Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group

A site for trading Marie Antoinette and French Inspired Mail Art. Themed swaps in altered art, art dolls, fiber arts, atcs, and more!

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Member Agreement

This is a juried group for high quality, experienced artists with a passion for Marie Antoinette and French inspired art. By joining this group you agree to be an active member of our group by joining us in at least one swap, contest, or drawing activity every 3 months. You also agree that you will only submit your best in everything you commit to. Many of our swaps are considered advanced which means lots of time and,sometimes ,cost can go into these projects. It is important to give the same quality work as you would like to receive. You also agree to keep good communication with the swap group and host for all activities you commit to by keeping an eye on the forum at least once a week, and promptly replying to any emails requesting information. If you are going to be away for any extended period of time please be sure to send a message to a group administrator letting them know, as well as the host to all swaps you are a part of.

Once accepted to the group you will have 30 days to join in by posting a thread introducing yourself, replying to a topic in the forum, or posting a comment. This will be a great start to becoming an active member in our community. We are a friendly bunch and I promise we don't bite. If you do not do this it will be assumed you are not longer interested in the group and you will be removed. So be sure to say hello! You do not have to commit to a swap right away just be sure to follow the 3 month rule.

If you remain inactive for an extended period of time (60 days), or do not join a swap within the 3 month period you will receive an email message asking you if you wish to be an active member of the group. If there is no reply to this within 5 days you will be removed from the group. This is necessary so that others who wish to join in can become members. An inactive member is considered one who have not posted, commented, or joined in on any activities in over 60 days.

There is a 75 member max. With many other duties in my life, this is a necessity for me to keep things running smoothly. This also means you have a small close group of friends!

TO JOIN: Please be sure to provide a URL to a site where at least 3 or 4 of your photos are displayed. This can be a blog, website, blog or Flickr account. If you do not provide a link your application will automatically be declined. If you do not have a URL you can submit 3 to 4 of your Maire inspired artwork photos to ningmarie@aol.com. Your application could take up to one week to be processed.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: WE VALUE THE TALENT AND TIME PUT INTO DIGITAL ART, HOWEVER WE DO NOT RECOMMEND FULL DIGITAL COLLAGE PIECES BEING USED FOR SWAP ITEMS IN THIS GROUP. Thanks for your understanding.

A NOTE ON SWAPS AND LIABITLITY
You will be joining all swaps at your own risk and you release the site, site owner and any hostesses from legal liability concerning loss, theft or lack of returns. While we strive to maintain a safe and high level of successful swapping here, there will be the occasional problem. We do not truly know another person online and can never completely know their intentions. Also, we cannot account for or be held responsible for what the postal service may do. If a swap host disappears, you may be out of some artwork. As site owner, I just do not have the time to make up for artwork that you did not receive. That will be an issue between you and the person who cheated you out of artwork. Also a host is NEVER required to make up for the rudeness of other players. They can offer to do so, but do not need to. Hostesses are only obligated to sort and mail the returns and oversee the swap listing, etc. NOT make art for missing in action players, players who sent sub par work, or whatever else may occur. Hostesses ARE obligated to mail the art and finish any swap commitments they have with players. If you are EVER left without getting art in return for your work, (except when known withdraw/drop outs occur: for instance in a 10 for 10 swap where you send in 10, but only 8 players finished, in that case, you should receive 8 unique pieces of art plus 2 of your own pieces in return) please contact Rebecca for mediation at ningmarieataol.com. This is a play at your own risk mail art site.
I suggest all hostesses and players use delivery confirmation on bigger, more expensive or labor intensive art. That way you can prove it was actually mailed if you need to. Insure anything valuable.

Forum

CONGRATULATIONS ROBIN SWEET FOR FEBRUARY VERSAILLES ARTIST OF MONTH. 7 Replies

You are such an interesting and talented person, it is wonderful to get to know you better.

Started by Terri Gordon. Last reply by Terri Lynn Heinz Feb 4.

Elaine in Paris 3 Replies

Hi all! One of our dear members, Elaine Marchisi, is spending some time in an apartment in Paris! Be sure to check out her adventures on her blog:http://elaineathome.blogspot.com Be sure to let he…

Started by Rebecca Allinson. Last reply by Rella Gauthier Feb 4.

Hi to Everyone 1 Reply

Just joined, and qould like to say Hi to everyone. I've seen some of your artwork on Flickr, and was sooo impressed. I'm a member of a couple of ATC groups, but have to say, I'm really excited about…

Started by Dawn Shotton. Last reply by Rebecca Allinson Feb 2.

