Time is running out to sign up for Paper Cowgirls! I think the final day is May 15th.
There are lots of fun swaps going on there this year, but I didn't sign up for any. I'll be kicking myself on swap night!
But I did enter the Velveeta Challenge. Yep, Velveeta. I hadn't bought the stuff in ten years, but picked some up this week just for the box. I made up a queso dip for company on Saturday night with the big yellow/orange block and a can of Rot-el, along with a block of cream cheese. I have to admit that it wasn't bad…
But I'm going right back to my anti-processed cheese stance now that it is all gone.
My arteries will thank me.
The challenge is to transform the empty box into something not so cheesy. Then, they will be auctioned off for a good cause.
These pictures are sneak peeks of my redo, but I'm not showing the whole thing, just a few little glimpses. (the pocket watch isn't part of the project, it is something new in the Boutique)
I went with what I always think of as Texas colors, all neutrals, some rust and white. And I used the Best of the Best of the Good Stuff.
This box metamorphosis really was a challenge to me. For one thing, it was pretty flimsy and had to be reinforced. But I sure enjoyed working on it. I could use more stretches out of my comfort zone. That is what can be really wonderful about doing a challenge or swap, its good to try something different.
I hope the Texas girls like it, and someone bids on it.
Speaking of Texas girls, when my pal Lisa came to Birdsong to teach, she brought me the most gorgeous "bridal"bed spread. I had it over my pale blue bedding for a week or so and loved using it, but was really afraid that the dogs would ruin it. And of course, since the bed belongs to Twinkle (or so she insists) and she just lets me sleep in it with her, I had to consider her feelings.
Not that she ever considers mine, that dog is a bed hog.
So, instead it is hanging in my living room window now, safely away from dog toe nails and muddy paws.
I have a double window and on the other half I hung a French net table cloth that I recently found at an estate sale. Of course, the two don't match, but I like it this way. They have a similar feel, so I think it works.
Aren't these cake toppers sweet as pie? Or as cake, I guess. I bought a big bag of them, and had to save some for Sugarwings, she's really into giraffes. The rest are in the Boutique if you've got a birthday party coming up and could use a few on your special little person's cake.
In my stash, I've had a roll of silk ribbon for years and never used it. It was just tooooo glaring white. So, I dipped it in coffee. Didn't like it. Then I spritzed it with some dye made from boiled avocado skins (for a perfect pink) and some walnut dye, too, and rinsed it out and this is what I got. The walnuts kind of faded to a soft green.
Now, don't ask me why I did 10 yards of it at once, with experimental dyes. I could have ruined the whole piece if the colors didn't turn out pretty. I had no idea what I was getting, I sure didn't think walnuts would make it green. This is kind of like when I made a vat of chicken salad for my Birdsong guests and thought it might be tasty to add some poultry seasoning. I've never made chicken salad with poultry seasoning in it, and should have tested it on a small bowlful instead of on 12 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts all chopped up and mixed with the other ingredients already.
But I got lucky with that too, and I really liked the flavor.
I'll leave you with a few more photos of what's new in the Boutique and Etsy.
And please remember, that for the month of May, all millinery flowers have free shipping.
On Etsy, the shipping is already marked, but in the Boutique, you need to pay as normal, and I'll send a refund to you.
How cheesy indeed!!
Your box looks beautiful from the snippets of pictures.
Classes are sold out that I would attend. Will be more with
it next time!
Have a great time teaching.
hugs..Sharon
Your velveeta box is fabulous Karla! Can’t wait to see you again in a few weeks!! We’ll have a blast!
Hey Karla! Long time no see! I just happened to see your blog post pop up on FB and came over to visit! I lost all my links when my old laptop died, so it’s fun to see you still posting all your eye candy…Thanx! Hows the Dorkies?
happytrails!
Carlene
Hey sweet Karla….your bits of cheesebox look divine! Please post a pic after you get back! I tried that avocado (twice) and it didn’t work for me AT ALL. I actually got a slight hint of purple. My husband thought I was nuts!
I want your box!!!! So pretty. I will see you in Texas in 4wks!! Hope you are working on your sooouuuthern accent!
Beautiful post, but I zeroed in on the giraffes. When my youngest son was two and talked real funny, he worked and worked to get one of those giraffes with a broken leg to stand up in the carpet. Then he sat back and said in a loud voice, “Oh, yook at his yittle yeg!!”
Karla…bid on? Heck, might have to break up the fist fight (these are Cowgirls ya know) that erupts over it. LOL. But seriously, it is gorgeous and yes, I think they will bid on it for sure.
Yep, time is getting near and I can’t wait to see ya.
c
I LOVE your comments on the cheese… Sooooooooooo funny. But, you have my curiosity up to see the final project. I KNOW it will be amazing. I am so jealous that I didn’t get to come to Bird Song. I WOULD HAVE LOVED IT! Maybe next time!!!! Love the vintage flowers you shared in this post. Have a great weekend. HUGS!
Charlene
Is it really true that you can dye with avocado skins and make it pink?? That sounds great to me 🙂
That sneek peek of your chees box looks lovely! /Therese
I love those little giraffes! They remind me of the little charms they used to throw into the Zoo ice cream bowl served at ALL those childhood birthday parties at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor, now a thing of the past! The flowers are delicious, as is your ribbon!
You’ve been busy! I swear you wear me out just reading your posts! Avacado/pink? Who knew?