There was another little glitch with the tag books. I think these bottles are too fragile just to tie on the books! So, I spent time wrapping each one up in bubble wrap, then in pretty paper. I'll slip them into the bubble mailers with the books, and I'm afraid all the swappers will need to tie them on their own books. Its just safer that way.
It has been such fun making the books! I made up most of them yesterday. Today and tomorrow is the packing and labeling. Trouble is, they are so pretty, that I have to stop and look at each one again and again as I wrap them. Of course no two are alike, that is what makes it so interesting. I just wish you could see all the books together.
Some of the tags still haven't arrived in the mail yet, so what I'll do is finish the ones that are here and the latecomers will all be swapped with each other.
So this first "wave" of books will be sent out tomorrow. More the next few days. I simply don't have the concentration level to do all the packing, then all the mailing, so I need to break it up. I'm doing about 20 packages at a time, then starting on the next 20. I'll get to the PO each day to drop off a boxful, instead of waiting till all are done.
Feel free to go ahead and post photos on your blog (plus flickr) if yours comes early! We all want to see the finished books.
As promised, here are a few photos of the house from the day Carol was here. Now, her pictures are top of the line, done with a camera that costs more than a whole roomful of my furniture (of course, everything I own is from garage sales, so lets make that a couple roomsful of furniture at least!)
These photos are from my camera, which I love to pieces, but it sure doesn't compare with hers.
They are for Somerset Home. Hopefully. I hate to jinx myself, because you never know with a magazine until the type is set!
For the shoot and for the baby shower we had last week, I "made" a new table cloth. There was so much going on in the table settings, that I wanted something a bit more toned down.
So, I cut a square of burlap a bit smaller than a vintage crocheted cloth that I usually use. No sewing, I just layered the two.First, I put the burlap in the dryer with a wet cloth and a fabric softener sheet, to take the stiffness out. All I had to do after that was pull a few threads to fringe the edges and layer the burlap over the lacy cloth.
We did photos in the living room, dining room, and kitchen, and I focused the story on using ephemera in your home.The article should be out in August.
But like I said, you never know until you see it in print if it is a go or not!! I've got a few articles dangling around out there still unpublished. One is of my bedroom and another was done at Christmas a few years back at a Victorian mansion. Maybe they'll turn up someday, maybe not.
Ooops, I lied. This little metal table is not 2nd hand! I got it at a garden center on 75% clearance at the end of the season. 
Everything here but the Gothic arch window are from garage sales. The alabaster lamp was only a few bucks and the chairs were $100. The arch is from my favorite antique store Rusty Chandelier and was a major splurge at $150. More than I paid for the couch.
Another non junk store or garage sale purchase in the room is my TV cabinet. Sorry, no picture. It was a scratch and dent piece from a furniture store that I repainted once I got it home.So yes, Carol's camera is worth a lot more than this room full of furniture and the dining room as well (that table and chairs was $600 from a friend's consignment shop)
Twinkle was hilarious all day while Carol was there. That dog never gave up on posing as long as Carol had the camera out.
We humored her and took a few pictures of her. Carol has a good one on her blog now. You can see what I mean about how good her camera is! And not just the camera, she's got mad skills.
Thankyou for visiting my blog. We all love that picture of Hattie Jane sweeping the floor. Just looked at your blog..oh your dining room is gorgeous..oh my…wow…love all the art work you do..you so talented. I havent done any painting since that metal folding chair…I babysit Hattie 4 days a wk and it isnt possible to paint. I want to try to do some of those tags you all create..or make something for my walls with some of my old family pictures..but I havent got much time. Sally
Karla, i love what you did with that piece of burlap for your table, that looks so pretty…the picture of twinkle on carol’s blog is adorable:) how cute that she was posing for you!!!
I just love all these photos and am totally inspired! Thanks for sharing them! Love your home!
My gosh, Karla! Your house is just gorgeous!! I guess I should expect no less from someone as creative and inspired as yourself, but those pictures are breathtaking! Congratulations! 🙂
Ooooo Karla, How gorgeous! You have defined shopping and decorating! I love the ambiance and grace!
How cute is Twinkle! So much personality in such a tiny package!
Thank you for sharing!
Sandy
The tag books look fantastic (and the house isnt bad either, hehe)! I really wish I could have participated in this swap but I know my limitations and I’m already swap swamped! Next time…
Oh, Karla — it’s so beautiful and it SO looks like spring, all light and bright and cheery! Fingers are crossed — how could any editor turn that room down? The bottles look wonderful — I’m sure everyone will be happy to tie one on with those!
