The White Bench

In Somerset Life.

2012-01-27T09:10:00.004+01:00

I finally received my copy of Somerset Life, where my work is published once again. Thanks from the heart to all the kind ladies that made this possible and worked hard to give us all such a wonderful issue of the magazine!

I have been asked to share with their readers my vintage portable studio. ... I was delighted!

I've been a fan of newspaper as free supply for gift- wrapping for a long time... here is my article about that with some ideas for you.

And much to my surprise, I found these map- wrapped gifts I had sent to the Editor-in-Chief to say thank you are featured too! :)) I told you vintage maps are my latest obsession... ;) Maybe will show close ups of these in another post someday, should you fancy to borrow the idea.

Finally, I also contributed to the Miscellany section with two of my shots. Sorry the vintage camera belonged to my Grandfather is on another page- I'm happy to have my family heirloom among things that inspire.

Treat yourself to this issue if you haven't yet. My talented friends Abby and Michelle are in too, with fabulous creations!

Have a terrific weekend- the weather is forecasted to get worse over here... we have had beautiful sunshine for many weeks now and haven't had proper cold as of yet. Hope this disturbance doesn't bring snow! :(

Monica x

Thinking Valentine's Day #2

2012-01-25T16:26:00.005+01:00

Elevate the presentation of a simple gift!

Just a 'map' heart on a plain luggage tag and a painted red (and gently sanded) mini clothespin to top a gift wrapped in vintage maps and bakers twine.

Vintage and antique maps are my latest obsession... ;)

Happy Wednesday!

Monica x

Thinking Valentine's Day #1

2012-01-23T20:24:00.001+01:00

Happy Monday everyone! As February 14 is just around the corner, I prepared some Valentine- inspired posts. Mini projects and creative ideas I hope you'll like!

When it's mid January, I start itching for Spring, and love having forced bulbs and primroses potted all around my home... The other day my Mom presented me a couple of hyacinths, I removed them from their ugly plastic containers, and arranged in upcycled jam jars. I added a few creative touches like a love label and wooden hearts... aren't they cute?

Found this old gardening book last week, and had to bring it home with me. Every keen gardener needs a very vintage gardening book, right?:)

I thought you may like to make these too, to treat yourself to a bit of Spring or to give. You can make them with your kids too, they'll love them.

Materials needed:

- forced bulbs

- jam jars (I used Bonne Maman because they have a wide- mouth opening that allows the bulb to be inserted without any damage)

- jute ribbon

- bakers twine (or ribbon, any kind)

- hearts (any type)

- lollipop sticks

- hot glue gun

- chalkboard paint (or black paint)

- scissors

- brush

Instructions:

1. Wrap the jam jar in jute ribbon and baker's twine (or ribbon). You can add a heart if you want.

2. Remove the bulb from the plastic pot, and put delicately in the jar, without damaging the root ball. Leave about 1 in (2 cm) at the bottom of the jar.

3. Paint the lollipop stick with chalkboard paint, attach the heart with a dab of hot glue, and write 'love' on it. Insert in the root ball.

4. Add a bit of water.

5. Enjoy!

Can't wait to see my hyacinths grow and bloom!

Monica x

One Book a Month-#2 "New Farmhouse Style".

2012-01-21T20:20:00.014+01:00

I promised to share one book a month from my personal collection.

For January, I chose one of my favorites ever, "New Farmhouse Style" by Terri John Woods, photographed by talented Kindra Clineff.

... I simply adore this book!! It's soooo me, I love Terri John Woods' style!

I always find so much inspiration among these pages... This is a book for both white lovers and color lovers. The author mixed up perfectly total white with splashes of vibrant colors, in his own fascinating farmouse nestled in Vermont.

So many of the things I love...

This chair looks like the one I re- made :)

The Christmas vignettes throughout the book are utterly inspiring! (My bears would be happy there, don't you think??;)).

Thanks to Terry John Woods and Kindra Clineff for this fabulous book, and to my lovely reader Franca for her suggestion! :) A good book for the weekend...

