"Emma" A Novel

Sunday, February 28, 2010
My latest collage inspired by Jane Austin's book "Emma" a story set in Regency England.

Emma Woodhouse, is a young, beautiful, witty, and privileged woman, who loves to meddle in matchmaking.

Available for purchase from Cafe Baudelaire and as a greeting card from Mulberry Muse

For Jane Austin fans living in New York from March the 14th at The Morgan Library, an exhibition of the extraordinary life and work of Jane Austin will be on view.

Enhanced Frontierland Hoedown Happening debuts

Saturday, February 27, 2010


It’s been part of the park experience over the years. Frontierland Hoedown Happening is the latest installment…and yes, you can be part of the show.

A new version of the Frontierland Hoedown Happening debuted at Magic Kingdom Park Feb. 26, 2010.

The action begins without notice at Walt Disney World. A lone operator from Big Thunder Mountain walks into the street and starts waving a hat. He’s soon joined by other residents of Frontierland, including the Country Bears and other friends. See for yourself.


The show, which celebrates the spirit of the wild west, has been enjoyed by theme park guests for more than 10 years. Today, the show debuted plussed up with new music, costumes and choreography.

The Frontierland Hoedown Happening  starts when the normal park background music fades and the song Devil's Dream begins. Suddenly a bunch of cast members dressed in various Frontierland costumes then gather for a group dance. Several Frontierland characters also join in on the fun, including Brer Bear, Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox, and Country Bears Wendell, Big Al, Shaker and Liver Lips.

Next, nearby guests are invited to join a procession to the tune of Rocky Top and do the Hokey Pokey. The show concludes with the cast members and characters doing a finale dance for guests to the Country Bears' song, Come Again.

When the last song ends, the Frontierland performers thank everyone for joining in and go back to their business — until a Frontierland Hoedown Happening happens again. Have you experienced it yet? 


Because the spirit of the show is aimed at being spontaneous and fun, show times are not published in the Times Guide.






You can see a little blond girl doing the Hokey Pokey in this video:


Original piece

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I do not often get time to play with my pencils and paints, digital collage seems to consume my days.

I did however take some time to play yesterday and drew a little bunny rabbit on a heart shaped paper doilie.

I have listed it for sale in Cafe Baudelaire , a little unusual collectors piece :)

Past and Present

Monday, February 22, 2010
I love to find old treasures among  my possessions that were long forgotten.

I came across an old engraving from the village in England that I was born in. A little place called Eaton Socon, I am even listed on the school register along with my parents and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins, at the old village school.



If you would like to know more about Eaton Socon

I also found a lovely old sepia photograph of my Mother and I.

I look a little grumpy:(



This is a picture of myself many years later digitally collaged into one of French Kissed lovely postcards

"Just dropping in for a spot of tea darlings...."

Wednesday, February 17, 2010
An indulgent surreal Marie Antoinette, my most recent collage  in the "Tea" collection.

Available in Cafe Baudelaire shop as a print and soon to be released invitation cards, perfect for the spring tea party.

Thanks to everyone that came to the inaugural "Trouble with Girls All-Female Art Revue" ...it rocked!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010




Thanks to everyone that came out to the inaugural "Trouble with Girls all female art revue"!!

Double thanks to all the awesome peeps that came out to The Trouble with Girls show!! This was our first event and I appreciate the support so many wonderful people showed all of us! Triple thanks to the lovely ladies that participated in the show including the artists (Jenn D Basing, Maytee Bringas, Lissette Barros, 666 Photography (your package arrived today...damn shipping delays!!! Next year you're in and early! he he...), Lea Vendetta, Jenny Koivu, Polly Peachums, Pooka) AND the supa dupa crafty gals (With Sugar on Top, Humble BumbleB, Stitches are Forever, Mayeville and Gianna with Heartbeats Unlimited). DJ Heather Holiday kept the cool tunes coming, Miss Aurora Natrix kept us warm n’ fuzzy with her tassle-twirling burlesque numbers, The Alvarez Bros. were on-hand to document the event. Red Bull kept us UP and thanks to Yoli for bringing on 3 Leches liquer, Beaulieu Coastal & Chalone Monterey wines, keeping us toasty and hydrated. Travis Newbill was the surprise gender-bending act and he/she rocked! I appreciate all the help I received from Yvonne and Garo at IWAN's The Bubble…you guys AND your crew are all awesome! Many thanks to all the photographers who captured snazzy shots and The New Times peeps!

All in all it was a great time and I thank everyone so much for supporting the event. Was rad seeing so many friends and meeting cool new peeps.

We’ll be seeing all of you again next year and promise to make double the trouble!

Cheers!

Check out The New Times Broward slideshow

And check out this cool video my pals, The Alvarez Bros. put together from the show...thanks guys! :)

Trouble With Girls Art Revue- Janette valentine from Elephas Productions on Vimeo.


















Mark your calendars! Sat. February 13th is my first annual "Trouble with Girls" (all-female art revue)! Please come out and bring your friends!

