Today is kind of blah. Yucky weather, I woke up with a bit of a stiff neck, and I am still facing a pile of wall paper to finish chopping, ironing, photographing, and listing. But our days are what we make them, right?
So, I took a little break from the drudgery of making packets of paper to sell, and treated myself to a tasty treat instead of grabbing a power bar and eating while working. Sometimes, its the little things that cheer me, like serving myself on a pretty plate. It wasn't a fancy meal, but peanut butter and sunflower seeds on a toasted whole wheat bagel tastes pretty good with Italian soda, while reading a magazine. (and getting away for work for a few minutes!)
This issue of Somerset Life is available now, when I showed the advance copy, it hadn't been out on the stands yet and some of you had asked where to get it. I usually find them at Borders, or other book stores like that, or at Michaels.
Over the years, I've done lots of magazine articles. (Here or here is a list of a few of them) But I've never gotten so many nice congratulatory notes as I have for this one! Thanks, to those of you who noticed it and came by to say "hi".
I guess we all love Somerset, huh? I'm sure thrilled to be in it.
The magazine was a good one to indulge myself in while getting away from work for a while. The issue is full of inspiration to keep me going on a yucky day! And now, after treating myself kindly with a pampered little break, I'm ready to face the piles of papers waiting for me in the studio.
After rolling out the papers, cutting, and ironing them, I stack them up and press them flat.
These trophies have enough heft to help flatten the pieces. I feel like I deserve a trophy myself after all this work!
That doesn't look like much does it? But it represents a few days of grueling labor... The paper can be very delicate and difficult to cut into squares. Once they are cut up, it is much easier to work with, but the long pieces tend to split and tear if I'm not extra gentle and take my time. So, just as I relax and get on a roll, I'll forget to take it easy and have a big piece rip up on me!
That's heartbreaking, since each bit is beautiful and valuable to me. They don't make this stuff anymore! I save all the scraps and make sure they get used.
I'll have some scrap packs to list in the shop too. Scraps are good to have for small projects, like tags or ATCs, you don't want to cut into a 10" piece for just a 2" bit!
Okay, my break is over. Thanks for keeping me company while I rested up enough to go and face the exacto knife and ironing board again. I'll leave you with some photos of what I listed yesterday in the Boutique and on Etsy.
And don't forget, all comments, all month go into the drawing for a vintage bird that I've foofed a bit.
(this just sold)
These are flocked as well as glittered.
Morning Karla...save me a pack of pinkie ..creamie wallpaper...allsizes..let me know price..we can do the check thing again...little early,but,maybe the bottle should have been a little wine instead if pomegranet juice..have a good day..we are literally under water here in Desert Hot Springs..Lorraine
Posted by: LORRAINE BELL | January 21, 2010 at 03:28 PM
I haven't got to get the last somerset yet I may have to peek at it when I'm over next week. (This darn foot won't let me shop the way I want too!) Oh that little birdie is gorgeous! It is the fun things like that, Bethany and I like to dig out pretty dishes to eat on too for some reason it just seems to cheer up the day :)
Posted by: Shawn | January 21, 2010 at 03:40 PM
Congratulations, Karla! I still haven't bought my copy yet, and now there are at least two blogs I frequent with work in this issue (you and Robin "Bird Tweets").I think a weekend field trip to the bookstore or Joanne's is in store!
Posted by: jeanie | January 21, 2010 at 04:40 PM
Even I have this issue of Somerset! Congrats on being in there Karla, I loved the article! That small saucer and the shadowbox are both too cute too!
Posted by: LiLi M. | January 21, 2010 at 04:52 PM
Guess I'll have to get out into the rain tomorrow to get my copy of Somerset from B&N.
Great Snack Break, Karla !
Posted by: Gerry | January 21, 2010 at 05:54 PM
Karla, congrats on being in Somerset!!! i love your little birdie box, the pussy willows are such a sweet little addition...
Posted by: Lori | January 21, 2010 at 05:54 PM
Aw, I'm sorry! It's no fun when fun becomes a chore. Good luck with the paper preparations.
And, oh!, that breakfast looks yummy. Hm, no bagels in the house, but have some hearty wheat bread I can toast and add peanut butter and sunflower seeds to. You know what? That sounds like a brilliant idea. I'm going to go do that now. Thank you for reminding to pause and enjoy a simple pleasure today.
Posted by: Soarenth | January 21, 2010 at 05:55 PM
Love your little creations !
Looks like a good snack !!
Take care
Diane
Posted by: Diane ( Crafty Passions) | January 21, 2010 at 05:59 PM
I never realized what work was involved with the wallpaper. They are so gorgeous, and I'm glad you take the time to give them their proper respect. what a beautiful blog you have!
Posted by: Melony at Whimsy Daisy! | January 21, 2010 at 06:05 PM
Well Karla I enjoyed sitting down to lunch with you! It looked so good too. Yes, it is the little things that make up life and make it so sublimely special, isn't it?
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | January 21, 2010 at 06:13 PM
How exciting it must be to have your name and an article in a magazine!!! So glad for you. I really do love the birds you are foofing up!
blessings
mary
Posted by: Mary | January 21, 2010 at 06:29 PM
I really love visiting your blog...you are such an inspiration!
hugs, Sherry
Posted by: Sherry Williams | January 21, 2010 at 07:08 PM
Congratulations on your article. I'm going to look for the wallpaper next. Come for a visit next time you take a break!
karen
Posted by: karen | January 21, 2010 at 09:21 PM
Busy girls deserve a lovely snack like that! I am popping over to see your goodies at your shoppe.
