On Saturday, we had a create-a-thon in the studio.
They helped me work out kinks in my upcoming class for Paper Cowgirls.
Pictured are the creations of:
Me * Suzanne * Andrea * Jenn * Heather * Lori
For my dressform, I wanted to experiment with wallpaper instead of text. It was a little harder to do (stiffer paper) but I like how it turned out. I also kept mine simple, using only things that will be given to the students in the kits.
Its very frustrating to take a class and find that the teacher's example can't be made with what she gives you, isn't it?
While I was in the grips of decopauge fever, I covered this little bird too. It was just a white bird from the craft store, and Agnes Rosebud had eaten its head half off, so I did a bit of a redo on the poor little guy.
A room full of pros is a wonderful thing when you are figuring out ideas. And with this bunch, I wasn't exactly "teaching" them, it was more like all of us working on the same thing at the same time. I just gave them a few directions and they took off.
Those ladies gave me as many ideas as I gave them. I find that is true of any artful gathering. You get as much info from your tablemates as from any instructor.
Lori showed us how to make some wax paper flowers that were recently featured in Somerset Life. See how different they all turned out too?
The flowers are in a "vase" that I bought at Bottom's Up for $10. Its just some salvage bit of part of something else, but that is one of my favorite kinds of purchases. I'll use it a lot.
Beth spent the day working on the covers for her journal swap for Bird Song, but did get to make a flower too.
She got quite a few covers done, and no two were alike.
The group not only gave me good tips for my Paper Cowgirls class, they had lots of good ideas for the seating and studio arrangement for Bird Song.
I'd kind of oversold the event and was trying to figure out how to seat everyone. Suzanne had a wonderful idea and I've already rearanged the furniture as she suggested. I did that as soon as I got back from taking them to the airport.
Since I had more requests even after the class was overstuffed, I talked to the teachers, Carol, Lisa, and Debbie, and all of them agreed to give up their seats to students. So, now, I've gone from too full, to having a couple extra spaces.
Interested? Please let me know.
Now my studio seems lonely after having such a fun bunch here. I've packed up and mailed the last batch of purchases too big to fit in my guest's suitcases, and got those in the mail. Can you guess whose box this is? Yep, Jenn Hayslip, bunny queen. She scored big time on the bunny front while here. (by the way, she has spaces available for her romantic, prairie fairy tale if you'd like to get away on an arty adventure. We'll all be there too!)
And I was thrilled that everyone shopped my studio too. It was nice of them, and I know it is never easy to randomly shop around with stuff not priced. It was sweet that they made the effort.
All of the dollies turned out so cute! Everyone did a wonderful job! Glad you got a practice run in! :) LOVE the vintage bunnies...so cute!
-c
Posted by: Cindy | April 07, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Fun...fun! Bet there was a lot of laughter ringing from your cottage last weekend...Love it!
Posted by: Stephanie O. | April 07, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Looks like a lot of fun - and beautiful results too! How clever of you to combine a "test run" of your Paper Cowgirl class with all this fun and ideas/suggestions for your Bird Song arrangements too! I'm sure everyone had a ball!
Jane-Jacksonville
Posted by: Jane | April 07, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Karla, Let me know how many total people cause I'm making a gift for each and want to have the right number to give out.
Thanks, Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | April 07, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Those are so beautiful Karla.It must be so great working with a bunch of creative ladies who all get each other. You are all talented artist.
Posted by: Karen | April 07, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Karla, the dressforms- are FANTASTIC -and the flowers ,wow -too-
what a party you must have had -
Hugs,Dorthe
Posted by: Dorthe | April 07, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Looking at your dress form reminds me of the low waisted dress my mom made for me for Easter when I was around 10 years old. It was so pretty. Dang. We didn't save any of our hand made clothes. WHY, oh why?
Posted by: Charlotte Smothers | April 07, 2011 at 05:34 PM
Oh what fun -- what talent you had assembled there!!
Posted by: Laurie | April 07, 2011 at 11:09 PM
These are so lovely! I make something similar for my Etsy shop...they are fun to create!!
Posted by: Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse | April 08, 2011 at 06:58 AM
It is so wonderful when creative minds all get together and create. There always seems to be ideas that flow and always lend to greater things. Super projects you all made. Love them.
Posted by: Saucy Chick Sherry | April 08, 2011 at 03:49 PM
I love the two photos -- 1) Beth, 2) Heather, Andrea & Lori -- such intense concentration! It is so great when artful friends look at projects & make useful suggestions. They always seem to see the very thing that needs help. The projects & your studio look lovely!
~Marilee
Posted by: Rose Brier Studio | April 08, 2011 at 08:24 PM
Looks like so much fun. I have one question I'm wondering if you might be able to answer for me. I love the craft tote/organizer bag sitting on the table by Lori.. Any ideas where I might be able to find something like that?
Posted by: Kim | April 10, 2011 at 09:01 AM
Looks like such fun -- nothing like it when your assistant eats the head off of an art supply. Ah, yes... know that well!
Posted by: jeanie | April 10, 2011 at 10:41 AM
They're adorable! I just can't wait to take the PC class!
Posted by: Andrea at Opulent Cottage | April 11, 2011 at 06:45 PM