A Fanciful Twist

Holiday Décor Magazine 2022 & A Little Halloween Magic (Giveaway Update)

Hello friends!

I am so excited to share some fun news with you today.

After keeping this news to myself for so long...

I can finally share my Halloween feature in the current issue of Holiday Décor Magazine.

Halloween High Tea?

Why yes, please.

I am so delighted with this feature.

I really feel that who I am, and my vision of fanciful whimsy, was really captured in this article.

I am only sharing a few snippets, as there is so much to see.

But I just had to share a few tidbits with theeee!

And, because I feel that we must celebrate...

I have decided that we should probably...

Have some sort of giveaway, don't you think?

This is the cover of the magazine, in case you see it on newsstands, and you want to take a peek.

Here is a link to the magazine.

It covers every single holiday from here to New Year's.

To celebrate with our own fun, I've decided that I will have a magazine giveaway to kick-off the season.

I could not do just one, so I will randomly choose two names from comments.

Trick or treat?!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment sharing what your favorite treat is.

Is it sweet, is it savory?

Is it a combination of the two.

Whatever it is, share it in comments, and I shall randomly choose two recipients in a couple of days.

I can not think of a more wonderful way to kick of autumn and Halloween.

Makes my heart just cackle, I tell ya ;-)

 

Leave a comment, join in the fun.

I'll be back here sooner than you can work out your own potion spell for good luck.

 

🖤 🖤 🖤

 

Love, Vanessa

 

UPDATE:

Per random number generator, numbers 17 & 35 won a magazine!

That's Lauren and Patricia Vitale.

YAY gals!

Please email me your snail mail address so that I can have a cope sent your way!

Yipppeeee!

 

My email address is VanessaValencia (at) aol.com

 

 

ps: In my next post I will share the questions I was asked in order to write this article.

It was a very fun interview, and I really went into depth with my answers.

Hope you might enjoy something like that.

 

 

Creativity is Contagious! Somerset Life Magazine (Plus a Giveaway)

Hi friends!

I am finally back, yippeeee!

I spent most of September in Europe and took some time to paint and decompress when I got back.

It's finally cooling down in the desert and inspiration is everywhere.

It's a good day when you can finally go outside and open doors and windows, magic!

So now that I have returned, I want to share a little something I meant to share last month.

I had an article in the last issue of Somerset Life...

I wrote up a little something called Creativity is Contagious!

I really enjoyed putting this together.

And so I thought...

We should celebrate with a giveaway, because it's been ever so long since we've done one.

And now that the holiday season is beyond upon us, with Halloween enchantment floating all about and autumn vibes wafting in with their deliciousness, it's time for some real old school fun.

So, simply say hello in comments to enter for the chance to own a copy of this magazine.

But also, I will include in the giveaway...

A print of your choice from my shop and a 5 card pack too.

There's over 200 items to choose from, so I think you'll find something you can enjoy.

Yipppeee yaaaay, time for some real fun!

I just adore this time of year, don't you?

When the heat starts to dissipate the plants come back to life, the dogs can go in and out running around and I can go roam outside with a cup of tea and a cardigan, squeeeeal, I just long for this for 6 months and now here we are again.

I'm deliriously happy my friends!!!

Welcome October and all good things.

 

Simply say howdy, hello, tell me how you are.

How's the weather?

What's bringing you so much joy right now?

Anything really, pop it into comments, and I'll enter your name into the hat.

 

Lots of love from me to youuuu!!

 

xoxo, 

 

Vanessa

 

 

 

 

Something Whimsical This Way Comes! {Country Sampler Magazine Giveaway}

Helloooo there friends!!!

I'm so sorry I've been away for so long.

I've got a million personal business, real estate, country building and things going on.

All good, all fun, all stressful, all great outcomes.

(I hope)

But still so busy.

And a new cottage in the country went up today.

I've had little time to even breathe this month, my most favorite month.

I could cry from how too fast it's gone by.

But what can I do?

Not much, life happens.

But here I am today to share a magazine my country home and garden are currently in.

And to share a giveaway!

Country Sampler Magazine, Celebrating Everyday Life.

Fall/Winter 2017

I've seen it in grocery stores and Barnes and Noble if you fancy a copy sooner.

Jennifer Carroll did an incredible job with the entire magazine.

It encompasses fall and winter, you just have to see it.

Jam packed with goodness.

Oh the fun and magic we've had!

There will be so much more, I promise!

I have not jumped blog ship.

I've just had so many changes in my life, I need to readjust.

Well, not so much changes as much as additions of goodness.

All delightful, and all will morph with fun and madness I'm sure.

But for now, we have some Halloween celebrating to do!

And it doesn't end there, the magazine goes on with winter and Christmas in the most...

Scrumptious way!!

But for now, it's still autumn...

Beloved autumn.

Someday soon sure to find her way to Arizona.

Where it is still summer but the nights are changing.

I think I need an extra week of Halloween celebrations just to catch up.

I might just do that actually.

 

So how about playing along for a copy of this lovely mag?

Just leave a hello in comments, tell me how you are, what's going on.

Anything really and I'll enter your name into the hat to win a copy.

I'll try to come back tomorrow to draw a winner.

If not, I'll be here Wednesday with fun pics!

 

My dining room has been decorated for Halloween since September and I still haven't even taken a photo.

I need to do that asap don't I?

 

Lots of love!

Bwahahahahaa, it's Halloweeeeen!

xoxo

 

 

 

 

Pine Cone Zinnias & Woman's World Magazine {a giveaway}

Hi there friends, Happy September!

In spring of 2015 I did a fun pine cone craft on a whim.

You might recall?

I had gathered some pine cones in my garden and noticed the underside look like zinnias.

So I painted them, and sure enough they did look like our zinnia friends.

This craft has brought more people to this fanciful land than I could ever imagine.

Imagine that?

It's been crrrazy and fun.

I have not been able to believe the amount of visitors that pine cones turned to zinnias have brought.

And super special thanks to everyone that has sent me pics of their own painted pine cones.

I love them!

This week my pine cone zinnias craft is in Woman's World Magazine.

Fun fun!

So, I thought to celebrate I would give away a couple copies.

And, I thought we could also re-visit this fun flowery craft below.

I'm amazed at how many people took an interest in this.

Simply leave a comment to enter the magazine giveaway.

And here we go with that original tutorial below...

 

 ♥

 

Let's Make Zinnia Flowers from Pine Cones!

Look at all those beautiful zinnias.

But wait, what do you mean they are actually pine cones??

Yes yes, it's true.

These are pine cones pretending to be zinnias.

Pine cone bottoms that is!

You see, these came about in the most curious and unexpected manner.

One day very recently, I was sitting at my work bench, feeling rather lack luster.

I had my hand on my chin, wondering what I wanted to make or do.

I was actually rather bored that day, as I sat and stared at some less than perfect pine cones sitting on my studio work bench.

I had collected them off the ground under my pine tree for holiday decorating.

And here they sat, 3 months later.

In my way really.

I picked one up, tossing it about in my hand.

When the most curious thing happened!

I took my pine cone as you see below and flipped it over.

I was looking at a regular pine cone as you see.

But then by flipping it over...

I found a perfect looking zinnia on the bottom side of the cone, as seen below.

I gasped really, I was so surprised.

So, I grabbed some standard acrylic craft paint, and painted a few pine cone bottoms.

Pretty much just to prove to myself that what I thought I was seeing was true.

With each stroke of the brush, a real zinnia emerged.

I was utterly amazed.

Zinnias hiding under pine cones?!?

Who knew?

After I painted some up I realized you could either leave the tops pointy, in their regular state, as below, or...

You could use craft cutters to remove some of the pine cone petals and reveal a stem, like below.

Either way works just fine.

I think they are easier to arrange in a bowl if you just leave them as they are in their natural state.

You can also paint your pine cone bottom white first and let it dry before applying brighter colors.

Then add the colors of your choice.

Don't be afraid to layer different colors and layer shades for depth.

This is not time consuming, simply use a medium to large paintbrush and glob the paint on.

It's that easy.

A little paint and there you have zinnias that never ever fade.

Are you as gobsmacked as I was?

Who on earth knew that zinnias would be hiding in such a place?

Right on the bottom side of a perfectly regular pine cone?

I sure didn't.

Such an easy and pretty craft.

All you need is standard acrylic craft paint of your choice, a medium to large brush and you'll be well on your way to a perfect bouquet of zinnias.

 

Great for gifts for any occasion.

And the things you could make are ever so many.

From centerpieces to wreaths and beyond.

You can sparkle them up if you want too, the options are endless.

They sit perfectly in a bowl, those wonderfully tricky pine cone bottoms.

 

So, if you find yourself kicking around pine cones on your walks, pick up a few.

Turn them over and look for a zinnia hiding on the bottom.

Take them home and give them a whirl.

I'd love to see yours.

If you make some feel free to send me some photos.

 

Pine cone fun!!!

Let's get crafting.

This one's too easy to pass up, don't you think?

 

Love, Vanessa

 

Simply leave a comment to enter the magazine giveaway <3

 

 

 

 

PS: Regarding pine cones...

I don't know what kind of pine tree it is or specifically what kind of pine cones these are.

(although someone mentioned that they are loblolly pinecones)

I did this project on a whim never thinking so many people would be interested in it, the response has been incredible! Wow, I'm so amazed!

The cones are from a pine tree in my garden in Southern Arizona nonetheless.

If you are unsure if your pine cones will work, simply turn them over and look at the bottom side to see if you spot the classic shape of a zinnia.  If you do, then paint away <3

 

PPS:

I get so many emails and questions about this project, which I just did for fun with the paints I had on hand.

Many folks ask if they can use spray paint and the answer is, I don't see why not?

It would probably be super easy and the spray paint colors out there are amazing.

I can't see why you can't try any paint you want, the sky is the limit.

I used regular acrylic craft paint and just mixed up basic colors that I layered as I painted, nothing outrageous.

Another question I get everyday is about baking the pine cones first to remove bugs.

Now, being the wild woman I am, I didn't even worry about this.

Mainly because I never saw a bug emerging ever.

However, I live in the desert where the temps reach 100+ all summer.

So I'm quite certain my cones are baked/dried naturally.

But, my mom told me you can wash them in white vinegar and water.

Big bowl water and about 2 cups of vinegar, just soak and slosh around for an hour.

They might swell up and look funny when soaked but will go back to normal once they dry.

Then set them on paper towels to air dry for up to a week.

If you want to really make sure you have no bugs, then after you wash them just put them in the oven on a foil lined cookie sheet at 200' - 250'F for an hour, checking carefully to make sure they don't burn.

Then just let them sit around on paper towels for 2-4 days.

Like I said, I've never done any of that, because I live in a dry dry dry desert climate.

So, don't hold me to any of it pretty please :-)

And please don't burn anything.

If you are still unsure just google, prepping pine cones for crafts, and you'll find all sorts of info.

I'm sorry if I haven't answered everyone's questions via email, but I try ♥

Thank you so much for the huge response to this fun craft I discovered on a whim, simply to amuse myself on boring day. I am so glad you liked it too! ♥

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Flea Market Decor Magazine & Fanciful Goodies {A Giveaway}

Hi hi hi!

Hello out there.

I had intended to share some fun freebies and such with you before Thanksgiving...

Alas, I was hit with some random food poisoning and that changed everything.

But that's all over, thank goodness!

And now, I have some other kind of fun to share.

How about a sweet little giveaway to kick off December?

I have a holiday article in the Dec/Jan 2015 issue of Flea Market Decor Magazine, so I thought I'd give away a copy.

Along with a little journal and playing cards from my new giftware line.

This magazine is sooo much fun.

I highly recommend it.

They fill it with an array of scrumptious content, yet something different for every taste.

Here are some examples from inside the mag...

That trunk and handbag are just swoooon!

I love the variety.

There's romantic flare, eclectic collected decor, bright colors, muted French tones.

Such fab variety.

So, I have a little gift set all wrapped in a pink bow ready for one of you.

Magazine and treats.

Just say howdy in comments to enter.

I'll draw a name in a few days.

How did it get to be December already?

It's more than my brain can compute.

:-)

 

xoxo

Love, V

 

 

 

 

Flea Market Decor Magazine Spring 2015 (& a Giveaway)

I have a little spring fun to share.

The March/April 2015 issue of Flea Market Decor Magazine is out, and...

Guess what?

We're in it!

Well, our last Mad Tea Party is in it, to be exact.

With lots of ideas and tips for having your own tea party.

I spotted it on the eve of Valentine's day in the grocery store.

I didn't know when it would be out or when we'd be in it for sure, so I was wonderfully surprised.

