Over the Top Studios

It’s A Good Thing…

Yes Martha, it is!

Ever since I can remember I have been a Martha Stewart fan. I have collected her books, subscribed to her magazines and faithfully watched her show. I have even tried to get tickets to the taping – but have yet to be successful.

My friends refer to me as “Martha”. I live on 7 acres with an orchard, vegetable garden, barn and chickens. I throw themed dinner parties and make many of my own gifts. You get the picture…

So wasn’t I thrilled last February when I received an email from Martha Stewart – well, not Martha, herself but one of her editors. I thought I had finally won those tickets I had put in for. Not so, even better. It seems that this editor had seen my wedding toppers on ETSY and wanted to know if I would be interested in being featured in the upcoming

Martha Stewart Weddings

WOW!  What an honor.  “Of course” I replied and I promptly shipped a ginormous  box filled with toppers to New York. After all, when Martha says jump, you say how high.

Out of all the toppers the one pictured below is the one they chose.

I am so thrilled and honored  to be featured with so many other wonderful artist on ETSY.  Last year had many ups and downs for me but something like this makes it all worth while. Enough said.

So, if you are interested, check out the

Martha Stewart Weddings Summer 2010

Turn to page 23

and look for #7

 Thanks Martha – it is a Good Thing!

HUSH HUSH Sweet Charlotte

I have a new fascination with these little ladies.

Perhaps it is because they are getting increasingly difficult to find.

What seems like a broken and discarded child’s toy to most…

can be transformed into something beautiful…

An Angel

I found this one at one of my favorite little shops in Bothell, Washington. .. Art & Soul.

I promptly returned home and bid on a lot of  these beauties. I won’t disclose my maximum bid but if you happen to start seeing them in my art you know I WON!

Wish me luck!

Marie Maskers Frolic Ball – A Mini Theatre

I am still coming down from my wonderful trip to Savannah last month. As you recall, one of the classes was a Sweet Southern Belle Mannequin taught by the very talented and sweet Christine Rose Elle of Dollybelle. Ever since I found out we were making a mannequin, I had this idea of transforming mine into a mini theatre; time and space did not allow me to do it at the event. 

Instead I came home and got to work.

Using an Xacto knife I cut out the chest to create the inside of the theatre. I measured the inside and made a floor for my stage.

I found a wonderful image of a ballroom and used it for the background. Then I hung a single crystal chandelier bead in the center.

 

I covered the paper mache torso in vintage French sheet music.

An old champagne top that I twisted and turned about became a “topper” for my torso.

French Champagne of course!

My torso has a secret. Can you guess what it is?

A tiny drawer made from a  matchbox. The knob – a tarnished metal bee.

Avenue de Le Opera printed ribbon is only the beginning.

Raw silk ribbon, lace, feathers and printed vintage newspaper that has been curled and embellished with cameos, charms and beads cascade to the ground.

details are everything!

From behind more white feather and silk flowers create a bustle.

Oohh La La!

Did I mention her skirt is Duponi silk that has been gathered up and trimmed in more light pink silk ribbon?

 

Just when I thought I was done she called out to me. “I must have a crown” she exclaimed!

“As you wish” I replied.

“How about a wreath?” I asked.

“With a pretty Dresden bird and stars?” she giggled.

“Of course”

Put it all together and what do you get?

A mannequin fit for a Queen – Marie!

Available in my ETSY shop

Merci

I Saw Three Ships

I’ve been working on a crown swap hosted by Kim in my Marie Antoinette Mailart Group. The theme is Marie, Queen of May, but I have been obsessed with ships instead….

Little glittered ships

Sailing on top of tiny spring flowers…

and blonde tufts of hair

In the Garden….

The Queen of May

Strolls silently through the garden.

My partner is Roxie  and I will be “shipping” her this May Crown today – enjoy!

         I saw three ships………

                                                                                  Amada

 

Finally! I am a Calendar Girl

As many of you know last week I attended Petticoats and Parasols in Savannah, Georgia hosted by the very talented and gracious Jennifer Hayslip.  One of the highlights of my trip was meeting the equally talented  and lovely Christine Elle Rose of Dollybelle’s Peepshow. Christine is an amazing artist, jewelry maker, costume designer…… you name it she does it; and well! Her talent spans many mediums.

In addition, she is one of the kindest souls I have ever met. Truly.  Image my surprise when she emailed me asking if it would be alright for her to feature little ole’ me on her blog as her…

DIY Glamour Girl for May!

I AM FLOORED.

Click here to see more

Thank you so much Christine. It was such a pleasure to meet you and take a class from you. I am putting the skills you taught me to work and creating another mannequin already.  You are an incredibly gifted, beautiful and gracious. Quite the Southern Belle.

Hugs Sweetie and Thank you so very Much.