The B&B is open for business, but no monsters are allowed!

 I'll be busy getting ready for BirdSong this week, please forgive me for not answering comments.  I'll be taking the time to read them, tho!

The two attic guest rooms are all aired, fresh linens are on the beds, and I'm ready for my guests.

During Bird Song, my pal Lisa who is teaching will be staying with me, as well as another good friend, Sherry.  I'm not sure yet, but another friend  might be joining the slumber party too.

I wish I could have invited more friends to stay, I love company. But it would be too hard to treat guests well, while trying to take care of the whole workshop, meals, and everything else that I'll be whirring around doing.

I've warned the ladies staying here that they'll be on their own, I'll be zipping about taking care of students all weekend.  But they are the sort of people that I know will be able to make themselves comfy and at home and I won't have to worry about.

Both of the guest rooms are in attic areas that we "reclaimed".  Finding unused space and claiming it as living space is a cost effective way to make your house bigger, especially if you can do some of the work yourself.

All of it was done on a shoestring budget, but we sure got a lot of bang for the buck.  We have lots of company, so extra rooms are good  to have.

Each room has a rose theme, mostly because I can't resist buying anything rosey at garage sales, and I paint roses on too many things, like this desk and the shutters.

And this chest of drawers.

There is an extra twin bed in Sugarwing's room too.

Notice that the chandelier is missing its shades?  It once had decorated shades, trimmed out in fabric roses.

But one night, while tucking my fairy grand baby in, she said, "Grammy, can I tell you something?"

I said of course, and sat on her little pink bed next to her, and she told me that when I left the room, the light became a monster. 

I said, "A monster? Honey, there are no monsters at Grammy's house. I don't allow that."

But she insisted and pointed at the shades. So I took one down and brought it over to show her.  She said it was pretty and that she liked roses.

 I asked if she was okay and understood that they were just lamp shades, and she said, "Yes, these are pretty.  But when you leave the room, they are monsters."

Well there is no arguing with that.  So down they came.

  

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.

Comments

[Suzanne Duda]

Hmmm...and I thought the Guest room was filled with roses just for me! :) I always love coming to stay with you...you are the BEST hostess and always make everyone feel so welcome. I know your event is going to be a HUGE success, and I wish I were going to be there to see the faces of all the women as they take thier first step into your magical studio. xo suzanne

[Sandy]

Into the count down now.....getting my suitcases out to start packing. It's hard to know what clothes to bring as it is already into the 90's here. I'm starting to realize I've got to get my butt in gear in the next few days!! See you, soon!!!!!!
Sandy

[Ruth Flowers]

Karla, how lovely you made everythink for you big day.
Beautiful pictures , I to buy alot with
roses.Have fun.

[Cami @ Creating Myself]

I don't think I've ever seen pictures of your attic rooms! How charming!

Take some time to enjoy Easter w/ your loved ones Karla & don't sweat the Birdsong details....we'll all be tickled pink just to be there!

[gail]

I want to live in your Attic! I LOVE the roses!! If you ever have free time (?!) you should do house redecorating for others!! You could redo other peoples rooms with their own stuff and it would turn out amazing! If that ever happens, I want to hire you!

(And I love that you took the lampshade monsters off for SugarWings! You are such a good Grammy!)

[bettyann]

what lovely rooms for your special friends...Sugerwings is so darling and knows her own mind for sure lol..have a Happy Easter..

[Terry Moore]

Such sweet and soft rooms. I don't know which one I would pick!

[Anne]

Love your roses Karla! I have a huge rose print and the glass broken when we moved but I still hung it up. It is such a pretty picture. Love all you have done. Your home is gorgeous. Happy Easter! Anne

[Samantha]

Lucky girls to be staying in those beautiful, cosy rooms!

I can totally relate to your little sweetie. I'm all grown up and I still see scary stuff in the dark, in things that look so pretty with the lights on. :)

[Freda Butler]

Your guest rooms look very inviting. I think most of us gals can relate to the rose theme and enjoy it.

You could run a little B & B if you ever felt like going that way. When travellinbg in europe many of the homes we stayed in only had 1 room or 2 at the most that they rented out.

Your little SugarWings is wonderful with the baby and is she getting big fast. Looks very healthy.

Have fun at your weekend and Happy Easter to you all.

Hugs

FredaB

[Myrna]

0h Karla! Everything is SO BEAUTIFUL!! What a treat for your friends to stay with you!
Blessings,
Myrna

[mercedes scott]

Karla, your guest rooms look comfy and lovely! You must be exhausted with all the preparations; but excited as well! I'm sorry I will miss BirdSong; but am hoping you will host another next year and I can attend! Lucky are the ladies that get to attend.... enjoy! :)

[Susanne]

Aw, these attic rooms make me think of my Granma's upstairs rooms. Thanks for a sweet reminder.
Susanne.

[Lululiz]

Your guest rooms are just gorgeous, I wouldn't ever want to leave.

[Amy]

Beautiful retreat for your friends!Warm Blessings!~Amy

[Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse]

What beautiful spaces you have created for your guests!!
My Mom used to tell my kids too that monsters are never allowed at Grammy's!!

[Celeste Hude]

As always, I am now inspired for my day!!! Just beautiful Karla, have a wonderful time with Bird Song, can't wait to see the pictures maybe during and after the event.
Blessings, Celeste, thevictoriantailor.blogspot.com

[Deanna]

I love the rose pillows with the ruffle, the Tiffany lamp - everything - beautiful - Deanna - Skinfizzical.com

[Jan Armentrout]

Makes me want to pull up one of your quilts, grab my current read, a cup of tea and settle in for a few hours in your attic space! Have a simply splendid time at BirdSong...I know your guests will!
just me...envious...jan

[Lisa]

You have been working so hard for us - I hope you are going to be able to actually enjoy it!
I know Birdsong is going to be so much fun and I can hardly wait!

[Sherry Williams]

Everything is beautiful, Karla. Can't wait to see you and to be a part of this amazing event. I am so excited!
hugs,
Sherry

[jeanie]

My cousin David used to tell his little sister that the knots in the knotty pine walls at the cottage were eyes, looking at her. The dark does its magic!

[lisa]

Karla,
I am beyond excited. I just need to finish up all my crapola so I can chill & relax. Wow, 5 days with no kids!! And money to spend...Yippee! The rooms are amazing, I can't decide which I like better. Which one is mine??? yes, you won't have to worry about me. You can send me to the store, I'll help anyway I can. See you soon sweetie!
Lisa

[Mitzi Curi]

More magazine-worthy images from Karla's Cottage! Your design style is so warm, welcoming, and feminine. I love it.