Paper Cowgirls was every bit as much fun as I knew it was going to be. Last year was a blast, but this year, seemed even more special.
Maybe because it was so small and intimate? I love big, arty gatherings, but the small ones really are good bonding experiences. Being in Texas with this group of friends, old and new makes me even more impatient for Birdsong to happen in April! I'll get to see my talented buddy, Lisa again, she and Beth will be teaching here at the cottage along with me.
The best part of the trip was just leisurely hanging out with friends. It was a laid back, low key event, lots of time to just sit and talk, or walk around and shop while chatting. I wish had more photos of my buddies, there were so many nice people there! I packed my cheapo, pocket camera instead of my good one, and very few of the pictures turned out worth posting.
Over the weekend, I also got to hang with my long time blog friend, Dawn, who I was happy to finally meet along with Karen, whose blog and design work on other's blogs I have enjoyed for years. Cindy and I have met up at other events and its always good to reconnect.
Dawn's class was a fun one to take. I've made lots of peat pot babies in the past, as well as little nesting fairies, but its good to pick up some new tips and different ways of looking at a project from someone you admire.
I also took Donna's class, it was a goody too. I'll have photos later.
My own class went well. It was an itsy bitsy teeny weeny class, only 3 students! I told everyone that I should have been humiliated by the size of it, but it takes a lot more than that to embarrass me.
Plus, I sold all of the kits I made up, thinking I'd have a full class, and didn't come close. So, I did okay financially, and ended up with a small, easy going, peaceful little group in my classroom that was really kind of refreshing.
Thank you to everyone who bought my kits. I'm sorry to say I don't have any left for those of you were inquiring about extra kits to buy online when I got back. I have plenty of supplies to make more…. but not plenty of time.
Maybe after Birdsong, I can whip a few more boxes up. I'll save your info and let you know if I get more kits together in May.
Our hotel rooms (which were really NICE and dirt cheap, a suite with space to spread out and work was only $69) often looked like this.
Beth and I helped Lisa make her kits the day before her class. Beth and I worked on samples for her own class. I was able to make two complete collages from the kits that she had for her class, I'm going to save them to use as door prizes for Birdsong. She has some kits left over if you want to make one of her adorable designs.
In Donna's class, she provided felted wool to make a crown. I saved all my little scraps cut out from the crown's points and made these lil guys.
Even though I am not a good sewer, I was hooked on stitching up the felt and whipping out little felty guys with the 3" snippets I had left over.
So, when our room wasn't filled with paper scraps, there were bits of felt all over, or big groups of friends staying up late and talking. I guess what I mean, is that our rooms were always filled with fun!
Karla….I would have loved to be in your class!
It was so wonderful to finally meet you sweet Karla!!!! I loved spending the evening treasure hunting with you too ~ we truly are kindred spirits when it comes to junkin’!! Meeting so many friends I’ve known for so long through the blogs was truly the best part of Paper Cowgirls ~ I miss you Kansas girls! hugs and love, Dawn
Was so glad to see you again. Thank you again for my lovely wreath, I adore it and it has a special spot in my studio. And yes, there is something about the smaller events, that do make them more special. One of my favorite evenings was at Campuzano’s just hanging out and laughing. We will have to do it all again!
hugs,
c
That looks like soooooo much fun! Glad you enjoyed your time with your new and old friends…..and that it was good financially, too! That’s always a plus. The projects are wonderful! dana
There was a great selection of projects, and some very nice people. It was the best!
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Wished I could have been there, it all sounds so nice.
And I love the little bunny and the bird.
Awe, thanks Karen! Id love to be in one of yours!
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Thanks, they are a very, very new thing for me, Im not usually into anything that involves thread!
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Wonderful, Karla. I have missed so much but I must go back and see if I can find your project, too. I love Dawn’s peat pots. Nice and fancy!!!
Big hugs,
Suz
Beautiful projects! Adore your felty bunny and bird too!
Bunnies and Birds from Scraps ~ Karla the second I saw those little cuties… I’m like Oh my goodness…those are so sweet!!! Leave it to you to pick up stuff off the floor and make something beautiful out of it!!!!
Only you Karla ~ Your SOOOOOOOOOO creative!!!
I’m gonna start keeping my eyes downward from now on… lookin for the good stuff!!!
I have started reading (and loving!) your blog, Karla, and I just wanted to say, “Hi!” Oh, how I wish it would have worked out for me to go to Waxahachie for the Paper Cowgirl event!! I live in the Ft. Worth area. The main reason it didn’t work out is that I am knee-deep getting ready for Karen Hillman’s “Beauty in Blue” event to be held here in Texas next week. This is my first art retreat, and I am soooo excited! If I were closer, I would LOVE to attend your Bird Song event! You are so talented. Oh, and I think your little felted bunny and bird are the sweetest.
Looks like you had a great weekend. I’m so sorry I didn’t get to meet you when you were so close. I even had a dream that I ran into you on Saturday when I was shopping at Petticoats. Next time for sure!
Catching up on your Cowgirl posts after being absent a bit and oh! What a grand time you had! Love the nests but those little felted birds are what really get to me! All lovely!
I also would have loved to of been in your class!
Karla,
What a great way to trash a hotel room, looks like amazing fun! You Paper Cowgirls sure know how to liven things up. It looks and sounds like it was a great event. So wish I could have attended and taken your class. Keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to take a live class from you someday. I am so sad that Birdsong is out for me again this year, I have a schedule conflict that can’t be changed. Thank you so much for sharing glimpses of the fun events you host and attend, they are always so inspiring.
Welcome home, Karla….the little felt bird and bunny ornaments were adorable. I know you said you don’t really like to sew, but someday, maybe I’ll show you the blanket stitch, and you’ll be hooked on it. Very peaceful and easy-peasy. Patty in Kansas
It looks like it was the perfect crafty trip for you guys — slow pace and plenty of down time!