When I think of Wonderland, I find that I don't automatically think about Lewis Carroll's Wonderland. It's more like my mind takes bits of his Wonderland, and mixes it with a whole lot of what I personally think Wonderland would be like. Does that happen to you?
As you you may know, The Mad Tea Party has become a regular summer celebration around here. With many of you taking part in the most wonderful, jaw dropping festivities of your own.
(Links to Mad Tea Parties: 2008, 2009 & 2010)
I started the annual Mad Tea Party event, in an attempt to add some sparkle into my own world during the summer of 2008. I am so glad that I did, because I often find myself so inspired when I go back to look at photos. It's almost like, I don't even remember being there myself…
The last tea party was a big blur to me, as you might know. And, I really didn't get to play. However, over the last several months, I have been finding myself lost in some of the images from the event, and have decided to venture back into that fantastical place…
And bring back a little of Wonderland with me.
So, I decided to create some super fun new print sets and Wonderland cards.
Over the summer and into autumn I designed some new Mad Tea Party inspired cards (using party images), that are finally ready to be shared…
I wish you could see these in person. I am really excited about them. They are truly, so pretty to hold and peer into…
Here are 6 new card designs, which are all available in my shop.
In Wonderland, Alice Dreams…
In Wonderland - Drink Me…
In Wonderland – Dollhouse Dreamscapes…
In Wonderland – The Mad Tea Party Tablescape
In Wonderland – Red Velvet Cake
In Wonderland – Magic Cupcake
So, those are the 6 new, In Wonderland cards.
As I eluded to, I also created some print sets, based on some custom orders I did over the last few months. As I printed some of these for a few folks (and was happy with the colors and clarity), I thought, I really should create a fun print set for the shopling. So I did, with holiday pricing too 😉
This is the, In Wonderland – 4 Print Set:
And below, is what I am simply calling –
The Mad Tea Party - 4 Print Set.
In my shop you can see more detailed views, as well as the front and backs of the postcards. I also popped a multi pack of the In Wonderland postcards into the shop as well.
So, as you can tell, I have been immersed in a bit of Wonderland, to say the least 😉
What are some of the images you see in your mind's eye, of your Wonderland, that are not part of Lewis Carroll's descriptions and visions?
I see lots of flutterings in the wind, butterflies and fairies… Twinkles in the skies… You?
I could stay there forever.
🙂
Although, in my real world, I have been playing nurse maid to my beau who caught a light sneeze on his voyage. My sister says she loathes it when I make predictions, because they have an uncanny way of coming true. I think it's just coincidence. Other family members make me take things back all the time, after I say them. I predicted sneezes for Mister Lovee, and forgot to take it back, oopsie.
I have also been baking, cleaning like a banshee, taking vitamins, juicing, swigging apple cider vinegar and going on walks with Matty.
BTW, Matty is walking on a leash, yay yay yay! I tried many times before (from puppy to now), and it was always a disaster. Then one day last week, he did it. Just like that. I have come to believe that there are just some things that puppies can't do. But, they will grow in to doing them, if you try and try again, as they get a bit older. Love and patience is key. Oh and, I explain things to him in detail which helps immensly with his nerves 😉
Life is pretty yumm today.
Did I hear someone say I should take the day off to crochet??? Maybe tomorrow. Yes yes, tomorrow.
Off to put the kettle on…
ps: The Christmas cards arrived last night. I can't wait to share them, hoooray!
pss: Did you hear Antony's version of Crazy in Love? The instruments and his voice are hauntingly beautiful. 2:18 – 3:17, my fave merging of sounds.
psss: Loving watching Coco Rosie on tour via YouTube videos posted from kind folks all around the world… So wonderful!



















This is one of my favorite posts from you! I would be lying if I didnt mention0 BECAUSE OF THOSE shoes! My lovely, where are those enchanting shoes from? They just may be the shoes Ive been looking for for my wedding! ::::fingers crossed:::: they are still available or not from a shoe makers shop down an alley in a small town in provence!
Did you see Coco Rosie when they were here? I didn’t, but I did just see Joanna Newsom and she was perfectly lovely! Her harp is amazing. I love your new wonderland cards, especially the colors (I don’t know how you managed bright and muted at the same time) and am adding them to my list!
Coco Rosie!!! My new fav! Just blogged about them a couple of days ago –
wonderful strangeness – the twin ghosts in my artwork and the twin ghosts in their Lemonade video which I didn’t watch until this week! I first heard the song at an exhibition opening when a girl danced to it and it practically transported me into another world. I’ve been so much calmer than usual. And now that I saw the video and how it relates to my photographs… Meant to be!
P.S. Love your photographs!!
::sigh:: I love your wonderland…more than alice’s…yep, your wonderland is much more beautiful!!! :D:D:D:D
Mmm, yumm indeed…those print sets are wonderful Vanessa!
Jamie 🙂
Lovely prints and cards Vanessa. Your wonderland is so beautiful.
It is funny about what you said about Matty just suddenly wearing the lead. Cassie this week has suddenly taken to sitting on my lap. She has never done that apart from when I very first got her! Clever animals!
x
Oh, Missy!
You were so missed at the last Mad Tea Party. I’m so glad to see you’ve got your Wonderland on…
Congrats on getting Matty adjusted to the leash. I remember dragging Pooch along when he was a wee pup, thinking he’d never get it. He did, eventually.
