M Ann M

A Realistic Paper City

2012-02-15T12:06:00.005-05:00

Doesn't the picture above look like a real city from long ago? Well it is a city...but it's made of paper!

The city is a scale model of Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, and the model is preserved in the Prague Municipal Museum. The builder was Antonin Langweil, who worked on his model for 11 years, from 1826 to 1837, the year he died. Langweil spent several years meticulously recording details of Prague. He walked every street, making sketches and noting the exact location of buildings, park benches, sheds, statues, and trees. He even included barrels he saw on the ground, broken windows, a ladder leaning against a wall, and piles of wood! Then he started to build his model of paper and a little bit of wood, working to a scale of 1:480. He added street lanterns, gutters, and cobblestones. And he faithfully reproduced churches with their stained-glass windows—including missing or broken panes. In places where the plaster had chipped off houses, his model shows the underlying bricks. He also added the Vltava River, which winds its way through Prague.

Today, Langweil’s paper model is not only an interesting museum artifact but also a magnet for art lovers and for historians who want to see how Prague has changed over time. Measuring 18.9 feet by 10.6 feet, it is sealed in a glass display case and illuminated with numerous tiny lights suspended inside the case. Thanks to modern technology, Langweil’s model has now been digitized, allowing visitors to see the Prague of 1837 in the form of an interactive computer model.

The above information and pictures are from Awake!, February 2012 and http://www.langweil.cz/index_en.php. Please visit these sites for detailed information.

Amazing! Paper Arts

2012-02-10T14:02:00.005-05:00

Every now and again, I visit Folding Trees for a paper-arts-inspiration fix. Needless to say, I leave the website feeling un-worthy of calling myself a paper artist; the nerve of me!

It is amazing what can be done with paper! Here are just a few highlights from the website.

Octopus book by Kaspen, Castle by Peter Callesen and Paper Shoe by David Browning.

Toy Story 3 (inspired) Jack in the box

2012-01-30T20:44:00.005-05:00

A custom order based on the Jack in the Box from Toy Story 3 that says "NEW TOYS!"

Art Doll ~ Elizabeth (Custom Doll)

2012-01-07T16:42:00.003-05:00

Elizabeth is a custom doll created for her namesake. She is dressed in a flirty and fun cotton summer dress with a small flower print. Her dress is complimented with a pair of leather strapped sandals and black sunglasses. Her accessories include an artists easel and stretched canvas. Elizabeth stands about 13" tall.

As always, everything is made of paper. For this doll, I copied the design from an actual dress (worn by the real Elizabeth) and printed it onto paper. To make the paper sturdy I coated it with several layers of sealer. The sunglasses have a clear paper lens and can tuck into her hair to be worn on her head.

The Learning Treehouse

2011-12-17T11:00:00.004-05:00

If I remain a stay at home mom, my entire house will surely be replaced by cardboard. Where there was once a vintage side chair and marble side table, here is another corner of my dining room that is now occupied by a cardboard structure. I created "The Learning Treehouse" so my kids could have a special place to play with their Melissa & Doug educational puzzles, their Alphie Robot and a world map.

Underneath the window, on the inside of the treehouse I placed two cardboard boxes (stuffed with Styrofoam packing peanuts for strength) for the kids to stand on and feel like they're "really high up".

As with "The Reading Castle" I involved my children in the creative process by letting them help me paint the trees and leaves and gluing them on.

On the corner wall inside the treehouse, I taped a world map that I use to teach Delilah and Justin where their favorite cartoon characters live and come from. I also included a picture of the kids so they know where they live in relation to everyone else. You can write the answers on the backs of the pictures.

To make the pictures stay on the wall, I placed tape on the backs so the kids could place them right onto the map where they belong. (Tip: to prevent the tape from ripping the paper of the map I placed the tape onto a piece of clothing first. This makes the tape "less sticky" and not so permanent.) When I get a chance, I'll transfer the whole thing to magnetic sheeting.

Here are some of the cartoon characters I used if you'd like to re-create the same project for your kids or as a gift to one. (BTW: Not sure of all the origins so I guessed at some of them like Dora, who I put in Mexico). I also printed out some polar bears for the North Pole but I'm still missing someone who comes from Canada. Do you know of any?

Ariel - Off the coast of Europe

Belle - France

Bubble Guppies - Atlantic Ocean

Diego - South America

Dora - Mexico

Max and Ruby - Mid West, USA

Mulan - Eastern China

Nemo - The Great Barrier Reef

Olivia - Western, USA

Peppa Pig - England

Feifel - Moscow

Happy Feet - South Pole

Kai Lan - Western China

Lilo and Stitch - Hawaii

Madagascar - this is a hard one

Prince of Egypt - guess?

Simba - Australia

Cupcake Toppers and Slimey Worms

2011-12-11T16:04:00.003-05:00

Last weekends Craft Fair at the New York School for the Deaf came and went without much "hoopla". I sold more than half of my old stock of greeting cards!, so that was good, but I didn't sell much of anything else. It seemed to be the same story for all the other one-of-a-kind artists so I didn't take it personal. I just don't think the crowd was the right audience for our kind of merchandise. But I must admit, the organizers were amazing and it was one of the best vending experiences I've ever had. With that said, if you sell items like greeting cards, felted wallets, knit scarves, ornaments or anything else priced $10-$40, I'd suggest you look into it next year. It's a very small venue but worth the entry fee. Plus they have great raffles every hour with proceeds that go to the school.

Whatever I didn't sell at the show has just been added/replaced on my ETSY shops. This includes some new cupcake toppers at my Watermelon Party Shop, and the last of my Slimey Worms at my M Ann M Creations shop.

Art Doll ~ Amelia

2011-11-27T20:40:00.005-05:00

Never one to pass up a good sale, Amelia, left her house at the crack of dawn on Black Friday to head to the Woodbury Commons Outlets. She was one of the first persons on the (soon to be five hour long!) lines. Twelve exhausting hours later, she was finally headed home. Talk about "shop 'till you drop"!

Amelia comes to you with a few of her purchases including a scarf, an ornamental snowman and a glittered "Dream" banner. Her zippered dark gray coat is lined in a bright green satin and has a light brown fur trimmed hood. Her hand-knit cable sweater is cinched at the waist with a wide orange belt. She wears comfortable black boots and her favorite black pants.

Amelia stands 12 1/2" tall and is made of paper including her body, clothing, hair and accessories. Visit my Art Dolls page for more information on construction.

If you would like to dress in an outfit similar to Amelia's, you can shop at Etsy.com through the following links to 3 different shops: Hooded Coat, Hand-Knit Sweater and Orange Belt. I support handmade!

Amelia and some other new additions to the shop (not posted on Etsy) will be available for sale at next weekends Holiday Craft Fair at the New York School for the Deaf. Stop by if you are in the area as the event promises to have a great selection of activities and shopping!

Cupcake Carousel

2011-11-08T15:21:00.005-05:00

Here is something I've had in the works for a while and I finally completed it. It's been added to my Watermelon Party Etsy page.

This carousel is a cute and fun way to display and serve cupcakes at a children's party or any other festive event. The carousel holds 8-12 cupcakes (depending on their size). It measures about 15"h x 15"w x 40"c and turns very smoothly on an attached lazy-susan. The carousel can also be used to decorate a child's room with plastic zoo animals or other toys and dolls. It will also look great as a display piece in your studio or family room with small picture frames or small collectibles riding on it.

With the exception of the plastic lazy-susan and glass mirrors, the entire carousel is made using sturdy cardboard and paper. The platform has been painted in a faux wood technique with gold dresden accents. The drop rods were wrapped with handmade paper string and painted with gold acrylic paint. The cresting is painted and decorated with dresden, doily's and vintage images of buildings, people and scenery. The center pole is decorated in orange, white and yellow striped paper with rounded glittery red paper borders. There are three dresden edged mirrors around the center pole. The canopy is painted white and blue with a coordinating flag on top. The carousel comes with the five (vintage carousel animal) cupcake toppers shown, including: a bear, giraffe, tiger, lion and zebra.

This carousel was so much fun to make and in hopes of sharing its construction with you, I plan to post a tutorial on how to make it. One thing I wanted to share with you now was a tip on a new product (at least new to me) called Paverpol. Several layers of the transparant Paverpol were applied to the dresden and especially the very fragile doily's. With the help of the Paverpol, the doily's are now very resilient. They are almost like bendable plastic now! Thank you to Sandy Little and Christa Light for sharing this amazing product with me!

Cardboard Castle

2011-11-03T11:10:00.008-04:00

When I was about 5 years old my sister and I had a cardboard Holly Hobbie house. We used to spend hours and hours in it. Eventually, one of the sides broke open. This was okay though, if not better, because when placed up against a wall or chair it doubled the space! I remember once my mom let my friend and I sleep in it all night with some sleeping bags; we felt so adventurous!

With my neck injury, it's kind of hard to go outside with both children by myself, especially in the winter. So needless to say, we're stuck inside the house most of the days. I always feel so bad for my kids and I imagine that they must be bored out of their minds. When I first had the kids I said I would never let their toys take over the house. But in all practicality, I ended up giving in. I try to make their time couped up with me less unbearable by making their surroundings more fun. I turn mattresses & cardboard into slides, tables & chairs into caves and swivel office chairs into merry go rounds.

I was reminded of my Holly Hobbie house when watching an episode of Max and Ruby (on Nick Jr.) who had a homemade cardboard castle. Last winter, I created a similar castle for my children and placed it in a corner of the dining room. To make it extra special, I made it "The Reading Castle". I placed all their books in it (using a diaper box as a shelf) and told them that books were only to be read in the castle. I taught them that books are special and should not be removed from their special place and thrown all over the house. This surprisingly worked! even though they're just 2 and 1 year old. The reading castle is their little hideaway for fun and has motivated them to go off by themselves to read more than before. I do however, have to occasionally squeeze my rear into the door to read with them. They love it! And so do I.

Opposite the castle is a treehouse. (I'll tell you about that one in another post).

Workshop with Vintage by Crystal at Tinsel Trading Company

2011-10-31T16:38:00.007-04:00

I've had so much fun coordinating the workshops at Tinsel Trading Company this year! I've met fabulous art instructors, had the pleasure of working with Marcia and her employees and I made great new acquaintances. To those of you who already registered and took a class, I would like to say THANK YOU!

So here's the good news and the bad news...I'll lay out the bad news first....

Registration is now closed for all workshops. To those of you who didn't get a chance to register, I will have to say, sorry. I am especially sorry because this will, unfortunately, be Tinsel Trading Company's last season offering workshops....But the good news is that you can still visit the shop and witness a great selection of Demonstrations. These will be announced in the near future so stay tuned.

Here are a few pictures from one of my favorite workshops taken at Tinsel Trading Company. This workshop with Crystal Hanehan from Vintage by Crystal, was loads of fun and inspirational. Crystal is an awesome instructor and full of generosity with tips on her art and techniques. Please visit her blog for more photos from the workshop and on what we created.

Here are pictures of what I and fellow student, Cara made. We both creatively made use of "Halloween themed" materials and made them "Un-Halloween". Now they are perfect for display for more than just one month!

Art is...You 2011 Event

2011-10-23T23:37:00.005-04:00

Ellen Legare and Sallianne McCleeland hosted yet another fantastic event at the annual Art is...You Event in Danbury, CT earlier this month. Everyone had a good time making things in their great selection of workshops and we all met new friends and ran into old ones.

One of the many highlights of my whole experience was receiving the gifts from their Ornament Swap where you give 9 and get back 8. Using Dr. Seuss poetry as inspiration, we were to create 9 ornaments; 8 were swapped and the 9th one went towards a wonderful cause for Marlene Haveron and her Honeycomb Cottage Project, ensuring that her foster daughters will be surrounded by art and inspiration.

Here are my nine Cat in the Hat ornament swap mini Hot Air Balloons before shipping them off.

My 8 swapped ornaments in return were so much fun. Thanks for participating too! RoseMarie Davio, Nancy Lefko, Mary Hurlburt, Dianne Quinlan, Angela Huggins, Kathleen Nesi, Collen Peck and Aleta.

I had such fun being a vendor at the Art Trunk this year and I look forward to returning next year again as both a vendor and a student.

Art Doll ~ Marie Antoinette

2011-10-06T11:17:00.006-04:00

Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, was one of the most influential figures in fashion during the 1770s and 1780s, especially when it came to hairstyles.

In the 18th century hairstyles became ludicrously elaborate and complex. Hair was combed, curled, greased with pomade, and dusted with powder. The elevation of these hairstyles could sometimes reach up to three feet! Their own hair was not enough to make such a piece of art so they used the hair of their servants and even the horse’s mane to add length. Cushions or pads were inserted to give height. Decorative objects were often incorporated including flowers, fruit, fabric, feathers and even live birds in cages. The articles placed in the hair were sometimes symbolic, as in the case of the famous engraving depicting a lady wearing a large ship in her hair with masts and sails—called the "Coiffure à l'Indépendance ou le Triomphe de la liberté"—to celebrate naval victory in the American war of independence. To preserve the hair designs intact, women slept with a wooden block under their necks so that their hair was not touched.

