One more post about Paper Cowgirls- I have to show you all the crafty goodness that was going on- that's the whole basis of art events like this- even though just like school- you remember as much about what happened outside of class as in class.
I signed up for the Altered Apron swap. My partner was the Queen of Crepe Paper Ann Denise Anderson. Not only did she make me a beautiful apron, but she use over the top packaging. The apron was packed in a cute vintage sewing box with these two pretties on top. One is a paper clay doll with bendable arm and legs and the other is a corsage.
This is the apron Ann Denise made for me- layers and layers of pink crochet doilies.
This bling studded flower was at the center of the apron.
One thing I noticed in Texas is how many women have clothes made from crocheted pieces- vests, sweaters and wraps that look like they were pieced from vintage runners or doilies. It's a really romantic look.
My birthday was the Monday after Paper Cowgirls, and Lisa gifted me with this wonderful collage. She had shown it on her blog, and I noticed that it had a woven background like the kind she taught in her Bird Song class.
Lisa also knows how much I love my dogs, so she searched high and low to find this vintage book about dogs.
The book is full of wonderful illustrations.
The first class I took was Jennifer Stewart's Once Upon Season. The basis of the project was garden edging- each piece decorated for a season. The class kit was packaged so cleverly. Inside, besides color pictures and instructions, were five paper bags, and each bag had the pieces that fit on that season's panel.
I followed the directions, made my first panel, and decided I liked the "low color" look, so I followed it on the rest of my panels.
The panel on the right is a Christmas card circa 1961 with a picture of baby me.
The garden edging fence is such a great idea- you could use it to show off school pictures, family portraits, vacation pictures- or just use stranger's pictures like I did.
My other class was Lisa Pace's Pieces of Time project. The shadow box was from Maya Road, and the background was pieces of an old quilt. Once again, I went with the neutral colors and added a Frozen Charlotte that Karla had given me.
One of the great things about taking a class like this is that you have all the materials right in front of you. I know when I create at home, I can spend more time looking for the tiny flower, right sized button or perfect trim than I actually do crafting.
Not having to spend time looking for materials allows you to just relax and enjoy the creative process.
If you're on the fence about going to an art event or taking a class, I'd really recommend you just go for it- the boost of creativity you get from crafting with other like minded people is priceless.
Everything you made is marvelous! Wish I could afford to go to all these classes they all look so great! Glad that you had such a great time!
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | June 23, 2011 at 12:51 AM
Beth belated happy birthday- I love the gift from Lisa, it is so beautiful on the woven background.
Also I love your shadow box, and the panels you made.The little quilt pieces makes the box look like a cosy place to relax :)
Both are very lovely and beautiful ,dear Beth.
Hugs,Dorthe
Posted by: Dorthe | June 23, 2011 at 02:14 AM
Adore the shadow box, sweet! :]
Happy belated birthday too.
Posted by: April Cole | June 23, 2011 at 02:47 AM
Love all of your artwork. I agree taking classes does give me a boost of creativity and the friendships made are priceless!
Posted by: Sheila R | June 23, 2011 at 09:19 AM
I loved getting to meet you in my Pieces of Time" class. Your project turned out beautifully and as you know I love it when students make it their own. Hope our paths cross again soon.
Hugs!
Posted by: Lisa M. Pace | June 23, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Oh, I LOVE all of it Beth and I totally agree with everything you said about how it is to be with others at a craft event. 'Nothing like it!! Don't stop posting about Paper Cowgirls! I cannot get enough!
Posted by: Laurie | June 23, 2011 at 11:21 AM
LOVE your shadowbox Beth! I've been keeping the grands & am just finishing up my PC projects. Hope to have a blog post this weekend.
One of the best things I ever did for myself was to sign up for my first Paper Cowgirl...that was 2 years ago!
Posted by: Cami @ Creating Myself | June 23, 2011 at 12:47 PM
I LOVE all of it Beth, Love all of your artwork. Glad that you had such a great time!
Sandy
Posted by: Homeowner Insurance Plan | June 23, 2011 at 05:15 PM
I love your Pieces of Time project. The soft colors and old pieces of quilt are lovely.
Posted by: Pallas | June 23, 2011 at 09:49 PM
Love it all but the flower up at the top is so cute! I am so glad you got to go and that you shared with all of us.
Hugs,
Suz
Posted by: Susan Reaney | June 23, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Love them all, but especially Pieces of Time. That dog book is the best!
Posted by: jeanie | June 24, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Beautiful post! And yes, that creative boost is part of the reason that I love putting PC together...just being around all of you gals keeps my creativity bouncing for weeks on end. LOVED the neutral spin that you put on both projects...gorgeous! And crap...meant to have everyone sing Happy Birthday to you and Andrea....I got so nervous speaking, half my crap flew outta my head. LOL. No, wait...that's normal for me.
-c
Posted by: Cindy | June 25, 2011 at 11:50 AM
It looks like it was an amazing time and Oh, what treasures! Blessings ~ Katie
Posted by: Katie | June 25, 2011 at 11:01 PM
All stunning! Love the shadow box! Rachaelxo
Posted by: Rachael | June 27, 2011 at 01:07 AM