Craft Day Giveaway

A while back, at Craft Day, Beth mentioned a round robin swap she planned with Lisa and asked if I'd be interested in joining.  I said I didn't have time, but couldn't stop myself from joining anyway.  Its a year long adventure, and only involves making one page a month and sending it on. That isn't too big of a commitment unless you consider the postage. By the time the books are near the end, they could get pretty heavy, and we are sending it around a lot. Only four people are in it, Beth, Lisa, and Sandra, so it goes back and forth a lot. 

But worth it. Even though I am cheap, and know that the postage will end up being at least 50 bucks for me by the time I am done.  It won't seem that bad, because it will be a little bit at a time! Not $50 at once.

The first month, we do our own cover and one page to get our book started. It goes to the next person who adds a page and then... it confuses me, but Beth is good at keeping me on track and made up an intricate schedule for us to all follow.

The theme is "Her Life In Stitches"  Well, I don't sew much, all the rest of the group are good with textiles.  I thought, maybe I could make a joke book, and have everyone in stitches, laughing...

But then, I thought, no, I'll  dedicate it to my mom and honor all that she taught me. She was an excellent seamstress and while I did not inherit those skills, she taught me a way of looking at things and knowing how to figure out how something is made, step by step. And to have a creative mind while doing it.

I cut the title "Home Arts" out of an 1890s magazine and glued it onto my cover, since I think that suits the topic.  My book is beyond sewing, and stitches, but is about the love of home, making stuff, and the art of making a house a creative home.

Beth, Mary, the other Karla and I have been trying to get together more regularly for craft days.  We each have our own projects to do, and it just seems like the work goes so smoothly when you can chat and be with friends. Its always ultra casual, some days, I barely kick stuff out of the way so they can get to the table. I know they don't expect a red carpet from me, they are coming to share ideas, gossip and our latest projects, not judge my housekeeping,(or lack of).

Sometimes we share more.  Mary brought a stack of old images the other day and let us chose a few. While going through them, I thought about how much fun the whole craft day experience is, and how much it meant to me to have such low maintenance friends, with so much in common. We all drool over the old supplies and half the fun of the day is looking at each others stuff. Everyone likes to share tidbits here and there also. Tips, tools, and actual bits of scrap get passed around.

I thought you might enjoy being a part of it too, and would like involved with the sharing. So, I asked Mary if I could have a stack of her images to pass along.  She was generous with them and gave me a good pile. I wrapped up a selection of them with velvet ribbon and added a few millinery blossoms from myself. Beth says she'll throw in a treat from her supply stash too.  I'll let you know what it is when I get it from her. But you know she has good stuff!

(oh, and in case you didn't know it, Mary Queen of Glue Books, is hosting a glue book swap)

 
Here is one of the images from Mary's ephemera stash, and you don't have to do anything at all to get it. Just click on it, open in a larger window and save it to your computer. It will be all pixely if you try to print it as is, so please do open the larger version.

If you'd like to win our Craft Day Giveaway, please leave a comment on this post.  Deadline is Tuesday Sept. 20. 

I'll leave you with some pictures of the newest listings in the Boutique.  Lots of autumn toned millinery!

 

Comments

[Deborah]

I'd love to enter your giveaway Karla and I would so adore being part of your craft group. Wish I lived closer.

[Mitzi Curi]

All those vintage millinery blossoms are so lovely! I'd love to win the giveaway, so please put my name in the hat!

[Vicki Cotnoir]

do our names go in a lovely vintage hat,loaded with lovely millinery flowers?

[Linda McMillin]

Count me in please. What a treat! Thank you for the opportunity.

[Janet Ghio]

What a fun project! I would love to win some of these images!

[tabitha]

oh karla u ladies are super generous.... i would luv to win....please throw my name into the majic millinery hat...
hugs

[Susan]

Gosh, it would be so fun to be part of a craft day with friends! I would love to win that stash of goodies! Thanks for the giveaway!

[karen]

Ooooo La La! I would love to win this! Does a plane ticket to come craft with you wonderful women come with it? Hee! hee! This is a fun prize! hugs! karen....

[JoAnne]

Please count me in Karla! Would love to share in your craft day goodies!

[Lisa Russell]

I'd love to win anything from you! xo!

[Marilyn Parker]

Karla ~ Thanks to you and the "craft day girls" for sharing. I so enjoy seeing and reading about your craft days - such fun!!

