This is pretty much how I felt the whole weekend at Silver Bella, I laughed my ass off. Well not really, I actually ate so many wonderful treats, I came home with a much bigger butt than when I started.
Meleen Dupree, (what a glorious name, I am jealous) took this photo of my fingernails. I had just come from Teresa's class where I tried to wash the color out of a bottle brush tree and the dye stained my fingernail polish. The polish started out silver, and turned aqua from the green tree! 
For this project, Teresa gave us stuff to use, and it was supposed to be a Christmas pageant story, but I changed it a bit to be a snow scene. (If I find my camera battery charger, I'll get some better pics of it, I still have some tweaking to do to the piece yet, too.)
I was trying to lighten the bottle brush tree in the bathroom sink with hot water and soap, but it didn't work as well as the bleach soaking does. While I was in the rest room, a bunch-o-bellas were in there using the hand dryer or sinks on various projects. I wonder what hotel guests thought about all of us in there leaving trails of glitter and getting paint all over the sink basins?
Kara Ward gave me a tree tip, she doesn't bleach hers, she rubs them with white paint, and that really saved my tree. The hot water lightened it a little, but the white paint gave me the look I wanted.
I found out that you learn every bit as much from the other attendees as you do from the teachers! (the lovely centerpiece is by Kari,and she forgot to offer them for sale after the luncheon, durn it! I'd have bought one!!)
And of course, we got to hear Mary speak at the luncheon and I was surprised to hear how down to earth she was. During the question and answer period, her answers sounded like what I would have said to the same questions. She sounds like a person who just likes to create things and is always working on something she enjoys doing.
Here is the poster that we had an option to buy for Mary to autograph. I didn't get one, but I did get to meet her for a few minutes the night before. Of course, I didn't recognize her, and just blathered on with my typical rambling conversation. It might have been a bit more interesting if I'd let HER talk or had taken her photo, huh?
There were so many interesting people that I met there! And everyone seems like an instant friend, we all have so much in common to talk about.
Here is Cheryl, (who looks like a mini ballerina perched in a vintage jewelry box), Tiffany (who was such a delight, I could have spent the entire weekend talking to her), and Sheila (who was such a huge help to me in setting up my vendor booth, I still owe her big time! She lives near by me and I hope we can hang out together).
Cute Pam is almost as tiny as itty bitty, cute Cheryl. Pam seems to be as much of a wallpaper addict as I am, its always fun to discuss vintage papers with a fellow collector.
Although Pam provided lots of good tidbits to use in her class, I preferred to bring my own goodies, and made this holiday home hanger into a ballerina theme confection.
But to keep with the "house" theme, I added a key to the arrangement.
Pam showed me how to use beeswax over the papers for a different look, and my pal Tiffany (whose business cards accidentally read "Shabby Craps" instead of "Shabby Scraps", I LOVED that!!) gave me some further pointers on how to use wax.
Like I said, you learn a lot from the other crafters attending. I plan on making use of these tricks and adding wax to my supplies in the studio.
Heather came up with a blue color pallet with her house, it was so "Pretty Petals"!
Sally Jean's Soldiering for Virgins was very helpful too. I've soldiered before and the people at my table were calling me a Soldering Trollop instead of a virgin.
But I got a lot out of the class, picking up some easier and more professional ways of finishing the charms.
Sally Jean is a beautiful woman, I'm afraid this photo doesn't do her justice. It also doesn't show all the scars she has from all the burns she has received over the years… Poor thing!
As the scaredy cat that I am, I was afraid of getting burnt in class too. Lots of novice solderers all sitting close to each other could have been a disaster! But these pals all seemed to know what they were doing and really created some great stuff.
This is Julie and Shelly, who were responsible for extreme bouts of laughter on many occasions, including "High School Confessional" at dinner one night.
For those of you who were asking me, no, you DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A BLOG to have fun at Silver Bella! It was easy to gravitate toward bloggers to hang with because I felt like I already "knew" them from reading so much about them. But I made friends and spent time with plenty of blogg-less bellas too.
This is probably my favorite creation of the weekend. Suzanne looked gorgeous in her vintage wallpaper rose charms! Another thing I'd like to make. But of course, I'd need the great shirt with the roses and crown to wear with them. And her name tag…. 
And this, is the present I made for you in Sally Jean's class!
One side is a print of my painting of roses, the other is of little Sugarwings. This is the one that got my table mates calling me a Soldering Trollop, because I added some extra bling to the bottom.
All comments, all month go into the giveaway drawing. And I do read and enjoy each and everyone. But I will have the little Fairy Grand baby all weekend, plus haven't unpacked yet, so I might not return all the emails and comments I get. I hope you don't think I am rude.
Jessi has some good photos posted of the Glitter Lounge on her blog. Here we are with Heidi (who I didn't get to spend enough time with! I really wanted to hang out with her)
PS- I reopened my Etsy shop, and as soon as I find my camera battery charger, I'll add some new things to it!
