Paper Cowgirls is open for registration!
I've already signed up to take a couple classes and am really looking forward to the event. Over the last couple years, I have heard so many good things about it and have wanted to get down to Texas to give it a try.
And I am thrilled to be one of the teachers this year. Well, that is IF ten people sign up for my class…. If ten don't sign up, it gets cancelled.
Please keep your fingers crossed for me!
Personally, its a class that I would sign up for, if it wasn't my class, I mean. I really like the piece we'll be creating. I spend lots of time working on the prototypes and figuring out the steps on how to make these mini dress forms.
An idea can be the easy part. Making it work isn't always as easy! It took me a while to fine tune the process and get it down good enough to show others how to do it. I had a practice class with some friends before I submitted the project to Paper Cowgirls. And I'll do a couple more practice classes with two other groups of friends before I head to Texas to actually get paid for showing people how to make them.
As I've visited my favorite antique stores, I've been keeping my eye out for great pieces to add to my kits. Last week, I came across a few bags full of these insulators. Won't they make cool toppers for these dress forms?
Here's another pile of toppers I've assembled. My plan is to have a wide variety for the students to chose from, so that all the end products are unique.
When I go to a class, I always take my extras. And usually from the Bestie pile I've been talking about lately. Because I like my own piece of art to look like MY OWN piece of art, not just like the teacher's.
Oh, I get a lot from the classes and enjoy and use the kits. And I seem to learn a lot from everyone sitting at the table with me. But- I do like my creation to look like I was the one creating it, so I bring supplemental goodies to add to the kit the teacher provided.
So, for Paper Cowgirls, just like I am with Bird Song, I am giving the students the opportunity to make their own choices. There will be kits of course, and they will be filled with lots of vintagey goodness. And since most of the stuff is vintage, not all will be just the same in each kit.
For some of the supplies, I want to have piles on the tables for everyone to pick through.
I'd rather they didn't have to bring their own unique things unless they really want to. I'd like to provide enough to make sure that while we all follow the same steps and instructions, everyone has the chance to veer off the beaten path a bit and art the piece up in the way that calls out to them.
And with all my classes, the students will be Using the Good Stuff! Look at these great laces I bought yesterday from Beth. She gave me a deal so wonderful that I can afford to treat all the students to nice, old lace.
We spent the day together, she let me help her redo her antique mall booth, and I'll have some photos of that for the next post. And she bought me lunch, then hauled me to Costco so I could mooch off of her membership and buy plates/cups/etc for Bird Song and for another gathering I have coming up.
Over all, this has been a great week. Well besides the awful cold that settled into a sinus infection. But now, I have myself heavily medicated for that and the pounding in my sinuses is just about gone. I had Sugarwings a few nights, which makes any week wonderful. Even though, at my age with a sinus infection, chasing a 4 year old and getting up with her in the middle of the night isn't as easy to do as it used to be. Its worth it.
Besides lots of Fairy Grand Baby time, and getting to spend a day with Beth to play decorator in her booth, and signing up for classes at Paper Cowgirls, I also got this copy of Somerset Apprentice in the mail.
I've never been in it before, and honestly had never seen it, I wonder if it is new? But it is GOOD. I read the whole thing cover to cover while I was in the Dr.'s office waiting room and was impressed with the photos and the layout, not to mention the directions.
The whole magazine is step-by-step directions from many artists. It was well done, easy to read and follow. I got some good tips from it! And it made an unpleasant visit to the Dr. go much better.
Hey, thanks for all the comments and emails about Using the Good Stuff. I think the subject was close to the hoader's heart in all of us!
Karla, In December i had a terrible cold that went into my sinus. After going to the doctors two times and put on meds. He said to use a Neti Pot. Did you ever hear of them? CVS sells them. It works great. Oh how i laughed while useing it the first time ever. Did you ever hear of them???? Well, after lots of meds and rest, i did feel better. Hope you feel better, sounds like you are one busy girl.
It looks like a fun class Karla, I’m sure more than 10 will sign up for it.
The laces from Beth are really pretty all piled up like that. And that’s part of the reason it’s so hard to use the good stuff sometimes. It just looks so gorgeous piled up in a bowl that I don’t have the heart to cut into it. 🙂
Sounds like a lot of fun with your class at Paper Cowgirl Karla. I´m sure lots will sign up for that. Love all the lace you bought from beth. Awesome
Oh Karla, those dress forms are adorable and I would sign up for your class in a minute!!! I’m sure you’ll have far more than 10. You have incredible talent.
Blessings!
Christa
So excited about your class!!! My daughter and I are all signed up so there’s 2 for you!!! And I’m sure you will have a full class before you know it!!! We are looking forward to it and looking forward to seeing you again! It’s been a few years. Congrats on Apprentice! I’ll have to go grab a copy.
I just signed up for your class, Karla!! How fun, and on my birthday :)) I guess if I have to turn 50, I might as well spend it with some really fun people. I can’t wait!!
I am ready to take somebody out at the knee’s to be one of the ten….lol…actually I think they cut us off at 20….I really want in this class :)And…I am right there with you with the sinus infection…it is part of the changing seasons I think! Hope to see you soon!
just reading the blogger comment of above mine…I was distracted by heather’s comment to funny!! lol
The dress forms are so pretty!!
See you soon sweet karla :))
xo
K
Karla,
I love your project. I think it’s a great one and love all the little doo-dads you are picking up. The lace from Beth…drool! It is gorgeous. Congratulations on Apprentice. I really like it, especially if I don’t know a technique. I will have to pick it up and try it out!
xo,
Suz
Congrats, Karla! I have head of Apprentice, but never seen it out. The moth fairy is so sweet!
The dress forms are terrific — should be a fun class. Glad to see you in Somerset. I’ve never seen this particular version of Somerset — glad to hear you find it more than pretty pix but lots of useful info.
These look fab and the one element looked so familiar to me…We still have knob and tube wiring at The Old Parsonage!! If we ever get around to re-doing the wiring, I’ll be sure to save the insulators!
Good luck with getting your ten. I’m sure the class will fill up quickly.
Leann
I am signed up for your class at Paper Cowgirl…I am looking forward to meeting you and I love the project!
Karla,
Looky you, all your peeps excited for your class! You are going to love it!! It’s such a good time, so relaxed. I think your project is awesome & perfect for the event. Congrats on yet another addition to the Karla Nathan Library of Fine Living. BTW, Apprentice is one of my faves. I’ve been looking for this one but they don’t have it here yet. Get better!
Lisa
Karla, just love your mini dress form project. I’d be lining right up there to sign up with cowboy boots on, but I’m just too far away 🙁 Guess I’ll just have to content myself with “The Apprentice” (btw, it’s a great publication in my books). p.s. that Beth sure finds great stuff, doesn’t she, especially in the lace department 🙂
Your dress forms are lovely! I hope you are feeling better. Sinus infections are the worst. Get some rest! Congratulations on another appearance in Somerset! That magazine sounds wonderful – I had never seen that particular one, either!
You are going to have so much fun at Paper Cowgirl. I mean, we Texans (even displaced ones) know how to party. 🙂
Hugs,
Judy
I love Somerset Apprentice – congrats on having your beautiful project featured! I can’t wait to go scoop it up. Your dress forms look like such fun to play with {and use the “good stuff” on, lol} Have a great trip!
xxoo
Heidi
Oh gosh, I wish I could go. I am in love with those dress forms, wow! Heavy sigh, one day! haha! :o)
Have a great day!
Those dress forms are just WONDERFUL!