Beth and I worked on photographing our projects for the Romantic White Christmas class yesterday, and I was able to get the site up and running. I was being very flustered and scattered and was feeling the pressure of getting it all pulled together in time, plus getting ready for Silver Bella and a couple of dinner parties. Beth asked if I was OK, and told me that it wasn't like me to be frantic about getting things done. I usually take it all in stride.
But then, she asked me how the baby was doing and I realized I was totally blocking all my grand baby worries and focusing them on the other things. I'm not frantic about projects and parties! I'm really wrecked worrying about the new baby.
Sometimes it takes a good friend to calm you down and help you face your fears.
So far all is well with the baby, the due date is nearing and the new momma is holding up. The closer the date gets, the more relieved I should be, since the little one gets stronger and stronger as she grows. But 6 weeks of labor stopping and starting has left me frazzled. And no pre-natal care terrifies me.
But the momma is calm and cool and I need to follow her lead. Beth reminded me that they are following their beliefs and they are not stupid, if a serious problem comes up, they will go to the hospital.
So, I'm focusing on the good news, and looking forward to the parties and projects, and a new cuddle bundle coming soon. Staying positive can't hurt. Turning into a frazzled wreck will only make it worse.
Sorry, sometimes I use this blog as a daily diary to help me deal with things. Other times, its a kind ear to tell my problems too. But I'm sure you all would rather I just kept it a happy place to share pretty stuff!
So, on with the pretties!
The NOEL Banner is mine, and the patterns are hand drawn. I've also included an ornament and star pattern to use too. Plus, I have edited and sized the patterns to be printed 8 x 10" like the banner, or 4 x 6" to be used as ornaments.
Beth sure made some nice stuff for her side of the classes. This is a details of a white feather wreath she created and embellished.
And how sweet is this?
This one is from me, and I hope everyone likes it, they are a bit different…. but I had fun with them. Can't you picture this on a table top filled with mini silver ornaments and moss?
I have this shoe 2 ways, one has a bit more color to it. We've based the projects on White Christmas of course, but if it was all completely white, the papers would all be blank. We use a lot a of neutrals and a hint of soft colors.
I spent two weeks going through my ephemera stashes and scanned all my favorites, then edited them to sepia or black and white, and some with barely there colors. Then, I included some of the original colored papers in the catalog for you too, so you'd have choices. There are lots of papers and images to chose from, much more than what you will need just for these projects.
These photo album mats are a good example of images that you'll find in the catalogs that will be useful year round, not just for holiday crafts.
The image used on the bell is taken from an old postcard. I have hand painted wings onto her, then scanned and edited the picture to sepia. I wanted to add some touches that were one of a kind and you couldn't find anywhere else.
This little angel is from an old photo that I painted wings for too. She has a hint of some of those barely there colors in the wings and in the patterns I painted on her shirt, but over all, this stocking has a "white" feeling.
And I can't wait to make this little Pretty Pixie box from Beth! Mine might get wings….
And Beth had this idea for a song book. Its filled with all your favorite holiday tunes and simple enough to make that you'll want one for every family member to carry as you go carolling!
Plus, you know, we'll have more. I tend to go on and on and am unstopable. I think its a good thing for me to do two blogs instead of just one, because I do have a habit of saying wayyyyy too much. With two blogs, my blathering will be split in half. Oops, that really isn't a good selling point, is it?
What I meant, is that you should expect lots of extras on the Romantic White Christmas site, beyond just the projects listed. We'll have some projects that you just print and embellish, gift wrap and decorating ideas for Christmas, videos, plus a few presents here and there.
I hope you'll join us!
Today, I'm linking with White Wednesdays over at Faded Charm. I always enjoy her white party, but rarely have a white theme on Wednesday to fit.
Oh my gosh, this looks like the most fabulous class ever- I can hardly wait to get started, sign me up- I want to sit in the front row!!!
(Yeah, my arm hurts a little from patting us on the back too much)
Oh, So Beautiful ~ You’re So Creative, You Sparkle…. Loving the Glittery touches, Silver & White
ooh, I’m so glad I stopped by today. As you know I’m having my ‘white month’ (which by the way, I think is perfect for January too and am already planning to do the same again!), so your photos for this and the previous post just fill my heart with joy :o)
Utterly beautiful.
xx
Woohoo, yes! Done it! Yippee! Can you tell I am just a little bit excited about this workshop?
So charming….
Been working on a little white Christmas of my own today!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Love stopping by here,
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings…
This looks amazing, Karla. You and Beth have done a fantastic job. I particularly LOVE the shoe!!!
Just signed up. I loved the Gothic Ghosts e zine and this looks just as fabulous:) Hang in there Karla. You are much more patient than me I tell you! I won’t say too much else about that:)
Beautiful, I love the things you are creating !! I wanted to say I love what you write about your work, but I do want to hear about your “real life” too, I care about your work, but care about you and “real life” too, and thinking of you, and know everything is going to turn out fine for new baby !!
So pretty and sweetly old fashioned.
-Danielle
It’s all so beautiful! and please don’t apologize for bringing your real life into the blog pages. We all have “stuff” too, you know!! Life should always be about sharing.
Dear Karla,
I so understand you being worried about the baby-I would have felt the same,–but I think Beth is right- they are grown ups-knows what they do,-and will hurry to the hospital, if something worries them. Stay calm,dear-*****
I knew I had to be with you in this new workshop-and it looks wonderfull- love white-oldfashioned-glittering christmas–so here I am -signed in and payed.
