A box bursting with happiness just came to my door! I swear, this Pre-Bella Swap is one of the most fun swaps, ever!
All of the women involved have extraordinary style and the packets of goodies they made up show it.
This came today from Jennifer. And it is sweet, sweet eye candy indeed, plus some real candy!!
And, oh my gosh, look what Holly sent!!!!!!!!!!
Those velvety flowers are amazing, lovely, and lush. 
Not all the packages are here yet, but the table sure looks filled up, huh?
New homes have already been found in the art studio for some of the presents Holly and Jen sent along to me, I've used them in this centerpiece.
And when I cleaned the studio this week, I found the perfect storage spot for my unplucked old hats. (the plucked flowers are already sorted and stored elsewhere). They are all smooshed into the glass doored buffet in the alcove. The one with the crookedy candlesticks.
These sweet girl from Jen is actually a bell. I see fairy wings in her future.....
Look at that heart shaped little smoocher.
Her sis is nestled into a compote of flowers I received from Andrea.
And Taaa Daaa!! My studio is cleaned! I'm done, I'm done!! Just in time for Sugarwings to have a sleepover tonight and play in her new mini studio.
I've been working on this for almost a week. Hopefully, having this hopefully more functional arrangement will make me more productive and hopefully make up for the week I spent on it.... hopefully....
Everything is out in the open, easy to see and find, or at least the drawers have tags so I can remember what is where.
I don't know that I am crazy about having a plastic table cloth over my folding tables, it might just get in the way. I think I'll remove them, but for now, don't the pink clothes brighten up the room?
While I was cleaning, I cleared out drawers, boxes, and junk. Ever notice how much stuff you forgot that you had? I came across this little painting from about 10 years ago, and decided she shouldn't be shoved into a dark drawer, poor fairy.
So, I glittered up a mat for the painting, and added millinery, ruffled wallpaper, and a sparkling butterfly.
Recently, I was asked to post a how to on ruffling, but this is the first ruffle I've glued down in a while, and the light wasn't good last night at midnight when I decided to make it.
I'll show the steps next time.
While cleaning, I also found some pearls, as I promised to add to my August giveaway, the 50's Housewife Kit.
leave a comment to enter
By the way, here are a couple of Before the Great Clean Up pics.
Congratulations on finishing your cleaning-and-organization project! I know how daunting that can be and it looks just lovely! Of course, you've had some extra lovelies to include, thanks to your Silver Bella swap! I think I love the beautiful packaging as much as the pretties within!
Posted by: Jeanie | August 25, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Wow! How beautiful. Love what you did to your studio. The little faerie painting is so sweet too!
XOXO
Jillian
Posted by: jillian haupt | August 25, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Love love love your studio I WISH!!!!!!!!!
Very pretty you lucky girl!
Diane
Posted by: Diane ( Crafty Passions) | August 25, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Seeing your studio makes me want to go shopping ... in the studio! Soooo much cool stuff!
Posted by: gail | August 25, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Your studio is amazing. A great job you did in organizing it. What I love is that is not just organized but it is done in such a way that it is so beautiful to look at. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. I love the hats in the buffet by the way. Have a great day.
Jean in Virginia
Posted by: Jean Eakin | August 25, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Karla,
I have never seen a more beautiful and INSPIRING studio ever! I want to come and play sooo bad! hee! hee! Sooo *tickled* you love your goodies. Isnt the girlie bell and doll just super sweet? The pre-bella swap goodies are SO YUMMY!!!! What a gorgeous photos! I cant wait to receive my treasures! Oh, and sugarwings is one lucky little girl to have such a wonderful grandma as you!!!! ;) XOXO
Posted by: Jennifer | August 25, 2008 at 03:22 PM
The studio looks great! oh to have such a sunny and spacious place to create.