To celebrate I have an extra copy to give away.

All you have to do is leave a comment to enter.

Easy as pie ;-)

I have to say though, this issue was so beautiful.

If you don't win our copy, take a peek if you spot it at the store.

My sister and I both agreed that it's been ages since we've been truly inspire by a magazine.

This one made us excited to clean and decorate our own houses.

I missed that sort of magazine inspiration in print.

This so hits to spot.

With a vast array of styles too.

I am crazy mad about this kitchen.

There's just so much goodness in it.

Here are some more snippets I took to share...

Scrumptious!

Delightful!

Fun and inspiring!

So in love.

There's so much more, but I don't want to ruin it.

What a great magazine.

I feel like all the magazines I loved have really become sort of lack luster.

So, it's extra refreshing for Flea Market Decor to be chock full of goodness.

And not lacking at all, love it!

Yummm!

 

Just leave a comment to enter the giveaway.

I'll promptly send a copy your way if you win.

I'll draw names in a couple of days.

 

It's gorgeous here in the desert.

Such nice warm days.

I'm already tanned from spending my mornings outside in this unusually warm February.

I have truly been enjoying my days so much.

Getting up early, working out and listening to music.

I listen to lots of music and search for new music all the time too.

I'm doing all sorts of projects.

I have been going into town for lunches and dinners and shopping.

Seeing the dentist, who gave me props on teeth cleaning.

I thought I may have had tons of cavities, but none, hooray!

You know, just doing stuff.

Living life.

Enjoying it to pieces.

Getting ready for the gardens and spring.

Painting, lots of painting.

Pieces I just paint for me, for fun.

Loving life.

Being in the moment.

Refueling.

Getting ready for fun new arty things to come.

Cleaning.

Organizing.

Buying new pretty shoes whilst purging oldies.

Is there anything better than a crispy clean house?

LOVE it!!

Okay, I'm rambling now.

 

How are you?

Do you have the spring bug yet?

 

Lots of love, V

 

 

 

 ps: Simply leave a comment to enter magazine giveaway ♥

 

A Little Interview to Share...

You'll never guess what I did the last few days?

All sorts of nonsense.

A massive tree in our driveway split and landed on Lovee's car.

Oops.

We had fireworks in a can.

Fun!

And I talked my heart out in an interview with the extra lovely Joanna Devoe!!

Hooooray!

She's awesome!

I know I sound like Scooby Doo's Mother.

If he had a mother.

(did he?)

Sooo, please be kind, these sorts of things (listening to myself) make me cringe.

I'll be over here writhing on the floor somewhere, covering my ears, haha!

It was a blast though!

Joanna is such an amazing gal, take a peek at her site here.

She is so motivational and fun and free and vibrant!

 

Here's my interview below ♥

 

 

I have so many things to tell you soon, however, I am posting this from Mister Lover's phone as our power has been out all day (rainstorm). So, I'll save more for later.

Also, MTP is in a few days, eeeeeksss!!

 

Love, V

 

 

Flea Market Decor Magazine & Me & You! {Spring 2014}

Hi there!

Times have been crazy busy around here.

Oh my, the goings on are insane.

And, the mail gal has been extra nice to boot.

Look what came in the mail...

Flea Market Decor Magazine, March/April 2014.

Oooo, ahhhh!

You'll catch a glimpse of me chatting about sweet things in this issue.

Sugary sweet that is.

Bonus, I picked up a copy to gift to one of you.

I'll teach you how to make Panoramic Easter Eggs with stepped out photos.

As well as how to infuse your abode with some nature treats.

(like roses)

Spring on the horizon, love it!

I have to  honestly say, this magazine is by far one of my faves.

It doesn't have one or two good articles.

It is chock full of inspiring goodness page after page.

You will never be disappointed, I promise.

Check out some snippets of other articles...

Ooo, pink lemonade pie too??!

I am telling you, soooo much goodness.

From shabby to flea market finds, to global thrifting, to pretty in the garden.

It's all covered.

Take a peek.

 

Great ways to use all those thrifting treasures we haul home.

I hear some Macklemore & Ryan Lewis right about now ;)

 

Simply say howdy in comments to enter to win a copy.

From me to you.

Hoooray!

 

Hope you are doing lovely!

 

Looove, V

 

 

 

Somerset Life & Us {a giveaway with winner announced below)

I just spied the Jan/Feb/Mar 2014 issue of Somerset Life.

We are so delighted to see our gypy garden in this issue.

Ah, those spring and summer days in the garden.

Something to look forward to during winter months.

Makes me want to go out there and play.

Many times photos don't look as lovely in print, but you can tell that folks go out of their way at Stampington to make Somerset Life beautiful.  The photos are so lush in every single article.

So happy to be a part of it.

That paragraph is pure truth.

Here are some snippets from other articles, that I thought were lovely...

Inspiration love.

Bloom love.

Crafting love.

Last night Mister Lovee called me from the craft store in town, and said, need any supplies before I head home?

He does this from time to time.

Then he said he was picking up an extra issue of Somerset Life, so I could gift it away to one of you.

Isn't that so nice???

So I have a copy to gift.

Just leave a comment and I'll draw a name in a few days.

See you soon.

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  Winner is #13, Barbara from Notes from BirdSong.

Hoooray!!

Thanks to everyone who played, what fun!!!

xoxo

Victorian Homes Christmas 2013 Goodness (+ giveaway)

It's scrumptious!

Victorian Homes Magazine Winter 2013 is finally in my hands.

If you want some serious holiday inspiration like you haven't seen in a long time, you need this issue.

I am not just saying that because I have a couple articles in there either.

In fact, this is one magazine that I enjoy subscribing to.

(my article)

I have an extra copy to give away.

Just leave a comment to enter.

Here are a couple of my article pages filled with some of my Christmas decor..

Lots of tips and ideas, etc.

Also, I wrote the article for the cover image.

I could move right in :)

Beckett Media (which owns Flea Market Decor, Cottages & Bungalows, Victorian Homes and Romantic Homes, just to name a few) has a wonderful shop site called PlaidParasol.Com .  They happen to carry some of my jewelry, cards, labels and prints.

I have spied a few things I might neeeeed :)

Look at this cake plate, oh my!

Fun stuff, they carry so much lovely treasure, take a peek here.

As for the Winter 2013 issue of Victorian Homes Magazine, I took a few bad pics (my good camera is still trying to be Frankenstein resuscitated at a camera hospital as I type)...

But it's unreal, serious inspiration to the max.

There is traditional Victorian decor, mixed with new Victorian style.

Sooooo gooood!

What a warm dreamy kitchen, no?

I love this entire vignette below.

Be still my heart...

This reminds me of Peter Pan in ways I can't even tell you...

Just awesome.

This issue really blew me away, it's so full of awesomeness.

I wish this was my room.

I think the reason I never had children (or the calling) is because I feel like a kid myself.

Always and forever.

It's like, the case is aging, but the instrument inside is still like new ;)

Imagine having a fire place like this?

Major huge?

Major fab.

I love so many styles of decor.

Traditional Victorian sweeps me off my feet.

When it's really done up fancy like, it's almost as though you are peering into a doll house, no?

Looooove this bedroom...

I am telling you, so many awesome tid-bits.

I love ice skates.

When I was a kid I used to ice skate and roller skate like it was nobody's business.

Ooooo, heavenly red silk...

If this isn't dollhouse perfection below, I don't know what is?

Imagine being in that room?

Hello fainting.

So beautiful and elegant.

And then there are articles that have images like the one below as well.

Isn't that just beyond inspiring???

Love it!!

 

Those are just some small snippets in a choc full issue.

 

Anywhooo, like I said...

 

I will priority mail an issue to a winner.

Just say something in comments, and I'll enter you.

 

Like, have you ever ice skated?

Do you like ginger bread?

 

I am so obsessed with the gingerbread houses on pinterest lately.

 

Every break I take you will find me pinning here these days.

I am turning into a Pinterest wacko.

I barely started pinning really this year, and I barely really joined facebook in May 2013.

I am slow, but once I plunge...

I get obsessed, I know.

(probably why I should stay away from such things, haha!)

Although my facebook account won't let me friend or like anyone, what's up with that?

I hit "like" but nothing happens.

Is it because it's a business account??

Phooooey!

 

OKay, see you sooon with a magazine winner!

 

Loooove, V

 

 

 ps:

 

Have any of you Jane Austen fans seen the movie Austenland (the site is hilarious)????

What did you think?

Fall Days...

Fall days are really happening aren't they?

It gets cooler, darker, winds start to blow the yellow leaves off the trees and vines.

Blankets get thicker.

Sock drawers get opened (yay, I love socks).

And doodling in bed at night becomes a priority.

(the silver pen I used disappeared in photos)

But not before stealing a treat or two from the garden.

Candy sweet oranges and doodling by golden night light.

So good.

Magazines and doodle pages stack up in bed.

Oh oh, if you happen to take a peek at the November 2013 issue of Romantic Homes...

You'll see my tomato cage tree which gets dolled up for the holidays.

I had forgotten about it, and was just fa-la-la-ing my way through the issue, when I let out an oooooh! 

And scared everyone around me.

Haha!

It's such a great issue, choc full of wonderful holiday decor ideas.

Yumm.

If you happen to spy some of my goodies for sale in Plaid Parasol.Com ads in some of the Beckett Media magazines, it is because I paired up with them in late summer to carry some of my goodies in their new online store front.

I have had great fun with that, and working with everyone behind the scenes has been so awesome.

Such fun, I tell ya.

But where was I?

Ah yes, doodling.

Are you still doodling???

I sleep so well after doodling, I should do it more often.

You?

My blog posts have been such a menagerie of stuff lately haven't they?

It's like, no focus, just a bunch of mumble jumble :)

But it's a confusing time you see, when fall thinks it's spring, and winter wants to warn it is on the way.

The desert is all kookoo.

With fresh roses enough to cut and enjoy.

And ever so fragrant, dizzyingly fragrant.

I love all the colors of autumn.

The pumpkins and pomegranates, quince and oranges.

By the by, the quince hit the boiling sugar water.

What a scent.

And now...

Now there is jam.

I took a hot jar down the road in the dark, with only the moon to guide me, to one of my neighbors.  Such a nice man, with a spunky dog.

Thick lush leaves are saying adios.

And yes, throughout the garden there are still pumpkins.

I must bring them all in once and for all.

Over the domed garden below there was this massive fairy tale pumpkin that we removed a month ago.  But now, I see there are two more.

I am not sure our dome will ever recover, haha.

It is sinking in the center with the heaviness of the growers snuggling up there.

But hey, we got pumpkin love.

There is much muchness of cuddling going on in this fall season we are in.

(okay, yes, there is always cuddling going on)

Sleepy glazed over eyes.

3 cute boys.

I am craving puppies.

Bundles and baskets of puppies.

Sigh.

Or a big Maine Coon cat.

(Why do I have to be allergic to cats and bunnies?  It's so wrong, hives and wheezing.  Too sad)

Alas, we are so well adjusted and happy as is.

No sense in rocking the fur boat, right?

Right?

;)

Here is a common question.

Why do I cut my head off in photos?

Because I am squishy squinched faced behind the lens all the time.

Sooo unbecoming I say :)

Here's one of a recent pic that got the head chop, ha!

Oh oh oh.

Something gooood.

I made chicken milanese for the first time.

It was UNREAL.

I used this as a basic recipe.

The chicken was sooo moist and amazing.

But for spices added to the panko I used garlic powder, salt and lemon pepper.

Changed it up a little.

Then I went out in the garden with my flash light and took some cherry tomatoes, red pepper and arugula.  The goodies are still producing.  I need to bring in some basil before it all goes to seed.  I stop pruning it and let it begin going to seed in October.

Arugula is the gift that keeps on giving.

Plus, it self seeds like mad, and gives you spicy buttery leaves all the time, winter, spring or summer.

For now we are savoring the finish line of last minute flowers...

And pumpkins for 2013.

This one has quite the long stem, isn't it grand?

How did it get to be the end of November?

I just don't know.

It's all too weird for me to comprehend.

This thing of fleeting time.

So, instead I just live in the moment.

Day by curious day.

You?

 

OH!!  I almost forgot.

I just used a random number generator to find the princess pincushion winner.

It gave me #15.

I take my own comments out of the equation, which makes Kim of Gerushia'as New World #15!!!

Kim, you won you won!  ♥

 

Well, off I go for now.

I have to run around the yard making sure everything is put away, as a storm is brewing.

Coming in to knock the leaves off the trees and bushes that sleep in winter.

Eeeeeks!

 

See you soooon!

