This is a juried group for high quality experienced artist 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 advance 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 a toddler and other responsibilities this is necessary for me. 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 cdvcreations@yahoo.com. Your application could take up to 24 hours to be processed.

Each month we will be featuring and interviewing a member of the group. You can find out more about Melanie Hall by reading her interview below.

20 Questions for Versailles Artist of the Month

1. How did you get started in art? I’ve always been interested in making art since I was a child. I always wanted to take classes in school if it was art related, and I like to take classes now in my spare time. I have also taught art classes at my local stamp store.
2. 2. What is your favorite media to work in? I love many different types of media, not sure if I have a favorite, I like making jewelry, I like working with metals and glass, but I think I use mostly pretty papers, fabrics and lace.
3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Rocky Road
4. What is your favorite television show? I’m hooked on watching ~ Investigation Discovery~ I like the History channel also. I get involved in ~Life Time~ movies easily. Don’t care for Reality shows

5. If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be? My Father, he passed away 14 yrs ago, he was an artist in many things , he made mostly beautiful jewelry, casting his own designs in Gold and Silver.

6. What do you do to break through creative blocks? When I’m not sure or happy with what I’m creating, the best thing for me to do is stop and walk away…for me it really works, it’s like my battery recharges, when I come back and I’m ready to start again and I have more ideas and inspiration than before.

7. How long have you been creating art? I’ve been creating art on yahoo for about 5 yrs. But all and all, since I was very young.
8. If you were stranded on a deserted island, which two art supplies would you want with you? Probably Scissors and pretty papers.
9. Do you collect anything? Yes, Teapots, Birdhouses, Vintage jewelry, Brighton Jewelry and decorative boxes.

10. What do you think makes your work stand out as “yours”? I like to add a vintage look to most of my work. I like the detail and beauty of old things.

11. What is your favorite art style? Vintage of course and Whimsical art

12. What is it that you love about Marie Antoinette? Her beauty, the history and fashion of those days, so elegant and mysterious.

13. What is your favorite color scheme? Pinks ,Blues and Cream, but it depends on what the color scheme is for.
14. What is your favorite book? All the history fiction books by Carolly Erickson, my favorite right now is ~The Secret Life of Josephine.

15. What is your favorite style of music and artist within that genre? I love all different types of music, New age, Country, Rock, Celtic and Classical.

16. Do you listen to music while creating art? Sometimes if I’m not listening to TV.
17. Do you have any pets? Yes, my miniature poodle Puegeot, he’s 10 months old this month, and keeps us busy. Our other poodle passed away in January unexpectedly and we still miss her terribly.

18. What is your career, job or life’s calling? I’ve decided to retired young, 25 yrs from an IT company, and 8 yrs. of Cosmetology. I hope I don’t have to think of another career! I’m doing what I love right now making art and not punching a clock.

19. What are some of your hobbies, other than art? Reading, Movies, Antique shopping flea markets searching for broken jewelry and shabby chic deco to make new again, and Gardening.

20. What is your favorite way to relax? Making art, reading Somerset with a nice cup of Coffee and taking hot bubble bath with candles and soft music.

Is there anything else about yourself that you would like us to know? I have a wonderful husband who supports and encourages me in all my artful endeavors.

Where can we view or purchase your artwork? My Blog is www.artfulinterludes.com My Etsy is www.melahall.etsy.com