It's been fun to make a Valentine journal for the upcoming workshop. The books are stuffed with vintagey goodness, and lots of fun, romantic details.
Since it's a journal, I decided to add some "journaling" which I have never done before. Of course, leave it to me to decide to teach a class about something I've never tried. But I think I worked out the basics on what to do in which order for a balanced effect. How to fix mistakes (they happen, for sure!) and some other tidbits of advice.
Seems to me that journaling isn't any different than other art forms that I do. It needs to be pretty and looked at as much as an arty creation as it is a written paragraph or phrase.
I'm printing out some prompts for students to use, and will have some basic guidelines to help get them going too.
I've been gathering up piles of pretties for supplies.
I've got lots of old Valentines,
and German die cuts of roses, plus tons of ephemera to use as the pages themselves.
We will build a book from scratch from old papers in neutral tones, then fill it up with lots of rosy toned hearts and flowers.
The cover will be decorated similar to an old fashioned box of chocolates, with a flocked heart, ruffles, and a millinery rose.
We'll add love notes, and envelopes to save romantic souvenirs from our sweeties. In my own book, I'm making places for photos too. All students can email pictures to me, and I will size, edit and print them for the books and have the pictures ready when everyone arrives.
The class will be all day, at my studio in Lawrence on Saturday, Feb.2nd.
Lunch and luscious chocolate treats are, of course, included!
Cost is $100 and covers everything you will need from cover to cover.
And we will be using The Good Stuff to make this book!
Its a small, intimate class, and we should be able to get the book completed that day. But remember, with a project like this, they sometimes never end! You will want to continue adding adornments and doodlies after you leave, too.
I'm away from my computer on a dream trip to Hawaii right now, but please check back for fresh posts left for you before I flew off. If you want to order from the Boutique, all orders will be shipped on the 30th. If you'd like to enter the drawing for one of Amy's books, please leave a comment on any post.
If you'd like to sign up for my Valentine workshop, please email me for an invoice at: karlanathan@sbcglobal.net














Your journal is looking beautiful. I really must have a go of doing one of these myself as it looks so much fun. The german dye cut roses has reminded me that I should have some Redoute prints around somewhere. I must dig them out.
Posted by: Louise Oakes | January 16, 2013 at 03:05 AM
I just looked it up . Only 955 miles to Lawrence ,KS. I wonder if Mama,s up for a road trip. Lol We would love to attend a a Karla hosted workshop. Maybe one day.
Debra
Posted by: Debra Ganas | January 16, 2013 at 08:21 AM
Id love to see the two of you here, Debra!
Karla Nathan
www.karlascottage.typepad.com
www.karlascottage.com
Posted by: Karla Nathan | January 16, 2013 at 08:23 AM
i love what you are doing with the book, and i hope to win a copy of amy's! hawaii must be so fun! enjoy your trip. rush88888 at gmail dot com
Posted by: rush | January 16, 2013 at 09:41 AM
I so wish I lived closer ~ sigh. . .
xo
K
Posted by: Kim Caldwell | January 16, 2013 at 10:31 AM
The journal looks wonderfully romantic!
Have fun!
Leann
Posted by: leann | January 16, 2013 at 11:45 AM
your journals are very valentiney, i really like the light pinks and reds with the whites. put my name in the hat for the drawing please. enjoy your vacation!
Posted by: Linda McMillin | January 16, 2013 at 11:46 AM
I think your journal is amazing. Loving all the pieces as they come together. You really need to offer a live online class for a little extra money and still include supplies...I know I would sign up :-)
Posted by: Dean Designs | January 16, 2013 at 11:51 AM
Dear Karla,
have a wonderful time!!!!
hugs
Karen B. ~ Todolwen
Posted by: Karen Bailey | January 16, 2013 at 06:45 PM
It's beautiful, Karla. The workshop sounds like tons of fun!
Posted by: jeanie | January 16, 2013 at 10:04 PM
one of these days I'm coming to Lawrence, just to sift my hands through your stash, like Midas with his gold. i'm bringing a big suitcase, too.
Posted by: Charlotte | January 16, 2013 at 11:02 PM
I never get tired of fondling my hoards!
Karla Nathan
www.karlascottage.typepad.com
www.karlascottage.com
Posted by: Karla Nathan | January 16, 2013 at 11:08 PM
I love that "old tymey" look! I like the fact that the little models are chubby! I can relate.
I hope you're enjoying your vacation in Hawaii!
Kate
Posted by: Kate garfield | January 17, 2013 at 12:34 PM
your journal looks so sweet and special. Hope your dream trip is everything you hoped for and MUCH MORE.
Posted by: Catie | January 18, 2013 at 11:07 PM
We are having the best time, the trip has already surpassed my expectations! And weve only just started.
Karla Nathan
www.karlascottage.typepad.com
www.karlascottage.com
Posted by: Karla Nathan | January 19, 2013 at 02:10 AM
Wish I ived closer...I would love to take this workshop. I hope your trip was wonderful! Teresa
Posted by: Teresa Young | January 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM