I had such a nice time at the Valentine Journal workshop. There is something wonderful about a Valentine theme, that always makes me happy. Roses? Hearts? PINKS? All of it!
We had a small group, so only needed to use half of the studio. I used this half to set out extra supplies. So, not only did we have kits stuffed with Vintagey goodies, I had enough extras to make dozens more books. One table was just used to display previously made books as examples. I showed my travel journal, my samples for An Enchanted Affair, the Valentine book, as well as a couple of books from swaps I'd been in.
By the way, Kim was able to squeeze in one more table at her arty event this spring, and has sold all but one space at it! If you are interested, better jump in fast! Hope to see you there.
Another table held lots of extra pretty papers, while a third was all tidbits, ribbons, lace, and embellishments.
I should do fresh flowers in my studio more often, its a nice treat.
Our local grocery store usually marks a dozen roses down to $1.99 every Monday, but for some reason, they were on sale this Friday too. So, I was able to set out flowers all around the house.
When prepping for the class, I spent about 14 hours making kits, and thought I might just end up running away from home to get away from them. What was I thinking, waiting till the last day to make them???? That isn't like me. I sure learned a lesson, and will be getting a jump start on spring time class kits so this won't happen again.
Kits can be fun to make, and I enjoy playing with my piles of papers and deciding what to include, but not at the last minute. I had to write instructions, edit photos, sort papers, plus dozens of other things that make the kits successful and well thought out. It shouldn't be done the day before the workshop!!
I made up what I thought were lots of extras, but not quite enough. They sold out in one day, thank you to all who bought them! It is never any more trouble to make an extra 10 or so while putting together enough for a class, so I always make some to sell. Plus one for myself, so that I can pull things out during class to demonstrate and know that the kits are functional and have what they need in them.
The best part of making a kit, is seeing how it is used.
Of course, since they are vintage, no two are exactly alike, but still I love the way everyone changes things around so much and puts their own stamp of uniqueness on their work.
And its very pretty to see how far some go to change it up.
We do mini workshops for holidays throughout the year, just for my friends and their kids to come over and play, and of course, I have Birdsong too. (Which I have not done a single thing for yet this year! I need to gather my thoughts and get the website done for sign ups!!)
We did a Halloween gathering and then this little Valentine party, and I really enjoyed both. I would like to do more small, one afternoon workshops if possible. Its so much more intimate than a big to do. Of course, even Birdsong is not big at all, compared to most arty weekends, its 25 people and all cozy in my studio.
Still, it would be nice to do a smaller class like this and have them quarterly or so. Just a thought. 10 people or less, hanging out, chatting all together instead of broken off in groups around the room.
Either way, no matter how many come, I love having company in my studio. Its not that I don't enjoy a good day alone with my creations, but since I have soooo many of those days, working all alone, its nice to have some company.
I can't imagine any other job than the one I do (although the thought of one that pays better, is pretty tempting), but it does get lonely. Which is why having a blog and all of my blog friends is so nice.
Of course, these guys too! They are great company when they aren't stealing things from me to shred. Dorothy can't jump or climb because of the injury she had when she was tiny, but Albie is good at getting on the table and grabbing something fun for them to rip up.
Auntie Beth brought them some Valentine tees, and even girlie-ed up Dorothy's with some lace.
She also brought this. Beautiful, isn't it?
One of my guests brought this lovely, old image, and I was asked to copy it to share. I thought maybe you would like to have it too. Just click on the image to open it to a larger window, then save it to your computer to print.
And this one was in one of the kits and I was asked to copy it also.
When scanning it, I took a few moments to edit it in a romantic way. Please save these the same way as the cabin picture.
I could come and live in your studio quite happily. It’s just a shame that Egremont (just across the River Mersey from Liverpool) is so far away from Lawrence, Kansas.
From yours and Beth’s photos it looks like you all had a wonderful, creative time 🙂
It is delightful to hear that your Valentine workshop went so well. Nice bonus to snag the roses, too!
But definitely the best part is that it was with you, Karla. Thank you for sharing glimpses into the event with the rest of us!
Oh I would have been a happy, journal-making camper! The books are lovely!
I hate I am not closer to you. I feel like I miss out on so much fun and knowledge of creating new and wonderful things!!
One of your pictures has folders that are so pretty. How did you do that??
Thank you for your time and inspiration
Happy Crafting
Tracie
http://homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com
Journals are beautiful! thanks for the images.
I,too, wish Kansas was just down the road. So much fun and education I’m missing out on. Karla, your little babies are just the cutest….the girls and the puppies!
Gloria in Virginia
P.S. I’m gettin married in June!!! Gheesh…a 60 year old bride!!
To spend the day playing with pretty papers and ephemera would be divine. I have got to hop a plane to KS, lol. Everything looks beautiful Karla. Love that even the pups were festive too! Have a beautiful day ~ Heidi
Hi Karla! While looking at your post today I thought, I started reading your posts in 2010 when I was home with cancer. It was such a good escape for me and planted some exciting ideas which I mulled over when I couldn’t do anything else.
Here it is 2013 and I’m amazed at how consistent you are in your art. Some of us tend to flit around from craft to craft, at least I know I do! And, once again, I am re-inspired to learn something new.
Thank you so much for your stability. You are very helpful to me. =)
Kathy
I’m bummed that I missed out on your journal kits. I’m sure it was wonderful. Wanted to mention that I am doing some bracelets from your cuff bracelet tutorial. I have had the tutorial and supplies for awhile but only not got around to doing it. Having a load of fun. I’ll have to be faster next time when you put journal kits for sale!
Karla…I absolutely LOVE the idea of several small afternoon workshops….with just a handful of folks…count me in for one of those! Glad I am reasonably closeby. Let me know when you plan a mini workshop, please! BTW, those Dorkies are tooo sweet for words. Patty in Kansas
I love being able to peruse the tables! So fun seeing what kind of goodies your workshop guests had available for their creating pleasure! Those vintage pictures are so very nice. Thanks for sharing. Those little pups with their smiling faces and wispy fly-away hair are too sweet for words! Love their little outfits, too. : )
These look like such fun — it’s all so pretty and I love the kits! I sure do wish I lived closer to Lawrence! Thanks for the shares. They’re wonderful!