Hi there! I am sooo happy to be back, I can’t even tell you. I had a wonderful holiday, as I hope you did as well. I have sooo much to share, such fun treasures and thoughts. However, I have been waiting to share this little secret for so long that my head might pop off my body. It has to do with one of my favorite magazines ever, Somerset Studio.
In late July of 2007, the paper dress girls were asked if they would like to be featured in an issue of Somerset Studio. I adore Somerset Studio magazine. I remember while attending the University of Arizona (which I later graduated from), other artsy friends and I would pour over the pages between classes, ever so excited & inspired.
In August I shipped off 5 of my creations and did a pretty good job at keeping the whole thing to myself (the girls were slated to be in the January/February 2008 issue). I was not asked to keep it quiet, but I am superstitious that way.
Last week I start getting e-mails from blogging friends who had received their subscriptions. I didn’t have a copy, so the wonderful Kristen sent me some scanned photos, Thank You sweet Kristen!!! Borders finally got their shipment last night, as they were sick of me calling and asking, "Are they there yet?"
I am so pleased with the quality of the girls in the magazine. And I have to say, this issue (as they always are) is pretty spectacular, so I feel extremely blessed to be a part of it.
What you will find in this issue (amongst other wonderful things) is the only public copy of the Marie Zine, a collaboration put together by some of our most admired artists. Details about the Marie Zine, here (scroll up when you get to the link)… Plus, a wonderful story accompanying the creations of Sally Jean Alexander, also see her blog here. Some wonderful green treasures from Kristen Robinson, and a ton more. So, if you can, get a copy, or subscribe! Somerset Studio/ Stampington and Co. are up to so much goodness, it is wonderfully magical sensory overload! Served up in the most perfect way!!
The girls are hanging out, feeling happy…
While I am unpacking and making some sense of the mess in my room + Christmas gifts. Boy, do I have fun tales for you!!! Oh golly!! But I will save them for the next post. Let’s just say, hours and hours of ghost stories & bunnies & ships makes for a magical holiday season!
Now, tell me, how are you? Fill me in!! xxo, Vanessa Valencia
PS: Canvas prints of the girls in Somerset Studio, can be found in my Etsy shop, A Fanciful Twist.
Oh! Congratulations! That’s so wonderful!
I think your paper-dress creations are amazing, they are really exceptionally beautiful.
Enjoy settling back in at home!
Groovy COOL! You rock, sistah! Can i have your autograph??? Whhee hooo! Love and hugs!
Congratulations…I looooove your girls and I am not surprised that Stampington did a feature on them. Well done!!!!! 🙂
I will be going out to get my copy tomorrow.
I look forward to hearing more about your Christmas celebrations.
Vanessa – thats SO wonderful!! its my favourite magazine too and Im a subscriber so I cant wait to get my issue now
your dreamy artwork looks amazing!!!!
Hi Vanessa!
WOW Congrats!!!! 🙂
That is wonderful & your layouts look FAB!
PS: Thanks for your lovely note today too!
Best,
Chris
Oh Vanessa!!!! How exciting and wonderful… and how ever did you keep it to yourself?! I would have been bursting at the seams with excitement!! (Yet, being a wee bit superstitious myself, I can understand waiting! hehe!) I shall have to hop over to Borders and see if I can procure a copy for myself–because I have always drooled over Somerset in the stores, and this is a great excuse to finally buy a copy! Your ladies look so pretty too!
How was your Christmas?! I hope you had loads of fun, and got lots of goodies. 😉 hehe! I’ve been so spoiled this Christmas… and so incredibly blessed too! I am more than ready to settle down for my Long Winter Nap, but the Shoppe has to be updated veeery soon, so no rest for the weary… er… not quite. hehe!
Hope you have a lovely weekend!!!!!!
Miss Vanessa….OH MY!! I do not even know where to begin! First of all, welcome back!!! And then, I have to say I am SO beyond happy for you that your work has been published and is being seen by a gazillion people! And in a magazine that you yourself have admired forever….congratulations!!!! The paper dress girls that were chosen to be in the issue are fantastic, as all of your paper dress girls are, but wow….you did good!!!!! 🙂
I can not wait to get my very own copy, well at least 2 of them, of the magazine! I am so off to Borders in the morning!
