Hello, Bonjour, Hola! Do come in and visit, won't you?
A week missing from the blogosphere does feel like an eternity doesn't it? I had to take some time to nurse my wee country furry family members to health, catch up on some art work and jump in to a huge project I am working on.
Plus, real world things needed some attention. I was a business woman for 10 years before moving to the country to do art all day. But my work ethic and practical business side girl is still with me constantly. I think her name is Gretta. She likes to show up and whip things into shape from time to time 😉
But most importantly my eldest furry creature needed me (as you know). And so, she had my undivided attention. Lots of indoor rest and a little homemade dog food, and lots and lots of time with her human Mammie and Papa. She is doing so much better, thank heavens. She gave us quite a scare. We are keeping a close eye on her…
While Baby recuperated, I was able to work on little faces belonging to some new gals from The Fairytale Forest…
I am adding some finishing touches to eyes…
And making quite a mess in the studio. All sorts of stuff that isn't supposed to be, is filling wooden trays that will need some organizing after I am done…
I am a wild creator. Things fly up in the air like a mad woman's chemistry lab while I am creating…
And, even though I have lots of space in my studio, I usually like to tuck myself into the little west side nook and make a heap of beautiful mess…
I should say, it is only considered a beautiful mess if you agree that ribbons, and sparkles, and fabrics, and yarn and pretty papers strewn about create beauty 😉
I love glossing kissy lips…
And braiding fuzzy soft hair…
Why do these little faces always melt my heart? Pink elfin kitty kat noses = melt melt melt…
Oh, and before I forget, there will be a bevy of little creatures probably hitting my online shop on Monday. But I will do a blog post prior to listing anything, just to be certain…
Cake-heads have been varnished, and little gals are finishing some last minute primping. It is a long process for me to create these creatures, and getting close to being done is always super exciting!
Shall I tell you what else I have been up to?
I have been perfecting a little caramel recipe for myself, that my friend Laura shared. Actually she shared two recipes. I used the Country Living recipe she posted. But - I cut the vanilla down to a half teaspoon. 4 batches later (1 torched & 2 that I didn't like but Mister Lovee did – and ate) we have achieved a certain bliss…
And then, as if that wasn't already beyond scrumptious - I have followed Laura's guidance and dunked the cooled caramel pieces in dark chocolate and sprinkled them with sea salt.
There really are no words for this stuff. None at all…
Delicious doesn't even come close…
So, with caramel infusing the house, and Baby getting better and better, I found some time to crochet another scarf, this one for myself. But, I love it so much, I almost want to turn it into a throw because it is so long…
Yummy yarn love…
And, I finally gifted the two scarfs I made for my friends…
I decided to pop the scarf (below) that I made for my professor from University, turned long-time family friend, in the mail before it gets too warm. She is amazing, and is a Textile Science chemist and author of a university textile sciences book, plus more. She is part of the group that makes decisions about fabrics that can be used in our society etc. I took 3 of her classes in school as part of my major, and was her teaching assistant my last year in college. She also travels the world. So, with her scarf I used all the colors and textures that remind me of her – colors I see in her home, in the desert and in her worldly collections…
Then I finally gave actress extraordinaire, Miss D, her scarf (below) which incorporates all the colors I have seen her wearing. She says she hasn't taken it off, and that it works beautifully with her wardrobe. Good news indeed!
Sooooooooooo, that's the 411 around here…
Creatures will make their debut on Monday and everything else is fine and dandy. It feels good to be able to report good news. Oh so good…
Anyhow, I best go check on the munchkins and get my weekend started 😉
Happy Weekending to you!!!!
🖤 , V
ps: I will write a blog post Monday before I pop the new dolls and cake-heads and original drawings in my shop…
pss: I have seen some lovely movies lately – Cross Creek was wonderful – a bit about the life of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. She is also the author of The Yearling.
