November 2010 – Karla's Cottage

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, flowers, holiday decor, Silver Bella, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, vintage paper/collage art, Workshops, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / November 29, 2010

Well, my halls are all decked and our cottage is festively foofed. My husband says it looks like Christmas threw up all over the place. We've had Sugarwings quite a bit over the weekend, so not much else has gotten done but play with her. All the Christmassing happened while she was asleep (I decorated trees till almost 4am). No photos yet, I'll be getting some soon. When I recover.

So, while she is in school today, I'm busily getting caught up on cleaning up my Boutique (deleting sold goods and adding a few new things, marking some other stuff down) and adding more goods to Etsy, as well as fine tuning the Romantic White Christmas Ezine.

Beth and I had a new post every single day while the classes were ongoing. Now that they have been completed, I had to go back and rearrange it all so that it started with the first posts, not with the newest posts. You know how a blog runs from newest first to oldest last? That is how the classes were set up. Which was great while we were adding daily.

Now that they are all up and running, I needed to put them into an easier format to read as a class. We learned some lessons while doing our first class, the Romantic Gothic Ghosts, and made this Ezine a little easier to tweak at the end than that one was.

(all of these pictures are of the little "extra" projects we included in the classes that aren't listed on the sign up page)

We also added catagories for each posting, so that you can click on the lesson you want to look at and go directly to it.

It looks to me like it is pretty easy to follow and find your way around. I'd love some feed back from anyone who has signed up.

If you are in the class, and have posted any of your projects on a blog or flickr, I've got a place to add a link on my blog roll to your pictures. Please send me an email with your info if I can link to you.

On Friday, I avoided the huge crowds of early shoppers and headed to a flea market with Beth instead. There was a lot of millinery available, but most a higher price than I like. I got a couple of hats, then found a few more at one of my favorite antique shops, plus I'd picked up a few on my trip to Omaha for Silver Bella.

Agnes Rosebud seems to like old flowers as much as I do… I've listed some flowers in the shops, and have big plans for making this with others. There is a banner I am working on that will need a few, and I'm hoping to make a purse tomorrow.

And there will be plenty of sparkle to chose from for the purse! Got this bagful at the flea too.

I like to save the tiniest flowers for projects like these.

Itty Bitty flowers are so sweet on these Christmas trees I decorated (they are in my shops now).

My favorite bloom of the bunch has to be this rose, pure velvet!

Well, I'd better get back to listing things. There will be some new items added this evening too, I'm getting more photos done now while the light is good and will post some trinkets in the shop later.

The chocolate and sepia trees are already listed. How nice that the first ones I made were such a hit, I had to whip up a few more.

This set is Neopolitan: milk chocolate, creamy strawberry, and French vanilla.

I'll leave you with a few more pics of new goods. And if you want something from both shops, I do combine shipping and always refund any excess that is more than a couple dollars over actual postage.

Tea Cup Fairy

fairies, holiday decor, Silver Bella, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / November 26, 2010

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Ours was quiet and laid back, not bad at all. I cooked the turkey the day ahead, and let it warm in the crock pot all day in its juices. What a time saver, and what a moist bird! We had a late meal, and everyone brought side dishes, so it was pretty easy. Lots of free time for baby hugging!

This is one of my favorite projects from Silver Bella, a tea cup fairy from Beth Quinn's class.She provided a frame for the dress and the head, plus all the silk strips. I added lots of different strips to mine too, I wanted all whites, ivories and lace.

This year, I color coordinated all my projects and made them holiday themed to use in my home, and tonight I am getting the house all decorated, so I'm pulling out the Bella goods and enjoying them.

So far, I've only got a few things out. I want to wait till Sugarwings goes to sleep, then surprise her in the morning with a house all decorated for the holidays! She's snuggled up with Pop Pop and a story right now, after a busy evening of building a gingerbread house. (World Market has some cute kits on sale for $8, chocolate houses with peppermint decor)

Its not quite her bedtime yet, and I am trying to be inconspicuous, but am itching to go. Luckily I have my Silver Bella goods to play with until the fairy baby is tucked in for the night.That hs held me in check for a little while.

