Queen of the Soiree

One of my favorite things to do is to up-cycle discarded books and give them new life. For this piece I used a discarded used hardcover book and turned it into a vintage style handmade altered book. 

I ripped the original pages out of the book and replaced them with chipboard pages that were layered in vintage ephemera.

The pages where glued and stitched into the book using my double button technique. I coated the covers of the book with handmade paper rosettes and vintage bingo boards.

The front cover was further layered with a vintage party image from my collection which is available on the mixed collage image cd. I further embellished the covers with lettering, card stock shapes, buttons, gilding, ink and German glass glitters.

The inside pages where layered with more rosettes, ephemera, doilies, laces, and trims. German glass glitter and inks were also added to the pages for more dimension.

After every page was layered with ephemera, rosettes and embellishments I added various aged lace trims which I dyed with Liquid Rit Dye Cocoa color using a spray bottle and brush. Finally I added crepe paper fringes, sequin trim and broken jewelry pieces throughout.

I'll share more sneak peaks of the book and inside pages soon. I hope this project inspires you to create and recycle some discarded books in your collection, the possibilities are endless.

xoxo
Lisa

Up-Cycled Doll: Ginger's Wedding



Here are the vintage dolls before they were repaired and dressed! These upcycled dolls are vintage from the 1950's, early 60's which needed some repair, clothes, decorating and magic!Here is the doll I named Ginger which I repaired and turned into a vintage upcycled wedding/bride doll, before her make over.Here is Ginger after her make over. I upcycled her by cleaning her up, fixing her hair, added embellishing to her dress, hand stitched vintage pearls, jewels and millinery to her. I poofed out her dress with lace, tulle and added appliques to her main dress base, here is her story: Ginger has always wanted to get married, dressing up in her mom's wedding dress and sisters soiree dresses as a young girl. Then one day she met her Prince and now its here day to get married!

Hope this inspires you to upcycle one of your vintage dolls!

Magic and Joy,

Lisa!

Dresden Delights, Victorian Scrap Works and Project How-To!

Step back into the age of romance, language of flowers, and fantasy delights, an era filled w/debutant balls, society tea parties, garden soirees, flower rooms, conservatories, painted ladies, gingerbread trim, brim hats, feathers, lace and pearls, prim and proper attitude and the birth of photo collage and manipulation. A time of fantasy, fairy, magic and Coney Island Enchantment, Old Apothecary, gilded golds, silver, tinsel, boullion and DRESDEN......

Wondering when this time could be??? Well its the era known as Victorian, while I haven't touched on the full essence of this spectacular time, I did touch on what reminds me of this age. When I think of Victorian style aka Victoriana, I also envision enormous magical homes with unique architecture filled w/sleepy porches, iron or wood wares, stone figurines, stained glass, dozens of lamps, fantasy wares, flowers, flowers and more flowers, slim bodices, Godey's Illustrations, Angels, Cherubs and Enchanting Christmas. There is nothing more spectacular then a Victorian Christmas and ornaments, each one is a work of art, and can command high prices for antique ones today, especially those famous gold foiled ones, dresden balloons, and boat ships, stars and scrapworks.

After aquiring a vintage Dresden Boat Ornament at an estate sale, I studied it, and studied it again, thinking, I can make this, all I need is some vintage images, boullion, teardrop shape and of course Dresden scraps.

After Christmas last year I came upon a few small teardrop shapes, tinsel and bought a vintage bundle of Boullion from Tinsel Trading that I had been wanting to use, I did just that, making a few tradional style ornaments, some valentine/storybook w/50's pastel. This project I am about to re-share can be altered to fit your color styles and themes, go traditional or modern, that part is up to you.

I am happy and honored to inform you that my Dresden Project Pics, Project and Short Video are featured on one of my favorite sites: Victorian Scrapworks http://www.victorianscrapworks.com/Index.html they have a plethora of materials that you can use for your own Victorian and Vintage Delights such as:
Authentic Crinkle Wire
Doilies & Cards
Wings & Halos
Ephemera
and much more.

