swaps – Page 6 – Karla's Cottage

It has begun!

By Karla Nathan / July 12, 2011

Between babysitting fairies and floating around on the lake, I managed to start unwrapping the never ending packages of tags that are coming in the mail. And oh my- they are good ones!!

Now, in past tag book swaps (Puppy Love, Dorothy, and Alice), I've seen some really nice work, and very clever ideas. But in this swap, I have to say that the word I am using over and over is Pretty. The theme seems to lend itself to very pretty tags.

Check out the ones loaded on our Flickr group to see what I mean.

There have been some very thoughtful and pretty gifts too! This box is filled with sweetly scented dried flowers and this lovely hand made flower by Abby.

And I am always surprised at how charming the wrapping is for so many of the packages. This is from Darlene.

See how cute Mary wrapped hers?

And my goodness, LOOK at this pouch from Liz Waring.

Lynn tied her package up with a ribbon flower.

This gift is from Wendy.

Its my own Blue Bird of Happiness!

Sabrina sent this pendant that she made.

You would think that is more than enough, but it just kept on coming. I am touched and thrilled already when I open the mail box, or step outside my door to see a giant pile of tag packages on my porch, but the generosity of the swappers really blows me away.

Jill made up a goodie bag with this little doggie brooch in it for me.

And if you have ever read my blog, you might have noticed that I like flowers… aren't these pretty ones from Julie.

This creative thank you note was sent by Karen

My pal, Stephanie sent this book, as well as an extra tag for my book. Lots of kind hearted swappers gave me an extra tag for my own book. Mine will be overstuffed with wonderfulness!

Thank you for all the goodies, ladies. You really did NOT have to do that! (but I love what you sent!)

I'll have more photos later on.

Here are a few of the tags that I made for the swap. I got carried away and made too many, but its good to have extra.

To sparkle up the one on the right, I used some of the vintage rhinestones that I carry in the Boutique.

For now, I am opening and sorting the incoming tags. I will probably have two full tables of them by the time they all get here. You all remember that I extended the deadline, right? I have a trip to Utah that came up after I planned the swap. So instead of the tags being due by the 15th, they should be mailed by then.

That way, the tags should all be here when I return from my trip, and I can start the assembly process.

Now, that is not the quickest thing to do. It will take most of the week to get them put together, packaged and labelled. So, if for some reason you are running late, please, please, contact me before you spend a fortune on over night shipping!!!!!!! I will let you know if you still have time to get them in before I'm done.

Not that I am encouraging procrastination. I just hate to see you spend way too much money on shipping to get it here fast and then have it on my desk for a week after all.

What did we make at the Guncle’s?

By Karla Nathan / July 3, 2011

Not only did we pretend to be angels, then vampires, do some redecorating, play with pups, watch Tru Blood, and eat a ton of good food (I was afraid to try to zip my pants for the flight home), we did lots of creating in Randy's studio too.

The deadline for my Bird Song tag book swap is coming up and I wanted to have some tags to swap too, so brought along stuff to make some. Randy had a lot of supplies to use also, and we shared back and forth as we worked in the studio till the wee hours of the night. And through most of the days too!

I also packed up a bunch of papers that Mary had given me from her new collections. Both of these previous tags are sitting on a page from her collections, and the roses in the first one is from a previous collection of hers.

These tags aren't for the swap, I just felt like making them, because I loved the images that Mary had provided. She has pages and pages of lovely ladies, some in color, some in black and white. I cut out these girls from the black and white pages and colored them with Coptic markers. I've always wanted to try those, and Randy's crafting bud brought some for me to experiment with.

I think I like them… the fact that you can buy a blending pen makes them much better than most markers. I'll be buying a few for myself with the weekly 40% off coupons that I clip out of the paper for Hobby Lobby or Michaels.

Randy and his friend joined the swap, so we made tons of tags between us.

(this is the black and white version from Mary's collection, after Randy cut one of the ladies out to use on his scrapbook page)

Then he worked on scrap books, while I kind of messed around with whatever sounded fun. Like fairy-ing up some old photos. I used some of Mary's older papers to make the wings and hat, and tinted him with the Coptic pens. (the sweet picture behind it, is from her new collection)

But mostly I worked on bird tags. Have you ever noticed how much more fun it is to make things with other people's supplies (or with a new package of goodies you just purchased)? Randy had some great ephemera and Kevin was popping in with things he'd found while out junking that he thought we might want to use.

