Nat's Elfin Enchanted

The Beauty of an Enchanted Castle

2012-02-27T20:24:00.006-06:00

As if a King overlooking his subjects, the castle stands atop a large mountain in the Bavarian Alps. Towering above misty clouds, it stands strong and majestic and exudes charm, magic and pure enchantment to all those who grace its presence.

What is it about castles? I loved them as a little girl, grew up loving them, and still love them. There's something so magical, yet so mysterious about these beautiful and amazing architectural pieces of art. My favorite castle of all time is the Neuschwanstein Castle in southwestern Bavaria, Germany. It was originally built and owned by Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century and embodied the architectural fashion known as castle romanticism. It has become one of the most famous castles of all time bringing in thousands of visitors every year.

I'd like to focus on a wonderful and whimsical hat called Enchanted Castle created by Precious Restless of Vita's Boudoir. When I saw it in the store I smiled and it became a part of my huge inventory in a flash! The castle is extremely detailed and has so many extra touches worth mentioning. These include the flag on top of the castle, the light shining at the top, and especially the clouds which float around the castle while you're wearing it. I also found a beautiful dress called Potpourri at Vita's Boudoir that goes perfectly with the hat.

Natalie is wearing...
Enchanted Castle hat by Precious Restless of Vita's Boudoir
Potpourri dress by Precious Restless of Vita's Boudoir
EarthStones Basket of Spring earrings
Whitney necklace (comes with earrings too) by Dahlinks and Wicked Gear
Glam Affair Castalia skin in Natural #8 by Aida Ewing
Sunrise eyes in Rose by FASHISM
Lashes and Tribal makeup by Damned
Ethereal Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Dina hair in Blonde by EMO-tions
The Unicorn pose prop by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe

Background picture for Enchanted Castle hat pictures is a painting of Neuschwanstein castle.

This is the beautiful and magical castle tower found in Elven Realm of SL

NEUSCHWANSTEIN POEM by Robyn Schwartz

Across the ocean and above the lands
Sits a legacy for all curious eyes.
An ivory castle on a lonely peak
Where even the clouds bow down
Beneath its soaring majestic spires.
It was the dream of one king not long ago
That flustered the brow of every fair maiden.
To build for beauty, hold art above war.
Dismissing tradition and logic for lies
And following a single dream to lands end.
He sat on the banks of the river Rhine
Imagining one original palace after the next.
Maybe he shopped in the Marienplatz
For velvet loveseats and porcelain swans
To adorn the seed of his hearts content.
But now the king has been gone for years.
And Bavaria has never quite been the same
Since the death of Kind Ludwig the mad.
His castles stand proud and greet the wanderers
And journeyman, and dreamers and historians alike.
Though all are rare in craft and dripping in style
One of his lonely dreams stands above the rest.
Reaching beyond the Alpine rolling skies
Coloring heaven with a touch of human royalty.
A place any Sleeping Beauty would pray to wake.
It is here, I fell in love again, twice in the time of a year.
First with the earth, its inhabitants achievements
And the very nature that hides them in its breast.
The lakes that capture the suns final rays,
The heaving mountains with their fancy caps of snow,
The whispering cow bells carried by the gentle winds
And the serenity of the painted villages sleeping below.
The second time was with a young mate
Who accompanied me to my secret place.
To cavort once the daily bustles had calmed.
He fell for the battlements I had loved before
Understood the treasures I longed to share.
He carried me up the mountain like a princess
To her new palace on the night they were wed.
He kissed me to the whimpering of waterfalls,
Then watched on as the sun sank to bed.
Blessed be whoever may fall upon this place
Tucked into the heart of the Bavarian Alps
For this is the spot where I proudly left my heart,
And left Neuschwanstein for widened eyes to behold.

Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland and Disney World was designed after Neuschwanstein

Happy Mardi Gras 2012!

2012-02-20T23:19:00.010-06:00

Happy Mardi Gras everyone! Today, Tuesday the 21st, is THE actual day of "Mardi Gras" in New Orleans, or Fat Tuesday. This will be the last day of all the festivities before Ash Wednesday, when fasting and religious obligations begin the season of Lent for many. Here is a link for more information about Mardi Gras in New Orleans:

http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/

Natalie is wearing...

Clothes: *katatOnik* Jester Dress Set in Purple by KatatOnik Pidgeon
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Eyes: Sunrise Imperial Purple by FASHISM
Hair: Working Mondays in Essence by Tabata Jewell of Vanity Hair
Shoes: *katatOnik* Kita Mary Janes in Purple by KatatOnik Pidgeon
Jewelry: Drakke Mardi Gras jewelry set (PROMO 100L off sale) by Mandrakke Dagger
Masques: Purple (Columbina) and Green (Perorno) masques both by Siyu Suen of Illusions
Jester Staff: Mardi Gras staff by KatatOnik Pidgeon
Fan: Mardi Gras Fan by Schadenfreude

Cupid Got Him! Happy Valentine's!

2012-02-14T07:36:00.013-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you all had/are having a wonderful one! I meant to post this much earlier today, but wasn't able to until now. I know it's a little late, but better late than never lol!

Natalie..

Clothes: Amore Cupid by Tiana Biondetti of Crushed Velvet
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Elf Ears: Ethereal Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Hair: Laleh Long in Pearl Platinum by Amacci
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Rose by Fashism
Poses: Cupid Felt In Love Single and Couple Pose Set (Valentine's) by the Aphrodite Shop

Tiesto...
Clothes: Naughty Cupid Men's by Kyla Dreamscape of Shade Designs
Skin: Jordan M10-H by Nany Merlin
Hair: Lesley hair in Black by EMO-tions
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Caribbean Blue by Fashism
Poses: Cupid Felt In Love Single and Couple Pose Set (Valentine's) by the Aphrodite Shop

Moonlight and Amore

2012-02-14T07:10:00.009-06:00

Valentine's is that distinctive day we use to honor our love for that special person in our life. Mix this with a setting of moonlight and stars plus the perfect outfit=the recipe for romance!

Natalie...
Clothes: Valentine's Special Moonlight Melody ~Love~ by Caverna Obscura
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Elf Ears: Ethereal Fey ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Eyes: Sunrise eyes in Rose by Fashism
Hair: Jolie in the color Marilyn by LeLutka

Tiesto...
Clothes: Naughty Cupid Men's outfit by Shade
Skin: Jordan M10-H by Nany Merlin
Eyes: Sunrise eyes in Caribbean Blue by Fashism
Hair: Lesley hair in Black by EMO-tions

Arwen's Creations: Lirimaer

2012-02-07T00:48:00.013-06:00

The last in my Arwen blog series is a gown called Lirimaer. It's another gorgeous, versatile design full of rich, detailed trim and many optional pieces. Here is Arwen's marketplace description:

"Lirimaer" is Elven-inspired. The name "Lirimaer" means "Lovely One" in Elvish, and you will be lovely in this 21 piece ensemble crafted from white velvet with gold accents. The outfit includes 3 skirts, golden head circlet, waist circlet, necklace, sculpted shoes (alpha layer enabled, so please be sure your viewer supports alpha layers - no invisiprims were used), flowing sleeves, high neck with button closure, and lovely curved rim veil for Freewoman roleplayers.

This gown can be as revealing or as modest as your roleplay needs demand: The offshoulder blouse is cut with a low neck and back; the undershirt is a scoop neck (collar bone revealed) with 3/4 sleeves (to provide a bit more modesty). They look great individually, or, layered together. The jacket layer is done as a waistwrap and looks lovely over either the blouse, the undershirt, or both.

This gown comes in 23 wonderful color combinations and can be found at Arwen Serpente's store, Arwen's Creations.

clothes: Lirimaer in Luscious (raisin and brown) by Arwen Serpente of Arwen's Creations

skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife

Eyes: Sunrise Gold by FASHISM

Hair: Orchid in Swedish by Truth

Arwen's Creations: Cerridwen

2012-01-31T10:57:00.006-06:00

This time I am focusing on another beautiful gown from Arwen's Creations called Cerridwen. When I was in the store, this one stood out because of the simple yet detailed and lovely styling. I also love the color combination I chose, green and brown (called pear and pinecone). These colors have always been some of my favorites because they're so befitting of a forest elf, plus they are just naturally pretty, representing true nature. I love all of Arwen's designs because they all look and feel so realistic, from the period look to the fabric itself. This one is no exception, plus it can be worn casually or otherwise, as it has contains many different pieces and ways to wear them. It also comes in 18 amazing color combinations. Here is Arwen's writeup in the Marketplace:

"Cerridwen" is a complete 16-piece Ladies ensemble for Medieval, Fantasy, or Rustic roleplay. The ensemble includes extremely detailed clothing layers (Jacket, blouse, high neck white undershirt that is not visible in the pictures, pants, underpants, and wrist length gloves), 3 skirts (1 single layer, 1 single layer with draped front and built in belt, and 1 double layer), scrunchy ¾ sleeves, shoulder pads, Cape, belt with scissors, pouch, and lock & keys, and an opaque draped veil.

Please click on each picture for a bigger size.

Clothes: Cerridwen in Pear and Pinecone by Arwen Serpente of Arwen's Creations

Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife

Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude

Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Absinthe Green by FASHISM

Hair: Yuri in Red by Catwa Clip of ^;^CaTwA^;^

Arwen's Creations: Morgan

2012-01-25T01:34:00.003-06:00

Knights on white horses, Camelot, castles, and medieval are a few words that come to mind when browsing Arwen Serpente's beautiful designs. I plan to do a series of blogs showcasing some of my favorite creations by Arwen. They are amazingly detailed, authentic, and of high quality materials. She is so creative on how she crafts and places each and every component! All designs have many optional pieces, which I have tried to show below in my pictures. There are three different style skirts and different bodice options, thus different looks to achieve! Here is Arwen's description from the marketplace:

"Morgan" is a 20-piece ensemble featuring 3 skirts (High Waist, Low Waist, and Low Waist with Train), elaborate leather Neckpiece, jeweled Headpiece/Crown (also a gold and silver version is included), detailed leather belt, puffed sleeves, shoulder pads, laced cuffs, and opaque veil. All of the clothing layers are no modify, except the undershirt which is a simple semi-sheer, high neck undershirt with modify permissions so you can tint it and use it with any outfit you want.

The outfit comes in 8 gorgeous and rich colors...this one being Periwinkle Blue. Please visit Arwen's wonderful store in world, "Arwen's Creations".

Clothes: Morgan in Periwinkle Blue by Arwen Serpente of Arwen's Creations
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Eyes: Sunrise in Light Azure by FASHISM
Hair: Dina in Blonde by EMO-tions
Lashes by Calla

Fantasy Art Focus: Patricie Sapphire

2012-01-20T02:50:00.005-06:00

"For myself the picture will always start with the pose, something I feel a connection to at the moment. It becomes the root for the look and the setting."...Patricie Sapphire

A beautiful girl wearing a pretty pink skirt with flowers and .....red boxing gloves....in a thunderstorm. Another lovely girl, who is a mime, sitting on a stool in shallow water with stilts and a parasol. A giant clock sitting in water while a winged girl with antlers and high heels looks on. These are descriptions of three works of art each with their own unique style, details and meaning. Works of art produced by one of the most creative talents in Second Life and Flickr.

left to right: Time Warps All, Baby Gunna Knock You Out, Mime of Hearts

Patricie Sapphire is this amazing, unique, and detail-oriented artist. Each and every piece she produces is very special with an all too obvious amount of love and care put into each one. By this I mean Patricie takes her time with every picture until it turns out exactly like she wants it. She puts her all into them and you can tell by looking at the beautiful color and intricate details once the picture is enlarged. This includes lighting and background detail, not to mention her talent for all kinds of effects, like water reflections and splashes. Her pictures tend to be eccentric, eclectic, and whimsical...with a touch of fantasy. Patricie also only produces pictures with some sort of special meaning to them, something that relates to herself.

Just who is she? Who is this outstanding talent? It is not surprising Patricie loved art in one form or another beginning at a very young age. She's always loved drawing by using charcoal and most drawing mediums, painting, wood works, lathe work, hand carving, and scroll saw. Because of this passion for all forms of art and because she was good at all she pursued, Patricie's Dad sent her away to an Arts school where she was "semi-schooled". What do I mean by semi-schooled? Well, halfway through her schooling, Patricie ran off and got engaged. To this day, her Dad still gives her a hard time about that!

