While going through my stash of goods from the big flea market this week, I came across some things that had a touch of Halloween flair (lucky numbers 7, unlucky 13, some old ribbons in black and orange, and a bunch of other fallish things)
So I decided to make up Cottage Collage Kits with a Fall Theme.
For each one, I used a bit of the papers to make a sample of what could be done with the kits.
I don’t do a lot of Halloween decor myself, but can appreciate the colors and I really enjoyed putting these packs together for someone else who would get more use out of it than I would.
I have the kits listed on Etsy for $12 each, if anyone wants a big bunch of Halloween goodies to work with.
Each kit contains a generous handful of orange and green millinery flowers, because I seem to have a lifetime supply!
Look at all these flowers! I just want to spread them out and roll in them, I love them all so much. I am FORCING myself to not hoard them, to actually use them and enjoy making pretty things with the flowers.
Trying to put away my new acquisitions from the flea market made me reorganize my studio so I’d have a place to store them all within reach and within sight. If my supplies are hidden away, I forget about what I have and don’t use it.
Plus, it is fun to have all my favorite things out where I can enjoy them!
This stuff is just too cool to hide away.
All of the storage containers were things I already had, except these lidded glass jars. I had a chair from TJMaxx that broke, and when I returned it, I saw these on the clearance table for $7 -$10 each. There was cash back on this purchase after returning the broken chair, that is always nice.
After organizing, I couldn’t wait to play with my new pretties!
So, I finished decorating the folders I am making for Somerset Living.
I swore to myself that I would not hoard my vintage wallpaper either. I am using it and enjoying it!
The first two folders were from wallpaper that Beth gave to me, and the third is from some I ordered on Etsy.
The inside of this folder is a watercolor wash I did on some heavier paper.
And see- I used two big millinery flowers on this one! Good start on the pledge to not hoard!
While I am trying to not be stingy with the papers, I am also not being wasteful. I save all the teeny bits in a big hat box and dig through it for detail items, like the tags I made on all 3 of these folders.
It might seem silly to save such little pieces of scrap, but I don’t think this card that I made would have been nearly as pretty without the thumbnail sized bit of wallpaper that I added and wrote "rose" on.
I made that ATC into a birthday card and tied it to a bag that I put one of the $1.99 rose pots into and gave it to a friend for her birthday yesterday.
We went to an art opening another friend was having at KU, and then out for margaritas
to celebrate.
And now, I need to announce my gifts for the winners of the August giveaway!
Since I had so many comments I am giving two presents. Second place will be a hand made paper doll dress. And it goes to
ELAINE
And first place, with the choice of a Cottage Collage Kit or a hand made item is
Stephanie. Ladies, please contact me and I’ll get your goodies in the mail. And thanks to everyone who entered. I appreciate all your comments and conversations. That is why I have a big giveaway every month. And since today is Sept. first, I have started a new contest!
All comments from the month get entered, and I’ll let you know what the prize will be when I figure it out.
Well i can see why you hoard these gorgeous jewels but SO glad you’re transforming them into even more stunning pieces! I would want to roll in those flowers too!! please keep posting your designs!
WhooHoo,I can’t believe I won something!
I am not very lucky when it comes to winning things. I am so excited!!! And, especially honored to have won something made by you!
~elaine~
I keep all my little scraps of paper, ribbons, fabric etc to use for small projects! Simply can’t bear to throw them away. Also have to force myself to use my wallpaper, vintage trims etc!
Nice pic of you and your husband!
Take Care – Rachael oxo
Hi Karla:
I am glad you had 2 winners; Lucky Elaine and Stephanie!
You are sooooo lucky to be able to go to thrift stores and flea markets back in the Mid West. So Cal leaves much to be desired as there is so much junk (from 99 cent and dollar stores) filling the aisles now : ( Central Valley ~ Fresno, Visalia, Merced and the small towns up North have good ones but I still am not permitted to drive : (
Please put me in for this next wonderful give away.
Thank you
Hi to Sugar Wings : )
carole
I really love all of your stuff! I love to leave my vintage goodies out too – so great to be inspired by them! đŸ™‚
i can’t imagine how much fun it must be to create in your studio with all the little fun bits of inspiration you have everywhere!!
Cute Halloween-er stuff!
You do beautiful work Karla!
Jody
I must reiterate… you and your hubby in no way resemble grandparents! =)
I wouldn’t call your collection a product of “hoarding” because you make such beautiful treasures with them. They are worth every bit of space you can stash them into so you can create!
What a beautiful idea, I wish I could just wander through your studio all day! It just seems like a wonderland! And I love you contest/comment idea. I may have to steal it one of these days. I am doing a little one right now though. Have a great weekend!
Congrats to the two ladies. What a great prize. Love all your stuff.
I never cease to be amazed by the great things you find!!!! I should be used to it by now but I never can be! And you get the best bargains. Loving what you have made too, those folders are so sweet!
I keep all, if I send to trash something, later I regret. I am fascinated for the folders.
I’d roll in those flowers too…I see someone else agrees!
I love the wee tags hanging on the wallpaper ‘wardrobes’. And very nice looking Halloween packs! Those will fly out of the shop.
hah!!! i would totally be rolling around in those flowers if i had such a bountiful stash…i do hoard mine…my stash is VERY tiny!!! i LOVE your folders, they are gorgeous!!!
What a delightful post stuffed with beautiful photos.
Karla, I always enjoy stopping by and seeing what creative and beautiful things you are working on. I tend to hoard too, and only recently have begun to force myself to use what I have for someones enjoyment. It does no good packed away! Thanks for sharing:>)
What a great collection of goodies you have. Great storage ideas and soo.. organised.
Alison
Wowie Zowie Karla!!! Thanks so much for notifying me that I won something!!! I’m thrilled to come back & find this on my ‘puter!! I’ll email you my address right now!
Thanks a million! I’m honored to have anything of yours, sweetie!
Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
My goodness…so much eye candy! I love it all…especially the flowers. Your glass containers are quite a find…love your studio!
Priscilla
I know you can find enough trouble for yourself but when I saw these seashells I thought of you…and these boxes too…http://www.reflectionsfromthestonenest.blogspot.com/ Heather at Pretty Petal’s mom…
You have been busy busy busy!!! I love the folders you are making. If I put something where I can’t see it, I forget I have it too. I love the jars and have been looking for something like that to put goodies in. I’m going to look at my TJ and see if they have some. Have a great day Karla.
karla, O’k I am in love today by one little item that snuck on your blog!!! Tha pink sprinkle can by Lefton in your craft room/studio!!! Too cute!! Glad you had time with handsome hubby! Love, Lori
love the storage in glass, it’s too true that if it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind…plus, all the goodies look so great peeking out of the shiny glass!
Just found your blog! Love it! You have so many beautiful and inspiring ideas! I’ll be back!