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Today, Karen is asking us to show our workplaces.  My studio is one of my very favorite places in the whole world to be, so I am happy to show mine!

This week, I has some friends over for a craft day, and Mary brought her Flip Camera again, and made a few videos of what we were doing and of the room.  Here is a rambling, incoherent video of me showing my hat collection.

Okay, I tried to load the video directly into the blog, but if you don't see it, you can check out the YouTube site, if you want.  (Yes, that is paint on my pants.  And no, I was not painting that day.  I am a poor dresser)

Mary made a few more videos that day, hereis one of just some sights around the studio.  I'll try again to load it directly, but my tech skills are severely lacking.

Mary does a good job with the videos, but I don't think I loaded them right….

So here are a few photos of craft day, "Where Bloggers Create" like the title of the party says.

My studio would probably be much more convenient without the big wardrobe I use as a treat cabinet, but it seems to be a popular piece of furniture. Especially to Sugarwings.

Although there is a lot to be said for using the right pieces of furniture. I'm loving this new hutch that I bought last weekend at a garage sale for $35 and fixed up a bit.   I added old wallpaper trim around the base of the top section to hide some missing trim.  I'm still thinking about adding wallpaper to the inset panels too. 

One thing I really like about this cabinet, beyond the fact that it holds so much and I was able to get rid of two smaller pieces so that the room is less cluttery, is that there is not any glass in the doors. I can reach right inside and get to things easily.

Here is the hat garden from the video.  Its an old buffet that I have piled with stuff.  Its top holds supplies for my work, as well as some completed pieces that are or will be for sale, things I've bought from other people, and gifts I have received.

Its important to me to have things out where I can see and enjoy them.

I've discovered that if I put too much away inside of cabinets, I forget what I have. So I try to arrange my goodies out in the open and leave interior spaces of the furniture filled with basics. Like paints, sandpaper, book binding materials, jewelry making supplies, and baskets of bottles. 

Things that I use a LOT go right above my desk, within an arm's reach. 

On the front half of the studio, I have two dining room tables that I use for extra work surface or for dinner parties.  The centerpiece on this table is really just crap storage.  And I am all the time rifling through the tablescapes for a little tid bit here or there to add to something I am making.

The other table's centerpiece is often things I have just made, or stuff I just bought while junking recently.

This bird in its nest is something I just finished, and need to list in the Boutique.  Her egg is a regular plastic Easter egg covered in vintage wrapping paper, then a sugar coat of glitter.

This little bird's nest is a treasure trove of  pretties and bits of jewels.  I need to get pictures of it and get it on the website too….

All of the things I have listed for the Boutique  and Etsy in the last day are mostly supplies and jewelry, not handmade things.

Sometimes, even with a big room, it is a challenge to store things for upcoming shows.  I've turned a corner of the room into a closet filled with shelves to stack up stuff for events I'll be selling at, but some things are just too pretty (or large) to put away. And what is the fun of buying them, just to lock them away in a dark closet till I take them to a show?  So, just about every surface is full of some sort of collection.  Right now, I am stock piling figurines and statues for use as jewelry displays. Won't these ladies look nice dripping with jewels?  Then, hopefully, they will sell too and I'll have less to pack up after the show.

Of course, I get to the point where there is so much in the room that there is barely room for people… When craft day comes, I bring in extra tables to set up for guests (Beth and Mary are working away in this photo), but I am rapidly running out of space to spread out into when guests come!

Of course, there is always the patio too! When guests are as messy as this one, that seems to be the best solution.

Feel free to join in on Karen's party, I'm looking forward to going around the list and seeing "Where Bloggers Create"

(Which reminds me, some of you have asked when I was going to be in "Where Women Create" by Somerset.  Well…. now I don't know. The editor had spoken to me about scheduling my studio, then postponed, but said to keep in contact with her. But I just feel like I am bugging her if I remind her, so who knows?)

ps- Thank you all for your encouragement about the Grumpy Fairy story. I think I just might make it into an illustrated book.

These two are inseparable.  When Sugarwings is "being Dorothy" as she calls it, she makes Twinkle be Toto with her.  I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but she is holding her Toto in this picture.

We painted and glittered the pathway in the flower bed to look like a Yellow Brick Road, and Sugarwings has loved skipping and singing on it.

Usually her little Toto/Twinkle is not far behind.

But now, Twinks is missing.  She's been gone since noon Sunday, and I was sure that when the vet's office opened today, there would be a message from someone who called the number on her tag.