Also can’t wait to hear your stories of Christmas ghosts and ships and bunnies when you have the time!
Once again…welcome back!!
GET OUT!!!!! I’m SO glad I placed my order BEFORE this!!!I knew a good thing when I saw it!!!
A BIG congratulations to you,’Dream Girl’ !!!
XO
D.
PS- Is Mr. Lovee still gushing?????
Vanessa! That is such exciting news! I woke up this morning with a nasty sore throat or I would be out the door to Borders right now. I love those paper dress girls! You know I would buy them all if I could. Congratulations to you Sweetie!
I am looking for that mag. How exciting for you!
Oh that is just the freakin grooviest thing! Way to go girl! I am definately buying a copy now. Tonight!
Gotta go to the store now…bye!
xo
Gillian
I am absolutely breathless! I swear each one is more lovely than the last and I am so glad your amazing talent is being recognized. I am so tempted, constantly by your shop! Let’s see, my mom’s b-day is coming, valentine’s what other excuse can I find?! I have got to go find that magazine! Congrats! So glad you had a great holiday, can’t wait to hear stories. Mine was great, we weathered our first without family and it wasn’t bad, I just did the old Scarlet O’hara and refused to think about it too much. We are still playing with new toys at our house, that is the fun of kids you get to play with new toys again(after you buy them the ones you wish you’d had!) Have a great weekend!
i love the reproductions, especially the full page image. i would be proud! this is excellent stuff!
how to subscribe…..
yay for you:) xxx
Congratulations Vanessa!!! How wonderful! I can’t wait to buy my copy. What a wonderful way for you to end/start the year! Yippie!
Oh my goodness….I’m SO EXCITED for you!!! How on earth did you keep this all to yourself!!?? I’m going to the bookstore RIGHT now! Somerset is the best and now that your paper ladies are dancing through the pages…it’s even better!! Congrats to you sweet and deserving Vanessa!
xoxo…jenn
p.s. I wound up parting with my fabulous vase from you (sniff, sniff). It was the hardest thing to do, but I knew my Mom would really love it for Christmas. AND, she totally adores it!! Thank you so much Vanessa!!!
Vanessa, that’s wonderful! Congratulations on such well-deserved media attention. I’m off to find a copy!
e
GASP of joy! How did you keep it all to yourself! Of course those lovely ladies deserve every moment of glory, as do you Vanessa! My heart is bursting with happiness for you. I simply must have a copy of it to treasure!
I am looking forward to a new year of fanciful times and inspiration from one of my favorite girls, that would be YOU. I am delighted beyond words to have found you and will continue to hang on your every post to make me smile and burst with inspiration. You delight and inspire me always.
Love and XOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXO
Melissa
Congratulations! You go girl! I’m running to Barnes and Noble tomorrow early to get my copy. YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Congratulations Vanessa! I love that magazine and can’t wait to get the issue. Everything looks absolutely gorgeous and I love the layout. That is totally stellar!
p.s. Sophia cried for her Santa pic.
Oh Vanessa!!! Congratulations! I just adore seeing my creative friends getting recognized and published…I will run out and get a copy! The Marie Zine was quite spectacular, I was excited to be able to see the real thing when Lisa Hoffman shared it with me.
congrats again to you and the dancing girls!!!
x….x
steph
I bought my copy last night and I just squealed with true delight – I am ever so proud for you and of you! What an honor! You deserve it Darling girl and so much more! (I mentioned it on my blog post this morning too)
I can’t wait to hear all your tales – I am in suspense now! I am so glad you had a joyous holday!
The holidays were VERY quiet here but that’s ok. Been busy, busy in my studio trying to get a body of work ready for my Etsy shop opening.(maybe in a month) So that’s not a bad thing!
I hope to chat soon!
Love and hugs,
Lisa
XOXOXO
What? What? What?? Check you out!!! Your girls look amazing and I am SOOOOO excited for you! I never heard of this magazine before so thank you for introducing me to it. I must track it down now. 🙂
Congratulations, dear! They look wonderful! I like the bird cage girl the best.
