per recipe.

I was not super careful with my strawberry placement. I also tossed the berries in raspberry jam before putting them on the tart (to curb the tartness of the berries).  I did however, place them one by one on the tart, so that I wouldn't end up pouring all the strawberry juice and jam, that was at the bottom of the bowl, onto the top.  You don't want a runny gloppy mess :)

It is sinfully good.  My first time ever making one of these, and the custard, beyond words decadent.

A great combination of fresh berries, crunchy cookie like crust, and rich custard...

I so recommend it!

 

pss:  Birthday party (for a doll of course) at Papillon Bleu on the 21st!!  We will be there!!  What fun!

Hollyhock Chalk Board Inspiration + New Paper Goods

A while back in time, and eye sore happened in the garden, right outside of the little gallery building.  It was because of an electrical upgrade, that our tiny vintage box with one handle (scary), had to turn into a proper huge large giant electrical box (yay safety).  I hadn't been able to see the last one, but boy oh boy could I see this one.

Months and months, and more months went by as I wondered what to do with the metal lemons into lemonade box.

It will come to me, I thought.

I was going to paint a mural on it.  But, wasn't so convinced about that.

So, I kept waiting.

Knowing it would come to me someday.

Then, one day last week, it did hit me...

Actually, it hit me when the hollyhocks began to bloom just the other day.

You see, I planted about 500 hollyhock seeds 2 years ago.

Back then, when I planted them, they sprouted and began to grow very slowly (biennials).

Then rabbits came in a mowed them down.

Gobbled up in one night.

Just like that.

But, a few were able to be saved by me.

I covered them with birdcages, and other cages I made with waffle wire.

I protected them, watered them.

I saved them from a huge wave of caterpillars eating all the leaves up, and thousands of their black eggs.

Eeeeieghwee.

And then, it was another year, another spring, and they began to grow tall and bloom in the now.

2 years waiting.

All of a sudden, I knew what to do with the electrical box.

The hollyhocks made me feel like I was in my own floral shop forest...

Soooooo...

I asked Mister Lovee to bring home some Rust-Oleum chalkboard spray paint.

And he did.

I cracked opened the can, spray painted, and never looked back.

I loved my decision right away.

Now I have a little place to write in the garden.

I'm smitten!!

The paint lets the chalk write so easily, like butter.

I so recommend it.

(oopsie, missed a "u" in bouquet)

Must thank the hollyhocks for chalk board inspiration for certain.

Thank you fluttery papery beauties!!

;)

Hollyhock love.

I don't know how I will ever be able to live without a hollyhock in the garden.

All it took to save them from the caterpillar invasion was spraying with dish soap water mixed into a spray bottle.

There are seemingly two kinds of flowers on these stalks.  Some stalks have single flowers, and others have ruffled flowers.  It is all so exciting and inspiring to me in some grander way.

Does that make sense?

Can't wait for them to bloom all the way up the stalk.

Would you believe I still had my Valentine's Day Balloons?

I hung them out there for my very proper and pretend flower shop opening...

Petite Fleur.

So, when life gives you lemons, buy chalkboard paint.

Is that the lesson here??

:)

Oh and... I must share some new cards I just put into the shop.

These are so scrumptious in person.

I took the drawing I did for the previous Mad Tea Party, and make proper invites.

These are the large 5"x7" card.

There are 10 to a pack, with envelopes.

You can find them in my shop here...

Below is the back-side of the card.

Super durable commercial quality.

I think perhaps you need to throw a real Mad Tea Party ;)

Possibly, maybe?

Oh and, since I was feeling extra sprinkly happy sweet like, I turned this image below into cards as well.

I had been wanting to turn these into cards for a while.

They are so fun in person.

I can't wait to send some out.

Also found in my shop.

So, that's my tale for today.

I am off to paint, and repair my new hot glue gun.

How about you?

 

See ya super duper sooooon.

Love, V

 

 

ps:  Oh, guess what?  Some have suggested that my meter reader will be smitten.  I only wish!  Sadly, he shall never spy it, for technology has him using a gadget to read my meter from far far away, digitally. Gasp!  ;)

It's true.

pss:

The best part of getting up at 5 a.m. and weeding and thinning the garden is (dark and chilly, but getting used to my summer hours)...

Nibbling crunchy cool baby carrots that had to be thinned.

This is my second round of thinning them.

I love taking the tops, sautéing them with sweet onions, and cooking them into an egg dish.

(I hear mixed reviews about the safety in eating carrot tops, any thoughts?)

So so so delicious!