Marie Antoinette’s body, hair, clothing and accessories are made using 10 different kinds of paper. Her period costume is complete down to her white pantaloons with blue bow ties and paniers. She wears pink slippers with glistening gold rosette accents. Her underskirts have ruffled hems and the second layer is light pink with a gold trellis design and gold trim. The dark pink dress is trimmed all over with a pink flowered green vine and white pearl centers. Four gold bows adorn her bodice and white lace is tucked into the low neckline and short sleeve ends. A short strand natural pearl necklace compliments her slender neck. Atop her pale gray coiffure sits a ship with masts, sails and flags. Two rare white bird feathers finish her hairdo. She measures about 13 ½” tall up to the top of the boat.

Marie Antoinette is accompanied with coordinating stand (to be placed under her underskirts). She also comes with a self-portrait framed in a 2" square gold painted picture frame which hangs from a black velvet ribbon.

Marie Antoinette will be available for viewing at my vendor table at the Art Is...You event this weekend in Danbury, CT. Please stop by my table if you plan on attending the event to see Marie Antoinette and all my other Art Dolls available for sale. Their beauty and detail does not shine in pictures as much as it does in person.

Art Doll ~ Naomi

2011-09-16T13:57:00.012-04:00

Naomi was sooo excited to score a couple of passes to this year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion week. And she was so proud of the outfit she wore to the event because she practically made it herself! Inspiration struck when Naomi visited the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET last month. She was so taken by one particular outfit at the exhibit that she just had to re-create it for herself!

She made the skirt using some vintage ruffled lace curtains she found in her mother's attic years ago. Sewing the panels on an angle was quite a challenge but in the end it came out perfect! Then, using an inexpensive pair of comfy black boots (and some super strong fabric glue) she added clusters of leather flowers purchased on Etsy. It ended up being way too hot to wear a leather vest (which she's had since 7 years ago!) so she wore a simple black 3/4 sleeve light cotton turtle neck with a black belt. She finished off her outfit with gold circle themed accessories including a gold leather hobo - her only splurge!

Naomi stands 12 14" tall and is made almost completely of paper including her body, clothing, hair and accessories. Her hair is made from dozens of individually painted strands of paper twists. Visit my Art Dolls page for more information on construction.

If you would like to dress in an outfit similar to Naomi's, almost everything can be purchased on ETSY through the following links to 6 different shops.

Leather Flowers on boots , Lace Skirt, 3/4 Sleeve Length Turtle neck, Gold Purse, Gold Bracelets and Gold Earrings. I support handmade!

Naomi is available on ETSY for purchase.

(Background photos from http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/WKummzGaUSp/Lincoln+Center+Prepares+Mercedes+Benz+Fashion/TEmKOCwLYiE and http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/WKummzGaUSp/Lincoln+Center+Prepares+Mercedes+Benz+Fashion/TEmKOCwLYiE)

9/11...My Story

2011-09-11T19:54:00.010-04:00

Almost everyone around the world, especially those of us living in New York City, has their own story about 9/11. So here's a question I've been hearing answered all day - What were you doing on 9/11? In tribute to this tragic anniversary, here's my story...

I was working at a company in 5 Penn Plaza and was commuting there by bus that morning. The bus had just got on the highway when we noticed that there was a fire coming from what appeared to me to be 2-3 floors. The tower must have just been hit because the fire and smoke still looked small. Everyone on the bus was concerned and cell phone calls from passengers to co-workers and friends in the WTC were not being answered.

By the time we came out the tunnel, the second tower had been hit. I got off the bus and like everyone else around me, was looking up and pointing in shock. I remember gazing around and felt like I was frozen in time and like I was in a movie. I recalled a similar scene in the movie King Kong and thought, "this cannot be happening". I felt sick to my stomach and got goosebumps. I don't usually walk around with a camera so to this day, I don't know why it was in my purse. Here is one of my first pictures.

I think I was in denial because I remained calm and walked the rest of the way to work and even got some breakfast. I naively assumed that the sprinklers inside the buildings and the fire department would eventually put out the fires. Who knew that the worst was going to happen?!!!

When I got to my job, there were people looking out the windows facing the buildings, there were people crowded around radios, and then there were people (like me) at their desks trying to wrap up urgent work. I was still in disbelief. The importance and seriousness of what was happening didn't hit me until I spoke to my husband on the phone. He was practically in tears and was begging me to come home. But by that time, all public transportation had been shut down.

There was nothing left to do but look out the window with my co-workers and see the horrific display before us.

Words can barely explain what it's like to witness two tall, two strong, two indestructible, two symbolic buildings collapse like they're made of toy blocks. I'll never forget the way the smoke so quickly flowed into the streets hitting the surrounding buildings; like ocean water running between your toes on the beach. I looked at these pictures today for the first time in a couple of years. But it all feels like it was just yesterday.

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I thought I'd share a short clip of my daughter singing Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys. It was her favorite song to sing when she was just 18 months old. I hope it puts a smile on your face on this depressing day.

Alexander McQueen Inspired Art Doll (in the works)

2011-08-24T23:35:00.005-04:00

Several days before it ended, I was able to visit the Met to see the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibit. The free line was two hours long but worth it (it helped that I went with friends so I was able to get off the line and come back after a while).

Funny story: The guards had the line sectioned off by every 100 people or so. The line moved fairly quickly but with so many people it still took sooooo long. So after anxiously waiting in line for an hour and forty five minutes I was getting excited that the line ahead was so much shorter and that we only had about 15 more minutes to go. The guards moved more people ahead so that we ended up the last in line of the "100-people-group". Since we were last I was confused to suddenly overhear two women behind us complain that "this line is so long!", "I can't even see the end of it!" "How long do you think we'll be here!!!". I turned around and answered their rhetorical question, "The line started way back there!" "It is 2 hours long and you skipped the line!" They looked shocked and embarrassed but didn't move an inch to get back where they belong.

Oh well, I figured the people they skipped could deal with them. Besides, if someone could have saved ME two hours of waiting in line by not ratting on me, I would have greatly appreciated it too. Anyway, the exhibit was truly amazing. And the artists responsible for the props, gallery design and masks did a fantastic job in tying everything together with McQueen's outfits. These three images are pieces that stood out to me most and are inspiration for my next art doll. I will post work-in-progress photos by next month.

Lace layered skirt with wooden prosthetic boots.

This pink dress is scattered with real dried flowers between the layers of fabric and within it's caging. Upon entering this part of the gallery, a scent of fresh flowers greeted you through a ceiling vent.

A silk (?) butterfly hat.

Art Doll ~ Kendra (custom doll)

2011-08-10T15:11:00.002-04:00

Kendra is a custom doll created for her namesake. She is dressed in a funky and fun outfit of a white loose tube dress, a mini black vest, gray stockings and black flats. Her accessories include a gray fedora with red feather, a pink book, and chunky black/gold bracelets. Kendra stands about 13" tall.

As always, everything is made of paper. For this doll I used three different kinds of black papers (fedora band, vest and hair). I usually use this technique to emphasize the difference between the characteristics that make up the doll. The papers differ in hue, texture and weight. And to sometimes make a paper stand out even more, I may choose to alter its' appearance through softening*, wrinkling, painting, glazing, layering or stamping it.

* To soften paper I dampen it with a spray bottle and rub fingers or a wet rag over it very gently and let it dry. Depending on the thickness of the paper and the desired look I want to achieve, I may repeat this 2-3 times. I believe this helps loosen the bond of the paper fibers and creates a more fabric like appearance.

Hot Air Balloon ~ April and TCCE

2011-08-03T16:20:00.004-04:00

This Hot Air Balloon, titled "April", is first in a series of 12 pieces named after and inspired by the calendar months and what they represent to me personally. I interpret the climate, the foliage and the festivities of each month into my design through the colors, the details and structure of the balloon. All 12 pieces will completed by September 2012.

April = spring, birds, flowers, blue, orange, cream, green, pretty, simple, soft curves

This hot air balloon was made using paper mache, paper clay, crepe paper and acrylic paints with fabric covered "button" accents. It comes with a heavy duty clear line and hook to hang from a ceiling. This piece measures 12"h x 7"w.

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As the Workshop and Demo Coordinator for Tinsel Trading Company I get to correspond with and meet amazingly talented artists and instructors working in all kinds of mediums. Their journeys through the art/craft world are inspiring for all artists alike who are pursing to take their own creations down a similar path. The workshops at Tinsel Trading Company are small and intimate allowing you to have one-on-one conversations with the artists and learn from their experiences. I think all aspiring self-employed artists benefit from learning from one another and I encourage that we take the opportunity to do so when we can.

One such inspiring event coming up is the BlogHer Handmade and The Creative Connection Event in St. Paul, MN. And ever so generously, they are offering two free passes plus paid hotel to one winner! I wish we could all attend!

Duckling with a hat

2011-07-29T10:41:00.006-04:00

I was surfing the web the other day researching vintage uses of crepe paper and came across (on ebay) an adorable little duck wearing a green crepe paper hat with flowers. It was so cute and fluffy and so realistic looking. Up until that point I had only looked at the photo so after reading the description, I no longer found the duckling cute...it looked real because it was real. Ewwww. Taxidermy is a fascinating science but I'd prefer to view its subjects in a museum, not in my home wearing an Easter bonnet.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250844502905&category=70969&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_2626wt_1185

Art Doll ~ Alicia (Custom Doll)

2011-07-14T11:29:00.006-04:00

Alicia is a custom doll created for her namesake. She wears a white t-shirt under a teal summer sweater with mother of pearl buttons. Her long black skinny jeans gather at the ankle and she wears leopard print shoes. Her hair is parted on the side and tucked behind one ear showing a diamond earing. She comes with a special bag holding a loose leaf binder and a pencil. Alicia stands about 12" tall. As always, most everything is made of paper.

Cupcake Topper Party Favors and Kits

2011-07-12T21:36:00.003-04:00

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the counter at Tinsel Trading Company to chat and watch me create my Cupcake Toppers. I had such fun and I can't wait to introduce other demos with different instructors in the future.

I had a couple of pictures of my demo but I am more than angry because they disappeared from my camera. Somehow, after recharging the battery, half of my memory card ended up empty. This has never happened before so I am super confused (and super pissed) that it happened now; of all times!! The presentation was really nice and the cupcakes from Crumbs (which I used for props) made my Toppers look great. At the end of the demo I was glad to share the props with the fantastic staff at TTC.

You can now purchase the kits and some finished Toppers on my Etsy page at mannmcreations.etsy.com.

Demo at Tinsel Trading Company

2011-07-06T17:27:00.002-04:00

If you are in the area, please stop by Tinsel Trading Company and say hi while I demonstrate how to make my Cupcake/Nut Cup Topper Party Favor Girls. The party favors will be made using products from the store including their Dresden trim and flowers. Completed projects will be available for sale.

Date: Thursday, July 7, 2011

Time: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Tinsel Trading Company

1 West 37th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)

See you there!

Mad Tea Party 2011

2011-06-25T23:51:00.007-04:00

Thank you for visiting this Mad Tea Blogging Party hosted by a F anciful Twist.

For this event, I created Cupcake Topper Party Favors in the theme of Alice in Wonderland. There is Alice, The Mad Hatter, The March Hare and The Dormouse; all four are made using crepe paper.

My daughter, Delilah and her giraffe and teddy bear friend helped celebrate this Tea Party event while making pretend to eat the (paper) cupcakes with delicious red cherries, M&M's and Kisses.

Thanks again to Vanessa Valencia for inviting everyone to participate!

In honor of this event, for a limited time, my 2010 Mad Tea Party creation a Mad Hatter Marionette is on sale at 40% off!

Art Doll ~ Victoria the Fantastic Wire Walker

2011-06-04T00:05:00.003-04:00

She steps into the spotlight and waves. The crowd oooohs. The crowd aaaahs. Graceful, elegant and poised she carefully places one foot in front of the other onto the highwire. Her full skirt lightly bounces and her glitter slippers shine in the light. With meticulous skill, she balances her umbrella in hand, and slowly makes her way to the other side. The crowds cheer, clap and shout. Victoria bows...

Victoria was inspired by the Fantastic Wire Walker, Princess Victoria who performed in the Sells-Floto Circus c. 1919. She wears a white undergarment top with a pleated dark-orange and blue/aqua corset. Her full pale yellow skirt has a pointed overlay with pom-pom touches. Her black stockings have tiny silver dot details running down the outsides which meet at her gold glittered black slippers. Her brown tissue paper hair is tied up with a coordinating dark-orange paper ribbon. Blue paper rosettes adorn her bodice and hair.

Victoria comes with a balancing umbrella and a display stand/box. Victoria stands 13" tall.

Detailed Construction of Doll:
Victoria is made using paper with a paper clay overlay with a wire armature running throughout her body, hands and feet. The arms, legs and head are movable as they are connected to the body with nut/screw joints. She is painted with professional quality acrylic paints and sealed with a matte sealer. Her clothes, hair and umbrella are made entirely of paper. The clothing is not removable. She does not stand on her own. She can sit halfway. She is signed and dated on the back of her left leg under her skirt.

