Happy New Year! We had a quiet evening, reading princess stories to our little fairy princess. I cooked up a pot of Cajun styled shrimp and veggies with tomatoes I froze from our garden and we stayed in for the evening. Yes, very tame, but very pleasant. I had time to think about the past year and the new one that starts today, and come up with a few resolutions.
1- just like last year, I want to USE the good stuff in my artwork, not hoarde it! This is a hard thing to make myself do, and even though I kept the resolution last year, I think I need to make it again this year so I don't backslide.
2- paint more, and incorporate hand painting into my collage work. I made this one last year too, and kept it on a so-so basis. I could do better on it this year.
3- complain less, act more. I guess I mean, that instead of complaining, I should DO something about what bothers me.
4- say NO sometimes. Ooooh, that is a really tough one for me.
5- expect more from my sons and not treat them like kids. I find myself irritated and picking up after my grown sons and nagging at them like a mom, instead of talking to them like a fellow adult who shares the same home.
6- draw more. Kind of like the Paint More resolution, but not really. I love to paint, drawing can be hard work.
7- don't watch as much junk on TV. I should rent DVDs of full seasons of good TV shows, not just watch whatever crap happens to be on. (You did notice that I didn't say I was going to watch any less TV, that would be impossible for me!)
8- shall I be a bit cliche and say I'll lose that 10 lbs that I found this year? I'm not much of a dieter, so I guess not. Maybe I should say I will go for walks with Sugarwings and Twinkle more, take the baby to the indoor pool, and plan to add another section of garden to my yard? That should be good for getting rid of a few pounds over the year.
9- more how- tos on my blog. I like doing them and I think people enjoy reading them.
10- spend less time browsing blogs and keep up my paperwork better. (like that one has a snowball's chance in hell)
Did you make any resolutions for the year? Good luck with them if so.
Now, onto the Surprise Giveaway for December- ta da! It is a photo album, or scrap book, or art journal, or whatever you want it to be, Kathryn,because you are the winner for December.
Today starts a new giveaway for January. I'm not sure yet what it will be, but all comments still count for the drawing.
Remember the project I mentioned yesterday, that I wasn't sure I had time to do? Well, between the couple hours I had while waiting for Sugarwings to come over to play and her afternoon nap time later, I ended up with plenty of time to get it done!
All year long, I have been saying I want to do something special with my best wallpapers so I can always have them out to see and enjoy. So, I decided that I could not let the year end without finally accomplishing the task. Here is a how-to, if you want to do something similar.
1- I cut (not measured to fit, I just cut off a large bit of each) and ironed a few pieces of the prettiest papers I had on hand, then laid them out on the floor in a pleasing pattern. Trying to balance the colors, and not have all the blue ones together or the rose patterned ones next to each other.
2- My technique was far from perfect. I measured the soffit length (17 1/2") then cut each paper to that, with scalloped edge scissors. I didn't want to have to act like a professional wallpaper-er, and cut exactly with exacto knives and match patterns. I wanted it free and easy and quick, (remember, I was very short on time, with that baby coming over to play and 2008 coming to an end!).
I figured that if the edges were scalloped, and not perfect, it would be charming (and easy to do!). And I discovered that my measuring was a bit off here and there, but that didn't bother me at all. I liked it that some were a little longer, some shorter.
3- Wallpaper paste was applied to the back of each square with a wide paint brush, then the square was slapped up on the wall and smoothed down with a wet wash rag. Now, sometimes old papers are hand painted, so you have to be careful not to wash off or smear the paint.
4- The first square was lined up in the corner, the second overlapped it and was pasted up next to it. Now, I am sure that the proper way to do this is to use a plum bob and straight edge, but I was eye balling the patterns of the paper to make sure they all seemed straight. If one was looking a little crooked, I just slid it over a bit while the glue was still wet.
My plan was to use the bigger patterned pieces (in the width they came in, I didn't cut them all the same) on the wall. Then, with the little vintage frames that Beth gave me, I hung the smaller patterned pieces over it.
My all time favorite wallpaper went in the center of the wall in a large frame.
Of course, I didn't measure the wall to find the center, once again I eyeballed it. But I wanted the small frames to be even, so instead of doing complicated math, I hung the first small frame to the side of the large, center one, and then marked the spot where the nail went on a piece of paper.
After that, all I had to do was hang a picture, then hold up the piece of paper to mark the distance to the next nail. I nailed right through the paper to save time, no pencils or measuring, just a piece of paper, a hammer and nail.
At this point, Sugarwings was up from her nap, so it was her job to hand me the hammer and the next frame.
My studio is pretty, uhm, busy, but I like it this way! And I know that 2009 is starting off right, with a beautiful view of my favorite papers to keep me inspired while I create.
