Hope and Prayers...

Most of you know that we are transplanted "East Coasters."  This is a time of of hope and prayer for us as we've left our family and friends behind.  A feeling of helplessness clutches the heart as we think of those dear ones in NYC, eastern PA, LI.....God be with you all and protect you, and may your troubles be minor inconveniences, as we pray for you and everyone else (my blog buddies)...May Sandy disappear more swiftly than she appeared...

My last Art Fair of the season was this past weekend, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church's Fall Arts Boutique.  

What a wonderful experience and blessing to make so many new friends and see many old friends.

On my worktable I've got a special order to finish up for a new friend, a beautiful customized, soldered pendant. I can't show it to you yet as it's a birthday present for her friend.  

Now, it's time to get ready for my sweet SIL's visit...and I'm thinking positively, as she's due to fly out from Philadelphia on Thursday!  I'll be getting things ready and planning fun things to do while she's here.  Please keep her in your prayers that her trip happens, safely!

I've got unpacking and inventory to take care of today, then finishing up on the workbench, so I'll make this post short.  Be sure to check back next Monday as I fill you in on the latest and greatest!

Have a beautiful, safe, and dry week and thank you so much for taking the time to visit ~ I love you!!
xoxo
Karen

What A Wonderful Week!

It was a wonderful week, and I'm so happy to be back on blog and able to share it with you, my sweet friends....

Last weekend was the Unique Boutique Fair, and very successful for yours truly. My dear friend and teaching colleague, Nancy Smith, helped me set up the tables Friday night.

New friends ~ and old...

On Tuesday night, our Schotzie launched MAC's Holiday line ~ Glamourdaze ~  Here are some pix I think you'll enjoy!

The Talent and some Glamourdaze....

Tasty tidbits and

Delicious distillations...

A perfect "girls night out" shared with Kiki, Kelly, and Schotzie!

So, that left just about enough time in the week to get some goodies ready for Corpus Christi Fall Boutique (which takes place this coming Saturday and Sunday) AND  get ready for our PA company!

Aunt Doll, Schotzie, me

Kiki, LeAnn, Rachelle

me and the love of my life!

Sunday brought a trip to the airport to say "so long" to sweet friends and our Schotzie!

Our girl is off to New Orleans on MAC's dime having qualified for this year's trip to the Big Easy!!  We miss her already....

As for me, this week brings LOTS of work in getting ready for ~

The success of one event means back to work I go, getting ready for the next event!

We are realizing the "dues" we paid for our summer heat....the temps are now in the 80's/60's, clear blue skies,  and no humidity....who could ask for more?

Wishing you a beautiful week with clear blue skies, smiles, and a bounce in your step!
Thank you for your visit ~ it means the world to me!!
xoxo
Karen

The Value Of A Friend...

The value of a friend is truly immeasurable!  My dear, sweet friend Sandra volunteered her ENTIRE Saturday last week to help me get ready for my upcoming Fairs.

She made it clear that she was willing to help me in any way I needed her.

So bright and early ~ we're talking 8-ish, Sandra shows up with this....

this.....

this....

and this...

But aside from all the goodies, which were so very much appreciated, my sweet friend went on to help me throughout the day and night to craft these one-of-a-kind boxes...

Sandra made the majority while I put finishing touches on these little cuties...

We took a break for dinner which was served up by Broadway Pizza and delivered by sweetest hubby, Ron...

And he was rewarded with some of Sandra's scrumptious, homemade cookies!

Back to work it was, and we continued with holiday dominos and magnets....

And a gaZILLION price tags....

We closed our fantastic day together at 11 p.m. ~ exhausted!!

I don't know how I could have finished up the crafties, were it not for Sandra.  You are always in my heart, dear friend!  I did promise her that the next time she comes to scrap she's to leave all her supplies at home and "shop" in my Studio!!

I'm wrapped, packed, and ready for Unique Boutique ~ this coming Saturday and Sunday...

Here's a peek at what's on my workbench....

 Some necklaces in the making...

And links which will be added to for custom chains....

I'm taking off for a couple of weeks....between the Fairs and out of town company, I'm begin to hyperventilate a little, but if I can surface for some air I will try and sneak in a post.  Until then...

Have a most beautiful week, dear friends, and be sure to treasure your friends ~
Their value?  Priceless!!
xoxo
Karen

FINI!!!

Finished!  I truly can't believe it and I've vowed to NOT let the Studio become a "dumping ground" again!
 It went from this....

to this....

Here are some close-ups you might enjoy ~ organized and "neated up"....

bags, boxes, bubble wrap, and chemicals

stamps, inks, pens, paper wrap

seam binding, books, embellies

sewing center

ribbons, lace, and trims

collection of swaps and bling drawers

cutters, dies, chipboard, inks and stamps

inks and stuff

glitter centrtal!

my work station

more paper, boxes, bottles, jars, china 

So, I'm one happy girl!

But, I wasn't the only one busy at work last week....sweet Schotzie had a week's vacation and this little dynamo earned a new title ~ Queen of the Chalk Paint!"

She made her own chalk paint, which was okay, but she decided it wasn't worth it when compared to using Annie Sloan chalk paint.  Here's a peek at some of her work...The white is homemade and the grey is Annie Sloan chalk paint in French Linen.

this is her bed BEFORE

Here's the AFTER

and some more...

There was another console table, but I didn't get a pix of that.  What do you think?  Doesn't she deserve the crown?!!

If you're not familiar with chalk paint let me just say IT'S THE BOMB!!  No sanding or priming!  A side note....this little chest of drawers at my sewing station (picture #6) was also painted with the AS French Linen.


There's more to last week, especially last Saturday, but I'm saving that for next week's blog!

A quick shout-out to my upcoming show at Unique Boutique.  For those of you in town, an important note...the location has been changed from Gridley MS to SECRIST MS.  Here's some more info...

I hope your week was grand and that this new week ~ Happy October! ~ is even grander!!  Thank you so much for your visit and I hope to see you again next Monday.

xoxo
Karen