Happy Sunday everyone!

Monica x

My Rag Dolls.

2012-01-20T10:00:00.001+01:00

... Really miss making these!

At the moment I have no time to even think of making one, as I'm busy painting... so thought to post a couple of pictures of my old creations for you all to enjoy!

Happy Friday!

Monica x

Free Spirit.

2012-01-17T14:51:00.001+01:00

Sending sunshine your way...

Monica x

On Seasonal Living.

2012-01-16T09:06:00.022+01:00

Couldn't help but post my new header before January ends. For the beginning of the year, I chose shades of brown and white (you know I love) as my color scheme. I love to change it often, like I do like to often change things around my home... to fit the season, to fit my mood.

One of the most delightful things to me is living seasonally, sensing the rhythm of the year.

Enjoying the coziness of staying indoors in Winter, crackling fires to keep me company while I curl up on the sofa with a good book and a warm blanket. Comfort food, woolen scarves and sweaters, mittens, earth tones all around my home.

In Spring, I love to awake to warmer temperatures after the long, cold winter, sow and plant and just spend time in the garden with my doggie happily sniffing the air, observing bulbs sprouting up from the cold earth, the teeny tiny buds on the bare branches becoming lovely flowers. Pastel colors become my favorites then, and I usually begin to cook lighter, more colored meals and to refresh my home and my wardrobe as well.

Summer brings along nights of star gazing and lots of time to spend outdoors, just working, walking or relaxing, bright and cheery colors, light clothes and an everending array of yummy salads and fruit to eat. It's time to jam making, to preserve vegetables from the orchard or the farmer's market.

Autumn in the end, gives us a palette of wondrous oranges, reds, yellows and browns to deeply savor, together with a bountiful harvest. It's time to nest and plan ahead for the Holiday Season, that will spread cheer all around.

So, here's my new banner, if you haven't noticed yet I changed it...

Hope your week is off to a good start!

Monica x

Creative Living.

2012-01-14T08:08:00.009+01:00

A cute way to keep my mail still to be checked, cards I have to thank for, bills to pay, etc. in a prominent place. Who says a ballet shoe is for ballet only?

Happy weekend everyone!

Monica x

My Teddy Bears in Print!!

2012-01-12T18:14:00.032+01:00

Feeling muuch better than yesterday, I popped in today to show you this article I have in Prims this month! My Well Loved Teddy Bears made it to the glossy pages! Some serius happy dancing going on over here ;)

Due to postal issues (now become utterly annoying!), I haven't had the pleasure of seeing this in the flesh, as of yet :((( nor Somerset Life actually, where I have some other features. But I decided to share it now anyway.

I have had several publications in the yummy Stampington magazines in the past (I feel so blessed by them and the wonderful ladies that made that possible!), but this is surely one of the most delightful ever. Not only for the gorgeous photography, that truly makes me smile as the photographer captured each bear's personality so well (and made me smile even bigger with the three cute bottoms facing the camera!), but also because I really love teddies and having my own published in such a wonderful magazine, truly makes me happy and my heart skip a beat!... Thank you Jennifer, so very much, for this beautiful, sweet feeling!

I really hope I have all of my supplies and tools back soon, and my normal routine, to make more. There's something so special, to me, in a teddy bear... even if I'm grown up (or supposed to be, LOL)!

Do you like teddy bears? Do you collect them?

Smiles to you,

Monica and Janvier, Daisy and Thomas (the Bears) enjoying their moment of glory under the spotlights x

WIP.

2012-01-11T00:40:00.005+01:00

Update Jan 11: Many thanks for your concern about my health! I'm a bit better even if I'm very tired and don't feel in the mood of staying at my computer for too long. Hence, it will take me some more days to reply to the emails you kindly sent me. I will as soon as I feel better!

Also, it looks like this little journal of mine aroused some interest... so I am posting it again today, for those who haven't seen it.

***

I have already showed my Biz Gratitude Book here. Here's my progress so far...