Oh, Someone Let Her Out

A Few Clowns Short of a Circus

At some point, Patricie began playing Second Life and after the newness of the game wore off, she found herself looking for ways to enjoy it more. She began reading tutorials and blogs regularly in which she discovered the magic of photography within Second Life, just by noticing all the great pictures within what she was reading. This motivated her to begin using her creative background to produce amazing pictures in game. She started out just taking random snapshots and then later graduated to blogging along with it, also a way to justify all her spending in game :P She blogged about fashion by using simple poses that were less intimidating. However, because of a very traumatic and emotional hurt Patricie experienced within Second Life, things totally changed. She immersed herself into her artwork and began challenging herself to go beyond what she thought she could do. Intimidation had all but disappeared and out came Patricie, artist extraordinaire! She had begun to use her emotions and what she was feeling at any given moment as the motivator in her work. Because of this, a new level of art developed, and even her fashion pictures now always have a piece of what she's feeling at the time. She says once she finishes a picture, she feels a cathartic release!

Patricie continues to be just as passionate as she ever was regarding digital art within Second Life. She says, "I find Second Life to be such a creatively stimulating environment with heaps of talented people who have made and continue to make Second Life the great canvas it is. They have even left some blank spaces for us to create in as well."

Patricie uses Photoshop, Corel, numerous plugins, and a tablet for digital art as her mediums. Using all of these continues to be a learning experience full of new discoveries.

Patricie's Flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricie/

What Side of the Mirror Do You Live In?

Thoughts of Holiday Baking

Matador of Death

Chasing Your Youth

Catch Your Dreams

Mushroom by Emily Dickinson

2012-01-17T02:03:00.021-06:00

"Nature alone is antique, and the oldest art a mushroom."
--Thomas Carlyle

Mushroom Delight by Kupula

The Mushroom is the Elf of Plants --
At Evening, it is not --
At Morning, in a Truffled Hut
It stop upon a Spot

As if it tarried always
And yet its whole Career
Is shorter than a Snake's Delay
And fleeter than a Tare --

'Tis Vegetation's Juggler --
The Germ of Alibi --
Doth like a Bubble antedate
And like a Bubble, hie --

I feel as if the Grass was pleased
To have it intermit --
This surreptitious scion
Of Summer's circumspect.

Had Nature any supple Face
Or could she one contemn --
Had Nature an Apostate --
That Mushroom -- it is Him!

Zigana, Sea Salts by Xanna Ziskey

"I am...a mushroom on whom the dew of heaven drops now and then"
--John Ford, The Broken Heart (1633)

Mushroom Faerie by Tamzin Xigalia

...and All That Jazz!

2012-01-05T01:11:00.008-06:00

Well, I had every intention of posting this particular blog before New Year's, but didn't quite make it. That's okay, this gorgeous gown by Rebel Hope can be worn for any special occasion, not just New Year's! It really caught my eye because I love the blue and black contrast, so lovely :) This gown also comes in all black. The All That Jazz set includes:

* Clothing pieces on all layers (bodice, glitch pants)
* Gloves
* Flex prim skirt with and without sizing script (1 mod and 1 with sizing script)
* 1 piece of bodice top fur that just covers the top of the breast area (with and without sizing script)
* 1 piece of bodice top fur as well as fur that goes around the arms to the back (with and without sizing script)
* 2 upper arm fur pieces for added fluff (with and without sizing script)

This gown flows and fits beautifully!

Please click the pictures to see a bigger view.

Clothes: All That Jazz Sapphire gown by Rebel Hope
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Azure by FASHISM
Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Hair: Nina2 Noir by Vanity Hair

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T02:57:00.003-06:00

I wanted to first thank each and every one of you for your wonderful interest and support of my blog, it's greatly appreciated! Here's wishing you and yours a lovely Christmas holiday! Hope it's your most magical yet :)

Santa's Helper

2011-12-23T17:41:00.014-06:00

I know I blog about Elvina Ewing's designs quite often, but you've got to admit they are fantastic and are true, fantasy styles! She has done it again with this lovely and amazing Christmas set! I actually received this outfit as a Christmas gift from none other than my beautiful and sweet friend (and sister), SeleneLily. As with all Elvina's designs, this one has many optional pieces that mix and match in green and red. It comes either red or green as the main color and includes the following:

❆ Clothing layers (no mod/copy): bodice on jacket and shirt layers; striped sweater on undershirt and shirt layers; underpants; stockings; tartan glitch pants on pants and underpants layers; alpha feet layer;
❆ Sculpted prim parts (copy/mod): sweater sleeves & collar;
❆ skirt with jingle bells (static);
❆ flexi tartan skirt;
❆ chest/back ties with flaps and bells;
❆ garters with bells;
❆ mittens with fur;
❆ elven shoes with bells;
❆ striped sock tops with ribbons;
❆ christmas hat with bells.

You can find all of Elvina's designs at her store called Caverna Obscura: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alligator%20Bayou/43/35/545 plus there is also a smaller version of her store at the market in Enchanted.

Please click the pictures within this blog for a bigger view of each.

Clothes: Christmas Elf Outfit in Red by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife
Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Hair: A816 in blonde by Tram
Eyes: Sunrise eyes in Lagoon by FASHISM
Earrings: Celebration earrings by Misha Fine Jewelry

Location: top - Enchanted last three - Elven Forest

Reds of Christmas

2011-12-19T03:52:00.003-06:00

I loved this Poinsettia Christmas hair by Tabata Jewell of Vanity Hair when I first spotted it. This time I chose a dress to go with my hair! hehe Click the pictures for a bigger view...

Hair: Poinsettia in White by Tabata Jewell of Vanity Hair
Gown: Heavenly Body gown set by Bee Dumpling of the White Armory
Jewelry: Celebration Necklace and Earrings set by Misha Fine Jewelry
Skin: SilkGirl Xian by DrLife
Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Light Absinthe by FASHISM
Bird: Songbirds: Northern Cardinal by SHD

Reindeer Games

2011-12-15T16:09:00.005-06:00

Well, as always, I'm going crazy with Christmas in SL ...by buying too many outfits and accessories! Christmas is my favorite time of year, so there you have it. I'm trying to let you know my next 2-3 posts will be Christmasey :P

I ran across this cute "reindeer" outfit by SayaNicole Cuttita of Envious Creations recently and had to show you. It's made of a brown and white suede-like material with lovely white fur trim. It also comes with precious candy cane antlers, boots, socks, and bracelets. Please click the pictures below to see it enlarged and more in detail. In the last two pictures below I am wearing antlers by Epic. They are just perfect because they light up and include a Rudolph red nose! I just wanted you to see another optional piece you could use with the outfit.

Clothes: Reindeer Baby by SayaNicole Cuttita of Envious Creations

Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by DrLife

Elf Ears:

Hair: Early in Blonde by Elikatira

Eyes: Sunrise eyes in Celtic Green by FASHISM

Large Antlers: Festive Reindeer Antlers with Rudolph Nose by Epic

Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm

Hers and His: Elvenbreath and Dragoneyes

2011-12-08T12:33:00.025-06:00

Selina Forder of Elvenbreath recently came out with another beautiful elven outfit of black leather and silver tones. It is classic, but very unique and simply gorgeous. Avana includes the following pieces within the box: jacket, pants, shirt, collar, skirt, upper sleeves, lower sleeves, and shoulderparts. Please stop by her store and see ALL her lovely designs.

Selina has also added another part to her store called Dragoneyes. Tiesto is wearing a design from this store called Saerembor and includes pants, undershirt, shirt, gloves, jacket (belt), armor chest with staps and without straps, belt, fur scarf, details for upperarm, details for forearms, details for upperleg, and dagger (boots not included). It is also made of black leather with silver tones like Avana. Obviously Dragoneyes focuses on men's fantasy clothing and accessories. It is directly across from Elvenbreath at their new location. Not only are her designs a must see, her store set up and grounds are delightful!

Natalie is wearing: Avana by Selina Forder of Elvenbreath

Echo Black heels by SLink

SilkGirl Xian skin in Tan by DrLife

Brigitte hair in red by LeLutka

Sunrise eyes in Rose by FASHISM

Tiesto is wearing: Saerembor by Allesandro Bellios of Dragoneyes

Jordan M10-H skin by Nany Merlin

Lesley hair in Black by EMO-tions

Sunrise eyes in Light Caribbean Blue by FASHISM

click pictures for a bigger view

Fabulous Fur

2011-11-22T11:11:00.015-06:00

Elvina Ewing did it again! She is truly the Queen of fantasy wear in Second Life! This amazingly gorgeous ensemble has to be one of her best yet, at least one of my favorites. It's a beautiful fur-lined armor set called Ulfhildr and can be purchased at Elvina's store, Caverna Obscura, or at the marketplace. I don't like real fur in real life, but Second Life is a different story. The outfit comes in Brown or Grey (I'm wearing the Brown) and has 29 total and optional pieces included, including the boots. There are so many different ways you can mix, match, and layer and each and every piece is intricately detailed. The fur itself is so realistic too! This is a must have for any elf or fantasy creature, plus, if you've never visited Caverna Obscura, you are missing out!

Clothes: Ulfhildr armor set by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura

Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by Leena Ying of DrLife

Hair: Dina in blonde by Mirja Mills of EMO-tions

Eyes: Sunrise eyes in Rose by Ikon Innovia of FASHISM

Owl: Flying Pet Owl in Red by Wynx Whiplash

Deer: Animated Red Deer by Elgyfu Wishbringer

Here is the url to Elvina's store: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alligator%20Bayou/43/35/545

Please click pictures below to see a larger size

With skirt, hood, and mantle

With pants, mantle, and no hood

The lovely boots with fur covers are included

With leather pauldrons and fur jacket

Chic Elf

2011-11-20T01:18:00.012-06:00

Wow, has it been that long since I've posted a blog? I'm sorry I've been so behind! I've had so much going on in both real life and Second Life lately. In Second Life, the newly renewed gallery is finally done, so please stop by Enchanted and visit when you can :) Okay, now, back to the post :P I happened to spot a gorgeous new outfit called Marlene recently at EMO-tions and had to splurge. I love it because for one, it's very classy and chic, and elves can be both you know! I absolutely love the way this outfit is cut and designed. It's all once piece, but looks like a blouse tucked into slacks. What I absolutely love the most is how the pants follow the lines of your waist and hips with the top of the pants (waistline) hitting just below your chest. It's super flattering and very elegant. There are many optional pieces, including a high collar that can be on or off. It also has just the right touch of feminity with lovely lace trim on the blouse. Overall, the outfit can be worn for business, pleasure, and nice occasions...very versatile indeed :)

Clothes: Marlene by Mirja Mills of EMO-tions
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by Leena Ying of DrLife
Eyes: Sunrise eyes in Absinthe Green by FASHISM
Elf Ears: Etherial Fey Ears by Balderdash and Schadenfreude
Hair: Bombshell in Shadow by Sebastian Aries of Shag

Happy Halloween and Thank You!

2011-10-31T11:00:00.007-05:00

Happy Halloween to everyone! Thank you always for your support and membership to my blog. I hope you all have a wonderful fall and winter season :))

Clothes: Harvest Faerie by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura

Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by Leena Ying of DrLife

Hair: Leilani in Cranberry by Truth

Wearable Candy Bucket by Marcella Domela

Water Goddess

2011-10-26T02:13:00.014-05:00

I'd like to dedicate this blog to my wonderful friend and sister, SeleneLily. She was kind enough to send me this stunning elementalist outfit as a gift! I knew right away it was one of Surreal LeShelle's designs, which are always to die for. Her store is filled with beautiful costumes of so many different styles. They are all of high quality and contain many optional pieces. This Deep Waters elementalist outfit came with the wand and also has a shape you can use if needed. It also comes with either gold or silver trim. This elementalist design also comes in Twilight (purple/blue), Seashore (light aqua), Blood Vine (red), Witching Hour (black), Evening Shadows (purple), and Enchanted Forest (green). Surreal has her main store called Deviance and we also have a small version of her store on Enchanted of Elven Realm. Please stop by and see all her wonderful designs!

Clothes: Dark Elementalist in Deep Waters Gold by Surreal LeShelle of Deviance
Shoes: Lulu Stilettos in Navy by Siddean Munro of SLink (comes with tintable toenails)
Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by Leena Ying of DrLife
Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Light Azure by Ikon Innovia of Fashism
Hair: Eden in Teen Red with Extension by Tabata Jewell of Vanity Hair

Fantasy Art Focus: Shoshisn Shilova (aka: Serg Sonnino)

2011-10-03T01:22:00.010-05:00

Guardian of the Forest (taken at Enchanted of Elven Realm)

It's been a while since I've done a blog focusing on one of the many talented Second Life fantasy artists, so thought I would dedicate this blog to a wonderful artist who also happens to be a good friend of mine. His name in Second Life is Shoshisn Shilova, but he also goes by Serg Sonnino on flickr.com. I'd like to start with a quote he truly lives by and I believe is one reason he is such an exceptional artist...