No messages.  The Humane Society opens in an hour, I'll be at the door waiting when they do. 

I won't be able to face this little one and tell her that her dog is gone.  My own heart is breaking too.  Twinkle is not a dog to run off, she chases bunnies into the woods, but always comes when called and is practically made of velcro, the way she sticks with me all day. 

We were out doing yard work, she ran after a bunny and never came back yesterday.  After about 10 minutes, I knew that there was something wrong, because she has never been away that long.

Edit-

TWINKLE IS SAFE!!!!!!!!!!!  Some one picked her up and took her to the pound, and now she is back home and happy to be here. Not as happy as I am to have her here, I still feel like a wreck after the day and night I went through! 

Dogs sure become family, don't they? My gosh, what a scare to lose her.  I'm thrilled to have her back.  Thank you all so much for worrying along with me.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

July 08, 2009

Actually, I'm all out of Miss Frenchie photos! But here are a few more from the studio redo:

I'm just so glad to have the room all spankin clean and refoofed! I'm ready to dive in and get to work.  Compare the studio to  this shot of my basement. No, celler- basement is too classy of a term for this hole under my house! And I'm sure you'll understand why I'd rather just keep working on my studio instead of going down to the home of giant spiders and dank smells under  the stairs when the sirens go off around here!

There are worse things than being blown away.

Thank you for all of your well wishes for getting over my crud.  Luckily, I was up and back in the land of the living today, because it was the last puppy's last day with us.  I'll be feeling pretty lousy again tomorrow, but it won't be a cough and cold this time.  My heart will be breaking. Its going to be so hard to see the baby leave us!

Its not just me, either.  Sugarwings isn't going to understand when the baby she calls "My Millwee" is gone.  Our day started with her climbing in bed with me, and bringing the pup along with her.

Seems like every step she took today, was with My Millwee in her arms.

Even when she put the baby down, she laid down with her.  Right on the dog's pillow by the wood stove.

What a stroke of good luck we had that this last day,  was a burst of springtime sunshine and just gorgeous! We played outside, and of course, the pup was in her arms for most of it.

When the pup's little feet did touch the ground, she ran right after her buddy and waited to be picked up again.

As if Millie didn't get enough kisses, Sugarwings had to blow kisses to her too.

We enjoyed this gift of false springtime as long as we could and stayed outside till dark.

How could I resist this face during bath time?  Her big, blue eyes wouldn't leave the dog, so of course…

I couldn't keep them apart! 

Everybody got toweled off and cozy.

And now, for a little bit of snuggling and watching a DVD before bed.

We'll miss you, Millie! 

On a cheerier note, I finally (25 days late) pulled together something for the February giveaway.  All comments all month count toward the drawing for these earrings made with vintage beads.

Also, I am 3 posts away from #500, so there will be a little giftie for that one too!

Edited note:  Oh, my gosh! Thank you, to all who came by and ordered from the new store already!  I will add more vintage floral packages in the next couple of days, and  I have added two more Tag Book Kits and two more Bingo card sets, in case those were out when you checked in.

You knew I was going to do this eventually, right?  I love puppies, I love hats, the two had to be together sooner or later!!

Aren't the little cuties getting BIG?  When they were born, they didn't even fill up a hand.  Now look at the size of this little princess!!!

I have to admit, they are not easy to photograph.  95% of my pictures are a blur. Anyone have tips on taking pet pictures?  Of wriggling little pets?

And guess what????  I did it!!! I figured out the problem with my website and have it open and ready to shop in.  I'll be adding a button back to the side of my blog, just click on this picture (on the right hand side bar)  to enter "The Boutique at Karla's Cottage."

As a thank you for coming by to visit, the first ten shoppers will receive a vintage valentine in their package.

Please, let me know what you think of the site, if you get a chance.

And don't forget, I do have a January giveaway present for you all comments on this blog, all  month, are entered.

I will leave you with some photos of the inventory I am featuring in my brand spanking new web shop.

Yesterday, the Miss Frenchie's group had a meeting at Mission Road Antique mall. One of our members is Gwen, who has a booth at the mall, so I thought I'd show some of her wares.  She travels to France to buy her inventory, and has a great eye, this is some GORGEOUS STUFF!!

The meeting was productive, as well as entertaining.  Our luncheon turned into almost 3 hours of chatting. As much as I love my little fairy grand baby,  my family, and my studio, it was nice to get out, be in a lovely setting and talk about interesting topics that didn't include kiddie activities.  Even grammies need days out sometimes. 

