Create Your First Project
Start adding your projects to your portfolio. Click on "Manage Projects" to get started
The Princess and the Pea: Props & Accessories
Project type
Props & Accessories
Date
April 12, 2025
Location
The Hilgermann Community Center, Rhinelander, WI
Role
Shelley Novotny, Designer, Stylist, Artist
Credits
Shelley Novotny Designer, Artist, Stylist, Creative Vision Concept
@shelleynovotnyshaktiart
https://www.instagram.com/shelleynovotnyshaktiart/
Amanda Anderson Creative, Photographer
https://amandaandersoncreative.com/
@amandaandersoncreative
An Enchanted Fairytale Photoshoot Experience
This whimsical project brings the timeless charm of The Princess and the Pea to life through immersive styling, magical set design, and imaginative child portraiture. Hosted at the Hilgermann Center for Community in Rhinelander, WI, the pop-up event was designed for children of all genders and ages—from newborns to tweens—to step into the storybook world of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairytale.
For this enchanting collection, I created a dreamy, gender-inclusive wardrobe and curated set styling that celebrated color, texture, and playful storytelling. Children were invited to pose atop a vibrant stack of handmade mattresses and vintage quilts, embodying their own version of a true royal soul—sensitive, expressive, and full of wonder.
Alongside Amanda Anderson’s photography, I offered handmade accessories and keepsakes—crowns, wands, and bunny ears—designed to enhance the fantasy and give each family a memento rooted in creativity and sustainability.
This project wasn’t just about capturing a photo—it was about inviting kids to step into a magical world where they could feel seen, celebrated, and inspired. Through costume, story, and imagination, The Princess and the Pea Pop-Up brought joy, beauty, and a touch of royal mischief to the Northwoods community.
The Story is in the Details
This project highlights the handmade, vintage, and repurposed elements that turned the set into a living fairytale. Layered quilts, tufted mattresses, a stack of old books, dainty teacups, delicate wands, bunny ears, and regal crowns—all lovingly curated or crafted to reflect the story’s playful elegance. Each prop and accessory was chosen to spark imagination, support the narrative, and offer a tactile experience that blurred the line between fantasy and reality. These details became both scene-setters and memory-makers in the world of The Princess and the Pea.


