This is the real secret of the arts: always be a beginner. Then we can really learn something.

In the beginner's mind there is no thought, "I have attained something." If you keep your original mind, the precepts will keep themselves. ~ Shunryu Suzuki

Shoshisn's work isn't only fantasy, but he does have quite a bit of fantasy art in his collection. His works are very unique and more of a contemporary, fractal style art. He also seems to favor artwork from nature and includes special people in his life as an integral part of many of his works. He is a graphic designer and photographer by trade in real life, so has brought this wonderful talent here to Second Life for everyone to enjoy :) Shoshisn just recently opened a brand new gallery called, Mother Earth Gallery. This is a must see and has all of his many works displayed including photographs and sculptures he has created in game. I will leave the URL below along with his Flickr stream link. I think the best way to describe and sum up Shoshisn's amazing talent is the fact he can take any simple picture from Second Life and turn it into a true masterpiece! He just has an eye for turning the basic or mundane into spectacular artwork. Now THAT'S talent!

Shoshisn's Flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shoshisn/

Mother Earth Gallery SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Evening%20Star/236/112/29

Storybook Magic: Red Riding Hood

2011-09-25T23:29:00.020-05:00

I decided I wanted to do a storybook/faerie tale look for the blog this time, and specifically wanted Little Red Riding Hood. There are many different costumes for this particlar character, but I thought Wisp Jinn's version was the most classy and beautiful. Yes, I know, I know, Little Red Riding Hood didn't really wear sexy lingerie with garters, but again, as I always say, this is Second Life right? :P This outfit is made of gorgeous, deep red velvet and comes with many optional pieces including a hood and cape, bra and panties, garter and stockings, lace-up corset dress, and a basket full of lovely items. the Mary Janes are also from Wisp Jinn's store, Wishbox. I wanted to include a short version of the tale of Little Red Riding Hood, so found the one below on the net (it had no author's name listed). May all your wishes and dreams come true and may you live happily ever after!

Clothes: Little Red outfit by Wisp Jinn of Wishbox
Shoes: Dark Fairy Bridal Mary Janes in Black by Wisp Jinn of Wishbox
Skin: SilkGirlXian in Tan by Leena Ying of DrLife
Hair: Fiorentina in Ebony by KateForster Akin of Tukinowaguma
Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm

Long time ago, in a little village, at the edge of the forest, lived a little girl with her mother. Her name was Little Red Riding Hood. She was sweetest and cutest child in the whole town. She always wore a pretty red cloak and hood that her mother had made for her. All the forest folks knew her well. Particularly a wicked old wolf had often watched her and thought she looked good enough to eat.

One day, Little Red Riding Hood's mother said, "Take this basket of bread and goodies to your grandma as she is not well these days and cannot cook for herself." Her mother strictly instructed her not to talk to any stranger on the way. The wicked old wolf was hiding behind the bushes. He was listening to all the conversation carefully. Ahhha… this is a great chance for me to eat the lovely girl, said the wolf. He planned to reach granny's cottage before Little Red Riding Hood could reach.

Little Red Riding Hood skipped merrily along the forest path, enjoying the bright sunshine, the blue sky and the birds singing in the trees. Meanwhile the wolf reached her granny's cottage and managed to enter inside. He frightened the old lady and pulled her in a dark room. Then he took her gown, wore it and eagerly waited for the little girl to come. Soon the doorbell rang, the old wolf opened the door and welcomed Red riding hood. The girl was quite surprised to see her grandma covered in a shawl she also found her granny’s voice a little different so she asked her, "Are you ok Grandma?" The wolf replied, "Yes my dear".

She gave the basket of goodies to her. The wolf thanked and asked her to come closer. As Red Riding Hood stepped forward, she could see the big ears of the wolf. "Grandma", she said, “What big ears you have". "All the better to hear you with, my child", replied the wolf. "What big eyes you have." "All the better to see you with, my dear."

The girl was realizing that she was not her Grandma. She saw the big teeth and said, "What big teeth you have”. "All the better to eat you with," cried the wolf and jumped on the little girl. Red Riding Hood turned around and ran out of the cottage. She was crying for ‘help’. A forester passing by heard her cry and came near the cottage. Little Red Riding Hood told him about the wicked wolf.
The forester entered the cottage to kill the wolf. He was lucky that the wolf was busy removing the clothes. Without wasting any time he killed the wolf with the hammer. Then they both brought the grandma out of the dark room. The girl explained the whole incident to her grandma. The grandma kissed the little girl and took her inside the cottage.

Elves Wear Jeans Too

2011-09-24T02:28:00.021-05:00

Raquel's white peasant top (without ruffles) by Candace Hudson

I love Faery Sola's Unisex jeans and wanted to showcase them along with some pretty tops. I found three different and sexy peasant style shirts to go with the jeans, two by DigitalTaylor Resident and one by Candace Hudson. The two by DigitalTaylor are the same style, one is solid white and one is a colorful floral pattern. Both are vintage cotton and so lovely and romantic. You could choose to wear them as is or under a jacket or open blouse. The top by Candace Hudson is a little more full in the sleeves and has optional attachments (with or without ruffles, bow, and sleeves), and is made of cotton plus a pretty, chiffon fabric.

The Unisex jeans by Studio Sidhe are of a slim fit and look great! They're stylish and what's really cool is they come in 7 fantastic colors...blue, black, brown, charcoal, gold, purple and red! If you join the Studio Sidhe group, you can get a green pair of the jeans for becoming a member, so this pair is special and different for group members only. I always know when I purchase something from Faery's store that it's of the highest quality and well made.

Enjoy the pictures and please click on them if you want to see them bigger :)

Natalie is wearing...

Clothes: Vintage floral and white gypsy tops by DigitalTaylor Resident; Raquel's Peasant top in white by Candace Hudson; Unisex Jeans in Denim Blue by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe

Skin: SilkGirl Crystal in Tan by Leena Ying of DrLife
Elf Ears: ICED elf ears with diamond piercings by Scarlet Chandrayaan
Hair: Eva in Long Pearl Platinum by Carina Larsen of Amacci
Necklace: Mushroom Drop necklace by Maena Tammas of Mae Fairy Tale

Tiesto is wearing...

Clothes: Unisex Jeans in Green (group gift) by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe
Skin: Jordan M10 by Nany Merlin
Hair: Bonber in Ebony by KateForster Akin of Tukinowaguma

Unisex Jeans by Faery Sola

Faery's Unisex Jeans

Raquel's peasant top with ruffle attachments by Candace Hudson

Vintage floral print gypsy top by DigitalTaylor Resident

Vintage white gypsy top by DigitalTaylor Resident

Des Fleurs Bleu

2011-09-11T00:23:00.015-05:00

I've been in a blue mood as of late, but also in the mood to wear blue. I've always loved Evie Miles' Ariel Fairy and finally spent some Lindens on the blue version. It's made of beautiful blue daisies and silk with several optional pieces. For example, you can wear the top and bottoms with or without the silk attachment as seen below. The outfit also comes with a head circlet and anklets. You can get this lovely, detailed outfit in purple, black, yellow, white, pink and red. Evie's colors are always vibrant and gorgeous as are her designs. Pure magic!

Clothes: Ariel Fairy in Blue by Evangeline Miles of Evie's Closet
Skin: SilkGirlXian in Tan by Leena Ying of DrLife
Elf Ears: BB Basic Pointy Ears Type A Exotic Skin by Suetabulous Yootz
Eyes: Sunrise in Caribbean Blue by Ikon Innovia
Hair: Early in Black 05 by Elikatira

Location: Enchanted Unicorn sim

With silk attachment on bottom

With silk attachment on top

With no silk attachments

Three Enchanted Mermaids

2011-09-04T16:47:00.024-05:00

Left to right: Natalie, Xia and Selene
Multipose Mermaid Rock by Sula Snook of KH

Yes, I'm normally an elf, but yesterday I was in the mood to be a mermaid, so I was! That's the wonder of Second Life isn't it? You can be who and what you want to be whenever and however you want. I think when I saw Surreal LeShelle's new mermaid outfit it inspired me! It comes in 9 beautiful colors and you can get 3 colors for the price of one...they come in packs. Of course you can get all 9 in one pack and then 3 other packs with 3 colors in each, the Tropical, Floral and Aquatic packs. The tails and tops are sold separately within these packs and you can mix and match the colors. What's so nice is her store can be found on Enchanted too, so you can shop AND visit the sim at the same time. I drug two mer friends with me and we dove into the depths of Enchanted's beautiful waters and swam with our many colorful fishy friends and just hung out for some much needed mer talk!

Natalie's outfit: Mermaid outfit (shell top and tail) in Water Lily (Floral pack) by Surreal LeShelle of Deviance
skin: Layla in Natural #8 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Eyes: Sunrise in Caribbean Blue by Fashism
Elf Ears: ICED elf ears with diamond piercings by Scarlet Chandrayaan
hair: Water Goddess headpiece AND hair by Precious Restless of Vita's Boudoir
Poses used by Natalie below are by Wet Catz

Selene's outfit: Lumina Mermaid in Pale by Evangeline Miles of Evie's Closet
Eyes: Sunrise in Egyptian Blue by Fashism
hair: Rachel in Silver II by AngelCross Skinstad of Cross

Xia's outfit: The Passionate One by Cane Sutter of Skinthesis
Hair by Kiki

Location: Underwater Mermaid Cove at Enchanted of Elven Realm

Selene in Evie Miles' Lumina

Xia in the Passionate One by Skinthesis

Nat in Surreal LeShelle's Water Lily Mer

Water Goddess headpiece and hair by Vita's Boudoir

Guardian of Secrets

2011-08-28T21:11:00.025-05:00

I always have to stop by Selina Forder's store every so often to see what new designs she has come out with. This time I was wanting to do a "darker" blog with the haunted forest Bewitched as the backdrop, so focused on finding something that would go along with this theme. I found a beautiful outfit mainly of velvet called Erestra. Under the name of the design were the words, "Guard of Secrets". I thought how perfect for a shoot at the haunted forest! The outfit has many details and features that make it simply lovely. What I always love is that most of these clothes come with pants AND a skirt, so very versatile! This particular outfit also comes with a gold belt holding a handbell and key to go along with the "Guard of Secrets" description. I took several pictures below so you could see the outfit in different views, with the skirt and pants, and with and without the optional belt. Also at Elvenbreath, I found some classic, but really pretty ballerina shoes that go perfectly with the outfit. The shoes come in many different colors.

Please click on the pictures below to see them in a larger size.

Clothes: Erestra by Selina Forder of Elvenbreath

Shoes: Ballerina Shoes in Dark by Elvenbreath

Skin: SilkGirl Xian in Tan by Leena Ying of DrLife

Elf Ears: BB Basic Pointy Ears Type A Exotic Skin by Suetabulous Yootz

Eyes: Sunrise Eyes in Red by Ikon Innovia of Fashism

Hair: Early in Black 05 by Elikatira

Location: Bewitched of Elven Mist

Jaded Warrior

2011-08-20T00:38:00.008-05:00

I hadn't been to the White Armory in a while and decided to go by and see their new items and any others that caught my eye. I was in the section labeled "Warrior" and that's where I found this beautiful outfit called Jaded Eclipse :) As all Bee Dumpling's gowns do, this one has so many options as far as skirt styles and pant pieces. It may be warrior gear, but it's truly a lovely and feminine choice.

