Thanks so much to all of you who took the time to comment on my birdhouse decor post Monday. I always appreciate hearing from you.
When I wrote the how-to's I knew I couldn't exactly tell anyone how to do the decorating of their bird house, that is up to an individual artist's taste. I just wanted to give you some background tips, I hope they were helpful.
The winner of this little house is Bethany. She was chosen from comments left on that posting only. Comments from every single post this month (including that one) count toward my February giveaway.
I hope that Beth and I get a good turn out for our "What do you LOVE about your birdie's home?" party (otherwise known as "Bling your Birdhouse Day")on Thursday, March 27th, I can't wait to see all the pretty birdhouses out there. To me, birdhouses are such a symbol of springtime coming. And I am certainly ready for a shot of springtime!
Today, I am painting my stairway. Remember how I was entranced by the wallpaper risers I saw on a staircase in Virginia and decided I HAD to have one like that?
Of course, I decided to redo the ceiling and walls since I am ripping out the carpet, because one redo always leads to another. 
I hired a friend to come and help today because I am too short and too afraid of heights to reach the ceiling in the stairwell, but she came down with the flu. And being me, with my obsession, I simply couldn't wait till she was better, so I did it anyway. By myself- quaking with dizzy fear every time I had to stretch out to reach a corner of the ceiling, too impatient to wait for a nice tall helper.
But, by using the same pale pink color on the ceiling as the walls, I didn't have to cut in with a brush- no way I could reach to do that. And with a long handle on my roller, I was able to reach as much as I could.
I'll show some after pictures this weekend after my son helps me redo the stairs. Now, if he comes down with the flu too, will I be able to wait?? Nope, I'll drag the power saws out and try to keep all my fingers out of the way.
I truly hate heights and today's project was stressful. So I took a break to get out side into the fresh air and shopped downtown a bit. It was actually sun-shiny and bright, no wind, no snow, no rain!!!
I found this little French Grammer book from 1927 at the Goodwill store across the street from Home Depot where I had to stop for more paint.
Then I hit two antique malls downtown Lawrence and found a bonanza of hats!
I always feel so lucky to find pink and white hats at affordable prices. And even luckier when they have roses on them!
This beautiful bauble is missing a couple stones, but imagine it glued to a box covered in pretty vintage wallpaper, with a spray of millinery flowers over the missing stones!
But the best thing I found today on my $50 spending spree during the one hour break that I took from dangling over the stairwell to paint a ceiling?
A vintage Easter dress for Sugarwings!!!!
Dotted swiss dappled with rose buds, with a frilly petticoat and a matching head band for only $20 all wrapped up into a dainty little size two frilly package just meant for my fairy grand baby to look adorable in.
She might just have to wear it every time she comes over here to play, not just save it for Easter.
How cute is she going to be in this?? And she LOVES dress up. I think she'll be excited to see this. I certainly was!
Now, if I could just find a matching dress for Sugarwing's Cuddly Cousin, they'd be pretty cute doing their piano duets for the family.
We were having a birthday party for my neice this weekend, and these two were the evening's entertainment. What's more fun to watch than a couple of smiling baby girls who want to put on a show?
I did some short cut cake decorating for the party. Wal-Mart, (of all places! You don't expect to find lots of cuteness there. ) had these little pink puppy cakes for $3 each.
I baked a layer cake, iced it in chocolate, plopped a puppy in the center of it, then wrote her name in white icing.
I took my new favorite snack, Strawberry Whoppers, and added some along with more white icing around the base of the cake and put the rest of the Whoppers in a dish next to a glass filled with horns.
My Sissy made these pretty, glittery pink birds for me for Christmas and I left them up for Valentines day. Then for Nicoles birthday party, and now I think they'll be up till Easter. I'm sure I'll think of another reason to leave them up, I enjoy having them there.
I hung some party hats that matched the horns (bags of 6 for a dollar at Dollar Tree) and filled them with dried roses, then hung a couple of my hand made tussie mussies up with them. Simple and easy decorations for a simple party.
We set out pizza toppings, small Bobboli crusts and everyone fixed their own dinner, not too much work for me at all. I was able to relax and enjoy the show that the little ones were putting on for us over at the piano.
I love to be able to kick back and enjoy my guests and not have things too fussy!
Love all of the pretty vintage hats and the pretty dress that you found for Sugarwings!
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | February 27, 2008 at 06:11 PM
you are SO lucky...i am always on the look~out for hats to steal...errrr...borrow the flowers off of and i can never find any OR they are waaaay too much $$$...the dress you bought for your fairy grand~baby is soooo precious, she is going to look like a little angel at Easter time...good luck with the stairs, that sounds like quite a project!!!
Posted by: Lori | February 27, 2008 at 06:18 PM
you are SO lucky...i am always on the look~out for hats to steal...errrr...borrow the flowers off of and i can never find any OR they are waaaay too much $$$...the dress you bought for your fairy grand~baby is soooo precious, she is going to look like a little angel at Easter time...good luck with the stairs, that sounds like quite a project!!!