I am using prints of my artworks, photographs from magazines I have been published in, scraps of vintage papers, wallpaper, etc. and including copies of checks, excerpts of my articles or blog posts, certificates, biz-related happenings, emails I received from people that appreciated my work or felt inspired, etc... anything that reminds me how grateful I am to be able to do all day and everyday what I love!

I caught a bad cold/flu/whatever with temperature that is blocking me in bed, besides making me feel miserable... :(( I have a pile of sketches ready to become paintings and several crafty projects calling my name! ... And I must stay here instead! Boohooo. Hope this goes away soon!

Monica x

My Word for 2012 is...

2012-01-09T14:18:00.012+01:00

... BLOOM!

vb (mainly intr)

1. (of flowers) to open; come into flower

2. to bear flowers; blossom

3. to flourish or grow

4. to be in a healthy, glowing, or flourishing condition

It was only a few years ago that I started to choose a word to be the tune for the upcoming year. A single word to symbolize how I'd want my year to feel and look like, a word to work on, instead of resolutions that tend to be easily forgotten along the way. Chosing a single word help me focus and direct my energies. As usual, it happens I have a single one recurrently coming to mind when I start to think of a new year ahead, without considering too much... The one I'm supposed to choose just holds on, when I try to explore new entries... It seems it's the word that's "choosing me"! Probably we unconsciously know what we'd love the new year to bring in to our lives. So I sincerely send that word out there in the Universe for it to align its energy around that idea...

In 2009 'Simplify' chose me. In 2010 I really needed to 'Relax'. 2011 was cadenced by the word 'Expand'. Now on to 2012. Opening up to new things and new possibilities, flourishing, staying in a healthy condition, expressing in my life the qualities I see in flowers: grace, simplicity, beauty, inspiration... this is how I'd love to live the year ahead. May I, dear Universe?

And you? Do you make New Year's resolutions or choose a word?

Monica x

Found Beauty #9- Hearts in the Mail!

2012-01-05T16:58:00.017+01:00

You should know by now I do love hearts! ;)

So, when this package from my dear friend Deb arrived in the mail this morning, I just screamed with delight!

In case you're wondering, no, it isn't an early Valentine (even if it could be!) but a belated Christmas wish! The postal service here is usually very naughty at Christmas, and I end up opening many of my presents and cards in January/ February. Also in March at times! :(

Not only these hearts are perfect for my taste, but they also are exquisitely made. I can't stop staring at them, and while I'll save that with the Christmas ribbon for our tree, I have the red and white one hanging from the lamp on my working table, so I can see it (and smile) while I'm painting.

Thank you, dear friend ♥

By the way, these inspired me to start thinking Valentines... ;)

Monica x

Thank you!!

2012-01-05T09:49:00.009+01:00

... For your friendship, for your encouragement, for the time you took to leave me messages that brightened my day, for celebrating with me!

I'm grateful to have you in my life!

Monica x

FYI: Comments are closed on this post.

BIG News! And About Dreams Coming True...

2012-01-01T00:00:00.001+01:00

Licensing: the owner of a copyright, trademark, intellectual property etc. (defined as 'licensor') allows under written contract, another party (the 'licensee') to make, use and sell copies of the original.

As we are starting over with a new year, I'd love to begin it unfolding some really wonderful, exciting new opportunities I've been given.

I told you there was so much in the works over here, and I was very busy. The fact is, I signed on with Linda Mc Donald Inc. (will tell you about how wonderful she is later on!), and this means I am ready to finally license my work!... So in the future, you might bump into a greeting card, journal, gift bag, bookmark, fabric line, travel mug etc. etc. with one of my designs onto it!

This is THE job I've been dreaming of taking up forever!!!!! Even before I even knew what 'licensing' was...

All happened like magic and very quickly... when I committed to stop blocking the energy of the Universe with my fears... when I said a loud, profound YES to what was calling me deeply. Even if I myself thought I was crazy to even think that could be possible. A simple italian girl, taking up a career as professional artist? With an american agent? Hey, people are going to laugh at you, I kept telling me.