I had alot of fun making this doll. The idea of her was floating in my mind for several months but I wanted to make sure I executed the final project perfectly. I tried different hairstyles, papers and makeup applications before settling on what you see here. As always, I had a great time shopping for different papers to use. The great German crepe paper used for her skirt was purchased from Castle in the Air and the pretty blue paper roses were purchased from Tinsel Trading Company.

The box, which was intended to be just a plain ol' display case, ended up being an art project in itself. So much so that I love it even on its own. The background circus images were purchased from Gallery Cat on ETSY. The box measures 16"h x 9 1/4" w x 5" and was made using cardboard and various scrapbook papers then painted with acrylic paints of red & white stripes. There are two tabs that are used to support the standing Victoria when placed under her arms.

If you would like to dress in a costume similar to Victoria's, almost everything can be purchased on ETSY through the following links to different shops: Full Skirt, Corset, Chemise and Stockings. I support handmade!

Art Doll ~ Work in Progress... Tightrope Walker

2011-05-31T23:52:00.002-04:00

I've been super busy managing the workshops for Tinsel Trading Company so I'm a bit behind on my Art Dolls. Nonetheless, I squeezed in a couple of minutes everyday this month to work on my next doll. She is my interpretation of a Vintage Tightrope Walker costumed in bright eye catching clothing; which, of course, is made entirely of paper. She will come with a "stage" display box instead of a usual stand. I should have her done by this week.

Here are some work in progress photos, an illustration of her from my journal and images of costume inspiration.

Workshops at Tinsel Trading Company!

2011-04-30T22:32:00.001-04:00

Hello Readers!

I am so pleased to announce that my favorite store in New York City, Tinsel Trading Company is offering workshops again starting this month!
I actually have the privilege to be working closely with the store owner, Marcia Ceppos, and helping her coordinate the workshops. I will try my best to bring you the best instructors with the best projects that will include the fabulous products you have come to know from Tinsel Trading Company.
Please visit the blog at www.tinseltradingcompanyworkshops.blogspot.com to see the workshop offerings. And if you don't know about Tinsel Trading Company, you must visit the store in person. Or you can always visit their website at www.tinseltrading.com. Like a friend of mine said, "I have never seen/heard of Tinsel Trading company but it looks like Disney World from the website!"
If you would like to be considered as an instructor at Tinsel Trading Company or if you know of anyone who might be interested, please send me an email at tinseltradingworkshops@gmail.com with the information.

Thanks!
Melanie Ann Mercado

The Princess and the Pea

2011-04-12T08:45:00.001-04:00

The Princess and the Pea

by

Hans Christian Andersen

(1835)

NCE upon a time there was a prince who wanted to marry a princess; but she would have to be a real princess. He travelled all over the world to find one, but nowhere could he get what he wanted. There were princesses enough, but it was difficult to find out whether they were real ones. There was always something about them that was not as it should be. So he came home again and was sad, for he would have liked very much to have a real princess.

One evening a terrible storm came on; there was thunder and lightning, and the rain poured down in torrents. Suddenly a knocking was heard at the city gate, and the old king went to open it.

It was a princess standing out there in front of the gate. But, good gracious! what a sight the rain and the wind had made her look. The water ran down from her hair and clothes; it ran down into the toes of her shoes and out again at the heels. And yet she said that she was a real princess.

“Well, we’ll soon find that out,” thought the old queen. But she said nothing, went into the bed-room, took all the bedding off the bedstead, and laid a pea on the bottom; then she took twenty mattresses and laid them on the pea, and then twenty eider-down beds on top of the mattresses.

On this the princess had to lie all night. In the morning she was asked how she had slept.

“Oh, very badly!” said she. “I have scarcely closed my eyes all night. Heaven only knows what was in the bed, but I was lying on something hard, so that I am black and blue all over my body. It’s horrible!”

Now they knew that she was a real princess because she had felt the pea right through the twenty mattresses and the twenty eider-down beds.

Nobody but a real princess could be as sensitive as that.

So the prince took her for his wife, for now he knew that he had a real princess; and the pea was put in the museum, where it may still be seen, if no one has stolen it.

There, that is a true story.

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The Princess and the Pea is my entry for the Story Book Characters Doll Challenge at Cloth and Clay Dolls.

The doll is made using paper mache and paper clay over a wire armature. Her hips, knees and shoulders are movable with wire joints. Her nightgown with removable robe and hair are made of paper. She measures about 9" tall.

The bed is made using cardboard and painted with acrylic paints for a mahogany finish. The headboard and foot board have flowery "carvings". The 20 mattresses are made using cardboard and they are wrapped in 20 irremovable "quilts" that are simply decorative scrapbook papers. Her top quilt and pillows are made using delicate paper laces stuffed with thick tissue. The bed measures approximately 11 1/2"L x 7 3/4"W x 11 3/4"H. The ladder is made of cardboard and the pea is made of paper clay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Credits: Story and bedroom castle

Inspiration From a Shower Door

2011-04-05T16:36:00.000-04:00

When was the last time you went cloud watching? How about shower door watching?

When I was taking a shower the other day, I drifted off into LaLa land while enjoying the hot water on my aching neck. Then I realized there was the shape of a womans face in the shower door scum; (I also realized that, wow! it's been a while since I last cleaned.) I took a picture of it before the steam evaporized. Maybe she'll be the face of my next art doll?....

So the next time your husband/mom asks, "When are you going to get off that damned internet and finally clean the bathtub!" You can respond with an inarguable speech like I do and say, "I couldn't possibly! My art projects depend on shower door scum inspiration!...."

Art Doll ~ Ilia

2011-03-22T07:19:00.002-04:00

Every now and then I find myself apologizing, "Sorry, I don't speak spanish". I am what they call a "third generation" puerto rican. My grandmother, who speaks a little bit of English, moved from PR to New York before my mom was born. My mom is bilingual but isn't sure of every spanish word. When I was little my mom says I refused to learn spanish but that since no one else around us spoke spanish, she didn't force it. Now, we both regret it. This was especially an issue for me when I worked as a bank teller fifteen years ago. The spanish speaking customers would stand in line to wait just for me only to turn away in anger. Some even decided not to do business with the bank at all, leaving in disgust. I felt terrible. So again, 'Sorry, no habla espanol".

Even though I don't speak spanish, I am proud of my puerto rican heritage and culture. The island of Puerto Rico is a great tourist destination because of it's year round warm weather, historical landmarks, white sand beaches, good food and friendly people. If you ever get a chance to visit PR you must plan to see one of the bio-luminescent bays. (PR has three of only five in the world!) One of the well known locations is off of Vieques. At night you can see the water magically light up and glow. It's like the evening forest scene in the film Avatar. This rare and remarkable phenomenon is caused by millions of super super tiny luminescent half plant/half animal organisms that light up when disturbed by movement.* I always leave the waters amazed at the wonders of Creation.

This next doll I have created pays homage to the lovely Puerto Rico and it's fascinating waters. She is named after my grandmother, Ilia.

Ilia stands 12" tall in a traditional Puerto Rican dress. The bottom of her skirt is layered with white, red and blue papers accented with two yellow stripes. Her waist is tied with a long yellow sash and the top of her blouse has several layers of lace. Her hair is tied back in a bun with a red carnation tucked in. She has an under-slip trimmed with lace trim which reaches to her black mary jane shoes. She comes with her custom stand, a Puerto Rico magnet and a glass jar filled with bay water, seaweed and two seashells from Vieques.**

Here are some details about the dolls...
The dolls are made using paper mache with a paper clay overlay. They have a wire armature running throughout their bodies including their hands and feet. The arms, legs and head are movable as they are connected to the body with nut/screw joints. They are painted with professional quality acrylic paints and sealed with a matte sealer. Their clothes, hair, accessories and accompanying "gifts" are made entirely of paper (ie; paper mache, paper clay, cardboard, mulberry paper, paper tape, etc.) (unless otherwise noted) or they are painted on. The clothing is not removable. Dolls are signed and dated on their bottoms which may be hidden by their clothes. Each doll is about 12" tall and comes with her own coordinating cardboard stand.

Care and use of dolls...

Since these are art dolls, they are not made for children. Especially due to the fragile nature of paper, they are to be handled very carefully. Imperfections in construction and execution may be visible and should be expected since they are handmade. They should not be placed in direct sunlight or in humid environments. They should not be held by the arms or legs but by the waist or the behind. The dolls can sit and be posed with careful and delicate attention to their clothing and hair. They should not be forced to sit or move if there is resistance as this could cause a crack in the paper clay or a tear in the paper. Keep clean with a dry cloth, paint brush, duster or dust it off with a cool hair dryer every now and then. Please note that the more they are played with, the less resilient they become. (Excuse me if I sound overly cautious; the dolls are sturdily made so with proper care they should last over a lifetime.)

* Information on the waters of Vieques: http://www.biobay.com/

Puerto Rico Tourism: http://welcome.topuertorico.org/city/vieques.shtml

** The magnet is commercially made of resin. The jar and its contents are not made of paper.

Inspiration for outfit: http://www.life.com/image/50918874

Crepe Paper Surprise Balls

2011-03-04T15:07:00.002-05:00

For my bridal shower, 11 years ago, I wanted to make sure the guests had a good time. My family arranged the venue, food, music and decorations but I contributed the games. (Yes, it felt a little uncouth to help plan my own party...) We played 'Don't Say or Do', 'Tissue Paper Wedding Dress' and 'Shopping List'. But my favorite game was 'Musical Surprise Balls'. For that game I wrapped a wearable item around alot of newspaper and crepe paper. The guests had to pass/toss the ball around to music and when the music stopped, the person holding the ball got to unwrap it until the music started again. When the ball was finally unwrapped, that person had to wear the surprise item. This was hilarious because while some of the gifts were very nice (silk scarfs, jewelery and hair pins) other gifts were a hoot; shower caps, fake noses, bras and thick glasses. It was even funny when my aunt had to wear a hair pin prize. The hair pin was beautiful but since she had just gotten a haircut (a very very short haircut), she looked ridiculous. Thank goodness everyone had a sense of humor and kept their prizes on the rest of the night.

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I was reminded of the experience above when I recently re-discovered two paper artists from California. Their names are Anandamayi Arnold and Aimee Baldwin. They make the most wonderful, realistic flowers, plants, birds, food and small animals from crepe paper. And Anandamayi makes such perfect surprise balls it must be hard to decide to open them up. Oh well, you can't have your cake and eat it too.

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You can also purchase already made surprise balls online at stores like topsmalibu.com and surpriseballs.com.

OWOH Event Winners!

2011-02-18T13:49:00.001-05:00

Congrats! to numbers 27 - Vintiquities Workshop and 191 - E Makes Art.

Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by my blog and left a message. And what a nice surprise from A Whimsical Bohemian! I hope to see you again at next year's new event!

Art Doll ~ Susan

2011-02-18T00:44:00.000-05:00

I didn't plan on it working out this way but this doll's face ended up reminding me of a dear friend whom I've lost touch with a couple of years ago. Even her outfit looks like something she would wear. Here is Susan.

Susan stands 11 1/2" high in a dark orange and burgundy print dress with a soft "knit" short sleeve sweater. She also has a pretty gold necklace and two gold bracelets. She comes to you with a classic jester jack in the box.

Art Doll ~ Kathleen

2011-02-18T00:35:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite movies inspired this doll. I named her Kathleen after the character played by Meg Ryan in "You've Got Mail". Her outfit is based on the best scene in the movie. It is in the ending when NY152 reveals himself to be Joe Fox (Tom Hanks); the very person she once hated but eventually came to fall in love with.

Kathleen stands 11 3/4" high in a caribbean blue pinch pleated dress and a summery shear sweater. She comes to you with her laptop ready to send her next AOL email and a small bunch of daisies wrapped in a red bow.

Art Doll ~ Lesia

2011-02-16T23:05:00.002-05:00

So many things inspire my art work; films, paintings, books, clothing and lately even children's cartoons (probably because that's all I get a chance to watch nowadays). But my mind goes crazy with ideas when I walk into the clothing and home accessory store, Anthropologie. Their website description is right on point with how I feel when I visit their stores, "Anthropologie offers a one-of-a-kind and compelling shopping experience that makes women feel beautiful, hopeful and connected." Getting their catalog mailed to my home is a nice "quick fixe" for when I can't make it to the mall. One photo in the catalog struck my attention in particular. Here is the photo and the doll it inspired me to make. I named her, "Lesia".

Lesia stands 12 1/4" high in a long teal dress with lime accents, a pair of summery espadrilles, and a colorful scarf decorates her beautiful dark brown hair twists. She comes to you with a cherry wood box in which she holds her five gold bracelets.

