Gifts for me and gifts for you

As wonderful as the shopping was in Roundtop, the best part was the people. Of course. I just love meeting up with blog buddies, and finding out that they are even more fun in person than I expected.

Lisa and Jodie came with gifts too, that's always a big plus when your buddies are artists!!

And I got to meet the beautiful Elizabeth, who'd I'd heard so much about on her Mom's blog.

Sandy also brought her cute daughter, Jen, who I had wanted to meet. Sandy and I have shared stories and worries about our kids and hate it that we live so far apart. If we didn't, I'd be playing matchmaker for Ryan and Jen!

Lisa and I got into the theme of the night for Sweet T's party. We were supposed to come up with unique serving ideas made from junk.

I brought my crown "cloche" for a plate of crackers to go along with her doll head dip holder.  The winner was a pair of mellons in a bra, but there were some great ideas.  The lamp shade behind our dishes has a plate of treats on top of it, and there was also a chandelier with the votives filled full of strawberries.

And Yay! I got to meet Cindy. Who is not only talented, she has the prettiest complexion you'll ever see. If I ever get down to her Paper Cowgirls event some day, I'll have to drag her skin care secrets from her.

Sandy made these cheerful booties for my new grandbaby.  Tonight we are going to the baby shower, so I'll be bringing them to the expectant mom, she will just love them!

And there were gift bags filled with treats from the French Cupboard.  From all the gifties and treats, that everyone was giving out, I could have gotten by without doing any shopping at all.  But....

Of course I shopped!  At Cole's, Lisa found these French net curtain panels, but didn't get them.  I scooped them right up as soon as she turned them down. 

Heck 2 years ago, I didn't know what French net was, but now I can't get enough of it. I guess I'd always seen it and loved the look, just didn't know the name. Its a very delicate lace, with flowers over a fine netting.

That kind of lace can run really high, but I've been lucky.  These were slightly damaged, but I didn't care.  The four panels were $125, which is cheaper than buying lace panels at Target.  And these are Victorian. Since they were made for some old, elegant, turn of the century mansion (well, at least that is where I've pictured them) they are LONG. Like 9 feet or so.  I've just draped them over a tension rod and clipped them in place with a curtain hook.

There was a tent in the "fields" that had vintage linens in mounds on table tops, for great prices.  They also had them for sale by the pound too.

I bought decorated  scarves, some as gifts and a chiffony one in gray with rosebuds to use as a runner on my dining table.  It was 5 bucks!

 

I found a few more odds and ends, as I unpack I'll take some photos. But the biggest bargain of them all was this basket of flowers.

I'm choosing two winners from the guesses, no one got it exactly right. There were 89 bundles of flowers, and Sue guessed 88.

But if I count the individual blooms, there were over 250!!  Cheryl guessed 135, that is the highest guess I got, so she'll get a corsage too.

Thanks for taking the time to guess. Its surprising to see just how many there were. I was shocked when I actually counted them out.

Wow, is it really October?  I have to announce the winner of my September giveaway, one of the projects from Romantic Gothic Ghosts. The tutorial is still up and running, you have time to make some Orange-free, romantically inspired Halloween decor for your own home.

Or if you just want to win something to decorate with, leave a comment any time this month. I'll be giving away another one of my creations for October!

September's winner is: Elaine (Etta Rose)

Comments

[Sue@MyArtsDesire]

Karla, Yippee-yi-yo! I can't believe I guessed close...a very scientific approach mind you, 88 was the birth year of our first child. Thank you so much! And you did get a great deal on those beautiful french net curtains. They look like they were made for your windows. What I wouldn't give to get my sticky paws on some of those beautiful pieces in your corner cabinet! Thanks again! Sue

[robin foster]

Wow! the french net curtains are gorgeous!!

[Kathy]

Why for was there no picture of the bra with melons?? LOL What a HOOT!!! It looks like you girls just had a complete and utter blast. What a fun time! Love all the pictures you've had. Flea market weekend here. I'll try to catch up with you. hahahaha! - Kathy

[jeanie]

Oh, Karla -- there is way too much drool on my keyboard right now! How wonderful -- I have to send the doll dip photo to Jane Rosemont who specializes in photographing doll heads! Maybe she can make one out of her subjects!

