Amy Barickman of the Vintage Workshop and Indygo Junction gave me some cool papers to play with and some blank board books by Create & Treasure to use them on.
The papers were canvas and fabric textured and it was fun to experiment with those along with using different settings on my editing software to print Vintage Workshop images in multiple sizes. I also love the trick I learned from Beth, to change the papers to sepia for a romantic and neutral background.
This first book is all neutral with splashes of color from rose pictures.
This book is more colorful, I was going for the pop of some spring pastels with it.
And look how generous I was with my sprays of old velvet flowers! I am so happy with my commitment to my New Years resolution to "use my good stuff and not hoard it"!
This little one is a tag book, I’d never made one before, and really enjoyed the concept. The shape is cute and since it is so small, it was an easy one to pull together.
The background papers we have for our Birds and Bonnets Swap are a big favorite of mine and I used them on this book too.
The framed picture on the front of the book and the cut out one of the kids on this page are both printed on canvas paper. 
On my way to Kansas City to visit Amy to take her these samples that I made, (and also to repaint Beth’s antique mall booth yesterday,) I stopped at a garage sale and picked up this little cutey.
(it is now listed on my Etsy shop)
At the same sale I bought the pink velvet earring display (complete with vintage clip on earrings) I found these two plates for $1.
But my best purchase of the day was at a trip to Costco. I bought a new camera!
Isn’t this clear and sharp? The two photos of my garage sale finds are on the new camera (Cannon Power Shot SD950 IS 12.1MP)
The other photos posted today are taken with my old Cannon that was a 7.1 MP. Can you tell a difference?
This photo of Beth’s booth is from the older camera too. It really wasn’t a bad camera, but I just wanted a bit sharper image.
Isn’t the color we painted her walls perfect? We spent a long time discussing what she wanted. We decided that "ish" was what she needed. One of those colors you aren’t sure what it is. Greenish, bluish, grayish, depending on how you look at it.
I’m still searching for the color I want to paint my bedroom and I think, this just might be it.
See, this old camera didn’t do closeups too badly.
After we painted the walls the perfect "ish" color, we got to decorate and redo her booth.
She had been inspired by all the photos in blogland of Round Top and was collecting items to fit the look that we were calling "Texas Chic".
The big difference is in the prices, though! Beth’s things are bargains. By the way, she had tons of cabinet cards in her booth for $1 and under. 
She does have cool stuff. 
A newish blogger friend who Beth discovered was her neighbor, came by to visit as we were finishing up too. Another Carla, she is the one on the right.
I’ve never met so many Karlas and Carlas as I have since I started blogging. I am considering changing my blog name (but not the URL, you’ll still be able to find it)
My family calls me Karkie and I think maybe I should switch this over to "Karkie’s Cottage"
What do you think? Too confusing? Doesn’t matter? Good idea?
That chandelier in Beth’s booth was a job to hang. It involved both of us on a giant ladder, with lots of giggles and reminded us of the scene in Friends with Joey and Ross trapped on the fire escape. 
I know, I know, I have run on for too long again. But I wanted to see more photos with my new camera! These millinery blooms are shot with the Macro setting. (they are for sell on Etsy too)
I had been looking at EXPENSIVE cameras and settled on this pocket sized digital one instead. I have 30 days to return it if I decide it isn’t sharp enough, then I can move on to the bigger and better (and bank account busting) camera.
But I think this one might be good enough for me. Hmmm. Will you all help me decide over the next couple of weeks?
Here is another comparison for you. The flowers and fairy bear are the new camera.
The last two of the 
necklace and package are the old camera.
This is the package I sent out to the winner of my Birthday Giveaway.
Don’t forget that there is a special giveaway in May too. You can enter by leaving any comment on any post all month.
Ooooh, I LOVE what you did with those papers! Everything looks so beautiful! …as far as the camera differences, I can’t be of help. Maybe if take the same shot, same lighting, etc. with the different cameras and post the unedited version…?
