Meeting the Queen!
Welcome to Magpieheaven! Just a quick mention that yesterday I spent a lovely day at Stamperama, Stevenage meeting up with old and new friends: Helen, Lin, Deborah, Kirsten, Margaret, Jo Jo and Jo Myhill. It was great to see Leandra and her daughter, Courtney demoing the new and beautiful PaperArtsy stamps and paint colours and Liz Borer in person demoing her new stamp collection. I hope I haven't left anybody out
The title today doesn't refer to HRH Queen Elizabeth the Second, who I have never met and who did not make an appearance at Stamperama! It refers to my second doll who stepped out of the bunk beds to meet me! She is based on the Queen of Hearts from Lewis Carroll's Alice adventures. I can't express how rewarding Mary Jane Chadbourne's online course has been. This is just a picture post today with a few glimpses of Queenie, as I call her!
She holds a looking-glass in which Alice is reflected and tells us to 'Reflect' - 'commands' perhaps would be the more appropriate word!
If you click on the image you might be able to see the little White Rabbit charm at the corner of the looking glass.
I wanted to make the base resemble a nice fat book! There is nothing like the feel of a book in your hand, the smell of the pages and the excitement as those pages stack up.
Some of my happiest memories are of reading stories to our children as they snuggled up in their bunk beds, and I reckon those beds have absorbed many, many tales! The back of the Queen shows her sleeping and the book firmly shut and waiting for another day.
When we turn her around her face tells something of Alice's adventures!
She's a formidable lady, but as I painted her face, she refused to be as terrifying as Carroll portrayed her! Maybe Queenie has a soft side and puts on a bit of a ferocious show for the courtiers!
Here she is on the Magpie mantle-piece, having a chat with her companion, Perdita and a little distracted by the tiny Mad Hatter at their feet, who will keep interrupting! She loves her new home in front of the looking glass too! Two dolls finished now! Today I hope to spend some time working on the third bunk-bed girl. I wonder what her character will be? Thank you so much for stopping by Magpieheaven today! Have a lovely creative week!
Your bunk bed girls are absolutely magical dear Julie Ann ♥
ReplyDeleteThe head you cut for Queenie's profile is so original too!
When I hear the name "Queenie" I always think fondly of the TV series "Larkrise to Candleford"...Queenie is quite a character and her bee connection really speaks to me too.
Dream * Reflect * can't wait to see who/what is next in your charmed bunkbed series.
Bedtime stories hold a very special place in my heart from the time my Mutti read them to me and all the years I had to read to our boys.
Precious post and creation once again!
oxo
I so want to live in your world Julie Ann, it's such a magical place. Queenside really is imperious. As I write that not sure it's the right word? She made me smile and has loads of interest. Normal people might lock up folk who make dolls from bunk beds....haha. Xx
ReplyDeleteTotally awesome Julie Ann ! Another fantastic creation ! Hugs, blessings and love from Catherine
ReplyDeleteJulie Ann, I am not sure which art doll I love the most!!! Your Queen rocks in all of her splendor!! and I am still so drawn to the subtle beauty of your Dreamer! You have set the bar high for others who follow my friend! xoxo
ReplyDeleteBoth of these art dolls are fantastic. It's a wonderful idea to incorporate Alice into the queen.
ReplyDeletejust GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteOooh how fabulous Julie Ann, glad you had a good time yesterday too catching up with everyone
ReplyDeleteSam xxx
Oh, Queenie is truly glorious! Long may she reign on your mantelpiece. Glad you got home far quicker than you arrived, eh?!
ReplyDeleteQueenie is gorgeous,Julie Ann,stunning work of art. I can see you are really enjoying making them.
ReplyDeleteThose new paperartsy stamps are wonderful. I am hoping my new set of Darcy's ones turn up tomorrow,couldn't resist them! Stevenage sounds wonderful,hope you didn't spend too much......
Hugs
Donna xx
Another truly magical piece you have given so much love and attention to. A true delight stopping by your blog.
ReplyDeleteJulie x
Your doll is just amazing, julie Ann! I don't know which one I like best now. Queenie was my pop's girlfriend after Nana died, the one he used to play whist with! I am very surprised the queen wasn't at stamperama; I wonder what she does on a Sunday,
ReplyDeleteLucy x
Fantastic!!! Love your gals! xxx
ReplyDeleteWOW Julie Ann another amazing set of projects, your Girls are awesome looking forward to number three. Said it before and i will say it again do you rent out your head space lol, it is so full of inspiration, you are a true ArTist :-) xxx
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness - how extraordinary and fabulous!! You have worked every single millimetre to brilliant use. STUNNING work! Perdita is ab fab too! Nicola x
ReplyDeleteAmazing queen doll Julie Ann, great idea and fab story xx
ReplyDeleteSaw your dolls on fb, Julie Ann, but had to stop by for a better look--they're wonderful!
ReplyDelete:)
Oh Miss Julie Ann I got shiver when you said, " my second doll who stepped out of the bunk beds to meet me! " it is an honor to meet Queenie with her all her special magical details, those tiny cards running down her body are THE BOMB, you have inspired me to use some of mine on a card I'm making, the crackled heart on her crown is gorgeousssss, the crackle framed looking glass, fabulous with the tiny white rabbit, it's all so magical what a production Queenie is, wow Missy you are entertaining the world with every creation, they touch all of our senses, it been a MOST wonderful visit, I love visiting you, thanks for all the inspiration, ((( HUGE HUGS ))),
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful and creative and so much fun. So much as gone into this - love the crackled heart on the crown. Julie Anne this is really smashing.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be queen, unless you are married to Henry the VIII!
Sandy xx
Julie Ann, I do not see a way to contact you so I am leaving a message here- are you on holiday? Did I miss something- have not heard from you and I am concerned- I hope all is well much love and good wishes, Jackie ")
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this-Queenie is fantastic! She certainly does look quite regal! Beautiful details Julie Ann and can see how much you are loving this course! Chrisx
ReplyDeleteHow fun......Love all three......
ReplyDeleteFantastic to see some more close-ups of Queenie - definitely a regal profile!
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
Hello Queenie, wow you do look truly gorgeous and totally amazing. All your details are amazing and I love the Alice in Wonderland theme even though I have never watched or read the book. I got loads of books for Christmas and each time I unwrapped one I had a good sniff, my other half thought I was mad lol. Glad you had a fabulous day with everyone. Kezzy :-) xxx
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