Just BEAUTIFUL! Love it all!
We all appreciate your care in sendin our “Drink Me” bottles. Can’t wait for my book to arrive!
Hugs…… Ruth
Your home is so beautiful and romantic…love it!
The books look so cute!…and I’m swooning over the tag with the chandy crystal…beautiful!
The shots of your home are gorgeous! I’m sure the magazine will love them too…how could they not? And I had to pop over and see the Twinkle picture…her little pink toenails are SO cute!
I can’t wait to get mine!! I so hope you got my tags!! And your house is amazing:)
just lovely. I love all the tags you’ve been gathering, and I love seeing piccies of your home :o) It’s so beautiful.
LIttle doggy at the end is superb!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment yesterday, I flushed bright red with pleasure! so nice to have kind things said about my sewing, I never take close ups because it would prove how rubbish I am!! But at least I try!
xx
Karla, your home is absolutely stunning, I could look at these pictures all day!! You are so inspiring, I just want to redo my entire home, lol! You have an amazing eye for detail. What a magical place to live. I would never want to leave!!!! I love the way you did the walls! So unique and beautiful. Your home has a very ethereal feel. The burlap on the table was perfect!! The whole setting looks amazing. I cannot wait to get my copy of the magazine!
The books look perfect, I love them and everyone will too!!
Big Hugs,
Amy
Karla,
So many things to address here, let’s start with the Alice books. 20 at a time! OMG, girl your a machine! Did you pay postage on all? I guess you did, since you didn’t ask for any $ with the swap. You are a generous soul & I can’t wait to see my book. Now about the house photos. I remember when you did the stairs, maybe I read about them in C.D.Ideas or somewhere. But I loved them then & still do. In fact I’m looking for a 2 story house so I can copy. I love Somerset Home, wish they’d do it more than annual. I’ll be looking for you. Do you know how many mags you’ve been in? Lots! Lastly, the burlap. Did you use just the cheapo stuff from Joann’s for $2.99 yd. or do you use a tighter weave? I’m fearful of putting that stuff in the washer. Sorry so long. Lisa
Dear Karla:
It has been a while since I visited. Thank you for all you do and create. You are such an inspiration.
Coddy
Wow! It sucks that you can go to all that work and not even know if the article will get published. Hopefully it will. The rooms look beautiful.
I especially like that metal table.
~elaine~
The books are looking great. Can’t wait for mine to arrive. And your house looks wonderful. I am sure it was a wonderful photo shoot.
Your home is simply a dream!!
great! I am so impressive with your post ! Such house seems a big aim to us ! Anyway thanks a lot!
Another post filled with beauty! That tag book is gorgeous! You are right to put the bottles apart. Your house looks just gorgeous! I love the faded colors, the whites and the creams and all the fancy details, like those cast iron supports in the ‘gate’, what a great idea! Have a great day!
Great books,great bottles, great house, great blog. You have the touch, the eye, the look. I love it. Stop over to my NEW BLOG and leave a comment. I would love that. Thanks for sharing all you do with us. You are offering great inspiration.
Sincerely,
Kathy
Karla, I love your home, I can’t wait to see the article!
It is sad, this mag only comes out once a year. The pics
are gorgeous!
How cute are those little bottles!
Twinkle really does want to be a star!
OK, Karla, I am worried. I am picturing you either sick with the Charlotte Fever or drowning in tags! Wish I were there to give you a hand!
Hugs,
Suz
OH, those bottles are just perfect! I finally saw Alice on Friday night and it was so perfectly fabulous!
Well, I have to say I think you did a great job photographing your dining room especially – the light is lovely in there!
Your home is just charming Karla…lots of fou-fou details w/out being too much. I could move right in & not change a thing!
The tag books are awesome…can’t wait to get one in my fat, glitter covered hands. Thank you so much for undertaking such a huge job. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to compile them all, package them & mail them out. And then to do special requests too? You are too kind. Take all the time you want w/ mine but hurry! ;o)
It’s just beautiful! I still LOVE LOVE LOVE the stairs! I know it was a lot of work but so beautiful! I really like that arched window too!
What a spectacular home! And your decorating is exquisite! WOW!
Your house is beautiful. I really want to move in. Let us know when your articles are printed so I won’t miss the issue. I rarely do miss Somerset Home but it could happen!!
Karla , received my tagbook , I love it. Even with a tag from my D D in it ,thank you for the litle extra.
Planning to build your own house is really a daunting task because there are several issues to be considered before purchasing any kind of furniture or household items. You have to keep in mind that the products purchased match the color of the house.