Posted by: Kathleen Grace | August 25, 2008 at 03:25 PM
It looks fabulous! I think you need to paint the tv pink, it stands out in the corner lol! Not to give you any ideas ;) hehe
Posted by: Amy P | August 25, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Hi Karla,
Your room looks so pretty. I love how organized it it. The colors in the room looks so fresh and clean.
Hope you are having a wonderful time with Sugarwings.
Janice
Posted by: Janice Rehmeyer | August 25, 2008 at 03:43 PM
That is one impressive before and after!
Posted by: barbara | August 25, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Looks great Karla!!!
Posted by: Caitlin | August 25, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Karla, I am so envious of your space I'm beside myself! How on earth did you end up with that much space? Is it part of your house? I so wish I could leave more things out, but the Yorkies would in no time shred my pretty things! Can't even have old picnic baskets down. They ate one of those too! Oh, Sugarwings will love her space. Just where is it in the scheme of things again? Maybe you showed and I forget where in there it is... I want to picture her there working with her grandma.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | August 25, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Karla, your studio is looking wonderful. I love all the goodies that a arriving for you pre-bella swap.
Karen
Posted by: Karen Young | August 25, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Sigh! I am in awe (and jelous) of your lovely space. I have my things stuffed in nooks and cranies all over the house and when I want something I can never remember where I put it, so I have to tear everything apart and usually its in the last place I look! So lovely!
Posted by: Sarah | August 25, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Hi Karla
What a lot of space you have in your studio. I have to work in my livingroom, (I live in a small flat) and I am very unorganised. But that forces me to clean up relatively often, and then I find things that I forgot that I had. Also when things are lying around I sometimes see unusual combinations of paper that I would never have found out using myself. Like the papers combine themselves! happy working..Tina
Posted by: Tina Blume | August 25, 2008 at 05:44 PM
Wowser Karla! Those swap packages are to die for! I feel so unworthy! Love the studio too, and jealous of that fabulous millinery colection of yours! Oh la la!
xoxo, Tiffany
Posted by: tiffany | August 25, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Oh my goodness, I absolutely love all your photos of your swap goodies.....so jealous, must get over it, but I have to say that the photo with the 'crooked candlesticks' is the most beautiful photo!!! It looks like a magazine picture and too pretty to be a studio....I want to move in, or at least come and play for a day, i don't think I would be getting much done though, there would be too many pretties to look at!! Thanks so much for sharing, have a wonderful pretty day kiss noises Linda Lilly Cottage
Posted by: Linda and Laura Lilly Cottage | August 25, 2008 at 07:09 PM
I think you did a great clean-up job! You almost have me inspired to do some cleaning of my own. Almost. I need a little bit more of a nudge. And a maid.
Posted by: Susan | August 25, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Your studio is so pretty!
Posted by: tami | August 25, 2008 at 08:07 PM
oh MY!!! i want to dive head first onto that table and then frolic in your drawers of millinery...i am SWOONing over here...how wonderful all the goodies you are receiving!!! your studio looks gorgeous, you are sure to make that book:)
Posted by: Lori | August 25, 2008 at 08:16 PM
I zoomed right in on that cabinet full of blooms immediately and DIDN'T even notice the crooked candles! You should not have pointed it out! Wow! What an amazing space.....I wouldn't know which way to turn first! Lots of inspiration going on there!
Posted by: Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss | August 25, 2008 at 08:29 PM
I am so glad that I'm not the only one who works on card tables!!! I was feeling sorry for myself. Your studio is just so cheerful and beautiful! No wonder you're always there creating things! It's so inspiring. I've been trying to clean up mine but it looks like a tornado hit and the trashmen hate me now because I loaded up the cans with tons of workbooks and teacher guides that no one wants. Oh well. It feels good to reclaim some shelf space. Thanks for the inspiring photos!!!
Posted by: bethany | August 25, 2008 at 08:33 PM
You did it again, Karla. The studio looks BEAUTIFUL. Another "Karla" work of art. I thought the "crooked candle" picture was a magazine picture too.
