Paper & Cowgirls

This weekend's project was all about my Paper Cowgirls.  When I say 'my', I mean the girlz who will be taking my class in June!  I wanted to send a note to introduce myself & say thanks. 

I couldn't just send an email,  OH NO?! 

I certainly wasn't going to send store bought note cards. No Way!  Keeping with the theme of paper, I set out to make my own special stationary.  A few hours & many steps later I had something that I hope will show my students just what's in store for them in June.

I started with grocery sacks, I'm keepin' it green girls! Free is my favorite word.

I used cream card stock & grunged it up with coffee crystals.  After they dried & were ironed flat, I copied an image that I layered with text in photo-shop. Then I sewed the letter to a piece of grocery bag & trimmed the edges.

Next I gathered my supplies & set up a one woman assembly line.  No child labor today, they were busy swimming.

I made resin charms as a thank you, & to get them excited about my class.

Then I just folded each side over & sealed each with a vintage Dennsion labels for my return address.

Addressed & ready to go.  Too much... over the top?  I don't think so.  I hope when they open them up in a day or two, their eyes pop & a big smile is on their faces!

 Money doesn't come easily these days, & there are more & more art retreats for people to choose from. I want to make sure the that my class Wows them!

Since I'm talking about paper, I wanted to show you a few books I bought last week.

I just can't get enough old readers, but only the ones with engraved pages. I found these at my fav resale store, for cheap, Cheap.  But it gets even better, I open the book up & whats inside?

Look at that awesome cabinet card, like a little 'gift with purchase'.

I did actually get that little blob of stuff off the edge, but took this picture before I messed with it. (just in case)  Click on it twice & look at that hat she's wearing, it's like a wedding cake!

Then I stopped in Cottage Panache to talk to Maureen, & I spotted this awesome autograph book.

It's just filled with the most beautiful handwriting & sentiments, dated 1882.  I love her name, Neelie. Remember Neely O'Hara? I'm dating myself there.

You should be able to see these really close, click 2x. 

I got it for a great price, too.

These sketches are too cool!

I'm putting these in my blog-shop, under Free Stuff.

Well, hope you had a great weekend. I'm off to the post office!

(pray they let me mail my cards)