Artists, vendors, and photographers include:
Jenn D. Basing * Mayeville * 666 Photography * With Sugar on Top * Janette Valentine * Lissette Barros * Pooka * Polly ...Peachums * Jenny Koivu * Stitches are Forever * Lea Vendetta * HumbleBumbleB * Rachel Dejohn * Coma Girl * Katya Neptune.


Burlesque Performances by Miss Aurora Natrix
DJ Sets by: Heather Holiday


Sponsored by Terribly Girly Photography, Heartbeats Unlimited and Mayeville


Location: IWAN's The Bubble 810 NE 4th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Time: 6pm - 12am
Cost: Under 21-$5.00 / 21 and over-$10.00
Complimentary Drinks included!!

Come out, support female artists and have some fun!

Flights of Fantasy

Monday, February 15, 2010
I would never wish to venture a flight in a hot air balloon but I love the romance of the whole idea.

Inspired by a very romantic Valentines day card from my wonderful husband I have been working on a new collage featuring a vintage air  balloon.

The card will remain forever our secret!



Le Ballon from Cafe Baudelaire



I do love this!



A wonderful flight of fantasy from Allies Adornments on etsy

A little Gothic Femme Fatale

Saturday, February 13, 2010
After another visit to the dentist today I was feeling rather black.

I had found a gorgeous french vintage music sheet earlier in the day at my favourite vintage bookshop and inspired by a recent purchase from French Kissed this was the hauntingly dark result Suite Gothique now in Cafe Baudelaire shop.

The Cost Of Design

I have been asked many times to quote a design fee for blogs, web sites and business cards etc.

This is not an easy task, it would seem that most potential clients have no idea of the amount of work involved and flee at the mention of a very reasonable rate.

For example the professional design fee for a blog is usually between $1500-$3000 to get a good design.

If unique graphics are required the time involved is substantial.

I have been in the design industry for over 25 years with vast experience and I am not too happy about working for a few dollars per hour.

It is mystifying that folks will pay plumbers and electricians vast sums for half an hours work but are so reluctant to pay the humble designer.

It is also puzzling that it costs less to buy one of my beautifully designed and printed gift tags than it costs to buy a cup of coffee!

I will crawl back into my Artist's garret.....



Attic from Warden Abbey

Cupcakes and Tea

Friday, February 12, 2010
Bragging here I know! My very talented daughter, Tabitha Emma,  has her work featured on Dandelion Day Dreamer blog this week.

For a chance to win one of her delicious prints pop over for a visit and leave a comment:)



Bunnies and Tea in store for Easter



Hard to choose the perfect cup from Tabitha Emma



I heart Cup Cakes from Tabitha Emma

Aceo Giveaway Winner!!!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I was excited to read so many lovely comments for the Aceo giveaway so I decided to give away not one aceo but two!

The draw for the winner has taken place , I had all the entry names written onto pieces of paper and put them into a little jug.

The two winners are Kelly Robinson and Nicky Paelini !!!!! An email is on its way to you two lovely ladies:)

Thank  you so much to everyone who participated:)





"The Ten things I hate about blogs" from Grrl+dog

Saturday, February 6, 2010
It took me a while to start blogging as I found it all a bit daunting and I had no real desire to share my life with the world.

However it does not have to be that way and I have found some incredible blogs and made some fabulous friends.

This post from grrrl+dog expresses many of my own thoughts about some blogs in a wonderfully funny way...

"The 10 things I hate about Blogs" Post



This image is available as tags cards and prints from my etsy shops

Get well soon!

Friday, February 5, 2010
I am feeling rather sorry for myself, stuck in bed with the flu, and it is so hot too in the middle of summer, not a good time to have a fever:(

I like this:) from aruricards

Cafe Baudelaire Aceo sale and Competition!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
A collectors treat, an aceo special at Cafe Baudelaire

Leave a comment on this blog post about your favourite Cafe Baudelaire Aceo and you will go into the draw to win an Aceo of your choice.

Winner will be announced next Wednesday:)

ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions & Originals".
They are miniature works of art the size of a trading or playing card (2.5" x 3.5") an inexpensive way to collect beautiful prints.



Thank you for all the lovely comments!! The winners have been announced.

Bunny Rabbits

Thinking about Bunnies,  so cute and cuddly.

I could never eat Rabbit stew when a child in England.

My Grandad kept Rabbits but they were for food, apparently a good source of nutrition during the war years.

A new Print from my Cafe Baudelaire shop and cards from Mulberry Muse



I have a lovely collection of the still very popular Bunnykins china



I adore Beatrix Potter's gorgeous work and have the whole collection of her wonderful Children's stories.

Beatrix Potter began her career at the age of 24 after having some of her rabbit drawings accepted by the publishers of greeting cards, Hildesheimer and Faulkner.

I too began my career as an illustrator and designer of greeting cards at around the same age.

I still work freelance for the same Sydney company over 20 years later!

Monday Inspiration

Monday, February 1, 2010
Louise Richardson Art