The bag I needed to pack my supplies in turned up! But after a summer of being filled with sunscreens, picnics, and carried to the lake, it looked a bit rough.
To cover some blotchy spots and stains, I squirted the canvas with glimmer mist. Is is washable? Who knows? Will I have blue running down my arms if I get caught in the rain while carrying it? Could happen.
I also added silver Stickles glitter and a few crystals. So, if the color runs away, at least the sparklies will stay around!
Hey, did you see that Hobby Lobby sells Stickles now! Yippee!
While there, I picked up a few things for the trip. I feel like I am getting ready for the first day of school, with all of these new supplies! I treated myself to all these new goodies, it just makes it even more fun. There is nothing like the feeling of opening a brand new box of crayons (or color crins, as we always called them) and seeing those sharp points that have never been put to paper yet!
Sugarwings gave me one of her new glue sticks. I thought Belle was appropriate for the occasion!
The hotel we are staying at has a free breakfast, so I will be well fed in the mornings, but thought it wouldn’t hurt to have some easy to grab food with me when there isn’t much time between classes for lunch.
What else goes in the bag? Trinkets that sparkle, a book of wallpaper samples, some French sheet music, jewelry tools, mats, and doodads.
Last year, I took a lot of extras with me and was glad I did. This year, the instructors have asked us to bring some extras along.
Plus, it seems like there are a lot of items called for this year, like books, frames, game boards, etc. 
This ballerina pin and card are coming along just because I like them. I have no idea if they will fit into the theme of any of the classes!
Now, the classes all sound really interesting and I’m sure they will be great to take. But- the photos of the projects are more like sneak peeks, and it is honestly hard to tell just what they will be like when done. At least for some of the artwork.
Sadly, I didn’t join in any of the swaps this year. But my friend, Valita offered to trade some wallpaper and photo album mats for vintage crystals! I jumped right on that.
So, her trade is packed, as well as some special orders and gifts that I am bringing.
Tomorrow, Heather and Natasha arrive! I decorated some little boxes for the presents I made for them, as welcome gifts. While I was gluing paper, I fixed up this mini chest of drawers for my roomie, Carol.
If she hadn’t agreed to share a room with me, I might not have decided to go to Silver Bella because the costs were just too high. I owe her! So, I made her a thank you gift and then fixed this up to package it in.
When I clean house, I tend to get side tracked. While mopping the dining room to be ready for house guests, I just got to thinking how much I hated the table top. It was a blah wood, that was dinged up and cups left rings on it every time we used it.
I love the table and chairs, and really didn’t want to repaint the whole set. 
That problem was solved by painting the table top kind of to match, but not too matchy-matchy. I used metallic champagne paint that I had left over from a previous project, then a gold glaze over it, blending while the paint was still wet.
I like the shimmer the metallics make, and am glad I stopped to do this. It was so much more fun than mopping the floor.
Lets see, supplies packed, house cleaned, table painted, gifts made, truck loaded with my wares, and these wine charms made to give as party favors tomorrow night.
I think I am about ready to go!
These are wine charms that Gwen, Carol and I made up earlier for the Glitter Lounge. I still need to pack the pink sugar with edible glitter to rim the champagne glasses for our party. The Godiva chocolates are in my bag, and ready to be sprinkled with glitter too!
I also need to pack my clothes. Ugh. The worst part. Did I mention that 10lbs snuck up on me?
After packing, I need to run to the post office and mail this silk outfit to my Sissy. She left it with me to tie dye for her and I want to mail ti before I go out of town. I hope she likes it, it started out a butter yellow, and now looks kind of mermaidy. Silk takes the dye different than the cottons I am used to, so it was a bit of an experiment.
This formerly white shirt goes to her too. I have a raspberry dyed shirt for myself to wear this weekend too.
I’d better get to packing it, I still have a dinner party to get ready for too.
I don’t know when I’ll get to post again. Hopefully after the party tomorrow night, but maybe not till after Silver Bella.
