~ Alice ~

Over the years I've revisited the the story of Alice in Wonderland and have done my best to capture the spirit of the book in my artistic style at the time. Here is an interesting look at how my style has changed the past 15 years. With each period I have learned something new and evolved as an artist.

I created this depiction of the "Mad Tea Party" at the time I was making miniature dolls. My intention was to pay homage to Tenniel's original illustrations. I made this set around 2005. I wasn't doing much illustration at the time, my focus was on sculpting. The clothing is hand sewn by me.

In the 90's I was into the Tim Burton style. My style was a bit darker and more frenetic. This is a mixed media illustration I did in water color, ink and color pencil.

Shortly after I created the illustration above I made these working marionettes out of polymer clay. I checked out a vintage book from the library and learned how to make marionettes. I couldn't even sew at the time. A friend made the clothing for me. I have since taught myself how to sew.

Finally in my current kawaii style I have combined my illustration and sculpting skills to make this vibrant depiction of Alice and the characters she meets in Wonderland. I have gone back to my original illustration roots when my drawings were sweet and simple. More details of this playset will be revealed in a few days.

Amazing Works of Art!

Artist Devorah Sperber has the ability to take common craft objects such as thread spools and pipe cleaners and turn them into works of art fit for galleries. Check out her website to see her take on The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa made with thousands of thread spools. Its no surprise that some of her work is funded by Coats and Clark.

You may need to step back from your computer screen or squint your eyes for this iconic image made with pipe cleaners to come into focus.

Paris Carousels

Carousels are plentiful in Paris. In fact there are two located right across the street from the Eiffel Tower. This one happened to be my favorite, a beautiful two story deluxe carousel. Check out the stairs going to the second level! Just like everything else in Paris, so much to dazzle your eyes. It made for a great photo op with the Eiffel Tower behind it. Check out the video I filmed of the Paris Carousel in motion.

This is the Montmartre carousel that was featured in the movie Amelie. Its located in front of the Sacre Coeur. If you look closely you can spot the overnight guest located in one of the carriages.

L' Orangerie ~ My Happy Place!

When times are tough and I'm stressed out, sometimes I would try to imagine a place where everything is calm, relaxed, lovely. Typically it is some kind of garden but I didn't really know what it looked like. I tried to imagine something beautiful but it could never measure up to something as sublime as this.

As I'm rushing to see everything on my tour of Versailles Garden before the bus leaves, I discovered this beautiful garden. I don't know what it is about topiary trees but I 've always found them fascinating. L'Orangerie was by far one of the highlights of my trip to Paris. The garden featured hundreds of petite orange trees and ornamental topiaries. As I was leaving I noticed a lovely pale yellow snail gliding along the leaves of one of the sculptured topiary trees. It was a sight to behold and one I'll never forget. This is my happy place!

Fabric Shopping in Paris!

At the base of the Sacre Coeur east of the Carousel I wandered into Montmartre's fabric district. As with all shopping in Paris, items spill into the sidewalks including the fabric shops enticing you into the shop. There are no big box chain stores, only individual tissus/mercerie (fabric/notions) shops lining the streets. This particular area seemed to go on for at least a few blocks. If I lived in Paris I'm sure this is an area I would frequently visit.

My favorite was a charming shop called Moline, 1 place St Pierre established in 1879. Yes thats right 1879! The Mercerie had everything you needed to create your craft items.The store was arranged with different areas. The photos below depict entry into the shop, the calico print fabric room and a wall of buttons.

Paris 2011 Vacation Highlights

What can I say that hasn't been said before, Paris is the most beautiful city in the world! I wish I were a writer that could express it better but its truly sublime. I miss it so much! Here are some highlights of the trip put together in a short video.

Product Review ~ Puffies

I recently discovered these miniature felt Puffies at my local Archiver's scrapbook store. They are so cute I had to get them. I wasn't quite sure what to do with them until I visited their website and found some creative ideas. They are meant for scrapbooking because they have an adhesive backing but can be utilized for other craft projects as well. A friend of mine is a having a baby girl and I thought that this would be a great gift for the baby's room. I also did some Paris themed wall hangings to honor my upcoming trip. Check out the whole Puffies product line with many fun themes.

Going to Paris in the Fall!

I'm so excited, this will be my first trip to Europe and I have dreamed about it for some time. I'm staying a whole week and plan to visit all the sights. I'm even planning a day trip to Bruge which may be even more exciting then Paris.

