back from fairyland
I do not remember a time when I did not try to invent pictures and
make for myself a fairyland amongst the wild flowers, the animals,
fungi, mosses, woods and streams, all the thousand objects of the
countryside. (Beatrix Potter)
As a child I was obsessed with all things Beatrix Potter. Her biography housed at my elementary school library had my name inscribed on the check-out card over and over. At the time, I felt that we were, in fact, the same person - painfully shy, solitary, fanciful, curious, in love with animals and the natural world. I even tried keeping a journal in code like she did (nothing came of it, but consider this the uncoded adult version). No I haven't seen Miss Potter, but, yes, I intend to go.
These are some things on which I have been working. They will probably be part of the show at Doe that I'm doing with my sister in May. It will have some sort of deep dark woods theme. I'm excited to put together a whole body of work. Imagining these little bits of the forest floor comes really naturally to me; I love giving them a new life in linen and thread and tweed and wool.
I did not accomplish what I intended during my break, although I made a little bit of a dent in all of it which is enough. There probably won't be a shop update for another couple weeks. I'm thinking of doing more owl and pussycat sets if people are interested as well as a few other new things.
Thanks also to everyone who has been checking in at 3191 and giving such positive feedback. I'm really thrilled about it. I know a lot of people have questions about how it all comes together, so maybe I'll talk about that one day. mav, can I interview you?
Happy Monday!
Oh, I know just what you mean about Ms. Potter. There is a beautiful book containing photos of her farm at the library by my Mum's, and every time we visit, we *must* check it out. (Perhaps a few times in quick succession for good measure).
Your creations are magical. They seem to come from a different place as your previous work-- this is truly you, and they are amazing.
Thank you for sharing. You (and Mav!) bring us such joy.
Posted by: luckybeans | January 29, 2007 at 09:22 PM
You're work is so exquisite, Stephanie. It's lovely to have you back.
Posted by: kristin | January 29, 2007 at 09:23 PM
You're work is so exquisite, Stephanie. It's lovely to have you back.
Posted by: kristin | January 29, 2007 at 09:24 PM
I love fungis and yours seem to be be really delicious!!! What??? They're not real??!!
Posted by: Fanfreluches&co | January 29, 2007 at 10:17 PM
Everything you make beautiful! Like you an Beatrix I also love finding inspiration in animals and the natural world so I adore these latest creations of yours ♥
Posted by: Emma | January 29, 2007 at 11:26 PM
i love the pinecone. so clever!
Posted by: michal | January 29, 2007 at 11:39 PM
your new work is just amazing...
Posted by: sarah | January 29, 2007 at 11:42 PM
Welcome back. I'm in love with this fairyland you are creating.
Posted by: sally | January 30, 2007 at 12:14 AM
I love your new items! And the quote too - it sounds kind of familiar to me :-)
Posted by: Marieke | January 30, 2007 at 12:28 AM
beautiful new work! glad you are back.
Posted by: jen | January 30, 2007 at 05:20 AM
I've really been loving these new things you're making. And I'm looking forward to seeing the Owl and Pussycat sets.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | January 30, 2007 at 05:36 AM
very inspiring. this and 3191. the three of you, you- your sister and mav are huge sources of inspiration for me to make work.
Posted by: erika | January 30, 2007 at 06:30 AM
That pinecone is awesome. I want a basketfull. I also like your new banner.
Posted by: Laura W. | January 30, 2007 at 06:40 AM
welcome back stephanie! thanks for letting us peek into your fairyland, it is beautiful there.
Posted by: hannah | January 30, 2007 at 06:51 AM
The deep forest items are so delicate and beautiful! Thank you for sharing the loveliness.
Posted by: Keri | January 30, 2007 at 06:58 AM
Oh, I'm so glad you're "back." Yippee! I don't know though... Four wonderful pictures of your new work in one post? You have to ease us back in slowly! It's just all so amazing!
Posted by: Beth | January 30, 2007 at 06:59 AM
those mushrooms are beautiful! And the pine cone? so lifelike...
Posted by: dandelion | January 30, 2007 at 07:09 AM
I am not so extravagant as you and have poor comments: what beautiful things you are sewing!!
Posted by: fleur | January 30, 2007 at 07:41 AM
so much beauty stephanie! i love beatrix potter too. just so you know, i am thrilled to visit 3191 each day. lovely all around and i vote yes for interviews...maybe you should interview each other. glad you are back! xo shari
Posted by: shari | January 30, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Glad your back Stephanie! Really beautiful and the pinecone is my favorite!
Posted by: Michele Annette | January 30, 2007 at 08:03 AM
love fairylands, forests and magical places- can we all jump in?
these pieces are just beautiful... enough for adults to admire and imagine AND for children.
not only are your creations beautiful, but they just look great. I don't know how you do it.
Posted by: carol | January 30, 2007 at 09:40 AM
welcome back. potter fan here too. (no surprise) these new pieces are truly magical. bravo steph. can't wait to see more. may even have to travel to sf in the spring!
Posted by: tracy | January 30, 2007 at 09:56 AM
So beautiful!
Posted by: Scribbles & Bits | January 30, 2007 at 10:01 AM
the pine cone is so inspired. really lovely!
Posted by: carol | January 30, 2007 at 10:18 AM
welcome back. i missed you so.
Posted by: lisa | January 30, 2007 at 10:39 AM