Like the blue print paper in the background of this one. I made a lot with this paper, I'd never worked with it before, and really liked it. I got on a roll with making a night time sky with this paper, and birds in front of a full moon over the deep blue sky.

All the info for sending in the tags is in a post you can reach by clicking on the Bird Song Tag Book Swap button on my side bar if yours are ready to send in.

They are starting to arrive, every day the postman has a bundle for me!! Its so fun to see them arrive.

I'm not opening them yet, please understand that I can't keep track if your package has arrived or not. I'm getting over 900 tags in the mail, that is a lot of packages! And I am not the only one in the family to bring the mail in, so I haven't seen each one yet. My son and husband bring mail in and know to pile up the packages for me to open later.

Gilding

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, flowers, paintings, Sugarwings, swaps

By Karla Nathan / June 23, 2011

My computer is home safe and seems to be working. Even though it was all backed up, the Geeks had some trouble finding where all the stuff was hiding. And a lot of it, they restored in weird places. I'm hunting and gathering and finding odds and ends as I go along. My email files are a wreck, all jumbled and not in files anymore, just years of saved things smooshed together.

But it still feels GREAT to have her back.

While my computer was out of commission, I was kind of on a forced vacation from work. While I kept up with emails on my Ipad and still worked in the studio, I also did some puttering around, reading, entertaining, and playing with grandies.

It was good to have some extra cuddle time with this dumpling.

And I hitch hiked along on Sugarwing's class field trip to a farm.

But it wasn't all play time. A huge start was made on the tag book covers too. I did a little painting of a bird, on a page torn from an old book about birds. Then I had it copied onto premium card stock and I really like the way they came out, very vibrant.

In the original, all the bars of the cage are black. So, I am going over each cage, slowly but surely, with metallic inks or glitters, gilding the black lines. I get bored easily and keep changing up how I do it.

If I am ever When I am done with this part, I'll cover the backs with pretty wallpaper, cut them out, trim 'em up with lace, add a charm and that is it. They'll be ready to put together.

Which reminds me-

If you are in the swap, all the details, including my address, can be found on the swap info page. You can get to it by clicking on the button on my side bar.

Also, I'm taking a trip to see family in Utah on July 14th, so I'll be extending the date from the 15th till the 18th. But please do go ahead and mail your tags by the 15th, they will be here in time for me to start assembly.

But, even though I just told you my address and the fact that I will be out of town, don't think you can come and rob me. My son lives here and he is a weight lifter, very strong. His weightlifting friends hang out with him here too.

I also have 3 attack dogs. And an alarm system. So don't even try to come by and raid my hat collection while I'm away, its well protected.

Freebirds and a lifetime supply of lace

free images, Sugarwings, swaps, Tutorials, vintage paper/collage art, wallpaper

By Karla Nathan / May 31, 2011

I hope you all had a memorable Memorial Day weekend! We went to a family BBQ and graduation celebration, saw a movie, planted the garden, I worked in the studio, and we also got to spent two afternoons on the lake. And even though the boat died in the water and we were stranded for a while, it was still a great time.

On Friday, we had both of our fairy babies over, it doesn't get any better than that. Not a bad kick off for a 3 day weekend.

While my husband played golf on Saturday, I was able to work in the studio a while. I'm making up some books to take to vendor night at Paper Cowgirls, but while I was at it, I made a few dress form tags too, since these gals have been on my mind so much while I am getting ready for the class in Texas and setting up the online tutorial. (by the way, that gorgeous wallpaper is one of the papers provided in the online class)

Details are in the previous post, or you can find them on my side bar, by clicking on the Dress Form Workshop button.

Thanks to all of you who already purchased the class!

Today, I start packing up my kits. And just in time, I got this order of vintage lace! Hundreds of feet of it. I think I might have plenty for the kits, huh?

There are 3-1/2 giant sized rolls of the stuff. These two are my faves. The others are a bit mundane, but useful anyway.

