I bet you didn’t even notice that I escaped. I knew that if I left you playing in the magic yellow dollhouse, you wouldn’t even notice, and shazam! It worked!! Where did I go? I got lost through my very own Secret Keyhole…
Oh goodness me, I sure needed to get lots of things done. And, I have to say, if you are with me on the next idea, do let me know. But, was last week the weirdest week or what? In all of last week, lived the weirdest days in the history of weird days. Bizarre, bizarre I tell ya. Throw that in a punch bowl with the realization that I had laundry pouring out of my ears… Couple that with things like finding hidden cups of coffee here and there under mounds and piles of randomness in the studio, making me realize, I needed to escape.
I needed to take care of some of these things, catch up with life… And, in the interim, I did some fun things too. It all started with a trip through the"Mirror on the wall."
So, through the mirror I went, and found a new perspective. I have been itching to share this with you!! As I have this whole new outlook on the topic of piles and piles of magazines…
I am one of those people who keeps magazines for say, one or two treasures I find within that issue. I mark some pages, I even make notes sometimes. Less and less over the last couple years. Now, with again, less and less time, I simply toss the magazine in the faves pile. But, as I was on a HUGE mission to clear out the studio, and get with the program, I all of a sudden lost the need and desire to have piles of magazines everywhere.
I shuffled through pages, doing the things I never allowed myself to do. Literally ripping out the things that caught my eye. I worked quickly. Feverishly. I found pictures of pillows, and colors, and tea pots. Things I just always found interesting. Things I wished I owned… (I even found old drawings I did, stuffed in almost every magazine)
As I was working along, ripping out pages, tossing the rest, I had an epiphony. I thought, even if I owned the items I was covetting, I might not enjoy them as they would be in cupboards and such. And, then I thought, what better way to enjoy the items I don’t own that are in magazines, than by cutting them out, and decoupaging them onto something! Then it would be a little like owning them? Yes, silly but it tickled me. So, I found myself cutting out colors and images, and making a pile… (I even took out pieces of fabric I kept in a box)
I started making a collage… But not just any collage, something I could actually enjoy and see, everyday…
My collage grew and grew, and became more and more exciting for me…
I was tickled that I could use all of these little pieces of paper and fabric treasures…
I fell more in love with each piece I added. That is the beauty of collage. You get to tailor it to those things you love. And, oh my, there is an over abundance of what to choose from in all of our magazines!!
What a simple pleasure, I tell ya…
But, better than that, this whole collage would live in the most charming little place. A place that was intended to be used as a home for the one treat I was going to share today…
On the front of a tiny vintage metal cabinet door lived this new collage… (the picture below is kind of blurry because I was losing daylight) Click on photo for a better, less blurry biew…
You see, on this cabinet, sits a sweet new meeting place, for you and me and faun boy and the rest. It is our very own Patisserie…
Remember this little house? Wee mouse boy was working on it once. It was blue and beat up. So, since he took off with wee mouse girl and they are all happy happy, I decided to turn it into my dream, a Sweets Shop!!
With a seat right in front of a charming little window, just for you!!
So, I say, if you can’t own a real french pastry shop, you might as well, own a miniature?
So, there you have it, living happily on it’s new decoupaged cabinet. I know, I am easily pleased. But, it was so fun, and I encourage you to try it. Put all your fave images on a piece of furniture!! Then you can enjoy them always!!
I also revamped some of my shelves. They so needed to be cleared off, and dusted. And once I did that, I couldn’t just leave them bored…
So, I had this glass box, and in this glass box, I placed a Mad Hatter my mom gave me for Christmas. He is a barbie collection character I think? I have Alice too. So, I thought to myself. Look, I could keep him in his plastic box forever, orrrrrrrrrr, I could display him and make a diorama with him and a part of the packaging insert…
So I did… I used my own table, bird, stumps, fungi, pewter tea-set, moss, and cakes. I think it is wayyy fun. I love it now. And, I can enjoy it. I am on this kick for getting rid of things I don’t need or want, and using the things I enjoy. I mean, why am I saving all this stuff in closets and dark corners? No more, I tell ya, no more…
Knowme was very good at keeping me company and overseeing the whole thing. He loves that he gets to sit on a happy bright shelf now (instead of rolling around the soon to be office).