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:

I know I have posted this before.

But, I am listening to it now, and it's such a good feeling.

Autumn and leaves and dreams...

Strings, puppets, believing, dancing, harmonica goodness...

 

Flea Market Décor Magazine {& me}

Something fun to share today (and a treat for you too).

The Autumn 2013 issue of Flea Market Décor Magazine is on the stands and...

I have two articles in the issue, yay!

I am so excited to see all the hard work that goes into such articles, in print.

Hooooray!

(isn't it so super annoying to hear/read someone going " Yay, Hooray!")

Guess what?

I have an extra copy to giveaway.

Leave a howdy in comments to enter -

or even share what your fave flea market find of all times is.

I am not sharing too much with these photos, as each article is 6 pages long.

Lots of tips and sooo many photos.

I looooove the editor I got to work with, Elaine Phillips, she is amazing.

If that isn't fun enough...

It gets better.

I got to do a HALLOWEEEEEN article!

Hellooo!

I couldn't be more tickled, as you know I love Halloween.

And so do sooo many of you.

I adored putting this article together.

Oh, Halloween!

I honestly feel like, Halloween isn't getting enough delicious magazine love the last couple years.

You?

So, I am beyond giddy about getting to share one of the Halloween parties in my garden, in print.

I wish I could show you more, but I don't want to ruin it.

Also...

I have to run, I am making pots and pots of jam.

And, I am on deadline.

I am in this weird never-ending peach dream.

Peaches peaches everywhere!

The harvests and some projects are keeping me sooo busy.

It's actually Christmas in my house right now, the tree is up, and all my ornaments are strewn about whilst I work on a Christmas project.

Imagine?

Christmas in July, too funny!

Life is spinning by so insanely fast, it's crrrazy.

The jam is yumm btw.

I'll share some recipes and tips soon of everything I have been doing with the peaches.

 

Well, off I go for now.

 

If you'd like to get your own copy Flea Market Décor Magazine is carried almost everywhere.

Grocery stores etc.

Autumn 2013.

Or, get it online.

I have to say, the summer 2013 issue was amazing too, so inspiring.

The one thing I love about this magazine is that it is so full of content, more than I see in most magazines these days.  And, it's all stuff I LOVE.

 

Leave a comment to enter the giveaway if you'd like.

 

Love, V

 

 

 

ps:  Miles has been holding the laundry hostage for days.

Oh Miley.

That, or I am too busy/uninterested to put it away.

:)

And, Mister Lovee doesn't care if I do.

I always say, I should clean today.

And he says, don't you have anything lovelier or more exciting you could do than that?

And I am like, Why soytanlee.

But sometimes, I feel like I need someone to crack the whip, or I'll be rotten forever.

Perpetually 13.

This is a problem.

Oy Vey y Dios Mio!

 

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!

 

Somerset Life Magazine {and you, and me}

Somerset Life is such an inspiring and beautifully put together magazine...

Every issue I have seen is lush and lovely.  The pages are ever so exquisite.  It's one of those magazines that you want to hide out with, and immerse yourself in.

Yumm.

It even inspired me to doodle on my hand :)

But why such excitement over the current summer issue you ask?

Why, it's because we got to be a part of it, and are sooooo excited!!

I wrote an article called "Sharing Dreams," which was inspired by all the people I have met virtually, through and because of A Fanciful Twist...

My mom and sis picked up a copy at Michael's craft store.

You can find the issue many other places, or order online (summer 2012). 

If you get the chance and are interested, I would just love for you to jump in and read.  And maybe, just maybe, you will feel the vibe of what I speak of, and how you have helped create the feeling.

The blogosphere has changed so much over the last year.

Slowly, people have come and gone.

Lives get busy, interests change.

One thing for sure is... 

I am so overjoyed that so many of us are still out here.

Yay for that!

I love when folks stop by to say hello, because truly, when you say hello and let me know you are out there, I am inspired to continue writing and sharing and snapping photos.

Inspired to continue coming here several times a week.

And I especially love, when folks who have stopped blogging, start again.

It's sooo good to have you back!

I have such a tender spot in my heart, and feel like I know so many of you, and that, in some way we are really connected.  I wonder if you feel the same way too?

Thank you for that.

Thank you for being here.

And so, I wrote this article about you and me, and how we found our way to this funny little virtual world called the internet, and through it, to like minded souls.  It's a gift, and a miracle, this internet thing, isn't it? 

I hope that in some little way, through searching for inspirations myself, I have imparted even a tinge of inspiration to you.  Because honestly, your words and kindness inspire me.

Yes I am a sentimental sap.

Ah well, could be worse.

I love the sharing of dreams...

Whether dreams are big or small, or outrageous one and all - each one matters.

Each dream counts.

Each hope goes out into the air and spins around - and if you hold on...

Somehow, believe can turn into is.

I have learned that the little dreams are crucial.

Day to day hopes and dreams, that really do come true.

Let's never forget those, whatta ya say?

And maybe, just maybe...

You'll plunge into doodle hands and glitter feet?

(if you haven't already that is)

Who knows, maybe one day we can meet for a doodlefest.

Faces, arms, toes....

In the meantime, if you happen to doodle on yourself, good golly, you simply must let me know!

 ;)

 

 

Thank you for you.

Let's keep the fun super alive, shall we?

Oh also, I will be giving away a copy of this issue.  All you have to do is say hello in comments, and I will enter your name into a hat.  I'll draw a name for the next post.

 

Love, V

 

 

 

Mingle Magazine & The Awakening of the Garden

The anticipation of the unfurling of flower petals is incredible to me.  It is so exciting, so wondrous.  So many people ask me about my garden obsession.  The why and how of it all...?

If you are garden obsessed, growing things obsessed, then you totally get it.

There is a vast well of hope, of something to look forward to.  There is a filler of voids, a sort of satisfaction in digging in dirt, planting a seed, watering it, nourishing it.  And then, it grows, and gifts flowers or edibles - and there is this feeling about your garden, that you can't expect anyone to share with you.

A secret feeling.

All started from a small seed.

A tiny specimen creates great life.

Amazing stuff.

The garden beckoned me in when I was 19, and I have not looked back. 

I have not tired of it.

I love it more than ever.

Your own garden creates something in you that is hard to share or explain.

Not even Mister Lovee, who loves our garden, shares the awe and overwhelming joy I feel when I see the first flower buds emerge, after months and months and years and years of hard work and hope for a lovely space to act as your own secret garden.

To me, it is like this special little cell of immense beauty, when seeing what you worked so hard at come to life.  And, the only person you can share the entire steps of the experience with - from seed, to breaking through the soil, to nurturing and caring for, to full grown plant - is with yourself really.

And, with the plants themselves.

Although, if you are very lucky, you might find a friend or two who wants to stroll through your garden with you, and let you bore them with all your gardening tales, haha!

The awakening of the garden lures me in.

Everyday I wake up early to see what is going on.

Everyday something new.

Although...

Rabbit damage always brings tears of frustration.

But, that goes away quickly, if they didn't get it all -

And, that show of spring roses begins.

That magical once a year thing.

Once a year, in spring...

It begins.

First the climbers, and next will be the 30 year old rose bushes.

But for now, it's the climbers that I planted last year.

I tended them all winter - and it is paying off.

Even the 3 year old climbing roses around the gallery have taken off (below).

After years of gophers destroying anything I plant in this area, there is life growing.

Oh, cross your fingers.

There is life.

One thing I will confess is -

I am not great at doing something now, that I will reap benefits from in the future.  I have such a hard time with that.

An immensely hard time with it, what about you?

I am sort of a spur of the moment kind of girl.

In fall I decided I would plant all sorts of bulbs and tubers and scatter about wildflower seeds and poppy seeds.

Do things early.

Follow the rules for success.

So, I did.

Maybe it is impatience that makes it hard for me to sit and wait until spring?

I am not sure.

But I did it this time.

And boy, did I learn lessons.

Not just about the garden, but about all sorts of things in life.

Do those things that won't give results for months and months.

Just do them.

And one day, in the future, you will be so glad of it.

You will be giddy glad.

And so, I planted my ranunculus tubers in November...

And we have had all sorts of waves of ranunculus.

So pretty and delicate.

Then there are all the wildflower seeds below.

Strewn about everywhere.

Watered through winter.

And now, now we wait for the flowers to emerge as the big bushels of green have gotten huge and strong over winter.

And slowly, they emerge.

And perennials, oh glorious perennials!

Self seeding too.

Paths and whole entire areas covered in wild sweet smelling precious chamomile.

The sweetest candy like scent I have ever inhaled.

Not to mention the older citrus trees, and their intoxicating scents.

The eldest of the orange trees, enveloping the entire street with its intense perfumed flowers.

And now.

Now the days of 90'F weather, and nights of swinging.

Night of singing while Mister Lovee plays his guitar, whilst swinging.

Nights that are so cool you need a shawl, but not cold at all.

Nights where the orange trees, and the jasmine, and the gardenia, and the freesia, and the lemon trees leave you tipsy with their aroma.

It was a night sort of like this, only in autumn, that brought us to be a part of something lovely.

Have you heard of Mingle Magazine?

It is simply beautiful.

So inspiring, with so many different types of parties and event inspirations.

We were lucky enough to be asked to be a part of the current issue.

Our 2011 Halloween party in the garden is on a few of the pages...

And oh, it makes me so excited that we get to have autumn again in several months, along with Halloween again!  Oh, it is so exciting, isn't it?

Halloween time?

Summer days are grand, and to be savored.

But it doesn't hurt to think about what you'd like to do in the next Halloween season does it?

Summer is a great time to start holiday crafting, because all of a sudden, the holidays hit like a tidal wave.  And I for one, never feel prepared.

The magazine touches on all sorts of holidays and events, and is packed with beautiful photos...

Oh, sigh....

Oh, yes please!

I would love to host a little event like the one below!

Summer berries and more!!

You can get your own copy of Mingle Magazine right here.

(or find it at your local book or craft store)

We are so delighted to be a part of it.

So much fun!

I am dreaming of making strawberry treats now, you?

I am so excited for spring and summer, and the annual Mad Tea Party at the end of June.

I love the buzz the Mad Tea Party creates in my little hope chest of inspiration.

Planning, and thinking, and spring, and gardens, and berries, and....

Oh, what a good time it is.

A good time indeed.

A time to savor.

A time to jump into a great big vat of gooey delicious revived excitement and inspiration.

Spring time, the only ring a ding time....

Birds sing, in spring, a ring a ding ;)

 

Love, V

 

 

ps:  The 3 little egg head recipients are....

(by random number generator)

Sheila Novara

Sarah from Circles of Rain

and Carol Mc

Hoooray you lovely gals!!!

I e-mailed you girls the details ;)

Twists and Turns, Plus Art Tales & A Voyage to Dubai

The twists and turns of life can be so curious and interesting.  Throw the internet into the mix, and we can go places, reach places, know people in places that we might never have met, if it weren't for these intrawebs...

As an artist, living on a dead end street in a hidden little world, somewhere in a bizarre Arizona, the internet has allowed for miracles really. 

It has allowed my art to travel to places such as New York, Virginia, California, Alaska- all over the United States, and as far away as Australia, Paris, Austria, Canada, Holland, Dubai and more.

This could have never happened without the internet.

As you are reading this, many of you feel the same way.  Things you create traveling all over the world..

  Heck, we all gather in cozy little internet spots, from all over the world, on a daily basis.  Nothing short of miraculous. 

Friends all over the world...

Peeks into far away places, and intimate visits into the lives of so many people.

People I have grown to love.  

I feel connected to your lives, family members, furry and winged too.   Lives change, and twist and turn, and there we are, living it in a way, with each other, far away -

And yet, so close...

 

I cried last night as I read Alicia's post.  In fact, I couldn't even eat dinner, I felt for her and Andy so deeply, and for that baby girl.  I woke up with them, and baby, on my mind.  Folks I have never met in person, yet feel for. 

I laugh with so many of you, think about your children, your homes, your health, your kitties, your pups, your work, your happenings.  Endless thoughts...

All because of the internet.

In 1994, when I was a freshman at the University of Arizona, I heard about people connecting in chat rooms on-line, talking to people all over the world.  I wanted to try it.  I made a friend in Belgium.  It was exciting, unfathomable.

17 years later, the internet is a huge part of my life, greater than I realize at times.  It makes it possible for me to even be typing these words to you right now, as you know, since many of you have your own warm internet homes.

To have a home in this space, where my doors are always open to you, is incredible to me. 

It is such a wonderful part of my everyday.

Sometimes the fact that we can connect in such a way is taken for granted, just a part of everyday life. (until we lose internet service, and then panic sets in)

It is amazing. 