I promise to bring you a souvenir! This month’s SPARKLY SURPRISE GIVEAWAY will include some of the edible glitter to sprinkle on your holiday treats, and something, who knows what? from my weekend in Omaha.
Leave a comment to enter!
And please excuse me, if they don’t get answered. I’ll be away, then have company, then need to get caught up, unpacking and re-opening my shop. I will read and enjoy each and every comment, but I am sorry I won’t be able to answer.
Wow, you HAVE been busy! Your dining room table looks super! I love the wine glass charms. I have always wanted to make some. What do you use for the rings?
Have fun at your party! Silver Bella sounds fun too! I can’t wait to hear more about it.
Blessings,
Lorilee
I love your table Karla , a lovely little sidetrack, your dining room looks so tidy. Have a great time with your friends and your dinner party. See you after Silver bella or even during , i am sure someone will have a laptop with them Keep us posted . You know we all live Silver Bella through you. Donna
I love the idea of draping sparklies over the dining table.
I think I’ll do this for our Christmas dinner this year. 🙂
Such fun stuff! I hope it is great! I love the sparkly tote bag!
oh Gosh!! do have fun! I’ll be there in spirit will all of you! tell all the girls viv says hi! and Mary englebreit that I love her! YOur going to have a blast.. and your table looks amazing! I do the same thing, if the mood strikes I’ll drop everything else to do something that I know will be awesome!
have a sweet and glittery time!
vivian
Wow, your table looks wonderful and I know you are going to have so much fun at Silver Bella, can’t wait to hear all about it Pinkie
You have been super busy haven’t you! I am glad that you have gotten everything packed. I am sure you are feeling better knowing that is taken care of. I love the dining room table. You are talented, I would have never thought of mixing the paints. Well maybe I would have but I would have been too scared to try it worrying it wouldn’t turn out. It looks beautiful! Those boxes are just amazing! I love them. I hope that you have a wonderful time at Silver Bella. I look forward to hearing all about your trip. Have a wonderful day!
You know that I’ll do anything to be in that give away, even write a comment 😉
I love your table, very clever!
Wow, you have alot of energy. I am worned out just reading about all you do! The table is beautiful, as is everything you do. Have a great trip!! Lisa
You are going to have so much fun! I can’t wait to see your pics and hear all about it.
~elaine~
Aww! It looks like you’ve been so busy, and I wish you tons and tons of fun at Silver Bella!
Looks like you are well prepared for your fun event!
Oh, do I ever get sidetracked!! Usually cleaning leads to decorating, which is much more fun anyway!!
🙂
~Becca~
Have a wonderful time as I’m sure you will. Love your dining table. You have me now looking at mine and imagining…… LindaSonia (baddabinda@yahoo.com)
You look so prepared. Have a wonderful time. I love your table too!
I am thinking that a trip to Silver Bella will be on my Christmas list. If I start saving now I should be great for next year…..
Add me into the giveaway please!!
Busy, busy, love the table top, the tie dye and your new Belle gluestick! Rachaelxo
Karla
Have a great time!! Stay Safe!!! Talk to us when you have time!!
Pattie :c)
Mazatlan Mexico
Wow! I hope you all have a wonderful time!
Nancy
I don’t know how you do everything you do!! you are amazing! Love what you did with the bag. Very cute! And the table top is awesome! Hope you have a really great time at Silver Bella!! You deserve it!!
Safe travels to you and can’t wait to see all your new creations for sure! May your days be filled with fun, inspiration, friendship, and all the sparkle you can handle!
Safe travels to you in this exciting adventure! I can’t wait to see what wonderful creations you bring home. May your days be filled with fun, friendship, inspiration, and all the sparkle you can handle!
So much to bring!!! I had to cut back on bringing a lot; I am hoping the instructors DO have things for us to use! Safe travels and meet you soon!
*Heidi*
Table looks great love the glittery stuff too!!
Have fun at the party!
Diane
Girl, yopu have been busy getting ready for this trip..I look forward to seeing posts about it when you return….I love the table, it looks great, I just don’t know when you have time to do all you do..lol..
