Thank you for all the puppy names you suggested! There were some GREAT ones, and it was hard to chose. But one theme stood out and I went with it. I know I said I'd announce winners today, but I don't have photos ready yet, so it will have to wait.
But this photo is a hint.
Also, thanks for all your well wishes for Twinkle's health. She is not happy about being taken from her pups, but the Dr. says no more nursing. The babies are old enough to eat puppy food, but I do have to get up during the night to give them fresh food, they need to be fed every few hours.
The only good thing that came of the terrifying 45 minute trip to the vet's office, while Twinkle was near death, was that we decided to keep a puppy. It was just too frightening to think about breeding her again someday, so we thought we should have one of her babies live with us forever.
Each of us have our favorite. So, I'm not sure which one yet. Sugarwings' vote is for Dorothy, but I have a feeling that she can be swayed. There are two that I don't think I could live without…. But we already have three dogs, we don't need 5. And that really would just be heading towards the sheriff knocking on the door wearing a gas mask to deal with the stench, and telling me that the county is confiscating my 50 animals that have taken over the home and made it smell so bad that neighbors have complained. (Or so my husband thinks.)
This tiny girl is one of my choices. The other is the spotted guy. He is just too perfect to let go. We all have a soft spot for him.
When I came across this dress in the studio, Suzanne and I were giggling like kids and having such fun playing dress up with the pup and taking her photos. Both of us were just howling with laughter. Which describes quite a bit of our Creative Cottage Girls Weekend. It was a joy to have Suzanne stay here with me, she is an excellent house guest, we never ran out of conversation.
I'd made up scrap packets for everyone, then sat out lots of other supplies on one of the dining room tables in the front of my studio. Beth generously brought boxes of fun stuff from her stash too.
First, we all covered bird houses in vintage papers. This one is mine, but I think its not quite done yet. Don't you think that Charlotte needs fairy wings?
In February '08, I did a tutorial on blinging out a birdhouse. If you'd like to read it, and try one, I've added it to the list of free tutorials on my side bar. Just click on the "tutorial" flower button to the right and it will take you there.
Before everyone came, I warned them that I don't craft in a sassy sundress, and that the weekend was just casual and relaxing, we were all there to chat while we made things and just hang out. No classes or group things, everyone was on their own to rifle through supplies and come up with their own creations.
It seems like every time I see an arty gathering on other blogs, everyone looks like they are going to a wedding instead of a craft-a-thon. And the tables look too pretty to work at. Not here, these tables looked like work stations. And I think it was successful because we were all still cutting and gluing and talking long after dinner was over.
There is so much crap good stuff in my studio, that I told everyone not to bring anything, I'd supply it all.
But my pal Angie brought jewels and Beth brought lots of old pictures and papers. I was glad, because its so much more inspiring to play with other people's supplies and I had a good time going through what they brought.
We ended up making not only birdhouses, but tags, and cabinet card note books. Beth had a big box full of the old cabinet cards and showed us how she takes out the photo, adds watercolor paper, then sews it up into a book and embellishes it.
This one is Debbie's.
And this one is Suzanne's.
Of course, a big part of the day was playing with the little guys.
The weather was beautiful, we worked with the doors open all day, and were able to have dinner outside. Debbie brought Pearl, who seemed to enjoy wandering in and out, but she wasn't so sure about the pups.
Pearl liked to keep her distance as much as possible. But she warmed up to me and I think we might be friends now.
After all the running around, the babies were plain old worn out!
I have more pictures of our lunch at Carol's amazing farmhouse, (I felt like I was stepping into the pages of a magazine at her 1860s dreamhouse!!) and shopping at the Curious Sofa. But for now, I need to go and watch the last episode of Lost before I accidentally hear any details from someone. I didn't have a chance to see it last night, but its taped and waiting for me. I hear it calling out to me and can't resist another minute.
ps- Hi, Wanda!! It was nice to meet you!!
Looks like a fun time was had by all!