I'd love to hear your suggestions for things to do or even some tips for keeping occupied on long flights. I constructed this vintage paper Eiffel Tower to keep my focus on the prize this Fall. This paper toy is available for free and can be downloaded here.

Goals for 2011 - Licensing

At the end of every year I finish up my business paper work and write down goals for the next year. My goal for this year is to wear my jammies to work. What I mean by this is that I'd like to work full time from home, creating art all day. In fact I was so inspired to do so that I bought some cozy fleece pjs, a robe and some fuzzy slippers. I thought if I at least wore the work-at-home uniform it would help my dreams come true. Funny thing is, they make me feel like some lazy old goat instead of a confident independent artist making a living selling my artwork from home. I'm not yet convinced wearing elastic waist pajamas all day inspires motivation and energy.

Anyways, last year was a so-so year. Half the craft shows were very challenging and unprofitable. I started to write down goals for my shop after the new year. I began with small goals - getting items into my Etsy shop that I've been putting off. That didn't seem to be enough, I had to think bigger. I've been wanting to get into licensing for some time now and this is the year to do it. I want to take Fantastic Toys to the next level.

I've always loved the idea of my toys being sold in stores around the nation. In the past I've done wholesale orders where I'm the sole manufacturer - making each item by hand can be so draining. I love to design and create and would prefer to have someone else manufacture the items, which leads me to licensing. I didn't know much about licensing so I began researching and found some great blogs online as well as some books specifically for licensing artwork. So I'm getting my ducks in a row, learning as much as I can about licensing and supporting my self with my art, jammies or not.

My 2011 Licensing Goals

• Continue researching licensing

• Revise Fantastic Toys website, include the following:

- Licensing page

- Portfolio page

- Freelance info

- Press kit

• Research IP lawyer

• Write licensing proposal

• Research licensing agent

• Score my first licensing deal!

Finding good information on licensing can be tricky. If you're interested in licensing here are three invaluable blogs written by artists that will jump start your journey.

Joan Beiriger Blog on Art Licensing

Kate Harper's Blog

Maria Brophy

Below are some books I've recently purchased with lots of business info.

Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines

Licensing Art 101, Publishing and Licensing Your Artwork for Profit

Yay! I Cracked the Top Ten!

According to Craft Count statistics I finally placed in the TOP TEN TOY SELLERS on Etsy. Lets face it I may never be at the top for handmade but its pretty exciting being at the top in my category. Thanks to all the wonderful buyers who have placed Fantastic Toys in the top ten! 

Heres a snapshot of the top 15. Check your stats for your category here.

Summer School at MCAD!!

Can't wait to start my class next week at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I've lived blocks from MCAD for many years and have always thought about taking classes there. While at the Art-a-Whirl a couple of weeks ago I picked up a booklet from MCAD with continuing studies in art education. I found the perfect class for me to bring my business to the next level.

Licensing for Artists is something I've been researching for a while now and can only find so much information from text and online. It will be nice to take a class with someone who has had some real world experience and get some good feedback from professionals in the business. The class will cover so many things I've had questions about in the last year including a licensing portfolio, brand identity and royalties. I hope to continue taking classes a la carte to free myself from the mundane routine of life. :) A class in mold making and screen printing is next on my list.

May Day Parade

In the mood for giant paper mache floats, hare krishna, patchouli, and mini donuts ... check out the annual May Day Parade! Held by In The Heart of the Beast don't miss next years festival on the first Sunday of May.

Giant Elephant made with Butter

Dr. Suess Horn

Age of Aquarius

Day of the Dead Skellies.

Giant Talking Tiger Head

Scary Misfit Skeletons

Nothing beats a shanty float with a couch and an oil drum pulled behind it.

Toys From My Collection

These are some of the toys I've picked up through the years. Some are vintage, some are new and some are made by me and other artists. I've always been attracted to old toys. I believe thats the reason I started making toys because good antique toys are difficult to find and rather expensive.This particular collection surround me at my computer desk and hutch.

My grandmothers doll, Steiff kitten, Steiff hare hand puppet and miniature White Rabbit doll made by me.

Clown Moody Doll, Steiff duckie, mechanical dancing clown handcrafted by me and Pinnochio miniature doll also made by me.

A mixture of old and new kitschy items I couldn't live without. Some of the toys are picked up on my travels and some are made by toy artists. My favorite happens to be the vintage Charlie Brown in the top left corner. I had seen that doll in a book of mine and wished to have it and year or two later I found in a shop that sold old toys. A Tracy Mcman push puppet and Erica Daley spool dollie are some the artist toys I've purchased.