Don't Hate Me Because I Live by Paper Tales........

 And, that have the entire afternoon today to work in my studio. 

Ok....you can go ahead and hate...because, I would, after I tell you how much fun I had at the class yesterday.  Although the class started at 1:00, I seriously considered showing up at 10:00 am when they opened, just to "be prepared."  Then I knew Michelle would get annoyed with me lounging and dozing on the couch waiting for the class to begin, so I nixed the idea.  I counted the minutes until I could finally leave my home and children and started for the van.....of course, I was followed out the door by the CEO who was clad in Thomas the Train underwear telling me that "I go wif you."  I explained I could handle the business trip on my own and he need to stay by the computer to handle all the incoming Pink Saturday comments.  Plus, Gramma would give him a sucker.  He said ok, and he and his Thomas clad butt trotted back in the house.

I arrived at Paper Tales and immediately relaxed and prepared for 2 full hours (which actually turned into 3 1/2 hours!!! Thanks Amy!!!) of uninterrupted art.  I met Amy (pictured above) who is super nice, super fun AND super talented.  I told her how much I LOVE her work from the first moment I saw it.  Hopefully, my enthusiam for her art combined with my excitement of getting out of the house sans kids and the tall double vanilla mocha buzz I had didn't frighten her.  She did pose for a picture with me, so I think I didn't scare her too much.

We all had so much fun creating, talking, and laughing that the hours just flew by.  This is part of what I love aboutPaper Tales.  It is a place where you can go and be totally inspired and relaxed at the same time.  Plus, I just love Michelle.....she is sooo funny and can go head to head with me with the snark.  Gotta love that......

Here's a picture of the crew with our finished (and almost finished in my case) collages......

From left to right, it's Kim Caldwell, me and Michelle.  It was so funny.  Kim arrived about an hour into the class because of traffic (she was driving from L.A.) YET she finished and hour before I did.....I am a slow worker bee....

Here is a picture of Diane and her daughter Sierra......

Here are some more pictures of the fun......

And here is my collage.......

It's supposed to be Carlos and Andres.  I was really proud of myself for going against my comfort zone.  In addition to the bird theme, she also had a bunch of vintage pictures of children.  It would have been so easy, as well as so typical, for me to choose the latter. But, I decided, the whole point of taking a class is to stretch myself.  So, even though every fiber of my being was leaning toward the vintage photos and pink pastel papers, I stayed committed to the challenge of the birds.  And, in the end, not only am I pleased with the result, but I am feeling empowered by going a little further than I usually do with my art.

I also wanted to share with you some more of Amy's art.  It's available at Paper Tales. And she is planning to open an Etsy shop soon.

 

 

Isn't it wonderful!  Just love it.

I'l leave you with what I'm working on today.  My mom's birthday is next week and I am finally doing a project that I promised her many moons ago.  She had seen these prints in a store.  And of course I said "don't get it!!! I can make it for you way better!!"  Five years later, the poor woman is still waiting for the "I can make it better" art work from me.  Actually, she has probably forgotten all about it. That's why this will be a big surprise for her. 

 

I'm still in the process of working on them so I will show you a better picture when I'm done. 

Alright....off to finish some more art work and maybe even sneak in a nap before the boys get home.  Talk to you soon!  Karin

Comments

[Rachel]

That looks like so much fun and your piece turned out so wonderfully. I'm totally jealous of people who get to take crafty classes!

[Linda and Laura Lilly Cottage]

So glad you said we could hate you.....though I wouldn't go that far, extremely jealous fits however. Love your completed collage and so excited because I guessed it was about your boys before you even said that...gosh you are a great artist to get that message across ( Oh OK so the word brothers in there was a bit of a giveaway too). The pieces you are working on for your Mum are looking a tad gorgeous too, can't wait for the finished product...well I can, I should just say looking forward to seeing it and go now! Have a happy day, Kiss noises Linda Lilly Cottage

[Susan M. Hickam]

Wow! I don't hate you but I am seething with frustration for living so far away that I can't go take that class. Looks like loads of fun and I hope you tell us more about Paper Tales. Keep us posted about your piece for your mom-love the birds you did. ultra cool.