Oh ho! That last photo was just toooo adorable!! Your weekend was amazing. So much fun to have friends who are passionate about the same things!
I am so glad Twinkles is ok. And!!! you are keeping a puppy. That makes me smile. They are all so cute, so you will have a job thinking which one you want to keep.
I just love reading your blog each day.
O wow! What a fun day!! Thanks for sharing it all with us!
Glad you’re keeping one of the pups…look forward to watching the little sweetie grow up! 😉
Karla, They are sooooooooooooooooooo dorable!! Looks like you guys had a blast. Love all your goodies you all made, nothing better than getting down and dirty to help with the fun and relaxation.!! I’m envious!!!!
Can’t wait to hear the puppy names.
Sandy
Karla~ what a great weekend…friends, dogs, art…the LOST finale! I would have loved it all! The pup in that dress is the cutest ever!
could those pups be any cuter?
xo
molly
Looks like it was a fun craft get together and those pups…..they are so cute! I can’t wait until lola’s brood get bigger! They still haven’t opened their eyes….
Cheers
Rochelle
Mornng Karla..those pups are adorable..so glad you are keeping one….your crafting weekend looks like a hoot,Canada is so far away!!!I would love to attend just one..OH WELL…have a good day…Lorraine…ps..maybe I`ll win a giveaway one day ..that would make it better
Hi Karla!
I had SOOO much fun this weekend! Everything was perfect and you are an amazing hostess. Thank you for your hospitality and for always inspiring me…being in your home and studio was like stepping into a dream! Every nook and cranny was filled with magic (and glitter)! I miss you and those delicious puppies! Come to Atlanta soon!
xo suzanne
Thank goodness she is ok! And your keeping a puppy wow!! I wouldn’t be able to chose. Love the little bird house:) And I thought your comment about dressing up for crafting was hilarious. Just wait til Les Sirenes sister you’ll laugh out loud!! I’ll be the one wearing jeans;)
Karla, I have caught up with your latests posts and must say I’m so happy Twinks is okay! Adore all the photos, especially with Sugarwings caretaking the pups! I don’t envy the choices you’ll have to make…all the babes are just so sweet! Looks like you and your friends had a wonderful, laid back and creative time. ~ Angela
Oh my….that looks like sooo much fun!
And, those pups….how darn cute! What is a DORKIE, by the way? So many designer pups these days..
Warm blessings,
Spencer
That looked like such for with the girls !!
And it reminded me that I have several tiny wooden birdhouses I could be playing with myself!
So glad Twinks is better, those pups are sooo damn cute!
Dont blame you for wanting to keep one or two or three… LOL!
Take care
Diane
Karla,
Oh I’m so glad I don’t have to pack a prom dress for my trip to KS! I can craft in crappy pants & a tank. I cannot imagine the goodies ya’ll played with, between you & Beth. Primo hoarders of all time. I love the birdhouses, & the pups. The baby doll dress is too cute! Lisa
What great fun! Love that baby in her dress! (I mean the puppy, not Sugarwings! And I dress like you when I craft! So there! Cabinet card books are great — I’ve been wondering what to do with mine! Another project for “someday.”
Hi Karla,
Cute, cute, cute……..puppy photos!!!!!!!!!! I was
so hoping that you would decide to keep a pup or two
of Twink’s!! I know it would be hard for me to decide….
as they are all so adorable, but I am partial to the
parti and the little one too. : ) I, however, probably
would change my mind a million times if I were right
there with them. I am so glad that Twinkle is doing ok.
It truly must be hard for her right now.
I do like your idea of casual dress crafting. I think
some of my most inspiring crafting moments were in PJ’s,
during the evening.