Posted by: Lori | February 27, 2008 at 06:19 PM
I so love the privilege of stepping into your world! What a great shopping spree! And lucky Miss Sugarwings!
Posted by: Jeanie | February 27, 2008 at 06:55 PM
I'm looking forward to seeing your stairway finished. It will look great. The little dress you bought for sugar wings is so adorable. She is going to look so sweet at Easter.
Karen
Posted by: Karen Young | February 27, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Congrats to Bethany!
xo
mary
Posted by: hoganfe handbags | February 27, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Karla, As usual, I don't know where to begin. Your posts are dizzyingly delightful! That little dress set is adorable. The babies are so cute. They make strawberry whoppers? I can't believe that you started the stairway project already, and good find on the hats. Whew, I'm exhausted just commenting. I really do enjoy reading your blog. It always inspires. Susan
Posted by: susans at black eyed susans kitchen | February 27, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Love the dress! I think I even like the slip the best.Course it is hard to resist that dotted swiss! Ready for tomorrow! Am I just supposed to leave you a comment after I post? Haven't decided whether to swap it or keep it yet!
Posted by: michelle | February 27, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Wow! I DO believe you about dragging out the power saws after what you told me! LOL! I can't wait to see the stairs! Are you painting them or using wallpaper? That dress is just dripping with cuteness! And the hats! WOW! Today was your lucky day!
Posted by: robin~thrifty miss priss | February 27, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Wow Karla,
You are so lucky to find all of those wonderful bargins. I can't wait to see what your stairs are going to look like, now I wish that I had some. Silly me thought that the "Bling your Birdhouse Party" was Feb 27th, so I have already posted mine a whole month early, I will still stop by for the party, in March.
Cheers Linda
Posted by: linda | February 27, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Whew! Girl you can shop! :D I admire a kindred soul who can run an errand for practical stuff and come home with such a bunch of non-related treasures! The stairs - can't wait to see the result!
Posted by: Kelley | February 27, 2008 at 08:16 PM
You crack me up, rippen the carpet and go for it girl! Love it! I am the same way, can't wait when I have a thought or idea in my head, gotta do it!
Hugs,
Carol
Posted by: Raised In Cotton | February 27, 2008 at 09:24 PM
My mom used to dress us three girls in dresses like that for Easter. Hats, white patten (is that how you spell that - it doesn't look right)leather shoes, white frilly socks and white gloves!
Do little girls dress like that any more? Love the one you found for Sugarwings!
Posted by: Cheri | February 27, 2008 at 10:12 PM
I wandered over to your site after I saw that my good friend Bethany won a birdhouse that you had made. I LOVE your artwork and designs! I have a house full of boys, so pink is very scarce around here. But when I can, I wear it...especially on my toenails! Your creativity is inspiring!
Posted by: Terri Fisher | February 27, 2008 at 10:18 PM
It all looks wonderfully adorable!!! And Strawberry Whoppers.....Oh MY! My new favorite...they are fantastic! : )
Posted by: Cindy | February 27, 2008 at 10:46 PM
I am absolutely in love with your stairs, they turned out beautiful.
I want to just come sit in your house. Everything is so pretty and pink, you can never go wrong with pink!
Posted by: Jeanette | February 27, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Your stairs are going to be awesome! I'm afraid of heights, too, and I don't do ladders! Good for you for courageously climbing yours!
I love the little dotted swiss dress. I haven't seen dotted swiss fabric in years, though I know I had one when I was little.
Posted by: Jessica | February 27, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Oh my, Karla! So many 'loverly' pretties! Your stairs are going to look awesome. I do the same thing when I'm itching to get started on something--waiting is not an option, lol!
Great shopping finds, especially that sweet, adorable dress--can't wait to see Sugarwings wearing it! Love your party decorations and cake too. You make it sound so easy but I find it amazing!
Posted by: Marilyn | February 27, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Very good post!
The birdhouse is precious. . . lucky Bethany.
Love, love, love that dress and petticoat. Yes, you do need to let Sugarwings get some use out of it. Perfect tea party dress.
You certainly whipped together cute party decor. You always make your entertaining seem so effortless.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | February 27, 2008 at 11:37 PM
*OoOo! Can't wait to see your new staircase! Love that you are impulsive and couldn't wait for your friend - I'm the same way:) Those babies are soooo precious!!
Thanks for sharing!! Debra
Posted by: Debra Johnson | February 28, 2008 at 05:26 AM
I'm looking forward to seeing your stairway finished.The fabric clothing is beautiful, she would be pretty with this dress. Here, I have found a French book of 1920 too.
Posted by: María Elena | February 28, 2008 at 06:52 AM
I love Sugarwing's new slip! That was a nice old set, wasn't it?!