Clothes: Jaded Eclipse gown set by Bee Dumpling of the White Armory
Skin: Yum in Petal light with Freckles by Gala Phoenix of Curio
Elf Ears: ICED elf ears with Triple Hoops by Scarlet Chandrayaan
Hair: Eden HP in Blonde by Tabata Jewell of Vanity Hair
Eyes: Sunrise eyes in Absinthe by Ikon Innovia of Fashism
Location: Snow Palace over Elven Realm

Amazing Eyes by Fashism

2011-08-07T01:18:00.012-05:00

Tiesto wearing Caribbean Blue

Natalie wearing Lagoon

Just about every day I'm amazed at the strides Second Life accomplishes with new products, fashions, skins, sims, and the list goes on. One of these great accomplishments is Fashism eyes! My friend SeleneLily was the one who told me about these amazingly beautiful peepers full of color and detail. There are many great designers of eyes in Second Life, but Ikon Innovia is by far the best I've seen. Every single color has just the right amount of light "reflection", tone intensity, and "flecks" within each eye to make them look perfectly authentic. What's more, every pair you purchase comes in small, medium, medium-large, large and extra large sizes. You also have a choice of several shades of each color from light to dark. Here is the description of Ikon's Sunrise eyes from the Marketplace:

'Sunrise' Eyes from FASHISM feature a richly textured, realistically rendered design that has been artistically crafted for a striking yet soulful look. Reflected in the eyes is a dawn sun rising over a hill, as seen through a lunette window, and represents optimism and new beginnings. Elements of the reflection are positioned carefully around the horizon line of the eye sphere, to catch the light and twinkle naturally at any angle and in a variety of lighting conditions.

Perfect and accurate description! Below are pictures of several of the many different colors Ikon offers. Please click the picture to see it in a larger size. These are actually the colors I bought for my own avie, so yes, I went a little crazy buying several shades! hehe I know you'll love them! Here is Ikon's Flickr stream and also his Marketplace link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46429533@N05/

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/products/search?search[category_id]=&search[maturity_level]=GMA&search[keywords]=fashism

Warm Silver

Violet

Lagoon

Imperial Purple

Grey

Gold

Caribbean Blue

Brown (Deep)

Azure

Absinthe

Natalie wearing Azure

Elven Snow Angel

2011-07-25T00:43:00.023-05:00

I recently finished my home above the Enchanted sim and opened it to the public. I decided to find a beautiful outfit that would go well with this land of snow so I could do some pictures there. Yes, I know it's summer, but this gown can be worn year round, plus, it's Second Life after all...and thought it would "cool" you all off! lol

I found a beautiful gown at Evie's Closet called Muse. It's of soft fabric that drapes over the body and has a great fit. It has several parts like glitch pants, the skirt, arm wraps and a few other lovely touches. I chose the Tuala Collar and Crown to go with it, along with a pair of gorgeous sculpted angel wings by Kala Bijoux. I showed the Muse gown two different ways, one with the crown, collar and wings, and the other with no wings and a different headpiece of snowdrop garland also by Evie's Closet. There are so many different looks and styles you can put with this gown, it's the perfect choice for those who want a versatile, but beautiful wardrobe. Please click each picture to see it larger and please come visit the Snow Palace any time! :)

Clothes: Muse gown in white by Evangeline Miles of Evie's Closet
Headpiece: Both the Tuala Collar and Crown in green by Evie's Closet and the Snowdrop Garland headpiece
Angel Wings: Raphael Sculpted Angel Wings in White by Kala Bijoux of Material Squirrel
Skin: Jadis skin, Yuki edition 02E by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Elf Ears: Sad elf ears-Snow by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express
Eyes: Light Absinthe eyes by Ikon Innovia of Fashism (the best eyes I've seen in SL)
Makeup: Makeup layer Yuki 10 by Miamai
Hair: Seraphina in Swedish by Truth (hair while wearing wings); Orchid in Swedish by Truth
Poses: Ballet series by Glitterati
Location: Elven Snow Palace above Enchanted of Elven Realm

Seraphina hair by Truth

Orchid hair by Truth

The Mermaid by Alfred Lord Tennyson

2011-07-23T19:39:00.016-05:00

WHO would be
A mermaid fair,
Singing alone,
Combing her hair
Under the sea,
In a golden curl
With a comb of pearl,
On a throne?

Image by Barbara Brown

II.
I would be a mermaid fair;
I would sing to myself the whole of the day;
With a comb of pearl I would comb my hair;
And still as I comb’d I would sing and say,
“Who is it loves me? who loves not me?”
I would comb my hair till my ringlets would fall,
Low adown, low adown,
From under my starry sea-bud crown
Low adown and around,
And I should look like a fountain of gold
Springing alone
With a shrill inner sound,
Over the throne
In the midst of the hall;
Till that great sea-snake under the sea
From his coiled sleeps in the central deeps
Would slowly trail himself sevenfold
Round the hall where I sate, and look in at the gate
With his large calm eyes for the love of me.
And all the mermen under the sea
Would feel their immortality
Die in their hearts for the love of me.

Image by Alena Lazareva

III.
But at night I would wander away, away,
I would fling on each side my low-flowing locks,
And lightly vault from the throne and play
With the mermen in and out of the rocks;
We would run to and fro, and hide and seek,
On the broad sea-wolds in the crimson shells,
Whose silvery spikes are nighest the sea.
But if any came near I would call, and shriek,
And adown the steep like a wave I would leap
From the diamond-ledges that jut from the dells;
For I would not be kiss’d by all who would list,
Of the bold merry mermen under the sea;
They would sue me, and woo me, and flatter me,
In the purple twilights under the sea;
But the king of them all would carry me,
Woo me, and win me, and marry me,
In the branching jaspers under the sea;
Then all the dry pied things that be
In the hueless mosses under the sea
Would curl round my silver feet silently,
All looking up for the love of me.
And if I should carol aloud, from aloft
All things that are forked, and horned, and soft
Would lean out from the hollow sphere of the sea,
All looking down for the love of me.

At the Cottage Boutiques: Deviance

2011-07-19T03:12:00.014-05:00

Deviance, another high quality shop within the Cottage Boutiques of Enchanted, has a great variety of fashions, their specialty being costumes of all kinds. They carry Snow White, Rose Red, Alice in Wonderland (and a dark version), princess gowns, Tinkerbell, and many other choices for your avatar. Designer Surreal LeShelle is excellent with every detail, from the presentation of the style to the purchase and the way it's boxed. Each style itself is beautiful, high quality, has a great fit and contains many options! She has a knack for giving each creation classic styling with just the right amount of "sexy" along with it. That's what I love about alot of her designs! In this blog I am showing one of her gorgeous gowns in the Deluxe Fairy Tale Princess collection. There are two different sytles within this collection, the basic and the dark, and they each come in 9 wonderful colors. This particular style is within the basic collection and the color is called Morning Glory. Please stop by the Cottage and see all Surreal's stunning fashions!

Clothes: Deluxe Fairy Tale Princess Gown in Morning Glory by Surreal LeShelle of Deviance

Skin: DrLife Silk Girl Xian in Tan by Leena Ying

Hair: Early in Black 05 by Elikatira

Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm (my home above the sim)

Deviance blog: http://deviancesl.blogspot.com/

At the Cottage Boutiques: Mae Fairy Tale

2011-07-08T12:35:00.017-05:00

Mae blue butterfly twig (wear) and Mushroom Drop necklace

I'd like to recognize another shop at the Cottage Boutiques of Enchanted, that is Mae Fairy Tale, by Maena Tammas. I visited her store not long ago and ended up spending about two hours there taking in all the magical delights. I also ended up spending alot of Lindens! Quite a few of Mae's products can be found on the Enchanted sim. What I love about her items are how unique and interactive they are. One thing I noticed throughout her whole store was BOOKS. Mae Fairy Tale is definitely a book advocate! That's a good thing, because I love books :) She just has an amazing and creative imagination, which truly shines when you visit her main store. Not only does it have wonderful products for sale, it is also worth a visit just to see the store setup and magical touches here and there. Mae is also very artistic and has an art gallery there displaying her very own artwork, and it is for sale. She does beautiful work with all her many venues!
The pictures in this blog are some of the items I've purchased from Mae's store and most are displayed on the sim. Be sure and visit her store at the cottage when you are visiting Enchanted, but also be sure you see her main store :)
Here is a link to her blog: http://maefairytale.blogspot.com/

Galadriel's Mirror Pool/Scrying Bowl (interactive)

Animated wishing well (you can leave a wish and it's displayed in floating text)

Mae fairytale books (pose prop)

Fairytale refuge (pose prop)

Mae Mushroom couch (pose prop)

Some other objects seen on Enchanted by Mae are, Galadriel's Magic Mirror where you can look in the mirror and make animated faces and gestures (several different ones from a menu), a lilypad you can sit on, and particle emitters.

Clothes: Confessor in Maroon by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura

Skin: Layla #8 with makeup layer 16 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair

Elf Ears: Animalistic Elf Ears by Aikea Rieko of the Plastik

Hair: Laleh in Swedish Blond by Carina Larsen of Amacci

At the Cottage Boutiques: Caverna Obscura

2011-06-29T22:19:00.017-05:00

I've decided to do a blog based on each shop we have in our Enchanted market. This time I chose Elvina Ewing's Caverna Obscura fantasy fashion store. All of Elvina's designs are amazing, full of detail, imaginative, fun and beautiful. One thing I love about them is she has so many ways you can mix and match and wear several different outfits within one. The outfit I chose today is very versatile and lovely at the same time. It's made of durable and high quality off white leather and has all the "trimmings" so to speak, including the boots! Below I've pictured several different ways to put pieces together within this outfit, but definitely not ALL possibilities.

Clothes: Kahlan by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura
Skin: DrLife Silk Girl Xian in Tan by Leena Ying
Hair: Early in Black 4 by Elika Tiramasu of Elikatira
Earrings: Ti'ana earrings by Abraxxa Anatine of Earthstones

Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm (crystal caverns)

MRD: Must See Gallery

2011-06-25T04:02:00.002-05:00

Merlin's Flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/merlin_renfold/

Urban, eclectic, stylish, grunge, and shabby chic are just a few words that come to mind after visiting Merlin Renfold's amazing gallery of artwork in Second Life. The overall setting and look of the gallery go perfectly with the art he displays. I teleported to the gallery location and landed close to the front door. Before I entered, I had to take in the scene surrounding me. Off in the distance were the beautiful lights of the big city. As my eyes moved from this to the land immediately around me, I saw a spotlight moving to and fro, an old-fashioned car out in the grass that had obviously not worked in ages, pieces of trash on the ground here and there, and a big trash bin in the corner. I looked directly in front of me and saw the large brick building that housed the MRD (Merlin Renfold Designs) gallery. Straight above me was the MRD logo sign, and stairs right below that. I proceeded to enter the gallery.

Please be sure and click each picture below to see it much larger, thus seeing the full effect :)

Upon entering, I could see the overall ambiance was perfect and went well with Merlin's many different styles of art. Other than the artwork, the gallery was a little on the dark side, which made the city lights outside glow through the windows with just the right amount of light. To the right was an old-fashioned projector that showed an old black and white cartoon up on the wall. Straight in front of me was a working, caged freight elevator. The floors were of dark wood and the walls a stained cream brick texture with rust effect. The only thing that was bright and colorful, which I know was the intention, was Merlin's exceptional art. All his different styles and themes of art contrasted so well with the entire ambiance of the gallery. It really looked great the way he had everything laid out just right along with the colors and style of the entire gallery.

Old film projector...and notice the city lights shining through the windows

Standing in the center of the upper floor with Merlin...notice how well his artwork contrasts with the entire ambiance of the gallery...great plan!

More city lights and notice the ceiling windows with a blue glow and discolored panes

"As for my style and art, I tend to just make it. I often listen to people and work out a plan in my head. You know, to keep it simple and offer choices"...Merlin Renfold

A mix of Merlin's artwork... I tried to choose a variety so you could see how unique and different each piece is in its own special way

Merlin has always loved art and been a creative, artistic person at a very young age. When he left school, he had achieved a grade A in Art and was actually the only student that had progressed as far as B. Computers and graphic design didn't come into the mix until later in life and Second Life had a major part in this. He said the many people he met and worked with in game were important factors during the learning process for this kind of art, and they are the ones that truly helped him meet his dreams and goals. Step inSide furniture store, which got its name from Yasmin Little (also Merlin's personal designer of MRD), was Merlin's first dream that was recognized, a business where he could put his creativity and imagination to work. The store is still in business and currently owned by Merlin's first business partner, Lany Jun. She's the one who designed Merlin's couches for the sitting area at MRD. Merlin would work on his ideas at a sandbox alot of the time and he said this is where he found his work grew and he was able to come up with new ideas. He also enjoyed the sandbox because he loves helping others and found it rewarding to help new players in Second Life develop their basic skills. In a way, this is how I met Merlin and how we became friends. He complimented one of my pictures in Flickr and asked ME how I achieved the effect (which was in the program). I was honored he would even ask me, as I felt his work was much better than mine. I always remember him saying we are all at a learning stage of some point and can learn from one another. It's so true, he's helped me a great deal with advice and tips on my pictures, and in the process, has become a wonderful friend. Overall, Merlin finds making pictures and owning the gallery both his forte, after all, nothing beats receiving a compliment from a customer for a job well done!