Ijust want everyone to know.... 3 Replies

I just want everyone here to know what wonderful kind hearted women are involved in our Marie group.To say Thank you just doesnt seem to be enough to fully express my feelings as I opened the most u…

Started by LuLaBelles...Sandy. Last reply by Becky Swartzlander Feb 1.

Blog Giveaway

Hi Everyone!I'm doing a "Valentine" Giveaway on my blog, just leave me a comment to be eligible!...drawing will be Feb.15th... so please stop by!Cheers,Melanie :)www.artfulinterludes.blogspot.com

Started by Melanie Hall Feb 1.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY BROCKWAY 2 Replies

Have a very special day.

Started by Terri Gordon. Last reply by Rebecca Allinson Jan 31.

NEWBIE CIAO 6 Replies

hi there, I'm new here. My name's Joan and I'm a Londoner but have been living in Italy since 1987, am a SAHM of 3 teenagers and my antistress is to try and create art. I am an ATC addict and love pl…

Started by Joan. Last reply by Rella Gauthier Jan 31.

Site Headers/Banners 10 Replies

Hi Everyone! I would like to try something new. I personally get bored easily...so, I was thinking it would be nice to change the blog headers now and then. If any of you would like your art featu…

Started by Rebecca Allinson. Last reply by Rebecca Allinson Jan 29.

Marie Tee 6 Replies

Bonjour mon amis Just wanted to share this t-shirt I did. I wore it out when I went with my girlfriends on a shopping spree to a local scrap store, an antique store and a ribbon place. Fun FU…

Started by HollDoll. Last reply by Rhonda Jan 29.

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY MARIE ANTOINETTE MAIL ART GROUP 6 Replies

Started by Terri Gordon. Last reply by Terri Gordon Jan 28.

Notes of Condolence and Sympathy For Becky S. 11 Replies

Please feel free to post a note here and share your heart and thoughts with Becky at this time.If would prefer to send something via snail mail, here is her addy:Becky Swartzlander 880 W. Mulberry Po…

Started by Rebecca Allinson. Last reply by Debi Huntsman Jan 28.

ONE WORLD ONE HEART blog giveaway hope you can join me 4 Replies

Hi everyone I'm so excited, I have joined up for the ONE WORLD ONE HEART blog giveaway again this year and have a wonderful loot bag full of romantic girly goodies I'm giving away. Hope you can stop…

Started by Deborah ~Land Of Nod Studio's. Last reply by Barbara Jan 27.

Les Liasons de l'Amour Blog Party Sign Up List 22 Replies

Please post a comment below with your blog URL link and I will list you as a participant. Also, please consider hosting a small giveaway. If you do, then please post that you will be offering a givea…

Started by Rebecca Allinson. Last reply by Kathy Jacobson Jan 24.

Sandra Evertson Blog Giveaway

Hi all! Sandra Evertson is having a beautiful blog giveaway. She asked me to pass the news on to you all.Here is the link and a preview of the beautiful art she has for you:http://www.sandraevertso…

Started by Rebecca Allinson Jan 19.

IMPORTANT: New Rule Concerning Round Robins, Jams and 4 x 4 Book Swaps 17 Replies

Hi Everyone! We have had some issues recently in what I consider to be advanced swaps. Swaps such as Round Robins, Jams and Rhonda's 4 x 4 Spiral Book pages swaps all require commitment for every pla…

Started by Rebecca Allinson. Last reply by Susan Knauff Jan 19.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REBECCA!! 10 Replies

Wishing you the most joyous Birthday ever. Thank you for all you do to make this such a wonderful group.

Started by Terri Gordon. Last reply by Rebecca Allinson Jan 18.

Swap Sign Ups Ending Soon 1 Reply

Hi all! Be sure to check out the following swaps as their sign ups are ending soon! Les Belle Fleurs Quarterly Flower Swap Nov-Feb Sign Ups Close January 3 Bonbonnieres Candy Cups Sign Ups Close Ja…

Started by Rebecca Allinson. Last reply by Melanie Hall Jan 12.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONIA! 5 Replies

Wishing you the most wonderful day.

Started by Terri Gordon. Last reply by Rebecca Allinson Jan 8.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBARA 6 Replies

Wishes for a wonderful Birthday Barbara.

Started by Terri Gordon. Last reply by Maria Rodarte Jan 8.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDI! 4 Replies

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Heidi.

Started by Terri Gordon. Last reply by Maria Rodarte Jan 8.

Versailles Artist of the Month is Robin Sweet!

Each month we will be featuring and interviewing a member of the group. You can find out more about Robin http://antoinettemailart.ning.com/profile/Gildedcagedesign and by reading her interview below.

