Wouldn't your heart skip a beat if you were invited for a craft day, and when you got there, this is what was waiting for you?
Mine sure did! When I saw this entry, I knew this was going to be a special place.
I was tempted to say, "The heck with crafting, where's my margarita?" and just plop down on the porch without even going into the studio.
But as good as the patio was--- the inside was even better!
Laurie rents out her studio for the day, as well as teaches classes. It was a fun place to meet up, and gave our group a break from all having to drive to Lawrence to come to my place. All of them live in KC and Laurie's studio was more convenient for them.
Her home is chocked full of vintagey fun, and I had a hard time concentrating on what I wanted to work on, because I really wanted to explore and look at all the art and fun finds she had on display around the room.
Like this piece that I was really attracted to, even more so, when I saw that it said "Nathan & Co." on the top of the card.
Actually, it wasn't just the surroundings that kept me from getting to work. I'd brought photos from my trip to Jenn's event last May to add to the Flower Fairy Scrapbook that a group of us from there swapped pages on.
The book was gorgeous! So pretty that I was hesitant about using it. But- we all made our pages with the intent of adding photos, so I starting gluing. Plus, all the people at craft day assured me that they had been in swaps like this and swappers understand that the pages get altered a bit when you start adding your own stuff.
So, I got out the markers and pens and added journaling bits and swirls and doodads (according to Beth's last post, Journaling is the New Black). I snipped off bits of the ribbons that Kim tied to the beautiful cover she had made for it and used some of those inside on the pages to trim pictures. I also created pockets on some pages to add the pictures in, while saving the artist's original work and adding it to the top of the pocket, or on a tag to tie into the book later. I also took the liberty of re-distributing some butterflies and adding sparkle marker and details to them when I glued them back to the page around the photos.
Hopefully, I kept the intent of the artists intact and haven't offended anyone. I was so impressed with the care and skill that they all put into the book!
Was I wrong to add my own touches and drawings, and scoot some other artist's work aside and move it to make room for photos? I'm feeling a bit guilty.... What do you think?
I sincerely hope that I haven't offended the other artists and that they know how much I will treasure their work in this lovely book.
Mementos of a trip are important, and I will enjoy that book for a long time! I made up a little something for Sissy as a souvenir and thank you for her help on our trip to Florida to Aunt Caroline's funeral. She loves crows and witchy things, so when I saw this pink hat on a doll while we were shopping together, I knew exactly what I was going to do with it when I got home!
The hat got a foofing with some old flowers and tulle trim, then I glittered up the bird, gave her a necklace and plopped on the hat.
And none of these girls needed the hat, once I was done with their makeovers. I hope to get a few of these little Miss Vintagey gals listed in the shop today, along with more millinery, if the cloudy skies ever clear up so I can take a good photo!
I'm cleaning up the Boutique, deleting all the sold goods ( by the way, THANKS!) so you could shop more easily there and even created a new category- Sale Priced Goods
And don't forget, what ever is left in the Etsy shop is half off the price it is listed at, details in the previous post.
edit- there are sequinned girls, millinery packs, and new (old) jewelry added to the Boutique now.
i don't know if there is an etiquette involved here Karla...i think you are only adding to the memories created while you were at Jenn's, and i don't see a problem in that...the bird is cracking me up...love the hat...Laurie's studio looks wonderful...i bet you had a wonderful time there!!!
Posted by: Lori | July 16, 2009 at 04:43 PM
Oh, what a fun time! Yes, I would have expected margararitas, too -- but I think the artpart is more fun!
I don't see anything wrong with a bit of modification on something that is now yours (especially if you would use it all the more with the change) and if -- as you did -- attention is paid to the "intent." We alter everything. That's just what we do...
Posted by: Jeanie | July 16, 2009 at 04:46 PM
looks like you had a great time. I just cant really think of much that I would rather do then to hang out with friends creating something sweet!! well, except maybe going to the beach.. they are pretty much at the same level of favoriteness!!
hugs
vivian
Posted by: vivian | July 16, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Hi Karla!
Oh I dont think you will have offended anyone! I think the girls will love anything you would do! You are so talented, how could they be offended? All the girls are so sweet that were there and you all had so much fun. I think it was wonderful to have made a journal!
Those dolls are sooo pretty!!!! I cant wait to check out your shop!
The crafting day looks just perfect, what a beautiful and inspiring place! I am so glad you had such a nice time!
Hugs,
Amy
Posted by: Bunny Rose Cottage | July 16, 2009 at 06:01 PM
Thank you Karla...what a lovely day to "tag along" with you...oh, that KC wasn't so far away :)
Wanted you to know I got the lovely buttons in the mail today...and I love them, from the pretty ribbon ties to the vintage paper wrapping and down to the very last button...so very lovely!
Posted by: Bev | July 16, 2009 at 06:56 PM
I'm sure the ladies won't mind I think when you are in a swap there is just a silent given know that you will almost expect the owner to create something. It's kindof like giving them a base to work on. A bit of inspiration :) Love your photos and I too was wondering where our drinks were...mojitos would have been great too! Looking forward to Tuesday I have a few goodies planned to make. So you just host and I'll cook! :)
Posted by: shawn | July 16, 2009 at 07:03 PM
When I see this lovely group of ladies that I met at your home last year, I want to be there too!!