Fantasy Art Focus: Yasmina Siamendes

2011-06-15T00:08:00.002-05:00

Fairy Tale Forest

It's been a while since I've focused on a Second Life artist, and because recently I've discovered a wonderful fantasy artist whose work I love to follow, I decided it was time. I first saw Yasmina's work when I noticed she had done several pictures in Elven Realm and Elven Mist, my two sims. They were truly magical and beautiful and I really love the way she captured and brought out the best of both sims. Yasmina's work is amazing, and that goes for her ability to use colors and bring them out, lighting, composition, treatment and poses. She has the ability to play with all different "styles" when creating her art and has great talent doing anything from forest faes to modern landscapes. Overall, she has a knack for bringing out the magic in every picture and each and every one looks professionally done!

Yasmina comes from Germany and has been a member of Second Life for about four years now. She started out making quite a few friends and they would spend time in game chatting and dancing most of the time. She quickly got bored with this routine and wanted more, thus decided to become an elf and live in some of the beautiful forests of Second Life. Yasmina had always loved fantasy and thought the game was the perfect place to express this and live out her dreams of being a fantasy creature. She would take turns living in different forests, all the while still chatting and dancing while experiencing life in the woods. Again, she became bored with this and looked for more. She just happened to meet an exceptional photographer in Second Life named Alles Klaar while in the forest. Alles asked Yasmina to be her model for some photos, and Yasmina was happy to oblige....the rest is history. She started to become interested in photography within game herself and explored Flickr by looking at Alles' stream and several of the fantasy groups. Already having a background professionally in graphic art and design, Yasmina found that editing and using Photoshop became second hat. She started out doing unedited pictures, but wanted more. She wanted that creative and magical touch in her pictures, and you can definitely see that magic shining through in all her creations!

The first and second pictures posted are my personal favorites of Yasmina's work and both happen to be photographed at my sim, Enchanted of Elven Realm.

Colorful Fae - Anita Rakasta

Sad World

Forest Nightwandering

Helpfully

I asked Yasmina to tell me her own personal favorite pictures. She listed six total and I've posted them below with her MOST favorite first and so on. She stated it was funny because when she quickly worked on a picture and didn't spend much time on it, people tended to like those particular pictures the best. When she did spend alot of time editing one, those seemed to get less attention and not be as "faved" as the others. Overall, Yasmina likes the pictures she's done that have some kind of meaning behind them or statement to make.

I hope you enjoy Yasmina's pictures as much as I and many others do. I will have several of her masterpieces displayed at our gallery over Enchanted, so please stop by and visit! You can see many more of Yasmina's creations on her Flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/61281993@N04/

Forest Nymph

Watersplash in the Elven Realm

Forces of Nature

Master of Magic Lights

Ocean Dream

Phoenix-Waterstart in Elven Realm

The Cottage Boutiques of Enchanted

2011-06-07T19:40:00.009-05:00

As many of you may already know, we now have four amazing fantasy boutiques within the cottage at Enchanted of Elven Realm now. I plan to add one more, but would like it to be a designer that sells skins/fantasy accessories. Here are the shops we have now:

Caverna Obscura by Elvina Ewing
Deviance by Surreal LeShelle
Elvenbreath by Selina Forder
Studio Sidhe by Faery Sola

All the above focus mainly on fashion. Studio Sidhe focuses more on poses and pose props, although she also designs jewelry and fashions.

All are located at Enchanted of Elven Realm. Once you tp to the landing point, there is a tp door to the cottage right at the entrance :) Hope to see you there!

The Cottage at Enchanted

Deviance by Surreal LeShelle
Surreal specializes in lovely costumes and gorgeous gowns. For example, she carries a Snow White, Rose Red, Tinker Bell and Alice in Wonderland costume...all very well done!

Studio Sidhe by Faery Sola
Faery is the designer who created the wonderful unicorn pose prop you see out on Enchanted. She has several others too...like the Snow White prop, the moon, and many others that are top quality.

Caverna Obscura by Elvina Ewing
Elvina is one of the masters at creating true fantasy style! She has all kinds of designs that are colorful, beautiful and whimsical. You can't appreciate her work until you see it!

Elvenbreath by Selina Forder
Selina is one of my favorite fantasy designers. Her fantasy wear is lovely, classic and sexy all in one!

Each and every designer is wonderful and top notch at what they do! If you come visit the boutiques, I know you won't be able to resist spending a few Lindens while you're there :P I know I can't, and now I'm really going to have some problems, they're too convenient! hehe

Elvenbreath Faeries

2011-05-31T01:49:00.011-05:00

I was able to spend a good amount of time with my sissy Darri today in Second Life for a change, and it was so much fun. We always try to take some pictures together when we're both on since that seems to be a rare occasion. She had the great idea to find an outfit that was the same or similar for the pictures, so off we ventured to Elvenbreath, one of the best fantasy clothing shops around! We ended up here because earlier she had come in game when I was already on and happened to be shopping in the store. I teleported her there and then we ended up both getting off for a bit, but when we went back on, we were already in the store, so just stayed and found the two beautiful faerie sets there :) They're called Fairy Cherry and Narcissy (comes with ballet flats) and both sets have a gorgeous set of flexiwings that actually "glow". Selina Forder, the store owner/designer, is so talented and truly creates quality plus originality. Here is the url to Elvenbreath:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Insula%20Inferi%20Hills/182/54/33

Natalie's outfit: Fairy Cherry by Selina Forder of Elvenbreath
Skin: Layla in Light HB 8 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Hair: Riley in Swedish by Truth
Elf Ears: Animalistic ~Burdies and Gems by Aikea Rieko of The Plastik
Shoes: Flair Flats in Candy/White by Elika Tiramasu of Elikatira

Darri's outfit: Narcissy by Selina Forder of Elvenbreath
Skin: Ninni in Cacoa Tan by Al Vulo
Hair: Lucia in Copper by Truth

Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm

I have found a special place
And magic there abounds
Gardens filled with colors bright
Enchanting fairy sounds

The magic here entwines our hearts
With diamond dust and gold

And the friendships made
Whilst fairies played
grow neither dull nor old

Here the best of friends are made
So many I hold dear
Always there to lend a hand
And sprinkle fairy cheer.

Poem by Dawn Strother-Litchfield

Glam Affair Skin Addiction: Focus on Layla

2011-05-29T01:40:00.014-05:00

Layla Skin in L HB 8

Yes, I did it again! I purchased the latest skin by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair. It's gorgeous and in this blog I've pictured my favorite makeups, all in Natural. The skin comes in 15 different makeups for both light and darker brows, plus, it also comes with 4 different brow shapes. Along with these choices, an entire optional makeup line has been created. It includes 40 lipstick shades plus a variety of other makeup offerings. Right now there is a Layla Photo Contest going on and here are the specifics:

Layla Photo Contest

www.flickr.com/groups/1696815@N21/

-Glam Affair- is giving everybody the chance to become 'the face' for Layla!

This contest will have two winners, their works will be displayed on both sides of -Glam Affair- Layla skin vendor and will receive a prize of 5000L$ cash.

The rules:

1) The picture must be a face close-up of you avatar wearing Layla;
2) Two pictures per participant are allowed;
3) The model and the author of the picture must be the same person;
4) No special editions of the dressing room Layla skin are allowed.

Please submit your VERTICAL picture in this group (minimum size1500h x 900w pixel).
The contest begins on May 22th, 2011 and ends on June 5th, 2011.

glamaffairupdates.blogspot.com/

I am wearing Glass Chunk earrings and necklace by Fallingwater Cellardoor of Shiny Things and Hairs by Tabata Jewell of Vanity Hair (Eden) and Truth Hawks of Truth (Orchid)

Layla Skin in D HB 11

Layla Skin in L HB 8

Layla Skin in D HB 12

Layla Skin in D HB 13

New Release: Falln Elf Ears

2011-05-27T00:23:00.005-05:00

Penya elf ear in Tan

Azriel Demain of Falln Creations just released a new, wonderful set of elf ears of all varieties, eight different styles all together. Perfect for whatever type of fantasy creature you may be! Each set costs only 350L and comes with a touch menu of 9 different shades to match your skin tone. I purchased two styles myself and they fit over the avie's ear well and can be adjusted easily. Below I've pictured the two I purchased plus the ad boards put out by Falln showing each elf ear style. These are truly good quality and great all around elf ears to fit all your fantasy needs :)

Elf Ears by Azriel Demain of Falln Creations
Layla Skin by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Early Hair in Blonde by Elika Tiramasu of Elikatira

Please click each picture to enlarge...

Penya elf ear in Tan

Limba elf ear in Tan

My Elven Bloom Doll

2011-05-21T03:56:00.026-05:00

There's a new rage all over Second Life, it's called BLOOM DOLLS by Emma Gilmour! These cute little avies have won the hearts of just about everyone. So many Second Lifers already have one or more of the dolls in their ballooning or overabundant inventories, I being one of them, hehe :) They are based on the real life Blythe dolls that are also all the rage. The dolls come in 6 girls skins and 2 boy skins with hair, clothing and accessories being separate. They do come with a few cute poses, which is nice. Their cost is 600L, so very reasonable. Here is the link to the store, which is called Sand and Surf Co: http://slurl.com/secondlife/artilleri/132/198/27 .

I've had so much fun with mine and the nice thing is, they can wear the clothes you already have in inventory if you don't want to have to buy new ones. As far as hair, I found that hair from Elikatira and most styles from Tukinowaguma work well with them. You have to fit them to your normal avie's head first, stretch them, and then resize them for your Bloom Doll's head. I decided I wanted to make my Bloom Doll an elf, imagine that! lol I also had to resize some elf ears for her. Just make sure that anything you resize and want to keep in its original size too, that you copy it before you resize (it's nice when the objects are both copyable and modifiable if you're using them for the dolls). It's so much fun to see what people have come up with when styling their dolls. Here is the Bloom Doll group in Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/bloomdolls/ . There is also a Photo Contest you can enter and is judged based on best styling. Please visit the store link above for detailed guidelines. Now, I know you're going to go out and buy one if you haven't already, so enjoy!

Clothes: Anariel Armor and Gown set by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura
Skin and Shape: Ume Bloom Doll avatar by Emma Gilmour of Surf and Sand Co
Hair: Itsuki in White by KateForster Akina of Tukinowaguma
Elf Ears: Kawaii For Me Elf Ears by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express

Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm

This lovely Caverna Obscura set comes with so many versatile pieces, including this short skirt

...a long cape

Visiting my pixie friends at the Dreamy Fae Lodge by Tamrielle Halderman

One of my dear forest friends, the HPMD Sleepy Rabbit with cuddle AO (s) by Sasaya Kayo
...standing in front of the Cozy Gnomey Homey by Tamrielle Halderman

Visiting my other friends, the Enchanted gnomes (by Tamrielle Halderman)
while showing off the long skirt that goes with the Anariel set

Colors of the Elements: The White Armory

2011-05-03T03:08:00.018-05:00

I love The White Armory and had a hard time deciding which gown to blog about, so I decided to choose four and do a blog representing four "elements" of nature. I chose a white gown for "air", a blue gown for "water", a green/brown/neutral gown for "earth", and a red gown for "fire". Bee Dumpling, the designer/owner of The White Armory, actually has an Elemental set of her own, however, I wanted to be able to showcase four completely different styles. Bee's element collection (the Elemental gowns) are the same style, but different colors. I've pictured each style below with different views at a location in Second Life I thought was absolutely gorgeous. The sim's name is Majesterium and houses an estate called Cheval de Mer. This sim was nominated at the BOSL (Best of Second Life) awards for "Best Overall Sim". I can see why, it's so detailed, classy and simply stunning! The sim is owned by Addison Hax. I know this is a longer blog than normal, so I've broken it down in sections for each element. Enjoy!

CHEVAL DE MER OF MAJESTERIUM
Sim Owner: Addison Hax

AIR: ETERNALLY YOURS

A gentle breath upon my skin.
Your whimsical giggles underpin.
A gentle breeze commands the day
a soft song upon the waterway

Upon the moor from dusk til dawn.
You blow a gale and leap and fawn.
Does your passage conceal a plight?
Whilst you frolic from noon til night.