But you don't need me to tell you that :)

My point to this tale?

About 5 years ago I stopped traveling.

I just plum stopped, when I once traveled to everywhere with my family.

Traveling, shopping, parties - social life at full throttle, stop.

I had changed.

My heart tune, was changing...

One day...

I simply didn't want to get on an airplane anymore.

Not a bus, or a train.

Not even a car if I could help it.

I didn't want to stay out late.

I wanted peace.

I had lived such a fast paced life, that I just wanted to be.

Full stop.

I quit my stressful job, I started a blog, I made art full time.

A little scary, but I had saved up a tiny nest egg, and plunged.

I officially moved to the country house.

I didn't/don't have cable, but I did get phone and internet.

I listen to a lot of radio shows.

I love them.

Music is constant.

I never turn on my cell phone.

I don't text.

We watch Netflix.

I garden, I paint, I try to keep a peaceful heart.

I love my pups and Mister Lovee.

I don't go dancing at discos.

I swing from a tree though.

I dance in my garden, and kitchen.

I sing really loud, but probably not that well.

I always have paint or garden soot on me.

 I used to blow dry my hair everyday for work.

Now I can count the times in a year when I do so.

But.

And here it the big but.

BUT,

I get to travel all around the world, and visit with you, via my cozy chair.

And, I love it.

I do.

I don't miss anything, or at least, I don't feel like I do.

And, in such cases perception really is the ticket, isn't it?

The bonus is that, from time to time, my art gets to travel.

The little faces that are my heart and soul, get to go to all sorts of places (near and far), when someone gives them a home...

Adventures a plenty, if they are lucky...

It is always hard to say good-bye...

But sometimes, you get word that they are doing great, and love their new home...

Really, it is all you can hope for.

But mostly, if someone gives your art a home, it is because they feel a great connection with it.  Almost like, it came from them.  At least, that is how I feel about art that I have in my home, created by other artists.

This leads me to the tale about an art voyage to Dubai.

Over the last year or so, a handful of my paintings have made their way to a beautiful young woman named Sophie, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Sophie Katirai is owner and CEO of a an amazing shop called Sophie's Closet.

I was overjoyed to find that, not only are my paintings happily living in Sophie's beautiful world, but because of Sophie's company and home getting so much press in Dubai, two of my little girls were published.

And so, the internet allows for more exciting twists and turns.

Violetta seems to be beaming with excitement...

She joined Sophie in Emirates Home Magazine (Sophie's home is on the cover)...

I love the florals, yumm!

So wonderful to see Violetta, more than happy, and oh so well, living with Sophie!

 

 

This was so exciting to see, and I am so happy for Sophie.  She is one of those super duper kind people, plus hard working and always busy with wonderful shop projects, so inspiring.

Then -

As if that wasn't already good news, Sophie wrote me to say there was a 2nd publicaiton, and that Camille was pictured in a Dubai magazine called Grazia Interiors, which also featured Sophie's home and business.

And so, while I like to stay put, on my little parcel of land, some of my girls are seemingly having a blast on their voyage to Dubai..

I bet you thought I was finally getting on a plane again, and going there myself?

Not quite, but, it seems Violetta and Camille are having a marvelous time with Sophie.  And that makes me smile from ear to ear.  It is all you can hope for, when you put your heart and soul into your art.

I have made beautiful friendships with many people who own my artwork.  It is like, we have a connection found through the art itself.

But then again, it was the art that connected us in the first place...

Funny twists, funny life.

You never know where it might lead to?

I am just glad, it led me here.

Blogland.

Almost better than Wonderland.

I can't imagine never having gotten to know so many of you.

Let's keep having a blast!!

There might be some stinky days thrown in there, but let's shoot for mostly a blast, deal?

 

Love, Vanessa

 

 

Witches and Pumpkins and Ghosties + Somerset Holidays and Celebrations

I think it is about that time, to share some Halloween infused art.  I hope you agree, because, we are being beckoned by fairy sparkles flying around, deep in the forest...

I have two Halloween pieces to share (that are available in my shop as of now) and both happen to be pieces you will see in magazine print.  I will share that a little bit later, first let's take a little trip to visit a couple of witches, what do ya say?

Nothing like a few pumpkins in a old wagon to make those of us that adore fall and Halloween, extra excited....

Show me an old wagon full of pumpkins, and I just might faint from happiness.  I don't know what that does to me?  It brings the most lighthearted happy feelings.

But wait, there's a witch too...

She has invited us for a little Halloween Tea-Time... 

Down the path we go...

Below you can see the piece in full.  It is covered in sparkles and mica flakes (for a bit of lovely foggy haze), and in person, twinkles like crazy.

I could just, jump in and live there.  In a big old house, with perpetual Halloween fluttering about.

This piece is called-

 Magical Witch Village and measures 16" x 20"

It will be featured in a future issue of Somerset Gallery.  In fact, is just arrived from a journey to Stampington headquarters, to be photographed for print etc.  I normally wouldn't show you a piece until after the publication is available.  But being that Halloween is a few weeks away, I had to share sooner rather than later. 

 

Once you visit the witchling above, and have a little tea and pumpkin spice cake, you must make your way deeper into the forest, to visit a witch who is conjuring up an extra special amount of magic herself...

Under the enchanted hiding tree, illuminated by the glow of the crescent moon, you shall find...

A cauldron of enchantment!

A witch in a frock made of vintage dictionary pages, showcasing her favorite insects and bird....

A tune, so mysterious and sweet, draws you in...

As you make way for an evening of unimaginable frolic and play ;)

This piece is super duper sparkly as well.  You can't really see how sparkly it is, until you see it in person.  The tree and her skirt are covered in mica flakes.

The piece above measures 16" x 20,"

and is titled Halloween Magic.

This piece is featured in the current issue of Somerset Holidays and Celebrations, which I might add, is chock full of wonderful treats for any holiday.  From Christmas to Easter to Halloween, and everything in between...

Here are a couple of snippets of Halloween Magic in print...

A Magical Halloween is something I simply can't wait for!!  Getting closer everyday, hooray!

Both original pieces are now available in my shop.

We are going to watch Frankenstein tonight, so I best be on my way.  We have watched so many Halloween infused movies, it has been great.  Including the history channel's show on witches, then another on Halloween history (loved it), then another on haunted inns, then another on Amityville.  I just love those History channel shows.  We watch them all on Netflix, it's great!  So, Frankenstein + popcorn, here we come ;)

See you sooooon!

 

 

ps:  Thank you for such a wonderful exchange of words in that last post.  I love when we all chat back and forth as such.  It is so inspiring to have a gathering of like minded people!! ♥

pss:  If you are a Tori Amos fan, you probably know she has a new Deutsche Grammophon album out called Night of Hunters, with a classical twist?  It is a song cycle.  Tori is on tour right now and performed a few nights ago in Moscow.  I can't describe how amazing the performance was.  You can see most of it on YouTube.  The strings plus piano are so deep and mysterious and just wonderful, me thinks.  Her voice sounds lovely.  Also, her performance of Bachelorette, superb!

This gets even better middle to end, you also get an upclose of the musicians on strings at about 6:53...

Where Women Create {The Business of the Studio}

We are back from our weekend adventures, with tales to tell too.  However, I am going to save those for next time, as I came home to find something fun to share!

The Summer 2011 Issue of Where Women Create...

The exciting news is that I am in this issue, in a section called

"The Business of the Studio."

(The pages are much more clear and lovely in person, my camera was in weird light)

This is so exciting, however, the most fun is the reaction from my family.  As you know, I spend 95% of my time looking like a dirt mouse.  I am always in the garden, or covered in paint.  My life is a whirlwind of country house chores, running my own little business and never ending things to do.  These days are far from the seemingly glamorous life I once led ;)

(Last night I was trimming mass amounts of a huge mesquite tree, with a hand saw, for pete's sake. Haha!)

It's quaint and work filled, but full of love and goodness.

So, when I get a call from my sister, who is screaming in a paper store in New Mexico because she just glanced at this issue in a rack in said shop, and had no idea I would be in it...

Well, it is the most heart fun thing ever.  

I truly believe that sharing with people who care about you, is the best part of the whole thing.

It is a wondrously surreal feeling, to see yourself published anywhere.

It is really heart thumping and whirlwind twirly feeling.

And also, it makes me feel sort of, shy in a funny way.

 

I am not shy.

Or maybe I am, in a round about way?

Nah, my family would teeter on saying I am overbearing and loud ;) and maybe even, pushy?

Eeeks.

But, there is also a part of me that hides in closets at certain parties... 

So maybe I am?  I dunno.

Either way, I am delighted to get to share some snippets of the issue...

 

My behind the scenes is pretty buzz busy all the time.  I know it seems like sometimes it's a hair quiet.  But tricks and treats are always brewing.  And if they aren't, then by golly, we'll brew up another potion to keep the fun going ;) (right now we have a heck of a busy behind the scenes, with mass projects to finish up)

 

The entire issue is pretty snazzle razzle dazzey!

I am entranced reading articles, and peeking into studios.

Isn't that so much fun?

So, if you would like a copy of your own, lots of grocery stores have it in their magazine section.  Safeway has it for sure (if you have a Safeway grocery store), and you can order it from Stampington online, or check into most craft and book stores.

I am a thankful girl, who doesn't want to take one morsel for granted.

I hope you can sometimes hear me, whispering a thank you your way, for being my friend via the ether-net ;)

Want to hear a funny random tale before I go?

So, about 15 years ago, some boy gave me a bundle of orange lilies.

They dried up in a vase in my house (the city house), and so, I took them outside and plunked them in a pot, for lack of knowing what to do with them.

The next year, they grew and bloomed in that very pot, all from those dry stems.

I was floored!

THEN...

My sister would tell me every spring or so, that the flowers would bloom in that same pot.

Fast forward 14 years later (last year), to a dry pot, with nothing in it but old dirt, that I went and picked up at the city house, and brought to the country. I put some new soil in it, on top of the old stuff (stirred it around), popped in some seeds and began watering regularly.

I had forgotten about those lilies.

I mean, why would I think that in dry old soil, 15 year old lilies would turn up again?

But they did!

 

And bloomed yesterday...

In a curiously magnificent shade of red.

I am speechless.

Who knew such a thing could happen?

Like I really needed something to further fuel my garden obsession?

In the last two weeks I planted a bunch more, two trees, 6 shrubs, and a partridge in a pear tree!

Sunday, my granny and I dug up things in her garden for me to bring home.  3 tiny trees, violets and more.

I look at it as adding to the future of my garden.

And, helping the earth in my own little way.

Am I delusional?

 

Do you see a hedgehog cloud?

I better be off, I can tell I am in a veering mood, and I might end up with some long wacky blog post ;)

Love, V

 

 

ps:  You can peek at more photos of the studio, and more of my living spaces, here...

Little Thing Magazine (updated links)

One of the loveliest publications I have ever seen (packed with oodles of inspiring goodness) comes from China, and is called Little Thing Magazine.  It focuses on illustration, fashion and creative design, and circulates in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

 

Issue 13 revolves around fairy tales, and if you ask me, it's truly enchanting.

However...

The fun secret I have kept to myself for way too long is that, I was asked to be a part of issue 13.

 I have a copy in my hands to share with you today.

The article that features my little world is called-

Little Dream House

Living in a Fairytale...

 

Okay, so, my life isn't really a fairytale ~

But let's just pretend for now, whatta ya say?

 

(I especially loved that the magazine is printed right to left, as opposed to our left to right.)

I was delighted with the layout, as I really didn't know what to expect.  I was so pleasantly surprised...

 

It would be extra fun if I could read the article.  I hope it says nice things.

Can you imagine if it said what a rotten girl I am?

hahaheeheee!

 

You can access most of these photos in the "peek inside my living spaces" section of my blog (in case you want to peek closer)...

 

I am super delighted with my little feature.

Now, if only my studio and office were that tidy today ;)

 

But wait, it gets better....

I have more snippets of the magazine itself (issue 13) to share with you below.  It's yummy!  And, I am not even showing you all the goodness in it.  After I chose these shots I saw others that were extra scrumptious.  So, I may share more in the future.  I only wish I could get my hands on every issue...

Who doesn't love fairies?

 

 

The magazine is page after page of pretty things...

 

There is a baking section, and even a gardening section too...

 

Sweet!

 

I particularly loved the Indian Style section...

 

Lots of fun fashion spreads...

 

And, a fantastic section on Lio Beardsley

 

There are make-up and skin care tips...

Brought to you by Alice, of course ;)

 

And lots of features on folks who make lovely things...