For the parts needed to create this project:
Click here for the Tear Drop Ornaments (They have yummy pinks)
http://www.victorianscrapworks.com/Dresden_Trims_Epemera.html
For Victorian Flower Scraps:
http://www.victorianscrapworks.com/AtFlowers_Victorian_Scraps.html
For Victorian Angel and Cherub Scraps:
http://www.victorianscrapworks.com/AtAngels_Cherubs_Victorian_Scraps.html
For Victorian Christmas Scraps:
http://www.victorianscrapworks.com/AtChristmas_Victorian_Scraps.html
For Amazing Tinsel, Crinkle Wire, etc.:
http://www.victorianscrapworks.com/AtDresden_Trims_Crinklewire_Misc.html

For the Project Highlights at Victorian Scrap Works:
http://www.victorianscrapworks.com/AtProjectsPage.html

For the Directions and Video of the project:
http://spellbinderscuriosities.blogspot.com/2009/02/dresden-trim-ornament-project.html

TINSEL WONDERLAND, December 5th, only 6 weeks away...As many of you know I have several events going on besides the Art Opera, this next event is: TINSEL WONDERLAND, where I am hosting a day workshop located in Historic Lafayette, NJ on Saturday December 5, 2009 inside the 1850’s Lafayette Mill Antiques Center and the Old Vaudeville Theatre!



This event is being held in an entire historic and antiques district with so many places to find treasures and hidden secrets. This location has long been a favorite destination for locals and out-towners alike, who travel to here when they are in the region.
The EVENT:
Workshop is limited to 30 students only. ( We have 5 seats left, so email me if you want me to reserve you a seat)

Theme:

Art Nouveau Victorian, Do you have an elaborate, crazy or vintage hat you have always wanted to wear? What about a frilly shirt, ruffled collar or soiree skirt, velvet pants or velvet coat, fur stoll or vintage gloves, rows of pearls, glistening crystals in red, black, clear, green or dazzling aurora, rhinestone pins or a ladies sash? Have you ever wanted to wear these timeless pieces? Then please do, I know I will, come in your vintage best, or just wear that fabulous hat or dazzling necklace, let’s set the tone for the holiday season.

Update Itinerary: (quick time change from 9am to the new start time: 9:30am)

-Event Time is 9:30 am to 6pm
-Breakfast starts at 9:30am inside a quaint Anne of Green Gables Style Cafe which is known for their Gourmet and Simple Foods and is situated in the middle of numerous antique stores and across from my favorite of all: Lafayette Mill Antique Center, this place is also a favorite among other artists. Its so fabulous, that I warn you, you might night leave, the entire up stairs looks like a place straight out of a Vintage Time, filled w/secrets and magic, right out of Santa’s Toyland or Old World Storybook.

During breakfast you will be given your special goodie bags filled with project kits and other surprises.

-The Workshop starts at 10:15am-2:00pm students will make a project straight out of a Tinsel Wonderland, this part of the workshop is called Santa's Toy Apothecary!

Students will make a clay/paper mache christmas tree doll with china doll head face, faux mercury glass bulbs, tinsel bulbs, tinsel sheets and tinsel treasures w/doll house to place her in. You will also make an illustrated and distressed tag to go with your piece.

What you will learn:

-Doll making, clay sculpting, mold making, primitive/vintage painting techniques, how to make your own glitter and faux mercury glass, assemblage and vintage arts. You will learn light illustration and distressing techniques as well from: Lisa Kettell, ooh that's me....

More Information:

-Enjoy hot chocolate and surprise treats as you welcome in the Christmas and Holiday Season, set inside a village straight out of Dickens Book.

-Enjoy a symphony of Christmas and Holiday music to get you in the spirit of the season surrounded by a Kris Kringle Market and glitter as you work.

-After Class we will begin shopping inside the Lafayette Mill Antiques Center and start Treasure Hunting, afterwards we will hit a few more antique shops all within fast walking distance.

-Dinner after the event is optional, but you are invited to tag along to the Lafayette House for dinner as well, please let me know early in the day if you are going to come, so I can make the final reservations.

