Sugar And Spice Art Confections

My Alice in Wonderland Dolls are now being Represented by a Gallery!!!!!!

2010-03-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that I can hardly stand it! A week or so ago, I was contacted by Susan of Art and Soul Gallery Inc. She let me know she was interested in selling my Alice in Wonderland dolls and houses in her gallery. I couldn't believe it and was so excited! If you are interested in purchasing any of the dolls with their homes, you can contact her at:

Art and Soul Gallery Inc

817 238th St SE
Bothell, WA 98021
425-487-3777

She also sells beautiful altered art objects, glass art and fine art. Her shop looks gorgeous!!!! You can see a few pictures and read more about her gallery here: Art and Soul Gallery, Inc. I am listing the pictures of the dolls and their houses and tags above. The Cheshire Cat has TWO faces, one on each side. Unfortunately, I am not a great picture taker. Some of the houses actually have flowers on their sides and backs too, but these didn't show in the pics.

Marie Hamlet Inspired Cuff

2010-03-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

I made this beautiful cuff for a Marie Antoinette Hamlet inspired cuff swap. The materials needed to be mostly natural and to be in light colors. I think my partner will enjoy this. I know I loved creating it! It is constructed of vintage lace; vintage eyelet cotton flounce (lace is 1930's and the cotton flounce is Edwardian); a hand dyed silk ribbon flower, made by me; vintage embroidered cotton motifs from an Edwardian table cloth; french jacquard ribbon for the backing; a vintage wooden button, probably Edwardian and vintage gold elastic for the button closure. All hand sewn with linen colored cotton thread. Enjoy!

A Beautiful Gift

2010-03-11T16:13:00.001-08:00

A week or so ago, I received a beautiful gift in the mail from Terri Lynn Heinz. She just wanted to thank me for running the Marie Antoinette site. She is one of my fearless helpers who has been so precious to me! Thank you Terri Lynn for the beautiful gift and for your help! Be sure to visit her GORGEOUS blog where she is doing a lovely birthday giveaway!!! You can see her and her work here: Artful Affirmations
The gift you ask? Well, it is a stunning bracelet all in pinks and antique golds...my favorites! It fits perfectly and is so wonderful to wear! I feel like a fairy queen when I have it on...it tinkles delightfully and has such a nice, weighty feel.

Another Fun Giveaway

2010-03-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

Cristina of Sweet Pea Ink is having her own beautiful giveaway over at: Sweet Pea Ink. Be sure to go over and check it out. You won't want to miss this beautiful blog as it is full of loveliness and sweet inspirations!
Here is a sneak peek at what you could win:

A Most Wonderful Blog Giveaway

2010-03-05T05:43:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Cristina of Sweet Pea Ink for letting me and the rest of the MAMA site know about a truly wonderful blog giveaway occuring over at oh, hello friend. The giveaway features 13 YUMMY vendors with many beautiful packages you can win. But that is not all, the blog itself is so wonderfully delicious, you simply MUST check it out. There are some perfect packaging ideas, featured goodies from various shops, lovely resource downloads and some inspiring collections of photos and projects AND a weekly giveaway. Truly a treasure in blog land!

To visit the giveaway, click the badge below:

Marie and Roses

2010-03-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday and today I voyaged across the Atlantic to visit the rose gardens of Versailles...of course in dream land, it is always just whatever season one desires! There I found beautiful crowned birds, jeweled butterflies, "stained glass" roses made of crepe paper and Marie dancing behind some particularly fetching roses. Enjoy! The following are 4 x4 book pages for a Marie's Favorite Flower 4 x 4 book swap I am in, hosted by my dear friend and fellow Marie supplicant, Rhonda Thomas. She is hosting this swap at our Marie site, but she also has a beautiful blog! Check it out at: Rhonda Thomas

Nefertiti ATCs

2010-02-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

On the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group, we have a "Royal Visitor" swap, which changes each month. This month, our guest was Nefertiti of ancient Egyptian fame. Here are the three cards I made for this swap.

Marie Sewing Heart Chatelaines

2010-02-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

I have finished my work for another beautiful swap at our wonderful Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group. This was for heart shaped sewing Chatelaines. I had a hard time getting started on this swap. Lately, I have been a little drained in the creative energy area. I am feeling better now and had such fun with this! I made it for a dear, sweet woman and my online friend Rella Gauthier. I hope she will love it even more in person! It is all completely hand sewn. I do not really like sewing on a machine. The ribbons for the necklace, and the ruffles were all hand dyed by me are are silk and silk velvet. The fabric bases are vintage flower prints from the 50's and the pink felt is wool. I added a swarovski crystal accent in the middle, which is not showing its true color, of course and I topped off 9 silk pins with swarovski crystals in pink, green and blue. The rosette trim is french rayon. I made the ribbon flowers and the bon bon pin cushion in the center.

Secret Friend Swap Gifts

2010-02-27T19:40:00.001-08:00

We are having another secret friend swap over at Marie Antoinette Mail Art site. This time, our theme is Everything is Coming Up Roses. I chose creams, golden yellows, olives, peaches and a touch of blue for my colors. A Marie Paper doll was required, which is why it will be pictured here. I am mailing this out Monday and hope my secret friend is as delighted as I was putting this altogether!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! OWOH WINNER

2010-02-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

The moment you have all been waiting for...well, at least some of you...I checked the list, found 1 double post, eliminated it, numbered each person and then went to Random.org to enter the number spread and the winning number was.....#7! That is lucky Tracy of Braggin' Rights. I will be e-mailing her now. Please be sure to check out her blog. THANK YOU to everyone who posted such beautiful comments on my blog. I have so enjoyed participating this year and already can't wait until next year!

Third Time's a Charm

2010-02-15T14:18:00.000-08:00

First of all~ Tristan, thank you for saying I always was a winner in your book. So very sweet of you!!!! Now, I get to announce that I am the winner in a THIRD OWOH giveaway! I am just over the moon with excitement! This time, I have won a BEAUTIFUL and MAGNIFICENT Art Kit and it is all in PINKSSSSSSSS (well and blacks, whites...)...I love pink, it is my all time favorite color! And where does this beautiful kit come from? It comes from Jessica Rodarte over at Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping! You can view the giveaway page by clicking the link to the left and you can view her blog here: BLOG
THANK YOU JESSICA!

I am now a TWO TIME Winner!

2010-02-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

Oh my! I would have never guessed that today would find me a TWO TIME winner from the OWOH event! A BIG THANK YOU To Sherry over at http://sherrysimpleblog.blogspot.com/ For a WONDERFUL prize package of beautiful papers, borders AND one of her beautiful altered Dominoes! Please be sure to go over and check out her blog. It is fabulous and pretty!
I just love the OWOH event and can't wait to draw a winner for my prize. My blog entry stays open until 9 pm, so if you haven't commented on my OWOH post yet, be sure to do so. I will use the random generator tonight and spread some happiness of my own!
Thank you again Sherry! I am going to love using all those goodies!

I am a Winner!!!!

2010-02-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

Oh! I checked my e-mail this morning and to my surprise, I found I was the winner of this STUNNING mermaid painting from Anuan, a transplanted Carribean lady now residing in Japan. The painting is truly one of my favorite prizes offered...so gorgeous! You can view this lovely lady's blog at www.newworldstoconquer.blogspot.com
THANK YOU Anuan for your most generous gift of ART! I will cherish it always.

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!

2010-02-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

Well, Valentine's Day is here and my giveaway for the Liasons de l'Amour Valentine's Fete is now over. I put all of the names in a bowl, swished them around a good bit and pulled one out. Our Winner is.....KATHY! Kathy has her own beautiful blog over at http://kathyjacobson.typepad.com/. She was also one of my lovely hostesses for my first ever blog party. CONGRATULATIONS Kathy! I will be e-mailing you for your address and preparing your special glove to mail!
Thank you to all of you who played and posted a comment! I hope you had fun and made some new friends!
Rebecca

LES LIASONS DE L'AMOUR Valentine's Day Fete

2010-02-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MY OWOH post and giveaway, please scroll down about 2-3 posts. Thank you!

