Making

Blogland is a busy, busy place right now.

I can practically hear the shuffle of hands making, creating, sewing & sending.

Everywhere I look, on Pinterest or blogs I see such amazing, inspiring work!

I just want to make everything!!

Unfortunately there are only so many hours in the day & my kids are so demanding.

Expecting to eat & wear clean clothes.

The nerve!

I have one Christmas present all  wrapped up!

I ordered Karla's cuff kit & tutorial last week.

I've never made a cuff & was a little scared about it, but I think it turned out nice!

Karla's directions are really clear & there are loads of idea pictures.

Here is the back.

Now that I know how to do this I will be making lots for gifts this year.

Now you may need to sit down for this part.

Last month I did an Autumn swap with Tina .

This is what arrived on my doorstep.

Peek inside!

Scads of beautiful white laces & linens.

This is the coolest resin charm!!!

A wonderful nature collage!
Look at these incredible pods!
And seaweed from her shore.

So I'm blown away, right?
I think Wow, this is a great swap.
But then Lily found one more package wrapped in tissue.

One of Tina's altered books!!

Each page more amazing than the last.

Love the feather in the pocket.

Tina is such a talent, I get so many ideas from her blog.

 

And she shares them so generously!

What an excellent pile of lovelies!

Thank you so much sweet friend!

On the subject of altered books...........

 My latest page for our (Karla, Beth, Sandra) 'Round Robin' book project.

I made these pages for Sandra's book.

A little velvet pocket stuffed with stitching tools.

A vintage tatting bobbin & arm-less reading glasses.

This is the back of the page. I have a beautiful book called

The Portfolio of Needlework that was published in 1855. 

I used a page from that book for my background.

In the window an illustration from a very old reader.

Have I said how much I love this collaboration?!

Every month I look forward to seeing the new pages. 

In a few months I will have a priceless treasure.

This year I am thankful for so many things.

 On my list is the friendship I've found with all of you!

Have a safe happy holiday!

~Lisa

PS Check out my etsy, new things listed!

Birdsong

Karla's art event was absolutely amazing!

It's been days & I'm still coming down off my Kansas high!

 I was in awe of her ability to not only entertain & host 30 women, but to enjoy herself at the same time.

Her laid back attitude set the tone for the weekend.

(yes, her attitude & these slippers)

Everything was over the top awesome.

the food,

the atmosphere,

but especially the community of beautiful, generous women.

It was a little spooky staying in Karla's Cottage after reading about it for so many years.

I got to walk the fairy trail & see the disco ball in the garden.

Karla's home has just right balance of frill & whimsy.

There is a man cave upstairs, complete with pool table & humongous TV.

Here is the future home of the Nathan B&B!

OMG, her studio...........

Jammed packed with so much great stuff!

Just in case you wondered, there are 84 hats in here.

I forgot to ask how many rolls of wallpaper.

No detail was left undone.

  From the hand sketched table cloths,

to the bird themed desserts.

It was very cool meeting & teaching alongside Carol,& Debbie.

I think the girls loved the varitey of classes.

Everyone's project was truly unique.

 So many talented ladies!

I took part in Beth's Nature Journal swap.

Each page is a gorgeous reflection of the artist who created it.

I brought back so many wonderful gifts & 

souvenirs.

But the greatest gift of all was the friendship & memories.

It was so fun seeing old friends again, & meeting some new ones!

I can't wait till next month when Beth, Karla, Sherry, Kana, Marie, Cami & a few others will reunite at Paper Cowgirls!

So Karla, when's Birdsong 2?

PS

Happy Birthday !