Friday, February 19, 2010

Don't Let It All Out!

Hang on ... I have a lot of stuff struggling to get onto the blog today! ... and you know me - once that closet door opens, it all just starts pouring out!

First, just a silly photo. We decided to paint the kitchen a soft melon color - but I decided it was too bland, so I made new curtains. Used up lots and lots of little bits of leftover fabric, and spent way too many hours piecing all those little strips together LOL. But I liked the way it came out. If I had more gumption, I'd sew rings on them instead of using clip-on rings - but I don't, so I didn't, and they are what they are.


In the midst of a miserably cold and grey winter, it's always nice to get a little sunshine! And I received the same blast of sunshine twice this week! I received the Sunshine Award from Kaery of Kaery Faery and from Sue at Sue Barton Originals. Thank you so much! I feel all warm and sunshine-y! I'm turning into a regular bluebird of happiness ... and you stand it?!

This El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) shrine just knocks my socks off. So beautiful and delicate and dignified. This is the kind of Day of the Dead art that first got me really interested in the festival event. It really touches me. (NO! Not in a bad place!)
Okay. Ready for some magic? Let's hop into our actually-made-from-ice-can-you-believe-it coach and see a little fashion show...

Are you familiar with the designs of Isabelle de Borchgrave? If you are, keep the secret until the exhibit finale!






So, what is the secret? Did you already guess? These gorgeous, intricate, life-size costumes are all made from paper. Everything is paper ... the ribbons, the buttons, the embellishments - everything. I was just awed. If you would like to see more of her amazing work, visit her site here.

I have seen birdcages used as display cabinets many times, but this was the first lantern-turned-vitrine I've seen. I think it was very clever. I wish I had thought of it. I didn't - but I may make one and then lie and say it was all my idea.

I love vintage costumes - but isn't this one just c*r*e*e*p*y?! Maybe that's why I love it. It looks like it's decaying right before my eyes. Or is that just the crepe paper version of molting?
Apropos of absolutely nothing, I would love to know the story behind these soldiers(?) - cowboys(?) - who seem to have created a tin man from a beehive and a soup collander. What were they thinking? Is this the very first robot ever? Had they all just read Wizard of Oz and decided they needed to bring it to life? Whatever the reason, I applaud them!

Speaking of apropos of nothing! Two of my all-time favorite performers in one shot - both at the height of their beauty and celebrity. I may have to print this out, put it in my wallet, and tell people it's me and my mother.

So, what the hell are YOU looking at?!

Of course, I love theatres - and I especially love mini-theatres. So this really excited me. This is a REAL theatre with actual performances that has been created out of an historic Great Malvern (Worcestershire, England) gentleman's lavatory. According to the Guinness Book of Records, this is the smallest theatre in the world. Visit their website here to see more pictures and view a panoramic video of this tiny theatre! ... and if you're in Great Malvern get tickets to a performance!

I can't believe I found this photo! It's a cast publicity photo from my absolute favorite ever Twilight Zone episode! I can remember sitting with my mother and watching it - she never missed an episode of Twilight Zone or Perry Mason - and being scared out of my pants! Then, many years later, I saw it again, and I realize it's actually kind of funny. But when I was 6 or 7, I didn't know from satire! It was real!

Be sure to check back in a day or two and see just what this Marie Antoinette mini theatre has to do with anything.

Well, I must make a few phone calls. I've started disliking using the phone - though I used to be on it for hours a day - and wish that I could do all my communication via email. Or, better yet, through my blog, so I could illustrate what I mean with appropriate and meaningful pictures. So, while I'm busy talking to boring people about boring things (all business related), why don't you
go make something beautiful!
♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan

32 comments:

Deborah said...

Oh Tristan, you are my caffeine, my drug of choice!!! WITTY I tell ya! Regarding the curtains, had you sewn on rings, it would have just been overkill...showing off! The pattern is fantastic and the colors eye-opening! That will certainly start each day with a happy smile! **kisskiss** Deb

Deborah said...

