And the Winner ISSSSSSS

**Before I get to the winners. I have a quick question.. I am interested in getting into the ACEO Swaps but have never been in one. Cananyone fill me in where I can find the swaps or maybe if some one is hosting one???? Just trying to get involved, if you can help me out I would appreciate it , Thanks**



Remeber the little contest I was holding for the oh-so-cute mini ghost ornie and a second person for the 15% any one of my Etsy items???

We have our winners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! With the help of my trusty sweetheart Adam we cut up even pieces of papers and put in all the entries. Adam is also doing the picking.*Drum Roll*

***Drawing for the Ghost Orine***

KIMMMMM HARDT Ladies and Gents! Kim Hardt is a fellow blogger who can be located on Kim Hardt Originals.

The second drawing... For some reason the photo of the next person didn't load correctly on the computer. But I am fair as the day is long so you will just have to beleive me when I say the winner of the 15% a Fantastic Figments Etsy Item is...... LAURA from Things With Wings

Thank you all who participated in the event! I really greatly appreciate it and wish you could all win. I will be holding more of these definately. Mind you I do have a 100 post coming up in the next two months I am sure!

****ETSY GRAND OPENING****

I am here to report that I am very pleased so far with the amount of views I have recieved on my items thus far. Far more than eBay ever.... I hope you all enjoy the offerings. My mom came over yesterday and was in shock. She says "That camera does those little sculpture no justice" You can imagine how happy that made me (even if it was my mom, but knowing my mom is like knowing the most unbiased person , we call her the alpha male.) So please when peeking at the little sculptures do take note that they are much cuter in person.

****LISA LAMPONELLI****

Good grashious if you are easily offened please stay away. She was hilarious but oh so crude and rude.

****Adirondack Extreme****

It was a blast. Super hard but very very fun

That is my office getting ready to be Exterem (I am bottom left: not the most flattering pic but it was also raining pretty hard)

That is me again after I lauched from the tarzan swing. Mind you this is all in the air nothing between you and the ground but 30 ft of nothing..

Well that is all for now please please stop by my etsy store Fantastic Figments and don't forget to add me to favs...

SMOOOCHES MY LOVELIES!

GRAND OPENING DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Howdy folks today is the day. ETSY GRAND OPENING!!!!!!! I am only going to leave a shot message because I am really busy getting my ducks in a row. I can't believe how excited I am!!!!

Please note that I am still adding pieces to the shop so check back often because I will be adding throughout the day. Last night we had a storm and our internet was faulting out!!!!!!!!!!! So I am working on last minute stocking.

Remember that first five customers are getting door prizes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is right .. I would show you but I want it to be a surprise.

Please shop by and let me know how it looks. This is my first go at it so suggestions are welcomed!

Thank you all and smooches. The link the my shop is above just click on 'Etsy Grand Opening' at the beginning of the message.

Smooooches,
Steph

Happy Shopping

ETSY GRAND OPENING and other Fun Stuff

Welcome to the house of Fantastic Figments
Where I use all different colors and pigments
Everything is original and nothings what it seems
This is a world only found in dreams
A place with special sites for all to see
Made with 100% love for you from me.
Say so-long to the mundane and hello to the whimsy
And enjoy your spin around my very own Etsy.


Everyone hold your breath the moment has finally arrived. GRAND OPENING OF FANTSTIC FIGMENTS ETSY!!!!!!!!!!!!! *claps, applause* I know it was a long time coming but it is finally time.

The first five customers will receive a door prize with their purchase as well as a 10% off coupon good for one future item.


Who: Fantastic Figments owner and operator: Stephanie Mannuci
Where: Fantastic Figments Etsy Store (<---link)
When: 9/28/08

Please please please stop by on Sunday you support in this means a lot to me. My blog friends are my art family and we all need a shoulder to lean on.

~*~*~*~*~Other Fun Stuff~*~*~*~*~*~

1.Last night our work had a cocktail mixed… very nice

2.Also Last night I had my first knitting refresher class and met two WONDERFUL new ladies that I am sure I will have a blast with.

3.Today at work we are going to extreme adventure ( hanging in the tree and having an awesome time on the zip lines

4.Tonight I am going to see LISA LAMPONELLI LIVE!!!!! For those of you who are unsure of who she is… She is a comedienne who is featured a lot on comedy central during the roasts.

Needless to say I am really really excited and have had the best two days EVER!

Smooches y'all and please stop over on sunday!!!!!!