The staircase is going to be a fun project once the wood gets prepared :) I can't wait!
Posted by: phyllis | February 28, 2008 at 08:56 AM
You've been busy! I can't wait to see what your stairs look like. I want to do the same thing here. I love your newell post...I hope veryone says healthy!
Jen r
Posted by: Jen R | February 28, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Oh I adore the dotted swiss easter dress! It reminds me of my childhood! Do they still make 'dotted swiss'?? Also love the trinkets you found on your shopping trip. And the party hats turned upside down hanging from the lamp are adorable, I never would have thought to use them like that.. but it started my brain clicking on what else I could do! Good luck on the stairway, I can't wait to see the after pictures!
Posted by: gail | February 28, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Karla, How cute is the pink dress! I would have bought it and don't even have a girl to put in it!! The birthday party is adorable!!! Walmart does get some cute cakes! Love the whopper idea! And heck, there even pink! Later, Lori P.S. You know those steps were out of this world gorgous, good-luck on yours!
Posted by: Lori | February 28, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I can't wait to see your stairs! I know they are going to look awesome! That Easter dress - too darn cute - Sugarwings will love it I'm sure! Gosh the pink puppy is so much fun and you really dolled it up!
Karla
Posted by: Karla | February 28, 2008 at 02:27 PM
What fu party decorations. Look forward toeeing Sugarwings in that pretty dress. What a lot of treasures you got for your $50.
Have fun painting those stairs.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | February 28, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Ooops!! Typo!! Error!!
I meant FUN PARTY DECORATIONS!!!
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | February 28, 2008 at 03:30 PM
I'm so excited to see what you will make of your stairs!! That dress for Sugarwings is so lovely and those hats!! You cant find things like this in our thriftsstores. I think people throwed away or they just didnt bought hats with flowers on. Hugs /linnea-maria
Posted by: linnea-maria | February 28, 2008 at 05:32 PM
I adore that little dress, too cute.
Louise
Posted by: Louise | February 28, 2008 at 09:25 PM
What a wonderful post. All the pics are such eye candy. I'm really looking forward to the Bling Your Birdhouse party! I can't wait to see your staircase, either.
Take care
Nerissa
Posted by: Nerissa | February 28, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Hi Karla, carn't wait for the Bling Your Bird house Day, so much so I thought it was the 27th of this month and posted it already...lol your bird house just came up beautiful I love each and everyone. Can't wait to see your stairs when all is finished but Becareful!! trying to do it all yourself...I know what it's like a girls got to do what a girls gotda do...and that mean's NOW...hee, hee. You have to post Sugarwings in the pretty dress, she's going to look soooo cute, can't wait to see. And I love all your fab finds I think I need to move over there you have the best vintage find, and your doggy cake is yummy, thin slice for me please..lol, Oh Karla what are Strawberry Whoopers?, are they like Maltesers, they look mouth watering, I need a tissue to wipe the drool from my mouth.
Have a lovely weekend!!!
Hugs
Kirstie.
Posted by: Kirstie | February 28, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Hello Karla,
I can't wait to see your stairs once they're done, I know they are going to look fabulous,
I just love vintage wallpaper. I love the pretty hats you found to so much fun to find a treasure Pinkie Denise
Posted by: pinkie denise | February 28, 2008 at 11:02 PM
I adore the dress you bought for Sugarwings. She will be beautiful in it...Smiles
Posted by: Mary Issabella | February 28, 2008 at 11:16 PM
I love all your vintgage pretties. Looking forward to seeing your finished stairs, that's a big project!
Posted by: angie | February 29, 2008 at 07:03 AM
i just found your blog though i can't remember how. i am glad i did! so beautiful and tons of inspiration! i can't wait to see your stairs. i think i am going to join you in your 'bling your birdhouse'. tfs
alissa
Posted by: Alissa Millsap | February 29, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Would you please just adopt me? I want to come over to your magical house :) You sprinkle glitter and paint and make life so much more special. Little Sugarwings is one truly lucky fairy baby! That dress is SO so sooooooooooo pretty :) Uhm...I must admit that I'm with you on the strawberry whoopers. Those little balls of happiness are dangerous!!!
Hugs,
Dena
Posted by: Dena | February 29, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Wow Karla, what swesome finds! The dress is to die for! I can't wait to see the after photos of your stairs. :)
p.s. I am deathly afraid of heights too
Posted by: Joy | February 29, 2008 at 10:19 AM
That vintage little girl dress is beautiful! What a lucky little granddaughter!
Posted by: Maureen | February 29, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I can't wait to see your stairs!
The cake is 100% clever! I must remember this. And the hanging cones looked so pretty.
I want to come back as your granddaughter in my next life, and I want little freckles on my nose just like Sugarwings ;-) oh and the big blues, too.
Posted by: Lallee | March 01, 2008 at 07:18 AM