I was mad about Whip It. I just went bonkers over this movie. I LOVED IT! I especially adored Drew Barrymore and Juliette Lewis in it. And of course, Ellen page is wonderful. I Love that Drew was the director. Those gals (Juliette and Drew) are just a couple years older than me, so they have inspired me to strap on my skates and be my own hero…. ;)
Oh and, did you see The September Issue? I adore Grace Coddington, Vogue's creative director. She is crucial to Vogue, and what an eye for beautiful spreads! And I don't dislike Anna Wintour. I think business women with a lot on their plate seem cold, and get a bad rap. But, I like them. I admire their strength. I think you have to have a level of toughness to be in such an industry. Although, Anna did exude a bit of sadness to me in a way…
Anyhow, that is my two cents movie babble ~ off I go…
Wow Vanessa! We’ve had so much catching up to do with you. First and foremost, I am glad your pup is doing well! Give her an extra squeeze from me. All your scarves are very lovely – I love your use of different textures, styles and colors. They just dazzle! Your dollies all look so pretty – can’t wait to see all of them finished. 🙂
Who can resist a movie where a character goes by a moniker like “Babe Ruthless?” Long live roller derby! LOL I adored that movie – and my hubby enjoyed seeing it, although I don’t think he much wanted to go to begin with!
You are just teasing me with those chocolate caramels…they look divine. Yum!
Happy weekend to you! 🙂 Theresa
ZOMG, all the talk about the fleur du sel caramels made me quite unable to focus on anything else in the post! must. go. get.some.
Hello Vanessa, such a happy post. I am so happy to hear your furry babies are both well… and I can hardly wait to see all of your creations in your shop too… your scarfs are beautiful, and the caramels look sooo yummy… xoxo Julie Marie
It is so nice to hear that you and your furry baby girl are doing well (I was getting worried 😉 Your scarves are all just marvelous and those kissy lips do look divine, tee hee! Can’t wait until your shop update & hope you have a wonderful weekend too V.
Jamie 🙂
I’m so glad your fur baby is better! Such a worry when they have problems. I don’t know what looked better ~ the coffee, caramels or the scarves. Loved them all! Can’t wait to see what new things are going in the shop.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Pat
I love reading all of your newsy posts! And it’s my dream to have one of your little Elfin creations…one of these days! They are just the sweetest! Enjoy the weekend! I love that scarf, too! 🖤
I am happy that your doggie is on the mend. Sad to say we lost our fur baby last week. She was 12. Our 4 year old is having a hard time at the moment.
I am so looking forward to seeing what is going in your shop. Apart from knknitting I have no crafty talent.
Clare
Wow, you’ve been a busy little woman!
The caramel dipped in chocolate sounds sooooo good. Caramel is my favorite – I love it hot (over pecan ice cream!) and cooled in squares.Mmmmmm.
The doll face is adorable -and those ARE kissy lips! LOL
I’m afraid we can never create together LOL That pile of stuff would drive me from the room. It might be beautiful, but LOL could never work in it!
Glad the furry one is better! I hate it when the furry kid is down with something!
Have a wonderful weekend
wowowow…
so much to love here
i think i will start
with the dark chocolate covered caramels
and while savoring THAT
i will thank goddess
that all your loving Fur*ball pups
are doing mucho betta.
🙂
listen
those gypsy scarves you are whipping up…
did you tell how you make them?
did i miss that?
humm…
they look crocheted
wide and fat
rather than narrow and long,
with many strips/stripes of various delight,
with fabric and yarns of many sizes
and textures…
well,
all i know is
i am gleeful for the new owners
and i bet they are in 2nd heaven
or 3rd
wearing your art*treasures 🖤🖤🖤
that said,
the REAL Cross Creek is wonderful
and not far from the University of Florida
in Gainesville, FL. 1 1/2 hours
from this computer on which i am now typing.
{{the lake
and surrounding area is like
a southern dream }}
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ last home
was on the beach not 10 minutes
from my back door.
she was an amazing person
who spoke her mind,
loved her independence
and cared deeply about nature.
often she would not take NO
for an answer
and
i have always admired her spunk
and determination.
~~long live independent, spunky woman
who live life on their own terms
and leave behind amazing works~~
🖤🖤🖤
Scrumptious! Scrumptious Scrumptious!…the caramel, the goodies for your shop, the scarfs are all so beautiful!
I am happy to hear Baby is getting better.
And Matty is growing fast! He is a handsome dog.
Looking forward to your Etsy goodies. Your preview photos look ‘to die for!’
Hugs
Teresa
Hello Vanessa,
I really love your scarves…fabulous colours and textures…
Glad to hear that your furry children are all right…
~ Gabriela ~
You are a lover of dogs and of caramel…need I say more…I adore you! Same about me! I’d eat caramel covered anything, well almost! I’m glad things are improving…stay positive! Wonderful blog…I’ve added it to my list of blogs that I’m following!
Dear ms business woman:
I would like to buy squares, ah shares in the chocolate caramel firm.
And purchase some laughs,ah I mean scarves.
You are prolific and zany wild, ms v.
Ps if I were your neighbor I would come visiting with dancing deer cookies in a sweet basket , and I would say, Vanessa, wanna play?
kj
Dearest Vanessa:
You don’t know me…but I found your blog via a few other blogs and the names escape me…but! I LOVE YOUR BLOG AND ART. You inspire my soul. Thank you for your art. It is stunning and beyond words. Truly. I shared your blog on mine cuz I wanted my friends to see your yummy, gorgeous art! They agreed. Happiness your way…xoC
Oh my goodness, Matty is getting so big! I remember when he was just a wee little pup! Hope your baby gets better too 🙂 Such sweethearts, your doggies.
It’s amazing how fast the time goes, days come and go so quickly it’s sometimes hard to keep track of what day it is at all!
xxoxxo
-Krista
P.S. You don’t even know what the images of those caramels does to me..I am the ultimate caramel addict. It looks like you made them to beyond perfection! Oh yummm, you are just all sorts of surprises, Miss V.!
It’s always a pleasure to read your posts and look at your lovely pictures. Your caramel looks yummy! Here, I’m doing “crêpes Suzette”.
I love your colorful scarves, your fibers are gorgeous! And your forest creatures are a dream for me!
I really hope Baby will feel better and better.
Have a nice week end.
Vanessa…
First of all, I’m so happy to hear that Baby is doing better. Your absence left me a bit worried about her.
The scarves are Heavenly. Absolutely filled with confetti love! The receivers of those lovely scarves are truly blessed. And…chocolate covered caramels with salt…oh I dream of salty, chewy sweet stuff. Thanks so much for sharing.
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
I’m glad to hear that all is well with you and the family. I check in everyday and was getting a wee bit concerned.
Seriously, those scarves are gorgeous. They look to be done with such freedom and wild abandon.
~elaine~
The fairies popped into my snow-filled garden and spoke to me of the amazing recovering of your fur babies! I was ever so delighted. I thanked them for their messages and they scurried off so quickly! I don’t blame them, what with the cold weather and snow and all.
We flew, mounted with fairy wings, to Florida…land of the sun! And lo’ and behold we found rain and cloudy skies!! Sigh!
One day was beautiful and I spent that by the pool and lake reading. How divine!
Oh, they also told me of your new additions to your studio…Oh was I excited!!
I will be here bright and early on Monday to await their debut.
Hugging you and a special snuggle to Baby!
SueAnn
Wow, all the things you do , are amazing.
Your art-doll, the kitty-elfe the scarfe.
I am amazed.
I celebrate my first blogaversary, if you like you are welcome to join the giveaway and grab the award.
Have a great weekend
Janine
ohhhh, you have a very lovely blog!!! I am new on blogger. i´m from northern of germany. and we are making our buiding new. i like Friedensreich Hunderwasser an i will make our house in this style. sorry for my bad english.
best wishes
luigi
hi! i’m eleni! your scarf is fantastic! i’m looking forward to seeing the new creatures you’ve made!
please visit my blog too whenever you can!
thank you !
I posted last night and then I think I dreamed about the caramels! Yummy! I have made caramel in the past and my problem has been that it gets too hard…how were you able to keep your caramel soft? Love the dipping it in the chocolate idea w/ salt on top! Sounds heavenly!
I loved this post, good tidings are a grand thing! Creativity, recovery and caramels!!!! Excellent dear one. Love the studio shot with the window and light! My desk has no surface right now, buried in two new projects and paperwork (icky stuff)But, I understand the love of glitter, bits, and ribbons and yes, it is beautiful. There is something amazing about the creative space. I love it when I have just done a cleaning run and I love it while in progress. It is my space. I get such delight when you show us yours because you seem to feel the same and it shows up with joyous light and sparkles. Thanks for this fun! Blessings.
