Did I mention that I had a little sis? In my family, I'm the baby of the girls (funny that I say "baby" and "girls" about women in their 50s and 60s) but at Silver Bella this year, I've got a little sis.
Veteran Bellas are adopting newbies and helping them out, showing them around, and answering questions. My lil sis is Robin, who is my East Coast Buddy. When I go out to VA to stay at our apartment, Robin and I try to get together. So, I was happy to have her as my sis.
While shopping at Lucketts this summer, I found this book that was just perfect to alter for the occasion. It was old and beat up (just the way I like things!) and only a couple dollars, but filled with the sweetest, pastel sister pictures ever!
So, I cut it apart and reassembled it, adding glitter, flowers, and sparkle. Of course, since it was for Silver Bella, each girl got a tiara to wear. The book has lots of blank space, and empty pages simply decorated with a die cut robin or rose, so there is plenty of space for her to use it as an art journal or photo album.
Not only did I find the perfect book to make this, I also found the perfect wrapping paper! Old sheet music titled, "the Robin's Return".
This morning, I've been wrapping up all the gifts I've made to take along. For Marilyn, who is opening her home for me to come and shop in, I've packed a couple of my bottle brush trees.
Marilyn's business is actually called Hannah's Treasures, but in my mind, it will always be Wallpaper Heaven! She has thousands of rolls of vintage wallpaper and its overwhelmingly wonderful for an ephemera junkie like me.
More little trees are packaged up for roomies. Yes, it looks like a lot of roomies, and no, I'm not sleeping 8 to a room.
Jenn, Tiffany, Lori, and I made plans to go in a day early to go to Wallpaper Heaven. They are all roomies, and are letting me sofa surf that night since my reservation is for the next day.
For the rest of the weekend, I was supposed to be sharing with Heather Bullard, in a connecting room with Carol and Shelly. But, Heather had to cancel, she just didn't have time to come to Omaha. You should have seen me scrambling, trying to find a new room mate at the last minute! No luck, so I am paying full price instead of sharing a spot. Oh well, it worked out, since Sugarwings will stay with me one night when the family comes up to help me set up my Vendor Faire
And hopefully, Carol, Shelly, and I will have connecting rooms. I'm perfectly capable of staying on my own, but Silver Bella weekend is all about being social and I like the late night giggle fests that go on. So, a roomie is a good thing to have.
Carol, Shelly, and I are co-hosting the Glitter Lounge. Last year, we invited friends up to our room for a kick off toast to start the weekend on Thursday night. It was such fun, that we are making it a tradition and hosting again this year. I've got my disco balls all packed up and ready to go!
But now I need to get some cupcakes made to take too, I'd better get cookin.
well, shoot Karla!!! i would have signed up to be your roomie for a chance to visit wallpaper heaven...maybe you could have sneaked me in for SB vendor night too!!!
Posted by: Lori | November 13, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Karla have a wonderful time, your roomies are all going to love the wonderful gifts you made for them, I especially love Robin's book, it is so pretty! Take lots of pictures, we...the left behind...live vicariously thru you ladies that post all your great pictures of the Bella experience :) besos, Rose
Posted by: Rose | November 13, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Have lots and lots of fun!! I bet your roomies are all very very happy with their gifts, that journal for your sissy is lovely!
Posted by: LiLi M. | November 13, 2009 at 11:54 AM
what a lovely thoughtful person you are, Karla! Sounds like you all will have a blast!! No wonder it's an annual tradition now. Hope you all stay safe, sober and silly!
Have the GREATEST of times!
Sandy
PS I'm with the lady who said take lots of pictures!!!
Posted by: sandy | November 13, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Hey Karla GO ..have a wonderfull time..want to hear all about every thing when you get back..Lorraine
Posted by: LORRAINE BELL | November 13, 2009 at 02:19 PM
Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back. I so hope I am able to go next year!! It always looks so amazing. Have a safe trip and a fab time:)
Hopefully some of those goodies you bring back may make it into your shop......
Posted by: Andrea Villarreal | November 13, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Okay Karla....sounds heavenly! what a perfect way to spend the day...enjoy! and thank you so much for the post!
Posted by: bev | November 13, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Hi Karla, hope you have an absolutely fabulous time at Silver Bella...I know the recipients of those sweet trees will love them...and the Glitter Lounge, what a fun time that must be...enjoy!!!
Laura
Posted by: Laura | November 13, 2009 at 09:03 PM
I love the book and you're right. It's perfect!
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | November 13, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Hi Karla,
Everything you make is so magical and pretty, that book is just perfect :)
Have fun!
Hugs,
Dena
Posted by: Dena | November 14, 2009 at 01:17 PM
I hope you're having a wonderful time! Take lots of pics :) The book for your sis is just perfect. What a fabulous gift!
Nerissa
Posted by: Nerissa Alford | November 14, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Hi Karla,
The gifts you made are so sweet. The book is perfect
for your Silver Bella sissy and the trees look wonderful
all packaged up. Can't wait to hear all about SB!!!
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | November 14, 2009 at 04:52 PM
Hope you're having a marvelous time there, Karla. The book you made for your "sis" is wonderful!
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | November 14, 2009 at 05:18 PM
your little books are totally amazing! I'm not sure I would DARE to cut up an old book.....but I have this awesome old school book my Mom had from the 30's.......maybe I'll try some day! deb from Maine..:D
Posted by: Deb | November 15, 2009 at 02:40 PM
What beautiful pictures!! That book is adorable makes me itch to craft :)
Posted by: shawn | November 15, 2009 at 09:15 PM
(Sigh)
Posted by: Laurie | November 16, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Karla the book is so perfect! I will treasure it always with all those little details you added! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Robin | November 16, 2009 at 08:46 PM
What a sweet gift for Robin! It will help make her memories together with you extra magical.
So many gifts. Wow! I am surprised you didn't need an extra luggage bag or two just to bring them all. Especially with the supplies for the Glitter Lounge.
Posted by: Soarenth | November 24, 2009 at 02:31 AM