Around The Corner

(****Above is a link to the Fantastic Figments Give-A-Way, get your entry in now!****)

Finally, Fall is in the air, our should I say on the trees. Here in upstate NY the leaves are changing fast. In the blink of an eye the most beautiful time of year will be behind us as we set in for another cool winter. BUT ALAS, let us not stew in grief here I have a little cutie to cheer us all up. This is Melvin Halloween.

The wise ol'pumpkin head who sits and waits patiently year after year for fall to bestow her glorious colors on the world. He waits for fall but longs for the day where ghouls and goblins play, All Hollows Eve. He radiantly sparkles and shimmers in the light sitting, waiting, for a very special night. We only see him one time of year but when he is out we can be assured Halloween is near!


I love sitting at my studio table looking out the window. The senior citizens home across the street is hosting a Halloween Festival this years and the lawn outside is COVERED in pumpkins! They are everywhere. I could easily say about 150 pumpkins adorn the lush green lawn. And at least one of those will be mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Another activity that I am working on is my Fall calendar. Call me a goon but during this time of year I don't let a second go where I am not enjoying it's beauty. There is apple picking, wine tasting, hiking, and the list goes on. Of course there is never enough time to do it all but I desperately try. I would love for you to tell me what your favorite Fall activity is. I would love to try something new and I am sure you all have some creative ideas!

Have a blustery day,
Smooches
Steph

Give Away, Give Away, Give Away, TIIIIMMMMEEEEE

That is right, come one come all and be part of my first give-a-way EVER! What is the prize you might ask… hmm… let me see… how about this oooohhhhh sooooo cute miniature ghoulish ghost ornament.

(This little guy is one of several in a set of miniature Halloween ornaments that will be up for grabs at my etsy store)

Craftily hand molded by yours truly this polymer creation is sure to add a little spook to any small Halloween tree. But wait there is more!!!!!!!!!!!!! The second name that is picked will receive a 15% off coupon to put towards a purchase in my Etsy Store (Coming soooooonn).

ENTER TO WIN:
What do you have to do you might ask!?!?!?! Wellll….. besides being wonderful you ,just leave me a comment on this post telling me your favorite Autumn food or drink (recipes welcome) If you do not have a blog you can still enter by sending me an email with you favorite Autumn food or drink. If you would like to pass on the news of a give-a-way that would be greatly appreciated! Drawing will be held on Monday September 29th (have your entry in by Sunday) and winner will be announced via blog!

I wish you all good luck and I hope to hear from many of you.

Smoooches,
Steph

THANK YOU

If I could hug you all I would and if I could respond to all your sympathy emails I definitely would. I am so overwhelmed with the wonderful support of my fellow artists and bloggers that in honor of my Grandfather (Poppy) and all of you, I am going to be having a give away. Stay tuned and in the next couple of days I will post it. Again from the bottom of my heart thank you for sticking with me through this tough time and if I can help any of you please let me know.

Also there will be a big surprise coming up!!!!! A change of pace so to speak *caugh etsy cough*.. I am excited about it .. that too will be unveiled in a couple of days.

Again thanks for sticking by my side and I hope to be in touch with all of you real soon!

Smoooooches,
Steph

taking a leave

Hello...
My grandfather passed away. I will be taking a leave I will be coming back but right now I have to be with my family.

My Warmest,
Steph

Teaser

Okay all you ladies who are suckers for a little romance. I have a little teaser for you. Since I didn't get my painting done last night I thought I would write a little something for you all to enjoy to get the creative juices flowing.. Enjoy...


A New York City Autumn


Softly he brushed away the hair that was tickling her nose as he bent in and stole a soft kiss. The sweep of his lips was as gentle as the breeze that cascaded down from the tops of the autumnal leaves. She grabbed his hand tighter as they wove through the crowds of people that didn't seem to exist. The car horns squealed but all they could hear were the crackling of the leaves under foot. Finally they made their way to seclusion. She sat in the leaves as he took seat against an oak tree whose leaves were so red it looked as it was engulfed in flames. So warm she felt in his arms although the air outside was a crisp, cool. In fact, she could feel the brisk winds sting at her pores. No matter, life and limb would be sacrificed for this hour. She stared into his eyes which were piercing, full of love, kindness, and mystery. She had to divert her gaze or surely she would turn as red as the leaves that adorned the tree tops. He reached his arms out for her and she made her way above the crunching of the fallen leaves. She lay in his lap as he ran his fingers through her golden tresses. One orange leaf was entangled in her hair, clinging like it didn't want to leave. She felt the tugging but didn't mind. He wrestled the leaf free and handed it to her. "I guess it wanted to be part of something beautiful again," he whispered in her ear. She turned around and kissed him hard on the lips. She was in love.