I had wayyy too much fun cleaning shelves and rearranging. Funny, though, why do rooms feel so much lighter after you dust and vaccum? I love that feeling!!
The other thing I am working on is tidying up my sewing nook, as well as, going through hundreds of bags of "treasures" I bring home. I have some, well, nevermind, I won’t confess how long I have had them sitting around 🙂
The next thing I would like to do is finish this giant painting (I will show you a snippet). It is my gift to my studio. To add a little magic and fun…
You see, before I showed my face in the blogosphere, I did extra large scale modern art for years. Once upon a time I was in interior design, and I also did huge abstract pieces for homes in some of my design work (I still do a bit of that). Also, when I started painting at 13, I started with large scale canvas. So, I guess I am used to that, and I am being drawn back to it a bit. But, I will always do varied sizes. I so enjoy the 12" x 12" and such. It is fun to get into a smaller painting like that…
I have several projects I am working on right now, so I better get back in the studio.
One IMPORTANT thing I wanted to also say. If you happen to make those shamrock brooches I shared with you, please let me know. I will do a Saint Patrick’s day post and list links to everyone who makes their own. I will do that post a day before Saint Patrick’s day. Make sure you e-mail me and let me know in advance (soon). I would loooove to link you!! (Miss Karla already made some)
See you soooooon!! xoxo, V
I love love love the miniture bakery. The collage was a very great idea and it looks so good.
I am absolutely SWOONING over the Patisserie! I adore it! I also love how the cabinet door came out….such a great idea for all those magazines we tend to stack and stack.
I need to vacuum and dust my own studio and also make room and special places for the dolls. After all the work I did in here it’s already in need of rearranging to work better. ack!
You’ve been a busy girl and the results are fabulous!
That Mad Hatter is to die for….you say that was a Barbie thing? I love him!
My inner child is running rampant!
XOXOXOXOXO
I am inspired…I was actually cutting up some magazines this morning while watching “Sunday Morning” I have old kitchen cabinets in my studio that I have been meaning to decorate…now I know what to do.
Your doll house “Patisserie” looks delicious.
Where in the world did you Mother find the Mad Hatter…Barbie product???
Yes, yes, good idea to bring things out to the light…I must do that I have boxes from 2 moves ago…embarrassed to tell you how many years.
I love the brightness of your studio.
Oh Girlie, all is just Delicious! Delicious I tell You!
I particularly Love the collage!
Sandra Evertson
I’m not sure where to look first! Everything is just so wonderful. I love love love the decoupaged cabinet and the Mad Hatter….and of course, the Patisserie! I’ll say it once more….you are amazing!
I’m planning to make some shamrocks this week. I’ll let you know when I get them ready.
Love the Mad Hatter diorama, but I’m biased- I adore hats and I’m somewhat mad. hehe
The patisserie is GORGEOUS! With the little flags it reminds me of a gem of a place I discovered in my local area one day, although yours wins because anything becomes more charming in miniature.
I nearly fell off my chair when I saw the photo with the little red piano in it- I used to have one almost exactly like that when I was a wee young girlie! I recall my parents trying to teach me to play things like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Mary Had A Little Lamb, but much to their dismay I preferred my own more “melodious” compositions. hehehe
you are so full of energy!
i have secretly been wanting to go through all my mags and purge… but i can’t quite do it….
i also had a little piano… i wonder what happened to it… 🙂
I love the Patisserie!! Oh so cute! Now I need one and a collaged cabinet too. Best get to work cutting up my magazines.
I love your collage! You’re really speaking my language now! What a fabulous piece and an even more fabulous idea.
That adorable little patisserie makes me want to shrink down to mouse size and stop by for a sweet treat.
Well my head is whirling with excitement from this visit. I just love your shamrock brooch idea too. What fun!!