Love and hugs,
Kate
I was oddly intrigued the last time you shared Coco Rosie so I must click on the link you’ve put in. I love your cards! The colors and images are wonderful. Tea parties – hmmm, petticoats that rustle as you move, shoes that have taps on them and make their tapping noise as you walk; sparkly glitter that floats in the air as you toss your hair; flowers that unfurl as you pass by because they catch your scent. That’s all I can imagine for tonight – my Britcoms start soon on the local PBS channel and I’m off to finish my blog visits! Have a lovely weekend, Vanessa, and I hope Mr. Lovee’s sniffles clear up soon. Mine are from allergies, I think.
So much beauty today, Miss Vanessa! Your cards are scrumptious. They definitely do take you straight to wonderland. I agree – wonderland is filled with magic and stardust and faeries and beauty. The trees sings and the animals dance and speak – there is only happiness and no sadness. The rain is glitter and the sun streams down sparkles. That is wonderland to me.
So sorry Mr. Lovey is not well. I hope he regains his health quite soon. And I am very proud of young Matty – who has now taken to his leash. And is that a toy I spy that he took with him on his adventures. 🙂
I hope you have a magical day crocheting.
xoxo Theresa
PS Thanks for sharing the CocoRosie video!
Hi Vanessa, I want to let you know my Fortune teller sign and the labels and postcards. Thanks again. That spells and incantations sign looks pretty cool also.
Hey are you joining in on the YULE BALL Blog Party on 12/21?
Susan
Your pictures are stunningly beautiful!
By the way, I have 3 CocoRosie CD’s and 1 Antony and the Johnsons CD. I can’t wait to add more to my collection.
Love the cards, and the prints and the shoes.
Wonderland is a very magical place. I picture something southern, with Spanish Moss hanging from the trees, ladies in long dresses waiting for the tea party to begin.
where ooh where can i find those shoes???? the pink ones? with the bows? they are so fantabulous! 🙂 please to do share with us! 😉
blessings
~*~
ps… i love your wonderland it is so very magical…
Wonderland is simply wonderous. Where ever you celebrate wonderland, it is just the right place to be.
I love the new cards…
Beautiful pictures and I LOVE those shoes!!!!!!
Since meeting you fairies have come to play a much larger role in my life.
could you predict something wonderful for my life? Or at least a predictable and boring winter… some snowed in time (with electricity) to get some baking and crafting done? Please?
OH!! I would give a pretty, magical acorn for a fanciful red velvet cupcake!! YUM! Your wonderland pretties are lovely as ever and always, Miss! Happy weekend time!!
OH! and Christmas cards, too!? SUCH fun!!!!
I lost you for the longest time but now have you in my blog roll. I love visiting this wonderful and magical blog you have created. Nan
My first visit to your blog and it put me into your wonderland. So neat and i LOVE YOUR CARDS. WILL BE BACK AGAIN
Vanessa, darling, those cards are amazing! I adore them! XD
Beautiful photographs made into cards and prints, Vanessa! You have such a gift. I empathize with poor Mr. Lovee because I, too, have been sick this week, complete with fever off and on. I hope he is on the mend. I myself am still in the midst!
Funny, we also had leash issues with our dog at one time!
It made me happy when you said that “life is pretty yumm today.” : )
Love the dreamy feel of these pictures.
I don’t think I’ve commented before but I wanted to let you know that I LOVE your new postcards. I’m going to have to pick some up. I think you’ve mentioned that you live in Tucson? I used to live there and dream about the day I can move back.
I love your photography!
I also wanted to say how happy I was when I returned home from work yesterday to find a sweet little package waiting for me. From YOU! I gently opened it as not to harm the contents. As I marveled at all of the wonderful things I came across the most amazing thing. You sent me a canvas of your Skelly Love print. My eyes teared up with happiness. I fell in love with it on your site and now you have given me one of my very own. I will matte it and frame it with love. You are so very generous with your talent and craft. Thank you!
Is it ok for me to photograph all of the wonderful items you sent me and post it on my blog? I want to share your Fanciful Twist with everyone!
Thank you again for such a wonderful parcel!
Until Then,
Wende Scroggins
You really do have the best shoe collection. Really.
SO *magical*
i am actually having a wonderland birthday party….and my house is decorated with terrariums…and large dragonflies…glittered pears…and lots of candy…that is my wonderland…
Ooooh! So sparkly and lovely!
Como estas Vanessa? What wonderful artwork you have made! So talented! I just love all of it!
You are the Queen of the Royal Gypsies, The Enchantress, just The Best of Everything. Love the shots of your shoes and wee feet and your twirly, dancy little frock. You are my JoY!
**blows kisses** Deb
Thanks so much for your amazing vision of wonderland. I look forward to each and every one of your blog entries. I listened to your music of choice… Very easy to get carried away in their music. You would like Michael Thomlinson’s music also. He is on You Tube also. Have a great day…
Moureen
what a fabulous post. I enjoyed every minute of it. I am having a tea swap please drop by and sign up if you are interested. Hugs Sara
http://seaside-diaries-of-a-kimberline.blogspot.com/2010/11/cup-of-tea-swap-update.html
Wonderland cards are fantabulous idea. I am going over there.
Congrats on the Matty coup! I’m so proud of him.