Smooches Ladies,
Steph

And The Award goes toooo....

Please I would loveeee to send these out to everyone and this is by no means limited to my love for my fellow bloggers but rather people who have really went out of their way to inspire me. I hope I made Fannie Proud!

Now that I have had time to enjoy my lovey awards from Fannie I would like to pass them on. I am awarding the Kreative Blog Award to the girls at Things With Wings (especially Connie) who is an upbeat and energetic soul. Things With Wings never fails to send an inspirational memo with each fun and whimsy piece they offer. Please stop by and check them out. I promise you won't be disappointed.

The I Love Your Blog Award is going to a few individuals who I can't get enough of and visit their blog every day.. (Fannie if I could re-award you know I have much love)... but in no particular order this award goes toooooo... These ladies need no introduction...

1. The ever-sweet Jenn from Noodle and Lou Studio

2.Dani the master mind behind Ambitions Design

3. And the rambling lady Veronica from Art By Veronica (She is one an extended vacation... Jealous!)

Ladies thank you for your continued inspiration and kindess. Please enjoy these awards you deserve them :)

Smooches Lovelies!

Steph

Transformation of a GREAT garage sale find!

Okay as I said earlier in the week I was going to a huge town wide sale that was occurring in the next town over. Always on the look out for great little treasures that people over look I was as keen as a hawk flying in for the kill. One of the treasure was a entire scrapbook of WWII news clippings in almost mint condition for $5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This I gifted to Adam who is the ever loving fan of history.

But since I have been doing so much creating for the joy of others, I decided to treat myself to a little something !!!! And boy did I ever! Although the find was inexpensive, it made my week, and to think I almost passed it up (actually driving around for an hour and 1/2 before I committed to buying it!)

Here it is ...... and its transformation (took me ALLLLLLLLLLLLL day)..The pictures aren't the best since A) taking pictures of a mirror isn't the easiest, and B) some of the pictures are during the day and some are at night. The colors are (Lime Green, Rich Purple, Cream Cycle Orange)

(Above: The piece after sanding... it was an ugly green color)

(Above: After primer)

(Above: After adding lime green to the frame and purple to the scrolls)
(Above: Adding some pok-a-dots for fun)

(Above: First addition of the orange.... looking like fun to me!)

(Above: This is it all done and finished. As I said the lighting is awful since it is night time. Please ignore the mess in the reflection. I wanted to hang it but our drill broke!)

(BELOW:Before and After)

The piece itself I would love to know more about. On the back it has all the original manufacturing notes. It is made by Turner Manufacturing Company, and is known as a Turn Wall Accessory. My mom said that her Grandmother had one in the 50's and they are called Shadow Boxes. (the selves that are with it are original). My understanding is that this design came in many different looks. I have a gut feeling that the paint that was adorning it was entirely not original so I had no qualms about painting over it. If you know anything about these shadow boxes I would love to know. I looked online fore some information about it antique value but nothing. Not that the value is much to me because now it has become priceless.

Take care my lovelies and have a beautiful SUNDAY!

~*~*~*~*Smooches~*~*~*~*

The leaf turns another year

If not for anything else this time if year is my biggest inspiration. Not only does it inspire me to paint but to sit back and enjoy the beauty that life has to offer. The cool breeze tickled my face yesterday which gave me a euphoric feeling. The trees waved at me as I passed; Autumn was back, my dear old friend to say Hello. The 'magic' of her memory. I felt as if I had been wrapped in a blanket of love that allowed me to do nothing but smile. Holding me tight bracing me for whatever might come. Autumn's breeze felt like a reassuring mother's hand, soft, gentle, nurturing. Promising of endless possibilities while filling the depth of me with excitement. I sat, listened, longed for her to never leave again. The leaf, the gray hairs of Autumn. Although she just got here I can see her gray hair start to form, her radiant beauty that too promptly fades and withers like the most majestic rose. Peace she whispers in her wind to mask me pleas for her to stay. Peace is the story she beckons from the tippy tops of all the ambient colored foliage. Once more in that reassuring embrace she coddles me like a child, and like any obedient child I fall into peace and allow her to love me as I hold to her tightly.

Oh how I love her......

Smooches,

Steph

Video Update :) Oh Zombie Doll FOORRRR SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh and The little zombie doll is now up for bids on eBay. I know many of your asked when she was going for sale and well today was the day! Please stop over and check her out. You know you can reach my eBay under my Must visit links of by clicking the eBay ticker at the top of the screen!