I'll be making up kits for the class itself, some to sell on vendor night, plus extra for the Boutique. I'll let you know when I get them done. Each kit includes a free entry to the online class, as well as vintagey goodies to make your dress form. No two will be exactly the same, since I am using ephemera, but each will be of equal value and style.

I'll be able to use up some of that lace to tie the Birdsong tag books together too. We are over 100 participants, but I still have room for more. If you are interested, details can be found on my side bar by clicking on the Bird Song Tag Book button.

Here are some scanned French chocolate cards with birds on them, for you to print. Click on them to save as a larger size first.

ps-My pal, Mary is having a sale on her online tute, and she is the queen of gluebooks if you are wanting to learn. Check it out here.

Birdsong Tag Book Swap, open to everyone

bird song art event, swaps

By Karla Nathan / May 13, 2011

Since all the hoohah of getting ready for Birdsong is over, and the flock has all flown away, its been lonely around here! I know I've got to get ready for Paper Cowgirls and I am so glad to have that to look forward to, but I am having an empty nest feeling right now.

So, I'm throwing a swap.

And while keeping it bird themed, we'll even keep the Birdsong name.

If you want to enter, please email me. karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

And here are the rules:

Theme: Birds
Size: approximately 2-1/2 x 5" but not limited to that. I was just going by a standard shipping tag size, but you don't have to use those, something in that area of size range is good.
Materials: ANYTHING you want. cloth, cardstock, chipboard, tin, plastic, hundred dollar bills, gold coins, ephemera (ephemera is as good as gold to me, you know) You can finish the back or not, as you wish. People do it both ways, but do SIGN the back. If you have a blog include the address.
STYLE: Up to you! all the same, different- does not matter, they go to 7 different people, please just include something about a bird anywhere on the tags. And you DO NOT have to use the images I provided, of course. Those were just in case you need some, for this or to use in something else.
Due: Mail by July 15 I will start assembling the 21st
Amount: 7, you send in 7 and get 7 other tags back, I'll make one for a cover to each book that I assemble -so that makes 8 total. (you MIGHT get one of your tags back, you might not)
Cost: $6 US for postage and materials – $8 elsewhere
Include: Your name and address on a seperate piece of paper, your SIGNED tags, the $6

Send to:

Karla Nathan

1754 E 1200 rd

Lawrence, KS 66049

Here are some sheet music pages with a bird theme if you'd like to use them as backgrounds. I'll be scanning and posting some bird images as well later on, if that is helpful.

To use these, click on the images, open in a larger window, then save that to your computer and print it from there. It will be a clearer copy that way.

Here is a button you can use if you'd like.

I drew a bird with markers, scanned it, and digitally layered it over some of the bird sheet music. Then, (and this part was fun) I drew branches for the bird to sit on with the doodle tool on Picnik. After that, I faded the branches and added the text. It is sized to 200, so should fit as is onto your blog side bar.

Join the Flickr group here.

All of my past posts mentioning swaps can be found HERE if you'd like to see some of the past tag book swaps. I've hosted Dorothy, Alice,and Puppy Love among other swaps. Just scroll down to see them in various stages and different swaps.

To Sugarwings- and THANKS swappers- and OOOPS

a lapse of memory again, or am I just careless?, Books, I do tend to run on, don't I?, parties, show and tell, Sugarwings, swaps, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / October 11, 2010

Sugarwings and I had a pretend tea party this weekend, and we both opened hostess gifts from the Dorothy tag books swap. I'm so touched by all the thoughtfulness! Anyone who knows me, knows that the way to my heart is to spoil that little fairy grand baby of mine.

Or to make something for me, I Iove hand made things! Or to give me ephemera and supplies to use in my own work. Or to to make a thoughtful gesture. I guess there are lots of ways to get to me, I so appreciate an act of kindness!

Before the party started, we opened a gift from Barbara, that she sent, "just because". I swear, don't you meet the nicest people in the blog world?

We called it the Yellow Brick Road Dress. It's a colorful concoction featuring a road, appliqued ruby slippers down the front, and poppies stitched to the shoulder.

Sugarwings has both red glittered slippers from the Oz movie and silver glittered slippers that were in the Oz book. I found them at garage sales, and she loves them so much, that she insists they are on her bed at night when I tuck her in. Not exactly cuddly, but they make her happy. And I know how women can be about their shoes. Personally, I have Fred Flinstone feet and am always happy to find a non-Birkenstock that fits me. So, I can't be a shoe person like she is. Wish I could.