-There will also be some giveaways and I'll be hosting a swap or two before hand as well, again seating is limited since this is a smaller event and only for one day.

-Price for this full day of workshop, treasure hunting and surprises will be $150 registration will remain open until fill, once sold out, the next big event will be the ART OPERA April 7-10, 2010

-This workshop price also includes your project kits/material fees, scrumptious treats, drinks, goodie bags, room, giveaways, breakfast, so NO EXTRA material fees its all included.


Location/Directions:

Lafayette Mill Antiques Center
12 Morris Farm Road (Just off Route 15)
Lafayette, NJ 07848 (973) 383-0065
www.millantiques.com

1hour from NYC
40 minutes from Warwick, NY
1hr 15min from NJ Shore
35 Min from Morristown, NJ
35 Min from PA border (Poconos Area)
1 hr from Pa border (Allentown Area)
1 hr 15min from New Hope, Pa/Lambertville, NJ
1 hr 45 min from CT border

To Purchase:
http://artoperanj.blogspot.com/2009/08/tinsel-wonderland-registration.html



I visited the location yesterday to finish last minute details and well of course shop. Next year I am planning on opening a shoppe and Workshop location, perhaps in the same area of the center, where I'll host art retreats, Art Sleepovers, Workshops, Various Art Events/Vendors, Signings, Guest Instructors, and more, stay tuned for that as well...
See You There!

Also to see more of the photos click on my link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonfaires16/sets/72157621838297591/

A Fall Rummage Sale in Far Hills! Who doesn't love a good rummage sale??? They are my all time favorite events to go to, finding all those lost and forgotten treasures discarded by many, waiting to be purchased and brought back to life. The saying is true one man's junk is another man's treasure, especially for me, who recycles everything and brings it back to life.

Mom and I were ready to go at 9am and headed out a half hour away to the sale, which is held twice a year in Far Hills and organized by the VNA. If you have bever gone here before, it can be overwhelming for first timers, who get lost in one booth and forget about the others, eventually winding up with the many who come to buy and stand on line to enter the booths for awhile.After 7 years of attending twice a tear which brings me to 14 times, I have become the pro, learning more and more each year. First off I slip out of my good shoes and put on a pair of chic rubber boots, so I can avoid ruining my good ones from mud and dirt and pack a large tote to carry items on my shoulder.Then I go to the sale at exactly 9:30am, no later or earlier, and head straight for the Holiday Booth which never has a line. I take my holiday bought purchases back to the car and go back to shop, next stop the kitchen and house ware section, which usually has a small moving line, after I find my wares, again I head back to the car.Now its off to the trims and fabrics, tatting stuff, followed by the books. If I am not exhuasted I head over to the other booths or leave and grab lunch, normally we are there for about 3 hours, by that time I am ready for food.After lunch we head back to my house and admire our wares, this year I made an extra stop on the way home to an Estate Sale in Long Valley, buying another box of shine bright bulbs, metal cigar tin, wooden toy pull and trims w/ a basket.Then we made it to my house and checked out all our treasures. I bought old canning jars w/metal lids, apothecary jars, spice jars, candy jars, test tube containers, sterling silver platters, teapots and cake stands, Bailey's Moon Mugs, vintage books, loads of trims, lace and costume goodies, shine bright bulb sets, vintage mercury glass, tinsel, and more.

Hope you enjoyed my Rummage Sale Adventure!
xo!
Lisa!

Kutztown Folk Festival, Part One!Summer is in full bloom, everyone across the country is preparing for a vacation, a summer camp for their children, a day at the beach, boardwalk or artful retreat. While others who have been bitten by the economy are planning a summer stroll, a nature hike at a recreational park, walks through the trails or through the city, day trips to a museum, art center or festival.

I for one am always working 24/7, so any kind of adventure is something I welcome, especially with the warm breeze and excitement that summer has to offer. Over the
4th of July Weekend Glenny and took a nice drive to Kutztown for the Kutztown Folk Festival, filled with hundreds of festival tents lined with a variety of artful wares from talented craftsman, not mention vintage artifacts such as old cars from the 1920's, steam engines, wheels, carriages and tractors. I love the steam punk look of the old machinery, so classic and unusual.