I spent the afternoon at a flea market and all the vintage Christmas on display has got me worked up and raring to decorate. Its kind of like chum in the water starting a shark feeding frenzy. Seeing all the faded silver tinsel has set off a holiday frenzy for me.

I was in such a hurry that I broke the teacup fairy!! The cup fell off and smashed, but I glued it all back together like a puzzle, and made bandaids of paper to cover the cracks on the inside and hold it together.

Then, I glued a bunch of millinery petals down the back to cover the repairs, and wrapped a lace "shawl" around her shoulders to cover the rest of the cracks.

I think I like it better now than before I broke it. Although, when it hit the floor, I sure didn't think it would work out better than before.

Isn't she cute? Okay, I off to tuck my little one into bed so I can unleash the frenzy and get decorating!

The happiest of Thanksgivings to you all!

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), fairies, family, flowers, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / November 24, 2010

I probably don't even have to say how thankful I am do I??? You guys all know that there were worries about the baby long before she came, and her poor momma was having a rough time. I couldn't be more thankful that both are happy and well now.

And I'm so thankful to have a new litle fairy to add to my flock!

Not only do I have my own two little grand fairies, and great niece Pixie Pie to play with, I've also grown to love Adam's Beloved's little ones. And no one appreciates a make believe game of dress up more than Miss Clover. What would I do without her in my life?

And this little sprite-let? I can't tell you how much I love her. She is quite the handful, and keeps us hopping, but the moment she leaves to go to back to her parent's home, all we can think about is when we get to see her again, no matter how tired we feel after playing with her. There is so much personality packed into that tiny little body that she wears out anyone near her, but it is a wonderful exhaustion. Kind of like a day of gardening, when the sun is shining, there is a cool breeze, and your flowers are blooming and looking great. The day was a lot of work, and you are ready for a rest, but the feeling is a good, satisfied tiredness, a happy one.

My fingers are crossed that her baby sister will take on some of the qualities of her second middle name, Zen. I don't know if I can chase two kids with the bounciness of Sugarwings….

But I'll do my best. Grand babies have a way of keeping you young, all these little ones are bringing out the kid in me. I love seeing things through Sugarwing's eyes. Today, a lonely leaf blew across the parking lot of the grocery store and she told me a long story about his family that he was trying to get back home to.

Tiny little things that I would walk right by with my own 52 year old sensibilities become magical, beautiful things when I look at them with a 4 year old's perspective. We amble every where we go and are always on the look out for a fuzzy bug, or a twig that might really be a wand with special powers. Simply walking across the back yard can be an adventure when I have this little person with me.

Yes, a lot to be thankful for. A handsome, funny, husband who was told at his checkup today that he was in tip top condition.

Two sons who tried their best break me in their teenage years, but grew into strong, kind hearted men that make me proud.

Sugarwing's smart and sassy Hippy Chic mommy who is my baby girl now. And Adam's Beloved Gypsy who is a kind and gentle soul, with a lovely outlook on life. I hope she considers me her mom too.

Sisters, and neices that I love like the best of friends and best friends that I love like sisters.

And a house full of Dorkies. There is nothing more cheerful than a stampede of tiny little feet running to greet me when I come in the front door.

Oh, and how can I leave out my STUDIO!? Its a dream come true, after a life time of using dining room tables, folding tables, or whatever corner I could find to set up my stuff?

Please forgive me for being schmaltzy. But this is a time of year when I get sentimental. I'm still a little teary from watching the touching scene in Glee last night…. New babies do that to you too, its easy to tear up and get emotional when there is a newborn in your life. When my kids were little, I thought it was the hormones that made me cry at TV commercials, but now I know its just the nearness of a little cuddle bundle that does it to me.