[Donna]

I'm so glad you had fun with your time "alone". I totally would have gone an hour early! I proud that you restrained yourself :)
Love all of the art! What are you going to do with the book for the boys? I am the Queen of unfinished promises (projects). Glad you are following through...I guess that's what perfectionists do though!

[Donna]

I'm a dork! I know it's not a book! Scratch that. Where's my pillow....

[Pam]

I am sick with jealousy! Looks like loads of fun. I spent the day in the hospital with a wrecked back.
Much rather have been with you :)
Pam

[jen duncan]

Wow! A perfect day and it wasn't even your birthday! Gotta love that. No one worth knowing would ever hate you for getting to do something that makes you happy. God knows mom deserves a break now and then! Looking forward to seeing your mom's finished birthday present. Looks nice!

[SONIA]

I AM JEALOUS!! BUT YOU DESERVE THE ART TIME. LOVE YOUR CREATIONS. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE ART YOU ARE CREATING FOR YOUR MOM.

[Michelle M White]

Your canvas is great! I always have so much fun with you...snark away!

[Inge]

I don't hate you BUT I am jealous!!! All we have in town is a scrapbooking store and the owner is not too friendly!
I am searching for a place to make collage with other artists...maybe I can place an ad in Craigslist... thanks for the inspiration! Ingebird

[Alexandra Knittel]

Wonderful artworks. Your collage is beautiful.

[Beth Leintz]

wow- thought I stumbled into the wrong blog- not the usually stuff from Karin- but it's so cute and I love the idea of your boys as birds playing- keep going with your new comfort zone- you're doing great!

[Kathy Lowry]

Karin , how geat your day and artwork turned out -- Getting out of your comfort zone and loving it --the best result -- OH i am moaning because not a place to do this in my area --or many like minded people also. Your art for your Mom is beautiful - you do have a gift for making beautiful things that also speak to the heart -- Still plodding away at my studio mess - want to create
but to be organized without hunting for my supplies I have will open my mind to more creativity-without that hanging over my head - Your cute space -
spurs me on to finish -Kathy - GA

[Allie]

What a wonderful day you had! I'm so impressed with what you created. It's amazing how a few hours away from all of the sounds and energy of home can let the creative spirit soar. I'm jealous of the fact that you are so close to Paper Tales. I wish we had a place like that around here! Happy Monday!!
~Allie

[Alisa]

Your collage is great and I can't wait to see the finished canvases for your mom... they look wonderful!

[Aunt Kathy]

Mums the word......the botanical collages will look great in Barbara's home. She'll be sooooo surprised! If you just hang them on the wall, maybe she'll think they've been there all along (just a thought)!?!? Sorry to miss the B'day celebration & art unveiling. Later....Aunt K.

[Karla]

I love your collage! It is such a great way to represent the boys. Can't wait to see your mom's finished gifts. They look great so far.
Karla

[karla nathan]

I'm so jealous of you California people who get to attend all the great classes out there! Love the bird theme, how do your boys feel about being birds?

[Bejeweled]

Awesome class! And what a cute pic you ended up with! Paper Tales sounds like a great place to spend a few hours dreaming, chatting and creating.

Lol on the buzz from the art, kid-free, mocha combo! That can be a heady, potent combination :)

Hope you had a great afternoon in the studio! Those canvases for your Mom's birthday look fabulous so far. Those old botanical prints are always so beautiful!

[Kim Caldwell]

Such fun getting to meet you and spend some creative time together. Glad I found your blog and can catch up on the real chaos...

Hugs, Kim

[Melissa Lobdell]

OH*MY*STARS-your collage rocks! YAY YOU stepping out of your comfort zone--look at your amazing results! I love your little bird-binos! xo-Mel

[Michelle May]

Karin I would love to come out there and play too! What a fun time! I love how your piece turned out and yes, it is fun to stretch yourself sometimes, but I truly love your art just as it is. It's well, FABULOUS!
You made me laugh about the gift for your mom. When I do craft shows I have this little sign I keep in my booth that says, "I'm sure you can make it, but you don't have time."