I think I would miss Karla’s cottage, but I would enjoy Karkie’s cottage… and everyone would know who it was, since there probably isn’t another Karkie out there! I think the new camera takes great pictures. Makes me want a new one myself! Love the green(ish) color of Beth’s booth walls!
First of all, there’s only ONE Karla and that’s YOU! But go ahead and change it if you really want to… I’ll still visit! 😉 I think your new camera is better and I’m very jealous because my camera is terrible at close range shots! I think with all the photos you post, you should be able to justify buying a more expensive one. I wish I could browse through Beth’s booth! So many cool things there…and I like the paint color too. Your books you made are gorgeous! I missed your last post.. I love pansies and Sugarwings is a cutie-pie as usual! I’m so glad spring is here! We’ve had pouring rain today and I’m supposed to have 27 people here tomorrow for a cook-out!!! Come on sun!
Get out! There is another one of us?! I’ve lost track of how many Karla/Carlas are in blogland.
Karla
Karla, I love the pics taken with your new camera hun, much sharper :o), those papers are scrum, love the books you have done, in fact I think I love it all
First, new camera is much sharper. I particularly notice it with the lace. It’s very clean — I’d hold onto it unless you have other reasons to return as you work through the trial period. I’ve found that the mini-digitals are now so improved they really do more than merely suffice with their quality.
Branding — You have become Karla’s Cottage. Even if you don’t change the name, you have pretty much established a very positive blog brand with that one, including your mention in publications, etc. I’d think twice, though Karkie is cute. But you know what — your work isn’t “cute.” (Now, Sugarwings is cute!) Your work is elegant, graceful, vintage. Karkie isn’t too vintage or elegant. Karkie’s cute. Karla is allof those other things. (Sorry, I’m a branding person by nature of profession, so I get kicky on stuff like this!)
The tag books — wonderful. Tutorial, please, on how many pages you used and how you adhered them on the flat edge. Was stitching involved? Doesn’t look it, but hard to tell how the glue would connect, or is there a binding piece for every two?
Too many questions! I love visiting here!
Love what you did with the goodies from Amy.
What a wonderful ‘ish’ colour for Beth’s booth.
Think the new camera is a keeper – love the vintage bloom shots.
Alison
OOOHHH!!! I’m peeking at my goodies! I can’t wait! They look lovely!!
xx Nancy
love what you did with the papers Karla…and the tag book is amazing, the little frame on the cover is so pretty!!! now, i just read what Jeanie said and she really has a point about the name recognition you already have…Beth’s booth is wonderful, i would love to poke around in there!!!
Texas Chic. I like it. My ebay username is Cami*Chic. And I have an Aunt Karla. And I have one of the granddaddy of camera’s and find I don’t enjoy toting it about even though the pictures are sharper. Decisions, decisions… At least I’m positive I love my bedroom color. No plans to change that. And if I ever finish my kitchen I’m going to do the lady’s room aka the main john! Have a good one!
YOu are so creative… you girls have been busy transforming the booth, it looks lovely!
Those tags and books- I can’t believe it- I’m was amazed when you brought out a whole suitcase of tags! And that you made all those books in a day- but I really shouldn’t be surprised- you are a crafting machine (don’t worry, that’s nothing like a blog machine)
I vote to stay the way you are as Karla’s Cottage. That is who you are. I always enjoy visiting here. It’s so peaceful and inspiring!
Karla. 🙂
Have a good weekend!
Peggy
Karla, what fun you must have had helping Beth with her painting. I also love the albums you put together. the tag book is gorgous.
Karen
Happy Mother’s Day Karla(And to all the other Mother’s who visit here),
That doll and yardstick from Beth’s booth = yummy! You got to create some more with the vintage workshop stuff…cool, and indygo Junction added some stuff tooo (i know you had lots of fun! Enjoy your weekend Karla. Happy happies.