I hope all of you get a chance to count your blessings tomorrow. In between all the hectic meal prep and clean up, take a moment just to look around at faces you love and breathe in the happiness.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bella time- a long post, long overdue

I do tend to run on, don't I?, Silver Bella

By Karla Nathan / November 23, 2010

Finally, I'm getting to doing a Silver Bella post!! Life has been a bit crazy lately, sorry I haven't been returning emails or comments like usual. But since most of them were congratulations on the new baby, I don't think people expected a response. If anyone asked a question, I did try to answer that. I'm still trying to catch up on everyday life, holiday projects, and of course, making time to hold that little fairy baby that came to us last week!

My Bella time was extended by Stacy, Kim, Cheryl, Jessi, and Lonnie coming to KC to visit. They all came out to the cottage for dinner along with Beth and Debbie and Carol. Then, the next morning, we had brunch at Carol's magnificent farm house.

Every time I leave there, I feel like going home and throwing stuff away. Her home is so serene and uncluttered. Each piece is displayed with the importance it deserves.

And the light! The light is perfect in every room.

We lingered over the brunch and drooled over her home for a while, then took off in a caravan of cars to Omaha, stopping to junk in St Joe on the way.

(at my house the night before, we got into some supplies setting out in the studio and had too much fun with these gnomes. We decided to take a few with us on the trip)

You can't beat Rusty Chandelier and Jesse James in St Joe for the best shopping!

But of course, 2nd Chance in Omaha is kinda fun too…. They threw us a Bella welcome party with treats and wine. And HATS!

After 2nd Chance, we went to Upstream, my favorite Omaha restaurant, where the dirty little gnome and I ordered some Omaha Steak.

But the world's BEST shopping?????? Hannah's Treasures, or as we call it, Wallpaper Heaven.

Marilyn is always so nice to us, and she has the best papers anywhere.

And an artistic daughter. She created these Anthropolie inspired mirrors on the wall. I have a wall of framed wallpaper in the studio, but after seeing this, I'd much rather show off favorite papers this way. Too bad I gave away all those mirrors out in the shed a few weeks back when I had the big clean out!!

Marilyn (the owner) isn't open to the public, she sells online only. But every fall she opens up her home to bellas and makes us feel welcome.

Even thought this was my third year there, I still get overwhelmed by the abundance of beautiful papers. But I recover fast and like to stand and watch the expressions on the faces of newbies as they come in the door.

After we all get over the shock, it becomes serious business, looking at all the rolls and trying to find favorites. Everyone is so nice, holding up rolls that others might like, offering to split rolls and share.

We had two carfuls of bellas, here is Jessi and Suzanne looking through the cut papers.

And Kana digging in deep too.

I got to meet Kim that day, and we discovered how much we have in common. She and I are going to room together at Kim Caldwell's next event.

Once again, I bought more paper than I will ever use. So, I'm hoping to chop, iron, and package some for the shop soon. Well, I hope soon. I have turkeys to bake, trees to trim, and babies to hug.

There is no way I can pick a favorite activity or event from the weekend (well, Tuesday through Sunday is a bit of a stretched weekend, huh?). All was just perfect. Every year, I have more fun than the year before.

Part of it, of course, is deepening friendships and meeting up with bellas I've got to know before.

But its also just hanging out with sooooo many creative types under one roof.

Lots of laughs to share, as well as supplies and how-to tips.

New people to meet, and new ideas to explore.

And this year's classes were ideal. I thought each one was the best till I got to the next one. There are no faves, I loved them all and will use each and every piece that I made.

This year, the schedule was a bit different, Teresa did a wonderful redo on the event. Closing night dinner was her best idea ever. Between some tweaks she made, and a sea of new faces, I almost felt like a newbie myself. Kind of like how Survivor changes up the Imunity Idol and other things for a shake up to keep you involved.

I think this year seemed much more casual for some reason, and that was nice. More low key and laid back.