We were in OK over the weekend, but it wasn't a leisure trip -- I couldn't help but think KS wasn't very far from us though!
:)
~Becca~
Posted by: Becca | July 16, 2009 at 09:42 PM
love how your dolls turned out...so precious! Sounds like a fun day!
Posted by: ellen | July 16, 2009 at 09:59 PM
Karla,
Looks like you girls had a fun day and I really like your pretty page with personal touches! Your sissy will LOVE that bird...you always do a wonderful job of foofing and that bird looks great with the hat and glitter!
Posted by: kana conger | July 16, 2009 at 10:40 PM
I don't know what those pages looked like before but they are beautiful now! I don't believe that an artist would be offended with you adding a little of your own touch to the pages.
Blessings,
Christine
Posted by: chrisitne | July 17, 2009 at 05:07 AM
Karla - I love what you did with the book. That was what it was for. I haven't started on mine yet, but I will be doing exactly as you did. Making it my own.
Have a great weekend.
Posted by: teresa | July 17, 2009 at 10:47 AM
It looked like such fun! I wish I could find a group like yours to all get together & craft. So much better when there are others to talk to & inspire each other. I too would have had a hard time staying on task in such wonderful surroundings. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Charlene | July 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Wish we had somewhere like this where I live. You have a lovely blog and I really enjoy reading it. [email protected]
Posted by: uffda in nebraska | July 17, 2009 at 03:41 PM
How fun...and thank you for sharing your lovely adventures with us all! I'm off to check out the shop...
xoxo
Posted by: Cristina | July 17, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Karla! oh how thrilled I am to be able to open your blog again. i've missed you. Now I am going to pull up a seat, grab a cup of something to drink {where's my decaf mocah!?) and read all that I have missed these past weeks. By the way love that scrapbooking place. Oh yea!
Posted by: DeniseLynn | July 17, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Karla: I wish I lived closer to you, you are always doing something fun! That place looks so special. Crafting with friends is the best! Have a great weekend. Martha
Posted by: Martha | July 17, 2009 at 06:23 PM
That's it, I'm going to go re-arrange my withering lil' patio...and craft somethin' :)
Hugs,
Dena
Posted by: Dena | July 17, 2009 at 08:30 PM
Karla,
You always make me giggle and smile with your own way of wanting to do things and I LOVE that about you. Every page of the journal is beautiful and special. I think it's wonderful that you've embellished it to your style & likeing. I LOOOVE your page. ;)
Looks like you had an amazing craft day with your friends. What a fabulous warm and welcoming invite. The crows are too cute in their froof hats, and the DOLLS!!! Oh dont get me started!!!!! hee! hee! Hugs! XO,Jenn
Posted by: Jennifer | July 17, 2009 at 08:35 PM
Hhhmmmm having your house number displayed like that and painted in fun colors! Yes,, something special awaits indeed :-)
Look at your smiles - what a fun gathering of creative minds. And I like your glittery bird! Her hat is just perfect for her :-)
Posted by: MyThoughtsMyVoice | July 17, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Karla,
What a lovely day and how very lucky you are to have found some craft sisters! I think your adding yourself to the beautiful journal is right and proper! I have seen some pictures of that beauty...oh, my! What a luscious piece of work!
The bird...especially after the foofing...is delightful.
I, too, love your blog.
Posted by: Sua Reaney | July 18, 2009 at 12:38 AM
Looks like you had an amazing day in an over the top creative home.....and your pieces are BEAUTIFUL !!! You mentioned your friends are from KC. We have a group of 10-12 traveling to KC next April to meet up with two from our group who have moved to Austin, TX. By any chance are you aware of homes in the KC area that are set up for scrapbooker/crafter sleep over getaways. We usually do three weekends a year here in Minnesota and have found some wonderful places, but this is our first "road trip". We're trying to avoid the hotel room scene (too steril, plus, we're into scrappin in our jammies). Thanks in advance if you have any info. Just found your blog and am going to have to go back through your past postings...don't want to miss anything !
Posted by: Suzy | July 18, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Hi Karla! looks like you had a great day again! I cannot imagine that anyone will be offended by your art on their art. It's an honor!
Have a great weekend!
Posted by: LiLi M. | July 18, 2009 at 06:08 PM
I'm with you on the sitting outside with a cool beverage...but oh the fun of seeing someone else's vintagey things! Nice work too.
Posted by: Jillian | July 18, 2009 at 07:23 PM
What a fun time, Karla! I wish I could be with you and learn at your side as your create. xox
Posted by: Wendy | July 19, 2009 at 02:23 PM
You told me that it was perfectly okay to add foof to the blue fairy mirror that I got from you, so how could you be wrong?The more the merrier! Your Friend, Bobbi
Posted by: Bobbi Mouzon | July 19, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Hi Karla,
I love what you have done with our book, I would love to see if you added anything to the mushroom page...after I made it I couldn't figure out what I would do with it, if you used it email me a pic, pretty please! I'm off to see what you have listed in your shop, yay.
Posted by: angela | July 21, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Your book was looking gorgeous -- I can't see how anyone would mind the changes. I would be so happy knowing it was used!
Posted by: Laurie | July 26, 2009 at 07:41 PM