Thanks again for all your comprehensive and thoughtful comments on blogs and the changing blogworld. My theory is that our nitch of blog friends is going to keep on enjoying the blogs and pals they have come to know, as well as exploring new ones they meet through links and mentions on their present faves.
Maybe blogging is not as big as it was, but it did grow with a BOOM when it took off!
And maybe Its not growing like it was, people tire of writing, lose purpose or move onto bigger and better things.
Also, younger groups of tech savy net surfers might not have the patience to visit and read blogs. Maybe for their group, tweeitng and pinning gives them the quick fix they need.
But it looks to me like my peeps, the ladies who "get" each other and have found each other online are not looking to lose contact. I think that there is still plenty of blog love to be shared between us.
Maybe we don't always stop to comment, like we did when we first became involved with blogging, but when there is a sad incident, or a reason to congratulate, or a subject that will make you think, our blog buddies are there to share it and do step in to leave their thoughts. I might have 2,000 plus hits on my blog in one day (not including the people who read it through facebook, google reader, etc.) and still only get 3 or 4 comments. But, when my dog died, and I was heartbroken (still am) so many of you came by to ease my pain.
I have NO plans on leaving. Like I mentioned in my post about this subject, I made time to sit and write my posts, even when I was not back in the swing of real work after so much time away. Blogging isn't work to me, its become a big part of my life. A daily journal almost.
I'll be posting away long after all the readers are gone. My pal Laurie and I were saying that when we are in nursing homes, we'll be writing about making necklaces out of leftover macaroni from lunch, and how to dye things with our chocolate pudding.
Our classes at the event in CA were useful and pretty. I've already got mine in use. Kecia gave us a lamp shade frame and some goodies to foof it up, then turned us loose. I brought some extras from home to add to mine, since I had a spot in mind for it in my living room and wanted a certain look.
And my pal, Lori was ready to share too. She gave me this teensy crocheted basket to tie onto the lace. I glued a button with an "N" on it for Nathan, and filled it with crystal beads.
The fun of the design is adding all the little tidbits here and there to the trailing lace. I brought chandy crystals and backed them with floral wallpaper, and a few other things, like this tiny wooden egg.
And of course, I needed a fairy.
Kecia had a series of shades she had done herself as examples, I wish I'd taken some photos of hers. She is one of the most talented artists I've met in a while and I really enjoyed her booth on Vendor night.
She is also an adventurer and is taking a few weeks to travel from her NJ home to CA and back for Tiffany's. Looks like she'll be able to stop and visit Kansas on her return trip, and I look forward to having her here.
Another class from the event got a slight alteration from me too. I tend to rework the classes with all of my own supplies, and this one was a big change. I had the watercolor sketch for the banner backdrop with me and wanted it to be featured instead of a picture of Audrey on the scrapbook we made, so I turned the book horizontal to make it fit, and changed the color scheme up a bit.
Knowing that we were making a scrapbook, I packed photos of my loved ones, and lots of vintage papers.
The scrap book papers were all black and cream, I covered some of them in my own colors, but still using the shapes and sizes provided, and tying in some of the blacks when I could.
The flowers behind Dewdrop were part of the kit.
And I really liked the shape of this paper. I used the provided piece, and covered the left side of it, added the photo and flowers, then let the rest of the original paper peek out on the right.
There were two other projects over the weekend, I'll show those later. For now, I'll leave you with more scrappy pages from this class.
I was diligent about getting my book done, I knew that I wouldn't get back to it once I got home and it had been way too long since I'd made a grandchild photo album. And yes, it was finished before the weekend ended! While swap night was going on, I sat at my table spot to cut and glue away the evening.
Your album is lovely! the art event looked like so much fun. My little one just ‘graduated’ from pre-school and will be a kindergartener in August too. She is so excited but like Sugarwings–seems to come up with her ‘own’ projects and ideas now. I love watching her blossom and grow–she enjoys mixed media the most! I admit I struggle to write personal on my blog, mainly because I’m a shy reserved person, hesitant about my art, and I really blog cause I love art and try to show myself and others my ideas. If some emails me or comments, I consider it a privilege in this very busy world we live in. Take care, Kris
Amen on the blogging topics. And the scrapbook is wonderful. I’ve been pulling together photos of Gypsy to make something similar. I love the colors you used — they’re just right for your sweet ones! Fun project (and yes, when I don’t finish in class, they don’t get finished so easily!)
I love your lampshade! I have a bare lampshade frame sitting in my garage and it is just begging to be covered in lace! The scrapbook you made is gorgeous too!
The projects for the weekend were really good! I have two more to show too.
Sent from my iPad
Love your album, so so lovely.
Still have to read your last blog, but the photo’s are great.
Will send you a photo of some of my Angels in my Angelforest;
you could make one with Sugarwings in your Fairy Forest.
Karla….I LOVE your blog and so HAPPY that you will continue on sharing your world with us loyal fans and readers. I agree with you 100% on the changing blog world. It’s not the same.