Vanessa, I’m so happy for you. I will be getting my copy tomorrow. God bless you.
Oh my gosh, how exciting! I’ll pick up a copy for me too.
Vanessa! That is amazing!
Congratulations, VV!
I like to keep special secrets to myself, too.
What a great issue to be in. Congratulations!
Congrats VV! Oh how lucky Somerset is to have your paper beauties to grace their pages!! Your girls are truly a masterpiece of imagination!
I wholeheartedly share in your joy! Yea!!
Must Celebrate now in your honor!
xox
Constance
It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person! Oh congratulations Vanessa, that is so wonderful. You are an inspiration. Truly you are!
How exciting! I can’t believe you managed to keep this to yourself! You so deserve this, I’m glad you are starting to be recognised for the artist you are x.
Wonderful Vanessa!
I am so proud and happy to be your “far, far away” friend 🙂
OH! How wonderful!!!! Beyond Bliss!! I’m soooooo excited for you!! 🙂 What magic!!! How lovely, indeed!! : )
You are a superstar, My Dear!!! WOW!! 🙂
Hooray! So glad the secret is out! And as I knew they would be – even when you were agonising over those paintings – they are all gorgeous! I will have to order the magazine, as between you and Kristen, the publication is filled with delicious creations! I’m so proud of you! xoxox
How awesome is that!!! I would be bouncing off the walls with excitment!! I’m so happy for you!!!
Congratulations…ooo Marie Zine? I heard from somerset about my shoes but they sell so fast I did not know they want to photograph them in their studio!!?? I am honored that I have been ‘noticed’ Happy New Year..Health,Wealth and Love Blessings Denise Massachusetss
Ohhh…congratulations on the lovely article!! I am so excited for you!! I also can hardly wait to read of your holiday escapades…mine were lovely as well, but I am so happy that they are over.
How VERY cool! Congratulations!!!
WOWEE, You really are going up in the World!, Thanks for asking about my un-eventful Christmas!
Congratulations, Vanessa! My issue came and, without prompting, opened right in the middle to your wonderful concoctions. Hope your New Year is filled with opportunity!
How amazing…you did good, well you always do…I always used to buy this..it got kind of expensive paying more for a mag than a book, so I stoped, Wish I still got it…
Well done you. Have a super duper New Year.
Suzie Sews
YOU GO GIRL ! ! !
CONGRATS !
My dear cousin, I am so proud of you. Your paper girls are exquisite and I will be going to Borders to my copy of the magazine! Count on me getting some prints for my self this year!!! You have such an incredible talent and I’m so excited and happy for you! You are my inspiration! Love you lots Cuz …
My dear, that is so wonderful!!!! You are published in a magazine??? Amazing!!! You are so talented!!
I am going to Chapters soon, and will check out the magazine! Congrats Miss V!!
What am i up to….hmmm…about 4 loads of laundry to fold, making turkey soup and about to watch a Doris Day movie ‘Please don’t eat the daisies’ while i fluff and fold. What an exciting life i lead. 😛
Wow, how wonderful, I must get hold of a copy – it always takes a bit longer for them to get to the UK, but I will pop off to my favourite shop tomorrow to see if it’s there yet, I’m dying to see the article. Well done you! Fabulous!!
well,
why i can believe you
and your special girls
are in this wonderful magazine
i
**cannot**
believe you kept the secret!
😉
how cool is that,
a well-kept secret!
i heard of that once…
i cannot ~WAIT~ for the movie version!
Congratulations on being published in Somerset Studio,I love that magazine.Your art is fantastic and I will be looking forward to getting the print I just purchased from you on etsy.
Glad you finally got a copy!!!!!!!!
Hmmmm….I’ve been thinking that as lovely as the cover is and I love Pam Garrison’s work too..that the girls would have made a delightful cover!!!!!
xoxoxo
Congratulations! I have a few old editions of Sunset Studio that I used to love. Getting them here now is almost impossible as Borders is always sold out before I get there, plus they cost a small fortune!!!! But, I remember it as a lovely, luscious magazine chock-full of inspiration and beautiful images. What an achievement! And what a way to kick off the New Year. Happy, happy new year to you Miss Vanessa! I look forward to sharing the journey of this new year with you through your blog.