Can`t wait to start,
Hugs,Dorthe
Sweet Karla, I don’t post often, but I read daily. Your work is stunning.
Now I just wanna say…try not to worry about the wee one. Hang in there and soon you will be rocking both Sugarwings and another baby girl.
Hugs
Don’t apologize! It is good to let your friends know when you are struggling, and that includes blog-friends. That is when we get to step up with * HUGS! * and prayers and well-wishes so you know you are not struggling alone.
Also, Congratulations on getting the White Christmas classes together. ;-> I think of the teasers you posted I liked the sheet-music slipper the best. To me it embodies the happy fairy tales of magical princesses.
Your class projects look charming Karla. You and Beth have really done a great job. And I love the personal updates. Worry does help usually, but I don’t know how to stop doing it myself, so you’ll never hear me complaining! I look forward to seeing the projects your students produce!
~Marilee
The whole world knows I’m not an artist of any shape, size or form, but what I wouldn’t give to just be able to sit in on one of y’alls classes. It is all just breathtaking!
Love everything and I can’t wait to get a full-on gander at the feather wreath.
Debbie
P.S. It will be fine…fretting is just something we mothers do exceptionally well. Comes from years of training.
I’m off to sign up now. Hope I have enough time, if not there’s always January crafting for next year right?
Prayers are still coming your way.
Leann
All those ornaments are fabulous-so delicate and pretty!
wow, the White Christmas classes will be so special…the work that you and Beth have done is amazing…take care of yourself..I pray that your grandbaby will be just fine…cheers
Looks amazing, Karla. I posted about it on my facebook page today.
These are beautiful!
Susanne.
I can imagine how worried you would be about the baby. We worry more about things we can’t control. But remember, the baby’s mommy has a lot of experience birthing babies and has had healthy babies so far. That’s a plus.
~elaine~
Dear Karla,
I so understand your worries but I am glad Beth is there to help you calm and relax a bit. Soon this time of worry and anxiety will all be over.
Oh, my! Can you two put on a class! Sign me up right now! I am just dazzled and excited. I may not be able to keep up as I have a holiday jewelry show next but I will eventually get those wonderful projects done!
Less than a week until Silver Bella. Sending off a big box tomorrow. Whew!
Hugs and prayers for calmness!
Suz
Karla, You shouldn’t worry about your “real” life or daily diary postings…I think we all want to hear how you are getting along.
As usual, your work is absolutely gorgeous!
Baby girl will be just fine…
Prayers and good thoughts,
September
Oh wow! This is gorgeous! Our cottage sale is in Branson, MO! I am excited about it, trying to balance handmade with vintage and hoping everyone will like what I am creating. Your items are fabulous and beautiful as ever. Prayers for the new baby and family!
Hugs,
Olivia
Karla, I`m so excited about this e-zine! I am signed up and ready to go! I hope mama and baby are fine. Still praying…. Kim :0)
Beautiful Blog! Love all the Romantic White Christmas treasures!
Gran-Babies are such a blessing…my little Hannah is the light of my life! Wishing good thoughts for your family on the arrival of that sweet one!
Have a great Thursday!
Tammy 🙂
JUNK WILD
Oh lovely, Karla! I’m hoping to join!
Personally, I love it when you share your worries along with your joys~it makes you more ‘real’ if that makes any sense! 😉
BTW, if you’re craving any more white, I’m having a little giveaway on my blog!!
Blessings!
Myrna
All so lovely!!!
Wish I could advertise it but I have no idea how to insert a button been trying for the last hour:( And your files aren’t jpg so I can’t even do a picture. Sorry.
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today
Absolutely enchanting, Karla. I’ve missed such a lot on your blog while I was ill, then catching up at work. But this was one worth waiting for! So glad that it’s so far, so good with the baby. Fingers crossed.
Sending you warm thoughts as I know worrying is a frantic time consuming business 🙂 Expert worrier here. This class sounds so much fun! I will be joining as I plan to have a sweet white christmas even if I’m in the South!
WOW Karla!!!! Romantic Christmas is enchanting and BEAUTIFUL!!! The color palette is so soothing, dreamy, and peaceful! Truly gorgeous projects you and Beth created! The shoe is my fav!!
Keeping Mommy & Baby in my prayers!!! XOXO,Jenn
I completely understand your stress about the new baby..but if it makes you feel any better..I went into labor at 27 weeks and then again at 30 weeks. The whole ~ FULL blown stop the labor, shots every 30 minutes, hanging upside down in a hospital bed for a brief period of time and then bed rest for 6 weeks (With 3 other children at home)…brought me the most beautiful wonder of all times ~ right on time ~ in fact…at that point she got stuck and didn’t want to come out..lol. Everything will be completely as intended and you will have the most beautiful blessing when the time is right…and I am hoping that is AFTER Silver Bella!! 🙂 Can’t wait to see you in a few short days!XOXOX
Oh it’s gorgeous — I can’t believe how you two have managed to collaborate on something so beautiful and detailed…with Silver Bella coming up, and while expecting your new grandbaby! You are both amazing. I know it’s hard not to worry, but try to keep breathing and never stop hoping and expecting the best!
This is so beautiful…you are two very talented ladies…
Hey i am suuper boy