Hats on Parade was an interesting theme for Vendor night, there was quite a variety of toppers. Here I am in my towering cage looking like a whole garden, next to sweet Zita who looks like she belongs in a quaint English country garden. I was so happy to meet her, she came all the way from Canada.

And Laurie was a treat too, its so nice to finally meet people you have talked to online for so long.

Yep, I couldn't reccomend it more highly. Its been over a week since I've been home and I still laugh out loud some times thinking about something that happened there. I'll leave you with a few more photos, sorry I haven't linked to all the photos, but I'm swamped. And that is a lot of people. I'd hate to leave anyone out, so I won't even try.

I look forward to getting caught up, but wonder if that ever really happens?

In the meantime, I'll just say that these are all fine people, good artists, fun friends, and you'd probably enjoy their blogs if I had time to link to all of them…..

Its beginning to look a little bit like Christmas

fairies, family, flowers, Silver Bella, Sugarwings, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / November 22, 2010

Over the weekend, I spent a little time lightening up the living room. (I was going to say de-flowering, but that just sounds wrong)

For the summer, I'd hung rose pattern curtains, scattered rosey pillows around the room, and set out some floral plates and trays as accents. Since the basics of the room are neutral, its really easy to switch out looks by changing accessories.

I hung my Target Shabby Chic white velvet drapes, duct taped an old velvet duvet cover over the sofa cushion, and took out anything pink or rosey.

No, not all rosey things! Agnes Rosebud stayed, of course.

After covering the couch cushion, I stuffed a crocheted table cloth under it, to peek out a bit, and got out my neutral pillows.

But the best part of the change over is the banner! My side swap from Silver Bella got hung up too. I used bits of lace tied together to hang it from.

And for the Holidays, I think I'll add some glittered letters to spell JOY.

And Suzanne Duda.

Great swap, huh???

And at the Silver Bella Vendor Faire, I was also lucky enough to get one of Lesa Daily's beautiful birds. She sells out FAST at any show she is in. That lady has some skills!

I'm kinda decorating for the holidays, but not quite. Just a hint of whats to come. Its fun to do it gradually.

For now, I've just set out some of my Silver Bella projects and the Romantic White Christmas things that I made for the online EZine (which reminds me- if you are showing any of your work from the class on your blog, please let me know!)

My plan during classes in Omaha was to make all the projects coordinate. I packed lots of white, silver, gold, and neutral and made everyone of my classes into something Christmassy to use in my home.

Usually, I have a vending booth and my free class period is spent in a craze of setting up, and this year I didn't vend. So I spent some of my free period in the hotel room puttering around on finishing stuff up, but I got lonely. So I took a walk downstairs and popped into other classes to visit and see what everyone was making. In Kari Lynn's class, I saw a bunch of friends, so they invited me to pull up a chair and visit. Someone gave me some wire, so I made this little door (with bird) for the cage I had already made in one of Kari Lynn's previous classes.

I was in two of her classes, then crashed this third one. Then, on Sat. she sat next to me in another class and as we were working away and chatting, I turned and introduced myself and said I didn't think we'd met. She said "YOU WERE JUST IN TWO OF MY CLASSES! " Ooops. I told her that her classes were so good that I was concentraiting on the project, not her face!

After that, she started calling me Dory. "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming" (from Nemo) At least its not as bad as the year I asked Mary Englebrait to take my picture with someone, not knowing who she was…

Thing is, Kari Lynn's classes were wonderful and I just adored them and her. She is teaching at Kim's next wonderland, and that is one of the reasons I am going. Well, her and Colleen, who I got to know too. I really enjoyed them both.

I'll show the other projects when I finish my Christmas decor. I ran out of time, we had family over to meet the new baby on Saturday night.

Sugarwings and Pixie Pie had some dress up fun.

I can't believe how grownup this girl is getting. But all of a sudden, all my babies look HUGE, since we have added the tiny, newest fairy to the flock.

On Sunday, I got some more trees done and a few are in the Etsy shop now, more to come! Thanks for all the tree love.