Show us what Sugarwings creates. We want to know too. I bet it will be every bit as special as Grandma Karkie's creations.
Posted by: Debra | August 25, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Your studio is so wonderful! I need to clean out my room and get something going. Take Care
Posted by: Rainy | August 25, 2008 at 09:02 PM
My eyes are popping out of my head! All this prettyness... ahhh... it's almost too much for me to handle. Thanks for popping by my blog. How about this? You can come and play in my mom's garden and I want to visit your studio!
Thanks for sharing all these amazing photos.
Take care,
Holly
Posted by: Holly | August 25, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Wow those are some awesome swap goodies! Love how clean your studio looks! Have fun with sugarwings. :)
Posted by: Shawn | August 25, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Your studio looks gorgeous, and soooo organized. Your swap looks like so much fun too. Karen
Posted by: karen | August 25, 2008 at 09:41 PM
What a beautiful creative workspace you have, Karla! It looks wonderful with so much inspiration all over. Just lovely. Gosh, those swap packages look so beautiful too! Thanks for sharing a bit of the Silver Bella magic with us.
Jane - Jacksonville
p.s. Just as we were starting to dry out here, it poured again today! Maybe Fay has some little children following in her path?!
Posted by: Jane | August 25, 2008 at 10:48 PM
You've been working hard! It looks great with lots of fun stuff to inspire.
Posted by: Jessica | August 25, 2008 at 11:31 PM
What a great place to be creative!
Posted by: Willow | August 25, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Your crafty room is so pretty karla! I have stuff everywhere can you come over and help me!!!!xoxoAndrea
Posted by: Andrea | August 26, 2008 at 12:25 AM
You are making me absolutely green with envy, what a swap! The studio looks great, I love the hats in the cupboard! have fun with Sugarwings!
Posted by: michelle | August 26, 2008 at 01:41 AM
Karla, your studio is just magical! It must be an amazing feeling to be able to create in such a beautiful area. I love the hats in the buffet...so feminine!! What a sweet space for your little Sugarwings to create with you. You are such a wonderful grandmother to make all those memories for her.
Hugs, Sherry
Posted by: Sherry | August 26, 2008 at 07:30 AM
beautiful!!! the pictures make me want to go create something! -anything! -maybe a fairy-thing! i didn't notice any droopy candles, just inspiration. love the little fairy rescued from her captivity and free to fly...
Posted by: suzie | August 26, 2008 at 08:40 AM
The things that make you go ahhh. I love the photo of you corner with your painted column & white server... so pretty..and your walls beautiful... This was my first time visiting you... I will be back soon.
xoxo Laura
Posted by: LAURA V. DELLAPORTA | August 26, 2008 at 08:46 AM
What wonderful eye candy! I enjoyed looking at all your fun pictures of your studio and home. Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: My Shabby Roses | August 26, 2008 at 10:30 AM
So pretty! Inspiring and sure to be a great area to get CREATIVE!
Jillian
Posted by: Jillian | August 26, 2008 at 11:21 AM
What a beautiful abundance of pretties. And I love your new studio!
oxox
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Grey | August 26, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Karla, I just told Heather (Pretty Petals) this morning that you ladies are going to have amassed the most coveted stash of lovely treasures for Silver Bella!!!
Posted by: beachy | August 26, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Good thing you're in Where Women/Blogger's create--these pictures alone are making me drool with envy. What a delicious workspace!
Posted by: Stephanie | August 26, 2008 at 01:10 PM
What fun you will have with all the swap lovelies for sure! As always I am so jealous of your creative space and talents. Have a wonderful week.
Posted by: Lisa | August 26, 2008 at 01:24 PM
It must feel so good to be finished. I can see many more beautiful creations on the horizon.
Posted by: Beverly | August 26, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Your studio is beautiful! If only I could live in it.....