Wow, Im in total love. I dont kow what I love more, the cabinet, the lil bakery or the mad hatter! love love love!
I am IMPRESSED! You are some kind of prolific! Spring fever hit you in a big way. I love that you mother knows you well enough to give you a Mad Hatter as a gift instead of new underwear!
Oh I am so glad you are back! I missed you, but I knew you were probably up to something! And it was a something wonderful! I love the pastry shop, especially those wee cakes I know you made in the window! And what a fabulous idea, decopage(sp?)queen! I want to do that too! Of course I just plan want to be you, especially if I could have all that talent. Look at all the fun things you have done lately! Trying such amazing new things! Well done!
Your collage is so beautiful- the colours really sing together. And the patisserie? Genius!
Wow, you were so busy! I love tearing pages out of magazines. After doing it for 10 years now, I have folders and folders full of interesting things. I seperate them into ‘feeling’ and just get one out when I need inspiration.
The doll house is so lovely! I must remember to rescue my own childhood double-story Tudor place from my Dad’s shed.
I have to shrink, I’ve gotta get into the patisserie!
Fabulous idea about the magazines- I have way too stacked on bookshelves and in crates that need to be sorted. As you know, they take up too much space. Love the French patisserie! You have given me an idea for a photo essay. Your collaged chest is inspired. And your studio is looking mahvelous, dahling! Can’t wait to see that studio painting in full bloom. Oh and the Mad Hatter looks quite at home in his charming new space! As always, you inspire us all with your brilliant, creative ideas. xoxox
Collage is my favourite thing too, completely. And what a great idea to liberate all those beautiful images (you must get some great magazines!) and make it so you get to see them every day – I might just follow your lead on a cabinet in my room that is currently looking rather under inspiring…great post
OH!!! What mischief and fun you’ve been getting into!! I would like to order a delicate and elaborate pastry made by your delightful faun boy..I need one just now, with my tea!! 🙂 What a lovely shop, indeed! 😉 Did he go to pastry-making-school in France!?
And you collage, and giant paintings….oh…it’s all too much!! I love it!!
Happy Monday!!
Whee! I missed you! I think, Vanessa, that you might be one of the most creative and whimsical people I have ever run across. The Mad Hatter diorama! The Patisserie! Everything you do! I just love how how you put things together and how you use color.
The collage is soooo cool!
And I love the little house! And basically all your stuff!
What a great idea for the magazine pictures!!! I am absolutely in eye candy heaven with the yellow house!!! Oh, how “sweet”!!!!!~ And the mad hatter, what a joy!!!! Oh, yes, I am going to be glittering my brooch! I’ll send you a pic when i’m done!!!!
take care sweet wonderful gal!!!~
Oh my goodness–I think I am in love. With this project, with your work…everything! This really added delight to my day!
ooo the Patisserie is so precious and perfect! The collage is wonderful – I’ve had a similar project on my to do list for weeks now – just have to get around to actually making the time. I gave out the last of my brooches this weekend – everyone loves them!
Karla
Yep, I have BIG piles of magazines too….and I mean PILES! Great Idea you have!!
Then, I’m thinking, where are all of my coffee mugs??? Yep, under stuff in the studio! Crazy!
Your studio looks so organized and bright and cheery and clean AND I must also jump on this organize your life wagon! Yep, this is going to be the week!
Thanks Miss V for the inspiration!
Hugs to you my kindred spirit!
Michelle
Oh man, did I ever need this post! As soon as my eyes uncross from my new contacts, I’m going to start the ripping! Blessings… Polly
I just love that Mad Hatter setup, brilliant!
well it is that time…spring cleaning! I so know what you mean by things feeling lighter when they are dusted and cleaned. When I have some moments free’d up, that is just what I’m going to do!
Great to see how all your wonderful, fanciful collections look kicked up a notch for spring!
great inspiration…
x…x
Wow! YOu certainly have been busy and it all looks so wonderful!!!
YOur cabinet is gorgeous and the little Pattiserie, SO cute! I want one!