It is finally time for our Valentine's Fete! The Petite Trianon is lit up...dresses are donned and silk is whispering along the wooded, fairy lit paths! Come join us for a romantic story, some nice giveaways and meet some new people along the way!
1. To win the giveaway prize at the end of this posting, please leave ONE comment on this post only. Winners will be randomly drawn and announce on February 14th. You MUST leave an e-mail or link back so I can contact the winner. This blog party ENDS on February 13th at midnight est. (Technically Valentine's Day itself).

2. Please visit all the other blog parties for great giveaways! You can find them under the blog badge and party name on my right hand side bar!

Now...let the party begin....

Laughter and mirth rang out into the misty, purple twilight. She tiptoed down the hall a long, gilded key clutched in her hand. One door, two doors…ah yes, this was it, the Queen’s wardrobe room. She slipped the key into the lock and turned. Success! The door swung open and barely visible in the moonlight were the gowns. Marvelous gowns, shimmering in the light filled her eyes. She must be quick, before someone comes. Listening carefully, she selected one of the fabric confections, slipped into it as quickly as she could and took a quick look in the standing mirror. She stealthily moved towards the door, not wanting to risk being found. She must hurry if she was to be on time.

She stole through the secret passage way, mask and wig concealing her from prying servant eyes. The door opened onto a path into the woods. Twinkling light slipped from the windows of the Petit Trianon while light-hearted music floated on the crisp February night air. Chattering and whisperings could be heard faintly as she approached the gate to the back garden, an open note grasped in her silk clad hand. The gate creaked slightly as it swung in towards the entrance to a silent Hamlet Village. She turned and took one last glance at the full moon behind the Petit Trianon before setting her foot on the pebbled path....

The village was darkened. She had to pick her way carefully over the path. There it was! A lantern flashed from one of the nearby buildings. She walked quicker. The building was dark again, but she found it quickly and let herself in, a low, whistled trill indicating her presence. It was answered with a low laugh. Ah, he was here. She ran to his waiting arms, feeling their warmth as they circled her. She handed him the note. “For you, monsieur.”

A look of curiosity covered his features. “What’s this then?” He slipped a gloved finger under the seal. As he read, the color began to drain from his face, creeping its way down his neck. “No, it can’t be.” A small hand covers his, “Cherie?”

Summons to a duel. He was to defend his sister’s honor, as her husband was absent at war. They only had a few moments to treasure this time and he must leave. They could hear the echoes of a minuet. Taking her hand, he led her in the complicated steps. Every moment offered a chance to drink in a little more of the love that possessed them before he had to leave. The music began to fade. “Now Cherie...”

She stole down the path behind him. He must not know she is there. The path opened into a wide area where several snorting horses and men waited, stamping their feet. Clouds of breath steamed around their heads. There was a general hush as HE walked into the circle. Slowly, deliberately, he peeled off one of his lace cuffed gloves and sent it sailing through the air. It landed with a whisper at his enemy’s boot.

Second hands and swords were chosen, readied. Each man paced off, determination and traces of sorrow etched in the face of one; defiance coating the features of the other. A moment of heavy silence hung in the clearing. “On my mark…” The duel commenced. Thrusts were parried, advances and retreats were made. The clang of metal pierced the air and finally, a dull thud, as metal hit bone. HE stood for a few seconds, gasped, and fell, a dark, black pool spreading before him.

She ran, screaming to him. She no longered cared about her borrowed finery. He was no longer breathing. Turning slowly, she picked up his glove. The one token she would keep for the rest of her life. It was an exquisite knit net cuffed in the finest lace. An alarm had been raised. Sounds of discovery loomed in the near distance. She ran, clutching her memento, back through the village, back to the Petit Trianon. In the commotion, she slipped unnoticed to the Queen’s closet. The glove in her hand showed the only trace of the night that had gone before. It would be handed down to her unborn daughter and each succeeding daughter thereafter...a reminder that love, truly given, does not die.

To win Cherie's beautiful glove wrist purse, please post a comment before midnight, eastern standard time, February 13th.

Altered Faux Roses

2010-02-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

I thought these turned out beautiful, and they were soooo simple! I just cut about 6 petal shaped pieces from vintage paper items, inked the edges and then glued them in place. Then, I tipped the edges of the rose petals and covered the plastic sepals with glitter. These are so pretty and would be gorgeous in a bouquet, if left on their stems.

2010-02-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

I have received my Secret Admirer Valentine gift and it is STUNNING! My secret friend was Debi Huntsman of Life in My Studio. Be sure to check out her blog, it is gorgeous and you can see EVEN BETTER pictures of her gift to me. I am afraid my camera does not like taking indoor shots...most end up blurry. :( Her gifts to me were all so beautiful! Enjoy, I know I will!

One World One Heart Blog Event 2010 Giveaway

2010-01-29T21:31:00.000-08:00

For those who do not yet know me, I am a homeschooling mom of two, wife of one wonderful husband and a mixed media artist who loves Marie Antoinette, Alice in Wonderland, L.M. Montgomery, Mollusks, Candy Land, H.P. Lovecraft and Halloween. I also dabble in watercolor and pen and ink illustration. I spend a lot of my free time running the Marie Antoinette Mail Art site and creating art.
This year, I have decided to join in on the One World One Heart Blog event! This year's theme is a magic carpet ride! I love the Arabian Nights and the magic of the old, old stories. And, I love Marie Antoinette, who would have reveled in the rich and lush fairy tales of old Arabia...just think, during her time the Arabic nations were first coming to notice as culturally and archaeologically rich regions, newly open to exploration, yet still seen as mysterious and slightly sinister. What a perfect match for the decadent, exotic and dangerous French Court of Versailles. So, for this event, I am offering a Marie Antoinette ribbon dolly necklace. She is hand sewn with a sweet needle felted face, complete with towering pink hair and roses on a ribbon necklace.

To have a chance to win her, you need to be an active blogger. Please post a comment below on THIS POST ONLY and a means of reaching you, preferably an e-mail address, but at the very least a blog link. If I cannot reach you, I will choose a different name. Sign Ups close at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard time on February 15th. The winner's name will be announced on February 16th. I will choose the name via a random number generator. Please only post one time and be sure to check out all the other great blogs taking part in this event! You can click on the blog badge below to take you to the event's home page.

2010-01-23T06:47:00.001-08:00

Just a friendly reminder and an invitation to all of you new readers. I am hosting my first ever blog party February 13th!~ There will be a fun, mysterious story for you AND what blog party is complete without a giveaway? But the giveaway will remain a surprise! You have to come visit and post a comment that day to enter the giveaway. If you wish to be PART of the party, be sure to sign up by posting a comment to this notice and including your blog address and whether or not you plan to host a giveaway. You can see our current party hostesses/hosts in the column to the right, under the blog party badge. Come join us for Les Liasons d' Amour!

Let them eat...Lace Cake Books!

2010-01-20T21:33:00.001-08:00

The lace cake 6x 6 book page swap is all done now! I received 5 beautiful pages and had five of my own to keep, so I bound them altogether and alternated them. Since photos of my pages are show elsewhere in this blog, I only took photos of the covers I made and the pages contributed by other players. The other players were: Rhonda Thomas, Terri Gordon, Terri Gauthier, Debra Abel and Jeanne Szewyzck. The pages are in order as such: Covers, and the artist's are in teh same order as I listed there names. Enjoy!

Another Wonderful Blog Giveaway for you All to Visit

2010-01-19T14:27:00.001-08:00

Hi All! Sandra Evertson, over at http://www.sandraevertson.blogspot.com/ is giving way a BEAUTIFUL piece of Marie Antoinette Art. She has a gorgeous blog as well. Be sure to go check it out soon!

Here is a Sneak Peek at her Giveaway:

A Glorious Giveaway over at Enchanted Revelry!!!

2010-01-17T08:25:00.000-08:00

Hi all! My blogging pal, my most faithful commentor and fellow Marie Antoinette Mail Art member, Tristan is giving away some SWEEEEET art supplies in honor of his blogs 300th follower, 200th post and 40,0000th hit! If you have NEVER seen his blog, you should. It is filled with zany, tongue and cheek vintage pics, beautiful furniture, and goregous artwork. He also makes stunning art quilts!
Way to go Tristan! Visit his blog here: Enchanted Revelry
Here is a pic of his giveaway prize (prizes):

Busy, Busy, February Swaps Art and Such

2010-01-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

I had a huge art glut all to myself a few weeks ago and finished up all my swaps until the end of February! I now need to get busy and start on my blog party post. I am getting excited about my first blog party ever and hope lots of you will drop in and sign up for my giveaway!
Okay, here are the projects I have managed to complete. Unfortunately, the photos are not of the best quality. We have had gloomy, nasty weather and my camera DOES NOT perform well indoors. Cest La Vie.