Fabulous idea Karla. Good resolutions! Happy New Year to you and your family. Rachaelxo
I love what you did with the wallpaper Karla, what a great idea. Happy new year to you and thanks for the inspiration you have given me. Donna
Happy New Year Karla – loving the wallpaper hall of fame! :o) Becky G.
Congratulations Kathryn!!! Karla the wallpaper looks fantastic! And best of luck on you resolutions for 2009!
Wonderful idea with the ‘wallpaper border’!
Please enter me in this month’s giveaway!
Cheers and blessings to you in the New Year!
What a fun project! I’m with you on #8, whatta take a walk??? Happy New Year!
Hugs, Heidi
WOW!! Me?? Really?? What a way to start a the NEW YEAR!! I feel so honored!
Thank you so much!!
BTW…love your wallpaper and frames very creative!
Happy New Year and Artful Blessings,
Kathryn
Karla, your wallpapered soffit looks amazing!!! LOVE it:)
happy happy New Years to You!!!
Very creative and what a great look. You have the best ideas. My new years resolution is to use what I have and try not to buy more…….think I’m with you on the snowball, on that one!
Congratulations Kathryn! A wonderful gift!
Karla, I love what you did with the wallpaper. So clever and lovely.
Also I want to add that I browsed your new page, checked out your art work, everything.Your artwork is BEAUTIFUL! Loved the watercolor teapot (I have a thing for teapots). Your acrylics are wonderful. I loved it all. I have never tried watercolors. I generally do oils.
Anyway, glad you and Sugarwings had a great evening, my grands and grandpa, and I had a fun evening. Toasted in the New Year, and played Wii to the wee hours.
Blessing to you and your family in this New Year.
What a great project! Love your resolutions! I did the same thing as far as TV watching last year. Had a ball watching all seven seasons of the Gilmore Girls and West wing. Not to mention all the BBC productions you can get through netflix. Have a great New Year!
Congrats to Kathryn! And what a wonderful way you’ve chosen to display your wallpapers. Beautiful!
Lorrie
May I just copy and paste your resolutions into my computer? Honestly those are the ones I need to follow up on this year. I love the wallpaper bits border — what a great idea. And your studio is fabulous. Please enter me into your January drawing — I think whatever you give away will be wonderful.
I Love your project! So inspiring!! And I personally love your resolution of posting tutorials….I always enjoy those!
hugs! karen…
(dont worry about emailing me back)
I’m with you on #1. I tend to hoard my prettiest, favorite craft stuff. I used more last year and really enjoyed the pieces. I will try to use more this year too. the wallpaper looks great!
She’s Back!! Happy New Year Karla. You need to read my home blog to see what you are supposed to being doing on New Years Day to gaurantee what you will do for the next year….I have been working far into the night to achieve this, lol!! What a wonderful project you did…the amazing energiser part of Karla looks like it really is back!!
Kiss Noises Linda Lilly Cottage at home.
Just love your wallpaper project!
Excellent idea with the wallpaper and frames, and it looks fantastic! Also Love your resolutions! Hope your New Year is wonderful Karla!
Happy New Year!! I love your wallpaper idea. Looking forward to all you have to share with us.
Great idea, Karla! Lovely and it is nice that you now have your favorites out for you to enjoy!
Have a Happily Wonderful New Creative Year!!!
I am Ga~Ga over your studio!!!!! I have to go look at it again!!!!! hahaha…
Happy New Year!!!!!~
I LOVE that wallpaper border! And I like your shortcut to measuring.
I made some goals this year, not so much resolutions. Somehow resolution has the idea that once you break it, it’s all over til next year. Goal, to me, has the idea of an end in view that I am constantly aiming for though sometimes I am farther from it than others.
Not browsing blogs would be hard — blogging seems to be interactive by nature. I feel if I am not visiting others I don’t have a right to expect them to visit mine, yet there are so many, it’s hard to know where to stop. I think it is a balance we’re constantly striving for.
Love the wallpaper, Karla. How on earth did you complete that so fast. You’ve amazed me again. I personally love the “busy” look. I have been told I have that look by some people that think if they have one picture on a big….wall its enough. For me its never enough. Have a wonderful New Year.
Jean in Virginia
I love it ! Sue
Happy 2009 Karla! I love your Busy Studio it is fabulous! Thank you for sharing your creativeness..hugs Grace
That looks freakin’ amazing, Karla. I would love to have such an inspirational space to create in. Happy New Year!
LOVE the project, this is a great idea! Thanks for sharing your world, your best friend, Beth, and darling Sugarwings with us! I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
I love it!!! It’s not too busy at all! And it goes perfect with your studio…which by the way, I covet.