However, blogging CHANGED my life in the biggest way and even tho’ I don’t post as often I would like, I will never give up blogging. It’s my outlet and connection to “my girls” that get me!! 🙂
Love your lampshade!! Your work is always blows me away!! xoxo,Jenn
Karla… I LOVE your gorgeous album. It was so worth the effort to get it done. Every page is beautiful! I am not sure if I stopped to say how sorry I was about your sweet little doggie… but I did read it and my heart broke for you. Hope you are having a nice summer. xoxo Heather
Gorgeous projects as always Karla! I’m so glad you had a place to put the drawing ~ I will always remember that gorgeous backdrop and it’s current journey across the states!! Hmmmm, I wonder what next year will unveil ~ you know it’s a tradition, right??? lol
xo
Your scrapbook inspires me to head down to my craft room and get all mine caught up!
Insightful post about blogging and its current state of affairs. Like anything communicationwise today, it comes roaring in like a lion with everyone on board and then begins to peter out with the true diehards still going strong. You see this in facebook and will impact Pinterest the same way. I still love my blog world for the friends that I have made, the talent I can visit at any whim and the news we share as old friends who may never meet face to face but I know fondly in my heart. I, like you, will continue to blog. I’m delighted that your blog continues to be on my favorites list.
Hi Karla,….having only “found ” your blog so recently…I sure am thrilled that you will continue on. You as well as your art…. are such inspiration to all of us. I too am a “Gramie”…so the bonus of viewing pix of your little ones is always fun. You have inspired me to create my art adventures with a whole new vintage twist and I am loving it. I live in a rural community…hard to find kindred souls near my home or age group! Your blog and some others I have bounced to from your info…..are soo sooo much fun! P.S. I love your shops too!
I absolutely love your lambshade. I’m getting inspired!!! And, the pics of the grandkids are precious. I have a new g’daughter coming in Oct. I’d better prepare…
Also, I agree with your thoughts on blogging. I am thoroughly ashamed and will comment more often……….
thanks!
I have to agree with you about blogging. I think there is very definitely a nitche for blog writers and readers. I do follow Facebook and Twitter to keep in the loop, but I enjoy the time I spend visiting the blog sites…including yours.
Love, love the lampshade, Karla and the fairy grandbaby book is so pretty and sweet!! I completely agree with your thoughts on blogging… for some of us blogging touched a place in us that had never been touched and the need continues to connect with people of like mind. It is so nice to know we are not alone or just weird just because we don’t find others like us in close proximity. Kim’s event looks wonderfull, but yours was fabulous also, and still is a wonderful thing for me to ponder and remember. Thanks for all you do for the rest of us out there, we so appreciate it. Linda
Amen on the blogging AND on the macaroni and chocolate pudding!!
I go all the way with you on the blogging aspect ,and am so happy you will go on blogging Karla,-so will I, and visit ,and enjoy! like today, your lampshade is fantastic- I have pinned it , and hope it is ok?
Love you “grandma album” you takes the most beautiful photoes of your two darlings.
Hugs,Dorthe
There is soooooo much beauty here! I love your lampshade and the way it literally drips with embellishments! And that gorgeous grandfairies album!
The pictures in this post are just begging for me to go back and look at them over and over again because there is so much to behold! Thank you for sharing it all.
Karla…the little tiny crocheted basket is adorable. BTW, I just opened my copy of Somerset “Apprentice” and there you are! What a good article, complete with your usual, good, down-to-earth advice! Your style is so refreshing and simple, with no artifice. Have a good week. Patty in Kansas
I’m one of those people that doesn’t always leave comments. I have always been grateful that you allowed me to take part in some tag swaps and others. Your blog is one that I visit everyday but only occasionally comment. I come here for comfort, the beauty and joy of your family life. I’ll comment more often.
Mahala 🙂
Please don’t ever stop blogging..I visit your blog regularly but don’t always say anything…just really enjoy your perspective on life, family and creativity 🙂
I have been following your blog for years b/c of you 🙂 I used to wear myself out by reading blogs, then I got rid of all but a handful that make me happy. You have the right mix of pic and stories. I feel like I know your family and would find a lot to laugh about with you!
I’m not cool enough to tweet. so keep on blogging!
Oh, I forgot to say that I love how you and Laurie were already scheming about your future artistic uses of leftover food in the nursing home. Well, I’m thinking you’d better not dismiss the rich color you could get from using stewed prunes as dye, too, Karla! Just trying to be helpful here! ; )
OH your album is gorgeous and so inspiring! Look at that frothy pink curtain backdrop at the Tiffany event!! And your lampshade is swoon worthy! I might get to meet Kecia on her stop in Colorado this weekend!! How fun!
Karla we all enjoy your blog so much,I dont respond every day like I used to but,I read you blog EVERYDAY,& enjoy it so much….PLEASE continue….lorraine
Glad to hear it Karla. I love the inspiration I get her. I wanted to let you know that I made my dress form from the kit and everyone loved it. I bought 20 guage wire to make more, but it seems to thin to hold the form. Are there different grades of wire beside the gauge?
Just started making the wreath from that tutorial and am loving that too.
Loved seeing your grandbaby scrapbook – those girls are beautiful!
Enjoy your week!
Leann
wow Karla your album is fabulous and beautiful…so love it so you inspired me to create one of my aunt who just pasted away for me to have to admire. thanks so much
Karla, I would be heartbroken if blogging faded away! It’s brought so much joy and inspiration into my life.
I love your projects. The lampshade is divine, and your beautiful fairy grandbabies make any scrapbook totally charming!