Over the Top Studios

Seattle Wedding Show Cover

 

 

I have some very exciting news. Last Spring Barb Berger of the Seattle Wedding Show contacted me letting me know they were considering one of my toppers for the cover of the 2012 Seattle Wedding Show Magazine. I was flattered to say the least.

 

 

 

In August I received a follow up email from Barb. They had chosen my “Just for Fun” topper for the cover of the magazine! WOW – I am so humbled to have been chosen. Sharing the honor with me is Pinkabella Cupcakes. We teamed up last year for the 2011 Wedding Show and had a blast.

The magazine is available at all participating wedding show vendor locations and will be handed out to everyone who attends the 2012 Seattle Wedding Show event held at the Convention Center is Seattle. The images are all lovely and were professionally photographed by Azzura Photography.

 

 

The Seattle Wedding Show is the largest wedding show of this type in the northwest and features hundreds of vendors in every category. They display the latest and greatest trends in weddings and there truly is something for every taste.

 

This year Pinkabella and Over the Top are teaming up again for the 2012 show and I am really excited about the booth and some of the new toppers I will be featuring. The booth will be dreamy and romantic – but that is all I can say for now.

 

Thank you Seattle Wedding Show board and Barb Berger for selecting my topper for the cover.  It is more than I could have hoped for.

 

Regards!

 

Amada

A Kate Spade Wedding

I make a lot of wedding toppers and I love everyone one of them. Each time I get a new order I truly can’t wait to make it.  Rarely do I sell exactly the topper that is on my ETSY site. Usually there is a color change, banner suggestion, silhouette request… you get the picture. All these little changes makes each topper unique and special. But… every once in  while a request comes along that is a pure joy to take on.

Enter Kristina. A lovely bride with a romantic idea. Kristina wanted to somehow revamp her parents wedding topper from their 1960’s wedding  to fit her very trendy “Kate Spade Inspired” wedding. She contacted me after seeing one of my toppers in Martha Stewart hoping I could help. She sent me pictures of her parents topper with little hope.

 

 

She described the details of her wedding to me, the vibrant colors backed by black and white stripes.  She wanted it to be “fun” above all else.  In order to personalize the topper she asked if I could change the brunette to a red head and add some ostrich feathers to the dress. Her dress is a beautiful mermaid Pronovias gown, the bottom adorned with the feathers. Hhmm!

 A tall order.

 

I started doing my research and actually found some great color palettes on line. There were a couple that really inspired me.

 

Katrina loved the palette as well and even sent me one of her invitations as inspiration. I got to work.

 

When the topper arrived I immediately knew I would be unable to use any of the existing arbor or flowers. They were plastic and had yellowed over the years. The base was also in bad shape. I gently removed the porcelain figures from the base and I was pleasantly  surprised.  Underneath the stained  satin dress was a lovely dress and handsome bride and groom.

I needed to make a new base that was more representational of Katrina’s trendy wedding. I wanted to match her invite which had small gold polka dots but couldn’t find the right paper so… I made my own. I painted the brides hair red to match Katrina’s and even added some length to it. I also embellished the bottom of the porcelain dress with small feathers, just like Katrina’s. I was able to salvage some of the old tulle from the gown and made a veil for the bride. It was a nice touch since we couldn’t use any of the flowers.

Now came the hard part. The arbor. How do I make something fun and whimsical that represents this fashionable wedding without it looking costumy (is that a word?)

I decided to go with the stripe and just simple pops of color in clusters all around the simple white wire arbor.

 

 

I also added some bling around her neck and a feather to her veil.

 

 

Katrina’s “Kate Spade Inspired” wedding was off to a great start. The best part is  Katrina is keeping all this to herself; a surprise to her mother that will be revealed on her wedding day. I am thrilled that I was able to be part of this new tradition and hope to inspire other brides to consider using their parents toppers in new and fun ways. 

 

Something Old

Something New

Something Borrowed

Something Blue

 

Blessings…..

       Amada

When Pigs Fly…

 

This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed at home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none.
And this little piggy went... 
"Wee wee wee" all the way home...

 

 

I love pigs! I always have. I never had one of my own but I have several friends with them and I can tell you one thing, they will never fly.  They can run, and even jump, but they will never get off the ground.  Until this little guy.

This little piggy has sprouted Dresden wings and is ready to be the first to take flight. He sits on top a vibrant chartreuse and red base that is covered in gold trim. He sits about 7” tall and 3” in diameter.

 

 

I originally made this as a topper for a groom’s cake.  A little innocent teasing from the bride, but it can be used for so many more of those little life surprises.

I love it just as it is. 

It is in my ETSY shop

 

So check it out here before it flies away….

Hugs,

Amada

My Big Fat Double Wide Life…

I know it has been a while since I have blogged anything. Those who know me are aware I have been in a state of transition for the last four months. We decided early this year to finally build our next home – our “Empty Nest” home, very different from what we had. With the kids gone and Tim traveling every week the old place was just too much work for one little gal and although I LOVED IT! I knew it was time to pass it on. So began the work of getting it ready for sale. When you live in a house for fourteen years, a house you built, you tend to live with it’s quirky faults. The sprinklers that don’t quite work, the pond pump that for some reason shuts off by itself, the chips and dings on the walls. They all become part of it’s charm – but NOT to a relator and not to potential buyers. So even though I thought my house was in pretty good shape, I was sadly mistaken. I quickly went to work and I literally worked 6 weeks straight getting it ready. Finally it was done.

Heron’s Landing

Five acres of finely manicured house, garden and barn. I was thrilled but sad, the realtor comforted me by letting me know we would be able to enjoy it. The market was slow and houses in this price range even slower. “Buckle Up, your in for a long ride” he said. The house went on the market April 4th and by the 6th we had three full price offers! No kidding! We were shocked, thrilled and SCARED! Where would we go with three cats, a dog and a tractor?