Wish you all the best in 2009!
Debi
oh my, that is gorgous! And I love tutorials. I always keep them indexed so if I ever have time, ha ha, I can start one.
Happy New Year to you & your family
Nerissa
Your wallpaper display is beautiful! I like the framed focal points. Happy New Year!
It is so beautiful!!! Wishing you the best in 2009…m.
Love your soffit and more than that, I love your energy. Once in awhile I get a burst like that…long while between. Also I identify with many of your resolutions especially the one about the kids, just got off the phone with my oldest visiting her younger brother in VA…so much more I should have done in teaching them to be more independent…pay attention young moms!!! Make them do things themselves….resolution #1?
That was a great idea with your fav wallpapers Karla.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
love the border! That will remind you to use the good stuff! Those little frames are wonderful too…they really add a lot. I like your “eye-balling” measure technique. Much like my “elbow measurement” I measure things from the tips of my fingers to my elbow and use that as my “built in” measuring tape. My new armoire was one arm length deep so I knew it would fit!
I love your studio-thanks for the inspiration to work on my crafts room.
Love the wallpapered soffit!
Happy New Year, Karla:)
i love it!! 🙂
i love it!! 🙂
Have a happy and healthy 2009, or did I already mention that? Well better twice than none. I love love love that wall, how clever to be able to look at your favs of wallpaper all of the time! I’m looking forward to see what you have in you bloghat for us this coming year, I’m sure it will be even more fun than 2008! Congrats to Kathryn!
Hello, I’ve just strolled into your charming blog for the first time. What an ambitious project, with the vintage wallpaper and such beautiful. results.
I’ll enjoy visiting again.
sweet wishes,
Sara
That was such a clever idea and I love your favorite wallpaper…it is darling. The photo album turned out beautifully. Happy New Year and good luck on your resolutions.
What a great idea!! I don’t have any vintage wallpaper, but I have some of the most beautiful scrapbook paper that I hoard (maybe I need a top 10 list for myself this year) And this would be fun to do! I also got a beautiful new to me jewelry box (actually an old newspaper letter press holder) Maybe I can use the papers in there…bye! Have to go create now!!
Loved reading your resolutions, mine this year revolve around the words “Peace” and “Purpose”. I also love what you did with that wonderful wallpaper–so pretty! Here’s wishing you a wonderful and BLessed New Year! 🙂
Stacey
I love it Karla!
Happy 2009!
Happy New Year, Karla!!!
I don’t do resolutions, but I think I will borrow your number 3.
That is a very good idea…
Happy 2009!!!!!
Louise
Pretty,Pretty ,Pretty!
Happy New Year!
Karla, That wallpaper looks terrific! And I’m crazy about your favorite too. Congrats on a big job well done! Mary
Welcome 2009! That he is happy for everything.
Very pretty your project.
Kisses
Good Afternoon,
I hope everything is OK no new pic’s or your wonderful writing. I am finding myself checking every morning to see what is new with you. I enjoy reading and seeing how your day is going. Maybe you are having new babies if so hope Mother and Babies are doing good.
Have a wonderful Day
Elaine
I love your blog. I like how your little ones have little elfish or fairy names. Fairiely cute.
Cute projects too.
My resolutions are rather cliche for me. Thanks for inspiration.
jo
Hi Karla: I just love the pictures of your grandbaby. She is too cute. Wanted you to know I finally did it! You inspired me to start my own blog. It is not as fancy as yours, however, it is a start. Thanks for all the inspiration. Have a great year! Martha
This is my first year making a resolution! I might borrow some of yours as well, I like the one about painting more 🙂
My resolution for this year is to write more love notes for my boyfriend. He is very wonderful about showering me with love, and though I reciprocate in my way, notes are his favorite to recieve. I have a hard time writing them, hence my resolution.
I am so glad to have stumbled into your blog. I just love your wallpaper project. You are so creative. Thanks for sharing.
Happy New Year!! I love what you did with your wallpaper!!
Michelle
That wall paper work is freaking amazing!!!
This is a wonderful way to display all those papers and since the soffit was painted, if you decide to remove them you may even be able to salvage them too.
loving this.
Karla, your wallpaper looks SO PRETTY!! Yay for you that you did it! I bet you just keep walking past it and staring at it all…love all the wallpapers you chose.
xoxo Heather
Hi Karla…I’ve been enjoying reading your blog for the last half hour or so…Good luck with the puppies! Have you watched the BBC production, “The House of Eliott?” I think you’d love it…Katie
Hooray, more tutorials! And I love the wallpaper set-up — very creative and a wonderful way to see things you love!