Marilyn in Missouri

[Nancy Stone]

I would love to win the craft day supplies. My sister-in-law and I have craft days, and we have so much fun. I find that I am more productive when I am working along with friends and family. When I work alone I distract myself with other things. I am currently working on the glue book swap, and "The Farmer's Wife" quilt. Have a great week.

[Samantha]

Oh. My. Goodness. The little dress page in the first photo is darling! You could frame it just as it is. The books you girls are making are going to be amazing!

Oooh, yes please enter me...and thank you. :)

[Jingle]

Oh, what beautiful images and the flowers are just wonderful!!! Thank you for this opportunity!

[Tami Hacker]

Thanks for your generous give away offer... please enter me in it.

Looking forward to sharing a craft day with you guys some day!!

[Karla Nathan]

Isnt that lace dress wonderful, Samantha? I got it for $1 at the flea mkt, cut it in half and used it for two pages

Sent from my iPad

[Thespoena McLaughlin]

What a wonderful endeavor. I wish there was something like this to do locally. So you wouldn't have to spend so much on shipping but get the same result. Love all those wonderful vintage flowers too. I'm such a sucker for the old velvet ones that are time worn and faded. Hugs!

[Linda Kelly]

How fun you all have~~~~~~~~I wanna do a craft day too!
Thanks for offering the giveaway.........

[Amy Bauer]

Sure wish I could get gluey with y'all. It is most generous of you to spread the joy and crafting wealth! - Amy Bauer

[Tora]

wow this much be so much fun, make a page and put it into a book. Looking forward to SEE the book when it´s finished. I do love your work and would be so proud if I would win something from you. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work. Love xxx

[kim budash]

Yes please add me into the drawing as i love all that you do and read your blog everyday. Thanks!

[Diane]

Please add my name ,its soooooooo gosh darn pretty,love your crafts !!
Diane

[Barbara DeLisle]

This book is going to be amazing-love all the detail.

[Dorthe]

Karla, I love-love the page with the dress on-oh how beautiful, and so is the front of your book-LOVELY and with so many gorgeous materials used- all your books, will be fantastic.
Thanks for the invite to winn the wonderful stach from Mary-and with your beautiful flowers- and whatever wonderful coming from Beth- I love in the drawing.
Hugs, Dorthe

[Patty in Kansas]

Karla, I wish you much joy in your year-long swap...I know the books will be beautiful. Yes, I would love a chance to be entered in the drawing for the stash. Patty in Kansas

[maggie raguse]

what a great group of friends and kindred spirits you all are! I get together with a friend to craft also, but I have to admit we get more done on our own because we spend the whole time catching up, gabbing, and laughing. Love that little lace dress. (A dollar??). Enter me in this nice giveaway, please and thank you!

maggie
http://www.thmagrag.com

[maggie raguse]

oops...
http://www.themagrag.com

[Laurie]

That project you gals are doing sounds like so much fun! I might have to dream up something similar for me and some friends, if I could talk anyone into it!! Thank you for the beautiful girl picture -- I gasped when I saw her! (Ah, youth.) I'm drooling over your millinery!

[Jackie Nobles]

I would love a chance to win this. Put my name in the hat.
Hugs, Jackie

[Debbie Douglas]

What a lovely giveway I would be thrilled to have a chance to win this. I think I would share with my sister if I win

[Myrna]

Oh what fun (and generous) friends you have!!
Please enter me in your giveaway!
Blessings,
Myrna

[Mahala]

Thanks for the lovely pic to download. I'd like to enter the giveaway!
Mahala

[lynn legge]

i would love to be entered in this giveaway.. gosh i wish i lived closer so that i could experience a gathering of artful ladies and just talk and share.. thats what crafting is all about ..
big hugs and have a great week
lynn

[Leanne]

ooh ooh, sign me up :) You're so blessed to have a tight group like that :)

[Christa from Chloe Rose]

I would love to win something from you talented ladies! Your swap sounds wonderful :)

Christa

[My Blessed Serendipity Life]

I would love to enter to win your giveaway. Hope you stop by and enter my giveaway.

Danielle

[Lorna]

Hi,

I follow yours, Beth's and Mary's blogs, so this giveway is the best! Thanks so much for offering this!

[Kathy]

Karla, the book is so beautiful! Love it. I hope you and your family are doing well.
Hugs,
Kathy

[Rebecca]

Put my name in the hat! I love all of your blogs, so this is really neat!