I will pass the word on your giveaway...on my blog.
Posted by: carrie | January 21, 2010 at 09:59 PM
Karla,
I loved your journals in 'Life', what a dream to be published & in such an awesome mag as that! I love your newest creations. I'm heading to the shop to see if I'm too late for wallpaper. Lisa
Posted by: lisa | January 21, 2010 at 11:20 PM
I just never realized that they awarded trophies for wallpaper!
First Beth and her swine trophy, and now this!
Awesome!
Seriously, congrats on your appearance in "Somerset Life"!!!
Posted by: pamq | January 22, 2010 at 12:32 AM
I can't find that issue locally, and I really *need* it!
Both you and my friend Laura from 52 Flea are in that issue!
I'm off to visit your Etsy shop in a sec, but first....peanut butter and sunflower seeds? That sounds good, I'm going to try it tomorrow! :-)
Happy Friday!
Anne
Posted by: Anne-Fiona and Twig | January 22, 2010 at 02:28 AM
yum yum.......the only thing missing from your bagel is honey....I always add some to my peanut butter...:D I look forward to reading your blog every day....you are by far my favorite one to read.....:D it brightens up my winter days....with all our SNOW...........deb from Maine
Posted by: Deb | January 22, 2010 at 08:07 AM
Congrats on your article! You are such a dedicated worker!
I would love your support on the ELLE DECOR window that I decorated for the Big Window Challenge this year. As we all know, AT doesn't make it easy, but you can vote TWICE a day. Once online & the other by texting "1" to 89800.
Your support means the world to me!!
xo,
Eddie
Posted by: Eddie Ross | January 22, 2010 at 10:10 AM
I just got my copy ... can't wait to carve out some quiet time {when the 2 little men here are resting perhaps!?} to sip something warm and savor every page of it. Of course it takes me DAYS to actually read it cover to cover and those days take place over the course of 3 weeks usually, but honestly the publication is so yummy I love taking my time and not missing a single morsel of it. I'm always sad when I get to that last article. I'm excited to see you are a part of this issue! YEAH!!
Posted by: DeniseLynn | January 22, 2010 at 01:44 PM
Delightful post as usual. Congrats on your aticle, I look forward to seeing it. I just got back from lunch and B&N and picked this up not knowing your article was there. I'll be searching for it when I get home to indulge. Have a happy day!
Posted by: Thespoena McLaughlin | January 22, 2010 at 02:24 PM
Karla, I keep forgetting to tell you that I loved the article. I can't imagine having done lots of magazine articles! You are really a rock star!!!
I am starting to realize what it takes to get this wallpaper together. It does not look like much fun!
Also...I just loved the pieces you did. They are really nice! I can see why the first one sold right away. Good work!
Posted by: Suz Reaney | January 22, 2010 at 07:28 PM
I got the magazine a while ago and read it quickly and have not been able to pick it up again. I LOVED the article also! I can't remember if I told you about it but it was just beautiful! I've got it tucked away to read again tonight before bed...can't wait to get back to it!
The little bird assemblage is so sweet!
Posted by: Robin | January 22, 2010 at 08:02 PM
I love the music fan adornment...how pretty:)...but then again it always is...thanks for sharing your break with us :)
Posted by: Bev | January 22, 2010 at 08:45 PM
I saw your post on RMS and have bookmarked your blog so I can come check it out more.
Posted by: Betty | January 22, 2010 at 09:41 PM
I am so excited! I got Somerset since the apron on the inside front cover was made by a friend of mine Suzy from Georgiapeachez (see my side bar) but now I get you read an article from you too!! WOOHOO!!!!
Posted by: Jenny | January 22, 2010 at 09:59 PM
I just found your blog tonight, love it! You are very creative! I just love the little pink glittered birdies!
Posted by: Reyna M | January 23, 2010 at 12:53 AM
Beautiful photo's love the bird!!~
Posted by: debbie | January 23, 2010 at 12:37 PM
I just bought this issue of Sommerset! Beautiful issue! Loved seeing some of your stuff in it! gorgeous! congrats!!
Posted by: robin | January 23, 2010 at 03:07 PM
Karla it is always a treat to come to your place and be inspired by all the beauty I find here. I'm so glad that you could have a little break from your labors and boy, does that look yummy! I just love the sweet little birds in this post today.
hugs
Posted by: June | January 24, 2010 at 12:21 AM
Hi Karla,
Congratulations on the Somerset Article!!!! Your well
deserved break time snack looks delicious and healthy.
I wish I could find that Italian soda here! Looks
wonderful and it is one of my favorite flavor combos.
Hope your weekend is great!
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | January 24, 2010 at 12:30 AM
Enjoying the Somerset article and your blog tonight! Your photos are amazing! Blessings!
Posted by: katie struckhoff | January 24, 2010 at 12:38 AM
I have not blog surfed in a long time. Your blog has evolved into something so wonderful! I love visiting here. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us. I want to see your whole house. It inspires me!
Peggy
Posted by: Peggy Jernigan | January 24, 2010 at 06:44 AM
Somerset article? Oh, my goodness! I need to go find it!
Posted by: Peggy Jernigan | January 24, 2010 at 06:45 AM
Hi Karla,
Just got my copy of Somerset today, and wanted to say Congratulations on another great article! You are an amazing talent, and you never stop inspiring me!
xo suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne Duda | January 25, 2010 at 09:49 PM