[Katsui Jewelry]

What great treats! I think I just decided to go by "Sue" ;-)

I love to see you all getting together and having "artist treats" for your kindred spirits. I think you still get to buy though...

I love those curtains. I have never heard of French Net but it looks beautiful!!! It fits right in your house!

Suz (aka "Sue" ;-))

[Anne]

Girl, those curtain panels look even more dreamy than they did in person! They are perfect. I would have loved to have some like them, but my cat would destroy them in no time.

Beautiful images from Warrenton, too.
I miss you guys!!!

[Brenda Kula]

You gals sure look like you were having lots of fun! Those baby booties are indeed precious.
Brenda

[LORRAINE BELL]

morning Karla...love those booties o.k., so what happened to those gorgeous lace curtains that you brought last year? i think you couldnt live without those ones either, right...I`lltake them!!! see we remember...have a great weekend ...Lorraine

[Cheryl Stoneham]

Oh...so exciting! Thanks for being so generous Karla! I can't believe how many flowers you got in that basket. You are not only the hat whisperer but now we have to call you the millinery mistress!!!

XO
Cheryl

[Sandy]

Thanks, Karla! for your sweet words! Hope the new mom enjoys the booties!
I love your curtains! They look fabulous in your dining room. I have something similar in my bedroom and never get tired of them.
wish I could have seen more of all the goodies but them there is always next spring and maybe by then I'll have some money to buy some droolable stuff!

Sandy

[Jodie (everything vintage)]

Why do you keep making me more and more lonesome? With every photo I see of our wonderful weekend in Texas, I get more and more lonesome!!!!

Your room is beautiful with those "French lace" curtains!!! It's the cherry on top as it was alreay gorgeous before. Don't you just love Lisa for turning them down? ;)

i still haven't unpacked.
matter of fact...i'm smelling something aweful coming out of my suitcase. maybe a hint of urine?

[lisa]

Karla,
Okay, that's it. I want them back! The lace panels that is. I knew I'd cry when I saw how amazing they would look hanging. On second thought maybe you need to keep them, my boys would try climbing them ala spidy & then social services would get invloved. It would just turn into a big ugly mess.
Isn't Cindy sweet? You could see more of her if you taught at PC...hint hint. There is a class on southern skin care I believe.
Wow, the final count 250??? Your scary Karla, forget Spiderman, you have super powers. Lisa

[Elaine]

Oh, my gosh! I'm so excited that I won your giveaway.
You made my day. But, then again, coming to your blog every day always makes my day.

~elaine~

[Diane Knott]

You gals had too much fun! It should be illegal! ;-) And, Karla, I love your dress!!!
Hugs, Diane

[Soarenth]

Really, over 250 flowers on 89 clusters? Wow, that is a LOT. Almost as amazing as all the smiles it brings you when you dig up such impressive bargains.

It is always a delight to see your life so full and happy. Thank you for spreading the magic with the rest of us!

[Susie]

Oh my goodness, that basket of flowers took my breath away! And the french lace curtains. 2die4. What a time you had. Thanks for showing us. I feel like I was there and that is the fun of blogging. Happy October!
Susie
The Polka Dot Rose
www.thepolkadotrose.blogspot.com

[gabrielle]

LOOOVE those curtains! They are dreammmmy! And that basket of flowers! So much beauty, Miss Karla! Of course the friends were the most beautiful part!

[Laraine Atherton]

Looks like a wonderful time was had by all. So many beautiful things...so little time.
Glad you are home and well. I usually need a day of rest after a trip and lots of fun...but then I'm old ! Ha!
Laraine

[Karen]

The curtains are spectacular! Also, the doll head is a real hoot, I bet none of your pals ever ate crackers from a crown before...must be nice being part of such a "royal" crowd! I enjoy your blog so much, it seems like everyone is having a nice visit when we log onto your site. Thanks for all the beautiful ideas you toss out. Karen

[beverly h]

Congrats to the corsage winners! Love the new curtains...