In Order of Appearance

1.Queen Elizabeth ATC
2. Queen Elizabeth ATC
3. Queen Elizabeth ATC
4. Queen Elizabeth Chunky Book Page Side 1
5. Queen Elizabeth Chunky Book Page Side 2
6. Valentine Marie Tags for Secret Marie Pal Swap
7. Valentine Goodies for Secret Marie Pal Swap
8.Valentine for Secret Marie Pal Swap
9. Valentine Heart for Secret Marie Pal Swap
10.Valentine 4 x4 Book Page Up Close
11.Valentine 4 x4 Book Pages en masse ( I made 12 for the swap)
12.Soldered Marie Pendant Side 1
13. Soldered Marie Pendant Side 2
14. Ribbon Roses for our Quarterly Flower Swap
15. Sweet Marie Valentine ATC swap En Masse
16. Sweet Marie Valentine ATC 1
17.Sweet Marie Valentine ATC 2
18.Sweet Marie Valentine ATC 3
19.Marie Valentine Candy Container View 1
20.Marie Valentine Candy Container View 2
21. Felt Candies, Hand Sewn
22. Marie Style Bib Necklace, all hand sewn

Rose Bertin's Design Journal

2009-12-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

I have finally assembled my fabric journal for the Rose Bertin's Fabric Journal swap over at the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Site. I think it turned out quite lovely. The cover is made from an old piece of beaded gown and various other vintage items. The inside pages are as follows" 1. By Robin Sweet of Gilded Cage Designs 2. By Robin Sweet of Gilded Cage Designs and By Terri Gordon of Designs by Terri Gordon 3. By Terri Gordon and by Rebecca Allinson of Sugar and Spice Art Confections (That is ME!) 4. By Rebecca Allinson and by Cindy Arthur (No Known Blog or Website) 5. Cindy Arthur All of these pages are so beautiful and I love all the artists who contributed to this fabulous book! Thank you all!

Lavished With Lace

2009-12-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

My mother, Marilyn, is one of the most giving, beautiful, loving people I know. She has always sacrificed her own needs to meet those of her family and others in her sphere. She is a true testament of all that Christ calls us to be. This year for Christmas she sent me the most beautiful package of lace and a gorgeous little gumdrop of a book called Candy Land, published in 1928/1931 by McLoughlin Bros. I collect old books with the Candy Land theme and have several now. I also collect old versions of the game, but need to update them as I have let my children play with them and we all know what that leads to! The lace came in a gallon size baggie and all of it is Edwardian, except for one nylon flounce! I believe some of the pieces to be handmade bobbin lace and I know some are hand made crochet and filet crochet. They are all just stunning and I am still pinching myself over this most beautiful of gifts! And can you believe, she told me, that she found these pining away in an antique store for only $5~ Yes, you read right! That made the gift even better as we are bargain shoppers extraordinaire! I shall have great fun using these in many projects to come! Thank you Mom! You are the BEST!

A Gorgeous Angel

2009-12-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

Today I received a beautiful Marie Antoinette Angel Paper Doll in my mail box! She was made for me by Terri Gordon of Designs by Terri Gordon. I have her hovering over my nativity on on my mantle.

More Christmas Delights

2009-12-12T20:14:00.000-08:00

I hope all of you out there are enjoying your Christmas preparations. I have been busy creating delightful things! I have made some true confections: 3 Sugar Creme Pies, Caramel, Rose Turkish Delight and Penuche Fudge. I have also made the ribbon confections, seen above. The first, all white pin is an odd color choice for me to work in, but I found it so beautiful when it was done. The last picture is of a ribbon, fabric and felt candies necklace I made for a sweet little sugar plum of a girl I know. She is all of 5 and she loved these candies when she saw them, so I knew they would have to be made into something for her! I hope it delights her as much as it did me as I made it! Have a Merry Christmas all!

Delightful Christmas Necklaces

2009-12-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made 15 soldered pendants, 15 crystal charms to go on them and then strung them all with some of the lovely hand dyed and other ribbons from my growing stash. The soldering is VERY bumpy and pitted. I think it was from the way I taped them and kept going over it. I had to put felt on the backs to protect the wearer's clothing. But, I LIKED the bumpy look. It reminds me of antique metal jewelry. It almost looks like hammered metal. I hope I can get it smoother though. These were too thick for the typical glass sandwiching, so I had to back the glass with copper foil. It added a pretty dimension behind the glass and saved on metal tape! I think they turned out lovely and hope their recipients enjoy them too.
I am off now to buy packaging material, candy making supplies and to make some ribbon work jewelry for more Christmas giving! I love this time of year!!!!!!

LES LIASONS DE L'AMOUR Valentine's Day Fete

2009-12-04T06:46:00.000-08:00

Twinkling light slipped from the windows of the Petit Trianon while light-hearted music floated on the crisp February night air. Chattering and laughter could be heard faintly as she approached the gates to the back garden, an open note grasped in her silk clad hand. The gate creaked slightlty as it swung in towards the entrance to a silent Hamlet Village. She turned and took one last glance at the full moon behind the Petit Trianon before setting her foot on the pebbled path....

It is time to get ready for a fête grande in honor of St. Valentine's Day. Tokens of love, fabulous gowns, silken dancing slippers, mysterious romantic trysts in the candle light and of course, CAKE... all will be sure to take place on February 12th & 13th, 2010. There will be many wonderful giveaways and blog parties to attend. So, prepare your attire, grab your jeweled feather fans and meet me at the Petit Trianon!
For Details and Blog Badge, please see below!

My First Ever Blog Event!!!

2009-12-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

I have recently been honored by the request to take ownership of the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Site. I, of course, accepted! I love that site more than any other I have been a part of. As part of my new role, I decided to have a site party and a tie in blog party for Valentine's Day. If you would like to be part of the blog party fun, please be sure to post a comment with your blog link and I will add it to a blog party section or page. This is new to me, so I still have much to figure out! See the post above this one for the Blog party details! I know I will be hosting a giveaway, yet to be announced, but it will be beautiful! I hope many of my Marie site participants will as well! See you there! The blog badge for you to post on your blogs is above. Be sure to link it back to my above blog post. To do this, right click on the badge. Save it wherever you store image files. Click on the above Blog Event Post (the post directly above this one) and then copy the web address. Paste it where you can find it. Go to your blog. Click on lthe Blogger sign ( or go to wherever you blog allows you to edit your layout.) Choose Layout. Choose Add a Gadget. Choose Add a Picture. Fill in the Blanks. For Link, fill in my blog post address. That should link the badge to my site. Then click save. I will be testing this myself and update this as necessary.

Millinery Mania A Trip through 4 Decades!

2009-11-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

1918

1918 Birthday Party Crepe Paper Hats REPOS

1920's

1930's

1940's

Here are the MANY hats I re-trimmed and/or made for my daughter's play. They range in time period from 1918, 1920's, 1930's to the 1940's. They are in order by time period. They are not all true period pieces, but all are based on styles from the time. I did the best I could with the time and materials given. I hope you like peeking! I hope the Lord truly blesses this play and that he is glorified in every part. The children have all worked so hard and it is going to be a beautiful production! The flapper ribbon ornament at the top of the pictures is one I made for a dress and then decided not to use. I made it into a pin instead.

Such a Sad, Sad Day

2009-11-19T21:19:00.000-08:00

Today, my almost 18 year old Kitty died. He has been sick for awhile, so I knew it would be soon, but it was still such a HARD day! I had to take my children to Heritage Day at our church, as my son was in a play. We had planned to take Ninjinsky to the vet to have him "put to sleep," but when my husband returned home to pick him up, he was already gone. We feel blessed that he could die at home and not have to be poked and prodded by a vet!!! 'Jinsky was born to my husband's favorite cat in 1989. We had decided to keep him, after my nagging and begging, on our way home from our honeymoon. He was named for the infamous Russian ballet star. Unlike his namesake, he WAS not a graceful cat on his feet! He was my first "baby" and he led a long, happy life! I hope he is somewhere playing "sheet wars", indulging in cat nip and play fighting with "gone" Keeshonds!

Christmas at the Petit Trianon

2009-11-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pages for an altered book swap I am in. I am beginning to feel the Christmas Spirit, so I made these as if I had glimpsed a Christmas tete a tete at a Petit Trianon fete! Can't you just imagine the glitz and glamour?

Another Queenly Confection

2009-11-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

Here is my necklace for my swap partner Melanie. This is for a vintage layered necklace swap on the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Site! I hope she loves it as much as I loved making it. It is is big and over the top, but that is how I live and work! The large picture doesn't do it justice, but the close ups give you a good idea. This is made of almost all vintage materials! The only things new are the bead leafs, flowers and other beaded pieces. The pink beads are pearlized vintage plastic from the 1950's. It is the only plastic used here. The metals are all silver with only a very occasional gold on some of the vintage jewelry pieces. The bottom drop is a chandelier crystal that is apprix,. 3 1/2 to 4 inches long total. The charm I made.

Faux Bon Bons

2009-11-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

I am back from my vacation...relaxed and ready for more artwork! I had already made these pretty little felt bon bons and thought I would share them here. I plan to host a swap of these, hopefully, on the Marie Mail Art site. I love making them! Quite easy and so pretty. Feast your eyes and be thankful they don't have any calories!

The Affair of the Necklace

2009-10-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ah...Marie Antoinette is infamous for a role she never played, that of purchasing an extravagant and outrageously expensive diamond necklace. Well, last I visited the Petit Trianon, I happened upon this amazing bauble...I wonder now...did she REALLY refuse those diamonds?

Tiered Necklace created from mostly vintage jewelry items and some new beads and ribbon.

Let them eat....LACE CAKES!

2009-10-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

Here are my other 9, yes 9!!!!, chunky book pages for the Lace Cakes book swap on the Marie Antoinette Mail Art site. They have mixed media, very textural backgrounds and vintage and new laces and trimmings. I wish the picture conveyed their beauty better. I am just not great at photography. Feast the eyes...It's calorie free!

Mermaids and Seashell Maidens

2009-10-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready for my annual October break in Sanibel. I use the time to visit my mother and relax from all my duties as housewife and homeschooling mom. I did the mermaid painting for my Sanibel Island nature journal. The shell box is a belated birthday gift for my mom. I picked up the pen shell pieces in one of my journeys to heaven on earth.

Oh My...Soooo Many Beautiful Things!

2009-10-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

I have been busy, busy, busy! A creative streak has me working night and day and I have managed to produce some lovely items for swaps I am in. I have visited both Wonderland and Versailles in my search for inspiration. I hope you enjoy the lovelies! From Top to Bottom: Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat Mini Theater
Alice in Wonderland Altered Vintage Tea Cup Alice in Wonderland Yuletide Soiree 5 x 7 Frameable Art Marie Antoinette Christmas Pastels 4 x 4 Decorated Digital Collage Book Pages Marie Antoinette Secret Friend Swap Box and Items in Pink Marie Antoinette Secret Friend Swap Box and Items in Wine

Sweet Marie Zine is Here!!!!

2009-10-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

Cassandra, over at My Artful Adventures and creator of the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group on Ning, has put together a most beautiful Zine called Our Sweet Marie. If you love Marie Antoinette, this zine will thrill you! It took months of hard work, with the help of Andrea Meilon (Eraser Queen) for Cassandra to put this beauty together. 70 pages of eye candy and cake, cake, cake. And the icing on the cake, my altered shoe graces the cover!!!! Be sure to go on over and check it out. It is free to download and worth every second it takes! Also, be sure to browse around a bit and see all of Cassandra's beautiful art, check out her Halloween blog event and take a peek at her upcoming Marie Antoinette Live event. There is a lot available for your viewing pleasure! Just click on the magazine image to go to her blog.

Recent Artistic Journeys

2009-09-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile, but lately I have been immersed and obsessed with a Halloween altered book project. It is an art project for just me, which is rare. It involves altered art, digital art, and creative writing, so it is taking a HUGE amount of time. I have found some time to work on some more Marie art. Below you will see a better picture of my Marie Angel, thanks to natural light. Also, I have taken pics of the two pages I worked on for Deborah or Land of Nod Studios. This is for her altered Marie Antoinette book, for the round robin we are in.
The paper dolls go into a pocket hidden by the ribbon work, on the opposite page. The theater stands out a bit from the page.

A Beautiful Blog and a Fabulous Giveaway!

2009-09-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

Be sure to go over to Carol Anne's Boutique (click on her blog name to the left to go there) to check out her beautiful blog and her fabulous giveaway! You won't be disappointed!

Marie The Snow Angel

2009-09-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh...here is our sweet Marie adorned as the Queen of Snowflakes. She is off to work her magic at the annual Winter gala. Won't she stun her loyal courtiers?

The Queen's Autumn Theatre Debut

2009-09-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my journeys to the Petit Trianon rewarded me with a debut performance of the Queen in her new Autumn Theater. She was performing in an operaetta entitle The Gay Coquette. What a fitting title for a felicitous flirt! She was quite beautiful in her mint and pink gown, dancing her way through the cool autumn evening.

More Marie Artifacts

2009-09-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

As I was walking about Versailles last night, I came across this magical Scepter and this glorious cake illustration. I wonder what the Queen is up to with cake and scepters? Maybe she was trying to make the cake appear for her latest soiree....or maybe she was conjuring up some wonderful new fete. It is the season of magic and wonder!

The Queen of Hearts Strikes Again!

2009-09-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here is my final tag for the Queen of Hearts Tag swap. All of the tags are EXACTLY the same, so I am only showing one here. This one features a movable wheel that helps the Queen decide who will lose their head today. I am glad the other tags were not right as it lead to more creative thought and these wonderful tags! I hope all the players love them! The first picture shows the front of the tag and the second picture shows the back of the tag.

And Another One

2009-09-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

The possibilities are endless! And I don't even have a mask tool in Elements.

More Digital Collage Adventures

2009-09-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

I have been wasting time playing with my new found knowledge! Here is a new Marie image I created just today! I am LOVING this!

Discoveries

2009-09-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

I have discovered how to make brushes and patterns to use in Adobe Photoshop elements. I just KNOW I am going to have all kinds of fun with this. I love the idea of making my own, custom made papers for art. Wow!!! What a treasure. Here is the first paper I made. It is a grungy, Versailles theme! You can download it for free, but please do not sell it. This is sized for standard letter paper. To download, simply click on the image and then right click and choose save image. I hope you like it!

I am also going to include a grungy, spooky Marie for you to use for Halloween. The image is sized
to a full letter size, so be sure to reduce it prior to printing.

Spooky Marie Decor

2009-09-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

Today I worked on making a Halloween themed Marie Antoinette banner. I just love Halloween and have been decorating this week. I love how this banner turned out!!! I bought the wonderful Digital collage images from Itkupilli on etsy. She does fabulous digital work!!! I also used some digital collage images from Cassiscreations, also on etsy. She is also brilliant in digital work. Both have some gorgeous Marie sheets you may want to check out!

A Chunky Journey to Wonderland

2009-09-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

I have completed my chunky pages for a swap I am hosting. Each page has interactive elements. These were so much fun to make and I love them all!!!! They will be hard to trade out. Here are the movable bits: Photo 1: "Painting the Roses Red" Pull the heart handle up to see the roses change from red to white. Same as pictured in a previous post, I only added a new element at the bottom of the page. Photo 2:"Down the Rabbit Hole" Pull the flower in the center to see Alice and the White Rabbit fall down the rabbit hole. Photo 3:"Off With Her HEAD!!!!!" Push the heart to the left to see the Queen advance upon Alice. Photo 4: "A Mad Tea Party History" Open the Matchbook to see gradually decreasing sized images of various Mad Tea Parties. Photo 5: "Advice From a Caterpillar" Pull the heart handle to the right to see a honeycomb mushroom grow.