I hope your trip will be filled with lots of FUN…
Brenda
Sounds like you are ready to go! Have a great time! Happy creating!
~Lolly
You will have so much fun!
Hope you have a fun and safe time. Take pleanty of pics to show us. Enjoy your time.
That sounds like a fantastically fun trip! The shirt looks like it turned out really nice.
Wow! You have been busy! I am looking forward to meeting you at vendor night! Only three days to go! Yippeee!!!!!! And I am on my way to Hobby Lobby now so thanks for the heads up that they sell Stickles now!
Dear Karla, You are funny…”I was mopping the floor but then decided to paint my table instead…” That’s why we love you! Have a wonderful, wonderful time!!!! Your Friend, Bobbi
Have a Bella Blast, Karla. I know you will all have soooo much fun. Just be careful and take lots of pics.
In the mean time we can all go revisit the archives. Love to look at Nov and Dec archives.
BTW, I have started taking the “Karla” approach. When I need to be loading the dishwasher, I start painting the hallway. When I need to clean bathrooms, I make Christmas ornaments. When I need to cook something I will make ATC’s. It is so much more fun this way. AND the other stuff still gets done eventually. lol
Wowee lady you have been busy!
I love the boxes and chest you made as gifts, very nice and pretty!
have a wonderful and safe trip , cant wait too see all the gorgeous photos!
Aahh Karla, you always make me giggle. You are such a bundle of creative energy. I know you are busy but if you get time before your trip, pop on over to my blog as I am having a giveaway.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
I’ll be thinking of you all at Silver Bella, wishing you sparkly days and glittering nights as you laugh, create and share!
Lorrie
I hope you have a wonderful trip. I can’t wait to hear how it went.
Christa
Chloe Rose
Always the creative one!
Wow do you ever accomplish alot. Have a blast at Silver Bella.
PAINT THE TABLE? Thats always on the list of things to do! You crack me up…so like something I would do…when the house could be falling down around me too!
I must hurry and try to fold myself into your suitcase to go along!
But seriously…I was hoping for live BLOG CASTS from Silver Bella! Oh well….I’ll just have to wait….
Have a terrific time! Take lots of pictures!
Your blog always makes me smile. I had to chuckle after reading about the fixing of your bag. I’m so glad you found it. I hope you have a wonderful time. I can’t wait to see your pictures.
Nerissa
Your post made me laugh…my sons say i have ADD because im running from one room to the other working on 10 different projects! LOVE the tie-dye, and those wine charms gave me some great holiday ideas for my next craft show! Love your blog!
Love the ballerina pin! What a find! Also– I love sparkly surprises!
And come by my blog for my board game and jewelry giveaways!
http://nowenteringmomville.blogspot.com
quitecontrary1977@hotmail.com
If I don’t get to enjoy drinks in your room, I really need the edible glitter! Even though I will be at SB, hope I get picked!
Looking forward to tomorrow night! Looks like you are all ready for silver bella! I know I’m excited! See you soon 🙂
Hello! I hope you have been doing well. As usual, things look sparkly here! Can’t wait to see picks and read about your night!
i can’t wait to see your store when you get back! and thank you for the edible glitter mention..i can’t wait to try it. have fun:)
Karla-your table looks so great! Can’t wait to see it in person tomorrow. Love the ballerina pin! I hope your trip is delightful(I’m sure it will be).
Oh Karla . . . have a wonderfully artful time at Silver Bella! Can hardly wait to see some photos *smiles*
OHHH,I am getting excited just looking at all the pretties you are packing, and I am not even going, LOL! LOVE the Belle gluestick from Miss Sugarwings 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful time and a safe trip! Everything looks just beautiful! I would so love to win this gieveaway 🙂
Love ya,
Amy
I love it!!! There is always time to paint the table top!! lOL. Oh the things we can find to do. Have a great time with Natasha…did I mention you need to give a hug from me?? Have the time of your life at Silver Bella, even if you have dye running down your arm…you might start a new trend.!! Laurie
Hi Karla,
I love the job you did on your table top! Love sparklies too. Enjoy your trip.
