Time to add the Buttons
Thanks to all of you who joined my Valentine Tag Book Swap! We are at 50 right now, so unless I have communicated with you about joining and we haven't gotten back together about it yet, it is too late to join.
Or, if you have commented that you wanted to join and haven't heard back, please email me. I have some trouble with TypePad at times and can't always return comments. One that got returned to me was from Carrie, and I have no way of contacting her.
I've added this button to my side bar. If you are in the swap, please grab this and add it to yours too! Thanks for being a part of it all. Now, I just need to go and whip up about 50 tag covers....
Time does have a way of getting away from me- especially when I blow a day by going shopping and not working.
But shopping IS working for me, not just recreation. All these old watches will make gorgeous necklaces! The other goodies will be wonderful things to take to Miss Frenchie's April in Paris sale this spring.
Not the trims, though. Those were a gift from Beth (who was my partner in playing hooky for the day). She gave them to me to use in my new obsession to "Pearl Up" my home, after reading the Magnolia Pearl book.
Beth also made this pile of tags for me with her cuddle bug and a deck of cards. I'll make use of many of them in the swap book covers. Especially ones that have hearts on the backside!
Red isn't typically my color. I bypass it at Christmas, but at Valentines, I get sucked in by juicy redness. Especially when I see such a sweet baby doll dress with tiny flocked, dotted Swiss style hearts on it!! (I wish it fit Sugarwings)
I know I am not the only one who enjoys a splash of red for February, so if you'd rather have ruby tones for the blog swap button, please help yourself to this one.
My hat-whispering skills weren't focused during our jaunt to St. Joe to visit Jesse James Antique Mall and The Rusty Chandelier. (both worth the almost 2 hour trip). But I snagged a couple of flowery concoctions. Man, the one on the bottom left is just asking to be ripped apart. Some hats are so pretty as they are, that I don't take them apart until I need a specific bloom from it, but this one is just plain awful as is. Like some sort of smooshed up wedding bouquet made by a blind florist. Who designed this? It is one of every kind of flower, in each color, with no rhyme or reason to the placement. But good for me, because, did I mention- one of every kind of flower? Beautiful to use in other projects!
These grocery store price tags are nicely aged. But what I like about them is the holders. Can't you picture them as place card holders? I just can't wait for my next fairy tea party!!
This throw was found at the Rusty Chandelier too, it isn't all antiques. This isn't exactly new, but far from old. I fell for it, because of the soft, plush velvet and the metallic bronze vines that go so well with the ones I painted on the ceiling.
And see the blue rhinestone? They are scattered across the vines, and match the room perfectly! Nothing like a little sprinkle of added sparkle.
For those of you who needed a puppy fix, here's one of the teeny tiny babies. For those of you who are already tired of me posting dog photos everyday, we'll just pretend this is a picture of the blanket I bought.


















you found the goodliest things Karla!!! i think that hat that you are not so fond of is a scream...i would leave it alone...but that's just me and i am weird like that...LOVE the puppies on the bed, so sweet
Posted by: Lori | January 11, 2009 at 05:30 PM
I can never get enough of those sweet babies. I would have such a hard time keeping my hands off. Playing hooky is fun whether it is beneficial or not. I love the little dress too.
Have a wonderful evening
Jean in Virginia
Posted by: Jean Eakin | January 11, 2009 at 06:06 PM
What a fun shopping trip! I love your pictures of the puppies. Thanks for sharing...love your blog!! blessings,
tonya
Posted by: Tonya D | January 11, 2009 at 06:07 PM
We could never be tired of puppy pictures.. and I honestly do not think there is anyone out there that can be! haha
LOVE your new shopping finds... I went looking for hats around here today and I only found ONE and it was purple. *sigh* You are so lucky to find so many pretty ones!
Do you remember when I bought the magnolia pearl book when we went to Curious Sofa?? I took it on the plane to read with me remember??? I LEFT IT on the damn plane!!! SO just a few days ago I reordered it from Half Price Books online... can't wait for it to come in. Between that and being rerouted to Columbus on my trip home I don't want to fly again! haha
xo Heather
Posted by: Heather~ Pretty Petals | January 11, 2009 at 06:21 PM
What neat things you have to use for crafting and for decor! I love the clock faces and the grocery prices. Where did you find the tags??? Neat! And those puppies are adorable.