 

I really like the colors below...

Fun!

 

I am so drawn to simple lightheartedness....

 

So there you have it, a little magazine sharing for today.

Black paper swan included.  Don't you want one?  I do.

 

As for my real world...

It has been nutzz. 

I know I say that all the time, but really, I have come to realize the difference between pine nut days and macadamia nut days.

 

 And last week and into now, was and is, pure extra large macadamia nutzzzz.

There is construction going on in the garden. (exciting!)

Mombie and Dad came up on the weekend so I got up extra early to bake fresh bread for them, and to send a huge loaf back to Grandmammie and Grandpa too. (they loved it, yay!)

The pups are crazy playful (a good thing).

Miles is 100% well thanks to sweet potatoes and plain rice and chicken (made separately), by me ;)

And... I have two deadlines.

One down, one to go.

Oh also, it is a super important birthday for my sis this week, so I have been working on something fun for her, plus other goodies.

I am also finishing up a couple new paintings.

So, it's busy time.

But busy is good, it keeps my brain out of trouble.

The best part however, is coming here to share tales and treats with you!!

Thank you for being so much fun!

I guess I best be off to the post office. 

Save me a seat at the perpetual party table, I will be back soon ;)

Love, V

 

ps: ♥ HIYA Janel!!!! This ps is just for you  ;)

pss:  Little Thing Magazine has an incredible website, but it was down today, so I didn't link to it.  When it is up I will post a link because it really is eye candy goodness.  For now, here is a link to their blog:  http://www.littlething.cn/

psss:  The editor I worked with (Thank you Jie!) just wrote me back with the new web address for Little Thing Magazine.  It is http://www.littlething.cn/  Take a peek if you have a chance.  Their magazine section is awesome too.  You can click on any cover to see a snippet of the inside. Yay!

♥ Happy Merry Jolly Holiday ♥

The most wonderful time of the year is in full swing.  Scrumptious edibles, twinkling lights, gift wrapping & a heavy dose of madness galore...

 

 

 

My days have been so packed full, that I could so use an extra week, how about you? 

But wait, how rude of me.  Come in, let me take your coat.  Do enter, through the looking glass, if you will.  It's the bestest way to enter a room, wouldn't you agree?

My to do list is getting smaller and smaller.  However, I still need some gifts.

I got all of my shipping for last minute orders done on Moday & I painted the giant manger backdrop for my beautiful hometown church (2 hours away), as it still had the backdrop I painted when I was 13.

I put up my "Christmas tree" a couple of weeks ago, and finally got to take some photos.  I was working in the studio one day, and I was thinking about getting a small tree, when I stopped what I was doing, and went outside...

I then pulled all the dry tomato vines off of a tomato trellis, flipped it upside down....

 

Wrapped some wire around the legs, to hold it in a cone shape...

And then, put all of my favorite ornaments on it.

I have to admit.

I have really enjoyed this pseudo tree, a lot. 

 

It's light and pretty, and let's me see all of my ornaments.

I have no idea what possessed me to do this.

But, it makes me happy.

The Dream Keeper was gifted a beautiful huge teal flower this week (from Mombie). 

Quite festive, me thinks.

Below is another through the mirror photo.  My tribute to Alice in Wonderland assemblage sculpture that I made for the Mad Tea Party 2010 is what I stare at, all lit up (with a little Christmas tree in the window), as I fall asleep...

The inside is cute too.  I love finding little ornaments at thrift stores.  I found the one below (which is inside the Alice dollhouse) several years ago, and it always makes me smile... 

Last month I was at the pharmacy, and I saw this wee little guy below, and had to bring him home with me.  He sleeps on my pillow ;)

All the candy jars are full.  But, confession #1, I have not baked much at all this season.

I had a huge 700+ photo project I have been working on for my granny, and finished that, finally.  This week has been mad busy.  Anyhow, I was going to do some baking and candy orange peels yesterday, and really get into the spirit, when I got hit with a mad vertigo spell.  It lasted 18 hours.  It was rotten beyond describable (is that a word?).

I should have seen the signs for a couple of days (some of you know about me and vertigo).  But I had not had an episode in so long, that I didn't pay attention to the tell tale signs.  Then it hit me hard yesterday. Thankfully, I had my vertigo medication on hand, and took it right away.

I feel a bit back to normal now, and should be 100% for Christmas, thank heavens.

I rarely get sick (with colds etc.), so I find vertigo awfully stinky.

 

I came back to my happy world from the netherworld of spinning, to find little gifts left by Elfin Lovee, hidden around the house.  He said, that was his plan for gift giving this year.  Hiding things here and there.  And, I quite like his idea :)

 

I really can't think of anything that I need and want other than the ones I love to be healthy and happy.  I put a red bow on Matty, and called his papa in, and hollered, "Merry Christmas..."

Mister Pupster Matisse (aka Matty) is the gift that keeps on giving.

He hides under me.

He goes everywhere with me.

He sings Christmas Carols with me.

Awwwwr awwwwwwwrrrrr....

(I call him my little seal, when he puts his ears back like that)

And, he even throws in a howl or two for good measure.

(He is standing right by me, with his chin on my lap, and is trying to pull my hand off the keyboard so I can stop typing and play)

Anyhow, what was I saying?

Oh yes.

A happy healthy life is gift enough for me.

I want for nothing, but for everything to stay as it is for as long as it can.

Blue skies & fluffy clouds included.

Did I mention that, I love fur.

No, not fur coats :)

Fur babies.

I might get a second fur ball soon.  A sibling for Matty.

YAY!

We send our most heart filled happy holiday wishes to you and yours, from our desert land...

We must be on our way.

Wrapping to do...

(I got Matty some fun gifts, and a HUGE awesome gift for my little cousin Carolina)

Aaaaand, we might even brave some last minute shopping tonight, Mister and I. 

I made several green rice krispy treats the other day, and I dare say, you can't go wrong with rice krispy treats can you?  They are so yummy.  I might make a large batch tonight, for friends and family, depending on how I feel.

(I love shaping them)

So, with that I shall say....

From our cotton ball tree forest to yours...

Many many many warm of warmest holiday wishes, sent your way. 

Thank you for being a part of this place.  Even if I am stinky at e-mail sometimes, and at making visits, you and this place we get to meet at, means the world to me.

Never forget that. 

You make "here" what it is.

 

 

 

ps:  Every free printable gift tag and tutorial I have ever shared (like the gift tags below) can always be found in my right hand sidebar under Free Treats.  Just in case you need some last minute gift tags...

Here is the Printable PDF for the tags below

(give it a few seconds to open)

 

 
pss:  I almost forgot to share a fun December treat.  My art piece titled "The Curious Playroom, Land of Enchantment" was on the cover of Pop Rocket this month.  It is a publication in one of my favorite Arizona towns, Prescott.  There is an interview you can read right here  if you'd like...

 

See you sooooon.

May your days be Merry and Bright ♥

Somerset Workshop & Fanciful Twists

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

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

An art tale of sorts.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

I can do this, I thought.

Gulp.

 

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

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

I said yes.

 

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

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

 

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

Bright Star of Love...

 

I had found a piece of music, Violin.

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

I could hear the violin strings...

As she came to life...

 

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

I had a party...

In a painting that is ;) 

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

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

Was she secretly a bird too? 

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

The gypsy girl...

 

In her intriguingly plum world...

Then I had a visit from a the Dream Keeper.

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

She has sisters too... 

 

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

Cupcake infused :) 

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

A sparkly fairy... 

And her Fairy Dance... 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh, and I must introduce you to Magnolia.

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

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

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

 

What is it that they say?

Patience is a virtue.

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

Calm and peace in...

Love's Confession.

 

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

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

This piece takes me to such lovely places... 

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

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

 

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

To memorize the moment?

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

And almost, feel like you are floating?

That is what I was feeling, when I painted

Dream Upon the Midnight Song... 

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

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

The Dream After the Ball... 

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

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

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

Especially if the night was wonderful.

Creating... 

~ The Dream After the Ball ~

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

 ,V

 

ps:  Holiday goodies are around the corner.

CRESCENDOh

Come on in, and I shall tell you a tale.  A tale that leads to another tale, and another tale, and another tale...

   

You see, I want to tell you a story, about a very special place called Crescendoh.  Some of you have heard all about this lovely place I speak of, but if you have not, you can read all about it right here...

   

However, before you skip into virtual lands, won't you stay for a spot of flower essence tea, while I tell you a story, of the true variety?

Oh goodie, so glad you have decided to stay for a bit...

    

You see, a few years ago I started my virtual journey.  A journey of sharing a little bit of my life and art, by way of this virtual world, with no idea of why.  

I had no clue if there was even a destination point.  In fact, I didn't even consider where the road would wind towards, I simply jumped in, head first...

   

It has been (and continues to be) an exciting journey, with the chance to meet so many different lovely people.  And, as you well know, the facility of sharing that this virtual medium provides is incredible. 

    

One day (a few years ago) I received an e-mail from Jenny Doh, who at the time, was editor-in-chief at Stampington and Company.  I thought it was a joke at first :)

   

However, it was no joke, as she was inquiring about some of my work for an issue of Somerset Studio.  I was super delighted, created some artwork, shipped it off, and did cartwheels when it was published ;)

(I like to think that if you dream, and work hard, anything is possible.  Something good is bound to happen when you combine those two, don't you think?)

I have since shared my work in several Stampington publications, and am ever grateful for such magical twists in roads, and that initial experience with Jenny.

   

Speaking of magical twists, here is where my story starts to morph into the intended tale... 

You see, Jenny Doh recently left Stampington to start her own company!  A company called, (you guessed it), Crescendoh...

A few months ago, Jenny asked me if I would consider sharing a story about how art has saved me, for a moving and inspiring section of Crescendoh called, Art Saves.

   

I said yes because, art did save me.  Art has saved me.  And, art continues to save me. 

Only, I have never really told the tale, of what led me to leap off the bridge into art, as a total way of life (about 15 years ago).

But I will, (for the first time) this coming week (The week of May 10th 2010).  When my Art Saves story goes live at Crescendoh. (butterflies in stomach!!)

   

To be very honest with you, I have this whole push-pull thing going on.  Part of me has no problem telling it like it is, and being very honest and open.  Yet, another part of me has this sacred protective Mother Warrior side, who wants me to keep some things private. 

However, when I get talking, I can't be anything but honest.  And, if anything I can share about my life can help anyone else in any way (no matter how minor), then I am willing to share.

    

So, honest little tid-bits of my life (that I have not shared before) will be be a part of my Art Saves story at Crescendoh next week. (once my story is up, all you have to do is follow the "..." after my intro line, and a page will open up with the story).

Crescendoh is a very special place, with ART as the core, and oodles of goodness surrounding it.  There are many inspiring Art Saves stories being shared over there. Take a peek...

But before you go, won't you let me pour you a second or third cup of flower essence tea?

   

Oh, I knew you would say yes ;)

I'll have another myself, before we bid each other adieu, for now...

 

♥  ,V

 

ps:  To all the Mother's of human and furry children,  I wish you an absolutely splendid and beautiful Mother's day!

I was up at 5:20 a.m. filling a basket with my bright coral roses, and a few of my pink frosting roses...

    

Just for you ;)

    

pss:  Silly me!I completely forgot about my Free Mother's Day Cardlettes!! 

You can still get them by clicking on this link for a printable pdf version! (give the file several seconds to open)

  

 See you super Soon! ;)

The Mad Tea Party 2010 {An Invitation & Surprise}

A curious letter was delivered to me this week, via winged pony. I opened it up, and all it said was, "I shall arrive under the glisten of the full moon, when all the flowers are twinkling in bloom..."

    

This is certainly an odd note, I thought.  And then shrugged, and went about my enchanted garden business...

    

That was until I heard the unmistakable cackle of the mad-man himself...

    

He rode his tiny tricycle like a speed demon, as the dirt crunched beneath the little wheels.  Of course, the flowers were blooming, and the moon was indeed glistening, so I should have known to expect him ;)

He rode right past me as he hollered "Hurry on dearie, we must get to the secret garden before night falls..."  And so, I quickly followed, as I tripped on my hem...

    

Why are we in such a hurry? I asked.  

He replied, "Why why?  You dare ask such a silly question???  We have a Mad Tea Party to plan, of course!"

(Can you believe that it was almost one year ago, that we found ourselves amongst madness, twirling in our gowns and swirling our tea?  Last year, as the party came to a close, a secret key was left for us.  The key that would unlock the door to this year's festivities...)

As we approached the secret garden, I saw a key hanging.  But not just any key.  It was "thee" key.  The key to this year's party, yipppppeeee!!

