A Visit With Stephanie Blythe, and the Possibility Of A FAIRY Doll CLASS!

Yesterday, my dear friend Jocelyn, who is visiting from L.A., Lea and I set off for the Bay Area in search of magic and inspiration! Our first stop was the home and studio of Stephanie Blythe, who lives just north of San Francisco. Stephanie for those of you who may not know, is the Master of porcelain fine art fairies! With her nimble fingers she has been creating teeny tiny little creatures, dressed in magnificent finery since 1977. Her background in textiles and love of Children's book illustrations formed a firm foundation for her career in Fairy art! The piece above, called 'One World, One Heart', spoke to all of us on many levels...

While visiting we brainstormed the possibility of Stephanie doing a FAIRY DOLL WORKSHOP someday soon. A very special opportunity for you to come and make your own magical fairy doll, in Stephanie's studio using one of her amazing molds. IF THIS TEMPTS YOU, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT HERE, AND OR EMAIL ME PRIVATELY, and I will let you know what we can come up with!

So many steps are involved in creating these little treasures, and we delighted in seeing hints of each process. From initial inspiration, to boxes filled with tactile delights; a cozy corner devoted to sculpting and painting, and a vintage cabinet filled with dyes in many fairy colors... Here I will leave you with a photo album of our amazing visit, filled with whimsy, magic and plenty of fairy dust!

Stephanie and Jocelyn share a moment discussing the lifestyle of fairies...

While Lea bonds with one of the studio mascots!

A huge 'Inspiration Board' fills one wall of the studio...

While boxes with labels such as 'Sweet Peas' and 'Big Roses' or bursting with beads and baubles tempt from every corner...

Tiny Fairies asleep in teacups, hide in cupboards...

And Walnut Babies rest on our fingertips!


Bits and pieces of porcelain 'body parts' wait for new incarnations...

While dozens of handmade molds hold surprises inside!

Mother Natures Inspiration sits on the windowsill, and ancient trees covered in moss and spider-webs beckon outside!

Surely this little 'Shadow Box Fairy' once lived just outside Stephanie's door...

My personal favorite fairy lay quietly within a tiny antique embroidered purse, her beautiful little legs peeking out...

We couldn't resist holding one of Stephanie's new Madi the Magical Fairy Play Doll, seen here as a whimsical little bumble bee!

And of course, drooled over the many wonderful past creations Stephanie has produced! It was truly an amazing and magical visit being with the lovely Stephanie and her little fairy kingdom! Thank you Stephanie for letting us peek in your wonderland!

ENJOY!!!!!!!

More about our wonderful trip coming tomorrow!

Comments

[Ivonne Dome]

Let me know of when, where will this class happen. What a dream!!! I would love it!My name is Ivonne Dome . Fashion Designer and fan of Stepanies works. Email address: IME4DESIGN@aol.com.
Phone #- 201-541-0350
201-450-2286 cell

Howclose are weto make this a reality? Please advise. Thanks, Ivonne

[Kristen]

Oh , what a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing with us.

BTW, if you are still trying to identify workshop students please put me on your list. What an opportunity to create with Stephanie.

Cheers!

Kristen

[Joanna]

I love all of those faries, what a wonderful post

[Lisa]

What a wonderful trip. Love the fairy lying in the box. So pretty.

[AnnieElf]

What a breathtaking and magical place, Ulla. Thanks so much for sharing it here.

[diana]

Ulla,

Thank you so very much for sharing! Your blog is always so inspirational.

[frenchgardenhouse]

What an amazing artist! Each and every one of her creations are magical. The one in the purse is probably my favorite...fabulous!
xo Lidy

[Iva]

Such beautiful and magical dolls! Yes, Ulla, please keep me in mind for a class with Stephanie, and thank you for letting us tag along your inspirational journey.
~ Iva

[Suki]

These are gorgeous and magical. For some reason I thought you were in Europe, not near SF. Be well, Suki

[Liisa]

Wow these are magical! Thank´s for sharing! It´s always a pleasure to come here and read about your inspirational trips.
Hope all is well with You!!

Liisa

[Pinkie Denise]

Oh, Ulla
I wish I was there such incredible creations!
I would certainly be interested in taking a class and making a doll, I love the little sweet pea babies the best and the walnut baby,
so adorable....Thank you for sharing Pinkie Denise

[Denise Fontaine]

Thank you for the inspiring pics I love them all Fairy Hugs Denise

[Lea]

The pictures just begin to capture the magic of a wonder-filled day, spent with you and Jocelyn and the amazing people we met and visited... Meeting Stephanie and experiencing her work was incredible. What a gifted and sweet artist she is, with such an eye for finding beauty, in her art, her home/studio, and her gardens... Remember Jocelyn... 2pp...

[Jessica Marie]

Oh my goodness! Why must I live so far away?? I love the fairy in the teacup, though I just don't see how that could be comfortable.

[susan]

yes, i am interested in the fairy doll class. let me know!

[Di Overton]

Wow Ulla these are amazing. They are so delicate. I am off to visit her site NOW

[Shelley Noble]

I know her work from 25 years ago! Who could forget her amazing fairies in tea cups! Stunning. That little doll napping in a coin purse is INSPIRED!! Holy cow!

[rochambeau]

What a fabulous Fairy Field trip! Thanks Ulla for letting me come along. Stephanie's work is absolutely incredible!

Hope all is well!!

xox
C

[ben]

Wow, Those Fairys are so beautiful, you were very lucky to visit her home!

[hautenature]

Your blog is on my top list of most breathtaking and inspirational works around. You have an amazing eye for the profound--keep up the magic!

Thank you for sharing all of these wonderful treasures that you see.