These are a little something different, I tried some sepia ones. I like them, they fit well with my neutral living room. I hope people don't think they look like trees left up way too long.

I'll leave you with some new Etsy goods:

A foray into film

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), holiday decor, Tutorials, videos, vintage paper/collage art, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / November 20, 2010

Yesterday, Beth came over for a puppy play date. Well, actually, we were working on Romantic White Christmas, but the dogs thought it was all about them.

We rearranged the furniture in my bedroom to make use of the mantel that I have as a headboard. The pups curled up on my bed and kept an eye on what we were doing as we foofed and decked the halls.

All of the projects we had made for the classes were brought out and displayed, then photographed for a talk on the basics of holiday display. (tomorrow's post on the Ezine)

We've tried to make sure that there is a new post everyday on that blog, and that we give lots more than just the projects listed. There are lots of extras, downloads, freebies, and ideas.

If you are in the class and would like to show what you've made, I've set up a Flickr page for us.

Also, if you have posted a creation from the Ezine on your blog, please let me know and I'll set up a link page to it.

While it was all set up on my mantel, we made a video of the projects. Using the Flipcamera editing software was a bit of a learning curve for both of us, but once we got going, it was much more simple than we thought.

I'm looking forward to doing some baby videos now!

You might have noticed that I still haven't shown Silver Bella pictures?? I'm still not unpacked yet!

Except for a couple of little things. I did unpack this lovely old print for my dining room. Its from our shopping excursion to St Joe on the way to Omaha.

And this purchase was from Sunday at Brass Armadillo with some Bellas.

They could almost be the same lady in the print, huh?

I am linking with:

Tinsel and Company

and

Common Ground

A Tulaya tutorial- or how do you say that name???

Books, celebrations, family, give away, holiday decor, Silver Bella

By Karla Nathan / November 18, 2010

Just breath taking, aren't they? I'm starting to feel the need for a baby fix, I haven't seen her yet today. Its been almost 20 hours since I got to hold her…

Look at all that dark hair! I just want to kiss the top of her little head.

Everyone has been asking me about her unique name. So, here is the story. Her momma's family has a Hungarian Gypsy background and a tradition of a 2nd middle name. Apparently, you never say all the names out loud at once. No matter how mischevious the child is being!!

A lot of thought and love went into her name.

Here is the pronunciation:

My- R- uh * Two- lay- uh

Mayara means "holy trinity"-

ma= divine mother Mary

ya= universe

ra= divine father

Tulaya is from some ancient city full of fairies. And Zen refers some how to the sign on the Mayan calender that she was born under.

A big name for such a teensy, 7lbs 4 oz, cuddle bundle, huh?

I still don't have a nickname for her… I'm leaning toward TuTu, but after sitting in on listening to the parents find a proper 3rd name, I'm kind of liking Sugar Star. Goes well with Sugar Wings, and she was almost named Star instead of Zen. (I was voting for Starla, kind of half star, half my name but both of them looked at me like it was a joke.) Heck, maybe that is my nick name for her!! Sugarwings and Starla? How does that sound? Oh well, just talking out loud at this point, I need to get to know her.

Any thoughts?

She has no idea that over two thousand people checked online to hear about her birth. What a lucky little girl to have so many people who cared about her. Thanks so much to all of you who came by to wish us well and congratulate us. We're extremely happy!! And after all the worries, its wonderful to hold such a healthy little baby in our arms. (well, except for the little tummy ache she has, that is)

Here are the random names I drew for the angora roses and nest brooches I made while waiting for the baby's birth:

Stephanie who has a brand new baby too!

Debby

Shawn (no blog)

Seven winners for 7 pounds of baby.

The felted flowers are from a class at Silver Bella. This was one I was whining about and was sorry I had signed up for, and almost dropped at the last moment. But, I was so glad I went!! It was outside of my comfort zone and color palette, but I got so much from the teacher, Betz White. She was an interesting woman and since it was a small class, she sat right down with us and told stories about Martha Stewart's show.

