Cirque Fini

Happy New Year! I feel like I haven’t blogged in a month – because I haven’t. It has been exactly 30 days since I put my thoughts down on virtual paper.  Part of the reason I have been so distant is I had to finish up this massive project for The Banker’s Suite in Oregon. I kept putting it off and in the end I realized that I budgeted way too few hours; and with the holiday, well,  I ended up working through it.

I also had/still have my kids home from college. I love spending time with them just hanging out. It’s funny; I am getting to know them as adults now and when they come home we are not worried about homework, curfews etc. I am finding I really like who they are becoming.

So, since they come first every spare moment I had was spent getting my Christmas orders out and finishing these circuses. I finally delivered them Saturday morning and received the final payment, Yipee! My husband commented that by the time I finished I may as well be working in China for $2.00 an hour; that’s how much time I spent on this. I had never made anything this large before so structurally it was a challenge for me.

The center stage ended up being almost 50” high and about 33” wide. The two smaller circuses where 36” high and 28” wide. WOW! In the end, when the last image was glued on and the final glittered clown was positioned perfectly in his place, I breathed a sigh of relief and said never again. Of course now I think I could definitely try it again!

Want a peek?

All three circuses side by side. The table they are on is 6” wide and they take it all up and more.

  “The Flying Dillons.” All the images are from vintage Circus posters

“The Famous Clodoche Tropue” an actual French Circus act of the 1930’s

  Center Stage – 50” tall. “The Lion Tamer” The image behind the curtain actually is a box that extends 8” off the back and has a vintage image of a traveling circus on the back. I hand painted the sky and road on the top and bottom of the box to match that of the poster.

“The Flying Dillon’s” These three images were cut out and suspended under the tent I created. The mural behind is actually a three piece panel I created as a backdrop. Don’t you love the shadows?

 

Two other flyers are perched above the tent.

Another calls down to them to make way and prepare for her arrival.

Our high wire walker is the most daring of all.

The second small circus, “The Clodoche Troupe”

I love this view!

 

One kicker on each side.

The third and final piece.

For the big top, I got the idea of covering a lamp shade with ribbon from the talented Deb Kennedy of Retreat Design. She is a wiz at it!

Details make this piece.

    The columns are covered in vintage wallpaper given to me by Tiffany, of Shabbyscraps. Thanks Tiffany!

There you have it,, what has occupied my last couple of months. It was totally worth it! I would love to make another one of these for myself, the difference is it would be a storybook stage where I could switch out the backdrop and characters. Everything from Alice in Wonderland to Marie Antoinette.

What I love most about these three stages is that they are definitely “Over the Top” and, at least, to me, a “Pretty Little Thing”, now go out and create your own!

P.S. Stay tuned for my new Valentines Boxes.

Hugs,

Amada

Comments

[Kimberly]

Good grief girlfriend - that is incredible! You are a genius~
Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you sometime soon~
xx

[Carrie]

These pieces are works of art - literally! I keep looking at the photos over and over and can't believe it. The 3 together are just jaw droppingly beautiful. I love your idea of creating a backdrop where you change out the characters. As always, wonderful to see your creations and great to see the family the other night. I LOVE my gifts. They are already displayed.

[Deb @ Retreat]

THAT, my dear, is a feat of artistic greatness! What an impressive undertaking, Amada. This is book worthy, you know! ;0)

And my goodness, how very kind and generous of you to credit me for ribbon-covered lampshades... I do love making them, tho I'm quite sure I'm not the only person to ever come up with that idea! Blessings to you in this New Year.

[JoAnn S]

great pieces, I am just glad i didnt have to trasport them lol. like moving a wedding cake!! really good work. I appreciate it as I make stuff and sell it mostly wholesale. I have also sold to common folk in the past.

[Tristan Robin]

OMG OMG OMG OMG

WOW

I am awed - these are completely magical and enchanting!!!

I am so totally humbled. MY! You have created entire worlds!

I want one!!!!!

[Modern Crush]

It is absolutely stunning!! You should be so proud! Those folks in Oregon are very very lucky <3

[Valarie Kraft]

I am completely speechless. This is the most incredible thing I have ever laid eyes on. I cannot imagine what it must be like in person. What is happening to it?? I also wanted to tell you that I totally agree with you on having your kids home. Isn't it interesting to get to know them as adults?? Completely amazing. I cannot wait to see your Valentine's Day boxes.
xxoo Valarie

[The husband]

Well, I told you I wouldn't be the only one that believed these are truely AMAZING...Love you

[Sandy]

I can't believe you made these! What an accomplishment.

[Cassandra]

:O I wish you could see my face, WOW shocking! Your talent and attention to detail just WOWs me! Such an amazing artist! Thanks so much for sharing!

Hugs
Cassandra

[Terri Gordon]

Amanda, your work is just amazing. Happy New Year Amanda. Hugs, Terri

[Joanna {sweet finds}]

Wow! that's amazing. I love it! I wouldn't even know where to start. Maybe we could have a mini class in your hotel room in Savannah. :)

Can't wait to meet you.
xoxo, Joanna

[Sherry Williams]

Oh my goodness, Amada! I can't believe my eyes!! They are incredible!! Maybe some of your talent will rub off on me in Savannah!! Can't wait to meet you!
Sherry

[Terri]

I have to say, this is the most amazing art I have ever seen. You must of enjoyed every minute. You are a amazing and sharing artist! Thank you! Terri

[A Gift Wrapped life]

Absolutely incredible!!! Every breathtaking detail Amanda. Happy 2010 and nice to see you blogging, but totally see why you weren't. Must be so absorbing and worth it. Bravo!

[Modern Prairie Girl]

wow...I've seen your stuff before, and it honestly takes my breath away. So inspiring!

Thanks for visiting the MPG site...thrilled to be listed ;) Right back at ya!

Hope to see you at a get-together with the "girls" sometime. That would be fantastic~
Lara

[Jen]

Wow what a fantastic, magical imagination you have! I am completely floored by the Circus, just amazing. Love your work!
luvs and glitter~jen

[Sujan]

These look amazing!Thank you for such a wonderful creation!

[Jessica Cabaniss]

These are amazing and GORGEOUS! i wish i could buy every single one. So briliant!