Love the books you made – They are gorgeous!!!
Hi Karla,
Karkie is so cute, but you’ll always be the origional to me 😉 I say change it if it feels good to you to do it, but if you’re feeling hesitant about it, leave it. I think that all the pictures look good…I guess I’m no help because I’m not very good with my own digital camera that can do more things than I have a clue about and my pictures still look cruddy.
Hugs,
Dena
Karla, please don’t change the name, I will never remember who’s blog it is. When I see the name Karla’s cottage, I see in my mind your beautiful smiling face and sugarwings too and the dorkies and all your beautiful photos and art etc, etc, etc,. Karkie is just too cute, I don’t think it goes with beautiful you. I know who Karla’s cottage is, there is only one and she is the one I visit daily.
Your projects with vintage workshop are beautiful and what fun to be able to play with it all.
Beth’s booth looks awesome!
The new camera, for me hard to tell, if you are really happy with it then keep it, otherwise, it is your 50th year celebration so you deserve the pricer one if that’s what you really, really want. What I do with really expensive purchases is I think about it for a month, then if it’s still hot in my mind then I get it.
Happy 50th year party!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Jacquelene L.
Toronto, Canada
Those books turned out beautiful! Karla or Karkie, I’ll still come visit. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!
Karkie’s cute, but I’ll always think of you as Karla’s Cottage! =) Hoping you’ll be able to come out this way — we don’t stray too far in the summer, as the shop is way too busy for hubby to take any time off in the summer (tourist season, naturally). Looking at Beth’s booth, I think I should go out and visit YOU ladies! Happy Mother’s Day!
My vote is to stick with Karla. Maybe there are more, but you’re the original.
And, my gosh! Those books are unbelievable. Your work is so reflective of a lovely spirit.
Happy Mother’s Day
Karla,
Thanks for your nice comment on my blog. It’s so funny because I think I’ve been linked to you for quite some time, but can’t remember ever commenting here! I just love to stop by and look at all the beauty. You’re so creative and I enjoy the way you love your family and dog. I always exhale when I stop by.
I’m going to take part in your next contest and I intend to win! If I don’t show up, please stop by to remind me!
Thank you again. It’s nice to finally talk to you. Have a lovely evening.
XO Suzanne
You know I am going to have to vote for you to keep the name Karla! The pictures do look sharper to me with the new camera. I love those folded paper ruffles you do!
I love the “ish” color too! So fresh! Beths whole booth is amazing! I say keep “Karla” for the blog….yes, you are the original! Those books are amazing! I have to look at taking some classes at the scrapbook place, you are turning out some real beauties! How did you do the tag book? It’s beautiful!
Karla, the books are wonderful! I know you like “Karla”.
You have such fun with Beth. Good photos on the new camera. Think you have to stay Karla’s Cottage, its what you are too well known as:) Rachael
What a stunning booth! I am all for keeping the Karla’s Cottage handle as well, although I too have been considering a name change lately! But you know we reserve the right to change our minds :-)!
Your fairy bottles are a great idea – and I think that imitation is the best form of flattery, especially when you give credit where it’s due.
Your party sounds like it was a fabulous time. Enjoy the next 50!
Lorrie
I love your booth! I’m in the KC area and I understand from Dee Dee Walters that you and Beth are in the Mission Road Antique Mall, my fave! Where are your booths in the mall? Thanks! Please keep the great pics coming!
I am waiting to see that pink flocked paper Please let me know (fingers crossed) when it will be listed. If we do a journal, it would be good to have some sizes bigger than 5×7, like the composition book size. Where do you ever find this stuff? Thanks much, Kathy
Congrats on the new camera! It’s so fun to get new toys to play with!!
I LOVE those books you created!! My favorite is the little tag book. I love the colors.
As for the name of your blog, I like the name it is now. No matter what you decide, I will still visit because i love your blog!
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com