New from M Ann M - Art Dolls

2011-02-15T23:23:00.002-05:00

~ 2011 marks my 10th year in business. Through those years I have experimented with so many art mediums and I have probably purchased items from every isle in the craft store. For the past several years I have fallen in love with and stuck to paper arts. I started with greeting cards, then paper mache jack in the boxes, then paper mache hot air balloons and now I am introducing my one of a kind art dolls. Since time is still hard to come by, I can only make one or two dolls a month; but for this week I will offer four dolls. Below is the first doll whom I named "Paris". ~

Paris stands about 12" high with striped shirt, pleated skirt and red neck scarf. She sports thigh high fish nets and tall black boots with silver buckle accents. Hair long brown hair can be worn with or without her accompanying baret. She also comes with a camera that she carries on her shoulder or around her neck.

Tomorrow night (Wednesday, February 16) I will post another doll and then another on Thursday and Friday. On Friday night they will all be available for purchase on Etsy for up to $175

Here are some details about the dolls...
The dolls are made using paper mache with a paper clay overlay. They have a wire armature running throughout their bodies including their hands and feet. The arms, legs and head are movable as they are connected to the body with nut/screw joints. They are painted with professional quality acrylic paints and sealed with a matte sealer. Their clothes, hair, accessories and accompanying "gifts" are made entirely of paper (ie; paper mache, paper clay, cardboard, mulberry paper, paper tape, etc.) (unless otherwise noted) or they are painted on. The clothing is not removable. Dolls are signed and dated on their bottoms which may be hidden by their clothes. Each doll is about 12" tall and comes with her own coordinating cardboard stand.

Care and use of dolls...

2011 One World One Heart Event

2011-01-30T01:21:00.006-05:00

The 2011 One World One Heart Event hosted by A Whimsical Bohemian is finally here!

OWOH was created by Lisa Swifka as a 'giveaway event to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way'. Click here for more information on the event and for a list of other participants.

Thank you all for the first 100 kind comments! I love reading them and I'm having so much fun visiting your blogs in return. To celebrate the first 100 comments, I am adding a second giveaway option. If I reach 200 comments, I will add another!

Giveaway #1 ~

The first giveaway prize I am offering for this event is an Expressive Paper Doll Kit using a color of your choice.

The kit includes an instruction sheet, template and basic supplies that will help you make a charming paper doll using different collage techniques and items you may already have at home. You will end up with your own unique version based on my pattern for a poseable 8 1/2" paper doll.

Giveaway #2 ~

The second giveaway prize I am offering are two vintage publications. 'The Country of Aunis and Saintonge' was printed in 1926 in French and is full of black and white prints on uncut paper. 'Coronet' printed in 1938 is one of only 18 issues and is full of black and white photography and color prints. This will be great to use in your mixed media art or to actually read for a bit of historical reference.

To win one of these giveaways, all you need to do is leave a comment (on this post only) by February 17th. Sadly, this is Lisa's last year hosting the event. I, like many other veteran participants will surely miss this annual event. Any comment left on this blog will qualify as an entry but, with this in mind, please feel free to share your knowledge of similar blog events, challenges or "parties" that I and other readers may be interested in.

The winners will be chosen (using an online random number generator ) and announced on my blog on February 18th.

Little Lamb Jack in the Box * Plus* UP HAB and Website Header

2010-12-30T12:59:00.005-05:00

Little Lamb Jack in the Box

Baby had a little lamb

It's fleece was white as snow

It hid within a little box

and jumped out to and fro

The one of a kind Little Lamb JITB is made using paper mache, paper clay, acrylic paints, ribbons, buttons, a coating of natural beeswax and a print of my "Little Lamb" painting on the front of the box. This JITB also plays the tune "Schuberts Lullaby". Box measures about 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" closed. The original one of a kind painting measures 8x10". This is not a toy for children. Now available on Etsy.

UP Hot Air Balloon

This Hot Air Balloon was inspired by the movie "Up" by Pixar. It is one of my favorite cartoons with a wonderful story about an elderly man who goes on an adventure in his helium balloon floating house. I had originally created this balloon last year with small plastic balloons. I decided to stick to my forte and replace the plastic balloons with hundreds of little paper ones. I should have done this in the first place as I like it much better the way it is now. The little house is made of cardboard, paper mache and paper clay with colorful acrylic paints and a gel medium coat. It is attached to the balloon through the chimney with cotton strings. Also included is a removable banner that reads "Go On An Adventure". The balloon is a paper mache base covered with almost 600 1 inch paper balloons. The entire piece measures about 8"w x 17"h. This is a one of a kind piece of art. Due to its handmade nature it is to be handled with care and it is not intended as a toy for children. Now available on Etsy.

Website Header

I have been dreaming of an animated header for my website for the longest but I've had no time whatsoever to create it myself and my neck hurts like crazy after sitting at a computer for long (thanks to a previous injury). So I commissioned kooldesignmaker.com to create the header for me. I worked with Mike who went above and beyond what I expected. The price was reasonable, communication was great and turnaround was quick. Go to my webpage to see it in action at www.mannm.net. My daughter loves waving back to the paper doll.

Top Hat Derby Hop

2010-12-03T23:47:00.004-05:00

I had alot of fun making this hat for Lemoncholys Top Hat Derby Hop. I'm such a sucker for creative blog hop parties.

The hat and its decorations are made almost entirely of paper including cardboard and mulberry papers. Pretty artist papers were layered and trimmed into fancy feathers. Vintage bouillon trim lays on top of the light blue paper ribbon while vintage white gelatin souffle puffs were made into flowers and tucked into empty spaces. German glass glitter stars and a sparkly felted bird were added for fun. And, finally, silver glitter swirls were painted to the side and rim of the hat for yet another special touch.

Slimey the Worm

2010-11-25T14:54:00.004-05:00

Two years ago I blogged about a Slimey Worm that I made (read the original post here) and I've gotten so many emails from fans about it since.

As promised, I'm finally making a few of them available for sale. I had alot of fun making them and will put them on Etsy as time allows.

Here is a work in progress photo. One evening, after working on "slimeys" all day, I had a nightmare that there were a bunch of worms crawling on my ceiling over my bed while I was sleeping. The worms were all "Slimey" in his pre-paint stage so they looked like nasty white maggots. It was a terrifying dream but I was laughing when I woke up.

Here is a video of a Slimey I made attached to rods to maneuver as a puppet.

Wedding Cutout Card

2010-10-18T16:13:00.005-04:00

I think the best gifts to give (and receive) are personalized ones; especially the ones that are handmade. For my wedding I received a knit throw and a photo album. Neither were my style or taste but I thought that it was so nice for someone to put thought into presenting a one-of-a-kind gift just for me. Ten years later both gifts are still special to me whereas towels, sheets and other registered items, although gratefully received, eventually went into the "been there seen that" corner of my mind.

For my sister-in-laws wedding gift, I wanted her to receive something special too. Even if it should eventually end up in a drawer or shoe box I know it will be something to treasure for years to come. Here are photos of the personalized card I made for her along with a nice picture frame to present it in. I also made a mini replica of her bouquet with paper flowers.

I hope you like my work! If you would like to give such a card to a loved one yourself, I am again accepting custom orders via Etsy.

Mad Hatter Marionette

2010-07-17T19:18:00.001-04:00

So, why is a raven like a writing desk?

Originally the riddle had no answer, but Carroll made one up later. Many readers have invented their own answers ever since, including the most famous "because Poe wrote on both", and my personal favorite "because there's a B in both and an N in neither".

In a new preface that Carroll wrote for the 1896 edition of Alice, he gave what he considered to be the best answer to the Mad Hatter's riddle. This is what he wrote: "Enquiries have been so often addressed to me, as to whether any answer to the Hatter’s Riddle can be imagined, that I may as well put on record here what seems to me to be a fairly appropriate answer, viz: "Because it can produce a few notes, tho they are very flat; and it is nevar put with the wrong end in front!" This, however, is merely an afterthought; the Riddle as originally invented, had no answer at all. "Note the spelling of "never" as "nevar" (discovered by Denis Crutch). Carroll intended to spell "raven" backwards. The word was corrected to "never" in all later printings, perhaps by an editor who thought he had found a printer's error. Because Carroll died soon after this "correction" had destroyed the ingenuity of his answer, the original spelling was never restored. Whether Carroll was aware of the damage done to his clever answer is not known.

The Mad Hatter has a card on his hat which says '10/6'. What does it mean?

The card is a price tag in 'old' English money: pounds, shillings and pennies, which was then written as l/s/d. Lewis Carroll has explained the meaning of the tag in his Nursery Alice: The Hatter used to carry about hats to sell: and even the one that he's got on his head is meant to be sold. You see it's got its price marked on it - a "10" and a "6" - that means "ten shillings and sixpence." Ten shillings and six pennies (expressed in conversation as "Ten-and-Six") was quite a large sum in the mid-1800's. Chris Somerville emailed me and amplificated: The actual amount was significant also. Professional people (doctors, lawyers, architects etc) all charged fees, not in pounds but in guinneas. One guinnea was one pound plus one shilling. And while pounds were the currency of trade, guinneas were the currency of the professions. We used to have a gold coin called, and valued at a guinnea, and a smaller gold coin, a half guinnea, valued at ten and six (10/6). The pound, however was merely a paper note, as was the half-pound or ten shillings. So the hat worn by the Mad Hatter was priced at half-a-guinnea, signifying its superior style.

These and other fun facts can be found at Lenny's Alice in Wonderland site from which they were quoted.

The Mad Hatter Marionette has been made available for sale on Etsy.

The Marionette was inspired by those made at Castle in the Air by Ullabenulla.

Tea Party Fun

2010-06-29T16:23:00.000-04:00

~

Everyone finally made it for the Mad Hatter's tea party today. Although the Mad Hatter was late, thanks to his watch, again. He made the mistake of setting his watch to July O'clock instead of June O'clock.

But once the hatter arrived they had a grand time eating delicious chocolate with coconut frosting cake and green and lemon teas.

The Dormouse admired the Hatters hat so much and he wished he had a hat to wear of his own. No worries! The hatter made him a hat in two seconds flat (never mind it was a teapot lid). But my! He did look dashing!

They ended the party with a long game of cards and promised to meet again next year whenever their gracious host Vanessa, of A Fanciful Twist announces the date.

The Mad Hatter is a marionette made out of wood, paper clay and paper. He will be available for sale on Etsy later this month.

>

Special thanks to...
"Alice" was made by Christine Crocker and the "Dormouse" was made by Jennifer Murphy. If you love art dolls and great photography please visit Christine Alvarado of Du Buh Du Designs; her work is inspiration for my own.

Mad Hatter's Tea Party Postponed, Postponed, etc.

2010-06-28T17:32:00.000-04:00

Well getting this tea party on the way has been a mad experience indeed. We were all supposed to meet for tea on Saturday, June 26 but the Hatter lost his watch so he forgot to wake up that morning. The tea party was postponed for the next day. When he finally woke up the next day and got ready to start tea the Dormouse called to say he got stuck in a teapot again and couldn't make it all the way. The tea party was postponed for today. When the table was all set this morning Alice called to say she fell down another rabbit hole and couldn't find her way out. So, needless to say, the party is postponed till tomorrow, Tuesday, June 29. Please stop by again and let's hope there are no more mad experiences.

Mad Tea Party 2010

2010-06-07T00:02:00.000-04:00

A Fanciful Twist is hosting The 3rd Annual Mad Tea Party this month. This is a virtual event where tea party participants will blog hop, on June 26, 2010 to see dozens of Mad Tea Party posts.

Visit my blog on the 26th to see a unique M Ann M creation made just for the occasion!

Art Is...Wikedly Good. The East Coast Art Retreat

2010-04-30T21:33:00.000-04:00

On October 7-12, 2010, "Art is...You" will celebrate its 4th anniversary under the theme of ART IS....WICKEDLY GOOD. I am pleased to announce that I will be teaching 2 classes this year on the 7th and 8th. "A Jack In A Box" will be taught on Thursday and "Hot Air Balloon Wiz Style" will be taught on Friday.

Please visit the Art Is...You website for more information and to register for my classes.

Family Painting Update and Art for Sale

2010-03-14T23:19:00.000-04:00

When my daughter was born 17 months ago I made a painting called I Don't Want to Live on the Moon. It is based on one of my favorite Sesame Street songs (I submitted a post about it last year January). The main character in the painting is inspired by my childhood dog, Buster, who has long ago passed away but still remains in my heart. I wish he were still alive so my children could get to know such a loving creature.

Before and after...

The original painting included representations of just myself, my husband and my daughter. But since the birth of my son, Justin James, 3 months ago, I have added him to the painting. I have also updated the lyrics of the song so that they're typed instead of handwritten (I hate my handwriting). I asked my son what he thought of the painting and this was the face he made in reply - I think he likes it.

Along with this post, I also just wanted to let my readers know that I've listed some great artwork for sale on EBAY at great prices. All of the art is original and one of a kind by fantastic artists in the folk art industry including Jennifer Murphy and Lisa Kaus.