Here is what the class project was supposed to look like, but I changed mine up a bit, and found variation on the roses that looked more like my own style.

I can't tell you how to make the roses themselves- they aren't mine to share, but she has a book and I have to tell you that they are so simple, you'd LOVE making them! Buy the book!!! You'll be glad you did.

I can share my variation with you. I cut my sweater strip kind of curvy and scallopy, then pushed in on the center once it was made. After that, I added extra petals to the bottom, for a more full blown rose look.

EDIT: the rosettes are NOT in the book! Betz got them originally from Martha Stewart and from this blog.

Here is what my completed frame looked like. Betz was nice enough to tell me how she did nests too.

(the vintage Christmas card opens up, I'll put a baby photo in it)

I've got plans to make one for each person who signs up for my May Day celebration and classes here at the studio next spring. Won't these be ideal for pinning to the goody bags???

This week has been crazy/exciting. There are still lots of other Silver Bella photos to share, but I've been busy with baby stuff this week. I've been trying to help out with the big kids (oh man, now all of a sudden my little Sugarwings is a big kid????!!!!). I'm giving them rides back and forth to school, and last night had a sleepover with 3 of them. Sugarwings has stayed with me all week too.

Yesterday afternoon, I cooked and baked for the new parents. A good friend is going through chemo, so I fixed her some meals while I was at it. I made vegetarian white lasagna with fresh mozzarella, stuffed manicotti with tomatoes from the garden, black bean burritos with peppers from the garden, and a big fresh spinach salad. Then, some home made granola and muffins for snacking on too.

These last few photos are of new items in the Boutique and Etsy shops. This box is made from the papers available for downloading in the Romantic White Christmas class, using Beth's directions for making her Pretty Pixie. (I changed it up a bit)

Beth and I are doing some videos for the workshop tomorrow, and we are having some goodie bag giveaways on it too.

It was nice to have some "normal" time today to take photos and list things for sale. The last couple of weeks have been quite extraordinary! All wonderful, but still, I enjoyed a having a plain old, boring day today after all the excitement lately.

Mayara is here!

celebrations, fairies, family

By Karla Nathan / November 16, 2010

Mayara Tulaya is here! After a long, six weeks of her poor tired momma going through almost daily contractions and trying to be on bed rest, the parents had to give up on thier plans to deliver at home.

They checked into the hosptial this morning, and let me spend the day with them. It was such a magical day. Soft music playing, sweet Christee, the momma, being so tough and brave throughout the labor. She managed to nap through a lot of the day.

While she was busy creating the little cuddle bundle, my son and I kept busy, each of us had packed a supply bag were creating too.

He was wrapping crystals in silver wire (talented guy, huh?)

I was making roses from a felted angora sweater. Both were ideal projects to pass the time while we waited for Mayara to come.

It looked like it was going to be a long haul, so in the afternoon, I took a break to pick up the big kids at school, and bring a pizza to the hospital for dinner. When I got back and walked into the hall, I saw the doctor running by, so took off after her.

Both of us arrived after the baby came. So did the nurses! My son and his beloved delivered the baby by themselves, just like they had planned on doing for the home birth they didn't get to have.

We are all thrilled for them. It couldn't have worked out better. I'd say it all happened fast, but it was six weeks of worry and pain leading up to these last few minutes of birthing time, so I won't insult the mom by calling it a quick delivery.

I really don't understand how she did it, but the new mother managed to look completely beautiful and serene through it all. I, on the other hand, look awful. But I posted this photo anyway, because you can see just how happy I am, make up or not.

Thank you all for your concerns and caring during the pregnancy. To let you know just how much all your inquiries and comments and personal emails meant to me, I'll give away a few of these angora roses to celebrate the baby's birth.

Please leave a comment on this post if you'd like to win one. And thanks again so much for caring and being excited for this new baby in our lives!