Agnes Rosebud was invited to the party, and I dressed her up in the poppy headband that Barb had made to go with the dress. But the little pup wasn't all that interested in our presents.

Until this one came out of the box! Even the dogs were remembered with a hostess gift of tasty treats.

And oh my! Do you see that flying monkey on the altered blocks?? Sorry its not facing the camera completely, the two blocks spell OZ in green glittered letters and its cuter than a bug! Its from Amy Bauer.

The monkey was all wrapped up as a gift to me, but Sugarwings can't quite believe it is not for her. If we have to arm wrestle for it, I think I can take her.

The ribbon in her hair was part of the wrapping that I saved from the packages filled with tags. I salvage every little bit of tissue, bubble wrap, and ribbon that comes along with the avalanche of artwork. When you order goods from my shop, I try to use as much recycled packaging as I can, and the outside of the envelopes often are covered with black sharpie scribbles marking out the old addresses. But I really take time and care to make the purchases look good when you get the package open.

And so many of the swappers did too. I did some oohing and awing over the way some of the tags were wrapped up. Then, I scooped up the stuff to save and use again! Thanks, swappers!

The Good Witch/Bad Witch buttons that are pinned to her Yellow Brick Road dress were gifts from my Sissy to Sugarwing's Hippie Chick Mommy. This kid gets her love of all things Oz from her mom and her dear departed Nanny, who were both huge Oz fans.

As much as I enjoy the Dorothy story, I don't come close to those girls. They are fanatics.

I've become more of an Oz afficionado since being around them. I can definately quote the movie, act it out, and sing the songs when called for.

Toto is my favorite character, so I really enjoyed this cute zipper pull and will add it to my little fairie's winter coat.

Many of the swappers included extra tags for my own book, or hand made thank you cards that were so cute, I had to add them to my tag book.

This one features little Agnes Rosebud as a tiny baby.

When I host a swap, I'm lucky to get lots of extra tags to fatten my books up. I have them all on display in the studio hanging from this metal shelf. And everyonce in a while I'll take them down to flip through. Its wonderful to have a mini collection of so many artist's work.

To receive hand made, personal gifts from the artists too, is just amazing! Cheryl made this box and book and I was floored when I opened it. Do you ever feel like a dweeb compared to other artists? I was overwhelmed by so many of the really extrordinary art that arrived at my doorstep for this swap. Its impressive to see the talent out there, and even more impressive to see all the tags spread out on my table tops to drool over.

So, if your book is a little curled up on the edges, that is just drool from my admirations.

Okay, now here comes the embarrassing part. I hate to admit this to you, but I might have screwed up. After finishing all the mailing, there is still a book on my desk….

I never said I was good at this. I just said I tried really, really hard to stay organized.

All the names are marked off the list. So, I have no idea who didn't get one.

On the other hand, so many people sent in extra tags, and I made so many myself, and of course, that will really throw off the numbers.

So, if you don't have your book by the end of the week, please let me know. So Sorry. Very Sorry.

Also, someone didn't get a Toto tag in their basket on the cover of the book. If your basket is empty let me know. There is a Toto on my desk waiting to be reunited with his Dorothy. ooops again.

Thank you, to all who were part of the swap and thanks also for all of the thoughtful gifts! Totally unessacary, but greatly enjoyed by us both!

How to host a tag book swap

swaps

By Karla Nathan / October 4, 2010

People say I must be really organized to host swaps. Well, I'm not really, so I have to be extra diligent not to screw it up. Here are some guidelines I have come up with for myself to pull it all off.

If you are ever going to host a swap, maybe this will help.

First, I come up with a button that is eye catching and gets the theme across.

Next I write out all the rules, dates, etc and link the button to that post so that people can refer back for details.

When I set my fees, I keep in mind supplies as well as postage.

In the rules, I ask everyone to print their name and address on a separate piece of paper to send along with the tags.

I try to have all of this in place before I announce the swap. Then, I set up a flickr group for the swappers to show their work, and make up a few sample tags to show on my blog.