[Sue]

The books are going to be so beautiful. The lacey dress page is adorable. Would love to win anything from you girls as you have such fantastic stashes!

All the best

[Regina Brodbeck]

wish Randy and I were closer--we would be great craft buddies too--VERY low maintenance--lol. Hope all is wellin your world.

[Kat H]

Craft friends are so important! I'm happy for you that you get together and enjoy each other =)

[Gail]

What a special treat to win this from you and your talented friends!!!!!

[c]

OMG...such a great idea...may have to borrow it, 9 of us did a swap with dolls a year ago, Idea from the art doll book. We did it for a year....started with a doll ...some baby dolls some very strange items, sent it off after a month or so and finally got our doll back...such fun amazing how some turned out....love to win anything your giving away...love, love your blog, it makes my day.

thanks again
c

[Maija]

Yes, please!!

[Leann]

Fingers crossed that number 46 is lucky for me. I turned 45 today so I'm seeing 46 as a sign that I'll be the lucky winner since it's the number of my comment and right after my age. Or oh well - thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see how the project progresses.

Have fun with it!
Leann

[Heidi Meyer]

Those type of craft days are the best - to just giggle over silly stuff and get excited about wonderful things like millinery and prized paper. I can't wait to see how your books turn out. Your cover and first page are beautiful! Tossing my name in the vintage hat~ xxoo Heidi

[jeanie]

First of all, thanks for sharing the images. I read about that swap on Beth's and it sounds terrific! It will be fun to see how the books shake down over time!

[Kathy]

Your giveaways are always the best, Karla!! I love to get together with friends and craft. - Kathy

[Kim S]

Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to craft with the flowers.

[wendy]

thanks you for the chance to throw my hat into te pot , here's hoping hugs wendy

[Sheila R]

Thank you for the chance at your wonderful giveway. I can totally understand why you didn't turn down the round robin swap!

[kate]

All of your creations are so beautiful! I would love to be entered in your giveaway! Thanks, Kate.

[Sharon, Morrison Mercantile]

Well yes...I want to win the prize too.
Loved your story about the flea market with Sugarwings.
What memories.

[Marilyn McIldoon]

You are the best Grandma, lucky Sugarwings! The prize would be great to win, thanks, Marilyn

[gypsy rose]

after the birdsong swap I'd want anything coming from your neck of the woods. Please enter me. luved the 'bottoms up' story'. how cute!

[Gaye Smith]

I so wish I could be part of your group.Making beautiful things like you do. please enter me. I don't have a blog but do follow your. thanks g.a.s.

[Jennifer the Fairy Tamer]

I wanna win ... I need a bit of luck!
Hugs,
Jennifer

[Tatiana]

craft friends are very important.. i have some too but they live so far away from me.. you are so lucky to have them..

[Erica]

Please enter me in the giveaway! What a fun prize!

[Wanda Contreras]

Dear Karla:
I LOVE your giveaway!!! Thanks for the opportunity to enter and thank you for your post. I love to read about your grandaughter specially her flea market experience.
Best regards,
Wanda

[Zita - Mlle Magpie]

Please throw my name into the hat for these lovely craft day goodies, Karla! Some of those prints are particularly wonderful!

[Elizabeth]

What a fun giveaway! I am a craft 'junkie' and would luv to play with those little treasures. Always love reading your blog. Thanks!

[Terri Gordon]

Hi Karla, Oh what an honor it would be to win your giveaway. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I love that sweet dress, so cute. I want to wish you a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Terri

[Sonya]

Oh I would love to win your giveaway! Your little dress picture is absolutely adorable!And so is you book cover. You do amazing work. Always enjoy my visits here. Thank you for the chance and for sharing.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
hugs,
Sonya

[joanne (jojo)]

you gals always have the best stuff! I would love to enter your giveaway. I just broke my let and will be down for 6 weeks so I need something crafty to do...help! gah.

[Mary]

Oh my you ladies are so very creative! That little dress is adorable and I love all the sweet vintage flowers!

[Merce Hamlin]

please enter me in the craft giveaway. What fun to have something special to create with. You have great stuff and ideas!

[Cheryl Dolby]

I came here after viewing your Renfest post. You are such a wonderful photographer-you pick up the essence of beauty in the people you photograph. Your header picture is pure magic. Thanks so much. Hope to win your sweet prize.

[Dawn Gahan]

Karla, please enter my name into this giveaway! How fun!