HA! Not only are you witty, but you certainly know how to charm an old lady! Big Guy is my 23-year-old son. It may have been bs on your part, but at my age, I take what I can get! **Big kisses to you** Deb

Rebecca Nelson said...

Love the bird cage thingy my friend.

About the Twilight Zone picture...

That show totally freaked me out! It did. It still does. Can't watch it. No way.

But...I did LOVE (still do) Dark Shadows. So Chic!

xo Laughing Out Loud~Rebecca

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Ya have me laughing once again.
~Every time.
Love those curtains...oh the detail!

everything vintage

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Okay...were we on each other's blogs at the same time??? ;)
sounds kinky...love it!
ev

julie campbell said...

its been a long hard day and you have just perked me up no end !
Gorgeous pic of Bowie and the wonderful Liz and oh those paper costumes ! I feel inspired just looking at them, as for the twilight zone pic.....too creepy LOL but ~I love it~
Love the curtains too,
julie xxx

Anonymous said...

Oh how I loved to watch perry mason. I recall it being quite the ritual in my home at the time. The broad with the cigarette... hehehe.. loved it! Your curtains are unbelieveably festive aren't they? love them. Have a great day!.. oh, I too dislike the phone VERY much. But, I wanted want to be without it at the same time. Love hate relationships.. oy. T

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Okay, leave it to me to know this; that episode of the Twilight Zone took place during Mardi Gras....
I am such a geek.
Loved that show---and frequently feel like I am living in it! LOL!!!
Your curtains ROCK! You're crazy for sewing all those pieces, but they totally ROCK!!!
Off to enjoy my lump-dom....

XXOO!!
Anne

Jorge de Rojas said...

Wow those paper costumes were outrages! thanks for the heads up. BTW those curtains are really great as is!

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Fantastic post as always! Love, love, LOVE those costumes!!!!

The one episode that I can't get out of my head even after all these years is the one with Willam Shnater when he's looking at the plane window and when I fly at night I will NOT look out that window!!

Great curtains and a LOT of work!

I rarely answer the phone, leave a message, beep!

I have one gal pal who LOVES to chat. She has one of those head thingies and does her housework while she's chatting but I can't multitask that way so I have to make sure when she calls that I have TIME to chat . . . we're talking an hour or more which could be spent CREATING!!

TTFN!

((Hugs))
Moi

Blondie's Journal said...

Lots of gorgeous bits of info and fufu in this post, Tristan. I love the curtains, very bright and pretty. Love the paper art, I'd bust out of one of those crinolines in a New York minute and it would be a whole new kind of art.

Loved the Twilight Zone in my early adult years. My first toddler wouldn't stay in her crib at night so I was forced to stay up late and chase her back into her room. Well, guess what was on in those wee hours? This would have a funny ending if I could say the show scared her into her crib, but no. It was just a great way to pass the time.

xoxo
Jane

studioJudith said...

Your curtains are brilliant!!
LOVE them - they're the perfect winter pick up.

Adore Isabelle: her glorious book is currently on my library table.

And
I assumed that was a pic of you and
your mother!

Jjj

Kaerie Faerie said...

Thanks for the shout out and sharing all the fab pictures all the time, your blog makes me laugh, which makes you the sunshine man LOL
Love all that paper art amazing
I hate the phone tooo
and often throw it across the room, which my Jewish Hubby can't stand!!
your fairy friend
Karey

Debby said...

Another fabulous post! You crack me up. Love the costumes and curtains are great. Just wondering if you and your Mother have been printed and stashed in your wallet yet...LOL..
Debby

audrey said...

Hey Tristan - I'd like to ban telephones. I hate talking on them. Face to face, or email for me. Of course, I use the cell - it's a must for some things.
LOVE the paper outfits - SO gorgeous (and fragile)!
Twilight Zone was one of my favorites growing up. There are a couple of episodes that stuck in my head (scared me half to death)and I will NEVER forget them.
FABULOUS curtains, Tristan. LOVE all that color!!!
I think Mr. Bowie is better looking these days - back then he was rather skeletal.... lol
Super post, Tristan!!
♥ audrey

Tamerie Shriver Halliday said...