The mighty storm that you command
It broke the banks and swept the sand
An orchestra you're akin to
with power etched and notated through,

Your time with us upon this earth
is strecthed across our shallow mirth.
And even though u stand presented
We seem content to remain dessented

the truth ignored, a plea misheard
the callowness of man preferred
an echo through the generation
Air still waits for veneration....

by Fire Phoenix

Eternally Yours gown set by Bee Dumpling of The White Armory
Skin: Eva Natural # 7 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Hair: Early in Light Blonde # 5 by Elika Tiramasu of Elikatira
Elf Ears: ICED elf ears with triple loops by Scarlet Chandrayaan

WATER: PEARL OF THE SEA

Silent waves drifting over me

Cool and gentle, engulfing my body in a motherly embrace

Refreshing droplets rolling down my smiling face.

Pearl of the Sea gown by Bee Dumpling of The White Armory
Skin: Eva Natural # 7 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Hair: Kay Blue in Blue/Silver by KateForster Akina of Tukinowaguma
Elf Ears: ICED elf ears with triple loops by Scarlet Chandrayaan

EARTH: FORGOTTEN REALMS

Earth, The mother, the container
The container of life, future
Materialism, Sensuality
Fertility, Humor

Different names, in different philosophies
Balance of both yin and yang
The feminine and masculine together
Primal spirit, the yellow dragon

Pentacle the weapon,
Uriel the archangel
Phorlakh the angel
Kerub the ruler
Ghob the king

Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo
Children of earth
Calm, practical, pragmatic,
Responsible and cautious
Stubborn, intolerable and inflexible

Earth, Gaia, Prithvi,
The mother, the container
The prison, the solace

by Anand Dixit

Forgotten Realms gown set by Bee Dumpling of The White Armory
Skin: Eva Natural # 7 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Hair: Itika in SH Platinum by KateForster Akina of Tukinowaguma
Elf Ears: ICED elf ears with triple loops by Scarlet Chandrayaan

FIRE: HEAVENLY BODY

The element of fire
Constructive, destructive
The bright light of fire
The slight of fire
The all consuming fire

Does not exist
In its natural form
Exists by consuming
Another form
It transforms from one
Form to another form

Fuels our passion
Leaves everything ashen
Duels the darkness
Heaves on compassion

Fire, constructively destructive
Fire, destructively constructive
Fire, living death
Fire, dying life

Anand Dixit

Heavenly Body gown set by Bee Dumpling of The White Armory
Skin: Eva Natural # 7 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Hair: Margo in Gold Platinum by KateForster Akina of Tukinowaguma
Elf Ears: ICED elf ears with triple hoops by Scarlet Chandrayaan

The Four Elements, by Anne Bradstreet

The Fire, Air, Earth and water did contest
Which was the strongest, noblest and the best,
Who was of greatest use and might'est force;
In placide Terms they thought now to discourse,
That in due order each her turn should speak;
But enmity this amity did break
All would be chief, and all scorn'd to be under
Whence issu'd winds & rains, lightning & thunder
The quaking earth did groan, the Sky lookt black
The Fire, the forced Air, in sunder crack;
The sea did threat the heav'ns, the heavn's the earth,
All looked like a Chaos or new birth:
Fire broyled Earth, & scorched Earth it choaked
Both by their darings, water so provoked
That roaring in it came, and with its source
Soon made the Combatants abate their force
The rumbling hissing, puffing was so great
The worlds confusion, it did seem to threat
Till gentle Air, Contention so abated
That betwixt hot and cold, she arbitrated
The others difference, being less did cease
All storms now laid, and they in perfect peace
That Fire should first begin, the rest consent,
The noblest and most active Element.

Tribute to Forest and Fauna All Over the World

2011-04-30T06:04:00.010-05:00

To all the beautiful and majestic forests of this earth, and the creatures that make their homes there....

Picture by Magissa Denver

The Forest
by Leonard C. Mayer

The trees stand tall and stately,
surveying their domain-----
The first to glimpse the sunrise;
the first to feel the rain.

The flowers add some color
to mostly brown and green.
Their fragrance bathes the air
and makes it smell pristine.

The wind sets all in motion
and makes things come alive.
It brings the rain and pollen
that lets this world survive.

The sun lends warmth and comfort
to all the things that grow.
It's perfect for their needs,
high noon or evening glow.

The earth provides nutrition
and serves the mother role-----
Even the air that's needed
comes from her heart and soul.

Bless the Beasts and the Children
Song by the Carpenters

Bless the beasts and the children
For in this world they have no voice
They have no choice

Bless the beasts and the children
For the world can never be
The world they see

Light their way when the darkness surrounds them
And give them love, let it shine all around them

Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from the storm
Keep them safe, keep them warm

Light their way when the darkness surrounds them
And give them love, let it shine all around them

Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from the storm
Keep them safe, keep them warm

(the children)
(the children)
(the children)

Happily Ever After Faun

2011-04-20T21:34:00.014-05:00

Haunched like a faun, he hooed
From grove of moon-glint and fen-frost
Until all owls in the twigged forest
Flapped black to look and brood
On the call this man made.

No sound but a drunken coot
Lurching home along river bank.
Stars hung water-sunk, so a rank
Of double star-eyes lit
Boughs where those owls sat.

An arena of yellow eyes
Watched the changing shape he cut,
Saw hoof harden from foot, saw sprout
Goat-horns. Marked how god rose
And galloped woodward in that guise.

...Sylvia Plath

I just had to blog about an adorable gift I received from a wonderful friend who's like a sister to me, SeleneLily Galicia. One day I logged into Second Life and found I had received a surprise purchased at Fantasy Faire! I opened the box and inside was a lovely, white faun outfit! The detail and quality were impeccable and the fit is great :) I loved the fact the legs were white, matching my beloved unicorns on Enchanted. This outfit came with two horns and white ears, but I knew I could mix and match and also use a unicorn horn I'd purchased at Illusions, too. I love the faun components, as they are very simple to wear...not a ton of little "pieces" to decide on and try. The set is called Happily Ever After Spring Faun in white by Ravenlynn Templar. Such a befitting name, because the little white faun did live happily ever after in her lovely, enchanted forest among the unicorns.

Clothes: Happily Ever After Spring Faun in white by Ravenlynn Templar
Skin: Jadis Yuki Edition 02 E by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Makeup: Les Makeups by Monica Outlander of Miamai #13
Hair: Early in Blonde 5 by Elikapeka Tiramisu of Elikatira
Unicorn Horn: by Siyu Suen of Illusions
Backdrop: Snow White Forest Scene Backdrop by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe and Serenade Studio Backdrop
Unicorns: The Unicorn pose prop by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe and "rearing" unicorn by Kim Lefavre of Sang Fori Designs
Bird: by Sasayo Kayo of HPMD

Enter the Forest of Light 'n Dark Photo Contest!

2011-04-18T06:35:00.005-05:00

FOREST OF LIGHT 'N DARK PHOTO CONTEST
=========================

We are celebrating the opening of the new Fantasy Kaleidosope Gallery with a fun photo contest! Please submit a picture you took at either Enchanted (light) or Bewitched (dark), or you can submit one from each! We will be giving away prizes for each sim individually. They are:

FIRST PLACE: 5000L
SECOND PLACE: 3000L
THIRD PLACE: 1000L

Yes, that's right, you have the opportunity to win up to 10,000L if you enter pictures from both sims :) The winners will also be displayed in the gallery entrance for a while, then moved into the gallery as art on exhibit.
============================

You may submit as many pictures as you'd like. We are not judging based on how well your pictures are edited or processed, because we realize not everyone has the means to do that. We are looking more for originality, most magical, and most interesting.

Please submit the pictures either here in SL in a notecard labelled "Photo Contest Entry" as the title to Natalie Montagne (Nat Enchanted) OR to the Flickr Enchanted and Bewitched group:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/enchantedelvenrealm/

Please be sure and label ALL entries "Photo Contest Entry" as the title either way you submit them. Also, don't forget to list your avie's full name. You may put a title or description with the photo if you'd like.
==========================

We will accept contest submissions from now until Sunday, May 8. We will take a day or two to decide and announce the winners on Wednesday, May 11.

Please let Natalie Montagne know if you have any questions. Otherwise, enjoy!!

Official Fantasy Kaleidoscope Gallery Opening!

2011-04-18T06:33:00.002-05:00

ka·lei·do·scope [kuh-lahy-duh-skohp] A continually changing pattern of shapes and colors. /kəˈlaɪdəˌskoʊp/ Show Spelle

First, I'd like to apologize for being rather quiet for a while! There's been alot of excitement going on at Enchanted and the new sim, Bewitched, as you can imagine. Along with the addition of the new haunted sim, and with the help of Andrek Lowell, I was also working on a gallery exhibiting Second Life artists' work above Enchanted. I had mentioned this in a past blog, but have never officially introduced it as being open. Well, this is the official announcement of the opening of the Fantasy Kaleidoscope Gallery above Enchanted! Andrek has done a beautiful job seeing that it blends well with the forest below, all the way from the scenery to the frames around the pictures. In keeping with its purpose, the gallery is truly its own piece of art! It is something that will always be in the works and continuously updated, as we have new art we want to recognize all the time. That is the main purpose of the gallery, to show off/exhibit fantasy art created within game and to give it the recognition it deserves. For a while I was recognizing a piece of art from Enchanted and a piece from the Finest of Fantasy Art group in Flickr each week. After I left it on the sim for that week, I'd move and place it in the gallery. I still plan to do something similar, but instead of just two pieces of work each time, it will be a variety each time and go along with a particular theme. For example, this week I will recognize art having to do with the theme, "Light and Dark". We are having a photo contest with this theme, so thought it would be perfect. I will display the artwork within the theme at the entrance to the gallery each time and depending on the event or what is going on, it could be displayed for a while, not necessarily just a week. In order to visit the gallery, please use the tp door at the landing point entrance to Enchanted.

There will be a post following this one explaining a photo contest meant to kick off the gallery opening, so please be sure and watch for this and enter the contest! I've posted some pictures from within the gallery in keeping with the light and dark theme, but please come by and visit, you'll be glad you did!

Teleport landing point

Nat standing in front of one of the gallery sections

Closeup of the frames used for this natural setting

Beautiful bridges and walkways to each section of the gallery

One of the four sections of the gallery, each with its own central fantasy statue

Another gallery area

Gallery lit up at night

New Sim Joins the Enchanted Family!

2011-04-03T04:41:00.008-05:00

I have some exciting news! Some of you may already know about the new addition to Enchanted, but I'd like to go ahead and make the announcement official :) We now have a new sim adjoined on the north side of Enchanted where the dark forest is located. The sim itelf is Elven Mist and it contains another wonderful forest built by Andrek Lowell called, Bewitched, formerly known as Bentham Forest. Lauren Bentham, who integrated her creations with Andrek's build, was the original owner of the sim. She decided to sell it and contacted me to see if I might be interested in purchasing it...and here we are :) If you've never visited this sim before, you are truly missing out! It is a haunted, dark forest full of beauty, whimsy, spooks and frights! In order to get the full effect of the sim, you need to put your environment to midnight at the entrance. I did a blog about Bentham Forest a while back, here is the link: http://nataliemontagne.blogspot.com/2010/09/bentham-forest-spooky-and-fun.html There is also a great youtube video about the sim: I hope you all are able to visit soon. When you arrive at the entrance, you'll be offered a landmark, notecard, url to the sim blog and a group invitation. Please come and enjoy!

Fantasy Art Focus: Wistful Mactavish

2011-03-25T21:48:00.008-05:00

And Magic Happens

"God gives us creativity, and I don't intend to waste my share of it." ... Wistful Mactavish

Wistful definitely doesn't waste her share of creativity! She uses that God given talent to produce amazingly beautiful and unique pictures for all of us to enjoy. Her stream contains some of my all time favorites from Flickr and Second Life. She specializes in pictures full of magic and fantasy, elves and fairies, and quite a few landscapes. Although Wistful tends to produce fantasy art for the most part, every single picture is very unique and special in its own right. She doesn't have a particular style like many artists, instead she has the ability to create pictures with each and every one affording a style of its own. This is what makes Wistful's artwork so interesting! I always look forward to a new picture and when I see her name coming through the Flickr stream, it's almost always chosen as an automatic favorite.