Bella and Baby news!

family, Silver Bella, vintage paper/collage art, wallpaper

By Karla Nathan / November 15, 2010

Silver Bella was better than EVER. You can maybe tell just how much I loved my classes? I wanted to give all the projects a big hug! Teresa changed the format of the event a bit so that we had a wrap up party on Saturday night, and it was the most perfect idea. I'm so glad she did it.

We were told to bring one project to show everyone, but I just couldn't chose one, so brought them all. How could I chose one class I liked better than the others when all were so freakin wonderful? Great teachers, great table mates, great projects to make.

I'll have some closeups of the stuff later, some without me draped all over them.

While I was away, the newest grand baby was a good girl and waited patiently for me to return. But her poor momma has had enough. She had a flu bug all weekend and is weak, tired, and losing weight. She looked frail last week, after 6 weeks of off and on contractions and trying to be on bedrest with 5 kids running around. A fever and some all night upchucking sure didn't help.

So, we all went to the Dr.'s office today and got the news that she needs to be induced. Tuesday morning at 6am, it begins.

My son was heartbroken that the home birth is off. The Dr. is letting him be the catcher in the delivery room and they are going to be doing things as natural as possible, with little interference. But still, not what they hoped for. (I hate to admit it to them, but it sure is what I hoped for, I feel at ease now)

Please forgive me if I don't get to answer emails or comments for a few more days. I'll be helping with the existing grand kids while the parents are working on producing the upcoming fairy baby. (Sugarwings says she will name her "Sugarwings Two").

Tonight, I'll get all the orders that were placed while I was away filled and boxed up to drop at the PO tomorrow, then I'll be sitting in the waiting room all day till its time to go and get the little ones at school.

There are a million and a half Silver Bella photos to share too. But hopefully, I'll have to wait until after I share baby pictures with you….

We had a kick off brunch at Carol's farm house before heading up to Omaha, then two carloads of us went to Wallpaper Heaven, so I have pictures from that too. Hannah's Treasures had giant scrap packs on sale for $7 each, so I bought enough to share with each class. When I went down stairs to the work rooms each morning at the hotel, I was carrying my overstuffed supply bag, my purse, camera and a few giant bags of scrap packs of this vintage paper. At least the paper wasn't heavy like the bag was.

Well, I have a ton to do tonight. Its time to tuck in Sugarwings and read some stories, then I've got to do a post for Romantic White Christmas. I think we'll have a giveaway for all of you who have signed up… maybe a bundle of nice old wallpaper?

By the way, thanks for joining the class! When I had a roomful of Bella Buds here visiting we sure enjoyed doing Beth's project. I hope all of you who signed up will enjoy it as much as we did. In these, we mixed and matched the provided images and added some flowers and bottle brush trees to it. I love seeing the variations on the idea!

Please wish us luck tomorrow. Next time I see you, we'll have baby pictures to see!!

Bella swap

Silver Bella

By Karla Nathan / November 14, 2010

This post was done before I left for Omaha. I won't be answering emails, please do leave comments, I will be reading them. Forgive me for not returning them. Each comment will be entered into the November Giveaway.

The very best things about Silver Bella is the people that you meet, and the inspiration you get from all your new friends. Every year, I am blown away by the talent on swap night. But I don't really participate since I usually am busy with a vending space.

This year, I joined a swap, plus participated in a private one too. A few of us were talking about how much we admired some of the work we see there and decided to ask these artists if we could have some of their stuff. they would join a side line swap with us.

Like I said, you meet the most wonderful and talented people up there! I'm lucky enough to be swapping banner pieces with:

Lori Oles

Amy Powers

Carol Spinski

Suzanne Duda (my roomie for the weekend)

Danielle Mueller

Each of my pieces are basically the same, a triangle with a Charlotte fairy. But I've changed each up a bit so that no two are just the same. And I ranged from VERY neutral for Carol, up to PINKY PINK for Amy with a hint of pink for Lori in the middle ground.

I am sooooo excited to see what these guys make! Aren't swaps cool? What a perfect way to collect art from people whose work you drool over.