    

We were just in time, for as we unlocked the gate, the secret garden telephone started ringing as loud as it could...

Who could it be?

    

"It was London calling" said the Mad Hatter.  "We have received two great pieces of information, you darling troll's wart..." he said.

"Ummm, okay?" I said...

"First, the Mad Tea Party date has been set.  And second, there is a super scrumdillyumptious, surprise guest......." said he.

Oh do telllllll, pleeeeeease!

So, he pondered for a moment, because he knew I might faint from curiosity, and then...

   

He reminded me of that day in the garden, when I took a trip into wonderland, and read Jenny Woolf's fascinating book, The Mystery of Lewis Carroll...

Then he said, "You must have had a super secret chat with said author, because she has accepted your invitation..."

So, with that I am beyond delighted to reveal that, author of The Mystery of Lewis Carroll, Jenny Woolf herself, will be our honorary guest at this year's Mad Tea Party!

Hip hip hooooray!!!

   

And guess what?  Her publishing house sent over some treats to gift during the party, how wonderful is that???

This year's party is already showing its enchanted grin.  Won't you join us??

The Mad Hatter has taken his bow...

    

And, while lighting the magical tea party candle, has proclaimed that we are to begin this year's Mad Tea Season...

    

I can't wait, I just can't wait!!

   

The date, Saturday June 26th.  Plenty of time to prepare, YAY!

The season of madness 2010, has been sealed with moonbeam glow...

    

And now, the sparkles are being sent off to you, so that you might be inspired to join in the Festivity of Madness...

Please do join us, won't you?

Below is this year's flyer and button (click, to copy and save).  Share them, use them on your blog, spread the word to your friends, because everyone is invited, and anything goes...

    

 

 Wondering what to do if you sign up?

If you are signing up to participate in the Virtual Mad Tea Party, all you have to do are three things. (To sign-up, simply leave a comment saying you are joining in & leave your blog link. Thank you ;)

1) Share the flyer or the button on your blog as soon as possible.  Link to this blog post, and I will add your name to the "Mad Tea Partier" list in my left hand side bar. 

2)  On the day of the tea party, June 26th 2010, please make sure to post a Mad Tea Party post of your own, on your blog, linking to me.  Other partiers will be visiting you on that date. 

3)  Blog hop with the other partiers on the day of the event and have a mad blast!!  Again, the list of Mad Tea Party Participants will be in my left hand sidebar.

Note:  Please make sure you post a tea party post on June 26th if you signed up.  Last year several people did not do this, and lots of partiers e-mailed me to ask why they were finding some blogs without a Mad Tea Party post.  I didn't have an answer.

Don't forget, this event is supposed to be pure fun.  Don't stress out about it, and do let yourself go positively mad ;)

If you need some, there are oodles of Mad Tea Party inspirations out there.  You can even order a copy of Winter 2010 Artful Blogging, where last year's tea party, along with a handful of other participating Mad Tea Parties were featured. 

   

Below are also some more tips and ideas for your own tea party, as featured in the Staten Island, New York Advance Newspaper....

    

And, even a few more Mad Tea Party Inspirations right here... if you scroll through that link...

If you have any questions e-mail me.  I am catching up on my e-mails today -I got behind during my deadline, sorry ;) - so that I can be totally available for any of your questions.

Remember, if you would like to sign-up,simply leave a comment saying you are joining in & leave your blog link. Thank you ;)

And with that, the Mad Tea Party season begins.  All of us over here at "A Fanciful Twist" would be more than overjoyed if you could join us ;)

I am sooo excited! Lots more fun to come...

 

 

♥  ,V

 

 

ps:  If you signed up and you don't see your name on the list, please don't hesitate to e-mail me ([email protected]).  It is most certainly, a non-intentional mistake  ;)

pss:  I have oodles of Mad Tea Party treats in my shop, and two new sets of cards that I am excited to share...

Tea Party, Sweet Party

    

And, Avant Garden Wonderland...

    

See you very sooooon ;)

Secrets of an Avant Garden Wonderland...

I have so many things to tell you, that I am certain I am at least 14 blog posts behind.  I was going to visit you with a bevy of other tales today, but the girls below forced me to share them instead.  They were getting sick of waiting and waiting...

 

Hmm, what to tell you first.  Okay so, you know how I have secret obsessions about things?  And I get totally obsessed, sometimes for years. 

Well, this very thing happened with the pages of...

 

The 2007 issue of Elle Magazine.   

Yes, I have been pouring over a series of pages in said issue everyday for two years.  They fill me heart and soul.

Want a peek?

Wild and Flowery, Avant Garden goodness.  Just look at these rooms...

  

Over the top yummy.  Sigh.

I love these pages.  Did I tell you I look at them everyday (for two years)?  Oh sorry, I did already say that ;)

 

  

So at the end of July, after obsessing on these pages for years and being too white wall loving to paint my own walls with a yellow floral pattern (although I wanted to so badly), I decided to take my passion out on canvas...

Hence the creation of Avant Garden Wonderland - A Tea Party (large 24" x 30" x 1.5")

   
It began with walls I dreamed of having in my own home.  And bubbled over with a lush passionate tea table...

 

A pretty girl awaits her guests as the clock strikes...

  

Her very own wonderland.

  

I had the most difficult time trying to do the colors justice on this piece via the computer screen.  It is so much lovelier in person (to me that is).

  

So you see, I want to live in this room...

  

I just placed Avant Garden Wonderland - A Tea Party in my shop this afternoon. (she has found a loving home, so I will add her in canvas print form to my shop right away) 

But I am not done with flowers, they are still pouring out of my soul. 

    

Although, the piece I started below is so huge, I don't think it can ever be for sale for shipping reasons...

 

I had to paint in the midst of all of the building chaos here or I would have gone crazy.  My only normal is in the arms of Arthur, otherwise known as Art ;)

So, what else do I have to tell you?  Oh yes, more secrets.  A year ago I sent some gals off to Somerset Holidays and Celebrations, and the 2009 issue is now in print.  I love this magazine with its varied ideas and types of art.  Just delightful!

  

  

Miss Cupcake Macaron Fête has found a home, but she is available in canvas print form in my shop.  My Mom always says, "I want to be her."  Isn't that funny?

 

Two of her sisters got to dance in this issue as well, and both originals are now in my shop...

 

Miss Soirée Bliss (12" x 12" x 1.5")

  

  

  

And Enchanted Garden  (16" x 20" x 1.5") 

 

  

Scurrying through the Enchanted Garden, pink skies and billowing clouds embrace her...

  

  

It is so much fun to finally get to share the girls with you.  I have to just not think about things like magazine love, while the issue is being created.  That way, I don't get over excited and spill the beans...

Actually, I store things so far back in my mind, that I forgot to say that if you just happened to be in Surrey England September 26th to October 4th, you could visit the Chobham Jazz Festival, which my painting titled The Harpists Bliss got to be a part of...

  

She was asked out of the blue, to be the programme cover this year, and all of us over here in the studio were ever so excited for her...

 

Alas, I am 2 days late, because the festival is over.  See, my brain storing is not so great ;)

Anyhow, I have so much to say, but I have to go because I get to put things in my kitchenette in the office today (after one heck of a weekend with the counter building - I will tell you about it soon), and I spent 7 hours getting this post ready and popping the girls in my shop, so I need to go off and skip before I freak out from sitting for so long.  (I wish you could hear the birds, they are insane today)

Plus, there are monkeys hanging from the chandeliers.

Imaginary monkeys of course, but monkeys all the same ;)

 

 ♥  ,V 
 

ps:  I have a little interview over at Craft Nouveau today, if you want to take a peek ;)  The girls over there were so nice, it would mean the world to me if you could spare a moment to give them some craft love.  xoxo (the interview posted is a hair shorter than my ramblings, so if anyone wants to read the rest, I can post it, you let me know?)

pss:  All the dresses in my art pieces are made from Vintage dictionary pages.  In case you are wondering how to get to my shop, all you have to do is click here: www.afancifultwist.etsy.com

A Bevy of Beloveds... (& a Somerset treat for you)

nce upon a time there were five beloved gals who went on a voyage that magically placed them on the pages of Somerset Studio Magazine...

 

 

Now, you might recall part of this story and these girls from a while back, but it has a new twist.  You see, the girls had no idea their Mother had sent them on such an exciting journey (memories of that journey long ago, found here).  When they returned they carried with them tales a plenty.  Tales of the things they saw behind the scenes at Stampington Headquarters (not really, but it sounds good, doesn't it? ;)

After they returned from their trip, these girls were in 2 art shows, where many folks offered to give them homes.  Alas, their Mother was not ready to set them free...

Then, an enchanting thing happened.  One of the sisters, The Girl in the Music Box found herself in the year 2010...

      

She was in April of 2010 to be exact, in a lovely full size Calendar with 11 other delightful art pieces...

She was part of Stampington's.......

      

Lovely debut of Somerset's first art calendars, yay!!!  

      

The Girl in the Music Box was having such an exciting life, that she encouraged her Mother to set her and her sisters free.  Free to go on adventures to new places.  Grand hopes of new homes these 5 sisters had.  They were ready to fly...

So, it was on a day when diamonds fell from the sky (lots of ice cold hail yesterday), that this girl, decided to set the sirens free...

 

And so, that is how it came to be that the girls can now be found in my shop, right here.  You will also find details about each painting in my shop.

Below are some detailed images of each art piece -

Bliss

      

        

        

Freeing of the Chanteuse

      

        

        

In her Gown (which has a bit of a Marie Antoinette feel)

        

        

        

        

The Siren's Dream

        

        

        

The Girl in the Music Box

       

        

        

        

This is the first time I have offered these original art pieces for sale.  All five are in my shop as I type... 

Also, as I eluded to in this blog post title, there is a treat involved here.  I have one 2010 Somerset Art Calendar to give away! 

 

Just leave a howdy hello in comments, and your name will go into the proverbial hat ;) I will announce the name drawn next blog post...

I have a million and one more things to say, but I must be off for a little bit, to get some of my duties done today ;)

See you sooooooon!

♥,V

Paper Crowns, Bird Nests in your Hair & Butterfly Wings

Happy brand new week!  I returned to a feverishly active right hand, painting away for hours and hours.  I love productivity in the studio.  Now if I could only master the technique of discipline. 

All sorts of things coming to life, like dreams and wishes, wishes and dreams...

 

Funny, I have always been self employed, in my last two careers and now as a full time artist.  Sometimes, I wish I had someone telling me what to do.  Giving me a little list in the morning.  Hmm, wait, maybe not ;)  Actually, I can be a little over the top sergeant with myself...

But, before I even think about veering in my own wacky conversation ways (as I can tell I am about to), I want to share something fun with you...

The July/August 2009 Somerset Studio.  What a happy bright issue.  Jenny Doh is super fantastic, her energy and spirit are contagious.  I am always delighted to have a bug planted in my ear to create...  Thank you for being your lovely self Miss Jenny!!

        

A couple of my dolls went to California in Spring to be a part of this issue, and have now returned.  They are perfectly in tact thanks to the wonderful Michelle Nolan, who manages all of our artwork over at Stampington (probably a grueling duty, making sure all art is safe as can be).  The dolls were shipped back, packaged beyond safely.  She's a doll.   

 

Anyhow, the wee girls have been itching to meet you since I made them in early Spring.  It is always so hard for me to have secrets like this.  Although, I am a pretty good secret keeper...

      

Little Miss Anastasia Butterfly Wing was ever eager to spread her wishes and dreams.  I hope she rubs off on all of us.  Wishes and dreams are super good things that you can never have enough of, don'tcha think?

        

With little mushrooms growing in her gown...

        

I wonder if I could grow my own hair to my ankles?  Hard to manage, possible maybe?

       

Oh, and don't forget to repeat the magical butterfly wing message...

"With my sisters, I am free to be me, to share my secret butterfly wings." 

Miss Anastasia and her sisters are actually available in my shop ;)

      

If I could grow my hair to my ankles, I think I would be sure to wear a bird's nest in my hair.  Although I might opt for that sooner rather than later... 

      

This little secret keyhole keeper gal is named, Sofia Birdnest of the Fairytale Forest. 

Miss Sofia actually was not in that issue of Somerset, but she will be a part of the gals in my shop...

        

She wanted me to make sure you were wearing your velvet pink sash avec giant bow whilst typing.  It's all the rage, you know ;) ~ Wearing a giant pink velvet sash while you explore the internet...

      

Don't forget, she whispers...

        

To meet her at the bottom of the spiral staircase for a tour of the old Victorian Mansion attic.  Filled with treasures! And the best part, you can take all the loot you can carry in your long gown...