Wistful became interested in photography within Second Life after entering a contest in game and placing Second. She remembers being so elated and realized how much she loved taking pictures in the game, so that's what she started doing on a more regular basis. Wistful is not happy with the quality of her computer graphics card, thus relies on post processing of her photos. After being highly intimidated by advanced editing software in the beginning, she has finally come to a point where she's comfortable with it and continues to learn something new every picture she takes. Wistful uses a variety of settings and backgrounds for her pictures. Most all of them use an avie from within Second Life, but sometimes she uses backdrops and textures (composites) found outside of the game. She always has an idea in mind of what she wants to accomplish with each picture and persists toward this goal until it is met. She would be able to tell someone a story about every single picture she's done, as they all have meaning and a reason behind why they were done.

With great encouragement from friends, Wistful opened her own gallery in Second Life. She sells the pictures she creates and says she receives great pleasure in the fact that she can share her love of art with others. She makes enough money to pay her rent in game, but most of all, she is grateful she can do something she is very passionate about for pure enjoyment, plus, make others happy by doing it!

The Faerie's Elf

Rainbow Fairy

A Fairy Playground

Catch a Dancing Fairy

Home

Looking for the Great Pumpkin

The Fairy Field

Drink of Magic

Loss

A Source of Magic

Autumn Wistful

Please be sure to visit Wistful's photostream:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wistfulmactavish/

Glam Affair Skin Addiction: Focus on Jadis

2011-03-21T04:04:00.016-05:00

Jadis Natural 02A

Yes, I'll admit, I'm addicted to skins! I just love trying new ones as they come out! After trying many brands, I always seem to come back to Glam Affair skins by Aida Ewing. There are so many beautiful, high quality creations out there, and at one time I mentioned another favorite, but I've definitely decided Glam Affair has my old favorite beat now :) The latest I've tried with Glam Affair is called Jadis in Natural (comes in 14 styles) and the Yuki Edition (comes in 6 styles). I also have Eva, Sofia, and Castalia, and every one is gorgeous in its own way, unique with its own style. For a long time Sofia was my all time favorite, now I love the new Jadis skin. She also has a couple of newer ones out called Mary and Sakura (which proceeds will go toward the disaster fund in Japan and the Pacific). Below I've pictured Jadis in Natural and the Yuki Edition skin, along with many of the 25 makeups created for the Yuki Edition, by monica Outlander. I've also pictured two makeup layers by Aida Ewing herself for the regular Jadis line. Beauty, perfection, and quality...that's Glam Affair skins.

Left to right/top to bottom: Jadis Natural 02A with Makeup Layer 1, Jadis Natural 08A, Jadis Natural 02A with Makeup Layer 16, Jadis Natural with Makeup Layer 16

Left to Right: Jadis Yuki Edtion 02B and Yuki Edtion 02F

All Jadis Yuki Edition skins with Miamai_Les Makeups for Yuki/Jadis by monica Outlander

Hair: Wanda in Gold by KateForster Akin of Tukinowaguma

Head Jewel: Halfmoon by Selina Forder of Elvenbreath

elf ears: ICED elf ears with triple loops by Scarlet Chandrayaan

Delphinium and Hibiscus: Garden of Friendship

2011-03-07T23:03:00.023-06:00

Flowers are one of Nature's most wonderful gifts. How can something so exquisite, so fragrant, so delicate, appearing in so many vibrant colors and different shapes, arise out of the dusky earth? The answer is through the work of the flower faeries... Teresa Moorey

Little Bird in Green by Sasaya Kayo of HPMD

Once upon a time there lived a little blue flower fairy called Delphinia, named after the beautiful flower called Larkspur of the Delphinium family. She lived in a lovely and magical forest called Enchanted of Elven Realm, known for its abundant flora, fauna and foliage. Delphinia had a wonderful disposition, full of sweetness and laughter. She helped keep the animals of the forest happy and healthy with her powers of wellbeing. She would make sure to visit and spend time with each and every creature of the forest every single day, especially the unicorns, with whom she was most endeared. She knew they were the most vulnerable as they were endangered. With her great agility, she could fly and romp about the forest with speed and poise, and be there when needed.

Delphinia's dress: Eden Fairies Delphinium by Evangeline Miles of Evie's Closet (comes with hat, socks and shoes)
Skin: Elf in Holly 2 Sundust Light with Freckles by Gala Phoenix of Curio
Hair: Delia in Snow White by KateForster Akina of Tukinowaguma
Elf Ears: ICED elf ears with triple loops by Scarlet Chandrayaan
Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm

Fairy in a Bubble multi pose prop by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe

Long ago and far away there lived a little red flower fairy called Hibisca. She lived a long way from Delphinia's forest home in her own kind of forest, a jungle in the tropics! Hibisca was named after the beautiful bright red vibrance of the tropical Hibiscus which grew wild in her part of the world. Hibisca had always had a very confident, outspoken and playful personality, loving to show tricks while flitting through the air. She also had a very mischievous side which sometimes got her in trouble. Hibisca was one others went to when they wanted outright honesty when answering a question or giving an opinion. She also found the positive in everything, including other fairies or just living things in general. This wonderful trait made her instill confidence in those that were normally not so confident and gave them encouragement and motivation to "keep trying".

Hibisca's Dress: Eden Fairies Hibiscus by Evangeline Miles of Evie's Closet (includes hat, socks and shoes)
Skin: Silkgirl Yuyan in Tan by Leena Ying of DrLife
Hair: Neve in Streaked Cranberry by Truth Hawks of Truth
Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm

"Bug the Faeries" Mushie Seat by Jade Winthorpe of FFH&G (left)

"Just a Pose" Fall Fae Shroom by Glamouramama

HPMD Globe Lamp M (butterfly) by Sasaya Kayo

One day, not long ago, Delphinia and Hibisca actually met in Elven Realm....oh, they're best friends, didn't I tell you? They visit each other all the time through a portal Delphinia found by accident in Elven Realm. One day she was prancing about near the sea and accidentally jumped inside a black pool of water right at the edge of the sea surrounded by rocks. As soon as she did, she was transported to Hibisca's world in the tropics and met her friend there. After that, they've been inseparable and with both their personalities, they offset each other and benefit each other's homeland in many wonderful ways!

HeeHee! Faery Bubble by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe

Elfin Foot Bridge with glowies and poses by Jade Winthorpe of FFH&G

The Gift pose prop by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe

Today Delphinia had a gift she wanted to give Hibisca, to show her how much she appreciated her friendship and support. She had gathered a little magic dust from each area of the forest for quite a while and had put it together into one "package" for her best friend. She told Hibisca, "With this magic dust we have the ability to portal to our other flower fairy friends in different parts of the world, and they to us, thus using each other's strengths when needed for one another." Three of the friends Delphinia was speaking of were Lily, who can bring back distant memories and forgotten emotions, Marigold, who renews life and restores vigor through the power of the sun, and Peony who helps protect and heal. Hibisca was elated and both little fairies knew they had a wonderful, new gift in more ways than one :)

There are three other flowers the Eden dresses come in: Lily, Marigold and Peony, all just as beautiful as the next

Lovely Versatility

2011-03-05T12:54:00.010-06:00

An elf always has to be prepared for what may come, a fight with the enemy, or a hunt for the big Realm feast. Yes, sometimes even if that elf is a "she". Nothing is more tenacious and fierce, yet sexy and beautiful than a fight ensemble worn by an elf of the female gender. Kira Lavendel of MysticHope Designs always creates her clothes to be purely feminine, yet very versatile and rugged in order to "get the jobe done". She makes sure the outfit comes with several optional pieces so you can mix and match and wear what happens to fit the occasion. This particular outfit called Penny Steam consists of pants, a long jacket, and corset top along with shoulder caps and wrist guards. It also comes with a lovely necklace which matches the corset top that comes in several colors (this one happens to be rose). The outfit also comes with a band for each leg that holds knives needed for battle or the hunt. Not only is the outfit a great choice for whatever need arises, it's also alot of fun to wear!

Clothes: Penny Steam in Rose by Kira Lavendel and Elisha Firecloak
Skin: Jadis in Natural # 10 and Makeup Layer # 1 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Elf Ears: Sad elf ears HamHam by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express
Hair: Vivian in Platinum by Leena Ying of DrLife Healthy Hair
Boots: Elvenspirit in black by Kira Lavendel of MysticHope Designs
Location: Enchanted Fantasy Gallery on Elven Realm

Lady of the Unicorn

2011-02-27T17:34:00.011-06:00

I was actually shopping in the marketplace recently and just happened to run across this beautiful dress by Gypsy Tripsa. It's called Lady of the Unicorn, imagine that! I just loved the natural tones and print in the dress, plus the design. It comes with the cloak and headpiece and other removable parts. I decided because of the name of the dress, I had to have a unicorn in a picture or two, plus I took these shots at my home in Elven Realm.

I'd also like to mention the precious elf ears I found at the Plastik. They have little birds perched on top of each ear :)

Clothes: Lady of the Unicorn dress by Gypsy Tripsa
Elf Ears: Animalistic Elven Ears by Aikea Rieko of the Plastik
Skin: Dejah in Pale Brunette by Inaya Skins
Hair: Alice in Platinum by Leena Ying of DrLife

Unicorn pose prop: by Faery Sola of Studio Side

Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm (my home)

Please click the pictures to zoom in

Animalistic Elven Ears by the Plastik (right ear)

Animalistic Elven Ears by the Plastik (left ear)

Bewitching Bentham Hollow

2011-02-19T22:13:00.023-06:00

Bewitching, beautiful, whimsical, magical and colorful are just a few words that describe Bentham Hollow, one of Lauren Bentham and Andrek Lowell's newer forest creations. Lauren already owns a store selling products that can be found on her sims called Bentham Manor. She also owns the wonderful Enchanted Wonderland Forest and Bentham Forest (both also created in collaboration with Andrek Lowell), all part of Bentham Isles. Bentham Hollow is a sparkling, vibrant, and simply gorgeous forest full of fun and wonder.

I landed,was welcomed, and then given information about Bentham Hollow and also, the other Bentham sims. I was in awe of the magic and richness of color around me, including the bright bluish "sparkles" falling from above all over the sim. I walked toward a large gate in front of me, which was the entrance to a forest full of giant, chromatic flowers and mushrooms in abundance! Everywhere I turned the forest was full of foliage, trees, vines, large flora and especially MUSHROOMS. Not just any old mushroom, but HUGE mushrooms of every shape and color. Some even had faces that gazed as I walked by. As I went deeper into the woods, I realized this land was reminiscent of Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland. There were tree trunks with staring faces, polka-dotted mushrooms, mushrooms that glowed, large ponds, babbling creeks, caves, and lovely, shining crystals. Once you land, and then if you turn around and go toward the back rather than forward, you will run across an area full of burning trees. Everything is bright and cheerful, then all of a sudden you enter a dark, gloomy area that looks like it has some kind of flashing lights ahead. When you get closer, you realize it's the tree trunks with faces on fire! As you walk through, ashes and soot fall from the trees and land on the ground making it black to add to the overall effect of this eerie part of the forest.

If you want to enjoy viewing a magical, fantasy sim full of beauty and whimsy, Bentham Hollow is a place you need to see! Bewitchingly beautiful!

Forest gate entrance and a view of some of the flowers and mushrooms of the sim

Some of the glowing mushrooms and sparkling crystals

Red and white polkadots along with faces on mushrooms can be found

The burning trees of Bentham Hollow

Giant colorful flowers, pools of water, green foliage and caves of the Hollow

Clothes: Honor by Evangeline Miles of Evie's Closet
Boots: ED Gryphon in bronze by Bryce Randt
Skin: Jadis in Natural #3 with Makeup Layer #16 by Aida Ewing
Elf Ears: by the Plastik
Hair: Wanda in Gold by KateForster Akin of Tukinowaguma
Pearl Drop tiara by Vivienne Daguene

Jeannie and a Bottle

2011-02-08T01:40:00.021-06:00

I've been working on my sim, Enchanted, the past week. I've added several new fun areas, one of those being a giant genie bottle on a cloud in the sky. Hmm, genie....I actually like to spell it, Jeannie as in I Dream of Jeannie, the TV show from the 70's. I happened to be Barbara Eden's biggest fan growing up and absolutely loved the show, I never missed an episode. As a matter of fact, I now have all the shows on dvd! Really, what young girl around the age of 10 or 11 wouldn't like Barbara Eden or wish they were her? She was gorgeous, could make things happen with the blink of an eye....well, both eyes, she lived with an astronaut AND she got to wear that lovely hot pink outfit! Need I say more? My mother made me a costume just like Jeannie's, too! Seriously, it was perfect and looked exactly like Jeannie's from head to toe! I even had gold sparkly slippers to match. I think I must've worn it every Halloween from about age 8 through 11. Well, I found one in Second Life that is pretty close to what the original looked like. It has everything except the scarf around your head that was connected to the little cap. This outfit comes with the cap and ponytail as one piece, and also has bangs and a hair base. I did not wear this part in the pictures because I just didn't care for the way it fit my shape and looked on me. I wore a high pontyail hair from Sirena instead. The outfit also came with a miniature jeannie bottle you can hold.