On my Illustrated Discovery Journal, I already showed here on my blog before, these images kept making their appearance, though... I've been a fan of these women forever!! I remember my teen years when I collected money in my piggy bank to be able to buy books, cards and journals illustrated by Marjolein.

Looking at them right now, all seems so surreal to me... I knew, and I didn't at the same time.

It really took me quite a while, and totally hard work to finally let my fears go and feel I was ready.

And when I finally have been, after years (yep, years!) of spiritual work and with a recovered, greater faith, all happened like magic. The agent I signed with is THE agent I've been dreaming of having to represent me since the moment when I understood THIS was what I was meant to do, years ago. When I hadn't the barest idea of how-to, practically, but that small voice was continually whispering me to walk on this path. I cannot tell you how good I feel knowing that it meant to happen... and that this is God's plan for me.

Hence, what I can say from my humble experience is that DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE! So hold. on. to. yours!!!

"Opportunity never arrives. It's here!"

Mary Engelbreit.

Monica x

My Look Back at 2011.

2011-12-29T18:00:00.003+01:00

Hey there dear friends and readers! Cannot believe we're ready to say farewell to 2011, can you? This year, for me, has just flown by!

As usual, I like to write this 'look back' as my last post of the year.

In January, precisely on the very first day of the month, I finished Janvier, one of my Well Loved teddies, wearing the symbol of a new home for us in a new Country. My white bookcovers made their appearance in an article in Somerset Life, together with a few of my shots in the Miscellany section of the magazine.

In February, we moved from our home to a temporary address, and put all of our belongings in storage. My hubby gave me a new laptop to be able to survive the move, and I created for him pretty boxes as Valentines. My woolen scarves were published in Green Craft Magazine, and it has been the first time ever one of my creations was modeled!

In March I started to de- stress after more than 6 months of packaging and bureaucracy, slept an awful lot, and started to deeply feel the call to paint once again. I celebrated my birthday, and out of the blue found out I had to have surgery on my left hand in May.

In April, I had the great joy of having the transplanted peonies from my garden blooming!

My rosette bouquet, a photo-tutorial and other pictures were published in Somerset Life. April has definitely been growing time for me.

In May, I finally had surgery to fix Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my left hand too, after I had it fixed in the other hand four years ago. May has been a time of rest and reflection, as I couldn't do a single thing and had to excercise my hand more than two hours per day.

My Bear Doll Pincushions were published in Art Doll Quarterly, and my denim bib necklace and cuff bracelet in Altered Couture (... and modeled once again!).

The month of June was full of beauty, flowers and colors. I found gorgeous treasures at the antique market and visited Lake Como, where I used to live.

In July I made good use of a vintage train case I had bought at the thrift shop, making a portable studio out of it. My coffee filter roses with a vintage patina were published in Somerset Life. For those interested in making them, a free tutorial is available on my blog here.

All over August, I continued to answer my call... One of my projects was in Green Craft Magazine once again, and I made inspiration stones. I had fun playing with my camera to capture beauty and colors around me.

I felt so very blessed that I needed to fix those feelings on canvas... didn't perceive any sort of lack in my life, but only Abundance.

In September, I finally shared the long- awaited tutorial to make coffee filter roses and another one to make felted acorns. I was published again (gosh, by now you'll be bored stiff to hear...;)), and enjoyed some little pleasures. I welcomed Autumn with a new look for my blog.

October was filled with wonderful colors outside and deep into my heart. I found one gorgeous, vintage, plaid suitcase that I love. My interview as a 'Pro' was published in Somerset Apprentice, and I painted several mixed media canvases. I felt really very inspired!

In November, my creative biz took flight (will tell you my news in my next post- sorry I had to write this farewell to 2011 first!) and my priorities shifted, but I found the time for going antiquing, cozying up in front of the fire and decorating. I roasted chestnuts and spent quality time with my family. Painted several new canvases with butterflies and affirmation girls. I made new woolen scarves, and made- over a thrifted mannequin. Finally had the chance to see my feature in Romantic Homes.