Posted by: Jillian | January 11, 2009 at 07:21 PM
Karla, looks like you found some wonderful treasures. I just love seeing all the goodies you and Beth get at the sales, it is so much fun.
Love the puppy pictures
Hugs Karen
Posted by: Karen Young | January 11, 2009 at 07:25 PM
Karla,
Thanks for showing the shopping goods! Looks like you found plenty. I love the vine throw and it does look nice in your bedroom. The sleeping pup is adorable as well!
Kana
Posted by: Kana | January 11, 2009 at 07:45 PM
OH Karla, those puppies are so CUTE!! I want one :) I love those red flowers! And oh those buttons! I have a hat almost just like the top one! It is one of my favorite things :) Everything here is gorgeous!
Hugs,
Amy
Posted by: Amy of Bunny Rose Cottage | January 11, 2009 at 07:48 PM
Oh no, you keep the baby puppy pictures coming! I'm so glad that you have so many participating in the tag swap. I can't wait to see it all! (there'll be pictures won't there?) I really wanted to take part, but I think I had better sit it out. I'm still new at the tag making! And starting my job tomorrow!
That looks like a beautiful bunch of watches!
Posted by: Cassie | January 11, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Look forward to seeing your creations from the watches! Cute pups!
Posted by: Barbara @ Southern Lady's Vintage | January 11, 2009 at 07:59 PM
Hello Karla. What fun and pretty goodies you found. I can't wait to see what you do with all of them, and the watch's they are really great. I would never get tired of looking a photos of puppies they are so sweet....
Hugs;
Alaura
Posted by: alaura parrish | January 11, 2009 at 08:33 PM
Teeny tiny pups! Oh!!! Love them. And all your great finds. You're very, very good @ what you do. Makes most of us feel like we live on deserted islands!!! ;)
Posted by: Cami @ Heart-Shaped Rock Cottage | January 11, 2009 at 09:14 PM
I adore the puppy pics! I did email you about joining the tag book but if you didn't get me on the list it will be fine, just let me know. I am doing a fat book also... Hope you had a great Sunday!
karen....
Posted by: karen | January 11, 2009 at 09:25 PM
I just love both of those antique stores in Saint Joseph! I used to go there all time when I lived in St. Jo. Now I am lucky I get up there once or twice a year. Both are definately favorites of mine.
Posted by: Sarah | January 11, 2009 at 10:35 PM
I love the buttons. I already put mine on my blog. Your shopping skills seems to be just fine to me. :)
Posted by: Jenny Fowler | January 11, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Okay.. when spring rolls around.. we have to plan to meet up Okay?
Posted by: Vicki C | January 12, 2009 at 01:54 AM
Oh my goodness...love your BLOG! Can I add you as a favorite??????????
Rebecca :)
Posted by: Rebecca | January 12, 2009 at 03:08 AM
Oh, Karla, you found so much fabulous stuff. especially the hats. I can never find any in this town. Love all of your loot! (and the puppy too!)
Posted by: Mlle Magpie | January 12, 2009 at 06:35 AM
WOW, Karla, looks like you scored again. Love all the clock faces.
The throw is beautiful. Love the blue rhinestone touches. AND the puppy touches. Keep em' coming.
Posted by: Debra Ganas | January 12, 2009 at 08:07 AM
You scored some great loot! Love the old watches and hats. And the napping puppies are so cute!
Posted by: Leslie | January 12, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Oh my Lord - those puppies are aDORable! You can never post too many pictures of them!
xoxo
Posted by: Peach @ Shouldabeenabelle | January 12, 2009 at 12:29 PM
While I'm more of a needle and yarn crafter, I can't wait to see all the lovely treasures everyone creates.
Posted by: Lovely | January 12, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Such beautiful pictures~ I love everything you do, always so very pretty! xoxo Andrea
Come by and see you've won!
Posted by: Andrea | January 12, 2009 at 05:04 PM
awwww....to everything from the blanket you bought, the vines on your ceiling, to the sweet, sweet puppy. Oh and the watches, I am a watch freak, so i love them.
