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 😉
oooohhh sofia birdnest, oh how i wish you were coming to live with meeeeee!
Oh but the conversations I could have with the other girls too-all kinds of secrets and exciting adventures they have to relate to their new home dwellers!!
They are exquisite, Ms. Veevala, dolla goddess extraordinnairre!
I think you must do a pretty darn good job of being your own boss, so trust me when i say, its best your way!!
Oh my goodness, how I wish all three could come live with me. These are just so adorable! You do amazing work!!! 🙂 Silke
oh the secret sisters return ! i can’t believe the paper you make them out of (relatively new follower here) and the intense detail – i love a gal who recycles
Hola Chiquita!!!
I very much enjoyed the article about the sisters in the current Somerset Studio.Although I’m just a tad bit(sorta light olive) green with envy, I must confess. I have for ages thought I wanted to make an art doll. But alas as of yet I haven’t found the deep dedication or motivation, it takes. 🙁 Perhaps one day I will sit myself down and have a bit of a heart to heart chat. Until then I will enjoy and marvel at your incredible dolls. 🙂
Pattie 😉
Mazatlan Mx.
They are so very enchanting!!
she’s a beauty for sure! Congrats on making it into Somerset (again, right?). You are so talented!
Delightful! They are altogether wonderful! There sweet faces look like they are still keeping a secret! Very nice, sweet friend! And I’m so proud of you!
Oh yes, I’m repeating the little mantra’s for tasty tea and delightful attic treats. I just hope that Willie Wonka would make an appearance. I think he would enjoy the glorious goodies, even though he might feel a bit envious.
Love those dolls, what fantastic hair they have :o)
They are all lovely. Sofia captures the beauty Queen award but Miss Alexandra Octavia Papercrown with her love of high tea and pastries would be the one I’d truly bond with. Sisters indeed…so fun.
V~
Oh I swoon…….Alexandra, Anastasia and Sofia are stunning. I wish they could come visit me!! Oh the fun we could have!!
Glad your back 🙂 Have a delightful week.
Kylee
what
what
????
——>the technique of discipline !
whatever use would THAT be?
🙂
{{ actually, i am doing this NOW—>
wearing my velvet pink sash
avec giant bow
whilst typing you 🖤 }}
PS: hellllu to
Alexandra, Anastasia and Sofia,
the long~haired charmers
soon to find new homes…
do hope they are up
on ways of proper correspondence…
Well, I ALWAYS wear giant pink velvet sash while I work on the computer. However, Alice is the only one with a bird living in her hair here. Vanessa, I am ever so thrilled to see your art being recognized more and more. Wonderful, BIG, gigantic things are in store for you, my lovely. Your dolls are incredible. Wish I were not in a little recession so I could snatch one up. I could never pick a favorite tho…
**blows kisses** Deborah
I’m so happy to meet the lovely ladies. I am embarrassed though that I’m eating a donut instead of French pastries, and I have forgotten my giant pink sash.
I do have tiny mushrooms growing in my ears, and that makes me feel a little better.
The NAMES!!!! Oh… I just love them, they make me all giddy!!! You are so so clever!!!
You are very lucky to have such lovely friends to grace your studio. Please tell Miss Alexandra Octavia Papercrown, I will be over for high tea and pastries. I have a sweet tooth which must be satisfied.
O my gosh, they are the sweetest!! How you create such darling sweet angelic faces is beyond me! And birds, I am just in love with all things birdies! (Silly, I just did I bird post! I found this fabulously huge birdie cage..) And congrats on being in Somerset Studio! You deserve it, your dollies are sooooo beautiful.
These gals are incredible!!!
I love them so much!
Their hair, dresses, bows…they simply glow with bliss.
I love the name Octavia…simply love “O” names..and in the future, should you make a dark haired dolly with green eyes could you name her
Olwyn
xoxo
exquisite.
All the wonderful details and imaginative embellishments make really really charming treasures.
I want them all!
your dolls and their world are supremely magical, we are convinced, so when is this book coming out???!!! i envisage a book the size of the ‘Curiosities’ tome by Albertus Seba, filled with all of your dolls and images that are such a delight to view here at the blog.
there are so many possibilities ahead and you know it!:)
the full time creative life has its ups and downs, and you are always a darling to share them with. truly. xxx
Oh, they are breathtaking! I especially love Miss Butterfly wings! What a marvelous idea! I am so excited for you, your new publication. I love when other, less well informed folk get to discover you!
