I usually enjoy most projects and look forward to getting started on them. But when I realized that the bookmarks for this swap needed to be patriotic, I was worried. I don’t "do" red, white, and blue! I do rose, french vanilla, and robin’s egg!
My buddy, Beth, http://bethleintz.typepad.com/ who has the most well stocked and fantastic craft room full of supplies you’ll ever see, gave me all this to work with. She has an overflow of stuff and is talking about making packs to sell on Etsy. She has done that in the past, but now is redoing her craft room and really needs to make space. You can contact her on her blog if you need anything, I’m sure she has it!!!
I still struggled and felt bad about what I was putting together. The whole idea that it had to be flat, was hard, I am a big believer in gooberey-glittery-encrusted pieces.
So, I compromised and used 3-d on the tassley parts.
I got out some old red velvet that was a rotted cover of an album in its past life, and covered a couple book marks with that.
Then, they started to get too 3-d and maybe not as patriotic? Although an American Beauty rose might fit into the category.
So I went back to the first two I started and worked on them some more, made the backs nicer. They are on their way to my swap partner, http://beachyscapecodcupboard.blogspot.com/ . It ended up being a good thing for me to do. I get so set in my comfort zone that I don’t try enough new things. 
So even though I got a bit cranky and it wasn’t going well, I learned from the challenge, and want to thank http://shabbyinthecity.blogspot.com/ for hosting it.
But of course, the minute I was done, I painted some soft pink roses to get me out of my red/white/blue funk! This is one of the frames I got at a garage sale a couple weeks ago, that started out gold with a print I didn’t like in it. I primed and painted it ivory, glazed the frame in umber, glued down a page torn from an old book with French words in it, then painted the roses over the text.
Good compromising though. The things you made were very all right to me…
The little lamb you commented on on my blog is for sale with a cushion inside made with weat. You put it in the oven and heat it, then put it back into tha lamb. Finally you hug the lamb and get cosy and warm.
Love Eva Agnes
Karla,
The bookmarks turned out really well. It would have been fun to do one for yourself in rose, French vanilla, and robin’s egg just to see how it would look.
Karen
Bluemuf
I love your bookmarks! I think they look very patriotic.
Karla
This cream frame is beautiful-loveit!!!!
First I have to back up and say little Sugarwings looks so cute not going to sleep!
And your redo was fun. I love to change things around! Helen Keller wouldn’t want to live here.
While you were struggling with your red, white, and blue…I’m here saying ‘Karla, put roses with it!’ Then you did! I absolutely love the combo of flags and roses…two different color families that just make me all happy. Louise will love them both!
Wow! I love what you did to the frame, that’s my kind of thing.
Had the same problem although from New Zealand so not doing USA patriotic but Kiwiana which is quite retro and I keep leaning towards roses and cherubs!!!
I did the book mark swap too, and found that having to keep things flat was a challenge! Your bookmarks are great though and I am in awe of what you do in decorating! Love your bedroom every way you show it. Each picture makes me wonder why you would ever change a thing!
Beautiful bookmarks! I love your “alternate” color combo, as well. I am finishing up my room in those colors with a Vintage Venetian theme. If you’re interested in another little swap — I’m hosting a Yummy Cupcake Swap over at my blog. Would love to have you come and play.
All the best,
Rosalyn-Sue
http://www.TheLittleBlueBirdDiaries.typepad.com
I would have trouble with red, white and blue too, but you did great!
Oh, by the way, your blog does open up much faster now!
🙂
http://bluebirdroses.blogspot.com/
I love these Karla, your creativity never ceases to amaze me. Have a wonderful 4th of July and Baxter says “Hi”!
Oh my, Karla! Those are BEAUTIFUL! I, too, was out of my comfort zone with these… I have only just started collaging and scrapping this past spring, so my “stash” is in its baby stages! I didn’t photograph what I sent (oops!), but I do hope you like them! Now we can go back to our watercolors! heehee
I think you did an awesome job on the rw & b!! Your partner will be pleased for sure! I truly love your newest Rose painting!! Wherever did you find a book with French words?
Been missing your posts, as I’ve been at my mom’s & for some reason it takes forever for your blog to come up on her computer….so I’m off to catch up on your other posts now!!
Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
Oh gosh…I could be here all day looking at your gorgeous pictures but I do have to get up from the computer some time. Your bookmarks are beautiful and I would have loved to get one. Your bedroom down below is absolutely gorgeous in all three styles. Sugarwings is as always delightful! I love visiting here!