Queen of Hearts Tags

2009-09-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have finished my tags for the tag swap I joined. My character was the Queen of Hearts. I decided to go with an Art Deco theme. Can't you just see this lovely Queen eating some luscious tarts???

Hmmmm....I just now read the rules for this swap again and see that these need to be made of mat board. Now I have to start all over again. Always read the rules BEFORE making the art!

P.S. These really do have more depth and interest in person. I sometimes have trouble getting that to come across in a 2 dimensional photo. Helpful hints would be gratefully accepted! :)

Rose Bertin's Final Design

2009-09-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

The designer to the Queen, Madame Rose Bertin, has made her final design for this Season's sample book. I believe the Queen will want to order each dress presented, no matter who says she is a fickle buyer.

Adventures in Wonderland

2009-09-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been voyaging to Wonderland via a rabbit hole and a looking glass. While cavorting about at croquet, I happened upon the haughty highness Her Majesty, the Queen of Hearts. She was wearing some jaunty garnet slippers and had her arms and legs tatooed with roses.
While milling about the gardens, I came upon several playing cards painting the roses red. Oh won't the Queen be MAD?????
I hope you enjoy my Wonderland souvenirs!
Paperdoll: vitnage valentines and postcards with authentic Victorian scrap.
Chunky Book Page: Mixed media with moveable wheel that changes the roses from red to white.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2009-08-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

I have been extremely busy this month! We have begun our homeschooling adventure for year 7 now...it is hard to believe it has been so many years already! I have also been working hard on some of my swap commitments. Here are the results: 5 Ribbon Flowers on cards with digital artwork 1 Tiny Artist's Kit to replace the one my dog chewed so happily & 2 Double-sided pages for a fabric book swap I am in
Enjoy! I wish I had time to be more poetic today, but I still have many swaps to work on and some other business to attend to...so until next time, I will bid you adieu!

Alice in Wonderland Tag Swap

2009-08-28T22:16:00.001-07:00

I am participating in an Alice in Wonderland tag swap hosted by Terri at her blog:
Terri's Blooming Ideas

I am creating tags with the Queen of Hearts. One of my favorite characters from the story!!!!

New Dress Design Has Arrived at Versailles!

2009-08-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

New designs have arrived at Versailles, just in time for Autumn fetes! This beautiful gown is in luscious dark cherries, creamy ivories and glimmering golds! Fit for a queen and her many engagements.

Royal Treat Cone for a Special Masquerade Party

2009-08-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

Marie Antoinette Mail Art is hosting a lovely Masquerade Ball. This is one of the "favors" I will be trading at the "Treat Bag Swap" dance. It is a cone covered in beautiful old gold paper with foil and crepe paper ruffles. It is accented with glitter, glittery sheer ribbon and paper flowers. The inside is filled with all kinds of trims in reds, golds and blacks.

Another Fabulous Dress Design by Rose Bertin

2009-08-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

Mme. Bertin has been to Versailles once again. This time, she showed the Queen this luscious confection of lime and teal. The Queen squealed in delight, ordering that it be immediately sewn for her alone. I wonder what Mme. Bertin will come up with next???? This piece is a double-sided fabric book page. It has many vintage elements and is all hand sewn. The ribbon flower piece is an example of my ribbon art work.

Masquerade

2009-08-06T05:48:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh...the Queen needed a new mask for her upcoming Bal de Masquerade. This one is hand crafted of paper clay, watercolors, pearl ex. and glitter glue. The darling velvet flowers are vintage, as is the FLOCKED rosebud teal cotton ruffle! and, the crowning touch, she has a dear fake mole made of a vintage moonstone gem. Won't she make a stunning entrance in pink and teal?

In the Queen's Boudoir

2009-07-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have been to the Queen's Boudoir and it is a stunning place! Cheerful greens, creams and plums surface to recreate a cooling garden feel. I have even seen the Queen herself, checking out her reflection in her polished brass hand mirror!~ I have also seen her in her full majesty, as the beribboned portrait shows. These are "snapshots" of my latest visit to Versailles. They are for a Marie Antoinette altered book swap I am involved in. Enjoy!

Secrets in Versailles

2009-07-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my imagination traveled to Versailles to uncover some of the Queen's secrets. Here are my "notes". As you can see, this is an interactive page. This page and tag were done for an altered book swap I am in. Enjoy!

Return To Versailles

2009-07-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

Last night, I traveled to Versailles in the company of the Queen. As we rode along in our golden carriage, I worked on stitching this lovely design page for Madame Rose Bertin's dress journal. I believe the Queen is pleased with this, my design for her! Vintage laces, art tag, vintage fabrics and beaded motifs from Edwardian gowns...gorgeous french trims...ombre ribbon and new decor fabrics make up this designer's concoction!

Dolls from Wonderland...And Their Houses Too!

2009-07-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

I have just listed a series of 6 One of a Kind Alice in Wonderland dolls in my Etsy store. Each one is sculpted of paper clay on a clothespin body and stands about 4 inches tall. The Cheshire Cat even has two painted faces! Each is my own design and hand painted by me. They are varnished in a super glossy overcoat. Each is dressed in a variety of crepe paper, papers, vintage fabrics and glitter. Each of them comes with their own little home and hand signed tag. These little beauties will never be made or copied again! I do not use molds or patterns for my doll work. Enjoy a trip to Wonderland with me!

Fresh from the Bonbonerie~!

2009-07-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here are two beautiful bon bon cups, fresh from the Queen's Confectioners!~ They are constructed of vintage crepe paper and new paper flowers with delectable Ric Rack Trim and delicious vintage ribbons!~ Can't you just see some luscious, pastel petits fours resting in these?

Wonderland Delights

2009-07-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

Last night I moseyed down the rabbit hole and stumbled upon a tea party in progress. You know that Mad Hatter is always having tea! I brought home these atc "snapshots" as souvenirs. They have a 3-d effect due to the use of pop-up dots. Thanks for the memories, March Hare!

Ribbons Galore

2009-07-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have been on a 2 day ribbon dyeing binge! I have also been very busy making ribbon flowers. I love to over dye ribbons and dye my own silk ribbon to use in flower making and embroideries. Here are some of the beautiful ribbons I dyed today. There is also a picture of some ribbon flowers I made using my own hand dyed and over-dyed ribbons! Soon, I will have a whole garden of lovely flowers!

A Cuff to Adorn a Queenly Wrist

2009-07-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

Last night, I spent some time in the atelier of Madam Rose Bertin where I was able to create a fabulous wrist confection for a most feminine Queen! The cuff was made using Edwardian lace, vintage cotton jacquard ribbon, a hand dyed silk ribbon flower, dyed fresh water pearls, glass pearls, glass bow bead, a Czechoslovakian fire polished bead and a Swarovski crystal toggle closure. The back is lined with hand-dyed, silk satin. All is hand sewn, but of course.

Her Majesty's Boudoir Scepter

2009-06-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...the Queen needed a new powder puff scepter for use in her boudoir. She commissioned one in pink rayon velvet with silk satin flowers, vintage rhinestones, vintage crepe paper and silver lace. May it grace her beautiful face in preparation for many fanciful soirees to come!

Keep Your Head On!!! A New Crown for the Queen of Hearts

2009-06-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Ahh....I have been journeying to Wonderland lately. My first find there was this millinery confection. I made it for another Mad Hatter, Tristan, over at http://tristanrobin.blogspot.com/. It was one of the inaugural swaps for the Mad Tea Party Mail Art site I have recently started. I am sure he will be the King of many hearts when he dons his crown! Tristan~ require all of your humble subjects to bow and scrape and to address you as Sir King of Hearts, master string puller and judge of tarts!

TAG~! You are it! 6 Uninteresting Things About Me

2009-06-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

I was recently tagged by Cassandra at My Artful Adventures . I must now list 6 uninteresting things about myself and tag 6 more friends. I don't know if I have 6 blog friends to tag...
Ok, here it goes.
1. I LOVE the colors pink and sage green.
2. I like to watch old sitcoms on dvd, a LOT!
3. I try to go to church every Sunday and Wednesday.
5. I am obsessed with gastropods, land and marine snails for the uninitiated.
6. I have two cats and 1 Keeshond Dog: Ninjinsky, a 17 year old kitten, and Cinny, a SPICY orange critter with a major attitude problem, she is actually my 12 year old daughter's cat...go figure on the spicy attitude part! Our dog is Chewbacca, and he is chewy right now, as he is a puppy.
Now I am off to tag a few unsuspecting persons....enjoy your weekend!