1. How did you get started in art?
I was born an artist, I can honestly say that I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating. At 8 yrs old I won a full scholarship to art school and the rest as they say, is history.
2. What is your favorite media to work in?
My favorite media is textiles. My currant addiction to imported French ribbon allows me to create gardens of floral pieces to wear. Sadly, many small mills in France are closing due to low exports. I snag them up when ever I am able to find them.
3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
I am probably the only person on the planet that HATES ice cream. I do however enjoy an occasional frozen yogurt from a local shop here. Plain tart yogurt with fresh raspberries and chopped peanuts is the best.
4. What is your favorite television show?
My favorite show lately is “Secret Diary of a Call Girl”. Having had relatives in that business, I am most fascinated.

5. If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
I would love to have dinner with Toulouse Lautrec, famed painter of 19th century France and frequent patron of the Moulin Rouge. While he was quite crass, dinner with him would be a crazy night of absinthe and debauchery. I would also invite Jim Morrison of The Doors to come along. Would love to hear his poetic musings on the evenings events and besides, he was cute.
6. What do you do to break through creative blocks?
For creative blocks I journal. When I am in a stagnant flow of creative ideas I often feel great emotional and spiritual pain. I am utterly lost without my artistic side. I was once told by a psychic that journaling would help me to clear my blocks and allow the creative energy to flow. Turns out she was correct.
7. How long have you been creating art?
Lets just say since birth, see question #1.
8. If you were stranded on a deserted island, which two art supplies would you want with you?
If I were stranded on a deserted island I would have to have French ribbon, ostrich feathers and antique buttons. I am aware that the question said TWO yet designs look better in odd numbers.

9. Do you collect anything?
I have collected many things throughout my life. The most interesting collection I have is Victorian Hair Wreaths. Made to memorialize the dead, each wreath is intricately hand woven from a loved ones hair. Many were also made to celebrate an entire family so multiple colors of hair would be displayed. My collection runs the length of my long hallway suspended on silk cords. I am of course a sucker for the red hair.
10. What do you think makes your work stand out as “yours”?
My eye for color and emphasis on quality materials makes my work standout as my own. I have a BS in Textile science so the quality of materials is of utmost importance to me.
11. What is your favorite art style?
I would have to pick Surrealism as my favorite type of art. The work of Salvador Dali is fascinating to me. His works are so detailed when viewed in person that they look 3 dimensional. Plus I am a sucker for BIG personalities. I think I shall invite him to my dinner in question #5.
12. What is it that you love about Marie Antoinette?
I can identify with Marie Antoinette on many different levels, One being a resident of a gilded cage. I have been both blessed and cursed to live in gilded cages most of my adult life, from the outside they look perfect. From the inside however, gilded cages are often not so lovely, outwardly beautiful inwardly isolated and lonely. I named my company, Gilded Cage Design for this reason. But if you look at my logo, the bird now sits atop the cage.
13. What is your favorite color scheme?
These change like my moods, yet currently I am taken by grays paired with mustard yellows or merlots.
14. What is your favorite book?
My favorite book of all time is “The Little Prince” by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. I was first introduced to this treasure by my mother’s hippy friend in the mid 1970’s. It has remained a favorite throughout my life. I am not one to keep a bunch of books around yet I have kept this one forever.
15. What is your favorite style of music and artist within that genre?
I love a wide variety of music, which would take to long to explain. So I shall pick rock for this question. Lenny Kravitz is hands down one of my favorite artists. Not only is the man extremely talented, he is also gorgeous. I honestly don’t know of another man that can wear fur, rhinestones and feathers and still look fantastic. A true Rock Star in my opinion, besides he would look amazing in Gilded Cage Design.
16. Do you listen to music while creating art?
I don’t listen to music when I create. I need human company in my studio (the kind that doesn’t talk directly to me). My pink “Hello Kitty” television provides me hours of humans to visit my studio. I often don’t even know what is on, yet it keeps me company.
17. Do you have any pets?
I have been blessed with the opportunity to raise and care for a pug named, “Nigel”. Nigel has saved me from myself on many occasions and is a constant companion in my studio. I couldn’t concentrate without pug snores. Yet another parallel with Marie Antoinette me thinks.
18. What is your career, job or life’s calling?
I am an independent costume designer for stage and film. Independent means I have no specific theatre I would for. This allows me to pick and choose the projects I want to work on. Big surprise my specialty is Victorian era costumes.
But what I really want to be when I grow up is a showgirl. Late nights, dancing, sequins, feathers and High heels, what is not to like.