It looks like you had a delightful time! I’m glad you were able to enjoy it!
oh wow looks like you all had a great time and learned a lot along the way. I love your Charm and the extra bling!
Hugs, Diane
Karla, you and Carol definitely know how to get the party started! 🙂 I am so glad that I got to be apart of this event. Being a first time Bella, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But, I felt right at home. Getting the opportunity to visit & bond with everyone was amazing. xoxo, Joanna
have a great time with the Fairy Grandbaby – I’m loving all the Silver Bella photos and stories. And no, you’re not rude for not answering – go off and enjoy yourself.
Lorrie
Oh my gosh, look at all those beautiful projects! I just LOVE the tree book and I’m already getting all kinds of artistic inspiration. Your charm is gorgeous. For Christmas I’m asking for the soldering kit from Simply Swank. I’m scared of burning myself too, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, so I’m going to risk it! yikes!
Can’t wait to see more pictures! Especially closeups of the projects you made! And I am very intrigued with how you use wax.. you must show us! Fun, Fun, Fun!
Looks like so much fun was had by all! Enjoy Sugarwings!
I have been working hard cleaning my craft room and I needed a break. First place I came to was here. Karla, you did not disappoint. Love all the pictures.
I am crossing my fingers and toes to win the Nov. givaway. Love the roses and the crown AND a painting of Sugarwings.
Oh wow , those pictures are sooooo much fun!! It looks like a fabulous time for sure! I’d love to attend one of them, they really look like a blast!
thanks for sharing! and all those homemade crafty goodies are fabulous! what talented ladies!!
~ Hugs ~ Cynthia
It was a pleasure meeting you at the Vendor Fair, and I think all of your projects are wonderful. After seeing all of those beautiful soldered charms, I wish I would have taken that class!
I’m enjoying all of the photos very much! It looks like so much fun! Love all of the charms!
Daaaaaang!! How much fun did you haaaave!! Wow, I”m loving what you’ve made! Can’t wait to hear the tips on waxing!
Karla-
you looked like you had an amazing time. I am so happy to at least live vicariously through your photos. Going to Silver Bella is now on my list of things to do for me !
have a great week-
Tracy
I love everything. It looked like you were having way too much fun. Thanks for sharing.
It was nice to meet you at the Vendor Fair. You certainly were kept busy. I got one of Shabby Craps business cards! Too cute! It made me laugh! Sometimes I think I should change my blog to My So Called Junky Crap because of all the crap I have lying around (and I think my husband would agree!!!) 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend with your little bella!
Wow!! So much fun!!!!
Same here…I felt like we could have talked all weekend…except that there were aobut 200 girls to do the same with! Not enough talking time for sure! I loved meeting you! I still can’t believe you took the VIRGIN soldering class! LOL Love the charm!
Smiles. Heidi
Oh, it all just looks so fun! Your creations are lovely as always! So glad you had a ball!
That’s it Karla! I’m going to be a Bella next year! So glad to hear your vending table was such a hit. I enjoyed following you gretting ready for this party. So good of you to share your ball!Hugs,Terri
LOOOVE all the photos! Yes Cheryl DOES look like a ballerina in these photos…what a doll! Everything looks so fun! Next year for sure! I am already in the planning stages haha!
Thanks for the comment on my blog! xo-Molly
Karla, thanks for sharing SB again with those of us who only wish we had been there…LOVE the tip on the trees, thanks for sharing that…i am trying that for sure…your soldered charms are GORGEOUS!!! that is the one class i definitely would have signed up for!!!
hey doll,
what a fun photo of you!!
thats how i think we all felt all weekend!!
Your charms turned out fab
oxoxo,
jessi
Yipppiieee!! I’m so glad that you too are posting more and more photo’s, but I think I just cannot get enough of them. All the projects are gorgeous and it’s fun to see so many well known bloggers here. Enjoy your time with Sugarwings!
Karla-
I loved Suzanne’s wallpaper charms too! I can’t wait to peruse my fabulous pile of wallpaper you brought me and make some for Christmas gifts. (and some for me too!)
That wallpaper was probably the purchase I will use the most, thank you, thank you!!
Stacy
Great projects and I love the charm you made for this mouths draw…fantastic.
Karen
Oh, what fun! Love the things you made! Love Mary Engelbreit, also!!
those projects you made with the bottle brushes are gorgeous! I hope to go one year.
You look and sound like you had the best time in Omaha!!!! We need to hook up and you can give me lessons on that perfect shade of aqua for my fingernails!!! WOOOO, Silver Bella 2009!!!!!
Love, love the pics. Keep ’em coming! I wished I could’ve gone this year but I am living vicariously through all of you Bellas! It looks like you had SUCH a good time! I had to laugh about you chattering on to Mary E. and not knowing who you were talking to. That’s exactly the kind of thing I would do.
Kathy
I’ve never tried dyeing the little trees but I did paint one in the same way, and spray painted an entire wreath! I love the way that turned out…opened a whole new world! I think it’s fantastic you can learn so much from the other students! I REALLY want to try the wax
That sounds like the most amazing weekend!!