Idea #2,467 of “things I want to make/do/be” lol…
I have grabby hands for the Mad Hatter…I want him. You’re cleaning up and clearing out, huh? Me, too. My new mantra is: Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. I believe the Mad Hatter is BOTH useful and beautiful…so he could come to live with me, ne??
As always, there is inspiration throughout your post. This is the beauty of collage as you said — you make it yours and you include the things you love and what better inspiration than to keep something like this in a place where you can see it and enjoy it all the time — which only adds further inspiration in all you do.
The doll house is looking fab by the way — and creating vignettes and scenes to display beloveds where they are visually accessible is a must. Gorgeous!
you rock!
a sweet shop!
that’s my dream real life store. will you design it for me?
This isn’t a blog…it is an adventure. Every time I stop over here I am enchanted. You are everyone’s creative muse, and I love the idea of using the magazines to collage. I love collage and I own skatey-eight magazines, what a lovely exercise as well. You are right too, as a visual person I wonder sometimes if I would just like to look at the eye candy or do I really have to own another plate? Brilliant! Karen
That is the best idea!! Putting your loved photos onto something you can see everyday. I just LOVE that idea. And good for you for ripping out the pages (even though you and I know that sometimes it feels like we’re ripping out our heart when we let go!!)
D.
How wonderful! and..how brave to rip through magazines, of course that is the clever thing to do because you really can’t see the gorgeous things inside them when they are stacked on your floor/cupboards/underbeds etc. I adore your collage and sweet sweets shop!! I am a big scale canvas painter too but you are sooo versatile to do such tiny scale things too!! Too gorgeous, loved the post, loved the photos, thanks for sharing, be back soon, kiss noises Linda Lilly Cottage.
I love your magazine cutting idea, I have piles of magazines! (I am currently tearing the good parts out and stuffing them into a folder)-I never seem to have the time to stick them down? Adore your blue mirror and the Patisserie, it’s so cute, especially with the tiny bunting + your Mad Hatter diorama is amazing, well done!
Ooooh La La
So very lovely is all that you share.
Love you……..
Fabulous that is YOU
You were missed for sure my dear!!!!! What divinity your studio is. I am adoring the collage my wheels are turning with ideas!!! the brooch is so perfectly amazing I LOVE it! Have alovely day.
XOX
Kristen
Yo quiero una croissant con chocolat, sil vous plait Curiosa!
I love the blue mirror photo the mostest and how you tied ribbons on things 🙂
I have a box of mini things coming up soon, k? Mi madre’s.
LOL on Karen’s comment…
Now I am motivated to go through that stack of magazines. I have too long been out of the rip it out or through it out habit. This blog is so amazing. If I’m feeling a bit out of sorts, I stop here. Many thanks to my daughter, who put me here. I’m off to send your blog addy to a dear friend who is just beginning to collage.
mmmm…. a crème brûlée and a café au lait sound absolutely perfect right now. can I drop by? 🙂
I love your collage dear one!!!
Vanessa, watch your mailbox. I mailed you something I found in an antique store. You might already have one. We’ll see.
Okay..That’s it. I am jumping in the magic Gypsy Caravan…driving West to the desert/dessert. you can collage me in on the corner of the cabinet, just under the Patisserie sign…ha ahahahahhohooh…hellooooFaunBoy….
I may make a few spelling mistakes my dear, since i have a big fat grey cat nestled in my lap and hanging over one arm…a bit of a challenge to type!
Again!!! I missed post 44 by a hair!!! or a hare! hee!
So, I must tell you, dear lady, that it is so ironic about your post about decoupage!! For the past 2 weeks I’ve been snipping out images from a huge pile of magazines i have in the corner of my studio…while watching tv. I have a box that i decoupaged to keep all the images in…should take a photo of.
I’m mad for decoupaging, in fact, i just got a book from the library that is the most awesomeest book on decoupaging EVER!!! You must try to get it from your library…it is called ‘New decoupage” by author Durwin Rice….Durwin!!! Love that name!!! He lives in a big apple…I mean THE big apple, NYC…lol!