The month of December brought me joy joy joy, excitement and new inspiration, some Christmas cards from blog friends, and endless hours painting! I sewed a coat for Kim, started a Biz Gratitude Book, crocheted a bit and treated me to some yummy magazines. I shared my crafty snowmen at Design Dazzle, quick wrapping ideas, a recipe, and pretty, easy projects here and here. I also asked you about your 'creative' decorations, and you have been so nice to share your experience and thoughts with me/my readers... Thank you!

Thank you also for another wonderful year of blog friendship, help, support, tears, laughing, creativity, sweet comments and emails, inspiring ideas! Let's toast to another one, filled of joy, love and peace of mind for everyone!

Happy New Year!

Monica xoxo

Homemade Lanterns.

2011-12-26T13:33:00.006+01:00

Just take some glass jars and a few other supplies... then put lit tea lights into them and hang on bare branches...

Hope you had a fabulous Christmas day!

Monica x

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T10:55:00.008+01:00

From our home to yours.

xoxo

FYI: Comments closed.

... Do You Get It???

2011-12-21T20:31:00.018+01:00

I know you DO! :))

It takes a creative soul to understand...

Have you ever witnessed funny reactions from guests or family members visiting your home, when they see your creative decorations, spaces or stuff?

I have ;) Shocked expressions indeed... someone even 'tried' to understand... but obviously thought I was completely crazy!!

Thank goodness for Blogland and you all, kindred spirits! What a creative girl would do without you???LOL. By the way, Johanna looks very happy in her festive attire!

Will pop in after Christmas to share my big news with you all, to prepare to say farewell to 2011 and greet 2012 with newly found inspiration and energy.

In the meantime, I wish you a wonderful, merry Christmas. May you always feel its true Spirit, forever and ever.

Monica xoxo

Cinnamon Palm Cookies.

2011-12-20T19:58:00.002+01:00

This is my own recipe for palm cookies. I don't use salt and I like to add cinnamon when I prepare them for Christmas.

Ingredients:

One sheet puff pastry for about 15 cookies

Cinnamon

3 spoons each of Demerara sugar, white granulated sugar

Silver dragees (optional, these have been banned from California and somewhere considered inedible, but they're still sold and used here)

Directions:

Preheat the oven ( 180°C/350F).

Combine sugars, and spread evenly on the puff pastry. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Roll the pastry toward the centre, until you have two rolls meeting in the very centre of the dough rectangle. Cut into slices.

Sprinkle with granulated sugar and silver dragees (please note that these are very hard, so not suitable for elderly people or young children).

Bake until caramelized (about 15 minutes in my oven, but it depends. Check them often).

Enjoy!

Monica x

Make your own Wreaths!

2011-12-19T21:18:00.026+01:00

I had never thought of making my own wreaths, until a few days ago, when Kim and I were strolling happily around the neighborhood, and I happened to lay my eyes on fabulous twigs of virginia creeper that grows abundantly along the boundary of an abandoned allotment... now free from the vibrant red foliage and visible in all of their potential ;)

Needless to say I harvested a good deal...

... and when at home, I started to twist and wrap them around each other to create a round shape. You can even use silver birch twigs, or anything flexible.

To secure, wedge the loose end among the twisted twigs. No glue or wire are necessary.

Really easy peasy and super quick! In matter of seconds I had my wreath... (See the chest of drawers? It's one of my WIPs! A garbage find, to be exact (wink wink)! It was in very poor conditions but now it's fixed. Look at those knobs. My, it's going to be splendid after the beauty treatment I have in mind! Will show the before and after when done).

You can decorate your wreath as you like- isn't this a cute, last- minute, inexpensive thought for a neighbor or a special touch to top your gifts with?

Monica x

Found Beauty #8- Christmas Cards.

2011-12-16T21:21:00.020+01:00

There is something beautiful in receiving Christmas cards... one of the most delightful simple pleasures of the Season! Those colored envelopes you recognize at first sight in the mailbox... Someone thought of YOU at this special time of year and took the time to send along their words of friendship and love!