Congratulations!! That is soooo exciting!! I have never heard of that magazine before, I’ll have to check it out!
I know we talked already but I have to leave an official comment on here! Okay here goes…I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU 🙂 And for all of us because we know you and all of your fanciful little friends…Knowme…Mr. Lovee…Kristen who isn’t a bandit at all it seems…Adam the wonderful musician and hermano…your Mom with her fake cheesecake (did you have some for Christmas?) and your Daddy who does that grande thing with las fruitas…the Dubudoo sisters…am I leaving out anybody? Life is only gonna get better with you being in print via Somerset!!!!
Congratulations Vanessa. What a wonderful way to ring in your New Year!
Running out to get my copy! You go girl!
Can’t wait to hear your holiday adventures 🙂
Cool beans, girly girl!!! I am off to Barnes and Noble… to take the third magazine from the back of the pile…. you know… that is the one that has not been fondled yet!
Congrats!!!!
xoxoxo
Jill
Vanessa!!! I finally had the time to look at SS on my drive out of town this week…I couldn’t believe it when I saw your stuff in there. I was thinking that I hadn’t seen you mention it. I LOVE those girls and their dresses. Congratulations! I was thrilled to see it…so I know you were ECSTATIC! Happy Dance everyone!!!!
Congratulations on your magical girls! And good on Somerset for recognizing your amazing talent, V.
xo
Congrats!
Your work is truly singularly unique! The layout looks Amazing! Your ladies in their ruffled paper dresses are nothing less than STUNNING!
Happy New Year to you!
Sandra Evertson
I audibly squealed with delight & recognition today in Borders when I saw your ladies in print! How special – never forget from whence you came and know that where you’re yet to go is only higher! Full-circle-life-happenings-baby!!! Happy New Year!
Somerset…YOU ROCK!
Take care!!!
Congrats on Somerset!!! I will have to run out and buy it, love it, love you!!!!!
Vanessa….Superstar!
Not just Vanessa…just Superstar!!!
(hands waving in front of face…)
Congrats! I am getting a copy…will send for autograph!!!!
LOL!!!!!
The girls are my most favorite – so wonderful to see them displayed in such splendor! I don’t know if I can get that magazine here but I sure will try! 🙂
Happy New Year V.V.!
Love,
J.Z.
Congratulations, clever you! They look fabulous – you must be so thrilled! 🙂
Sarah
OH MY! Are you still pinching yourself at this wonderful celebration of your girls?? How awesome! What an honor! I have never seen this magazine but I am heading to my bookstore 2 DAY to get my copy… I love you and I am a silly Sally Jean fan! So I MUST get my copy, no??? Many congrats to you…you are so precious to us and we love seeing the universe bless you! : )
VB
As stated a blog or so ago, I received my copy of the magazine last week and was beyond thrilled at seeing your name and your beautiful art! Well, I just bought two of the girls! I am SO excited. I have a very Victorian house and these ladies will add that wonderful touch of today’s whimsy, for they fit in ANY decor.
Art is what it’s all about! Keep it coming.
Christine
That’s wonderful! Congrats! Very well deserved!
🙂 D
Just stopping by to wish you a very Happy and blessed New Year Vanessa…the way your year has ended I just know there are even bigger things waiting for you in the next!!!
xo
Sherry
I came across your article last night and it is truly spectacular. So happy to see your uniqueness in print. congrats!!
wow! Congratulations on the article! Your girls look gorgeous! You must be proud!! 🙂
And also, have a wonderful New Year!!!
congrads Vanessa! the shots look amazing!!
Have a great New Year!
Ellen
Vanessa congratulations on your publication. You must have realized it was only a matter of time when your quality of work would be given the recognition it deserves.We’ve known it for a long time.
Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year! I can’t wait to pick up my copy of SS.
Susan
Hey Vanessa!
Happiest, Merriest, Cheerful, & FABULOUS wishes on this New Year Eve being sent just 4 U!!!
