Welcome to Bal Masque 2010

With carnival celebrations taking place around the world this time of year, the Artful Paper Doll proudly gives you the Bal Masque. The purpose of this blog event is to connect artists in celebration of their artistic expression through the decoration of a carnival mask. Be sure to visit the attendees of this event (right sidebar) to see their lovely creations.


The proposition of a blank anything, can be intimidating as I discovered while creating my mask for this event. What does one do? In my Scarlett O'Hara moment, I went to bed of course and decided I would "think about it tomorrow."


Ah, but the universe had other plans for me and left me to slumber with a question that seemed to pop into my head from out of nowhere. What would Marie do?


We know what this one did but I was thinking of something a little more girlie. Pink, ruffles, lace, white, satin, ribbon, green, roses, paper filigree, lots of glitter, pearls, feathers, the ideas just kept coming.


The inner voice echoed thoughts of pretty vintage papers, scripted advertisements and aged ephemera.


It must sparkle and shimmer in sublime elegance befitting a queen.


Soften the look with signature finishes of satin, laces, feathers and pale pink roses.


Nature's delicate beauty, her symbol of transformation makes a perfect embellishment.


Paper filagree and miniature rose bouquets are decadent as a frame completing the look of this precious little mask.


I am Cinderella at her first ball, I am Marie, I can be anyone I want to be. See you next year!

This post is also being included as my Pink Saturday contribution so please be sure to visit How Sweet the Sound and the lovely Beverly for more Pink goodness.

Carnevale Venezia 2010 Begins

It begins with an idea, pictures of pink perfection that swirl nebulously inside my head.


What does she look like? What secrets will she hide, behind the flourishes of decorated eyes?


With her mysterious but flirty spirt, she'll reveal only enough to spark the imagination.


Dressing is an art and must reflect her purity of heart.


Nature's beauty does bestow, its grace and magnificence upon the rose.


With flowing skirts and glittering slippers, the magic of her costume is complete.


Fiore di Venezia bids you welcome to the season of carnival in Venice.


Be sure to dance your way on over to How Sweet the Sound and the lovely Beverly for more Pink Saturday wonder.

Bal Masque Blog Party

The Venetian Carnival, or Carnevale di Venezia as it is called in Italian, begins in early February and runs until just after Valentine's Day. Since February marks the month of carnival celebrations around the world, I give you the Bal Masque blog party.


When: Saturday, February 13th
Time: Starts 12:00 a.m. wherever you are
Place: The Artful Paper Doll (for a list of participating blogs)

Bal Masque Template

Participation is easy. Send an e-mail to Kitty Kellie that you wish to be added as a participant. Next, simply download the mask template and embellish it in your own carnival style then blog about it on February 13th. Meet me here for a list of participating blogs and visit them to see their masks.


Now go grab a blog button (click above image for code) and let the world know there's a blog party going on! Whooo Hooo!