Hi Vanessa,
I missed your last post-so sorry to read that Baby has been ill and so glad she is on the mend. It is so awful when our lovely animals are ill. The rest of the the post was filled with beauty and wonder as always! I love those scarves but have to complain about the caramel. It is so unfair to put that in front of my eyes and for me not to be able to try some RIGHT NOW! However, I am definitely going to make some-so thanks for the recipe. Hope Baby continues to feel ok.
Sarah xx
Those caramels look absolutely divine! You were certainly missed this week, but I am so so happy that Baby is feeling better…sometimes other things are just a bit more important, eh?
what a cute blog! So many beautiful photos, I love the way you put things together.. and the scarves are amazing!
You inspired me and I`ll be back for more!
Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
I really really want that candy!!! Woke up with a super sore throat and a temperature (after sleeping 1,5 hours), shall proceed to have ice cream which I believe will be the second best thing.
So glad to see you back!
Everything looks wonderful. Thank you for sharing your bright spot.
Hugs,
Barbara
Those scarves are DIVINE! Love love love. Le sigh, le swoon.
Ditto on the caramels.
And I’m so glad I have one of your dolls!
Hi Vanessa,
I love your Elfin, and I am so glad that you dog is feeling better. It’s always so scarey when they get ill. Tucked away in your studio is always a great place to be, especially when you emerge with wonderful creations. Can’t wait to see them on Monday.
Happy weekend.
Karen
I’ve been thinking of you and Baby this week, and am soooooo happy to read she’s doing better!
Everything indeed looks yummy, from the caramels to your scarves to your new work (can’t wait to see the update to your Etsy!)
Thanks also for the movie recommendation!! I saw Cross Creek a couple of years ago (wonderful!) and will add “Whip It” to my netflix queue….I have one to share with you too, although I haven’t seen it yet. Right now it’s being screened selectively, mostly at museums and such, but you can also buy the dvd in “house party” form for home screenings. A friend and I are hosting one such event very soon here in PA….Do check out the link if you have a minute, it looks amazing:
http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net/
🖤 Carolee
PS – I giggled just a little at Tristan’s comment, because your studio looks very organized compared to mine (which looks a bit like the art explosion at the moment, teehee!)
Helooooo, back at ya! Yes, real life tends to get in the way of blogland, sadly. But I’m very curious to see your final doll pictures, the little glimpses are tantalizing – they look great!! 🙂
Wish it was warm where I am,though it has been sunny enough to allow me outdoors to get a little gardeing don in preperation for SPRING!! Have a great weekend!!
I am always bee hind on blogging…I a mso glad to hear pup pups are doing good! I also loved Whip It and watched it for the second time just this week! Great movie to “Follow Your Heart”!!!
So glad to hear Baby is on the mend! Looking forward to seeing all the new creations….
I spotted the dark choccie caramels straight away in your first beautiful photo – which shows how my mind works! Salted caramel such a delish combo, but your gorgeous photos are even sweeter. The weather is so gloomy in my world at the moment so your pictures are such a treat. Little pink elvin kitty is too too cute, what lovely creations 🙂
Welcome back! Hope all is going well. Love the picture of the milk being poured, it looks like some fantastic creation of life!
OH! What bliss!!! All your gorgeous dolly darlings, and their rope-ribbon tresses! And all the bows and delights!! Swwoooon! And what’s that your watching there in your lovely little studio tv!?? Delights beyond measure!! 🖤
I am so envious of your craft room! All your photos are soooo charming I keep coming back to look at them again and again! Never stop blogging or you’ll take the fun out of my mornings! Teri xox
mmmmmm caramel! you have me running for a tasty snack now!!!
hello hello miss vanessa! i’m back in blogland. not a conscious decision really, just caught myself missing it and wandering back! i think i’ve found a good “create/blog about it” balance… well we’ll see.
good to hear everyone is back to good health!
xox
Vanessa!! I saw September Issue and I just rented it, so it will be waiting for me at home. LOVED Grace Coddington. I wish she would come over and we’d just make stuff for hours. I know she’d love throwing paint around silk scarves and stuff.
And Whip It? Are you kidding?!? You and I need to have movie night. I loved that movie! It was fun fun fun. You know I have a thing for DB.
But the important thing is the chocolate caramels. dark chocolate and caramel are two of my favorite flavors (lemon, third). Those look amazing.
I’m so happy your babies are well. I look forward to seeing what you have new to show.
XOX