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Love your charms……wish I could’ve had a soldering class with Sally Jean….maybe next time. Sure would love to win that charm necklace! Hope you get some rest this coming weekend even with your little Sugarwings around!
Have a great day!
Rochelle
Karla…it was so fabulous seeing you! You are SO funny and just so inspirational to be around! I’ve loved every bit of the Bella bounty you’ve been sharing on your blog!!!
Big hugs,
Michelle
Very cool projects you made. Love the Christmas pageant one and the give away soldered pc. is beautiful too.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
Ooooooh weeeeeee, I sure would love to win THAT piece you made in class!!! Nice . . . very nice.
Karla,
Wow, Silver Bella looks like SOOOOO much fun! I adore the charm! The soldering also looks like fun. I remember my dad soldering to fix broken things. He could fix anything!
Blessings,
Lorilee
I don’t beleive anyone but you could manage to dye her fingernail polish. At least it wasn’t your whole hands. It looks as if you all made some great stuff and had such a good time. It shows in all of your smiles. As they say, laughter is good for the soul. Kiss that sweet sugarwings for me and have a wonderful time with the her.
LOL at the finger nails, but hey they look great!
It looks like you had so much fun and the time must have flown by.
I LOVE the charm you made. It is so special!
~elaine~
I love your charms!
I sure had an amazing time at the pre-bella party you hosted and then at SB with you! Let me know when the next craft day is, I would sure love to come if I can! You are such a gem!
soooooooooooooo fun Karla!
YOU are adorable – and I’m thrilled you all had such a great time – what a joy it is for US to read your Bella stories and share in your fun – thank you for taking us with you too!!
xo,
Kim
OMG~ 🙂 I stumbled upon your flickr last night for the first time and imeediately was in awe of all of your little creatons and fairies and the wonderful magical world you’ve created for yourself. So I had to check to see if you had a blog and seure enough-BINGO! I love your little creations!!
I will be back to read more of your blog as soon as I have the chance.
Xo Kelly
That picture is priceless! Loved all of your projects. It was fun meeting everyone!
karla,
“dying finger nail polish 101″….i think that’s a class for next year!!!
so glad we met!!! and that sweet grandbaby of yours……sugar for sure!!!
meleen
You met Mary Engelbreit! And talked to her!!!! You are living my fantasy life! Does anyone know if the rumor I’ve read on a couple of blogs is true? Is Mary’s mag coming to an end?
What a hoot it was watching you clean that tree and change your nail polih color!! That charm is stunning, I would have to agree that you are a little trollop!!
SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!! I’m loving these pics! I’ve said it before… and I’ll say it again… I WANT TO GO IN 2009! (Plus my two oldest boys will be 13 and 15 by then… they could stand a little guy-time alone with Dad anyhow… besides, you know what teenage boys think of their “moms” at that age… she’s nothing but a housemaid! lol)
I am having so much fun reading everyone’s Silver Bella blog posts. I hope to make it one day. I love how your nail polish turned colors! How apropo.
Your giveaway necklace is gorgous! How generous of you to share with us.
Take care
Nerissa
It looks like you had a wonderful time. I am really enjoying the photos. Thank you so much for sharing. I love the soldered charm you made, it’s beautiful!
OMG. OMG. OMG. OMG. OMG. Inspiring. Fun. Gorgeous work by one and all. What else is there but to enjoy. Eye candy my dear!
Your take on all the classes is fabulous! Especially the ballerina one!
Speaking of bathrooms in hotels where there are these types of events going on; I think the Embassy Suites we stayed at for Donna Downey’s Inspired Event thought we were all loco.
All of your charms turned out beautifully, the extra “bling” was a great idea! Oh, and I happen to like your ‘silver-turned-teal’ nail polish, it’s fun :o)
Have a great weekend!
~Rachel
Next time you must plan for an extra suitcase and I fear I may be inside it!
The classes sound wonderful and everyone looks so happy! I know everyone looking at your blog wishes they were there! I know I do!
Love the pendant you made. Is that rose background wallpaper? I think you posted a sheet of that once — it seems like I remember it, only bigger!
OK…of ALL of the posts about Silver Bell that I’ve seen, yours has been the funniest!!!! Soldering Trollop…oh, that just cracks me up! Looks like it was such a blast. I’ve got to start saving pennies so I can go next year.
c
hi karla !!!!! looks like you bella’s had a ball – i don’t always have time to comment here , but i always enjoy reading what your up to !! anyways missed seeing you this year with all the other girls – well there is always next year right !???!! doesn’t mean i am not getting my glitter on still !LOL!!!
xo,
beth
OH SUCH FUN!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!
I am so green with envy…what a wonderful magical week-end…….thank you for sharing with all of us.
“TROLLOP” … gotta love it. You go, girl!
Yeah for more Bella news! I can kinda pretend I was there. Thanks so much from “blogless” me! – Amy Bauer