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!
“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
OMG!!!! That is crazy beautiful and imaginative!!!! Love the little drawer and that is beyond remembering the details!!!! Love it!!! Shelley
Posted by: Shelley Overholt | May 18, 2010 at 04:45 AM
Amada,
that is really super cool! I love it! I need to get handy with a knife! tee-hee
I have been looking for a torso... cant find one anywhere. I wonder if Christine ordered them online????
Anyhoo, your creation is beautiful. Lots of thought. Lots of work. I hope she goes to a good home. :)
hugs, Joanna
Posted by: Joanna {sweet finds} | May 18, 2010 at 04:48 AM
WOW Amada! This is just over the top STUNNING! What a very neat idea! I just love all the beautiful detail! xox Cassandra
Posted by: Cassandra | May 18, 2010 at 05:38 AM
Amada, this is just stunning. I made a mini-theatre from a torso, also - but nowhere near as fanciful and magical and imaginative and gorgeous as this is!
You are amazing. I want to live in your head for an afternoon!
Posted by: Tristan Robin | May 18, 2010 at 08:25 AM
another beauty!! great!!! hugs JoAnn S
Posted by: JoAnn S | May 18, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Amada, It's breathtaking! Honestly just perfect. I love that it's in a mannequin. WOWZA!
Posted by: Holly | May 18, 2010 at 08:10 PM
Love your Marie. She is a true queen.
Posted by: Carrie | May 18, 2010 at 08:27 PM
Ooooh- she's exquisite!!! And Gone!! Lol- I'm not surprised :) I'm sure she'll be cherished for many lifetimes over! Miss you *Hugs*
Posted by: Julie Ann | May 19, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Oh My Gosh Miss Calendar Girl...
YOU ARE AMAZING!
I had to go back and re-read the last THREE posts like THREE times each...you totally blew my mind!!!!
First, congratulations for becoming MISS MAY! wooo hooo!!!!! That's a huge honor from Miss Christine :)
Secondly, I never dreamed that ships could look that whimsical and beautiful!!!! You have a wonderful and unique imagination Amada :)
And Thirdly...the torso...it blew me away! I totally wasn't expecting that from the little dress forms that we had between our little fingers in Savannah! You are SO dang creative girl!!!!
Just Beautiful...I'm speechless...my mind is blown...you GO girl :)
Posted by: Jodie (everything vintage) | May 20, 2010 at 05:42 AM
Wow!! Amada, only you could come up with something so wonderful. I can't wait to tell Nicole to check your site.
Bernadette
Posted by: Bernadette Gibson | May 20, 2010 at 03:21 PM
Oh My Goodness!!! She is over the top gorgeous and stunning!!! I love all of the lucious details!! The drawer is one of my favs! {HUGS} Heidi
Posted by: Heidi Meyer | May 23, 2010 at 08:04 AM