During sign up time, I search for my charms to add to the books, shop for ribbon and order padded envelopes.

Then, I start mass producing the covers. Don't take on more swappers than you can handle, over 100 really takes some time, and makes my 1000 sq ft studio seem full!

I have found that its better to wait for the majority of the tags to arrive before opening the packages. As I open them, I cross each name off of a list of swappers that I printed out.

Since I get so many packages, I don't check them off as they come in, only as I open them. With 75-100 packages, I try to streamline and not duplicate steps.

Each swapper was asked to include their name and address on a separate piece of paper. As I unpack the tags, I lay each stack on top of the address of the artist.

If the sender forgot to include this, I have a pair of scissors or an exacto blade handy to cut the return address out of the envelope.

It can take a LOT of space to set them all out at once, but it is the best way to work. I like to be able to see all the tags to chose the ones that go together nicely together for the books.

I have a big tub set to one side to hold the empty packages, envelopes, and tissue paper that I will recycle into wrapping packages that I mail from my shop. Another big tub is out for paper that goes to the regular recycle bin, and a trash can sits next to that.

An open box sits on the table to collect the fees.

After laying them all out, I start with one corner of the table and pull out a name and address from the first pile.

I mark that name off of the list of swappers, and pull together 6 tags that coordinate well.

There is always such a variety of tags, that it is usually pretty easy to pick out 6 that go well together.

Now, I don't go for "Matching", just for a pleasant mix. I might chose them for a similar feel, color, tone, or style- different reasons. Just a group that I like to see together.

I try to go for a balance in each book. The first tag I choose is a heavier or bigger one for the back, and I build from that. I try to save the larger tags for the back pages, and then have a mix of sizes throughout the rest of the book.

Of course, the easy way to do it would be to just open packages as they come in, and start making books up a few at a time, with the first 6 people just swapping with each other. But that doesn't work for me, I prefer making up books with variety.

If I did it the easy way, I might end up with something like this- multiples of the same image used by different artists, and one color that stands out too much. This photo is an example of the wrong way to put the artwork together.

Now, my plans don't always work out perfect, but I sure try to make sure all the books are attractive. And with so much great talent out there to work with, the swappers make it easy for me. I don't think I could put together a book that someone wouldn't be happy with, the tags are all such fun.

Towards the end, stragglers come in past the due date, but I fit them into the mix as they arrive. I've never hosted a swap where everyone is on time… or everyone sends their tags. Things come up, people drop out. That is one reason why it is so nice to do this type of swap, if someone drops out, it doesn't affect the other players at all. Anyone who sends in 6 gets 6 back, simple as that.

After stacking a group of six tags together for maybe 6 or 7 of the addresses, I'll take them over to my desk to finish.

Each gets a cover that I made, color copied onto cardstock, then hand embellished with inks.

They are tied up with a ribbon that suits the theme of the swap.

And each book is finished with a charm that I've prepared for it.

I've always been big on recycling, and usually reuse my padded envelopes, but for a swap, I always order a fresh case of bubble mailers.

I keep a punch on the table for the tags that didn't get holes from their creator, or whose holes are too small. Scissors to cut ribbon, and glue to repair things that might have come loose while in the mail to me.

Each book is wrapped in a page from the book that inspired the swap (if applicable, like the Alice and Dorothy swaps that I did). Then it is slid into the padded envelope and the address is lightly taped to the package.

After I get a full crate of books, I take the box to my computer table, get out the postal scale and weigh each one, and write the weight on the package. The weight can vary according to the tags inside.

After a big batch is weighed, I'll make Pay Pal labels for the US participants and fill out custom forms for the International artists.

Then, back to the big table of tags to make up more books! This is why not everyone gets their book at the same time, I send them out as I get them made. And it can take a week or so to get them all mailed.

When they are all sent off, my studio feels empty. Its been such fun to have the colorful display of art from all around the world spread out from one end of the room to the other. Like my own private gallery!

Thanks to all of you who have ever been in one of my swaps. Its a labor of love for me! I appreciate you joining in on the fun.

Ahhhh, October!

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), flowers, I've been tagged, swaps, vintage paper/collage art, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / October 3, 2010

How is my weekend going? Oz-ish. I'm up to my elbows in all things Dorothy.