When they are glittered and artistically wrapped in ribbon (as this one I have just received from a friend) well, delight is more than doubled.

Monica x

5 Quick Gift-Wrapping Ideas.

2011-12-15T17:15:00.029+01:00

Just popped in to say hello!

I thought I'd show a few simple and creative ideas to wrap up your presents in seconds, if you haven't yet.

1. Newspaper, Burlap and Twine:

Wrap up the present in newspaper, burlap ribbon and twine, hot glue pinecones down, add a simple coordinated tag, and you're done!

Check my article "Wrapped Up in the News" in the upcoming issue of Somerset Life for more ideas to gift-wrap using newspaper.

2. Fabric and Scrap Wreaths:

Use fabric instead of paper, and top with a little wreath made with wool and fabric leftovers.

3. Sheet Music (or ledger or book paper) and Ribbon Roses:

Cover a box entirely or wrap- up your gift in old paper. Then top with a gorgeous ribbon rose (my free tutorial here). Make a Christmas tag instead of the Paris-inspired one shown above.

4. Vintage Pattern Paper, Doily and Glittered Birdie:

As easy as A, B, C! Use Divine Twine in a color of your choice and add a rusty, old key and a glittered bird. A fresh fir tree twig would be a great, and divinely scented, addition.

5. Pattern Paper, Doily and Wish Ticket:

Add greenery or/and a bell for a Christmas-sy touch.

Monica x.

Christmas Snowmen.

2011-12-13T20:41:00.010+01:00

Hello everyone!

Toni over at Design Dazzle gave me permission to share this post I wrote for 100 Ideas of Christmas Wonderful here on my blog, too.

To make my snowmen, I used crumpled tissue paper, glue and then gesso, to make the styrofoam balls look like actual papier machè (a technique of my own).

They have funny sheet music hats, embellished with vintage lace, wool and remnants of all kind, plus sweet rusty snowflakes and bells. I adooore that cheery jingle jingle!

To make the hats, just adhere sheet music on cardboard with paper glue, cut out a triangle, make a cone, and staple it to secure on the rear. Then finish off with lace, remnants etc and put on the head of your snowmen using hot glue.

To make these chaps perfectly wintr-y, I also incorporated wool yarn and scraps of mohair left from my handmade bears into their collars and to finish the hats off.

My snowmen's noses are made with little tree branches, sharpened and inserted in the styrofoam balls. You can add one or two bigger ones under the head to create the bodies, and insert bare branches as arms. Paint happy faces with acrylics and finally, a generous sprinkle of clear glitter to make them sparkle!

... And voilà! Ready to spread Christmas cheer!!

... Happy crafting and enjoy the countdown to Christmas!!

Monica x

One Book a Month-#1 "Merry and Bright".

2011-12-12T08:16:00.020+01:00

I share with many of you the love for books. Not only those torn and worn with tattered pages...;) As I had announced last year, I wanted to start to show you some of those I have on my bookshelves, so they might be of inspiration for you too, as they are for me. Almost the totality of them are second hand books, I purchased on Amazon over the years.

I'm starting today with this, from the editors of Country Living (US Edition), which truly is one of my favorites!

If you love the style of Terry John Woods as I do, you could easily recognize some of the pictures here, taken from his own book "New Farmhouse Style", I'll show next month.

Fabulous trees, stunning decor, tablesettings and overall magic throughout the pages of "Merry and Bright"...

My, I so love that bedroom!

An original, handmade Santa and neat display in a cupboard.

And lots of cute, simple craft ideas to easily reproduce.

This book is quite a gorgeous addition to your personal library, to refer over and over again for inspiration! Thanks to Brenda who mentioned she owned it too in the comment section. You definitely persuaded me to finally start this 'One Book a Month' series of posts!

Country Living. "Merry and Bright". 301 festive ideas for celebrating Christmas. Hearst Books.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Monica x