Thanks Karla for your wonderful blog.
Posted by: Sharon | January 12, 2009 at 07:21 PM
How did I miss this swap?? I even have you listed on my blog list to receive updates. I guess it's fine since I'm already in 2 Valentine's swaps. I look forward to seeing what everyone makes.
I LOVE the puppy pictures. You could post everyday & I wouldn't mind
Nerissa
Posted by: Nerissa | January 12, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Great post! It had it all! Pretty vintage stuff, crafting and PUPPIES!
xoxo
Dollybelle
Posted by: dollybelle | January 12, 2009 at 08:13 PM
About the time i get inthe mood to clean out around here (home, and store), I see all these blogs with all this cute 'stuff' to create with. Then i can't go clean all my stuff out. I might need it someday!!
So, I guess maybe just organize better, then clean up better after each project. Soo hard to do when you are a creative person.
Thanks for the cute photos. I'll be back.
Barbara Jean
Posted by: barbara Jean | January 13, 2009 at 12:47 AM
I have to tell you. I was considering going to some of my favorite antique stores today but I was on the fence about it because it's going to be such a chilly day but after reading your post, I just have to go. Jen
P.S. I'm so bummed I missed the tag swap!
Posted by: Jen@thecottagenest | January 13, 2009 at 06:35 AM
The puppies are the sprinkled sparkles on the throw! More, MORE!! Your Friend, Bobbi
Posted by: Bobbi | January 13, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Are you still visiting Washingon DC? Just wanted to let you know the The Old Lucketts Store in Leesburg Va (you mentioned you were there before) is having their BIG FAT Ground Hog Day Sale February 6,7,8 this year!
Let me know if you are going (I think I am going Friday) and I would love to say hello in person.
P.S. LOVE the puppies, too cute.
T
Posted by: Theresa | January 13, 2009 at 09:21 AM
I thought I had left a comment but maybe I didn't. hehe Love the pups and your great finds! I can't wait for garage sales to start up! Love the hats and a fairy tea party sounds wonderful! Oh did I tell you "Santa" bought Bethany her own tea set. She was so excited :) Off to work on my tags and some valentine marshmallows. :)
Posted by: Shawn | January 13, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Oh my gosh! So much eye candy today! I will have to come back and enjoy it later as I just stopped by to let you know of an award on my blog for you! Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Liv Hudson | January 13, 2009 at 01:13 PM
I love your goodies but LOVE your puppies more! What sweet little one's but I'm a dog lover and swoon at puppies!
I'm sad I missed your swap--I've been down and out with the family for the past 4 days with the nasty flu.
:) Kris
Posted by: Kris | January 13, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Oh Karla, the puppies on the bed are so
cute! I love the sweet little girl's
Valentine dress too! I always enjoy
your pics!!!
Janis
Posted by: Janis | January 13, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Wow! You made out like a bandit!! Very fun stuff!
Posted by: Jenny | January 13, 2009 at 02:58 PM
The buttons are sweet, I'm happy to be in your swap!
You are right that shopping is a great therapy especially when you buy as beautiful things as you did! That puppy is sooo sweet, I'm surprised that you have so little photos about with the puppies! lol!
Posted by: LiLi M. | January 13, 2009 at 03:36 PM
You have such wonderful treasures! I am assuming I am in the swap because you welcomed me in a comment on my blog. Plus, I just finished my tags. I think. Maybe I'll add a little more...
Is it OK to post what I've created before I send them to you?
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 13, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Boo Hoo I guess I am too late. :o(
So can I have a puppy?
LOL!
xoxo
Diane
Posted by: Di | January 16, 2009 at 07:46 PM
WOW the babies have grown.
I missed being able to see your site was out of town. I sure do enjoy each morning see what is new with you and your Loved ones
Thank You Again
Posted by: Elaine | January 17, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Hello fellow blogger, I stopped by your site and thought maybe you would like to swap links with me, after adding http://voiceofbragg.com with the title "Blog Till Death" to your site, message me and I will add yours...have a great day
Posted by: randy bragg | February 08, 2009 at 05:16 PM