19. What are some of your hobbies, other than art?
I love, love, love to surf. I dance on a pole. I dance the argentine tango and I practice ashtanga yoga.
20. What is your favorite way to relax?
I am in perpetual motion at all times (my hubby says even in my sleep) so the closest thing to relaxing is me parked on the couch making ribbon flowers. I do enjoy an occasional bubble bath as well.
Is there anything else about yourself that you would like to know?
As many of you know my signature pattern has always been leopard print, I am addicted to luxury fabrics in deep dark colors and most synthetics creep me out.

Where can we view or purchase your artwork?
http://www.gildedcagedesign.com http://www.gildedcagedesign.etsy.com

Meet Your New Marie Antoinette Mail Art Site Team

Hi Everyone! My name is Rebecca Allinson. I am a SAHM of two and a homeschooling mom too! I have been studying, perfecting and finding my way in fine arts since I was 10. I credit an art teacher who wouldn't let us say "I can't" with giving me the confidence I needed to begin. My sister was a natural drawer, I had to work for it all! I love watercolors with pen and ink and altered art best. I love vintage textiles and trims, vintage millinery, vintage crepe paper and vintage images. See a theme there? LOL! I collect antique and vintage ladies magazines from the mid 1800's up to the early 60's. My favorite time periods for fashion are: the 18th century, Edwardian and Early 1920's.
I look forward to serving all of you as the new owner of the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group. Things will be staying the same except for the small changes I have already made. Due to Cassandra's hard work, fabulous ideas and strong leadership, this site was in great running order to begin with! I hope to contiue in that same tradition. You may contact me at any time for help, conversation or fun! Thank you all for being active members here! It truly takes all of you to make this group the exciting and fun place it is!

Now, is my great pleasure to introduce to you our new team of helpers here at the site! They are working hard to help keep things running smoothly here. Whenever you need help, you can always message myself or one of them to get the answers you need. Please take a moment to "get to know" these sweet, fun and helpful ladies!

Rhonda Thomas
I'm a SAHM of two little girls who are becoming obsessed with Marie Antoinette and all things French, just like their mommy. I am a former teacher and have been creating art for as long as I can remember. My mother is an artist as well and always encouraged me to be creative. I have been here with the MAMA Group since it's beginning, have made so many wonderful friends and have grown as an artist. My main duties in addition to hosting swaps include the Queen's Monthly Pick and making sure things run smoothly on the Photo Gallery. I also help in other areas when needed. You can read more about me by visiting my page or blog at http://www.RhondaMum.blogspot.com. Hope to learn more about you as well!

Terri Gordon
I am a self taught artist who has been married for 31 years and the mother of two sons. I live in Michigan and was born here. I work for my husband's business, he is a Medical Illustrator. I take care of the accounting and all of the books for his two companies. One son lives in the Seattle area, working for Microsoft and was married last summer. My other son is a student at the University of Michigan. I started doing crafts when I was about 10 years old. I love to cut things out, the more intricate the better. I have done all kinds of crafts , but love altered art. I love beautiful trims, beads and rhinestones. I love antiques and flowers. I was so excited to be invited to this group, I love being a part of this wonderful group . Everyone is so friendly and supportive. Being a Marie Antoinette Helper for Rebecca, is such an honor. I will be taking care of Featured Member of the Month, helping with Queen's monthly pick. If any new members have any questions please feel free to ask me. I will help you in any way that I can.

Terri Heinz
"I am a paper crafting enthusiast. I love all things "Marie" and I adore the
Vintage look. Old papers, sheet music, old lace, soft pale blues and sea greens find their way into my art. I enjoy poking around antique shops looking for these as well as vintage rhinestone jewelry. Here at MAMA I am happy to be helping with Queen's Monthly Pick, hosting swaps, following the Blog and anywhere else I can be of service."

Les Liasons d l'Amour Valentine's Day Fête

It is time to get ready for a fête grande in honor of St. Valentine's Day. Tokens of love, fabulous gowns, silken dancing slippers, mysterious romantic trysts in the candle light and of course, CAKE... all will be sure to take place on February 12th & 13th, 2010. There will be many wonderful swaps, giveaways, and blog parties to attend. SO, prepare your attire, grab your jeweled feather fans and meet me at the Petit Trianon!

Be sure to download the blog badge and add it to your blog. I will post it below. Also, please post a reply in the discussion forum to let us know if you will be signing up for the actual blog event and leave your URL for your blog.. I will then add your name to a "Blogs Party List" so that people here can visit you easily!

BLOG BADGE

To download the blog badge, right click the image, choose save, save it to a folder on your computer desktop or whatever you can find easily and then use it an image upload on your blog side bar. You can link it to your blog and such as you like.