All of the pieces are in great condition but I just can't keep them anymore. With every child I have, my studio space gets smaller and smaller. I went from a room dedicated just for my work to a room shared with storage/guests and finally, to a desk in the corner of the play room - oh well - having children makes you realize priorites and the real importance of life. So stop by my Ebay listings when you get a chance! It would be a shame for these beautiful pieces to be shut up in an attic from now on!

Mermaid Castle Lamp

2010-03-14T13:44:00.000-04:00

~

About a year ago I made a trip to California to visit family and for some sightseeing fun. While there, I prescheduled to take an art workshop at Castle in the Air. The instructor, John McRae is an exceptionally creative artist who continues to offer some of the best classes I've ever seen.

In the workshop I took, we created beautiful Mermaid Castle Lamps. This class was an exciting experience and I came away with this very special piece of art. The castle measures 16"h x 11"w and it's being offered for sale on my Etsy site at wwwmannmnet.etsy.com. (There is a similar one listed for sale on the store's website made by the instructor. It is substantially larger and both are soooo pretty in person). The light of the lamp shines through two windows of the castle.

The Mermaid Castle Lamp is also my Paper Mache Artisans Etsy Team 6th Webshow Challenge submission. Twenty five percent of the proceeds from this sale will be donated to the Red Cross relief effort for Haiti if purchased within the 2010 year.

2010 OWOH Giveaway Winner! ~ A HAB Story ~ Part IV

2010-02-15T23:56:00.001-05:00

And the winner of my 2010 One World One Heart Giveaway is...

Heidi from ON, Canada

An original hardcover copy of my short novel will be on its way to Heidi from My Hiding Place in Cyberspace (picked by random number generator #20). Thank you to all who left comments and some excellent reading suggestions. To Heidi, I look forward to reading Suzanne's Diary. Other than Jane Austen, my favorite romance novel writer is Catherine Cookson. If you get a chance, pick up one of her books; especially The Wingless Bird, The Black Velvet Gown and The Gilyvors.

A big THANK YOU to Lisa at the Whimsical Bohemian for hosting an even bigger One World One Heart event.

And without further delay, here is the fourth and final part of my short story, Susan's Flight.

At exactly a quarter past midnight that night, Susan tiptoed through the front doors of the barn. She was so anxious all day that she didn’t even think to change her outfit from earlier that day.

“De Rozier?... De Rozier?” But there was no reply. She looked around the barn which was only lit by the moonlight coming through the cracks of the wood. There was no sign of De Rozier – or the balloon. Disappointed and somewhat afraid of being alone, Susan started to make her way out of the barn.

“Psst!...Susan!” She heard De Rozier call her. He was standing in the back doorway of the barn as he was motioning for her to come to him. She ran over to him delighted that she was not abandoned. As she exited the door she gasped at what she saw before her. The Aerostat Reveillon!

There it was right before her eyes! It was slowly rising as it was being inflated by several men. Before she knew it the balloon was quietly floating above her, fully expanded! There were six men each holding ropes down preventing it from lifting it off.

“Hurry, there’s not much time!” exclaimed De Rozier “Get in the basket!”.

“Pardon me?!!” cried Susan. “What was it that you said Mr. De Rozier?!”

“My dear Susan, please, call me Pilatre. My love; I give you the gift of being the first woman in flight. It’s okay; I have tested it out myself. It is quite safe, trust me. Such a beautiful and wonderful creature as you is deserving of no less honor. Please, my dear, join me in the basket whilst we explore the skies if for just a few moments. Alone. Together.”

Susan couldn’t move. She was in shock. Not only by the thought of going into the sky in the contraption but also by De Rozier’s expression of love. She felt as if she were to faint. She quickly took her smelling salts out of her green purse to prevent such from happening.

She looked at the balloon, then at De Rozier, then back at the balloon.

De Rozier gently held Susan’s face in both hands and said, “My love, will you join me?”

Susan began to melt at his gaze and said, “My love, Pilatre, I couldn’t think of anything more wonderful in the world.”

Pilatre helped Susan into the basket and then climbed in himself. Four of the six men let go of their ropes and they gently lifted off. To make sure they stayed over the general expanse of her father’s acreage, the two remaining men strongly held onto their ropes.

Susan and Pilatre floated up to about 100 feet in the air. It wasn’t as high as the balloon was capable of going but it was more than high enough for Susan. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Everything below her kept getting smaller and smaller. It seemed to get colder the higher they went and she was glad she had her shawl with her. Pilatre also noticed the drop in temperature and draped his jacket around Susan’s shoulders.

“My love, Susan. I opened my own physics museum several years ago and I provide demonstrations to nobles. I am successful in my field and the Montgolfier’s have asked for my further participation with their invention. They have even given me the Aerostat Reveillon for further studies! Perhaps I will improve on their design and invent my own flying envelope one day! What I’m trying to say, my dear, is that I can promise that you will live in comfort and want for absolutely nothing the day you become my wife.”

Susan couldn’t breath. Was it a combination of being so high in the air and of shock? Susan almost collapsed. Pilatre held Susan tight in his arms as they retreated to the floor of the basket where they sat and stretched out their legs in each other’s embrace. Before they knew it, the flight was over and they felt the basket lightly hit ground.

“It is time to go my love.” With the help of his men, Pilatre climbed out of the basket.

Once safely out, Pilatre held out his hands to help Susan and then quickly took his hands back. “Wait,” Pilatre said teasingly. “You never gave me an answer. Will you marry me?”

“Yes.” Susan laughed. “With all my heart.” “Yes”.

Susan and Pilatre walked away hand in hand with the balloon behind them glowing in the midnight sky.

THE END

2010 OWOH Giveaway ~ A HAB Story ~ Part III

2010-02-09T23:55:00.000-05:00

More pictures and details about Susan, the main character in my short story and my giveaway, "Susan's Flight"....

This 6 inch figure, named Susan for my story, was made by Miss Clara. I sent Miss Clara historical artwork depicting the clothing style of the 1700's for her to base Susan's outfit on and she interpreted it head on. She made her exactly as I wanted.

Miss Clara is an extremely talented artist who makes small delicate figures out of paper and reworks their photos into stunning dreamy scenes. Her work is one of my favorites and I truly admire her talent. Please visit her blog at http://www.lescarnetsdemissclara.blogspot.com/

Here are photos of the two small figures (Susan and De Rozier) I made out of modeling clay to fit inside the balloon's basket. They measure about an inch and a half tall.

Here is Chapter III of "Susan's Flight"

Panorama of Versailles 1715

There was a huge crowd at the great courtyard of the Chateau de Versailles the following morning. The demonstration was to take place before the public and before King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. De Rozier and Susan met at the fountain as planned but only for a brief moment as De Rozier had to assist with the preparations. Before De Rozier departed, he whispered in Susan’s ear, “If all goes well with the flight, meet me at the barn of your father at a quarter past midnight tonight. I have something to give you!” And off he went.

The balloon was set up on a huge wooden dais covered with canvas made especially for the occasion. The process of inflating the envelope began at about one in the afternoon. To inflate it, they burned a combination of straw, chopped wool and dried horse manure underneath the balloon. As the straw burned it released heat that helped the balloon float. The wool and manure made lots of smoke and helped keep the burning flame low, which lessened the risk of the balloon catching fire. Once the balloon took shape the lines holding it were cut and it immediately rose, lifting skyward the three animals. Susan was astounded and the crowd roared. The flight lasted approximately eight minutes, covered two miles, and obtained an altitude of about 1,500 feet. The craft landed safely in the woods after flying. The flight was a success!

Since all went well with the flight, Susan anticipated meeting with De Rozier that night. The balloon was scheduled to be returned to her father’s barn for storage before sunset. Was De Rozier going to help her get a glimpse of it up close?! She was thrilled at the thought!

2010 OWOH Giveaway ~ A HAB Story ~ Part II

2010-02-02T23:19:00.000-05:00

The Hot Air Balloon I created for my short story, "Susan's Flight" was made based on several drawings of the first flight in 1783. I wanted it to be similar in design and color to stay as close as possible to the original.

The balloon was made using paper pulp, paper mache, paper clay, mulberry paper, cardboard, acrylic paints, vintage tassels, sealing wax and gel medium. It hangs from a heavy duty clear line and measures about 10" tall and 8" wide.

Next week I will post Chapter III of the short story along with more information and pictures of the paper figure I had commissioned just for this story.

Here is Chapter II of "Susan's Flight"

The pre-celebration ball was full of beautiful gowns, delicious foods and punch. Everyone from several towns over came early to celebrate the Montgolfier’s unveiling of the Aerostat Reveillon the next day. After all, this was the most important invention of the century! Dignitaries, lords and noblemen had come to witness history in the making. Susan was proud to be on the guest list through the affiliation with her father but she had to occasionally remind herself to stay humble; as only a proper lady should. She was just thinking of such when she noticed a man grinning and staring at her from across the room. How daring! And now the bold creature was making his way toward her! She gasped at the thought of his approach and turned away to escape to the boudoir. As it was so crowded in the dancing hall she didn’t get far before she felt a touch to her arm.

Flinching, she turned around to see the bold man smiling the same grin. Up close she could see that he was pleasantly handsome and fairly young; perhaps in his middle twenties.

“Good evening, my lady”, the bold man said as he bowed and took her hand.
“My name is Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier. I believe you are the daughter of the American investor, Mr. Dyer?”

“Miss Susan Dyer…I am pleased to meet you” said Susan shyly while curtsying. Susan suddenly remembered a conversation she overheard father having with the Montgolfier brothers about the man, de Rozier. She remembered most of the conversation because the men seemed so proud to admit their acquaintance with such a fellow.

Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier was born in Metz, an important town on the border of France. His interests in the chemistry of drugs had been awakened in the military hospital of Metz. He made his way to Paris at the age of 18, then taught physics and chemistry at the Academy in Reims, which brought him to the attention of Monsieur, the comte d’Artois, brother of King Louis XVI. De Rozier returned to Paris, where he was put in charge of Monsieur’s cabinet of natural history and made a valet de chambre to Monsieur’s wife, Madame, which brought him his ennobled name, Pilâtre de Rozier. He opened his own museum in the Marais quarter of Paris on 11 December 1781, where he undertook experiments in physics, and provided demonstrations to nobles. He researched the new field of gases and invented a respirator.

Coming back quickly from her recollections, Susan returned to her conversation with de Rozier. “Yes”, my father was holding the Montgolfier balloon until it was transported to the storage houses at the royal palace here in Versailles.”

“Indeed, and incidently, I believe you almost got to see the balloon last night in your father’s barn…?”

Susan gasped and turned bright red from blushing. So it wasn’t the horse that startled her! It was this man who must have been spying on her just as she was spying on the secret balloon.

“Don’t worry; your secret is safe with me,” De Rozier said and he eased her nerves with a wink and a smile. Changing the subject, De Rozier proceeded to explain his involvement with the balloon and what he knew about tomorrow’s flight.

It so happens that De Rozier was present at the first public demonstration of a balloon by the Montgolfier brothers at Annonay and he was now assisting the brothers in the Versailles flight. The king was concerned about the effects of flight into the upper atmosphere on living creatures. It was De Rozier who suggested that the first living beings be a sheep, a duck and a rooster. The sheep was believed to have a reasonable approximation of human physiology. The duck was expected to be unharmed by being lifted aloft. It was included as a control for effects created by the aircraft rather than altitude. The rooster was included as a further control as it was a bird that did not fly at high altitudes.

Susan became comfortable listening to De Rozier as he continued to explain the scientific factors in creating such a balloon. His voice was calming and he reminded her of her father.

Remembering her curiosity concerning the makeup of the balloon, Susan asked De Rozier what the balloon looked like and what it was made of.

“The balloon is constructed of taffeta coated with a varnish of alum (which has fireproofing properties). It is sky blue and has golden flourishes and other decorations.
It is designed in collaboration with the wallpaper manufacturer, Reveillon. It measures 37,500 cubic feet. It’s actually quite taller than this building we’re standing in.”

“Oh I can’t wait to see it! It sounds absolutely stunning!”, cried Susan.

“Yes, indeed it is, but not as stunning as you, my lady”, said De Rozier. Susan blushed for the second time that evening.

Susan and De Rozier enjoyed the rest of the night in each other’s company. Susan learned about his family, his childhood and his dreams of becoming successful in his field. Susan told De Rozier about her own life and about growing up in the Americas before she came to France. They got to know eachother very well and Susan already began to miss him as the night came to an end. They talked, laughed and danced until it was time to go home. They bid each other goodnight and promised to meet by the large fountain at tomorrows unveiling.

2010 One World One Heart Giveaway ~ A HAB Story

2010-01-26T23:58:00.000-05:00

A day late...but after a couple of gliches, this post is to announce my latest project and my 2010 One World One Heart (OWOH) Giveaway.

I would like to present "Susan's Flight". It is a short story I wrote based on true recorded accounts on one of the first ever hot air balloon flights. The story revolves around a flight on September 19, 1783 with the first living beings in a hot air balloon. The characters in the story are all real but the stories are made up. Every week I will post one of four chapters of the story along with more details and pictures of the project.

Here is Chapter I ...