So came the job of packing up and again, with Tim traveling, it was up to me. It took me the full 60 days of escrow to pack up the house and fix even more “issues” the house had. In the back of our minds was always, where are we going to go. Our new house won’t be ready until November/December. We always thought we would need temporary housing but for SIX MONTHS!

ENTER THE DOUBLEWIDE…

We were lucky enough to score this amazing double wide right next door to where we are building. What Luck; and the best part is we can bring our three ancient cats and neurotic Pomeranian with us at no extra charge. We have had to make some concessions, Tim’s office is now in the dining area and my Studio is in a 7X9’  room/closet. After three weeks I am actually beginning to love…

My Big Fat Double Wide Life!

Some of the benefits….

1. There is almost NO yard work.

2. Cleaning takes 2 hours, tops!

3. It heats up in seconds and is super cozy.

4. Everything you need is only a few steps away.

5. It’s cheap to rent each month and electricity, water are included!

Some of the downfalls…

1. I keep tripping over cats and dogs.

2. I can’t seem to get the windows un fogged.

3. Bugs!

4. The bear keeps taking our trash.

5. Did I mention that Tim’s office is in the dining area?

So, we will be here for the next  five months or so and I am truly beginning to embrace it. I literally just walk next door everyday and check in on the progress of the new house. I think the workers like it since I bring treats. 

I had my first product photo shoot outside, because there is no good light inside, and I thought it was going to be horrible; there are only weeds and trees around us, but it ended up being lovely. I will post pictures soon.

So, that’s where I have been. I hope to return to the world of blogging, crafting and adding product to my shop now that I am settled into my temporary digs. The new house has a 400’ studio that I can’t wait to move into but for now my little closet will have to do.

Hugs to All,

Amada

Creating Marie Style

I wanted to let you all know about a great opportunity. Last month Sonia, Editor of Creating Vintage Charm (printed publication) came across my white Marie shoes which I have for sale in my ETSY shop and I and asked permission to use them in the special edition of Creating Marie Style. What an honor to be included with so many other wonderful Marie artist who’s work I so admire so much.

Since this is a limited addition magazine, they print them to order and it takes about two weeks to get your copy.

 

In this issue you will find; 

Featured Artist, Cathy Scalise 

Shop at the Versailles Market, pretties and ideal gifts from various artists and designers (I believe this is where I am) 

Tutorials by Terri Gordon and Debi Huntsman and Melanie Hall Marie Cut-Out images by Cassie's Creations

Framing Prints by Sonia Crouse ~ Featuring Paulette Kinney, Dawn Shotton and more....

So click here to order your copy today. It will truly be a treat for all you Francophiles and Marie lovers!

Merci

Amada

No. 24 Marie Antoinette Mini Theater Mannequin

Hello Everyone! I know it has been quite a while since I blogged but it isn't because I have forgotten you all. No, in fact I have just been super busy getting my house ready to sell. This is another long story which I plan on sharing with all of you once all the papers are signed, sealed and delivered. For now I decided to take some time out away from the grind and making something I really have been wanting to.

  
 

No. 24

She has been on my mind for a while. Ever since I found the little porcelin number and the birdcage. She is actually No. 4 in a series I have made each different yet similar. There are some signiture things I like to do, for instance the champagne cap that I twist and turn to cap my Marie and of course the little secret drawer which make her oh so mysterious.

 

The theatre inside features Marie decked out in her finest attire with a single chandelier crystal by her side. I always imagine the crowd whispering amongst themselves as she waltzes in. She is truly a

"A Lady Of Quality" 

 

 
This mannequin is about 16 inches tall and just filled with details. I absolutely love making these - the problem is they take so long. By the time I finish I have invested so many hours that I never know what to sell them for. But sell them I must if I want to keep buying supplies. So I am told.

 

Sweet Miss No. 24 is for sale in my ETSY shop. Click here to see her.

Secretly, I hope no one buys her so she can stay with me a little longer. I must confess I finished her a few weeks ago but have been admiring her in my craftroom which now needs to be packed up for our move. I guess she would be happier with a permanent home instead of the double-wide I will be moving into. Intrigued? I told you it was a story for later......

 

Until then - Good bye for now my sweet friends...

 

Maries Danse Des Fleurs Giveaway

Although I will be unable to make the Maries Danse Des Fluers event in Tampa, I am sending a counterpart to join in the festivities.

 

I had signed up for the event, bought my plane ticketand admission, and started putting together all my little goodies when I got news that I had to be  in Los Angeles. I can't believe I will be missing this amazing weekend with wonderful friends and amazing classes.

I am sending a little something to the event as a "Door Prize" Someone will win this little

Marie Faberge Egg Theatre

  
I was inspired by those little Faberge Eggs of long ago. So delicate and intricate in detail - and with Easter right aroundthe corner it seemed the perfect stage for my little Marie.  Cassi gave me free reign to do whatever I liked; Her only request - use the pink and turquoise color scheme of the event.

 

 
I LOVE making these little theatres. This one is about 8" tall in all but is loaded with details. Just like the Faberge Eggs of old.

 

Old chandelier crystals and a vintage brooch. 

 

A little glittered ship trimmed in gold Dresden serves as a finial.

 

I used lots of curled white feathers, turquoise and pink flowers and pink and white beads. The egg sits on a silver glittered base and is tied up with ribbon.

It was hard to let this one go but I had to. I am planning to make another soon for myself - in the meanwhile one of you lucky ladies attending will take this home.

 

Good luck! I will miss you all so much. 

 
 
Or should I say "Au revoir"

Amada