Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

Who would have ever imagined that falling down a dirt hole would bring about an explosion of mystery, excitement, a colorful new world and a massive amount of popularity that not even The Beatles could rival, although I’m sure they tried. I know for a fact that if I would fall in a ditch or hole, I would only find broken bones, an extremely red face and a river of tears that rivals Alice's once she realizes that she is much to large and can’t escape.

In 1865, Alice was brought to life in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, now commonly known as Alice in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll brilliantly told a tale of a little girl that finds herself in a peculiar fantasy world that plays and entices our logic. Although, I believe that this story was originally written for a younger audience, adults related and became enamored with the fantasy and symbolism of it all. When it comes down to it, we all yearn to be children again and we all yearn to live a fun, whimsical life where your biggest concern is that you don’t come across a smiling cat or you get caught painting the roses red.

Like with all popular themes, Alice in Wonderland has become a cultural favorite. And with all cultural favorites, one can find any and all marketable items out there. However, Wonderland isn’t only about selling products but it is also about bringing a community together, such as the popular bronze statue in Central Park. Wonderland can also serve as a form of therapy and escape. This is what it offers to us crafters. Now I don’t want to speak for everybody out there but that is what I take from Wonderland and I believe that the artists featured in this month’s article do so as well.

The Quirkiness of Wonderland by Donna Mundinger

Supplies: Paper: Webster’s Pages, Cardstock: Stampin'Up, Brads: Tim Holtz Idea-ology, Markers: Copic, Pens: Sakura Metallic, Craft wire: Darice, Craft Scissors: Tonic, Adhesive: Scotch (3M), Thermoweb Zots, Oher: adhesive foam dimensionals. Tools: Die Cut Machine: Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Dies: Spellbinders, Craft Wire: Darice, Craft Scissors: Tonic. Digital Supplies: Digital Stamps: The Octopode Factory, Smeared Ink.

Design Notes: I've always been drawn to fantasy, the more whimsical and magical, the better. The most recent Alice in Wonderland movie refueled my passion for all things "Alice" and the fabulous imagination of artists, both past and present, inspired me to create a Wonderland of my own.

Editor’s Note: When I first came across Donna’s blog, I was in complete awe of her fabulous labors of pop dotted love. But what made me become an ultimate fan was when she created a timeless altered clock piece truly inspired by Wonderland. She put her heart and soul into that piece, literally as she used a timeless watch that belonged to her grandmother. To see Donna’s timeless piece as well as many other Wonderland creations, including this one, please visit her at Popsicle Toes.

Wonderland in Alice Colors of Blue and Yellow by Lynne Phelps

Supplies: Cardstock: Stamping Up!, Core’dinations, Die Cuts: Spellbinders, Ribbon: Offray, Ink: Memento, Ranger Distress Ink, Specialty Ink: Versamark Dazzle Pad, Markers: Copic, Pen: Sakura Stardust Pen. Tools: Die Cut Machine: Provocraft Cuttlebug, Dies: Sizzix, Spellbinders, Embossing Folders: Provocraft Cuttlebug, Stamps: Artistic Outpost (Wonderland Collage), Other: bow easy tool, sewing machine, sandpaper, sanding block.

Design Notes (Edited): I created these two cards using predominantly blue and yellow, the colors associated with Alice. It is said that the real life Alice was a brunette but when it came time to illustrate her, a different model was used. Early color illustrations of Alice show her as a girl with long blonde hair, wearing either a blue dress with a white pinafore or a yellow dress with a blue and white pinafore. This is how we came to associate Alice with these two colors. Lynne can be found coloring to her heart’s content at Savvy Sisters Studio.

Octopode Hall of Doors Canvas by Lynne Phelps

Supplies: Cardstock: Stamping Up!, Ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink, Markers: Copic, Pens: Krylon Gold Leafing Pen, Other: canvas board, fun foam, key charm, decorative scissors. Tools: Die Cut Machine: Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Embossing Folders: Cuttlebug (Provo Craft). Digital Supplies: Digital Stamps: The Octopode Factory.

Editor’s Note: Lynne is definitely a woman after my own heart. I first came across her gorgeous creations when she was part of an old challenge blog called Oh Alice (now closed down). As you can see from her two projects shown, she creates all sorts of amazing items that range from cards to canvases to altered items. The best part about Lynne’s work (in my opinion, of course) is that they are all Alice in Wonderland inspired. Well she has a few miscellaneous pieces thrown in the mix for fun but her heart belongs to Wonderland and her works shows it. Please visit Lynne at Savvy Sisters Studio to see many detailed pictures of this canvas as well as pictures of a beautiful dress form that you wont want to miss.