Blessings,
Sandi
Wow- you are sooo lucky to be going- I’m sure you will have a BLAST!!!! Can’t wait to see what you collect in your travels! Enjoy your sparkly weekend- you deserve it!!!
Have a wonderful time and take lots of pictures for us to drool over!!!
Looks like everything is ready to go:) Have a safe trip and a WONDERFUL getaway!
Karla:
You continue to impress me! I am now sorry I will not be at Silver Bella but you cna count on my visit next year. Have a great weekend!
Coddy
Karla, It looks like you are well-prepared for your guests and trip to Silver Bella. Your home looks beautiful and so does everything you’ve made. Have an awesome time and very safe trip. xox
Have fun! I love your ballerina pin! Thanks for hosting a giveaway! Suzie
unreal… how do you do it all.. what energy.. maybe I should get of this computer & clean off my table..
Have a magical time at Silver Bella! I can’t wait to see the pics
when you come home!!
xoxoxo Laura
Oh what fun….I’m jealous!
And Gosh how I love your home! It has such charm!
Have lots of fun! Can’t wait to see the pics when you get back! karen….
Have fun tonight at your dinner party, sorry I have to miss it! And have a WONDERFUL time at Silver Bella. I can’t wait to hear your stories and see your pictures!!
honey (da da da da da da) awwwww, sugar sugar (da da da da da da) you are my candy gurl! (the Archies, circa 1960’s) have a great time!!
I so identify with getting sidetracked while cleaning! Love the metallic champagne though, lurve it.
Have a sparkly, shiny time at Silver Bella and tell her Casii waves “Hello!”
Have a fantastic creative holiday at Silver Bella!
I can feel the excitement!!
I know you are busy…I want you to see this iron butterfly bench these girls are posing on!
Did I read….edible glitter ? I heart for some….desperately seeking….I truely am…will trade hard labor and art supplies… Sincerely, this is a wonderful blog….thanks for my entry for the give a way.
Carol in NC
Have a fabulous time! So jealous can’t wait to see what you made what you get! Hugs Grace
edible glitter sounds fun! I love the tie-dyed shirt- very cool.
I love the table top paint redo, you clean like me…a little clean, a lot distraction :).
And edible glitter? Oh my what a treat that would be!
Have a super fun time at SB!
Laura
xxx
Painting is always way more fun than mopping a floor! Have a great time!
Have a great time!
What a great way to have what sounds like a working holiday.
I am sure you will enjoy it.
Keep safe and know we are patiently waiting to see what you have been up to when you get back.
Lois
I get so excited reading all you sweet Siver Bellas’ blogs see all the preparations. It looks like you all take alot of supplies and outfits.
Having guests and entertaining is time for fun~the 10 lbs will come off when life returns to normal!
Enjoy!
Tinaxx
Ohhh your bag turned out beautiful! I hope you have a safe and happy trip : )
Kathy
OH, I can’t believe it is finally really here! Oh you are going to have such fun! Please give Miss Natasha a big squeeze for me, she, like you is one of my favorite bloggy people! I love the thought of the two of you hanging out, I am sure the three of you will have quite the party. Have a great time and take loads of pictures for us!
Your table top came out fantastic. Just wondering…did you have to sand it first? Have a great time at Silver Bella. Oh, and edible glitter….I’ve never heard of such a thing. I’d love to be entered to win some.
You are my Hero!!! honestly you have so much energy and kindness just oozes from you, I do hope you have a wonderful time and yes we are all jealous but thanks for including us in all your packings, it makes us feel like we are going too! I can not believe you painted a dinner table…for dinner….see Hero!!! Have fun, kiss noises Linda Lilly Cottage.
You are an amazing person, I just cannot believe how many things you accomplish and in what seems like such a short time. Wow very fun stuff in this post. Table looks fantastic. Have a ball and bring us back loads of pictures.
Hugs, Diane
Hi!
I love the ballet.
It’s very nice to go through this blog.
All things beautiful.
I love the job you did on your table top!
