A little Zero Dollar decor and knowing when and where to use the Good Stuff

All is going well with my prep for Birdsong. My studio is spiffed and rearranged to fit all the guests.  I've been doing some Zero Dollar Decorating around the room too. 

Today, Agnes Rosebud and I went out to the fence line and cut down some wild grape vines to wrap around Loucinda, and then I added some flowers and birds to the vines.   My goal is to make things nice without blowing the budget by using what is on hand to decorate with.

Soon, I'll be packing up gift bags and baking goodies.  That is, if I don't wrench my neck by trying to give myself a pat on the back for being so ahead of schedule....

These gifties are from my buddy, Lonnie. She packed up 25 jars of mica flakes for all of the attendees. 

And Miss Mitzi has gifted the girls with yellow yoyos.  Actually, they are not all yellow, I was just on an roll with my alliteration pairs and yellow just fit.

The generous bags are stuffed with all sorts of bright colored old fabrics to work with.

Thanks, Lonnie and Mitzi!

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Saturday, I spent the day with Beth and the Other Karla. We hit estate sales, went to lunch, then worked in Beth's craft room.

My big, to die for purchase of the day was this French Net table cloth.  oooohhh, its pretty.  And only 20 bucks!  I'm going to use it in the treat cabinet for the photos I'm taking for Romantic Homes.  I'm a big believer in using the Good Stuff, in my art and around my house.

It doesn't do you much good to own something then pack it away.

But, I'm not sure that I want to leave this glorious bit of lace in the treat cabinet to be dribbled on by coffee and red wine.  I think I'll fake it for the photos, then find a safer place to use this, its just too nice to let it get ruined.  And a table cloth needs to be washable. I use vintage, pretty ones, but they have to be something that I can wash a dropped brownie off of.

 

I also got some padded hangers in satin and velvet.  While I was in the middle of setting up the studio, I took a break to play, and foofed them up a bit.

Most are listed in the Boutique now.

I used the Good Stuff on these. Aren't they pretty flowers?

Comments

[Maija lepore]

You certainly do know the good stuff Karla!!

[Laurie]

Those flowers are perfect. And that tablecloth/net is amazing! That is the kind of stuff that makes me swoon!

[jeanie]

NO red wine on the cloth! I have a wonderful old quilt top I use as a table cloth and learned the hard way about putting placemats over the top of it!

[Sharon, Morrison Mercantile]

I have to confess...I use clear plastic on my quilts when using them for a table cloth. After everything is on the table, it is not all that noticeable...and it keeps me from stroking out when something is spilled.

I just acquired 2 linen "dummies" that came from a well know dress shop. They are old and I have one in my bedroom, and one is my studio. I haven't had time to play with them and put the goodies on them I have in my mind.

[Samantha]

Ooohhh...your event looks like it will be SO much fun!!! Your new tablecoth is just gorgeous. And thanks so much for making the pretty hangers...I just had to have one :) it will come in handy for my son's wedding next year. It makes me crazy to see these beautiful wedding photos and the dress is hanging on a wire hanger or worse, a plastic hanger! eeesh

[Kathy]

I love zero dollar decorating! I have always been a fan of rearranging things you already have to get a new look or put them in a different room. Your art event is going to be so fun for everyone! Enjoy
Hugs,
Kathy

[Linda]

Sounds like this will be a great time...so many pretty goodies...

[Zita - Mlle Magpie]

Bird Song is going to be so amazing, Karla!

[Elaine L.]

I know what you mean about Easter. My husband keeps asking when it will be Easter. With no little kids in the house, he thought we had missed it.

~elaine~