It takes me 4-5 hours to tend my garden, so I have to get on a schedule, no lollygagging, or I will never get anything done.  Hello 5 a.m. :)   Eeks.

 

Tea Time & Shop Treats (updates at the bottom)

Good news!  Wee faces and new paintings will be available in my shop on Friday December 16.  Hoooray, they are all so excited!

A bevy of bunnies are eager to be adopted!

Along with heart breakingly darling sweetums...

How can I ever say good-bye to the tiny kitten?

Well, I suppose if kitten goes with Kitty Kat Mama (which she will), then that's okay ;)

So many happy sparkly faces (a few not pictured)...

With proper names of course...

I have not finished photographing, but I will within the next couple hours.  Must go to the post office, then come back, finish up, and get them all in the shop...

A few elves, and a few cake heads...

All dressed for the event ;)

All parcels will be upgraded to priority shipping, to make sure they arrive in time for the holidays.

Oh oh, a couple more original paper dress girls as well...

Tea Times too!

That includes a break for real life cozy tea time.

My favorite sort of break!

For one semester at university, I studied the art of tea, in my Japanese Humanities class.

Such a beautiful ritual, isn't it?

Soothing, peaceful.

A nice break, but heart lifting too...

I don't take sugar in my tea, but I do keep some around, as the sweet cubes make me happy. 

You?

The roses are becoming less and less in the garden.

I think I will have some in my salad this evening...

I tell you, there is little that I enjoy more after sculpting and painting and sealing and glittering, than opening the tea cupboard...

Time stands still, if only for a few minutes, while the electric kettle boils (I love my electric kettle, dandy little thing).

And sipping ensues!

A wee break, and then, into the shop the little faces go!

Again, that is 7:30 p.m. Arizona time, tonight.

Soooo, hooooray, just in the nick of time.

I will package over the weekend, and ship everything priority, early Monday. 

Assuming adoptions are made ;)

USPS says priority parcels still have time to arrive for Christmas (if shipped by Dec. 21).  Every where else in the world will more than likely arrive after Christmas.

See you soooooon!

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

ps:  Hello there!  Just wanted to give a round up of the new pieces...

There fairies below are currently available...

16" x 20" x 1.5"

Starlight Fairy Dance

The piece below is titled...

"Tea & Magic with The Baker's Daughter"

(sold)

16" x 20" x 1.5"

I handpainted scalloped lace along the top...

And, lots of wee Faces. (all have found homes now, hooray hooray, we are so thankful!! There will be more soon)

Venturing into Painted Dreams... {Art Pieces}

You can tell where I have been lately, in my mind that is, when you peek into my goings on in the studio.  I listen to faint violins that tug at the heart, and harps, harp strings with sounds like stepping into neverland.

There is no place where I feel freer, happier, and fuller of heart than in that moment where music takes me away, and my paint brush has a meeting with canvas.

It is standing there, in paint dreams, that I feel the true me come to life.  There is a moment of feeling so alive, in those moments of creativity, that I can not describe.

I find myself in each piece, and then I set those feelings free...

In hopes that someone else feels those feelings too..

The paintings find me by night.

Guided by dreams, I find my way.

A kind loving creature meets me deep in sleep.  He is warm, caring, guiding me into wonderland.  I lose my breath...

A unicorn.

A dance.

A sparkly dress, red ballet shoes...

Mica filled clouds and dusty lavender grey skies..

Orbs and stars and billowing clouds...

A dance, a song...

Calmness. 

Bliss.

And then, somehow, I find a way to capture whatever memory I have of my dream filled night with a unicorn dance...

"In a Dream"

16" x 20" x 1.5"

(available in my online shop)

I have a second piece of art to share, which was very much inspired by a story that is constantly in my thoughts.

The story is a fairytale my grandma told me very often as a child.  The tale of the girl and the swans.  It is so dear to my heart, such a vast part of my childhood memories....

And so, a swan came to visit...

Along waves of musical notes...

I am very drawn to this color scheme, and had been wanting to create amongst these parchment laden colors again, for quite some time.

I tilted the piece below, so you could see her sparkly dress.  Adorned with the tiniest most twinkly sparkles...

Such a heartwarming feeling is evoked in me with this piece...

Fairytales and dreamwaves...

The Girl and the Swan...

"The Swan Dance"

16" x 20" x 1.5"

Also available in my online shop.

Soooooo, I just wanted to pop in real quick and share those!

I am celebrating the day I was born, and a piece of cake is beckoning me now ;)

Love, V

 

 

Sights and Scents in my Home {and a few shop treats}

Heloooooo!

