Progress! So far, I have 3 books assembled. It takes a while, because I am embellishing each page, and all are a little different.
I’ve made two multi colored, pastel books with lots of glitter for a friend’s daughter and for Sugarwing’s birthday gift. (hers will be laminated, because she is only two). And one with all pink backgrounds for a gift I will give to the friend I am throwing a baby shower for tomorrow night.
Just in time to make a ruffle on this heart, I got a box in the mail from Heidi, full of goodies, including this pretty pink crepe paper.
Its sure fun to win a giveaway, even better when it is something that you really have a use for! Thanks, Heidi!
On the 2 books I mentioned for the older girls, there is a lot of glitter, all the wings are "sugared".
But on the 3rd book, for another friend’s expected new baby, I’ve left off the loose glitter, and only used Stickles, since it is not going to flake at all. 
For the text page opposite of the picture where Sugarwings is holding a magic wand, I made a wand to tie to the page.
And on the page with the tea party painting, there is an invitation to come to a party, "in the playroom, after nap time".
I haven’t used my treasured vintage papers on these books, they are more scrapbook style. But I’d love to make a book that is all old stuff for the embellishments, just for me!
Beth and I have plans to get together and make ourselves each an embellished book, so I am sure those will be full of ephemera and special things.
But first, I have a job to do. I have written magazine articles here and there, and consider it a hobby. A very fun hobby, but not a real job.
I take the jobs as they come, and don’t really push it. If something interesting comes up, I consider myself lucky, but I don’t try to do this full time at all.
But, when it rains it pours!!
First, I have the inquiry from "Where Women Create" (not for sure, of course, just an inquiry, and I wouldn’t be the writer, or stylist on this one)
Then, Phyllis Goldstein, editor of many Harris publications asked me to do an article about a romantic bedroom. I’m guessing she’ll use this for Romantic Country and I’ll get to work with that Sweetheart, Fifi again.
So, I suggested my own, that I just redid recently.
Trouble is, I have to have the pictures and story done by August 25!!! Oh my.
My husband is home this week, I have a mess, a party, Sugarwing’s birthday, her Hippy Chick Mommy’s birthday, and whatever happened to my pact with myself to list something on Etsy everyday??
I need to get my friend, Diane (who shot the fall party pictures that Carol and I did for the next issue of Romantic Country) out here with her camera and equipment next week. She says she’ll fit me in.
I’m lucky that I can spend a day with a good buddy while actually doing a job. It feels more like playing that working!
Phyllis also talked to me about some Valentine’s photos
Diane and I did 2 years ago.
The last time I had an antique sale at Valentine’s Day, I had Diane come over and photograph some of the displays.
Here are some snippets, I can’t show you the whole picture, yet.
The story will be "What is your Valentine’s Decorating Style?"
I came up with that idea because the three displays are so very different, I didn’t know how to tie them together, so decided to write how to tips to achieve these three looks:
Whimsical and Fun
Vintage Cottage
Glamorous Elegance
I think I’ll enjoy writing this one! Trouble is, it is due Sept. 14th, and I have a trip and house guests planned. Oh well, writing usually goes fast once I have an idea, and these photos are already done and ready.
And I am not complaining, just trying to figure out how to get it done. Whenever I do an article, I always figure it could be the last one I do, so I do my best to make it enjoyable and memorable. I know how lucky I am to have these jobs dropped in my lap.
Well, time to get Sugarwings, she offered to help me bake cupcakes today. First I need to de-glitter myself from making all these books. or we’ll have some shiny sprinkles on those cupcakes.
You won’t have any trouble getting it all done- your bedroom is already picture ready (except for maybe Rich’s chair- just kidding- I think it’s fine!). You’re lucky to have such a good photographer just a phone call away. And I’d much rather be writing about Valentine’s Day in August than in Feb- it’ll all seem new and fresh.
I’m excited to put together some different versions of the Sugarwings and Helgathema book.
I think you thrive on being busy! Your book looks pretty cute, love the wand tied in the page and the envelope with the invitation. What great touches! Have you thought of having this professionally published?
What a wonderful post. I was so into it I almost forgot where I was! You are always so busy and you make it through! What vitamins do you take?!
The book looks amazing! I love all of the individual embellishments – what a special and wonderful keepsake this will make. Good luck with your article!
Karla
I love the Valentine’s day article ideas. Makes sense — the three styles. And it’s fun to have so many great assignments, although those deadlines are pesky, aren’t they? I live and die by a deadline clock, and sometimes I hate it! But when the work’s fun (and you get to share it with a creative photographer friend!) I’m sure that’s easier!
The book, my friend — wonderful. What a treasure. Have you thought of publishing it as a children’s book? I don’t know the mechanics of this, but it could be quite splendid!
Your book is very very lovely ! I love very much the little fairie of your cover and all the embellishments ! It will be the most perfect beautiful personal present ! You are a fairie !
You are exceptionally talented. Have I told you that lately? I love the book, the ceiling, everything you do. You are a true inspiration!
Brenda
You make me tired just listening to you!! But how wonderful to be so busy doing the things you love so much.