Best,
Chris 🙂
Congrats, Vanessa! You are well-deserving of the opportunity to appear in “Somerset”. May you and Mr. Lovee have a wonderful New Year.
CONGRATS!!! SWEET GIRLY!!!I LOVE your SWEET art!!!!Your lil blue glitter birdie says TWEET TWEET which means Happy New Year!!! in bird language!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! TO YOU AND YOURS!!!!!!! WOOT! WOOOOOOT! I’ll be banging a pan very SOON!!!tee hee Love and prayers, Cinda
Hi Vanessa! I have to tell you that I just about dropped the mag when I saw your lovely art in it this past weekend!! I immediately recognized your lovely ladies, having spent many days drooling over your Esty shop…WAY to GO! I know you must be SO psyched!
hey miss fancy pants – happy merry wonderful EVERYTHING!
your contribution to somerset is so uniquely fabulous. those paper girls are a real wonder and delight.
looking forward to much more visual love in the new year. you do know how to bring it!
Congrats! What a fabulous start to the year!
How fantastic to be featured in a magazine that inspired you in your student days…must have been a surreal but exciting experience for you. Wishing you many more blessings and love for the new year!
you so deserve all the adulations…may the spirit of a new year fill your home with an abundance of love, laughter, and joy…may the magic of the moment bring peace to your heart all year long…may your creativity take you to amazing places and may you experience the resulting bliss…much love to all of you and your families…rebecca
OH! Miss Vanessa! What a fabulous secret!!! Many, Many, Many Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you! THis is a start of a big year.. I’ve known for awhile now that you’d be famous! Congratulations!!!! WOW!!! 🙂 The girls look so FABULOUS!!
oh! i was hoping to be the first to say congratulations on being in somerset studio! that is my all time favorite magazine and is what started my interest in mixed-media! that is spectacular! congrats and happy new year!
I wonder if this address will work Miss V?
Such congratulations! Well deserved! happy New Year!
Vanessa
Fantastic!!!
If ever an artist was deserving a spread in Somerset…it is you!
Love your blog and your etsy shoppe!
Happy New Year
wowowow wow! Congrats to you and have a very, very happy new year (you are off to a fab start, no?) I am going to pick me up a copy tomorrow! They look AWESOME!!!! And I love the colors too, not to mention all that yum texture!
((((((hugs!!!)))))))
~*~*~sarah
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
to you miss fancy – so exciting – can’t wait to get my copy – I have been internet-less since Sunday – oh my goodness – so happy to be out trotting around again – thank you for letting me know – the pages are beautiful – of course!
xox – eb.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
to you miss fancy – so exciting – can’t wait to get my copy – I have been internet-less since Sunday – oh my goodness – so happy to be out trotting around again – thank you for letting me know – the pages are beautiful – of course!
xox – eb.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
to you miss fancy – so exciting – can’t wait to get my copy – I have been internet-less since Sunday – oh my goodness – so happy to be out trotting around again – thank you for letting me know – the pages are beautiful – of course!
xox – eb.
Wonderful news! How happy I am for you …Queen of pretty things! Bravo, I cannot wait to see the article!
VERY happy to learn these news. I am getting a copy as soon as I can and if it is out because I am a little late with this post, I promise you I will order it special order from them.
Stay always the way you are now, please do not change.
Happy new year and more better than ever!
Lovely, lovely, lovely, Vanessa!! I am so excited for you and am hoping to get a copy for myself as soon as possible!! Congratulations!!
Congratulations! That is such a wonderful beginning to the new year! **off to grab myself a copy of the magazine***
Vanessa! You sweet secret keeper! I will have to rush out and get a copy! I just “caught up” with your Blog- what wonderful Christmas photos- I loved them all! I bet your Mom’s fairy tree is simply delightful! I love your Grandpa’s treasures too! How wonderful! Happy Happy New year and rock on sister!
Congratulations! I cant wait to see the latest edition with your art in it. I love ballet– and love ballet art! This is fantastic news, congrats~
Wouah, c’est sublime, ces petites danseuses, j’aime beaucoup ! Et la mise en scène est séduisante aussi…
A bientôt !
Kisses from France,
Tatieva
how do you do your art? they are inspiring!