I was walking outside today and sooo much enjoys the cooler breeze that is in the air. I just closed my eyes and felt inner warmth sweep over me. Almost as if nature was giving me a huge hug. With the warm feeling all kinds of memories swept over me. Most of the memories were of the Fall season which even being cold can still leave warmth. I just took the moment, absorbed it, and made a beautiful memory. Don't forget to make memories :)

Smooches,
Steph

I am glad it is raining so the drops can mask my tears of joy *thank you for these beautiful awards*

Ms. Fannie Narte is an example of class, sophistocation, inspiration, creativity, and who has just recently brought tears to my eyes. In the few short months I have been blogging Fannie has not only given me inspiration but also the friendship that any woman so desperately longs for. Now she has just one-uped herself by gifting me two blog awards. Just so lovely I can't come back toEarth. Fannie blogs at both: Imagine, Create, Inspire & Artistic Expressions, . She is a Jill of all trades and a master of her craft (no pun intended). Please stop by frequently as Fannie is ALWAYS updating and writing words that always flow like sheer poetry! Thank you Fannie a million smooches and much love!

Less exciting exciting... I have been a busy busy girl! Here is my new painting from last night that will be going up for sale... I also made a pair of beer bottle cap earrings and I made a few new clay figures over the weekend. I will be sure to take a picture soon.. or maybe a video update since I just received an outstanding print from one of Fannie's other favorite artists Catherine Holman... soo maybe a video update is in order.

**** Keep smiling think as positive as you can and great things will happen **** If you can't smile dance.. have you ever seen a person dancing frowning?....

Many smooches to all of my loves you really really really make everything worth it.

SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOCHESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Steph

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is the first of hopefully many video updates. This was done on the fly but I think it gets the point across! Oh and the second surprise that I couldn't mention until now is that my brother got engaged this weekend! Congrats Joe and Joanne! I am excited and very happy for them. Please enjoy the video!

Smooches,
Steph

Love is not all........but it sure is enough for me.

Lately, with a BIG surprise coming this weekend (one that I will tell you on Sunday or Monday) I have been thinking about my relationship. I think as the years go by we tend to take the memories of the past for granted. We tuck them away in recesses of our minds and tell ourselves that we won't forget. Like old precious baby clothes we tuck them in a cedar chest and hang on to them for sentimental value. But how often do we take them out; our memories. We are so caught in the present which in frequently a struggle that we forget that we stored away these precious memories that wove together a lasting relationship. Those little sweet bits of memory that save us from the turmoil of today. Today is a day for me to reflect with my favorite poem.



Love is not all: It is not meat nor drink
Nor slumber nor a roof against the rain,
Nor yet a floating spar to men that sink
and rise and sink and rise and sink again.
Love cannot fill the thickened lung with breath
Nor clean the blood, nor set the fractured bone;
Yet many a man is making friends with death
even as I speak, for lack of love alone.
It well may be that in a difficult hour,
pinned down by need and moaning for release
or nagged by want past resolution's power,
I might be driven to sell your love for peace,
Or trade the memory of this night for food.
It may well be. I do not think I would.
-- Edna St. Vincent Millay

We started dating when we were 14 and for 9 years he has been my best friend

My support system when no one else understands

I couldn't help but love him even when he looks like a neanderthal at Time Square

Or when his car breaks down for the 3rd time

They right right love might not be all....

But is certainly has been enough for us.

I love you Adam

OHHHH SNAPPPP look what I did!

Lovelies, Lovelies you will not believe this...

Still not sure where the OHHH Snappp saying originated but I think it works nicely with this post. I live in the downtown district of Saratoga Springs NY. For all those who don't know where or what kind of town it is I will sum it up by sayings miles from Albany and VERY VERY ARTSY. Very much like Burlington VT. Anywho! I just found out there was an art supply store a hop skip and a jump from my work (also downtown) and on my lunch break I decided to take a hop in to see if they had antique varnish for my little lovelies. While looking for the varnish I came accross...... ready for this........ POLYMER CLAY!

I know I know nothing great and special, but...... to me it was because I never worked with it. For years I threw clay (not great at it) but I did it. I never loved it becuase I didn't like the way it made my hand feel after, all dry and cracky or what I like to call OOOGIE.. But I have done some reading about polymer and I decided that since I paint, do mixed media, sew and decorate dolls, knit, crochet, paint glass, etc..., I thought maybe I should branch out a tad. I am pleased with the results and will continue to grow. These are my first two little girls and I will be reserved in saying they are for sale although I would love to keep both of them. They are so new in fact that I didn't even name them yet! Well take a look and let me know what you think?!?!?! I am excited for feed back on this one and of course any tricks of the trade are much appreciated and welcomed...