And when you have time….what is that turquoisey color on that cabinet in the Valentines photos? Exactly what I’m looking for.
I do hope that your delightful book will be made available to the rest of us in the future. I don’t have any grandchildren “yet” but I will someday, and would love to have this charming book to read to HER.
🙂
I love reading about your magazine photo shoots and articles!
Sugarwings book is adorable and I know the ones you are doing as gifts are going to be well received..I think anyone would be so thrilled to have one….I have so enjoyed following the venture of your creating the book…..
Brenda
Karla, I knew the books would be fabulous, and they are. WOW!
KARLA, KARLA, KARLA, I still just don’t know how you do it all .I can’t wait to see the magazine articles, and your bedroom is fantastic. I am so glad I’ve met a “star” in blogland.You just keep on creating.
Jean in Virginia
Hi Karla,
Just love how you are getting so much of Sugarwings book done with so much going on.
You are a Superwomen.
Been away from the computer for awhile. Vacation and visiting. It is so nice to be back.
Janice
Your books are going to be so gorgeous. I just love all of the illustrations! What a precious, precious gift for little Sugarwings:)
Wow! Sounds like you’re gonna be really busy for awhile.
Well that book is just beautiful, I am sure they are all going to love and treasure them. As for all your wonderful things happening,isn’t the saying….’if you want something done, ask a busy woman’? Well they are all asking and how lovely is that?? Have a wonderful day, kiss noises Linda Lilly Cottage
Your books are gorgeous 🙂 Is it hard to make the ruffles out of the crepe paper? They are so sweet, i really must remember to give it ago next time i sit down to play with my trading cards.
I love love love the roof in the bedroom, its so romantical and whimsical, good luck with your shoot 🙂
those books are darling, and I love the painted ceiling!
Karla, the book you made for your little darling came out SO sweet!!! i really love the little dimensional bits and special touches that you added: the wand and tea party invitation…oh, and let’s not forget the glitter…gotta have the glitter:)…what an inspired creation…inspired by your boundless love for that sweet little grand~baby of yours…oh my, are you going to be busy!!! i think you might need an industrial sized bottle of no~doze!!! good luck with all that…the stress would undo a lesser person…ie:me!!!
I love that ceiling!
The book is adorable. We would love to see Sugarwings face when she first sees it.
I want to know too. What kind of vitamins do you take? Must be Vit. K and you eat “Special K” for breakfast. I’m a “thinker” and YOU , Karla are a “Doer”. I look forward to your new articles.
Forgot to add…. Buy Sugarwings some edible glitter. She would love to sprinkle that on her cupcakes. It is in the cake decorating section of your LCS.
Hi Karla
wow you ae soooo busy girl! I adore the book you are putting together for sugarwings!!
How very special.
Your blog is always such an inspiration to me!
good luck on all your writing projects
catie
This book truly is a treasure. I have to say, that picture of Sugarwings looking at the heart captures her little face and eyes – PERFECTLY! This is such a great idea! It sounds like you work well under pressure. Stealing from Billy Joel, “Here you are in the ninth, two men out and three men on”. As much as I hate being under pressure it really does bring out some great ideas most of the time for me. Hopefully, for you too!! You’ve really started 50 out with a bang! Can’t wait to see your articles. – Kathy in Chicago
Good grief! Do you ever rest? I don’t know how you fit it al in!!! I got stressed just reading what you have to do! Loving the books and yes you should do a vintage one for yourself for sure. xo
Karla, the books are wonderful!
I adore the books. Wow!
And, even more wows about the pending articles. I can hardly wait.
What an absolutely beautiful book. Love the Valentine’s Day article idea! Isn’t it great doing the thing you love even if it is hectic? Can you imagine it if you didn’t?
You sure have a lot to be thankful for lately! Birthdays of your 2 sweeties, fun & exciting offers, time with friends. Wow! Your book for Sugarwings is just darling, you are so talented, and everyone who receives one will treasure them for a lifetime!
blessings,
Stacey
Hi Karla, I am new here, but your illustrations are gorgeous! Hope you have a lovely day. 🙂
Hi Karla! Those Sugarwings books are so beautiful! Such eye candy. Congratulations on everything!!! I always love your articles 🙂
I received my cupcake painting!! Oh my gosh, I love it!! It is even sweeter in real life! Thank you so much Karla 🙂
Big Hugs,
Amy
You’ll get it all done with whimsy, a little more dust in your vintage cottage and hopefully with happy elegance. Have a Happy and safe weekend karla.
That book is adorable! I can’t wait to see more pages! What a treasure for her to have! I LOVE that you made it interactive! How fun! Sounds like you are going to be busy!
Karla, your book is fantastic! And I love the vintage cottage look…LOVE! Good luck with it all… just remember how wonderful it is to have all of this to do!!! You’re WONDERFUL!
LOVE the ceiling.. how beautiful!!!!!
precious, precious books! Rachaelxo
Seu blog é um encanto
e muito artÃstico!!
Abraços.
Your blog is a charm
and artistic!!
Hugs.