Doesn't this shot make you wish you'd joined the swap??? Wow, such talent out there. I'm taking way too long to open the packages and sort all the tags, because I have to stop and admire each one.

And because there are about a million of them. These two photos are just a smidgen of the piles.

I waited for the deadline to start opening all the packages, but I'm afraid not all are here yet. I think that I wasn't all that clear, some people thought the 30th was the mail by date, not the date I needed them. I have to apologize for not being more clear.

But- it takes days to sort, and assemble the tags into books, so I'll be adding the stragglers to the last books as I make them, as long as they are here before I finish.

There have been some lovely hostess gifts included too, I'll have photos of those as soon as I am caught up on the books themselves. Sugarwings and I have plans for a Dorothy party together where we will get to open and play with the goodies.

Aggie Rose is already planning her wardrobe for the party. I think I'll be the Wicked Witch. I have a feeling that Sugarwings will be Dorothy, since she kind of thinks that is who she is anyway. That kid lives in an imaginary world where she has multliple personalities. Often she is a mermaid, sometimes Dorothy, and then there are the lesser personalites, of a Baby Monkey, Fairy, Bride, Princess, Frog, Monster, Puppy, Alice, or Goldilocks.

Of course, she includes me, and I usually get to be the evil protagnist of any story that is going on in her head. I spend a lot of time as a Big Bad Wolf, Wicked Witch, or Flying Monkey.

Just once, I'd like to get to be a princess too. If I'm lucky, I get to be a Fairy Grandmother. But I know to never, ever, ever try to be Dorothy. That is HER.

Its a beautiful day here at the Cottage. I woke up after about TWELVE hours of sleep, to a crisp, clear autumn day. I know I need to be making Dorothy books, but I just had to walk around outside and luxouriate in this weather. Soon, leaves will be dropping and my yard will be something I dread going into because I'll be trying to avoid the rake.

But for now, its that perfect time in between summer's heat and winter's cold. The weeds have slowed down, and the leaves haven't fallen yet. I can go outside and not be reminded of how much work the yard needs. I can just enjoy it as it is.

Of course, while I'm outside enjoying the day, I'm also avoiding those tag books….

But not for long, I'm already gearing up for the big tag book marathon. But I think I'll leave the studio door open so dogs can wander in and out, and I can breathe in the sweet October air while I work. And I think it will be a jammie day. That makes it even better.

Swappity Swap and two totes

swaps, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / September 21, 2010

Today, I did my take on one of Beth's Romantic Gothic Ghost designs. I kind of combined her instructions for the wall hanging and the trick or tote bag and used them on a canvas bag that I already had. Plus I cheated a bit, I used glue, didn't sew. And even more cheating? She left one of her ribbon roses over here after making the how-to video. I scooped it up and glued it down!

I also made a few more cuffs. I have some special people in mind for them. But the white velvet was looking a little too bright, so I dipped each in my leftover coffee and they look much better. I happened to have the coffee out, to follow Beth's directions for tea dying the bag. But I used coffee instead.

That is whats nice about the class, there are great images to use, and lots of ideas for you to take on as your own and run with. Or you can do the detailed step by step process too. Either works!

Its not too late to sign up and make some gorgeous, ORANGE -FREE fall decor for your own home.

And don't forget, you can win one of my completed projects from the class by leaving any comment any time this month.

Usually, I don't join in on many swaps. Especially at Silver Bella. The first year that I went, I was clueless and didn't know that how magnificent the swaps were. Then, the next two years, I was vending and BUSY getting ready.

This year I am not vending. Carol isn't either. We are calling ourselves the Slacker Bellas. No vending, no Glitter Lounge, we are just kicking back and enjoying the experience!

So I had to join in on some swaps since I finally had time. I'm doing Michelle's journal plus a private swap with a few close friends.

I was so lucky to find a 1941 autograph book from a school kid in Nebraska. How perfect for the pages of the swap!

(I'd say little Marie is an art major, see her flower? And did she really write Gorget me not?)

We needed 15 pages, which didn't seem that tough. Till I realized it was all 4 sides. Hmm, that is really SIXTY pages.

But once I got going, they were pretty simple to do.