Ahh yes and onto the business part (eBay listings) I didn't forget to list another one.. with the new clay endevour I just didn't have enough time in the day. I will be listing a new Halloween painting tonight to go onto eBay. And here it is....... please happy bidding there are three lonely girls up there right now with no bids (tear tear)...

I will be scarce in the next few days on and off. Mine and Adam's best friend is leaving for Germany on Monday, and our other friend is visitng from Burlington VT for the weekend and the car show so we will be busy with that. No fear! There will be tons of pictures. But I will be on and off all during that time for comments and questions.

SMOOOOOOOOOOOCHESSSS...

feedback please...

STEPH

Look at Merlin isn't she wickedly cute!... Video updates on hold :(

Hmmmm.. for about as long as I knew I wanted to do a Halloween Extravaganza I knew I wanted it to be dark and whimsy. Don't get me wrong I enjoy my cuties but generally I am a goth loving soul. But it is much easier said than done. I sometimes feel the innovation that goes into goth has to be that much more unique, goth/whismy is out of the ordinary and you can't get by without using your imagination. Ahhh, imagination I guess that is why the group us of on here do what we do we have active imaginations. Although, I wish I could capture the same imagination I had when I was a child but I guess I am just hardened by life. Needless to say the concept of Merlin didn't come over night. I took me some time to get the right face, the right body, the right devilish sunken in look. She FINALLY came to life last night and I couldn't be happier with her. Of course there is always some fine tuning here and there but all in all I think she is pretty darn cute.

Ahh the video camera debacle. I can't get a break with the darn thing! So it is all fixed all excited to take it home and do my first video update and guess what…… I don't have a DV port. For you that aren't familiar with the term DV (and believe me it isn't a bad thing) it is a port that your camera can plug into that will extract your video with sound onto your computer…… well, I am lucky my Adam is a beautiful nerd (nerds are my favorite) he bought a port and it should be here by the end of the week. So please standby it will be here soon enough.

Oh and one other little tid-bit I am excited about! This weekend is the Lake George car show. Lake George NY I like to think the equivalent to Myrtle Beach, SC. The boardwalk is a tad shorter but much more beautiful. Anyway I use to live in that area for years and I can always remember the car show. Why might you ask, because my dad restores custom muscle cars, and I have a little beauty myself named Velvet! She is a 1980 Comoro and she is fastttttttttt and loud. Just a little something special my dad and I do. Do you do anything special with your Mom or Dad, or even sibling? And as I get older I can only appreciate him more and more. I am very lucky to have two WONDERFUL parents!

Have a wonderful day my Lovelies and remeber it is one day closer to the weekend!! Or as the song says, 'everyone is working for the weekend'

SMMOOCHHHESSSS,

STEPH

Halloween/Autumn Extravaganza ’08/ Video Camera

Come one come all! That is right I have spent all weekend getting my little Halloween duckies in a row just in time to start my Halloween Extravaganza! Starting 8:30pm Eastern time the lovelies will be up for bids on eBay. I will have a ticker on my blog with all the items listed for the day and you know you can always reach my eBay from the My eBay link at the top of my blog.

Now that the business portion of this is over... I would love to thank all of your for the kind comments and emails I have been receiving with concerns and inspirational uplifts. These are much appreciated and greatly needed. I think we all need a little virtual hug now and then. There is always light at the end of the tunnel is you have hope. I didn't get much painting done this weekend. I did make a new doll and one painting that took a great portion of my day yesterday. I will be posting them for a looksy.



Oh and other exciting news!!! My video camera is fixed so now I can take you on a play by play oh me, my life, and my work. Please stay tuned for VIDEO UPDATES!!!!!!!! So much fun!

This weekend Adam and I spent a lot of time on the bike. We took about an hour ride up in the mountains and it gave me a chance to clear out the cob webs. I think I just needed some time to relax, I was getting a little nervous about releasing my Fall collection and non of it selling. I know that sounds awful but if things don't sell there is no money coming in to buy new products to create. One day at a time.

Again my heart was a little overcome with all the well wishes I recieved and I know I have some great friendships developing on this little blog world.

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday, I haven't been outside yet but it look beautiful!

Alright my loves I have to head out and at least think about putting brush to canvas.....

Oh and the little Office Gremlin is a commission that I did. Please enjoy and remember your Office Gremlin is never more than an email away.