A Crown for the Queen and Beautiful Flowers From Her Crepe Paper Garden

2009-06-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Queen needed a new crown, so she turned to her realm's most inspired milliner. Here is the clever concoction the milliner produced! Complete with vintage crepe paper, glass buttons, vintage fabric scraps, vintage glass pearl strands, glass glitter, antique sheet music, hand dyed Ostrich feathers, luscious ribbons, fancy silver metal trim, and sweet polka dot papers.
She also asked her gardener to cut her some tiny crepe paper roses. They are frosted with some beautiful gold dust glitter! Won't they look pretty adorning some of her more worthy art projects?

A Mad, Mad Blog Event

2009-06-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

Vanessa, over at Fanciful Twist, is hosting a fabulous, most wonderlful, Mad Hatter Tea Party on June 27th! DON'T BE LATE! Check out the party for yourself by clicking on the above blog button. We will have a wonderful time...switching seats, getting clean cups, spreading butter on our watches....

The Queen Sits for Her Portrait

2009-06-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I was privileged to paint the Queen's portrait. She looks stunning in her lavender wig and cloud of blue silk. This little jewel is acting double duty as a card from a secret friend gift I will soon be mailing out!
Original watercolor based on an extant portrait of Marie Antoinette.

Journey to Mermania!

2009-05-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

I have taken a trip to Mermania! Dive with me into the ocean and see who lies beneath! These are watercolor with pencil work for my Sanibel Island journal. I am preparing for an upcoming trip!

Marie Goes to a Masquerade

2009-05-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Last night, I envisioned a Masquerade at the Petit Trianon. La Reine was splendid in a poppy colored dress with a silk striped taffeta skirt! Later, masks were removed and introductions were made. What a fabulous party!

Marie's Morning Ritual: Chocolate and ......CAKES!

2009-05-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

This morning, I peeked in at the Petit Trianon, just in time to see La Reine partake of her morning chocolate and pastry. What a peaceful moment for this lovely woman!

3-d Pop up effect altered art book page with acrylics, collage images, glitter and mica.

Thank You to Becs S. from Marie Antoinette Art for taking a pic of the other page for me! Now you can see both Marie Alone and with her Group of Friends taking Chocolate! ( And yes, I know Marie isn't REALLY in that picture, but we can pretend...)

Spring in Fairyland

2009-05-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Spring has come to Fairyland and what better way to celebrate than the seasonal fashion show in the Rose Bower. The rose elf models the chicest rose petal dress to hit the runway this year! The top is of the finest spider silk dyed a deep rose pink and the flirty skirt is made up of layers of silky soft rose petals from the English rose "Tradescant." The neckline is accented with rose leaves and a lovely full blown yellow and orange rose, adding that perfect "pop" of color!

Artifacts from Le Petit Trianon

2009-04-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

As I was leaving my last visit to the Petit Trianon, I found these lovely little mementos of trysts kept long ago....2 journal pages filled with the story of a secret romance and a corroded shrine to the petit queen herself!

Forays into Fairyland

2009-04-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

I am being tutored in Fashion Illustration. After 4 weeks, I finally attempted a watercolor illustration. For this one, I traveled to fairyland to be a guest at the annual Fairy Fashion Fete...hosted by the forest dryads this year. The first costume I gazed upon was this lovely Maidenhair evening gown made of gossamer spider silk dyed with moss dyes and beaded with a fern motif. The shoulder has a stand up beaded fern ornament. Just in time for dancing amongst the morels in spring!

A Basket From Candy Land

2009-04-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Last night I visited Candy Land and the Queen sent me home this morning with the gorgeous little candy cup basket! Isn't it perfect for hiding your secret stash of chocolate? I think it needs a few Godiva truffles..raspberry filled starfish...or Thornton's Continentals! Mmmm.... This was handcrafted by the Queen in vintage and new materials. She mostly used the Paris kit available on Birds of a Feather at Etsy! She makes such YUMMY crepe paper ruffles!

TAG~! You are it!

2009-03-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Ahh...tags...I have been very busy making beautiful Marie Antoinette inspired art tags. Groups 1 and 2 are for trade on the Marie Antoinette Mail Art site. Group 3, the pink set, is for sale in my Etsy shop. I love making these beauties...especially as I get to play with my vintage crepe paper stash! Just a touch of Versailles luxury can be such a joy!

Rose Bertin Pays Marie a Call

2009-03-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Ahh...Madame Rose Bertin, atelier de La Grand Mogul, has sent over some Poupee de Modes for The Queen to inspect! There are 4 lovely gowns displayed on mini-Marie models. Each came in its own special packet with a sumptuous tag! I believe the Queen will not be able to resist temptation and will need to order these gowns for her future fetes and soirees!

Busy as a Beehive

2009-03-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

I have been busy making more Marie Antoinette art! Versailles was in an uproar over cake...some pamphlets were released showing the Queen with a string of cakes. And the Petit Trianon is writing a book of her memories about Marie and her Court. So far, she has told of several events...oh the secrets she will reveal! The publishers are anxiously awaiting the release of her final manuscript! Now, Rose Bertin will soon be sending paper models of the latest fashions to the Queen! So, until then enjoy the latest palace releases!

These are some examples of how you could use my beautiful collage sheets for your own altered books!

I am a Winner again!

2009-03-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

I just love blog contests~! Now I get to say that I am a winner again! Doesn't it feel great to say such nice things about yourself?
Today I woke up to discover that I had won this GORGEOUS Spring basket from Heidi at Birds of a Feather. You can see it on this her blog. Birds of a Feather Spring Basket (click me).
Thank you to Heidi over at Birds of a Feather for her beautiful swap giveaways! Be sure to check out her site for the latest one!

Ribbon Flowers Blossom on Etsy

2009-03-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

I love doing French Vintage-style ribbonwork and decided to share that passion with the art world today! I listed 5 new Ribbon Flower Kits on Etsy in different, delectable color palettes. I envision these gracing an art crown; icing a faux petits four; draping themselves over the top of a glorious toy theater; even topping milady's hair for an evening out! If you would like to own some of these everlasting beauties for yourself, be sure to check out my etsy store. Each kit is utterly unique and will never be produced exactly the same again! And as an added bonus, they come packaged in a vintage paper envelope, complete with my logo and cinnamon glitter; tied off with a spicy ombre ribbon!

Portraits of a Queen

2009-03-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

Last night I sat up until the wee hours making waxen portraits of the Queen. Each tiny ATC portrait is made of manipulated, rose-scented beeswax, vintage ephemera, rubber stamps and Dresden scrap. Each of the portraits took approximately 45 minutes to create. The waxing was a very interesting, messy, sometimes exasperating process! It does lend a depth and antique feel that is hard to acheive in collage done without wax. Enjoy their beauty for yourself and I hope you go away with a brighter smile today!

Card Titles From Top To Bottom Are:
1."Decisions"
2."Leisure"
3."Waiting in the Wings"
4."Liaison"

New Fashions at Versailles

2009-03-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today, new fashions arrived on the doorstep of the Petit Trianon! Marie received this lovely poppet crafted of felted wool, vintage fabrics, lace, and sequins. The dress is hand-sewn with a needle and thread. She even has tiny matching shoes with crystal rhinestone and feather buckle ornaments. Her hair is a fashionable sky blue...reminiscent of a clear and sunny day playing in the petit village. It is decorated with a gilded, pastel bird and fabulous feathers! And...the icing on the cake...she is carrying a lace, sequin spangled fan! I believe the Queen will approve this gown as her newest wardrobe addition.