I covered a piece of card stock with a crazy quilt patchwork of wallpaper, and trimmed each out with old millinery, lace, ribbon, and an old envelope.

These were then folded in half, so that is two pages right there.

The outsides were simply covered in sheet music or ledger paper, then I added a page from the 1940s autograph book over that, as a flap to lift up and write on the back or glue a photo underneath.

No two were exactly alike even though they were all made the same way.

60 sides went much quicker than I'd have thought and I loved making them. If I'd had more time, I'd still be sitting there making page after page, there was something soothing about having a groove going. To be making the same idea over and over, but each a bit different.

Having a similar plan for each one was enough to allow me to day dream as I worked, but they still needed enough attention to detail that I wasn't bored with them and had fun sifting through my piles of leftovers and scraps to create the layered pages.

And while I'm talking swaps… I need to remind all of the Dorothys to head on down that yellow brick road to the nearest PO and get their tags in the mail to me back here in Kansas by Sept 30.

The packages are coming in, and I have not opened them all yet. I've peeked here and there and have found some wonderful things- can you believe this Tinman????????? It is the coolest thing ever! Its by Amy Cooper and she also made this cute as can be, ruby slipper tote for me!

I might be able to slip my own little Toto, Agnes Rosebud into it.

Thanks, Amy!

*************************************************************************************************************************

PS- I'll be in Texas for a few days, yep, Roundtop!

I've always wanted to go.I know I'll be spending too much, so I'm having a sale in the Boutique to replenish my funds. Type in this code at checkout:

Roundtop

and you'll get 20% off of every purchase!

Older, wiser, more tired

fairies, holiday decor, paintings, swaps, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / September 2, 2010

Today, I've been working on a little fairy picture. So far, so good, but now I've run out of time. Its always so hard for me to stop a project midway…. but as I get older, I get wiser. Or more tired? Maybe that is it. Once upon a time, I'd have stayed up all night to finish it. Now, I know that I need some sleep because tomorrow is a big day.

The best kind of day, a flea market!

But I did finish this- its Beth's first project for Romantic Gothic Ghosts. She made this mini journal easy for us, you have the option of following the directions and making it step by step, or just downloading the cover as is and embellishing it! That was my choice. Quick and easy!!

I copied and printed it exactly as she made it, then added inks and marker. After that, I used "Paper Glaze" on the girl for a bit of a shine and to make her stand out, then I gave her a crown.

There was a mouse on her shoulder in Beth's version, and I turned it into a more 3-D look by printing the same mouse picture, ( provided in our image collection), and gluing it directly over the other mouse with a bit of folded cardboard underneath to raise it up. It's eye is a little black crystal and its tail is a bit of twine.

After that, I added a key. One of the images that I scanned and provided was a cool, gothic style key, but I had a bunch of keys on my work table so I used one of those.

It was easy to finish, I printed some of the papers we had in the collection onto cardstock and cut them out with Beth's pattern.

Beth's tutorial for the book starts Friday. Then, over the weekend, we have some Halloween decorating tips coming up. Information to join the 12 days of classes (including tips, giveaways, and LOTS of good images) can be found here.

This book is in the mail now, to the winner of my August giveaway, Debbie. I'll offer another one of our projects from the class to the September winner. If you are interested, just leave a comment!

Last week while shopping my way across Ohio, I found another old Wizard of Oz book. Not as old as the first one, and not as many illustrations, but hey, it was only $2! And its pages will be great for wrapping up the Dorothy tag books as I make them up and package them to send out to everyone.

My lollipop charms are done and ready to tie onto the tag books. I made them with paper clay, stuck them onto vintage stir sticks, then painted and sugared them.

Some are better than others, no two are quite the same. They are far from perfect, but I think they'll be fun to have on the tag books, some books will get lollipops, some will get ruby slippers.

I'm also looking for "emeralds" to foof some up with. I found these two pins at the same store I found the book, and they were only $1. Heck, I couldn't go to Hobby Lobby and buy charms for that. And these are nice, old rhinestoney bits.

Here are some images from the Oz book I just got in case you still need pictures for your tags. Or just like Oz images, help yourself! Click on the images to open the pop up window and save that one to your computer to print, it will be a larger version and print more clearly.

And here is a site with free Oz images to use too. Amy reccomended it to me.