Susan's Flight - Chapter I

Susan fled the barn so fast that she almost forgot her shawl behind the haystacks from which she was hiding. A noise startled her to her senses and she made her escape before she even got a chance to look under the large tarp. She realized later that it was probably just her father’s horse looking for a midnight snack. She didn’t mean any harm. She was just trying to get a glimpse of the famous Montgolfier balloon. Her father was an eager American investor who had his sights set on the discovery of the first manned flight. Just think of it! A vessel that would lift a human being up to the skies among the birds and the clouds.

One year ago, Mr. Dyer moved his wife and daughter, Susan, to France to grow his investment business. Mr. Dyer followed his good friend and colleague, Mr. Hellmann, who wanted to invest in a new type of spread for meats and cheeses. Their plan was to bring it back to the America’s and grow it into a huge empire. In the meantime, Mr. Dyer got word of two bothers, Joseph and Jacques Montgolfier who successfully defied gravity by floating a globe shaped balloon into the air. Mr. Dyer, never one to miss an investment opportunity, sent a letter to the brothers offering his services and to help coordinate a public demonstration to be held near their home in Versailles. The brothers agreed and now the Aerostat Reveillon was being held in the Dyer barn until the unveiling two days from now.

Susan was always curious as a child, getting herself into trouble poking around corners and trying to listen in on private adult conversations. Even now, as a young adult, her curiosity hasn’t waned. She simply can’t wait so long as another day to see at least a piece of the new vessel. She vowed to try again the next day. In the meantime, she will have to keep her mind preoccupied with other matters. For instance, what will she wear to the pre-celebration ball tomorrow night!? She hurried her pace to get home before the servants woke. She must get at least a little sleep as the day ahead promised to be full of preparation for the weeks’ celebrations.

The OWOH giveaway is a handbound hardcover original copy of the short story, "Susan's Flight". You can enter to win my giveaway by leaving a comment on this post only. Any comment qualifies as an entry, but this year I would like you to share your favorite romance novel. Is it Pride and Prejudiced, The Notebook, etc.?....If you don't have a favorite romance novel then share what your favorite book is.

Check back next week for Chapter II and for more information on the paper mache Hot Air Balloon and the paper figure made just for this story.

Thanks for reading!

2010 One World One Heart Event

2009-12-09T20:31:00.001-05:00

The 2010 One World One Heart Event hosted by A Whimsical Bohemian is finally here!

I have been waiting for this event to announce my semi-retirement which may last a year or more. With a growing family and other obligations it has been very hard to keep up with special order requests and creating new art. After this 2010 OWOH event, I will only create new pieces for sale through the Paper Mache Artisans Web show challenges which is four times a year and through future OWOH events.

With that being said, I am creating a very special piece of art for you. Part of this project will be a giveaway during this One World One Heart Event. So....here are the details.....On January 25th 2010, I will post my giveaway to this blog. Further details will be given in that post about winning the giveaway. This year's event ends February 15th and the winner will be announced on that day.

So please come back on January 25th to see what you can win!

"UP" Hot Air Balloon and House - Go On An Adventure

2009-11-26T17:05:00.000-05:00

"Go On An Adventure" is my submission for the 5th Paper Mache Artisans Webshow. The theme was "Family Movies". The Hot Air Balloon was inspired by the movie "Up" by Disney-Pixar. It is one of my favorite animated films. - A young Carl Fredrickson meets a young adventure spirited girl named Ellie. They both dream of going to a Lost Land in South America. 70 years later, Ellie has died. Carl remembers the promise he made to her. Then, when he inadvertently hits a construction worker, he is forced to go to a retirement home. But before they can take him, he and his house fly away. However he has a stowaway aboard. An 8 year old boy named Russell, whose trying to get an assisting the elderly badge. Together, they embark in an adventure, where they encounter talking dogs, an evil villain and a rare bird named Kevin. Written by Garfield2710

The balloon is a paper mache base covered with dozens and dozens of 1" plastic balloons. The little house is made of cardboard, paper mache and paper clay with colorful acrylic paints and a gel medium coat. The entire piece measures about 9"w x 18"h and hangs from clear heavy duty line.

Also included is a removable banner that reads "Go On An Adventure" and a wearable one-of-a-kind handmade bottle cap pin; like the one Ellie gave to Carl when they were children.

In doing research for the design and colors of the house I came across two websites; the modelmaker.net and Paper-Replika.com have real nice models that can be downloaded for free.

Hot Air Balloon Decals

2009-10-20T13:05:00.000-04:00

How great would these Hot Air Balloon Decals look as a backdrop behind one of my papermache HAB's?!!
I found them on Etsy.com being sold by swampworx. They have alot of other great photos of more Decals that can be placed around your home or studio office at http://events.adelphi.edu/news/2008/20080523a.php

Tile Inspired Hot Air Balloon

2009-09-21T19:23:00.000-04:00

As I posted a while ago, I wanted to recreate a vintage HAB that I've seen on some ceramic tiles. So here is a long awaited finished project...my "Tile Inpired HAB".

It is made using papermache, embroidery floss, handmade paper (for sash) and cardstock for the fan circles. I didn't make the netting from scratch but to the first person to guess what I used, I'll offer you 15% off the price if you want to purchase it! Send your guess to me at mannminc@hotmail.com

Dormouse Jack in the Box

2009-06-27T20:37:00.000-04:00

~

"Twinkle, twinkle, little bat!
How I wonder what you're at!"

You know the song, perhaps?'
`I've heard something like it,' said Alice.

`It goes on, you know,' the Hatter continued, `in this way:--

"Up above the world you fly,
Like a tea-tray in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle--"'

Here the Dormouse shook itself, and began singing in its sleep `Twinkle, twinkle, twinkle, twinkle--' and went on so long that they had to pinch it to make it stop.

A paperclay dormouse sleeps in his papermache/chipboard teapot at the tea party in Wonderland with Alice. Box measures a real teapot size at 6 1/2"h x 9 3/4"w. Mouse measures 4" tall.

"...the Dormouse fell asleep instantly, and neither of the others took the least notice of her (Alice) going, though she looked back once or twice, half hoping that they would call after her: the last time she saw them, they were trying to put the Dormouse into the teapot."

Join my "Dormouse Jack in the Box" at The Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party by viewing all of today's postings on the blogs from the Mad Tea Partiers!

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A Tea Party! A Mad Tea Party!

2009-06-23T18:24:00.000-04:00

A Fanciful Twist has invited fellow bloggers to her Mad Tea Party on June 27. Check back here on Saturday to meet my Mad Tea Party attendee.

Masquerade Jack in the Box

2009-05-23T00:45:00.000-04:00

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Here is my submission for the 3rd Paper Mache Artisans (PMA)Web Challenge. It is similar to one I made before except this is my first JITB where the "jack" is removable.

A paper mache Monkey JITB inspired by the one found in Phantom of the Opera. The box has a wind-up musical movement that plays, Masquerade. The box closed measures 7 1/2"h x 5 3/4w. The removable monkey is 10 1/2" tall and holds real mini cymbals. Box coated with a light layer of beeswax. Go to my Etsy to purchase www.wwwmannmnet.etsy.com

Phantom of the Opera script:
Ladies and gentlemen,
A paper-mache musical box
in the shape of a barrel organ.
Attachedd, the figure of a monkey
in Persian robes, playing the cymbals.
This item, discovered in the vaults of the theatre,
still in working order, ladies and gentlemen.
Showing here.
May I commence at fifteen francs?
Fifteen, thank you.
Yes, twenty from you, sir, thank you very much.
Madame Giry, twenty-five, thank you, Madame
Twenty-five I am bid.
Do I hear thirty?
Thirty. And thirty-five?
Selling at thirty francs, then.
Thirty once, thirty twice.
Sold, for thirty francs to the Vicomte de Chagny.
Thank you sir.
A collector's piece indeed...
every detail exactly as she said...
Will you still play, when all the rest of us are dead...

Jack in the Box Work in Progress

2009-05-18T17:22:00.000-04:00

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Just a sneak peek at what I'm submitting in reply to the upcoming Paper Mache Artisans Etsy Team Challenge on May 22nd.

Especially if you're a fan of paper mache, be sure to check the PMA Website on May 22nd starting at 8 p.m. Eastern Time to see what members have made in response to the challenge, "Broadway Plays".

Fifth Grade Hot Air Balloon

2009-04-30T08:37:00.000-04:00

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I called this "Fifth Grade HAB" because it is covered with pages from a 1923 Speller. The pages from the 5th grade section are showing through a light coat of pastel colored acrylic paints. Distress inks were used to make it look timeworn and vintage. It is covered with a protective coating of beeswax for added dimension.
It hangs from a heavy duty clear line and measures about 7"w x 13"h.

I placed a picture of my daughter in the basket for fun. It is not attached and does not come with the balloon. Put a picture of your own family members; they would love to go for the ride! It is for sale on my Etsy page at wwwmannmnet.etsy.com.

Custom Orders and New Hot Air Balloon Designs

2009-04-07T17:30:00.000-04:00

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These last couple of weeks have been real busy for me. I'm so tired. And there doesn't seem to be any sign of it letting up. Between out of town guests, work, family, religion and art - I'm pooped. With that said, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that I'm going to have to stop accepting custom orders for a while. The good news is that I'll then have time to work on some new balloon designs I've had on my mind for some months now. I can't wait to get started! Here are couple of inspiring HAB art tiles that are a hint of what's to come.

Jack in the Box Giveaway! - Las Vegas Burke in the Box

2009-02-25T23:47:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago, a new restaurant called "Burke in the Box" opened up at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. The chef of the restaurant decorated with a whimsical Jack-in-the-box theme and purchased a few of my boxes to include in the decorating.

Another trip to Las Vegas for my husband and I is in the works but in the meantime, I am aching to see what David Burke's restaurant looks like and whether or not my Jack in the Boxes are indeed on display. So here's how you can get a chance to win a one of a kind Jack in the Box made by me:

If you (or someone you know) is flying in or out of Las Vegas McCarran Airport, please stop by the Burke in the Box restaurant. Take a couple of pictures with your camera or cell phone and send them to me via email at mannminc@hotmail.com. The first person to send me pictures of the restaurant wins a Clown JITB! Very simple! And you'd be doing me a huge favor with a gift in return!

Here's more info. about the restaurant:

"Chef David Burke... announced the grand opening of the first airport location for the 'Burke in the Box' concept at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Chef David Burke’s 'Burke in the Box', known for its "whimsical atmosphere and convenient service", is an eat-in restaurant which also offers 'grab-n-go' options. The new dining venue is located in Terminal 1, adjacent to the D Gates....Burke in the Box serves hot items and boxed cold items including signature sandwiches, salads and pastry chef-designed desserts. The menu is said to reflect the ‘contemporary and eclectic’ atmosphere of the restaurant with Burke’s unique twist on old classics. The menu offering includes the “Big Pretzel” Chicken Panini, Cowboy Beef Chili, Millionaire’s Meatloaf with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and “Angry Hen-in-law” for hearty appetites and the Kobe Beef “Bad as Dog” hot dog, Tomato Soup with Cheese Tortellini and Burke’s namesake Cheeseburker Sliders to round out the diverse selection. Salads and appetisers are available for lighter dining options. The breakfast menu includes French Toast 'Sticks', Chocolate Croissants and the Big Pretzel Breakfast Sandwich, and dessert includes the trademark Cheese Cake Lollipops....the restaurant features a warm colour palette with punches of vibrant orange and jack-in-the-box décor to match Chef Burke’s personality and innovative culinary style.

Burke’s restaurants include: davidburke & donatella in New York, David Burke at Bloomingdale’s in New York, David Burke Las Vegas at The Venetian, David Burke Primehouse at The James Chicago Hotel, David Burke Fromagerie in Rumson, New Jersey and his two new restaurants at Foxwoods Casino & Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut – David Burke Prime and Burke in the Box. " - Taken from The Moodie Report.com

Thanks for helping me out with this and I hope to be shipping the prize JITB out to one of my readers soon!

May Rose Jack in the Box

2009-02-24T16:23:00.000-05:00

This is in response to the 2nd Paper Mache Artisans Etsy Team Webshow Challenge. Theme: April Showers Bring May Flowers.

A sweet faced pink rose pops out of a paper mache box. This jack in the box is made using vintage fabric flower petals painted pink, velvet leaves, bells, ribbon and a coat of beeswax. Each side of the box has words reading, respectively: April showers bring May flowers, garden, green leaves and flowers. This is a much smaller version of my usual Jack in the boxes. It measures only 3"x5" open. $65

I will be donating part of the proceeds of this sale to the North Shore Animal League. The North Shore Animal League is the world's largest no-kill animal rescue shelter. Click here for more information http://www.nsalamerica.org/.

OWOH Giveaway Winner !

2009-02-13T14:31:00.000-05:00

To pick the winner, I entered numbers 1-178 in Excel, mixed them up and closed my eyes and scrolled up and down and left and right and randomly stopped at number...61!

Congratulations to Joy from Michigan, #61. Simply Frisky is on her way to your home. But please don't let her drinking habits influence you.