For St. Patrick's Day--A Donnybrook Fair Party

2009-03-01T21:32:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy setting up my new etsy shop. I just love it! I am currently going through many of my paper and digital collections to make up ever new and interesting collage sheets. My goal is to delight Altered Art workers with the unusual and fabulously sublime! My next goal is to put up some groups of ribbon flowers I have been working on and to work on some luscious artist kits that I have in mind! The ribbon flowers have vintage glass or crystal rhinestone centers and are too yummy for words! I just want to create some delicious packaging for them and then will take photos and list them. My final goal will be to list some of my finished works of art. This is so much fun! For this week's party, I am giving you a St. Paddy's Day party from a 1907 book by Paul Pierce titled Parties and Entertainments. Here goes: For St. Patrick's Day--A Donnybrook Fair " A Donnybrook Fair" is an excellent entertainment for St. Patrick's day. Ask guests to come in costume and throw open the entire house. Arrange a number of stalls or stands (tables under old umbrellas), and have these presided over by market women, with short full skirts, big gingham aprons, kerchiefs and small shawls or sun-bonnets over their heads. Have a number of grey-haired women (powder the hair) sitting about knitting lace and selling knitted lace. Have one or two peddler women going about with trays suspended about their necks selling notions and cheap trinkets. Arrange live stock pens with a live pig, geese and chickens. Have a "goose girl" in charge; and have a dairy with dairy maids selling buttermilk, butter, cheese, eggs, etc. Have flower girls selling roses, violets, azaleas and shamrocks. Have a cottage with roof of turf for the Inn. Serve an Irish stew, boiled potatoes, fish, cakes and tea. Arrange the "Blarney Stone" in the midst of a "bog," the more pitfalls the better. Jaunting and low-back cars should be part of the scenery. St. Patrick's Well should be a feature. It would be great fun to see one of these parties in action wouldn't it????

My First Sales! Hot Iron Millinery Flower Work Information

2009-02-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

I made my first sales on etsy! I sold 3 digital download collage sheets today! I was so thrilled! I have also had a lot of views and even some sweet people who "heart" my shop! You know who you are you sweet ones! I am so excited! I know, it takes very little to excite me. The posted picture is me doing a virtual dance of joy. If you knew me in real life, you would know that I am not elegant and CANNOT dance...uncoordinated and all. But here in cyberspace I can be whoever I want to be, can't I? Today I am going to work on making some ribbon flowers. I will be putting these up for sale on etsy later. I plan to glue vintage rhinestones (glass and crystal) in the centers, so they should be full of sparkly goodness! I have discovered vintage millinery flower making using hot irons! I saw some tools on ebay, which I can't afford right now, so I bought a mini iron and some attachments and then made some of my own tools to go with it. I believe my method is called "jerry-rigging" in slang! LOL! I have yet to test them, but will post more when I do. What I have tested so far is fairly simple and has turned out ok. I did some dyeing of silk fabrics yesterday and will try making some flowers soon! If you want to check out the tools or methods for yourself you can find information and tools at Lacis. Click here for Lacis tools. Click here for a book on Hot iron flower making at Lacis. When you get there do a search for the title Fabric into Flowers by Judy Hogan. There is a great seller on ebay who sells vintage reprints. I bought a manual on hot iron fabric work from her. It is very basic, but a good place to start. Click here for her ebay store. Search for the following title: Millinery Book Make Flowers Floral Hat Trimmings 1951. There is a seller on ebay who makes reproduction tools. He is in Australia, but the postage isn't too terrible. He will also e-mail quotes on sets, etc. Check him out by clicking here. He sells irons that you put in a gas flame or other heat source to heat, iron tips for hot rhinestone setters, and iron tips for both of the mini clover irons. He doesn't always have everything listed, but will answer questions. Lacis is the only reasonable American Source I know for this craft, but I think it is actually cheaper to order them from Australia, even with shipping. You will have to buy your iron here, as the irons made for Australia and Europe are not compatible with our electric outlets. This saves on postage anyway!

Taking the Etsy Plunge

2009-02-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

Hi! I FINALLY took the plunge and opened an Etsy shop! I am beginning with some digital collage sheets or vintage paper toys that I made. I am an obsessive collector of vintage magazines and have thousands of great images. I decided it would be fun to share some of those with the world! I am also looking forward to making some beautiful artist kits and listing some of my artistic confections. You can visit me by clicking on the picture of the doll in the upper right corner, or by clicking on the link here: My Etsy Shop. Hope to see you there!

A Fairies' Garden Party or Fair

2009-02-20T16:35:00.000-08:00

We could all use a little Spring about now...especially here in the frozen Northeast! I found this lovely "church fair" idea in the book Bright Ideas for Entertaining by Mrs. Herbert B. Linscott. This book is from 1905. It is one of my favorite party idea books to read and I give it for gifts at Bridal Showers and other fun occasions! Everyone needs a little fantasy in their life! All spelling and grammar is exactly as it was printed.

"Fairies' Garden"

A clever scheme for a church fair is the "Fairies' Garden," which is nothing more than the old grab-bag in a new dress. One seen recently was set up near a booth trimmed with evergreens, with a fence made of "cat-tails" planted about four inches apart, enclosing it in front. To this the people who were present flocked, and were free, on the payment of a small sum, to pull a flower or vegetable as they should see fit. Within and at the back of the inclosure was a trellis made of wire netting with the largest holes procurable, covered with vines, among which nestled pink paper roses. In each rose a small present was hidden from view.
Then there was a "pond," made of a tin boiler banked with stones and moss, and filled with water, on which floated water lilies and leaves. To each lily was tied a weighted present, such as water could not injure.
A bed of real goldenrod planted in a box of sawdust, with the presents tied to the stems of the flowers and buried in the sawdust, completed the flower garden.
The vegetable bed fully repaid for all the time and trouble spent upon it. It was an enclosure of four boards, filled with sawdust, the vegetables being made of paper and filled with cotton and presents. After the vegetables and flowers were planted the beds were covered with moss.
A few signs added to the effect, such as "Great South Sea Bubble" for the cabbage bed, and "Please do not pull the cats' tails. By order of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals," for the cat tail fence.
Carrots, beets, onions and cabbages answered the purpose well, being of convenient shapes and very easily made. The carrots were made on a cornucopia of stiff brown paper, in which the present was put, and then the cornucopia was covered with plain carrot-colored tissue paper, closed at the top, painted to imitate the creases in a carrot, and ornamented with a small tuft of leaves cut from green tissue paper. The beets were stuffed with cotton, in which the present was concealed, and then covered with the proper colored tissue paper. The onion bulbs were covered with crinkled cream-white tissue paper, and the tops were made of stiff white paper spills, or lamp-lighters, covered with dark green tissue paper. The cabbages were of pale green and yellow-almost cream color-crinkled tissue paper, wound around the central ball of cotton; the paper was cut and pulled out in the shape of leaves, or twisted to form the stalk.
There were four little girls dressed as "flower fairies," who kept the garden in order, and helped in many ways, looking very effective in their costumes of a "morning glory," a "daffy-down-dilly," a yellow and white "daisy," and a "wild rose."

Wasn't that just enchanting??!!! I love these old party descriptions!

My Love of All Things French Blog Day 2

2009-02-16T21:53:00.000-08:00

Bonjour! It is 1:08 a.m. here, so I am officially back to celebrate another beautiful day of all things French! I hope everyone has been enjoying this event and that there will be more bloggers joining our parade through Paris! Today, I am posting further pictures from my Les Modes magazine. Enjoy!

A "Chocolataire" Social 1898

2009-02-16T13:23:00.000-08:00

I collect vintage party idea books and booklets. I love to read and dream about the parties described. I thought it would be fun to share some of these parties with all of you dreamers out there!~ Who knows, maybe it will spark some one's imagination and lead to an unexpected party to delight your friends or family! I will try to post one or two party ideas a week! Enjoy!

From an 1898 book entitled
Eighty Pleasant Evenings

A "Chocolataire" Social

In this social the decorations are all of a purple or violet hue-flowers, paper napkins, ribbon bows on the waitresses' caps and aprons, etc. The lights are from candles in silver candlesticks decorated with violet tissue paper frills. Two or three of the ladies act as hostesses and pour the chocolate, while five or six girls or young ladies are waitresses. The first hour is spent in conversation, and in listening to as fine a musical programme, both vocal and instrumental, as can be arranged, including not only the best musical talent from within the society, but some from outside. Then serve the refreshments, which are chocolate with whipped cream, chocolate layer cake or other cake with chocolate icing, and candies. Charge twenty-five cents for the refreshments complete, of fifteen cents for the chocolate and cream alone; and give a small cup and saucer as a souvenir to each guest purchasing chocolate. After all have been served, have an auction sale of the remaining candy, loaves of cake, and boxes or cakes of chocolate from which the delectable food and drink were prepared
Invitations sent out in advance should mention the souvenir cup and saucer given to each guest purchasing refreshments. If thought desirable, the best parts of the musical programme may be reserved for the closing features of the evening, announcements being made accordingly.