Dawn

[Deborah aka Miss Bee]

Those are lovely flowers! Please add my name to your giveaway list!

xoxo
Deborah aka Miss Bee

[Charlotte]

Of course I want to win. Count me in.

[Pam Perrella]

Hi Karla, Please enter my name in your giveaway. I love all of your pretties and need more.

[Sandra]

Such a wonderful giveaway, Karla, many thanks for the opportunity.

[Patty in Kansas]

Karla, what a wonderful photo of little Sugarwings' tiny feet "floating" above the ground....I remember seeing a photo last year where she appeared to be flying as she was facing away from the camera...how do you manage to take these shots? All the photos were beautiful. Patty in Kansas

[Karla Nathan]

Those shots of her flying are just lucky. She does jump up and down with glee a lot and I just happen to be snapping a pic. I do have a card in my camera that allows for higher speed shots.

Sent from my iPad

[Lana Decker]

Your site makes me smile. It's the first one I go to each day.

[pamelajane]

Your shared craft days sound blissful!

[Suzanne Wingfield]

Sugarwings has found her happiness again with the fairies.

[fredab]

Hi Karla

I would appreciate being in your giveaway - can never have enough ephemera.

Hugs

FredaB

[Sally Jo Kohler]

I love the fairy pictures - you all look so beautiful.
Sally

[Gayla]

Such beautiful finds! Please enter me!

[Deborah Woodrow]

Hi Karla :
Love your ideas ! Hope your remodeling will be super nice, in fact everything you do is so lovely !
Sign me up for the ephemera giveaway... love the pics, of the craft books.

Take Care,
Deborah Woodrow

[Marilyn Lynch]

Hi Karla,
Love your blog and your beautiful creations. I'd love to win your ephemera giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity.

[Elaine Paullus]

I love your art, and would love to win your giveaway.
Elaine in Jersey

[Lululiz]

Ooooh, I got back from France just in time to enter your fabulous giveaway. Would love love love to win it.

[Simply Debbie]

OH MY GOODNESS KARLA,
I would love to be invited to one of your creative days. My son lives close to you. Sometimes it is good to work alone but it does get lonely, very lonely.
Your book is so stunning and full of love.
I adore vintage millinery. I use to make hats for some of our community plays.
I am drooling excessive over your give away. That is one dream give away. I have not seen those delicious velvet millinery flowers in forever. I collect vintage hats but I gave a lot of them to two of my great nieces and plucked the others like chicken feathers off a chicken.
I wanted to also tell you again how much fun the tag exchange was.
hugs to you on this beautiful day

[Caroline]

Wow your craft days sound like so much fun. I wish I knew enough people in my area to put together something like this. I just want to take a quick minute to say how much your blog inspries me. Evertime you post I say to myself, wow I want to do that for my daughters! Thanks so much for sharing your tallent with us.

Please enter me in the fabulous craft day giveaway.

[Jane]

Well, who can resist the chance to win all those wonderful goodies?! Please enter me in the drawing too! Love reading about your craft days!
Jane-Jacksonville

[Karen Hess]

What lovely treasures for a giveaway!! Your craft days sound like so much fun and reading about them makes me feel like I'm there. Please put my name in the hat for the chance to win these lovelies!
xox
Karen

[Jo]

What a great giveaway Thankyou!

[Linda McMillin]

the give away package just gets better!

[gail]

Me, Me, Me, Me, Me..... is that comment enough? I would love to play with all of the things in the picture!!!

[Valorie]

What a lovely assortment of yumminess! Count me in, please!!!
V

[Amy Bauer]

It's a bonanza of goodness. Wish I could be a birdie on a branch peeking in at your craft gatherings... or better yet seated with ya'll covered in glue & glitter. Fingers crossed! - Amy Bauer

[Heidi Woodruff]

Wish I had time for craft days! Maybe in the winter! Love all the florals! Thanks for the chance to win!
Hugs, Heidi

[Sharon, Morrison Mercantile]

yes.,enter me in the contest too! I love this stuff.

[Tina L.]

Would love to have this creative stash! Please enter me in the drawing!!

[Shane]

how great thou art!!!
wonderful giveaway karla and that wee dress - what a treasure you are to share it.

i broke my R arm in a fall 2 wks ago - immobile so cant craft at the mo - grrr v v v frusdtrating!!!!

shane

[Becky Schultea]

Oh Karla - thank you for the opportunity to participate in this yummy giveaway - what treasures from such crafty ladies!! Count me in!!

Hugs & Blessings,
Becky