It is so nice to be back.  I hurt my eyeball real bad, and was out of commission for a few days.  So great to be able to blink again.  Some giant rock popped into my eye and scratched it deeply.  Anyhow, that is behind me, just a little discomfort left.

I am sooooo glad to be back, you have no idea.

I have plunged into full holiday mode.

I am having a very old fashioned Christmas, with all fresh mini trees and greens this year.

I have been picking roses, and stealing ivy and orange tree cuttings from the garden.  Plus, berries from my pyracanthas, love them.

Have you ever mashed up an orange tree leaf and sniffed?  Oh my, loveliness!

I have also been making orange and clove pomanders.  They make the house smell exquisite.  I simply take an orange and make holes (random or in a design, try words too) all over my orange with a metal shish kabob skewer.  Then I push whole cloves into skewer holes.  Easy, and more worth it, than just about anything I can think of...

I have placed fresh christmas garlands all over my house, adding to the glorious scents.  I love the weepy feel of the fresh cedar garland...

You will never guess why I am so in the holiday mood?

It snowed.

The mountains are white, and I got a little snow on a very cold day at my house.  I was running errands in gloves and a wool coat, with the holiday music station on.  It was unreal.

I know, many of you get full effect holidays, but this is rare for us, a huge treat in Southern Arizona! 

We do get snow on the mountains, throughout winter, but rarely at home.  Maybe every couple years in February, if we are lucky.

It has been icy lovely every morning...

Powdered with ice crystals...

And, frozen water everywhere. 

Poor squirrelie.

I didn't like the packaging for all of the fresh trees in my house, so I wrapped them in brown paper and tied them with a burlap ribbon...

I can't wait to plant all my new trees.

I only buy the kinds you can plant, and I have lots of spaces to plant them for privacy, which is a double bonus I think.

The first little tree I had here 10 years ago with Mister Lovee was planted and grew to massive heights.

So, it will be fun to see how big the guy below gets in a few years...

For now, he is making me ever so delighted, mmm, smell that?

I packed the house with candy canes...

I was only going to put lights on the tree that I placed on the dining table below, but some mini teal and pink vintage balls begged to be tossed in...

I think I will tie a bow on top -

It so feels like an old fashioned Christmas to me...

Complete with ginger cake, which I shared with my very special visitors, Mom and Dad.  I forgot to take a photo pre-nibbled...

We all kept warm, and swooned at the snowy mountains...

It is a lovely little life.  Ain't it?  In its simplest form especially, I find.

 

♥

 

 As for new Shop Treats, I am so excited to share....

I'll start with new cards -

Circus Magic...

Skelly Love - the back is fun too!

Tea Party...

And, an exciting extra large (5" x 7") card version of

Through The Trees...

Of course, my "Afancifultwist.com"  watermark does not appear on any of the actual cards.

These are so delicious in person.  They are commercial quality and the color turned out great.  I always hold my breath in color lot fear when I open the boxes ;) 

They are yumms!

I also popped a 13 card holiday assortment into the shop -

And, last but not least...

New Prints, hoooray!

Marie Antoinette, Star Girl, Magical Halloween Village and Enchanted Circus...

Enchanted Circus (bottom right) is a new painting, that I had not gotten to share with you yet.  The original has sold, and whenever originals are sold, I offer canvas prints for sale, right here in my shopling, click ;)

Well, I am extra happy to be back, and blinking again.

I hope you are doing just lovely!  Fill me in on your goings on, won'tcha?

I love hearing!

Err, reading ;)

Love, V

 

 

PS:

Oh oh, almost forgot, name for the snowflake giftie....

And the name chosen randomly, wonderful Chris at Parabolic Muse!!

Yay!

New Shop Treats {Christmas Cards Too!}

I am soooo excited to get to share some new shop treats today!  There is a super exciting and eager time lapse between drawing up new cards, adding color, designing the card to great specifications (makes your brain hurt), sending them out to be professionally printed and waiting to receive them.  It is a nerve wracking (in a good way), exciting time..

We make our canvas prints in house, using pigment inks.  So, I get to see prints as soon as they are designed (by me) and ready to be printed.

Although, I have been sitting with my little deer, waiting for the cards to arrive, so I could share both print and cards at the same time.

I had a lovely deer following me around for several months, wanting to be put onto paper, but I didn't know if I could convey the gentleness in the eyes, the kindness.  There was also this enchanting vine and these curious berries floating around in my thoughts.  So, I finally sat down with my pencil...

  I think that the drawn version is exactly as I saw sweet deer in my mind's eye.  I added some color, and fabric print to the body...

This is the finished piece -

Lovely Deer, Print.

