Thanks for all the puppy names! There are some good ones coming in... its going to be fun to make choices. I'll really need good prizes for the winners! I love the names coming in. If you haven't entered yet, you can leave some suggested names on this previous post.
I'll announce the winners on Monday.
This year, I laid out bales of hay around the garden veggies to help keep weeds out. Since the garden is fenced to keep out deer and bunnies, I thought it was the perfect place to turn puppies loose for a while to get some fresh air and sunshine. It kept them contained so they could play and run without getting lost.
The little guys had a blast wrestling and hiding in the hay. Here is a photo of the front of the garden, with the wisteria in bloom. The fence was just right for keeping pups in while we worked in the yard for the afternoon. Sugarwings, her daddy and his beloved came by to help get the yard spiffed up for my Creative Cottage Girls Weekend. The wisteria, iris, and peonies are in full bloom and looking pretty, but all of my annuals are still skimpy and not flowering much. The clematis is on its way out, I think the last petals might be on the ground by Friday when my guests arrive.
And it has rained too much to get any mowing done yet. I've warned my friends not to expect perfection, this will be relaxed and comfortable and very homey, not an over the top weekend. My plan is to enjoy it as much as they do, and not exhaust myself and my budget by thinking it all has to be perfect.
In my mind, the secret to entertaining is to enjoy your guests. I keep it comfy and welcoming but if there are a few toys left out, or some weeds in the flower bed, I don't think that will ruin anyone's visit. Now, I do love things pretty of course, but I try to keep that in mind for every day living, not just special occasions. I think that if a home looks loved and is filled with love, you are always ready for guests.
But I will clean up the studio mess before I invite anyone out there to have a craft day! That is my plan for the next couple of hours.
It looks a lot worse than it really is. I'll zip through and stash things away and the room will be ready to go in no time.
I had kind of thought that I'd get the studio cleaned up yesterday, but I was too busy having fun in the afternoon working in the yard and even more fun in the morning with some pals. A Silver Bella buddy, Cheryl was driving from California to New York and stopped for a visit.
Before visiting Curious Sofa and Mission Road Antique Mall, for shopping and lunch with Carol, Deb, and Beth, Carol invited us to her glorious farmhouse- its so beautiful, I think I might still be glowing green with envy today.
She is hosting a lunch for everyone coming to the girl's weekend too. Ooooh, that will be so pretty, I'll really have to watch my manners. Not act too jealous, and not stare too much and forget to talk to everyone at the table because I am mesmerized by the house.
I took Carol a little planter made from ceiling tins and filled with purple flowers as a house warming gift.
Cheryl had the prettiest hand made bags with fabric flowers for Carol and I.
Inside the bag was a fluffy, gray scarf. Instead of wearing it, I am using it as a table runner, the colors and textures were just too right for this room I just redid.
See what I mean? What a lovely gift. But Cheryl is a lovely lady and we had such a nice visit. Her family was kind enough to take a break in their cross country drive to hang out in KC for a bit.
Thanks, Cheryl!
i have puppy names: precious, sweetness, cuteness, and darling...interchangeable for boys and girls...LOL...that is all i can think of when i look at their faces Karla...did i tell you i am going to have a brother? my mother just adopted a westie puppy...she is getting him this saturday...i can't wait to see him...i am green over Carol's home too...it is stunning!!! your room re~do is pretty snazzy too!!!
Posted by: Lori | May 19, 2010 at 02:11 PM
What lovely rooms...and the ceiling tile planter box is charming! Just love the puppies in the garden...smiles
Posted by: Linda | May 19, 2010 at 02:38 PM
ooh, I've just had a lovely time scrolling down and catching up. There is always so much to see each time I visit! The little doggies are growing up so fast. Adorable :o)
Posted by: sadie | May 19, 2010 at 03:17 PM
LOVE your studio space! How elegant and Victorian! The pups look like they are having great fun! I am glad you like the name I sent in for the littlest man... Charlie... you know them so I am happy that you feel it suits him.
The use of your new scarf is fantastic! Have fun on your craft day!
Posted by: Michele Seraphim | May 19, 2010 at 04:36 PM
Oh Karla, If I was to visit your house, I would be in absolute Heaven! So much to look at and admire, no one will notice the 'other stuff'! I would be mesmerised at your house! ( I also can't spell it seems, why don't they have spell check on comments???)
The most important thing is that you enjoy yourself and I think having a bit of your everyday on show makes people more comfortable...they realise that as beautiful as it is, we are all the same really!
Kiss Noises Linda
Posted by: I see the bridge! (Linda Lilly Cottage) | May 19, 2010 at 06:28 PM
Hello Karla!!.you ladies look like you are having a hoot...I love your work room...so soft looking...your puppies are bigger every day..& cuter...Lorraine
Posted by: LORRAINE BELL | May 19, 2010 at 07:16 PM
I just know you will all have a blast at the get-together! Your dining room table is beautiful ~ thanks for posting a pic so that I can see the centerpiece! OMGosh, is that a chandy ON the tablescarf? GREAT IDEA!!
Thanks for warning me about the size of teacup yorkies ~ I didn't know that!!
BTW, thanks for stopping by and entering my little giveaway ~ good luck to you!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
Posted by: Stephanie | May 19, 2010 at 08:00 PM
Hi Karla, I love your studio! It's so pretty, dreamy, spacious and just such a great place to create!
Have fun with your guests!
Hugs,
Julia
Posted by: Julia - Vintage with Laces | May 20, 2010 at 03:41 AM
Oh, what a fun day! AND - a fun day to come. Looks like you are going to have a lovely weekend. I have to ask, where did you get those pink shoes??!! Those are so, so, cute!!!
Have a great weekend with the girls. - Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | May 20, 2010 at 08:34 AM
Karla, sounds like you're going to have a fantastic weekend in your enchanted home and garden. Love that photo of the three of you on the porch swing. p.s. you look great, especially in your cute pink shoes!
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | May 20, 2010 at 08:47 AM
Hi Karla,
Your dining room is lovely!! I like your idea of using
the very pretty scarf as a runner. The wisteria in
your garden is breathtaking and I love your pink shoes!
May I ask where you purchased them?
The puppies are very, very sweet. Sending them lot's
of hugs.
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | May 20, 2010 at 03:12 PM
Your pink shoes are so cute - you look like a pixie! What fun, what lovely friends, what wonderful textures and gifts! And more on the weekend! Have a great time, I'm so jealous! P.S. I was so hoping your little doggie didn't try to take a bit out of that pretty little pepper!
Posted by: Laurie | May 20, 2010 at 03:53 PM
Hi Karla... is good to be here again! It's been a while, but I can see that everything is as gorgeous as I remembered.... a big hug to you and another to Sugarwings! ;)
Cielo
Posted by: cielo | May 20, 2010 at 05:24 PM
Karla,
Your studio is like a wonderland for artists. Oh, maybe someday I'll make that trek to KS. How awesome that your bella pal came for a visit. Bet you had a blast. Curious Sofa, huh? Way to make me Jealous!
Posted by: lisa | May 20, 2010 at 05:34 PM
Ohm those Dorkies! They get cuter all the time. I would give my heart and soul (and my first born child?) to have one. But two are enough...
That is a beautiful scarf/runner! I wonder if Cheryl made that.
Have a wonderful time at your get-together. I can honestly see that the room isn't that bad. It is beautiful underneath and I see rolls of wallpaper in there! Such riches!
Posted by: Suz Reaney | May 20, 2010 at 09:20 PM
I love your "messy" craft room. It is to-die for!
rosie
Posted by: rosie | May 21, 2010 at 12:54 AM