As many of you know, I adore Creating Vintage Charm magazine. Their latest issue, a Special Edition with a Marie Antoinette theme was just published. I was fortunate to be able to interview the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Sonia Crouse who is such an inspiration. Sonia really has truly captured the “pulse” of the art/decorating world. That is evident throughout the pages of the magazine, not only in photographs, but also through insightful articles on topics that range from home decor to repurposing to mixed media and altered art--all the things that make our hearts go “pitter-patter!”
I asked Sonia why she wanted to create a special issue about Marie Antoinette. She said, “I am born and raised in Europe and my mom decorated our home with lovely Rococo style furniture, and Rococo and Baroque era prints which hung all over the house," she said. "For some reason, every household in Malta had their prints of Pinky and the Blue boy or lovely Rococo era couples. My mom even had her tea set with pretty French scroll designs and a romantic 17th century couple."
"The movie Marie Antoinette that premiered in 2006 brought a wave of memories of my childhood home and inspired me to create art and designs with Queen Marie, who is pretty much an icon of the Rococo era. Maybe not as much then as she is now. I also have connected with many other Marie enthusiasts and was also a member of the Marie Antoinette Mail Art group."
"Apart from publishing Creating Vintage Charm magazine, which is a more general/seasonal themed magazine, I just HAD to dedicate an issue to Marie inspired artwork. It is just so exquisite, rich and beautiful and all put together it made a one very beautiful magazine that I hope everyone will cherish and enjoy," Sonia said.
In addition, I asked Sonia what it was like for her to meet so many talented people while working on the pages of the publication. “It is a blessing and very amazing experience to meet and learn about artists and crafters worldwide--to learn about how and what inspires them and what, if any particular reason or event got them started to follow their dream,” said Sonia.
“The talent and inspiration and the beautiful artwork I see; I love the artists' enthusiasm for creating and not to mention how pleasant it is to connect and communicate with them. It's like making friends and more friends every time. Above all it is very rewarding to me when I bring recognition to their work they so much deserve.”
Because Creating Vintage Charm has such a profound impact on art and decor, I was interested to know about Sonia’s personal style. “Honestly, looking at all possibilities and styles, makes me want it all,” she said. “I like the English country bright colors, the French scrolls and romantic style, the Swedish Gustavian style and I can appreciate all. I am enjoying so much the shabby, distressed and vintage patina with a touch of pink and aqua. I look for old and worn furniture to re-purpose and redo and hunt for the special little antique treasures. I think that pastels and whites make for much brighter and cheery home. I love white linens and lace. And antiques with a European style and designs remind me of my childhood home and heritage. I live in the U.S., but everyone who steps in my home remarks about the European feel it has.”
If you have not read it already, I am certain that this is a publication that will be so treasured--one that you will come back to time and again for ideas and inspiration.
To see the magazine’s webpage or to order a copy, just go to: Creating Vintage Charm
XO
Cindy