Now that I've told you the background of my "jeannie" days, maybe you will understand why I wrote this blog. I lift both arms, cross them and blink both eyes *poof*, see you next time!

Clothes: I Dream of Jeannie costume and mini bottle by MistySue Wallaby
Skin: DrLife Crystal in Tan by Leena Ying
Hair: Tyra in Pearl (blonds pack) by Natalia Zelmanov of Sirena
Giant Bottle: Gypsy's Genie Bottle by GypsyRainbow Nightfire of Hectic Moon
Cloud: Ashbourne 20 x 20 Cloud Sky Platform by PhoenixRene Ashbourne
Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm

The cloud itself extends out from where you see actual cloud and also has transparent "sides"

Inside the Jeannie bottle

Barbara Eden of the 70's sitcom (Larry Hagman of Dallas fame was her astronaut)

Hungry Art Charity Exhibition

2011-02-05T19:21:00.007-06:00

I have a friend named Archibald Sideshow in SL who owns a gallery called, Hungry Art. He's having a special charity exhibition tomorrow (Sunday) at 1:00pm SL time. He asked me if I'd mind helping him get the word out. Hope you all are able to come, it's for a good cause! Here's his notecard on the event:

Welcome to a charity exhibition for Clowns Without Borders... an organization who is bringing happiness and laughter to people in catastrophe areas and warzones.

A lot of artists have given their work for the good cause and all the money we earn will go directly to the organization.

So come and join us!
Have fun and do something good for others
and walk home with a piece of nice art in your inventory.

Sunday 6 feb
1 PM SL time

Archibald
at Hungry Art

Enchanting Elven Style

2011-02-01T04:21:00.014-06:00

I saw this beautiful elven outfit at Selina Forder's Elvenbreath recently and, yes, just had to spend my lindens! The colors and the style are just perfect and so traditionally elven, which I love. I think my most favorite part of the whole outfit is the gorgeous puff sleeves with coutouts showing the different color lining underneath, and this is just one of many details within this style. The lovely hunter green and beige colors plus the velvet fabric complete and make this lovely ensemble so wearable!

Clothes: Tamesis by Selina Forder of Elvenbreath (joint effort with Linux Windlow and Vick Koray)
Boots: Ving in brown by Fallingwater Cellardoor of Shiny Things
Skin: Eva in Natural 9 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Elf Ears: Wilted elf ears by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express
Hair: Eloise in Swedish by Truth Hawks of Truth
Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm

Childhood: Lost and Found

2011-01-27T01:35:00.011-06:00

by Tina Anderson

I remember, from times gone by
A world so magnificent So full of wonder I could hardly contain

I would stare out at the sun and say
"Mother, mother, it shines brightly
Amber in the sky!"
I would stare out at the moon and say
"Father, father, it shines gently
Silver in the sky!"
I would stare out at the stars and say
"Mother, father, they shine coolly
Jewels in the sky!"

In my dreams, I'd laugh
Dance among the clouds with angels
Watching sunsets with my muse
Put on the stars as a necklace
And talk gleefully with the birds

Light was my joy
I played in the sun
Happy and joyful and evermore alive

Darkness was my comfort
I reveled in the night
Sleeping and smiling and evermore alive

Then the bleakness caught my mind
From one day to another, I was left behind
Talking of amber in the sky brought scorn
Talking of silver in the sky brought snorts
Talking of jewels in the sky brought sighs
The admonishing words:
"Don't be foolish, girl
You are no longer a child,
But a being on the verge of adulthood
Leave childhood behind
Forget your kiddy dreams
Grow up, girl!
Leave childhood behind!"

I was obedient
I was good
I knew not these strangers
With whom my parents had left me
These... "teachers"
They were to tutor me on life
This was life?
Leaving dreams and childhood behind?
Forgetting my muses and angels?
My amber and silver and jewels?
This was life?!

"Leave soft songs of gold behind
Come to the world of numbers
Of tales that relate to you
That bring you to reality
Come back to earth, girl!"

I came to earth
I couldn't claim to come "back"
I don't believe I'd ever been there before
But I came to earth
Obedient
Good
I was absorbed in stories
Relating to what I should be
Absorbed in numbers
That should have fascinated me

Days went by
Months went by
Years went by
My life went by
I was obedient
I was good
I was sad beyond belief

Then, one day
As I precariously bordered the brink of womanhood
I was told
By an angel in teacher's guise
"Write for me, children grown up
Write for me a poem
Tell me your fantasies
The high-flying, swift parts of your soul
Write for me!"

Write for me...
My... soul?
I had... a soul?

My fingers rested lightly upon the paper
My pen rested lightly upon my fingers
I closed my eyes, searching for this
This
This elusive soul

Sweet laughter filled my ears
Harps of all religions' heavens sounded
Birds tittered
Amber, silver and jewels shone
And my muse touched cooling hands upon my brow
He kissed my cheek softly in welcome
He wiped away my tears
He embraced me
"Little girl, little child
Mistress of this world
Welcome home at last..."

Nice Contrast: Blue and Black

2011-01-25T03:22:00.012-06:00

Blue and black has always been one of my favorite color combinations. It's so striking, beautiful, and any bright color with black looks great, blue just happens to be my favorite color. Selina Forder of Elvenbreath has done it again with this sharp, lovely, and very hip ensemble. This detailed outfit comes with a black vest containing touches of faux fur, pants with small, metal discs down the side and bright blue shirt. It's a great choice for casual wear at any time and truly stands out in the crowd!

Clothes: Aloda by Selina Forder of Elvenbreath
Boots: Ving in black by Fallingwater Cellardoor of Shiny Things
Skin: Eva in Natural Makeup 2 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Hair: Zz504 in black by Leena Ying of DrLife Healthy Hair
Elf Ears: Wilted Elf Ears by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express

Fantasy Art Focus: Doni Parlanti (Tigre Milena in SL)

2011-01-16T20:04:00.053-06:00

Set Them Free

"I was never very good with words, but give me a lump of clay any day, and I will turn it into anything you like!"...Doni Parlanti

Doni Parlanti, also known as Tigre Milena in Second Life, creates beautiful, unique, creative, expressive and sometimes whimsical art in Second Life. I discovered her work easily when I saw she had a flair for fantasy pictures, my favorite. Every time I glanced at the Flickr pool and what people had posted, I'd see a picture that stood out in the crowd and then I had to zoom in. Doni's was always one of these! Her pictures are so colorful, full of creative imagination, and original, I just had to write about them. What impresses me the most, and I didn't even realize until a little later, is that she doesn't edit or process her pictures! That makes them even more amazing, and the fact you can't tell, pure brilliance.

Doni does not consider herself a good PC artist, however, I know many of us would have to disagree, I being one of them. Her forte is working with her hands on anything from sculpting with clay to working with paint and textiles. She also enjoys photography in first life. In fact, she has a degree in Arts and Crafts and this covers anything from Sculpture to Graphic Design, therefore, Doni is definitely a true artist by trade and came to Second Life by request of a friend who thought she might enjoy taking pictures in game. Boy does she! We're so glad she came so we can now enjoy her many talents! Doni noticed how most people process pictures they take in game and challenged herself to take pictures just as good and inspiring to others without any processing at all. She builds and has built alot of the props she uses in the pictures she takes and also uses other artists' props and background sets in her pictures. She considers this and the fact she doesn't change anything, a tribute to these artists and gives them the recognition they deserve. Doni realizes no post processing means some imperfections in the pictures, but never intended for them to be perfect. She feels showing others how pictures can be just as beautiful, expressive and good a quality by not editing them will inspire others with their own creations. I think this is an admirable and wonderful goal on her part! I know she inspires me a great deal :)

Fish Skin

Rapture

The Pied Piper of Bentham

The Lost Prince

Food For Thought

Spectrum

The Owl and the Pussycat

Secrets

You can see many more of Doni's pictures in her Flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/52520931@N04/

Faerie Wings 'N Things

2011-01-13T00:22:00.011-06:00

And as the seasons come and go, here's something you might like to know ... there are fairies everywhere under bushes, in the air, playing games just like you play, singing through their busy day. So listen, touch, and look around -- in the air and on the ground. And if you watch all nature's things, you might just see a fairy's wing....author unknown

I know I just blogged about a gown from Studio Sidhe, but they have such great designs, I can't resist telling you about another find. I love going to the store and just browsing, it's so much fun and so much to see! If you've never been to Faery's store, you have to go! Recently, I found some fairy wings there that are so lovely and go with everything. If you have dresses or outfits you want to wear wings with, but don't have any that match, these wings will work with just about any piece of clothing. They're called Silver Lace Wings and are beautifully detailed, the perfect color, and reasonably priced. After all, faerie wings made by "Faery" Sola have to be good, right? hehe

Faerie Wings: Silver Lace Fairy Wings by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe

Gown: Symphony in Black by Azriel Demain of Falln Creations (blogged here: http://nataliemontagne.blogspot.com/2010/12/falling-for-falln-formals.html)

Skin: Keeshya by Naalyeh Raleigh of Inaya
Hair: Hair Zz504 in black by Leena Ying of DrLife Healthy Hair
Elf Ears: Wilted Elf Ears by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express
Fairy on Head: Fairy Luna [White] on head by NaMiya Nishi of NaMiya's Fancy Goods

Location: Tol Narwa Vire

Leafy Couture

2011-01-11T01:42:00.028-06:00

the Leaf Couture skirt

the Cocktail skirt

the Long skirt

The Leaf Couture gown, a limited edition release by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe, is truly a lovely and feminine choice offered in three different styles within one product. There are only 50 gowns in each color available, and can be worn formally or casually with options of either a long skirt, shorter cocktail skirt, or leaf couture skirt, which are all shown in this blog. The gown comes in six colors: green, red, purple, fuschia, bronze (shown in this blog) and black. All three skirt styles are made of a beautiful chiffon overlay with silver detailed trim and they all also come with the Leaf Couture pendant. The leaf couture skirt has the added touch of little flowers on the front and back plus three tiers of chiffon with silver edging down the skirt portion of the gown. The cocktail and long gown both have the long straight pleated chiffon skirt with silver trim at the bottom. All three skirt styles flow from a beautifully cut empire waist bodice. You can't go wrong with this versatile and gorgeous gown!

Clothes: Studio Sidhe Leaf Couture gown by Faery Sola
Skin: Dejah by Naalyeh Raleigh of Inaya in Pale Brunette
Hair: Peta in Swedish by Truth Hawks of Truth
Elf Ears: Wilted Elf Ears by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express
Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm and Tol Narwa Vire

I'd also like to mention a relief effort that is very true to Faery Sola's heart and is a very good cause. Here is her notecard on the subject of the Queensland flooding:

Queensland, the state where I live is currently being hit by flood water. A LOT of flood water. People have lost their lives, their pets, their homes, their livelyhoods and it's STILL RAINING.

Where I live it is currently cut off by flood waters, we got a phone call today from Emergency Services to evacuate if we felt at risk of flood waters. Luckily for my family and I, our little corner of our town hasn't flooded... yet. I say yet, because we're being told it's only going to get worse.

Please help in whatever way you can by either going to the Extend a Helping Hand Event Hall ( Event Hall Location: Adien 28, 65, 1026) and purchase:

Faery's Daisy Parasol at 80L

Extend a Helping Hand (information) -
Money raised goes towards the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal which will assist Queenslanders affected by massive flooding.

Plenty of fantastic vendors taking part. Purchase a donation item where part of the proceeds go to the appeal, or make a full donation.

The Market will be held between Jan. 11th and 31st, but vendors may also have items up at mainstores and there may even be events. Click a subscrier to make sure you keep up to date.

You may be able to get involved! Please contact Sanura Sakai if you are interested in being a participant, blogger, donation point or event holder.

100% of the proceeds of this sale go to the fund or you can check out the other amazing content creators there OR you can donate at the kiosks which are located in the participants mainstores (including my Studio Sidhe store) or at the event OR you can go directly to:

http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

thank you in advance for your support,

Enjoy!

~Faery~

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T02:42:00.004-06:00

Happy 2011 and all the best to all of you in the New Year! I hope all your many dreams and wishes come true :D Happiness always and may you always be filled with magic and enchantment :)