So, love the metal cabinet..lovely work!!! I especially love the blue teapot with goldfish!!!
Sorry for the long post!! Hey, I didn’t make one typo!!
Hello my dearest! I snuck away too, but not to clean or create (probably should’ve done that, but next time maybe!) but I whisked my hubby off to the beach for the weekend. Now I am back trying to catch up on all I missed! Love love love your collage! I haven’t made one in years, and it is about high time I get on that again.
Love the candy shop! HOW ADORABLE! Totally love that.
HONK HONK…
Oh, speaking of HONK HONK and furry animals, have you seen the movie Miss Potter? I loved that movie, I think you would too, all her little animals leaping off the page!
hugs bunches,
xo
m
So this is the best post in blogosphere ever. Look at all those colors.. who needs drugs?!!?
Sorry, that was a wierdo comment, but you knew what I meant right? 🙂 I love all the pretty colors and your studio is divine!
Just Divine!!!
I feel like Thimbletack in Spiderwick! ‘Oh my my my, yum yum yum! Oh delicious!’ The patisserie is so yummy I can’t stand it! I have the exact same pile of mags I keep meaning to ‘rip thru’. I plan to do that this week. You’ve inspired me! So can I live in the Patisserie now? I’d like a nice seat right next to a chocolate cake please!
Vanessa
What a wonderful post. I LOVE the collages you did. What eye candy!
I passed on an award to you. Here’s the link:
http://creativerantsfromnerissa.blogspot.com/2008/03/21-day-challenge-day-4.html
Looking forward to seeing everyone’s shamrock pins.
Nerissa
What a yummy post!
Well, it looks as if teeny bird from the small dwellings has put on his party hat and decided to stay! First checkers and now tea with the Mad Hatter? Soon he’ll be scooting off to the new patisserie and then he’ll NEVER leave! Oh dear, I’ll have to do some explaining to Mrs. Bird that this wee one has definitely left the nest for good. Who knew he would turn out to be such a festive fellow? Do remind him to preen himself once in awhile wont you?
Pure brilliance my dear!!! I love covering furniture with collage!! I did a huge dresser for my parents in vintage Mexican postcards…it is the coolest thing:) I can’t even believe how adorable your Pastry shop is!!! You are amazing and toooooo delightful:) xoxoxox…jenn
oooooh and I saw a peek of my houses on your shelf you sweet girl!!!
Vanessa, I would give anything to journey through the looking glass and end up in a world like yours!!! Your make life beautiful!
I have been an avid reader (lurker) of yours for the last few months now, but I haven’t posted a comment before. This latest post of yours tickled my fancy tooooo much not to comment!!
Marisa
what a great idea of how to use the magazine. i collect them all too and keep them in files but this is a much better way to use them and get inspiration from them. you are a creative goddess, thank you!
Good Golly Miss Molly — I mean, Miss Vanessa! This is such a fun post. I do enjoy the whole Mad Hatter thing so much. I am sure he is very pleased to be out of his box and featured so nicely in a diorama. He is after all a very confident guy and likes to be the center of attention. Well, until he’s called in front of the King and Queen of Hearts, but that’s another story…
your collage rocks!!!! its so beautiful Miss V…if we lived closer you would definetely come over and we’d collage together!
love that mirror too and all the gorgeous colours in this post!!!
clever gal….
I have a set of drawers waiting for decoupage, I suffer from the same magazine malaise. They just pile up don’t they? Love the remodel of mousie’s house – everyone needs a neighborhood patisserie.
Hi V~
I LOVE your Patisserie…I have a doll house I started working on about 7 years ago and now it sits in my garage sad and lonely. You have inspired me to get toit and finish! I also love your diorama!! Lovely creating!! Did you make the flags for the Patisserie yourself?
This post was just the bees knees! I’ve never used that term, but I don’t think anything else describes the fun and inspiration included in your words and pictures. Thank you for sharing your creativity 😀