Ohhhhhh to have someone to share secrets with 🙂 You made them just perfect – to feel like having sisters, the comfort, the security. . . no inhibitions at all. 🙂
Li
Wow! Congratulations, I love your dolls, it’s adorable. You’re very creative and resourceful artist. Who could’ve imagine such scrap could turn out to be this beautiful.
Aw! It’s so pretty. The doll look like a goddess, I love it. The dolls dress is so gorgeous. No doubt the magazine featured your dolls.
I saw these beauties last night in my Somerset magazine! They are just amazing!
xoxo, L
just so you will know…
after work
at the library today
i am going
to barnes & noble
to look
for your girls’ magazine feature!
🙂
PS—i love how your girls
have Just The Right Amount
of bling…
never over*stated!
such good 🖤 taste they have
to wear nature to balance out the shine!
very
very
tasteful,
indeed 🖤
yes, indeed—->
Taste
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
They’re beautiful!!!! 🙂
Spectacular job!
ooooohhh….these dolls are simply lovely. I’m coveting them!
Oh Sigh……they are SO stunning! If could transform into a doll (just for one day) I would want to look just like your sweet, fungi-sprouting, twiney-headed Dears!! They are the epitome of elegance, methinks! 🙂 And they have such graceful noses,too!!
They are lovely and congratulations on your work being published in another Stampington and Co. Issue! 🙂
Hello Miss Vanessa,
These doll are spectacular!
~ Gabriela ~
When secrets are this lovely, they are alright to keep until the time is right to divulge 🙂
I am so behind on Magazines…my next trip to B&N will cost me a fortune.
You have done it again…love, love, love your dolls.
Oh my, did I really NOT comment yet? I must’ve fallen asleep at the computer last night, but I swear…I dreamed I commented, hahahahhahaha. Anyway, I snagged my copy of Somerset Studio when it hit the news stands and was pleasantly surprised to find your wonderful dollies in there. They are gorgeous as all of your art, yippeee!!! Congrats again Vanessa.
Jamie 🙂
Beautiful Maidens VV, and little ladies that hide good secrets!
Congrats on your girls being featured in Somerset Mag!!
xox
Constance
It always come down to discipline. I fight this problem all the time as well. I have so many great ideas but I can’t get myself started or I start and I don’t finish. I have no discipline. I also need someone to say, hey, you need to finish abc before you start xyz. lol
Congratulations on being published…Your dolls are lovely…the dresses, the hair, everything!
Miss V~ ahhh, I did see this in live print and it looks fabulous!! I will have to try the tutorial:) They look yummy enough to eat!
I hope the monsoons are going well!hehe
xoxox, Miss Ann-Denise
Your dolls are stunning!! Perfect little pieces of art! Best wishes /linnea-maria
If I only had 1/8 of your imagination…..I love your dolls…
These are so lovely and congratulations on your much deserved success. You are an amazing, inspirational artist and blogger. I love visiting.
Amada
Vanessa, these dolls are fantastic…somerset wow, congrats…your work definately deserves to be in there.
How completely gorgeous these girls are! Brilliant creations, as always, dear Vanessa! So happy to see your work recognised yet again in a beautiful publication! You deserve all this and more. xoxox
Beautiful creations, your dolls are stunning!
I love the newspapers dress full of imagination and fantasy!
You have no idea how much I long for one of those dolls. I need a fairy godmother right now.
OMG OMG OMG! I actually was able to buy one! I was SURE they’d all be gone! (Dances gleefully).
beautiful dollies….they are precious!
Found the article….fabulous!!! I am sure I have met your girls while traveling. Just can’t quite place the exact spot. So charming! So polite! I remember nutmeg and cinnamon and allspice was in the air. It so delighted my senses. Lovely memories!!
Hugging you
SueAnn
I’m speechless at your creativity once again! They are just as magical as you Miss V!!!
Denise
Would you some day have time to make a Miss Hortensia Heavenly Hula? I think that would be FABULOUS! oh, the colors! the wisps of grass and flowers! the long long long hair waving in the breezes!
Don’t laugh at me, I’m not kidding!
Your dolls are incredibly lovely. The attention to detail is amazing!!
What a happy bright issue. Jenny Doh is super fantastic, her energy and spirit are contagious. You are always delighted to have a bug planted in your ear to create. Thank you for being My lovely self Miss Jenny!