A greeting
Karla have a wonderful time hunny 🙂 the edible glitter sounds yum!!!! Love what you have done to the table top too xxx
Have a wonderful time at Silver Bella!!! It sounds like so much fun.
Claudia
Hi Karla,
Hope you have a fabulous time! Id love to be entered in your give-away, how gorgeous!!
~ hugs ~ Cynthia
and that bag is just so pretty too!!
Have a grand and glorious time (like you wouldn’t?)! You snack bars make me smile — I have a couple sitting right here on my desk! All your things are so lovely, including that pretty chest for Carol. And oh, I chuckled with your sparklies on the totebag — I have many formerly-white clothes that now possess original artwork due to a spill (or washing it with something red!) I’m smiling, just thinking of you!
Can’t wait to receive the tye-dye clothes you made for me. They look beautiful in the pictures! I really like the mermaid effect on the silks. Hope you are having a great time with your visitors before going to Silver Bella. Wishing you Blessings for a succesful and wonderful time there.
Hope you have a fabulously wonderful time :)!!
Stacey
I know you’ll have a ball!! Enjoy!!
Can’t wait to see pictures.
Hugs, Rhondi
Wishing you lots of fun @ the Silver Bella. I live on 4 1/2 hours away and would have loved to be there!!!
Blessings
Roxanne
Have a great time!! Looking forward to seeing and hearing all about it!
Barbara
Karla, it certainly looks like you are ready for your company and for silver Bella. I know you will have a great time. Be sure to take lots of photos so we can all grieve about not being there too. Enjoy yourself!
Jean in virginia p.s. Your table looks wonderful.
Okay, think Lucy…
Waaaahhhhh….I’ll miss my morning Karla’s Cottage fix in the mornings!!!!
I hope you have fun! karen….
PS..don’t email back, I’ll just feel stupid!
I love that you painted the table top. Have tons of fun and bring back lots of pics and stories to share with all of us who aren’t there with you.
Hugs
Your too cute! I don’t know how you do it all.
Have a great timr! I cannot wait to hear about Silver Bella.
oh oh…love love love the table top!!! ISN’T LIFE GRAND when you are working on something and then get sidetracked …and it’s sooo much more fun! i blame the whole age and short attention span thing to my sidetracking….heck i even do that in converstaion…lol…can’t WAIT to see the photos from silver bella!!! such a grand journey!!!
hugz
How DO you do it all? AND SO WELL TOO?! People like you make people like me.. like really really bad. LOL Oh well… I hope Silver Bella was awesome!
Great idea for the table!
Lea
Can’t wait to hear (and see) all about it!! I would LOVE to see Mary Engelbreit!
Hope you have a wonderful time! You are so talented!!
Have fun at Silver Bella, we are watching your adventures from afar. I am dreadfully jealous.
karla-
have a great time at Silver Bella! can’t wait to hear about all the glittery fun.
have a great week-
Tracy
Ahhhh… glitter and gorgeousness… all the loveliness of Silver Bella! Have a fabulous time, Karla! =)
I love glitter (especially the edible kind) hope I win!
Oh when are you coming home , you have been missed. Donna
OMG, 100 posts! You are a busy girl! I left you an award on my blog! Can’t wait to see your pics from Silver Bella!
I read both post. Looks and sounds like a good time was had by all…m…
Oh I can not wait to see what you created at Silver Bella!!! and I am so glad that someone else starts to clean house and ends up in a painting project, it just isn’t cleaning if you don’t create while doing it!huh? Think that is just how the creative mind goes! Keep posting picks of the Bella fun!!! We love to see it all!-Sandra
Oh Carla!
I don’t know if I am too late for your giveaway, but mainly I stopped by to say how great it was to see you again this year…and to sit with you at dinner on the last night! I had a wonderful time with all of you gals, and there was so much laughter! I don’t think that I will ever look at the gravel on the side of my house the same again!! Looking forward to our paths meeting again soon. much love and glitter, Natalie
Thanks for the information…I bookmarked your site, and I appreciate your time and effort to make your blog a success!