Thanks to all 178 bloggers, artists and fans who left a comment. Especially those who shared the childhood memories that bring the biggest smiles. I'll share with you some of my favorites; because they also brought a smile to my face.

See you again next year at the 3rd OWOH giveaway!

Peggy Alborn said...

My favorite childhood memories are of making "houses" for my dolls bookshelf spaces, the areas under and on dining room chairs, shoeboxes, and whatever I could find.

Once Upon A Blue Crow said...

Frisky is Fabulous! And definitely one of the best things in life as a kid was receiving a new doll....oh the tea parties! One of the best memories I'd have to say was my mom got me these gigantic coloring books and she used to lay on the floor with me and we'd color together :] ahhhh....

Abby said...

One of my favorite memories was playing pirates with my mom. She was Smee and I was Captain Hook, with a coat hanger hook and a bandana and a flashlight. I think we would act out parts of Peter Pan

wildandpreciousart said...

She's fabulous. Love the poem as well. =) My favourite childhood memories are car trips where we'd all sing along and play guessing games about what songs were before the words started.

Simply Frisky OWOH Giveaway

2009-01-26T21:07:00.000-05:00

~
She stands on her hands
when she drinks bits of whisky
She dances and twirls
and she feels simply frisky

I am glad to be participating in this years One World One Heart event (better late than never). I can't believe how many people from so many places around the world have been generously reaching out through their blogs with their creations! What a great way to get to know fellow artists.

The giveaway prize I am offering on my blog for the OWOH event is a bright paper doll, sturdily made using several layers of papers and paints. She is made to last while she decorates your office cubicle, hangs out on your studio inspiration board or holds a page in your favorite novel. Her bodice reads "Simply Frisky".

OWOH was created by Lisa Swifka last year as a 'giveaway event to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way'. Click the OWOH logo for more info on this spectacular event!

To win this doll, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by February 11th. Since I'm all about childhood memories, I would love to hear what your favorite childhood memories are. Whether it be the days you went to the park with your siblings or when you went to your first sleepover or a favorite toy you had; if it brings a smile to your face, share it!

The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on my blog on February 12th. Just remember to leave an email address so I'll be able to contact you if you win. (Your email won't be added to a mailing list or given away).

I Don't Want to Live on the Moon

2009-01-26T19:31:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite memories of Sesame Street was when they played Ernie's "I don't want to live on the moon" song; the best version is with Aaron Neville. It's a bitter sweet song that reminds us that there's no place like home with our loved ones. To pass on the memory of Ernie's song to my Delilah, I created a painting with four storytelling scenes. I cast my beloved Buster as the main character. I hope Delilah grows to appreciate the painting and its meaning in the years to come.

I Don't Want to Live on the Moon - Sung by Ernie and Aaron Neville
Oh, I'd like to visit the moon
in a rocketship high in the air.
Yes, I'd like to visit the moon,
but I don't think I'd like to live there.
Though I'd like to look down at the earth from above,
I would miss all the places and people I love.
So although I may like it for one afternoon,
I don't want to live on the moon.
I'd like to travel under the sea.
I could meet all the fish everywhere.
Yes, I'd travel under the sea,
but I don't think I'd like to live there.
I might stay for a day there if I had my wish.
But there's not much to do when you're friends are all fish.
And an oyster and clam aren't real family, so I don't want to live in the sea.
I'd like to visit the jungle, hear the lions roar.
Go back in time and meet a dinosaur.
There's so many strange places I'd like to be.
But none of them permanantly.
So if I should visit the moon,
well I'll dance on a moonbeam and then
I will make a wish on a star
and wish I were home once again.
Though I'd like to look down at the earth from above,
I would miss all the faces of the people I love.
So although I may go I'll be coming home soon.
'Cause I don't want to live on the moon.
No I don't want to live on the moon.

Delilah (Miss Piggy) and Kermit

Dolls on a Balloon Ride

2009-01-01T18:05:00.000-05:00

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As a frequent visitor of a cute blog called Du Buh Du Designs by artist Christine Alvarado, I was amazed to see the creation below. She sculpts these adorable polymer clay dolls and her husband made her the hot air balloon for one of their outings. Christine did a great job decorating the balloon and staging the pictures; don't you think so? And the dolls look like they're having a great time!

Muppets Kit at FAO Schwarz

2008-12-13T20:29:00.000-05:00

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I was so excited to visit FAO Schwarz when I heard about their new "make your own" Muppet station. They've been available for several months now in the store and online.

If you're ever in the New York area and are a fellow fan of the muppets, you have to stop by FAO; if not to buy then at least to see them in person. They don't have any of the famous muppets on display or available to make but the Whatnots are just as amazing. I know it sounds weird, but when you see them it's like seeing a celebrity. So cool.

Winter White Flower Jack in the Box

2008-11-29T17:41:00.000-05:00

This Jack in the Box is my submission for the Paper Mache Artisans Webshow A winter white flower pops out of her ice blue paper mache box on a cold snowy day.

She is made using ivory velvet & silk flower petals and sprinkled with mica flakes with sprigs of vintage flower puffs. The box sparkles with silver glitter painted in an ice blue hue with a trim of white and silver double tubular tulle ribbon. Sprigs of vintage flower puffs and flocked greenery adorn the base of the box while a tiny blue bird rests on a blue velvet pad ornament on the top of the box. Box measures 11 1/2"h x 5 1/2"w open. $180

Baby Announcement

2008-11-06T18:32:00.000-05:00

Delilah Soleil Mercado

arrived Monday, October 20th

at 3:56 p.m.

weighing 8 lbs 9 ounces

and measuring 20 inches long

Both mom and baby (and dad) are healthy, happy and thankful to you all for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Yellow Flower Jack-in-the-Box

2008-10-17T15:48:00.000-04:00

And out! pops a dainty daisy delivering daily dazzling displays while delightfully decorating your den.

Neutral colors adorn this JITB with vintage sheet music and a musical movement that plays "Playful Melody". Made using vintage muslin flowers, velvet leaves & ribbon and bells. The box has a generous coating of beeswax for depth and texture. Box measures 5 1/2" h x 4 1/2"w (closed). - $115

Baby and Art Update

2008-10-16T22:48:00.000-04:00

Well the baby's due date came and went so, yes, I'm still pregnant (thanks to those who keep asking for updates). The good news is that baby and I are both fine and will probably be together for another week. In the meantime, we have finally finished her room (making curtains, putting furniture together, painting etc.). All that it needs now is the baby!

The paint I used for the wall was actually a throwaway from my mom. She ordered the color for her bathroom but ended up not liking it. I turned her trash into treasure and I love how the subtle color works with the bright decorations and artwork. I forget the name of the paint but I like to call it Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream - it looks sooo delicious!

I decorated the room with some of my hot-air-balloons and some leftover alphabet boxes from my baby shower. My sister made dozens of decorations from scratch; including the boxes, banners, favors and even designed the cake. The shower turned out beautiful and I just had to incorporate her hard & loving work into the baby's room.

I also, absolutely love the two Blackbird Designs paintings purchased from Earth Angels Toys (one of which was my first baby gift from a good friend). The paintings ended up working so perfectly together with the other things in the room that they look custom made! Thanks Deirdre and Jen!

Onto news of M Ann M art: Being that I have been so busy (and physically drained) with the coming baby and custom orders, I really haven't been able to make new work available for purchase. After the Hamptons Craft fair, I've been wiped out of almost all my inventory and have to start getting busy creating more JITB's and HAB's. I have only one more JITB available for purchase which I'll put on ETSY tomorrow. Thanks again to my new and repeat customers!

Here's a picture of a Red & White striped HAB, part of a custom order I recently completed. I always provide drawings of the piece to customers of commissioned orders for pre-approval.

Black & White Jester JITB

2008-09-19T22:12:00.000-04:00

The jester shook his hood and bells and leaped upon a chair;

The pages laughed, the women screamed, and tossed their scented hair;

The falcon whistled, stag-hounds bayed, the lap-dog barked without;

The scullion dropped the pitcher brown,--the cook railed at the lout;

The steward, counting out his gold, let pouch and money fall:

And why? Because the jester rose to say grace in the hall!

- George Walter Thornbury

A Jester JITB donned in all black & white with gold and silver accents has a musical movement installed that plays "Music of the Night". Both the jester and his stick have four-pointed hats with bells on the ends. Box measures 11 1/2"h x 5 1/2" w (open). The jester's stick measures 4" long. - $180

What was a jester's stick used for anyway? A 'Jester's stick' was used as a way to mock the clergy or the King and Queen themselves. It was in this way that a fool could get away with saying almost anything of disrespect because, after all, it was his 'stick' that said the slur.The Jester's sticks were used much like a ventriloquist uses a dummy.

East Hampton Craft Fair

2008-08-25T18:13:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all who stopped by my booth at the East Hampton Craft Fair this past weekend! The weather was great in the Hamptons, and so was the shoe sale next door! I really enjoyed this show and look forward to going again next summer. Whatever new items didn't sell at the show will be made available for purchase on Etsy in September.

A note to my customers: I would love to see photos of the items you purchased set up in your home. If you would like, please email pictures to me at mannminc@hotmail.com. I won't post them online but it's always encouraging and quite a treat to see how my art is being displayed and appreciated throughout the spaces in your homes!

Upcoming Craft Fair

2008-08-13T02:14:00.000-04:00

Come see me at a Showtiques Craft Fair on Saturday, August 23rd! (my rain date is August 24th).

Details:

Arts & Crafts Summer Fair

East Hampton (Amagansett) American Legion

Montauk Highway (Rte. 27), Amagansett, Long Island, NY

11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

*Free Admission *Free Parking

(Directions)

Here is a sneak peak of new items I am working on that will be available for purchase at the fair. If you're in the New York area, make a trip to the Hamptons for a relaxing weekend and stop by the fair!

Time Forgotten Hot Air Balloon

2008-08-02T18:44:00.000-04:00

Here is the completed "Time Forgotten" HAB. Thanks again to Lisa Bagherpour for giving me the inspiration from her Time Forgotten photo.

As you can see, I basically used the same layout of the balloon in her photo with similar positioning of the flourishes, flags, basket and lines. I had to put my own creative spin on things with a bolder, brighter color scheme and I added some aging and highlighting techniques to give it character and dimension. It took tons of hours and a couple of weeks to complete but I love the results.

This balloon will be for sale at the next craft fair I am participating in at the end of the month . Check back next week for more details on the event and a peek at some other new Jack in the boxes, hot air balloons and paper dolls that will be made available for purchase that day.

Heat and Humidity - not a friend of Paper Mache

2008-07-25T16:25:00.000-04:00

Well I thought I'd be finished with the three hot air balloons I started two weeks ago and I would have, if it weren't for the weather we've been having in New York. And it doesn't help that I don't have central air conditioning in my home. When I make my balloons, I sometimes use a fan in a window to speed up the drying process. Big mistake this time. Not only did the balloons not dry faster but the heat and humidity also caused them to cave in. Anyway, after a little tweaking and much more time spent, I'm at least back on track but way off schedule. I get so frustrated when I have a jumble of creative ideas in my head but clouds get in the way (literally and figuratively).

Here's a picture of my current work in progress. I hope to be finished in about a week or two.

WIP - Time Forgotten Hot Air Balloon

2008-07-13T23:54:00.000-04:00

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Lisa Bagherpour is a wonderful Photo Manipulator and has been in touch with me as we share an attraction to hot air balloons. Above is one of her manipulated photographs including a hot air balloon that I am currently working on replicating. I am naming it after her photo, calling it "Time Forgotten" Hot Air Balloon. You can see more of Lisa's work at http://www.fairiegoodmother.deviantart.com/gallery/#

Here is a Work in Progress picture of three balloons. This shows the second layer (out of three) of paper mache in the drying stage. My balloons usually take 1-2 weeks to complete. Check back next week for the completed Time Forgotten Balloon!

The Muppets and Sesame Street

2008-07-10T20:01:00.000-04:00

This coming October brings a lot of changes for my family and I as me and my husband are expecting our first child! Everyone is over the moon and I'm getting real excited. I can't wait to start setting up her room!

Thinking about the the baby has me reminiscing often about my own childhood and what I grew up with. Today I was thinking about how I used to love Sesame Street - and I still do. Actually, anything having to do with the Muppets is a favorite.

I've always wanted to own an authentic Muppet (or at least a pretty good replica). I remember years ago, FAO shwartz had a certified replica of Kermit the Frog. It was waaaay too much money so I decided to make my own Muppet. He's small, easy to make and not so well known, but he IS a Muppet. He's Slimey the Worm.