Have a great week.
Hugs,
Michelle

[Kerryanne English]

Love it Karin and I'm sure your boys will too. It is great fun to get together with like minded crafters and play all afternoon.

Your mums piece looks lovely - can't wait to see it finished.
Hugs,
Kerryanne

[Lori]

i hate you because you live by paper tales

oh, you know i am just kidding!!! this is all just part of the reason i wish that i lived in california...so much more going on classes wise/shopping wise...i just LOVE those collages from the class...they are TOO fun and those little paper outfits for the birds are stinkin' cute!!! i have had canvases sitting around forever waiting to be worked on, maybe this will be the inspiration i need...thanks!!!

[Natalea]

Lucky Duck! I don't hate you but I am jealous! Looks like a wonderful place and a fun-tastic time!
xo natalea

[wyanne]

Wow...that class looks like it was so much fun. Love all the work you have created. So pretty. Love, Wyanne

[Lisa Oceandreamer S.]

Now that looks like a blast! The very idea of an entire day doing art with friends new and old......chatting and laughing and creating is the perfect day! And for YOU, sans the boys a chance to let your hair down...as it were. ;)

Thank you AND Tim G. for not eliminating me.....I do want to win you know so I am always trying to "make it work". (Especially with Nina judging)
XOXO

[leah]

i love your bird creatures!! and good for you for stretching yourself outside your comfort zone. i really love what you created.

[andrea~ vintagebellastudio]

I love it all, being crafty is the best fun!

[Regina]

Karin-
it looks like you found your zone! What a fun collage you created. Thanks for sharing at CED - that's how I found you.

[Dana]

I am sooooo jealous! It has been far to long since I have been in there and you look like you had sooooo much fun!!!

[Penny-Elizabeth Neil]

I don't exactly *hate* you...but I am jealous of all the lovely and amazing art classes everyone but me seems to go to!

I completely understand the 'don't buy it, I can make a better one' attitude. I've told that to people so many times they now say 'yeah, but I want it THIS year!'

What can I say...quality takes time. :)

[Gigi Minor]

Wow lady! I'm so jealous!! I grew up in California and really miss cool shops like this being close.
Love your work! Beautifully detailed!
PS Your link on lollishops for your web address isn't working ( I think you forgot to put in the www) just thought you should know : )

[Susan]

I can really relate to the going out the door......too funny! Taking classes is such fun, haven't done that in awhile! Thanks for visiting my blog :) Love the project your working on for your mother, look forward to seeing it when it's complete.

[Jillian]

Looks like you had a lot of fun! Thanks for stopping by to say Happy Bday! I made it through the big 40 and I think I'm going to like it!

Jillian

[britt-sparkledvintagecharm]

ooh! lucky you!! how fun!! hope you have a fabulous day!! hugs!! xo Britt :-)

[Cheryl Dack]

I wanna go to Paper Tales!!!

[Catnip Studio]

I love, love, love your blog, and what a great class! I am fascinated by collages, and these are beautiful. Kathy

[Diane]

You work is very nice. I love your blog!

[Diane]

Hi Karin, I have given you an award for your lovely blog. Please see my blog for details.
http://dianesmixedart.blogspot.com/

[Natasha Burns]

How could anyone hate you?! LOL!!! You are funny!
Loving what you made at paper tales, sooooooooooo cute!

And your mom will love her better-late-than-never gorgeous gift! Tell us if she remembers it!

Natasha : ) xo

PS. So excited you signed up for Sweet Six Studio, it's going to be such fun!

[Bristol]

What a fun place to hang out and a great project~
Bristol

[cindy]

Saw this over at Kim's blog too! Yes, jeolous...cause looks like a super fun shop and love what you did...yeah, I hate that "out of the comfort zone thing" but always love the results. Loving the life you are living this week!

: D

c