My Love of All Things French Day One

2009-02-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome! I do not have very many French items. I do have a few nice things I love. I LOVE, ADORE, SEEK fine French Ribbons and Trims. I especially love the rayon ombres and the silk "Buds n Bows". For your viewing pleasured, I am posting pictures from my bound, premiere issues of Les Modes magazine. It is from 1902 and was a lavish Christmas gift from my mother. There are 12 total issues filled with designer dresses and extraordinary art and jewels. Placed on top of some of the lovely colored plate pages, are my meager, but glorious french items. I have several Edwardian shoe buckles marked made in France, several sprays of astounding 1920's ribbon flowers (not marked, but most like made in France) and a beautiful rayon and silk ombre ribbon trim from France.
I will post some pages today to whet your appetite and then finish up with the rest tomorrow. I did play with the coloring on some of these, to make more moody or interesting photos. Enjoy!

La Reine de le Brioche Art Doll

2009-02-12T21:25:00.000-08:00

My journeys to 18th century France have produced yet another fantastic artifact. This is titled The Queen of Cake, or La Reine de le Brioche. My Queen is made of delicate paper clay, with delicious things hiding in the toy theater under her skirt! Her skin is delicately tinted with acrylics and she is gowned in antique crepe paper, lace and french ribbon. Under her skirts, stage right, a miniature Marie Antoinette seeks perfect delicacies of cake and chocolat amongst the lovely pink furniture. I am sure she will find something delectable there. Images are from Lisa Kettrell's cd, The Smithsonian Digital Collection and my personal ephemera collection.

I am a WINNER!!!!

2009-02-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

I have won my first ever blog contest! I signed up for about 800 of the One World One Heart blog giveaways and I won a fabulous art kit from http:Outonawhimstudio.blogspot.com
And it is candy themed, all luscious pink in a heart shaped tin to boot! How could I be so lucky?!!!???!

French Inspired Goodies

2009-02-11T09:49:00.001-08:00

I am currently participating in a French Inspired Goodies altered art kit supply swap! These are the goodies I assembled to send to a lady in Britain! If I hadn't had to use a flat rate envelope to send these, they would have been packaged prettily! I think she will be happy anyway...don't you?

I am an Ingrid!

2009-02-07T05:16:00.000-08:00

I saw this interesting quiz on several blogs, so decided to try it for myself. It is surprisingly accurate for a two question internet quiz! Try it for yourself...I dare you!!!

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Ingrid!

You are an Ingrid -- "I am unique"

Ingrids have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.

How to Get Along with Me

* Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.

* Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to love and value myself.

* Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.

* Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone lighten me up a little.

* Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!

What I Like About Being an Ingrid

* my ability to find meaning in life and to experience feeling at a deep level

* my ability to establish warm connections with people

* admiring what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life

* my creativity, intuition, and sense of humor

* being unique and being seen as unique by others

* having aesthetic sensibilities

* being able to easily pick up the feelings of people around me

What's Hard About Being an Ingrid

* experiencing dark moods of emptiness and despair

* feelings of self-hatred and shame; believing I don't deserve to be loved

* feeling guilty when I disappoint people

* feeling hurt or attacked when someone misundertands me

* expecting too much from myself and life

* fearing being abandoned

* obsessing over resentments

* longing for what I don't have

Ingrids as Children Often

* have active imaginations: play creatively alone or organize playmates in original games

* are very sensitive

* feel that they don't fit in

* believe they are missing something that other people have

* attach themselves to idealized teachers, heroes, artists, etc.

* become antiauthoritarian or rebellious when criticized or not understood

* feel lonely or abandoned (perhaps as a result of a death or their parents' divorce)

Ingrids as Parents

* help their children become who they really are

* support their children's creativity and originality

* are good at helping their children get in touch with their feelings

* are sometimes overly critical or overly protective

* are usually very good with children if not too self-absorbed

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

99 Things

2009-02-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

99 Things

I found this fun list at Objects of Affection on Blogger and couldn't resist. Play along by bolding the ones you've done. 1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band - Clarinet for 1 year 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo- in 6th grade 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - many! 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run 32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community -Kinda at Vegetable Stands and I have seen a German Baptist Community, which is related. 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke-at home only-no one else wants to hear that! Believe me! 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - snorkeling
I LOVE it!
52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business – it wasn't successful 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - I fainted at the bank when signing my check! 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy -my first teddy bear and my blue mouse 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar -Kinda, I've eaten fresh water fish roe. I wouldn't recommend it! 72. Pieced a quilt-Partial and I have made one minature crazy quilt. 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve 86. Visited the White House - We weren't allowed inside due to 9/11. 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit-a class action one 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee

Sugar And Spice Art Confections

My Alice in Wonderland Dolls are now being Represented by a Gallery!!!!!!

Art and Soul Gallery Inc

817 238th St SEBothell, WA 98021 425-487-3777

Marie Hamlet Inspired Cuff

A Beautiful Gift

Another Fun Giveaway

A Most Wonderful Blog Giveaway

Marie and Roses

Nefertiti ATCs

Marie Sewing Heart Chatelaines

Secret Friend Swap Gifts

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! OWOH WINNER

Third Time's a Charm

I am now a TWO TIME Winner!

I am a Winner!!!!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!

LES LIASONS DE L'AMOUR Valentine's Day Fete

Altered Faux Roses

One World One Heart Blog Event 2010 Giveaway

Let them eat...Lace Cake Books!

Another Wonderful Blog Giveaway for you All to Visit

A Glorious Giveaway over at Enchanted Revelry!!!

Busy, Busy, February Swaps Art and Such

Rose Bertin's Design Journal

Lavished With Lace

A Gorgeous Angel

More Christmas Delights

Delightful Christmas Necklaces

LES LIASONS DE L'AMOUR Valentine's Day Fete

My First Ever Blog Event!!!

Millinery Mania A Trip through 4 Decades!

Such a Sad, Sad Day

Christmas at the Petit Trianon

Another Queenly Confection

Faux Bon Bons

The Affair of the Necklace

Let them eat....LACE CAKES!

Mermaids and Seashell Maidens

Oh My...Soooo Many Beautiful Things!

Sweet Marie Zine is Here!!!!

Recent Artistic Journeys

A Beautiful Blog and a Fabulous Giveaway!

Marie The Snow Angel

The Queen's Autumn Theatre Debut

More Marie Artifacts

The Queen of Hearts Strikes Again!

And Another One

More Digital Collage Adventures

Discoveries

Spooky Marie Decor

A Chunky Journey to Wonderland

Queen of Hearts Tags

Rose Bertin's Final Design

Adventures in Wonderland

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Alice in Wonderland Tag Swap

New Dress Design Has Arrived at Versailles!

Royal Treat Cone for a Special Masquerade Party

Another Fabulous Dress Design by Rose Bertin

Masquerade

In the Queen's Boudoir

Secrets in Versailles

Return To Versailles

Dolls from Wonderland...And Their Houses Too!

Fresh from the Bonbonerie~!

Wonderland Delights

Ribbons Galore

A Cuff to Adorn a Queenly Wrist

Her Majesty's Boudoir Scepter

Keep Your Head On!!! A New Crown for the Queen of Hearts

TAG~! You are it! 6 Uninteresting Things About Me

A Crown for the Queen and Beautiful Flowers From Her Crepe Paper Garden

A Mad, Mad Blog Event

The Queen Sits for Her Portrait

Journey to Mermania!

Marie Goes to a Masquerade

Marie's Morning Ritual: Chocolate and ......CAKES!

Spring in Fairyland

Artifacts from Le Petit Trianon

817 238th St SE
Bothell, WA 98021
425-487-3777