        

Just remember to be very very quiet as you carry out that giant candelabra...

      

And if you can, repeat these words in order to be taken through the secret keyhole staircase to the hidden attic... 

"Through the secret keyhole, we meet with treats.  Hearts open to share, with those I consider my sisters..."

The attic is where you are sure to meet Miss Alexandra Octavia Papercrown.  She holds high tea every afternoon.  With treats so glorious, even Willi Wonka would be jealous ;)

      

She is so excited to have you over for a visit...

        

      

She has been having pastries made by the best pastry chef in Paris...

    

With silk leaves in her hair, and her pet bird, there will also be dancing to the records on the great old gramophone...

      

         

To join in high tea, simply repeat after me...

"Sisters in friendship and magical whimsy, in billowing gowns we meet for tales of enchantment."

Miss Alexandra Octavia Papercrown will be waiting for you...

 

So you see, I have been up to all sorts of creating, I just have not been able to share it all ;)

I have paint waiting for me as I type, so I must stop my endless chatter and run.  But meet me here super soon, for a little magic...

As of today, all dolls are in my little online shop...

♥, V

ps:  Image quality is better when image is clicked on.  Oh, and to answer a frequent question, the dresses are made out of Vintage Dictionary pages ;)

Speak quick, if you believe in fairies...

So you say you believe in fairies do ya?

   

Would you say there are fairies spreading fairy dust in all sorts of venues?  Like, let's seeeeee, ummm...  Hotels maybe?

Remember when you were at that nice hotel and stole (I mean, borrowed forever) a lovely hard cover book that talked about local and statewide delights?  All those nice glossy pages??  I have a collection of San Diego ones myself ;)  Even one from Santa Fe & I think I have one from New York too...

         

Well, you can imagine my surprise, when a certain LA based art director contacted me from the creative hub of such books.  Nah, I thought.  It ain't for real, it just is not.  Must be a scam.   They must want to bill me for all the books I have collected from hotel to hotel...  Yep, that must be it.

But this certain art director, I'll call him Mister M, seemed very serious.  He had a list of all my photos and creations he liked.  He wanted them, to use.  To use, asked I?  Hmmmm, what's it gonna cost me?  Asks me ;)

 

    

Now that I look back on it, he must have thought I was a certified nutcake.  I sounded like that kid in home alone, asking oodles of questions, and the guy he is asking questions to, is like, "get lost kid..." 

So, I pondered and pondered.  And finally, went for it.  I didn't understand how they wanted to use my photos, but I obliged.  Maybe they would just scatter them around I thought?  So, I got all FTP savvy, and got ready to upload my photos to their server.  Although, I think I e-mailed them in the end.  Either way, I sent them off and that was that...

      

I didn't let it enter my mind again.  Until I got an e-mail from the delightful Miss L (Editor-in-chief from the Scottsdale branch).  Who informed me that, the photos were for an article about art and craft in the Arizona Guidebook. (by the way, Mr. M and Miss L, were beyond super delightful to work with) 

OH me oh my, says I ;)  There really must be fairies!

Miss L asks for my address to send a copy when the 2009 book comes out, and I go one with my day to day activities for a couple of months ;)  Like, saving Mister Lovee from well, himself really (ya, I didn't tell you about how he set himself on fire and was covered in it from head to toe all over the back of his robe did I?  Umm yep, that is his version of making breakfast, teppanyaki show style I guess - oh and ps,  don't turn on the stove when you have threads hanging off the cuff of your robe), and quail eggs from the dog, and bunnies from the dog, and puppies from the dog... 

And, and and...  Somewhere in there I get in some painting and creating, and squeezing limequats...  Hey, speaking of fairies, seems I am like the fairy of our dirt parcel to Mister Lovee and the creatures, or maybe, the creatures here see me more as a Garden Gnome?  Who knows...

Anyhow, fast forward to Tuesday.  Off I go a merrily skipping along in 3 night gowns and 4 crooked crowns, in the dirt, and check my mailbox.  Only to find a parcel so lovely, I squeal.  Mister Lovee is driving down the driveway towards me as he is leaving for the office, and I throw myself on his car, I roll over it, and wonder if I should roll in the dirt too?

I skip and squeal, and exclaim, "I want to roll in the dirt!!"  Of course, if there was grass, I would opt for that, but since there is only dirt, you get the picture...

So, I am overreacting, because this is what I see when I rip open Miss L's lovely packaging and open the book to the smack center...

WHAT?  I never, not ever, not in a million years, expected THIS!

   

    

Wholey Guacamole, it's my BABIES!!  What, who, where??  Oh goodness me, I must roll in the dirt out of glee!

There are a couple of snippets of my verbage throughout, and even an plug for wonderful magnificent Etsy!! 

    

And, really, all I have to say for today is that, I am tickled to no end, but the one thing that really comes to mind is this...

I believe!  I believe in magic and working hard, and holding on to your dreams.  I believe in love and life, and even through loss, I believe in the enchantment of memories and heart strings and hope and SMILES... 

In my late teens and early twenties, lots of people I met in the world, tried to break me down.  Tried to hurt my soul, tried to tell me what I did or what I made, wasn't good, just to be mean.  Sometimes I fell, and cried, and got incredibly hurt, but I always got up, and kept holding on to art and creatures and ideas.  I learned how to nix the negative out of my life.  I built my life around art, made all my life's decisions with art in mind.  Art saves me, little faces save me.  So, when I see my creatures in a little book as such I smile, and it fills my soul with such bursting joy.

In my humble way, I say, we should try to never let go of our dreams.

And above all, we should smile & believe...

  

My little dream in life has always been, peace in my soul, slices of happiness, health for my family,  not too much worry, and a little space to make things that I enjoy, and perhaps others might enjoy too...  I clasp my hands tight in prayer before I go to bed.  I repeat my little dream like a mantra, I give huge thanks...

Today, I am sending all the fairies in my neck of the woods your way...  Let me know if they arrive ;)

♥ , V

ps:  So, if you read a few paragraphs above, I eluded to Misters Lovee's fire incident (it happened last year).  Can I just tell you what he did?  Please don't tell him I am outing him here like this.  So, there he is making a simple dish called, Oatmeal a la fireball.  I am sitting at the computer, where I can see into the kitchen.  All of a sudden, I notice the entire back of his robe is bright orange with a blue glow over the top, and flames around his neck.  And I scream, LOVEE YOU ARE ON FIRE!!  YOU ARE ON FIRE!!!  He looks at me, puzzled, wide eyed.  Then realizes what I am saying, and rips off his robe.  Luckily, it was when he had that long ponytail last year, and so, he just lost a bit off the bottom...  He had some threads hanging off the terry cloth robe, that I guess caught on fire, and traveled up the back of his robe, from top to bottom.  I guess Ralph Lauren doesn't believe in fire resistant night garb?  

Anyhow, do you concur, Mister Lovee will be the death of me via heart stopping freak out? ;)

Please tell me your plus one gives you scares too?  Poor Mister Lovee, he isn't that bad.  3 stresses a year is okay.  But only three ;)

pss:  Did you watch Marley and Me?  Oh goodness, I cried so hard last night, my heart felt like it was cracking.  Off I go to hug my pooch til she begs me to leave her alone. 

    

           

Although, the good thing about her, she just can't get enough...

psss:   To answer the question on where to find this book:  I am told you can find it in nice hotels around Arizona :)

Artful Blogging Magazine, Little Collections, Random Thoughts & A Postcard Giveaway...

Today is a funny day.  Today is a day where I just want to be in the moment.  I want to feel the sun tingle my skin through the cool breeze.  I don't want to brush my seaweed hair.  I want to be hyper sensitive to tiny things in the drying garden...  I want to have chats with imaginary friends.  I want to whisper "hhhey" to microscopic bugs...

   

I want to squinch up my face in a silly happy way, towards the heavenly sky as its brightness sparks glowy orbs...  Whilst twirling a little guy in my fingers...

        

I want to get real close to a crack in my giant spool table...

  

And, just lean on my elbows and stare at beautiful nature finds & rusty treasures I have collected in abundance...

   

I want to know what it is like to have golden fur...  To be able to smell things at outrageous levels...  I want to burry my head deep in exploration...

         

The best part of having this blond pooch to be your friend, is that when you sing, her tale wags in time...  So, I sang a lil' tune to her as we roamed...  And I guess I also serenaded our neighbor, because, I heard a voice say, "hey how's it goin'" and looked up and he was facing me in the distance, eeek!  But maybe he was on the phone, haha!  One can only hope.  Although, they already think I am daft, so it doesn't really matter at this point...

I walk around the yard hauling a mannequin and a gypsy tent...  I mean, c'mon, a little singing isn't going to affect their already established opinion, heeheeeeeeeee!!

        

Today is also a day, where I don't know how I am going to get anything done with these beautiful pages beckoning me...  And boy do I have tons to do!!  I need to sequester myself in the studio and get all my holiday treats for the shop finished up...

        

The house looks like a colorful tornado blew through.  Actually, I really don't care, ha, is that so bad?  But, I should probably tidy up a little... 

The magazines above are Artful Blogging Winter 2009, the December issue of Mary Engelbreit, November issue of Domino and at the bottom, the more than scrumptious Martha Stewart Living Mag for December.  Oh, it is soo goood!!  Doily love galore, and I LOVE DOILIES!!!

As for Artful Blogging Winter 2009, I thought I should share a bit of it with you...  I can not tell you how much I adoooore Artful Blogging Magazine!!  I have every issue, and can look at them tons of times without getting tired of them...

      

We were lucky enough to have the Mad Tea Party featured with a lil' Q & A article in the Winter 2009 issue. 

   

    

    

It is a really fun spread, which features some of the photos from a few Mad Tea Party participants.  I wish everyone could have been in it.  I am sure it was not easy for the editors to choose photos.  But I do know, they look for high resolution images as the first factor...  They told me there was so much goodness to choose from, it was a very difficult task...  I can only imagine.  I was blown away at each blog I visited during the party...

There is also a great letter from the editor at the beginning of the issue, talking about what they look for in featuring blogs, and in the back are some great blogging tips... 

Guess whose paw got a little mag love?

 

Here are some tiny tidbits from the issue.  I don't like to share too much, because I don't want to ruin it for anyone...  But I can't resist a little sharing...

          

         

    

    

While I was taking photos of these pages, I remembered I didn't show the promised snippets of the Fall 2008 issue. 

      

That was such a beautiful issue also...  With so many crazy beautiful photos from people's blogs...  If you don't have that issue, trust me, it is incredibly inspiring!!  From Pixie Blossoms to SouleMama to everyone, the goodness exudes!  Mr. Lovee has been reading all the issues, and says he is blown away with it and enjoys it... So, there you have it, a man's perspective...

      

Oops, Snippets is spelled wrong... Oh well  ;)  

Oh I almost forgot again., geeeesh, my brain cells...  Here was my lil' feature in the Fall 2008 issue.  I wouldn't normally bring this up again, but a couple of people who don't get this magazine overseas have asked if I was going to share photos... So, here ya go ;) ;)  Sorry I took forever to do this...

            

I suppose, I best go tidy up my lil' collections. Put them where they go and such... 

 

I was playing with a bag filled with little ribbon scraps from the Collage Contessa.  She sent them ages ago (along with some other treats, thank you!!!)  I am enjoying them ;)

        

Anyhow, in that bag, I found a perfect little trim to play with...  Yippeee!  It works perfectly with some other little collection factors I am playing with...

 

 So, the Skelly and the Girl are waiting for me to clean house, and... (weird morning lighting)

        

The headless scarecrow and I have a dancing date at 2 p.m., which means I really do have to go...

         

Off to dance to the beat of my own tune...

   

I hope I only freak you out a little tiny bit, with these cronically long and all over the place posts...  My goodness...  Shall I really hit the save button???  I am running on pretzels dunked in raspberry jam. ;)  Just one of the habits I have picked up from the Kiss Hair Band Boy (err, man)...

See you extra soooooon!  Oh and this week's giveaway, a 14 postcard set from the last post.  Oh, and I forgot to mention, all my postcards come with envelopes ;)  So, leave a Hello, and into the hat your name shall float...

Ooooodles of ♥'s, V

A Sneaky Art Doll Quarterly Adventure...

There was a rustling of leaves in the Fairy Tale Forest.  There were little creatures whispering about a bevy of girls making their way through the forest.  They had entered through the secret archway opening, at the far end of the forest...

      

Who were they?  What were they up to?  Were they my long lost girls, that went away in February??  Well, it turned out that they happened to be part of the Fairy Tale Forest Theatre Company.  Do you remember?  How I missed their performance all those months ago...  Then they were off, before I could have a word with them??

