Birdsong weekend is here! I'll have lots of photos of the gathering to show you, but in the mean time, I have pre-posted pictures of the prep work and decor I've done around the house for it.
Instead of spending a lot of money on decorations, I went with stuff I already had, and kept the costs low for the students.
I am extremely lucky to be able to host a workshop in my own home, with little over head costs.
Because of that, I am able to pay the teachers very well, and provide home made food and tasty treats for all of the attendees.
One night, I am ordering pizza, instead of cooking, because I want to be able to hang out and have fun too. My handsome husband was kind to offer to grill that night, and I almost took him up on it, then I realized, I'd still be in the kitchen half the night doing side dishes and clean up.
So, pizza it is.
Other events I've been too, like Kim's and Jenn's, are beautiful beyond belief. I love attending them, and appreciate all the detail and love that goes into all the decor. But for my own art gathering, I'm keeping it simple.
There will be little birdies everywhere, but I haven't spent one penny on buying anything to decorate with. (of course, I probably have too much stuff already, according to my husband)
This is going to be casual, laid back, and relaxed. I hope my guests enjoy the weekend and feel at home here at the cottage!
Please check back, there will be new posts to read.
Sorry I won't be answering emails or comments, but I will be taking time to read them. And I'll chose a name from commenters to give a Birdsong memento to later on.
Such sweet birdies - I love all of your birdie treasures! Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend full of creative bliss! xxoo H
Posted by: Heidi Meyer | April 29, 2011 at 07:48 AM
Everything looks so pretty, Karla! Your home and studio are always so gorgeous, no need to do extra decorating! I hope you girls have the best time creating and visiting!
Hugs,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | April 29, 2011 at 08:15 AM
A big part of me wishes that I would be there too. My dear friend Tami Hacker will be. I feel like I know you from the blog world and you invited me to your home once. Have the best of times!
Posted by: Linda Kelly | April 29, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Everything looks stunning as usual and your guests will feel right at home! Have a great time!
Posted by: Sandy | April 29, 2011 at 09:17 AM
Oh what fun you will have...those girls are gonna love it all!!! I am having such remorse that I am not coming!!! Hope this is the first of many, so I can come to the next!!! Hope it is the most Tweet-est time for all of you!!!
Posted by: sandra | April 29, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Karla ~ Everything looks lovely!! So sorry I wasn't able to come this year. Could we have a list of all the ladies there with blogs?? I love seeing all the pictures and reading all the comments. I know everyone will feel right at home at your cottage. Have a great time!!
Marilyn in Missouri
Posted by: Marilyn Parker | April 29, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Karla,
Some of the most wonderful gatherings are casual. Personally, I love the feeling of a casual setting because it is so relaxing. No pretense....No worries :). I wish I lived in your area, as I would love to attend one your workshops. Perhaps, you'll venture to the Pacific Northwest one of these days to teach? I would love it!
Blessings!
Christa
Posted by: Christa from Chloe Rose | April 29, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Love all your treasures and that you were able to find everything already in your stash to decorate with. Everything looks beautiful.
Posted by: Deborah | April 29, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Karla, you have done a stunning job (as you do with everything!) I only wish that I could attend...Tucson, AZ is a wee bit far, tho. I will be living vicariously through all of you and wish you a magical time, all weekend long!
xoxo
Karen
Posted by: Karen Hess | April 29, 2011 at 11:20 AM
It all looks so beautiful Karla. I am smitten with that bird cage.
Posted by: Karen | April 29, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Your blog is really very nice and sweet:) This birds are extremely beautiful. I am a new member of you please add me and follow me because i need help. This is my adress.
http://hestiascottage.blogspot.com/
thanks 4 everything love from hestia.
Posted by: hestia | April 29, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Karla - Have a wonderful, fun weekend! Those of us who can't attend in person look forward to living vicariously through the pictures I know you'll post of this fabulous event. Your hard work, impeccable taste and goodwill shine through everything you've prepared. Congratulations! -Karen
Posted by: kbuda | April 29, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Karla,
Have a wonderful weekend! I can't wait to hear (and see) all about it! I know you'll be the hostess with the mostess!
Posted by: Sheila R | April 29, 2011 at 12:43 PM
I love your birdies! Such pretty little vignettes! Have a great time this weekend!
Posted by: Judy B. | April 29, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Your home always looks so magical and those ladies attending are in for a treat I am sure. I can't wait to see what you will be making.
Danielle
Posted by: My Blessed Serendipity Life | April 29, 2011 at 01:22 PM
I love birds and bird cages so your pictures were adorable!
Posted by: Sue Pagels | April 29, 2011 at 02:31 PM
I'm sure your guest will have a magical and relaxed time.The bird accents are pretty.Enjoy!~Amy
Posted by: Amy | April 29, 2011 at 02:48 PM
Oh, I wish I was there!!!
Posted by: Ramsam | April 29, 2011 at 04:18 PM
Wish I could be there playing with you!
Hugs,
Judy
Posted by: Judy | April 29, 2011 at 05:45 PM
Your home looks wonderful!!!
I just know all the gals will have a wonderful time creating keepsakes, visiting, and making new friends.
Still wish I was there!
deb
Posted by: deb | April 29, 2011 at 08:56 PM
It looks lovely! I love the birdcage especially. I hope Birdsong goes swimmingly! Er, flutteringly? Soaringly?
Posted by: Leanne | April 29, 2011 at 11:58 PM
Karla - everything looks beautiful! Your guests will have such a wonderful time in this creative, inspiring environment... wish I were there! Have fun! :)
Posted by: mercedes scott | April 30, 2011 at 12:12 AM
Dear Karla, your beautiful home,alwayes looks so very special, and gorgeus- absolutely no need of buying new decorating things- They will all love the birds inside and out the great birdcages-and everything else, this week-end I`m so jealoux of not living near you :)
Enjoy- everyone- and hugs from me.
Dorthe
Posted by: Dorthe | April 30, 2011 at 04:06 AM
Hope your event goes smoothly and that you get to enjoy it too! Looks like it will be a wonderful, creative time.
Posted by: Rhonda C. | April 30, 2011 at 09:49 AM
Your hub and Rick are on the same page as far as stuff goes, but I love it all!
Have fun! Looks spectacular!
Posted by: jeanie | April 30, 2011 at 12:22 PM
I was a lucky one and was there for all the fun.
We laughed, created, ate, drank, shared ideas, made
new friends and the hostess was just perfect.
I felt like I had disappeared into the Secret Garden for a
space in time with, "My people."
Thank you Karla for a perfect weekend. When is the next one???
Posted by: Sharon, Morrison Mercantile | May 02, 2011 at 05:47 PM
I hope that I have the right site........One of your 'attendees" had a music shirt on. As a retired music teacher, I'm always on the lookout for "music related" clothes.
Can you find out details on the shirt.....or put me in contact with her???
Liz
Posted by: Liz Eggers | May 06, 2011 at 07:09 PM