Those paper dresses are just amazing! I would never have guessed they weren't made from fabric.

Have a great weekend. Here's hoping some of your snow melts!

Hugs,
Tamerie

Jan said...

I think you couldn't stop when you were creating the fabric for the stole and kept piecing until it was curtains for you! How delightful! You never fail to amaze me at the photos you find. That Twilight Zone was indeed a memorable one. Most intriguing is the cowboy robot one. What the???

Valarie said...

Tristan....I love the curtains!! Such talent...I must have a Cinderella coach made of ice..it's snowing here in Colorado, so maybe?? Can't wait to see what you are going to do with the incredible theater.
xxoo Valarie

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh Tristan, I wish we had SKYPE so you could see and hear me laugh so hard right now. I like you. First of all, those paper dresses and the other photos are TDF! Texture, color, romantic fogginess in the pictures, they are all so divine. Then, the hilarious black and white shots. THEN THE KILLER.....the last photo dearest, looks just like me!!! I would swear that was me! Even with the bubble helmet, that woman looks like me!

You are THE BEST! You gave me a hearty laugh and I needed it because I get "dissed" all day long by my students.

Merci, Anita

Von said...

OH Delight and Joy!!!! Love the curtains! They'll all be wanting them! Special photo of Liz and Bowie..who took it?

Susan said...

Lovely curtains!!
and I knew they (costumes) were paper when I saw the shoes. What a talent though! WOWZA!
have a good weekend!
Susan

Anonymous said...

Oh, those paper gowns are absolutely amazing!!! Thanks for the link and the info!!
Julie

DuhBe said...

I'm so happy to have found your blog recently. The photos and witty writing are such a treat!

Sue said...

Missed this yesterday Tristan, but
it was a true 'burst of sunshine' to read today (hence your award).

Your curtains are fabulous and what a huge amount of work - just designing all the bits and pieces and the layout. wow!

So much to see here...love the Day of the Dead piece. As these pieces go, this one is very elegant.

I had read an article about Isabelle de Borchgrave and was blown away with her paper creations
(not just her dresses). Thanks for the link to her site.

And, as for the tin man? LOL, I think your explanation is as good as any.

What is Marie up to? Looking forward to finding out.

Hugs,

Sue

Shell said...

Your posts are always packed with goodness.
Where do I begin the ice coach to the picture of Liz and David to the beautiful costumes made out of paper. Paper wow.
Love it all.
Glad you liked my LSTB post. I never read the Diana book
you mentioned, I may need to
check it out.
Have a fab weekend, Tristan.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Tristan my fun friend, yes, that is Ludwig's castle in the fog! And the movie....oh gosh, the general public just doesn't want to sit and observe quietly and take it all in, because a movie like that requires just that to SEE the details.

Have a magical, glittery weekend precious!

Anita

Gossamer Creations said...

Hi Tristan,
Wonderful post. I love the fashion show....beautiful. Your curtains are so pretty. They look like they were a lot of work. I don't do much blogging anymore (except on Lexi's blog) but I thought I would stop by and check you out. Hope you are doing well.
~Sue~

* said...

The ice coach, the shoes, the dresses. An adventure in one blog post...amazingness.

Anonymous said...

And you deserve that bit of sunshine! I always look forward to your eccentrically eerie pics and creative posts in regards to your artwork ;)

Kris Dickinson said...

I've enjoyed reading your blog today. You are very clever and creative in your art and in your writing. A double treat. - Kris

Jonny J Petros said...

Hi Tristan, That paper dress is unreal gorgeous. I love your mini Marie theater beautiful! Sincerely Jonny

ceecee said...

Oh my god - I laughed so hard at that picture of Bowie and Liz and you wanting to say it was you and your Mom, and then the photo right under that and then the bubble head on the pay-phone! And probably lots of other things too, but by the time I got to the end I forgot. Sometimes I have to take notes when I'm reading your posts or I forget stuff. I know I say it every time but - always entertaining. (And the BEST stuff, too.)

Catherine