Hugs,
Janis
I just got back from being out of town & read your Post about TWINKS! Oh thank GOD she is OK! I can imagine your hestics during all of that. Cute photos of the pups but, the one in the dress wins hands down as the cutest thing ever seen. I have got to get started on my swaps for Sierens. Have you done yours? YIKES it is sneaking up on me so fast. Your get together with the girls looked like so much fun! HUGS! Charlene
Sweet Karla! You can definitely keep 2 puppies. 5 is the limit. When I was looking to buy this house a couple of years ago, I called the city and said, “How many dogs am I allowed to keep, as long as I am (Of Course!) taking care of them properly?” The girl paused for a few moments and said “Well, I guess you can have as many as you want,there’s no rule.” Needless to say, this is the house we bought. But everyone knows that while 5 dogs is about right, 6 would just be silly. Your Friend, Bobbi
Pearl the Bichon looks like my Gypsy [smile]. Yes, yes, the Charlotte most definitely needs fairy wings – that will just finish her off. So glad too you have decided to keep one of Twinks puppies… that means more photos for us.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Karla, i am so happy that you are keeping a puppy… i think you should keep the little spotted guy…unless Sugarwings cries, then you have to keep Dorothy of course…i loved all the pictures of the puppies today…
Thanks for a great get-together- not just every host would provide great food, great company, crafting supplies, wonderful weather & PUPPIES.
I think you should do watercolors of the puppies in their finery- I’m thinking greeting cards- they are just too cute.
Karla, Your puppy is so tiny and precious! Im happy you are keeping at least one, and relieved to know Twinkle is doing much much better. What a scare!
You ladies look like you had a ball! Comfy, casual, and laid back. 🙂 I can imagine the giggles and chatter that came from inside those 4 walls. 😉 Thanks for sharing! XO,Jenn
Karla, your puppies are just so cute! I wouldn’t be able to pick which one to keep! I’m glad you have decided to keep one though. 🙂
Take care!
I’m all for families with lots of pets!! I have 3 dogs and 2 cats!! Enjoy your new brood!!!
your craft weekend looks so wonderful- I love down and dirty as much as I love the dress up!!!
oxox
That dress is just perfect on tiny girl!! I’m a bit behind on reading, but I am glad to hear that Twinks is ok. What a nightmare that must have been, having to take her to the animal hospital! I don’t know if I would have had the strength to get there by myself! But how wonderful that you’re going to keep a puppy! It’s funny- I would pick the smallest one! Trying to think of why that might be… but I actually think it was watching Charlotte’s Web!! Wilbur was the little runt and oh-so-cute! lol 🙂 Your birdhouse is beautiful!! If you put wings on the Charlotte, I guess it would be her house 🙂 Your craft day looks so relaxing and inspiring- what wonderful time spent!
aww those itty bitty wille puppy wuppies! sooo sooo cute.
I am happy you and Sugarwings that you are keeping a puppy this time!!! Love the bird house, yes, Charlotte needs some wings ;-D What a wonderful gathering of talent and friends!
Oh my gosh, you are killing me with that photo. What a sweetie pie, I am so glad Twinkles is okay xoxox Clarice
I don’t know that I could give up even one of those pups. So I don’t think I’d make a good foster mom! It looks like it was crazy fun with you girls.
Brenda
I can see I missed a bunch of your posts recently!
Your crafting day was fabulous Karla! I will make it there one day…..and you might find me in your studio in my paint splattered PJ’s……is that acceptable?
OH I’m so happy you are keeping a pup! Is it Ozzy?!
I was visiting my mom Saturday and took the little yorkie that lives there for a long walk/run he reminded me of a tiny little toy! He’s adorable too and made me think of your sweet pups all day….wishing I was THERE!
oh hell, I wish I could have been there!!!!
Miss you girls!!
xoxo, TIffany
……i’ve been soooo slacking on my blog surfing….but i’ve actually posted TWICE this week on mine!!! SO MUCH FUN…your birdie house is just the most delightful thing i’ve seen!!!! yes on the wings….i’m working on some birdie houses to hang in my dining room…to go with my white garden theme….(can’t be a garden without bird houses can we..lol)
big hugz