Posted by: Kim | August 26, 2008 at 04:14 PM
The studio is magnifiwondertastic! I couldn't think of a word that does it justice-so I made up one! The box from Jennifer, with the clowns, dolls, etc., immediately put a smile on my face- what a package!
Posted by: Cathline Johnson | August 26, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Hello, is this Heaven????
Trying to get my jaw off of the ground.
Pardon me while I work on doing just that!!!
Posted by: Carrie West | August 26, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Your studio is a dream! I love it! Your swap looks amazing...I bet that is a lot of fun! The things you all find to swap is incredible. I am always on the hunt and rarely ever find such great things! Hope you have a wonderful day! Oh and please enter me in your wonderful giveaway! I have always loved pearls!
Kim
Posted by: Kim V | August 26, 2008 at 05:33 PM
What a wonderful plethera of items to craft with! I love how you have your millerny flowers in the cupboard with a light on so you can see them so clearly and beautifully! Thanks for hosting giveaways!
Posted by: Suzie Button | August 26, 2008 at 05:33 PM
How very nice! Love all the pink.
Posted by: Artsy | August 26, 2008 at 06:52 PM
how delish.....how delightful....how inspiring!!!! Thanks for the peek. Annie
Posted by: annie from San Diego | August 26, 2008 at 06:55 PM
It's so cool to have a space that inspires you. I love the way the flowers are showcased in the glass front cabinet.
Posted by: Andrea | August 26, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Wow, I'm envious of your studio! It looks so inviting. I think I could walk right in and play for hours. Sugarwing is lucky too! Have a nice week. Twyla
Posted by: two crazy crafters | August 26, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Hi Karla
Your studio looks great!
Hugs, Rhondi
Posted by: rhondi | August 26, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Love your studio~
Bristol
Posted by: Bristol | August 26, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Your space is oh, so lovely!! I am sure that your hard work will pay off in MUCH INSPIRATION!! Thank you for sharing! *hugs* Debbie
Posted by: debbie | August 27, 2008 at 01:39 AM
Hi, Karla! Thanks for stopping by my place! :o) Your blog is beautiful...and so is your studio...AH, that's my dream studio *SIGH* Sooo many pretties you received. Your Etsy shop is packed with gorgeous things--love your style! Happy Days ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | August 27, 2008 at 03:40 AM
nice clean up job! I like the sound of hat plucking!!! Rachaelxo
Posted by: Rachael | August 27, 2008 at 04:59 AM
I am jealous of your studio karla lol, it looks fab all tidy and pretty (esp the pink table cloths) xxx
Posted by: Trish | August 27, 2008 at 07:28 AM
All I can say is WOW!!!!! You did a great job getting things in order....Well Done !!!!
Hugs,
Mo :-)
Posted by: Mo...Mo Cottage | August 27, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Wow, your studio is simply delightful!! For now, I am relegated to the kitchen table...
Isabel
Posted by: Isabel ~ Maison Douce | August 27, 2008 at 11:01 AM
What a great studio...and with all your goodies on display...that's non-stop inspiration. Just love it!
Posted by: andrea | August 27, 2008 at 11:40 AM
WOW! All those pretties look better than
Christmas morning!!!!
M ^..^
Posted by: M | August 27, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Waouh ! I love all of your photos ! Beautiful goodies ! So lovely studio ! I love everything !!! Have a lovely day :)
Posted by: jojo-Caramel | August 27, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Your studio is gorgeous. Oh my, my all the pretty things you have in there.
I see there are a lot of people that do swaps on blogs. I would love to get involved with that.
Is there a chat place to read about all those swaps?
Posted by: Kim | August 28, 2008 at 02:30 AM
Your space is so charming and PINK! Love it!
Posted by: Cindy Roberts | August 31, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Am I too late to get in the drawing for the give-away? I ran across your blog this morning and love it! I love your studio!
Chris in Sacramento
Posted by: Christine Tracy | August 31, 2008 at 02:34 PM