It turns out, they have returned...  The birds stole a little peek, through the trees...

      

Where had they all been??  Everyone wondered, as they saw them scurrying, dragging billowing gowns, through the forest...  They were anxious to get home and tell the tales of what they had seen in the big huge magical world...

Oh look, there goes Miss Sweetie Pie Girl... 

      

      

She is so lovely and sweet, I can smell her raspberry pie from miles away...

      

      

Seems that scurrying behind her is Little Red Riding Hood.  I think she must have been very cheeky at her visit away...  Seems she was given a new name (of the bad girl variety).  One can only imagine what she was up to..  Although, she does look full of mischief, wouldn't you say??

      

      

      

I think that Bird Girl must have had a marvelous time too...  She has so many tales to tell, I wish you could hear her chirping away...

      

It is a really good thing that this little miss below, carries her tea accoutrements with her wherever she goes.  Some on her head and some on a tray.  You see, a girl could need a few sips along the way, while scurrying through the forest...

      

      

I can't help wondering what the secret is, that these girls are hiding from us??  And, why noone will tell me...  I guess they don't call Owl Girl, The Keeper of Secrets for nothin'...  I can't get her to utter a peep about it...

      

      

      

The funny thing was, I heard Duchess Frangipani giggling...  Only everytime she thought someone was watching her, she would snoot her nose up and give the most prim and proper look she could muster...

      

      

      

All of a sudden, I heard that familiar cackle of the Fairy Tale Forest Witch...  I then understood perfectly, what was going on.  There must have been some serious magic and spells brewing...

      

      

Can you see how clever she is?  She carries her gingerbread house with her, on her dress.  So, she can jump right in, whenever she fancies a trip home...

      

Now, this witch must be up to her old tricks again, for certain...  I wonder if she traveled with the rest of the girls, to that far away place, that was kept so hush hush?

      

What you can't see here, is that, each girl was pulling a string, attached to a very very special present...  A present for their Mammie, which is me ;)

They brought me something so special, I have to rub my eyes, just to make sure I am seeing what I think I am seeing...

Could that be them??  On the cover of Art Doll Quarterly (Autumn 2008) ???

      

   

    

    

Oh Swooooooooooon.  Pinch me!!  Pinch Me!!  They make their Mammie proud.  I still can't believe my eyes!  Thank you Art Doll Quarterly!!  For being so wonderful to work with, and being so kind to me!!

When I was asked to share a few dolls for the magazine, I never would have guessed, they would be the cover story.  I am telling you, I am still in dream mode!! 

This is the most exciting thing that has ever happend to me, me thinks!!  I don't know how I held this secret for so long.  I just don't know how... And, now that the moment is here, it all feels totally surreal...   All the dolls I shared above, are in this issue.  You can find it in any of your bookstores now (and select places)...  Or you can order it online. 

So much commotion in the forest, amongst all the creatures...  They are all so excited for their sisters...  Even the snail girls came out to celebrate (snail girls can be found in my shop). 

          

The dolls in the magazine, are not in my shop at the moment.  I am not sure when they will find their way there...  However, other dolls that are in my shop, had a party today, to celebrate their siblings being in the magazine.

All the dolls below can be found in my shop (sans the Mad Hatter, he is mine, allll miiine ;)...

The Bird queen is out humming her beautiful tune...  She is a bit like Snow White, in her ability to sing, and have all the forest creatures gather around her...  She wore her most beautiful gown for the occassion...

      

      

She brought her little sister, the Princess of the Cypress Grove...

           

         

Did you know that her dress is decorated with images of roots??  Yes roots.  She loooooves to grow things.  That is why she carries her baby Magical Cypress Grove tree, wherever she goes...

      

The Wolf/Little Red duo showed up bearing lovely fresh flowers, and a giant cupcake...

      

      

OH my!!  Just look who showed up to celebrate as well!  When he is not being the Mad Hatter, he sails the seas in his ship, as Pirate Vasilis.

      

He just loves his sisters...  Guess who they are??  Yep, you got it...

      

They must come from a long line of very interesting folks ;)

      

So, there you have it...  From my Fairy Tale Forest to yours, that is what is goin' on around here...

      

I bet you wondered where I had run off to in the last few days?  I have been terribly ill.  I got my yearly dose of hereditary vertigo (caused by inner ear blah blah blah), and it is really doin' a doozy on me this time around...  But, I am feeling much better, and having lovely dreams of feeling 100% again...

In the mean time, than you for celebrating these fun happenings with me.  It means so much, and I hope you know, how humbly thankful I am, that I have been sent bits of magic, and that I can share them with you!!  Now, I am opening my bucket full of wishes and fairy sprinkles, and sending some your way...  Oops, look, oh yes, some just fell in your hair....  Pllllllllinkkkkk....

See you sooooon!!  xoxo, ♥  V  ♥   

Artful Blogging Secrets & Thriftventure Loves...

Some of you have found out about a secret that I have been holding ever so close to my wee little heart.  I figure, since I have my copy in my hand, and I can't keep the secret any longer...  I'll share it today :)  I have been hiding this secret since about early February.  Can you imagine??  My head is going to pop off my body, if I don't spill the beans soon...

This is the Autumn 2008 issue of Artful Blogging (which hits the stands on August 1st).  I added a few magic sprinkles ;)  Can you spot one of my little children hidden in there??

      

Miss Peculiar Day is having her 5 little seconds of sheer bliss...  Maybe we should let her, even if she is acting a little over the top...  Like wanting us to fluff her gown every 3 seconds... I think she is just excited and nervous ;)  I suppose we all deserve to be Madame Foo Foo (as my mom says)  every now and then... 

      

A Pecualir Day girl  is mostly excited and nervous, because after pouring through the pages, she is in complete out of body awe, at the beauty of this magazine...  She can't believe she gets to dance around all those other pages that are oozing with pure drippy wonderfulness....

      

Now, she is forcing me to do something that might make you feel like punching me in the face with a fluffy donut..  Which, shamelessly, I might like, if it was powdered and filled with something yummy...

What I am about to do that is so annoying, is only show you a wee tiny snippet, not even a true taster of what is inside...  I'll tell ya, just when I thought the issue was mind-blowing...  I saw more photos and blogs, that left me completely speechless....

      

Don't worry, I am not just saying that because my little creatures were lucky enough to be asked to be a part of this wonderous magazine... 

I am saying this because, this is only a smidgen of the beauty inside, and it looks enticing, doesn't it?  I feel honored to be featured amongst these pages... Truly...

      

You can order a copy online, or find it at your local book store on August 1st.  The Autumn issue of Artful Blogging is crazy fun!  I have to say though, each issue has been pretty superb!! 

Wait until you see the gals in it!!  You will be surprised with all the friends you will find gracing the pages!!  I was!  It was so exciting to see who was in the issue!! I won't tell you who though...  I don't want to ruin it for anyone...  But later, say in a few weeks, after it has been out for a little while, I'll show you more pages, and not just snippets... 

In other news...  I have had an insane week.  So busy, I don't even remember looking at myself in the mirror...  Isn't that funny??  You can imagine what I must look like ;) 

But, the week before that, I went on a thriftventure...  And guess what I found?  An entire wardrobe of fabulous garments...  Sadly, they were too small for me...

      

Then I remembered I had the Alice in Wonderland Barbie in a box, and they would certainly fit her! (Alice was a gift from Mombie when she gifted me the Mad Hatter that looks like Tom Petty).   Remember him?  I stuck him in a diorama...  I know they are both kinda strange...  But, I like them all the same...

      

I took that floofy blue dress off Alice, and it was dress-up time, at a flash back level.  I started racking my brain.. Where is my giant barbie house? And cars, and barbie clothes??  And the barbies themselves???  I have a recollection of our huge dollhouse being cleaned out as kids...  But, where are they?? Hmmmm???  Mombie? Got any answers for me, hee hee....

Now some of these clothes are handmade, and others, do have the Barbie label in them...

So, here is Alice in her dress she came in...

          

And, here is Alice in her new found thriftventure wardrobe.  Mixed and matched by me!!  She was much thinner than a regular barbie, so she had to have some garment resizing.  I know, crazy but true..

Okay, here we go...  Sneaky Alice...  I lent her, her baubles...  ;) 

      

Off to a picnic in a meadow,  Alice...

      

Party Girl Alice...

      

Off to Paris, Alice...

      

And maybe, she'll even take her matching ice skates with her...

      

Christie's Auctioneer Alice, or Sophisticated Alice would do as well...

      

Charming Alice...

      

      

Carrie Bradshaw Alice (circa season 3)...

      

      

      

Pleasantly Perfect Alice (who can bake and sew like a pro, and can sing like a bird while doing both, simultaneously)...

      

      

Lovely thriftventure Alice...

      

And, my personal favorite.  Crafty Artsy Alice (she made her own dress).  I think she even sells them on Etsy ;)

      

There were sooo many more wardrobe changes where that came from...  Maybe I'll share more some time.  It was sooo much fun playing!

      

The day I picked up this bag of clothes, everything was 50% off at my local thrift place.  So, guess what else I brought home??

A wee bench...

      

And this! (plus a radio flyer load of books)

      

It was just so wonderful, I couldn't leave it behind.  My little creations seem to like it too...  It just fits in, and we love it!!  Thriftventures are the bestest!!

      

Well, I must Bid Adieu, and skedaddle on my way...  I want to post this before my internet goes out again (I have been trying to post it for 24 hours)...  I am having a tiny war with Qwest (my DSL provider).  Everytime there is the slightest wind or cloudiness, my internet goes out.  Someone came to check it out, and his synopsis was "it is what it is..."  Umm, I don't think so...  I can't go along with that...  So, the saga will continue on that front...

Otherwise, everything is peachy lovely, and I hope it is with you too!!  I am tempted to bake Ghirardelli Carmel Turtle Brownies today.  They make the house smell so sublime... (love that food shopping site too! ShopFoodEx.Com). 

Maybe I will bake some lovelies...  Seeing as how I have some sparkly lovliness to cuddle up and view...  I just adore this little girl, and identify with her in a silly little way....

      

Fun stuff, I tell ya!!  See you sooooon!!  I am soo delighted for renewed playtime, and a chance to catch up with you!! xoxo,V   

Somerset Studio + Sharing a long kept secret...

Hi there!  I am sooo happy to be back, I can't even tell you.  I had a wonderful holiday, as I hope you did as well.  I have sooo much to share, such fun treasures and thoughts.  However, I have been waiting to share this little secret for so long that my head might pop off my body.  It has to do with one of my favorite magazines ever, Somerset Studio.

      

In late July of 2007, the paper dress girls were asked if they would like to be featured in an issue of Somerset Studio.  I adore Somerset Studio magazine.  I remember while attending the University of Arizona (which I later graduated from),  other artsy friends and I would pour over the pages between classes, ever so excited & inspired.

In August I shipped off 5 of my creations and did a pretty good job at keeping the whole thing to myself (the girls were slated to be in the January/February 2008 issue).  I was not asked to keep it quiet, but I am superstitious that way. 

Last week I start getting e-mails from blogging friends who had received their subscriptions.  I didn't have a copy, so the wonderful Kristen sent me some scanned photos, Thank You sweet Kristen!!!  Borders finally got their shipment last night, as they were sick of me calling and asking, "Are they there yet?"

      

I am so pleased with the quality of the girls in the magazine.  And I have to say, this issue (as they always are) is pretty spectacular, so I feel extremely blessed to be a part of it. 

      

      

What you will find in this issue (amongst other wonderful things) is the only public copy of the Marie Zine, a collaboration put together by some of our most admired artists.  Details about the Marie Zine, here (scroll up when you get to the link)...  Plus, a wonderful story accompanying the creations of Sally Jean Alexander, also see her blog here.  Some wonderful green treasures from Kristen Robinson, and a ton more.  So, if you can, get a copy, or subscribe!  Somerset Studio/ Stampington and Co. are up to so much goodness, it is wonderfully magical sensory overload!  Served up in the most perfect way!! 

The girls are hanging out, feeling happy...

      

While I am unpacking and making some sense of the mess in my room + Christmas gifts.  Boy, do I have fun tales for you!!!  Oh golly!! But I will save them for the next post.  Let's just say, hours and hours of ghost stories & bunnies & ships makes for a magical holiday season! 

Now, tell me, how are you?  Fill me in!!  xxo,  Vanessa Valencia      

PS:  Canvas prints of the girls in Somerset Studio,  can be found in my Etsy shop, A Fanciful Twist.