After I drew this piece, I really wanted to turn it into a postcard.  So, I began the process of designing the card.

I decided to have the cards made extra large, in 5" x 7" with a glossy finish.

(Note - my "afancifultwist.com" watermark does not appear on the actual cards)

The back of the card has the look of an old piece of paper, but in pink and purple tones, yumms.

There is a beautiful glossy sheen to the front of the card (the back is satin).

And as I said, these are a larger 5" x 7" card, sold with envelopes.

I am so tickled with the size.

I think that these can be used for so many occasions, even as a holiday or winter card, with a twist.

Speaking of holiday cards...

I have been beyond itching to share this year's full fledged Christmas cards.  Owlie and Mousie begged and begged to be this year's card loves.

So, I agreed..

Owlie and Mousie Christmas!

(my "afancifultwist.com" watermark does not appear on the actual cards)

The extra fun thing is that, these are fold open cards...

They come with envelopes and measure 5.5" x 4.25"

The outside of the card has a glossy finish, and the inside is a white matte finish.

I also created a print version of Owlie and Mousie Christmas, below...

I am crazy about holiday art in my house, so, I just had to have them as a print.

Oh and, I also made one more card, in the Winter Wonderland realm...

I want to live in that image forever!  Well, as long as there is a warm cabin hiding around.

Winter Wonderland Snow, Glossy finish front, 4" x 6" (satin back)

All of my cards, postcards included, are sold with envelopes.

My shop is now bursting with Holiday Cards (commercial quality cards)!

There is a section called "Christmas Cards" in the left hand side bar of my shop, where you will find all of the Christmas holiday related cards.

So, that is some shop fun.  I wish I could show them to you in person.

Oh oh, I best not forget, I drew a name for the giveaway in the last post.  Actually, I used a random number generator ;)

The winner is Rita, Rita in Rome! Yay Rita, I will e-mail you today!

I am so glad when you all join in for giveaway fun and such.  It makes me want to do it more often!  And I just might ;)

OKay well, off I go for now!!

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

ps:  Have you ever wondered what on earth canvas prints in my shop are like? 

I have gotten more and more questions about them lately, so, I thought I would take a moment to give some examples and details.

The canvas I use to make prints is an archival poly/cotton canvas, specially made for printing on with archival pigment inks (which we use).  It comes in large rolls, which I hand-cut to print size. 

As you can see, the canvas is the shape of a piece of paper, but is canvas.

The canvas easily bends, and feels like a super sturdy piece of fabric.

The canvas has a smooth texture, and a rich matte finish.

Because the material is in fact a canvas with canvas texture, folks often mistake prints for originals when they see them framed and in person.

After trying many different products, I came to the realization, that the only way to reproduce my work in the best way possible, was through canvas prints.

As an example, the piece below has a print image measuring 8" x 10" (standard frame size in the U.S). There are white borders, which I trim as thin as possible, leaving enough edging that you can easily mat/frame your print.

The amazing 3-d effect of the prints often throws people off.  Prints are flat, and do not have raised texture.  I often get that question.  Alas, all prints are flat.

I have had people walk up to a framed print in my house, and stub their finger on the glass trying to touch the 3-d dress effect.  Funny indeed ;)

But, a good sign I do believe?  :)

So, if you were ever wondering exactly what a canvas print in my shop is, that is the super detailed version of my explanation ;)

Giveaway fun!

It seems like a perfect time of the year for a giveaway!!

A pink and turquoise giveaway!!

Fun Fun!

Oh and, because I am in one of those butterfly stomach crafty excitement moods...

The giveaway is stuffed with things to make things, and bits and bobs of trinketries.

Say anything in comments, and I will enter your name in a hat to win the loot.

I'll draw a name for the next post.

I was going to ask you to share embarrassing moments, but, that was too much pressure even for me to come up with ;)

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

It was great around here, an all around lovely time with our guests, and lots to eat.

I worked crazy hard baking and cooking two days in a row, and it was so worth it.  Lots of happy bellies it seems.  I made a full traditional Thanksgiving meal.

The funny hit here were my giant yeast rolls, they were soooo HUGE after they baked!

A conversation piece and giggles a plenty.

I timed it so they came out of the oven just as everyone sat down, and the aroma was delicious.

(I don't have a photo after they were baked, as they got gobbled quickly, but they were double the size easily, haha!)

I will perfect the recipe and share it before Christmas, it's a fun addition it seems.

My especially favorite part of yesterday was being able to pick flowers, still...

To decorate the dinner table with...

Time for tea!

 

See you soooon!

 

Love, V