Plus, these women are smart, professional, and creative.  Besides business plans for the April in Paris show we are working on, design, blogs, magazines and interiors were talked about.  Carol can quote the Wall Street Journal about business, and Debbie is sharp as a tack about colors and well, just about anything in retail and design.  While hitting other subjects of interest, we still managed to stay on track and discuss what we were there to talk about, Miss Frenchie.

 I've been president of our local art guild in the past, and I have to tell you, keeping creative people focused on  the subject isn't easy. But I was impressed with this group and the way we had a good time, but still got business done.  Deb took on a leadership role and handled it all well.

From what everyone had to say, I can promise that this next sale will be a wowzer.  More vendors, more time for preparing, more visual va-voom for each booth!  And I thought the LAST one was spectacular.  I just can't wait till the next one!

This cabinet was making me wish I hadn't spent all my money on Christmas gifts.  It would look perfect in my studio…. What a yummy blue interior.   Gwen's stuff is always yummy.

There is something about this time of year that has me wanting to redo, fix up, change my house.  Partially it is from being cooped up inside and seeing the same view over and over.  Also, having all the glitz and glitter of the holiday decorations, makes the house seem more special and when they are gone, everything seems a little more dull.

Right now, I am housebound, hanging out with Twinkle  and waiting for puppies. She and I slept in the living room so I could check on her every hour and sleep with the light on, but not disturb my husband.  That poor dog is past her guesstimated semi-calculated due date and I can tell she is ready.  So, I am using "our" confinement time to read, be lazy and kick back.

Beth loaned me "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" and I am loving it.   I just finished two books by Jennifer Weiner and one by Sophie Kinsella.  Why can't my favorite authors be more prolific??? I am all out of their books now and who knows how long I'll have to wait till a new one is out?

We have a fire going in the wood stove, I am going to make a pot of soup and go cuddle up with my fuzzy baby who just isn't feeling well and read the rest of my book.   We thought she was in labor last night, and was once again pretty restless.  Or was that because I was checking on her every hour and the poor thing got no rest?

Wish us luck. I hope that next time you hear from me, I'll have puppy photos to show you!

Well, I might have recovered from Miss Frenchie's sale now!  I've had a lovely, relaxing afternoon of touring holiday homes with friends, and going to a movie. Plus a book signing by another friend, who does the most amazing work.

Have you seen this book yet? It was named by the New York Times as one of the top illustrated children's books of the year. Its written by Stephen Johnson, a multi talented artist who has a whimsical twinkle in his eye.  I always enjoy seeing him at parties, he has a way of making conversations go in odd little directions that are a lot of fun. 

 A typical question from him over the wine and cheese at an art opening or cocktail party goes like this- "Have you thought much about polka dots lately?".  Not your typical topic, but somehow it was an interesting one that stuck with me long after it was over. Who knew that a group of us had so much to say about a simple little polka dot?

Here is a sample of his book, I bought a copy for the fairy grand baby.  Its quite unique and totally Stephen!  Lots of quirky thought went into it (along with talent.) Sorry about the bad photos.  I'll bet that even if I did have that Canon Rebel I am jonesing for, the bad lighting at my house at night would still make for bad pictures. At least, that is what I am telling myself.

As Miss Frenchie's sale wound down, I managed to do a little shopping for myself from the other vendors.  (more bad lighting, more bad photos, more apologizing)

The doll is from Beth, she had a shelf full of these beauties! The "crown" bowl was from Carol, French post cards from Gwen, and the ornament was made by Julie.  I'd never met Julie before and didn't know much about her. We were all admiring her work (she knits too, and had one of a kind scarves). Someone asked her if she got the center medallions for the ornaments at Michaels, and she said, no, she made them. 

Gwen said, "but I've seen these at Michaels".  And Julie explained that she DESIGNED them for K & Company and Michaels sells them!! 

I feel like I've been runnin with the big dogs this weekend!

Here is a photo of her ornies.  She sold out completely, the first night, then brought in more for Saturday, just to sell out right away again.  I was lucky to get one. 

Julie was just one of the interesting people at Miss Frenchie's.  I was thrilled to be part of the group that came together for this show.

Elizabeth was a whirlwind of energy, and  manages to look beautiful the whole time.  She drove in from St. Louis with a giant rented truck filled with jaw dropping goods, stayed up all night transforming the barn.  All while looking like she was posing for a magazine herself, as she was busily taking photos for an article for Romantic Homes. (yes, hopefully we'll be hearing about Miss Frenchie in one of our favorite magazines!)