For this post on the festival I wanted to share with you the gorgeous vintage machinery and dazzling Pennsylvania Hex signs which adorned the fair grounds, in the next post I will share with you the other interior photos of the festival.I love the bold, yet muted colors of these hex signs against the bright blue sky and puffy white clouds, so inspiration, especially for tole and folk artisans.Painting or mounting "hexing signs" dates back to the pre-Christian era in Europe, when symbols and designs derived from or pertaining to the runes first appeared on buildings to invoke magical powers, either to hex or bring about good fortune. Over time, the practice took on several new meanings, especially as the number of those recognizing the old Germanic pagan religions declined; for some, the practice came to be about art and tradition; for others, the sign-creating was less-ritualistic, but still about "good luck", especially for those concerned with good fortune in crop cultivation.

Today, artfully painted octagonal or hexagonal star-like patterns are a well-known sight on Pennsylvania Dutch barns in central and eastern Pennsylvania, especially in Berks County, Lancaster County and Lehigh County. However, the modern decoration of barns is a late development in Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. Prior to the 1830s, the cost of paint meant that most barns were unpainted. As paint became affordable, the Pennsylvania Dutch began to decorate their barns much like they decorated items in their homes. Barn decorating reached its peak in the early 20th century, at which time there were many artists who specialized in barn decorating. Drawn from a large repertoire of folk designs, barn painters combined many elements in their decorations. The geometric patterns of quilts can easily be seen in the patterns of many hex signs. Hearts and tulips seen on barns are commonly found on elaborately lettered and decorated birth, baptism and marriage certificates known as Fraktur. -wikipedia.org
Here it is in a sepia vintage color I did in Paintshop Pro!
Since the early 18th century steam power has been set to a variety of practical uses. At first it was applied to reciprocating pumps, but from the 1780s rotative engines (i.e. those converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion) began to appear, driving factory machinery. At the turn of the 19th century, steam-powered transport on both sea and land began to make its appearance becoming ever more dominant as the century progressed.

Steam engines can be said to have been the moving force behind the Industrial Revolution and saw widespread commercial use driving machinery in factories and mills, powering pumping stations and transport appliances such as railway locomotives, ships and road vehicles. Their use in agriculture led to an increase in the land available for cultivation.

Very low power engines are used to power models and speciality applications such as the steam clock.

The presence of several phases between heat source and power delivery has meant that it has always been difficult to obtain a power-to-weight ratio anywhere near that obtainable from internal combustion engines; notably this has made steam aircraft extremely rare. Similar considerations have meant that for small and medium-scale applications steam has been largely superseded by internal combustion engines or electric motors, which has given the steam engine an out-dated image. However it is important to remember that the power supplied to the electric grid is predominantly generated using steam turbine plant, so that indirectly the world's industry is still dependent on steam power. Recent concerns about fuel sources and pollution have incited a renewed interest in steam both as a component of cogeneration processes and as a prime mover. This is becoming known as the Advanced Steam movement.

Steam engines can be classified by their application:
Stationary applications
Stationary steam engines can be classified into two main types:

Winding engines, rolling mill engines, steam donkeys, marine engines, and similar applications which need to frequently stop and reverse.
Engines providing power, which rarely stop and do not need to reverse. These include engines used in thermal power stations and those that were used in pumping stations, mills, factories and to power cable railways and cable tramways before the widespread use of electric power.
The steam donkey is technically a stationary engine but is mounted on skids to be semi-portable. It is designed for logging use and can drag itself to a new location. Having secured the winch cable to a sturdy tree at the desired destination, the machine will move towards the anchor point as the cable is winched in.

A portable engine is a stationary engine mounted on wheels so that it may be towed to a work-site by horses or a traction engine, rather than being fixed in a single location. -wikipedia.org
The vintage Cars:

For more information on the Kutztown Folk Festival Visit:
http://www.kutztownfestival.com