Slimey the Worm (also simply known as Slimey) is a light and dark orange striped worm that is the pet and friend of Oscar the Grouch on Jim Henson's Muppet show Sesame Street... His small size does not affect his attitude of being one not to wince at the sight of extreme activities. As Lou Berger, head writer for Sesame Street, put it, "Slimey shows viewers that even the smallest creature can be the most heroic, and that's an important thing for kids to see." Slimey is not only the pet of Oscar the Grouch, but also the only character with whom Oscar admits being friends and liking. Slimey is said to bring out the best in Oscar. The friendship between the two is understood, where they do not express their feelings for each other but act in a manner which shows their strong relationship. Oscar likes Slimey because they share common interests like the love of rain, mud, and soil, and the fact that Slimey doesn't talk to him when he is trying to sleep. The two do many things together, including taking mud baths and just hanging out." - Excerpt from Wikipedia

Here is my Slimey and a picture of him with a caption from the book, "Sesame Street Unpaved" by D. Borgenicht 1998.

I always laugh at the scene in Muppets Take Manhattan when Kermit is diagnosed with Amnesia. But it was only confirmed after he was poked, prodded, twisted and legs turned behind his head. Hee Hee.

Here's another favorite I've come to appreciate as an adult. It's hilarious! Janice always gets the best one liners. (You may have to click the play button twice). Enjoy!

Mother Goose Rhymes and Stories

2008-07-08T10:26:00.001-04:00

Mother Goose Rhymes and Stories have always intrigued me as they always seem to have a hidden meaning. For example, you have probably heard various versions of the story behind Humpty Dumpty. One such translation suggests the following: According to an insert taken from the East Anglia Tourist Board in England, Humpty Dumpty was a powerful cannon used in the Siege of Colchester during the English Civil War. It was mounted on top of the St Mary's at the Wall Church in Colchester defending the city against siege in the summer of 1648. Although Colchester was a royalist stronghold, it was besieged by the Roundheads for 11 weeks before finally falling. The church tower was hit by enemy cannon fire and the top of the tower was blown off, sending "Humpty" tumbling to the ground. Naturally all the King's horses and all the King's men (royalist cavalry and infantry respectively) tried to mend "him" but in vain. Other reports have Humpty Dumpty referring to a sniper nicknamed One-Eyed Thompson, who occupied the same church tower. - Excerpt taken from Wikipedia.org

For more information on Mother Goose, Wikipedia goes into detail about the history at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Goose

For other Mother Goose nursery rhymes and their meanings, there is an excellent website at http://www.rhymes.org.uk/

Humpty Dumpty Jack in the Box

2008-07-06T12:40:00.000-04:00

Here is another version of my fan favorite, Humpty Dumpty JITB. There are four Mother Goose illustrations including Goosey Goosey Gander, Humpty Dumpty, Little Miss Muffet and This Little Piggy.

Materials used include paper mache box, acrylic paints, various papers, paper mache egg, beeswax, bells, buttons and a spring.
Box measures 10 1/2" open 6 1/4" h x 5 1/4" w. - $100

Purple and Red HAB

2008-05-31T21:11:00.000-04:00

This purple and red Hot Air Balloon is made using my usual techniques. The paper mache pulp was slightly sanded to retain a rough texture for dimension and a weathered look. The acrylic paint finish has been aged with black and white highlights. Here are pictures of it alone and within a group of other HAB's in my studio. Measures 14"h x 9"w. It hangs from an adjustable heavy duty clear line so it appears to be floating in the air. Materials used include: paper mache, acrylic paints, ribbons, fabric covered buttons and mulberry paper. - $110

Expressive Paper Doll Class

2008-04-30T10:54:00.000-04:00

If you didn't get a chance to take my Expressive Paper Doll class in April, you can try again for this Saturday on May 3rd!

Using different collage techniques, you'll leave this workshop with your own unique design based on my pattern for poseable paper dolls. We'll use scrapbook papers, paints, fibers, glitter,stamps and other fun Tinsel Trading trims. The paper doll will be sturdily made with layers and layers of paper and trimings. She will last years displayed on a bulletin board, refrigerator or office cubicle wall.

Details:

Saturday May 3rd
12pm-3pm
Class fee: 65.00 + 5.00 material fee
All materials will be provided, although if you have a Crop-a-dile or other eyelet tool, please bring them.

Hope to see you there!

Class at Castle in the Air

2008-04-29T21:18:00.000-04:00

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I just came back from a wonderful trip to sunny California where I had the priviledge to take a class at a fabulous little shop called Castle in the Air. It's located on a quiet, shop filled street in Berkeley; just over the bridge from San Francisco. The store is filled with new and vintage treasures and samples from classes to purchase. It has a wide selection of pretty papers, notecards, stamps and dresden. In the rear is an under sea backdrop with a huge clam shell big enough to seat an adult.

The classes are held in the "balcony"space upstairs across from some manequins who are ready to party at a maquerade ball.

John B. McRae, the instructor from the Mermaid Castle Lamp class was very helpful and super creative. Samples of his work and class offerings are throughout the store for you to be in awe at. Here is a picture of John with a fellow classmate and their mermaid castles.

John's mermaid castle looks like it was taken right out of a fairytale and it's also on display at the shop. You must visit the Castle in the Air if you are in the San Francisco area!

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Monkey JITB and Another Class Announcement!

2008-04-06T18:25:00.000-04:00

Ten little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"

Well this little monkey won't be jumping on any beds but he will be jumping from his box with his big grin, fancy hat and jingling cymbals in tow!

Materials used include: vintage musical movement that plays Masquerade, a cardboard box, wooden balls (box feet), vintage sheet music, beeswax, ribbon, metal hinges, shredded paper (for filling), papermache, cardboard, acrylic paints, mulberry paper, a spring, pipe cleaners and embellished with vintage gold rick-rack ribbon and thread. The cymbals are made using paper with bells hidden inside for a little jingle.
Box measures 5 3/4" x 6 1/2". - $180 SOLD

Expressive Paper Dolls Class Announcement!
If you were unable to register for the class on April 5th, I have been scheduled again for the 3rd of May. Mark your calendars! More details will be posted.

Monkey JITB and Paper Doll Class

2008-03-31T21:52:00.000-04:00

There's still time to sign up for my Expressive Paper Doll class this Saturday, April 5 at Tinsel Trading Company. You can register on their website at http://www.tinseltrading.com/ or by giving them a call. These classes are always so much fun with a friend, so spread the word!

I've finished my Masquerade Monkey Jack-in-the-box and he'll be there to greet you at the class. He's a little shy now but he just wanted to sneak in a quiet 'Hello' before he's introduced at the class.

I hope you can make it!

Expressive Paper Dolls Class

2008-03-05T17:52:00.000-05:00

There are so many great art classes coming up this month and next at Tinsel Trading Company. And one of them will be my "Expressive Paper Dolls" class! Join the class and you'll learn how to make a charming paper doll using different collage techniques. You'll leave this class with your own unique version based on my pattern for a poseable paper doll. We'll use various scrapbook papers, 3-Dimensional paints, fibers, glitter, stamps and other fun Tinsel Trading embellishments. The class is on Saturday April 5th 12pm-3pm and the fee is $65.00 plus a $5.00 materials fee (to cover a prepared instruction sheet with template to bring home, paper, glue, paint, etc.) If you have a Crop-a-dile or other eyelet tool, please bring them otherwise they will be provided.

The class schedule for April should be posted at Tinsel Trading soon and when it is, you'll be able to sign up and pay through their website. Or you can send me an email to let me know you'd like to attend. But hurry as class sizes are kept small!

If you can't make it to my class be sure to look into the other classes offered by some of the best artists found on the East Coast. Below is a picture with some of the pieces I made at Tinsel Trading classes including a Cigar Box class, an Altered Book class and the Vintage Style Bracelet class all with Terri Ventura and then an Oatmeal Box House class with Charlotte Lyons. So much fun!

Green Polka Dot Hot Air Balloon

2008-03-03T19:53:00.000-05:00

This will look so cute hanging in the corner of a baby's room!

Made using paper mache, acrylic paints, ribbon, mulberry paper, buttons and it hangs from an adjustable heavy duty clear line (not the chain as pictured). Measures 13"h x 8"w. - $110

The little chick in the basket is made using one of Jennifer Murphy's patterns. I added some of my own touches (gloves, a scarf and an aviators hat) to keep him warm from the chilly air while he floats above the rolling hills in his hot-air-balloon ride. The chick is not for sale but if you are interested in similar creatures, please check out Jennifer Murphy's website. She makes the most cutest soft sculpture "bears and other silly things". Her licensed pieces are inexpensive and are available through her website and other stores. However, for excellent quality and craftmanship, I suggest getting an orginal piece to add to your collection; or to start one!

Check back tomorrow for my Paper Doll class announcement!

Fun Work in Progress

2008-02-25T12:40:00.000-05:00

Here's a sketch in my journal of the next JITB I'm working on. It's going to be a Monkey with cymbals much like the one's you see in old pictures with an organ grinder. This piece is also inspired by the music box in the Phantom of the Opera. It will have a music mechanism that plays "Masquerade".

I'm also working on a few baby room themed Hot Air Balloons. (You can get a glimpse of the beginnings of them on the upper corners of this picture). These will be super cute, both with a vintage flair!

Add yourself to my mailing list to be notified of upcoming classes in New York and the East Coast area starting in April 2008!

Pink Flower Jack-in-the-box

2008-02-22T20:40:00.000-05:00

Bright pink petals naturally faded with age surround the serene face of this JITB. She has a wind up mechanism that plays the tune, "English Country Garden". Materials used include vintage sheet music, pink canvas flower petals and bells. Adorned with a velvet leaf with golden glitter, a bronze metal charm and a crystal chandelier drop. Measures 5"h x 4"w. $115 Sold

Hydrangea JITB's

2008-01-27T23:29:00.000-05:00

Large green petal Hydrangea is nestled in a bed of wood shavings (excelsior). Measures 9 1/2"h open and 5 1/4"h x 4 3/4"w closed. Made using my usual materials including paper green petals, velvet leaf, metal filigree stamping, ribbons and blue seal wax. - $95

Small green petal Hydrangea is nestled in a bed of wood shavings. Measures 7"h open and 4 1/4"h x 3 1/4"w closed. Made using my usual materials including paper green petals, velvet leaves, gold glitter, ribbons, vintage stamen notions and metal embellishment. - $70 SOLD

History of Jack-in-the-boxes

2008-01-27T17:50:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite toys as a little girl was the Clown Jack-in-the-box that sat on the shelf in my room. Being that I only have fond memories of this classic toy, I wasn't too pleased when I read the history of it. Nonetheless, here is what Wikipedia says about it: "A theory as to the origin of the jack-in-the-box is that it comes from the 13th century English prelate Sir John Schorne who is often pictured holding a boot with a devil in it. It is believed in folklore that he once cast the devil into a boot to protect the village of North Marston in Buckinghamshire. If it's true, it would explain why in French, a jack-in-the-box is called a "diable en boîte" (literally "boxed devil")."

Although I think Jack-in-the-boxes are a part of innocent child's play, they have repeatedly been portrayed in movies and cartoons as sinister little things. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that they are a mischievous toy. This cartoon expresses how some might view JITB's as disturbing toys. This clip from the movie "Elf" cracks me up. It reminds me of when I present my Jack-in-the-boxes (as such) and people still jump up in surprise! (click on the play button twice)

Paper Dolls

2008-01-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

Paper dolls have been around for centuries. And they have been inexpensive children's toys for almost two hundred years, being first manufactured in 1810. "In France in the mid-1700s, "pantins" were all the rage in high society and royal courts. This jointed jumping-jack figure, a cross between puppet and paper doll, was made to satirize nobility. (Pantin is the French word for a Dancing-Jack Puppet.)" Today, many artists are turning
paper dolls into an art form.
- Visit http://www.opdag.com/History.html for more on the History of Paper Dolls.

Here are a couple of paper dolls I've created over the years made using my own design. They are made using collaged papers, funky fibers and other embellishments. The limbs are attached with eyelets allowing them to be poseable.
(Here they are in athletic poses because they are determined to work off that morning donut. The one on the bottom is a little sleepy and has decided to make up for the donut by having a salad for lunch.)

White Flower JITB

2008-01-07T21:16:00.000-05:00

I apologize to those of you who have been waiting so long for this new JITB. Although I try to finish and post at least one piece a week, I realize it is impossible to put a deadline on creativity. I can't get through an art project without first being completely satisfied with the next step. Sometimes I'll just sit and stare at the piece deciding what will make it just right. This JITB was no exception (it took about two months from start to finish!). I am at last thrilled to share with you the results of this charming White Flower JITB.

The box measures approximately 4 3/4" squared (closed) and 10 1/2" tall (open). Materials include a papermache box, acrylic paints, distress inks, vintage flowers, trims and sheet music, ribbons, a metal stamping, a letter M wax seal, beeswax coatings, a spring, mulberry paper, vintage velvet leaves, bells, stamped image for face, vintage white muslin flower petals, metal hinges & clasp and a music box mechanism that plays "Memories". - $115

Work in Progress Flowers JITB

2007-12-21T20:20:00.000-05:00

Here is a sketch from my journal of a JITB I started working on. It's going to be made using vintage flowers and ribbons (from Tinsel Trading of course!) with a flower as the "Jack". This one is real special because it will also play music. I should have it ready to post by next week.