She had great displays, plenty to drool over. I eyed one of her small side tables all weekend, then when it was still there at the end of the sale, I ended up giving in tomy longings and buying it for myself as a souvenier of the event. I'll get pictures of it as soon as I figure out where to use it.  I might put my Christmas tree on it for now.  Although, putting the tree up on a table will just tempt Miss Sugarwings to climb up to get it.  My tree might be more stable sitting on the ground for her to pluck pretties off of. 

Bethhas an interesting post about Miss Frenchie's.  She sums it up well, explaining that part of the joy of the whole weekend was that people "got it".  These fellow vendors and the shoppers there understood why Elizabeth scattered book pages around the floor of her area.  Although, Gwen's sweet little mom was pretty cute trying to sweep them all up!

And everyone "got it" that old starched collars looked great hanging from a chandelier.

Of all the booths, mine was the tamest.  It looked more like a craft fair booth than a super dooper Miss Frenchie celebration display.  I knew it going in, and felt a bit down about it, but dealt the hand I had. Or is it played the hand I had? Speaking of cards, Beth did mention that I don't exactly have a good poker face and she knew I was unhappy with my booth. 

But all day today, I have been daydreaming about April and our next show…. I plan on having a spot that makes me look like I can keep up with those big dogs I am running with!  

Or playing poker with. The way I am mixing metaphors, who knows what I am talking about.

Any way, I want to thank all those style mavens who made up Miss Frenchie's group and say once again how honored I was to be a part of it all.  Wow, these gals can verve a booth!

Thanks to:

French By Design
Sisters and Partners – Gwen McClure and Teri Elliott
Featured at Mission Road Antique Mall

Elizabeth Maxson, formerly of Elizabeth House, St. Louis
Designer, Stylist, Photographer
Contributing editor, Romantic Homes magazine
Website: elizabethhouse.us

Yesterday, I had a few friends over for crafting. Shawn brought these wonderful treats, her homemade marshmallows. She also brought a pot of Italian Wedding Soup.  I wonder if I could get her to drop by a couple days a week with goodies like that if I planned more craft days……

This is Shawn with her sweet little girl, Bethany, who made lots of things as gifts for all of us throughout the day. (like the tag necklace her mom is wearing)

Sugarwings was there for most of the day too, but she was an overwhelming force of nature. I was so busy chasing her that I wasn’t able to get the camera out till after she had left in the afternoon, I was worn to a frazzle by her antics.

I told the other bloggers that were here that I wouldn’t be surprised to read on their blogs today: "The truth about Sugarwings and what really goes on at Karla’s Cottage". 

Shawn is wearing a tiara I gave to her, she will be wearing it for Silver Bella, because she offered to drive up from Kansas City to help me with my booth!! How sweet of her, I am so relieved to have someone help me schlep all the junk from the truck and (hopefully) wrap up the packages as things (hopefully) sell.

Beth and Shawn both brought their Cuddlebugs and I was able to emboss and ink a bunch of tags then add vintage ribbons and crown stamps to them.

That was a simple project that I could do while tending to the tiny, two year old hurricane that was ripping through the studio all day. 

Beth was in a similar frame of mind, we were doing mindless work, of wrapping up packages of things.  She was getting ready for a sale she will be setting up next month and wanted these packs of pretty colored old tags ready for that.

Beth wrapped up ribbon to sell too.  It was just a good day to sit and talk and put things together. 

I’ve been looking around for a crown stamp that I liked and had no luck. Shawn had one with her and I used it on some parchment card stock sprayed with glimmer mist to make these small, square tags.  I was just going to make some to use on packages, but they came out so cute, I decided to bring some to Silver Bella to sell at my booth. I wish I had used the dotted Swiss Cuddlebug embossing plate more, it is my favorite one.

Marilyn and Shawn both got some Halloween pieces made, Marilyn was working on a book, and Shawn was making ATCs

Look at what they brought as gifts for all of us!  Marilyn is also a quilter and she made this patchwork scrapbook, filled with wonderful papers, and Shawn gifted everyone with a "Fright Night" collage.

Today, I am putting aside Silverbella packing and babysitting and being social to do some "real" artwork. Well, at least I hope it turns out good enough to be called real art!

I have a deadline to get a watercolor still life done for a show I am supposed to be entering.  So, I’m off to paint a pear.

ps- Since I haven’t been adding new things to the Etsy shop much due to other committments, I decided to at least mark some stuff down.  Check HERE for sale prices. I hope to add more to the shop this weekend. Well HOPE to at least! Thanks so much for shopping there!