Karla's Korner

Easter Weekend Celebration...

Sorry I went missing again! I've been in the middle of big project with a
deadline and, sad to say, but I had to temporarily become a hermit. 
Sad... because I've missed you my sweet friends...
but thankful for a new opportunity which I'll have to share with you later.

But for now however, I didn't want to miss the chance to say
"Happy Resurrection Day"
and send you my blessings for a  wonderful weekend of celebrating
our Risen Lord and His amazing love!


And I know it's late coming... but I also wanted to let you know that I do have
a few coloring pages you can print off for the kids or grandkids who will be
celebrating with you this weekend!  You can click here to download the one
above or go to my website to find a couple of other Easter choices.

However you celebrate... I do hope you'll take some time to reflect on what
Easter really means to those of us who have put their faith in Christ Jesus.
For what Mary discovered in that empty tomb is still true for us today...
Love overcame death...
Hope overpowered despair...
Peace overrode fear and...
Joy filled the hearts of all who put their faith in the Risen Savior!

Let us rejoice together and be glad!
Love and God-hugs...
Karla

The Perfect Pets on My Kitchen Counter...

I've been wanting to share these two little guys with you for such a long
time!  They sit on my kitchen counter right behind the sink and I love them!

They are called Soap Spitters™ and are the whimsical creations of my
uber talented daughter Michelle. The dog, named Parker Dog after my
daughter's family pet, spits the perfect amount of hand-soap from his mouth
while the Black Cat spits out dish soap.


They're so fun and look so much better than having a bottle of brand name
hand soap on the counter and it sure beats having to pull out the dish soap
every time I want to use it. Plus  they color-coordinate perfectly with my
favorite red coffee cup... how much more could I ask for!

It's these kind of little treasures that make a house a home and gives it
personality, isn't it?   And I love that they make my heart smile!
Hope they brought a little smile to your heart too!

A merry heart does good like a medicine!
Proverbs 17:22

xoxo
Karla

A Fun Creative Learning Weekend...

I was blessed to be able to spend all day Saturday with some of my fabulous
and fun... uber creative friends at a workshop taught by Kim Poloson.


This is a great shot of Kim, Madeline and Jan... looking oh so cute!
The vintage look of this photo is quite accidental due to the poor lighting...
and the amateur photograher holding the camera... which would be me!

I was not able to get a good photo of my sweet friend Gwen... but together...
we all had a wonderful time of learning, sharing and encouraging one another!


These are two of the boards I created... one with vintage papers and the
other with layers of paint. It will be fun to see how these techniques wiggle
their way into my own work in the days to come!


And the place itself was so inspiring with all its artsy and vintage charm!
It's called Art Circus Studio... tucked away inside Main Street Vintage.

So I wonder what new things you've been learning? Anything fun and creative?

You know that old saying about how you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
Well... it just isn't so, is it?  No matter how old or young you are... I do hope
you're challenging yourself to learn something new during this season of your
life... for you never know how God might want to use what you're learning
today to bring Him glory tomorrow!

Love and hugs...
Karla

Before and After...

Is this the most fun ultimate makeover or what?

I loved experimenting with the funky style of this girl's face... but she ended
up looking a bit too much like a flapper girl... but I was willing to live with it.
Until... a sweet friend boldly told me that she looked hung-over! Ouch! 
Well... I decided she was right... and so with paintbrush in hand...
I sobered her up and gave her a total makeover...


I like her sooooo much better now! I'm not sure I'm totally done with her yet...
but after so many years of painting only with non-forgiving watercolors,
I am sooooo thankful for acrylic paint and
the opportunity it gives you to cover over a multitude of mistakes!

Hmmmm... reminds me of what the Bible says in 1 Peter 4:8...
Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of sins.

So I got to thinking... our love is like acrylic paint! We can't erase or wash away
people's sins... only Christ can do that... but we can care about people so much
and love them so deeply that we can no longer see their sins but only the person
created in God's image and their captive heart that Jesus died to set free.

So girlfriends... pick up those paint brushes and
let's go paint our world with LOVE!
xoxo

Art Journal Page Beginnings...

No... I haven't finished the last art journal page I showed you yet...
but I couldn't resist starting a new one!

It began as a random smathering of teal, green gold and a buttery yellow...
topped with some yellow ochre stamped dots. I don't start all pages with a
coat of paint like this but I do love how it lays a foundation to flow from.

And then I just began to doodle. in this case, I started with the pattern
of that fir cone I picked up on my walk the other day... can you see it?

I love the girl... even though her footing is precarious... she looks confident
and ready to proclaim something pretty important to the world! I have no
idea yet what she wants to say but I'm sure it will be some wonderful
declaration of God's goodness or a word of affirmation or encouragement.

She reminds me of us... and how God says we are to encourage one another
daily. Every day... through our words and/or deeds we are to speak
hope or comfort or blessing into the life of at least one other person! And
what's so amazing is that when we do... it speaks that same word back into
our lives... and we are double blessed!

So today my sweet friends... be encouraged to keep looking up!
Keep your eyes on Jesus... not matter what struggles you may be facing...
remember that God is bigger than your problems... and He is on your side!

This I know: God is on my side!
I praise God for what he has promised;
yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
Psalm 56:9-11

So praise the Lord... pass it on...
and keep your eyes open to see who God wants you to encourage today!
Blessings and God-hugs...

Walk With Me Wednesday...

I've just recently started walking again and even though I have to
argue with myself to get me out the door... I'm always happy I went!

For now... I've been walking 3 laps at the local grade school track...
not exciting or inspiring... at least not at first glance...


...but when you look a little closer... there's beauty galore all around!
Look at the incredible collection of God's handiwork that I came home with!


I absolutely LOVE pattern and texture in nature...
and this pine cone is such a great example!


And just look at the intricate detail in a single feather! I am in awe.

Not sure what kind of cone this is... but I love the unique shape of the scales!


What I loved about this ivy leaf was not just the exquisite veining but also
the fresh spring green color... a sure sign of new life and a new season!


And isn't this little cedar sprig remarkable with its graduated color palette,
repeat pattern and the fantastic texture it creates? I only wish my big camera
lens was working so I could have captured and even better close up

So I end my day, praising God for His awesome creativity... and thankful that
He has created us as part of it!

Oh my sweet friends... if you haven't taken a moment lately to delight in the
intricate details of God's creation... do it today! Whether you go for a walk
with your eyes open or take time to examine a house plant or your favorite
pet up close... let God bring a smile to your heart as you delight in Him and
in  His handiwork... and give Him praise!

Love you...
Karla

Journal Girl Page in Progress...

I haven't played in my journal for a while... it felt really good!

This is where she is now... but I hear lots of detail crying out to be added!


I did start adding detail to her hair. Can you tell I LOVE line... lotsa line.

A messy paint palette and some home made stamps... an artist's delight!


That pink background and light green leaves makes me think spring!
She looks rather carefree with a soft wind blowing gently through her hair,
don't you agree?

Well... I can hardly wait to see where she goes from here... so stay tuned.

xoxo
Karla

Thank You Gifts...

If you've ever shopped my Etsy store before, you probably know how I love
to tuck little goodies in with each order... as my way of saying "thank you"
and wanting to let you know how VERY special you are to me!!

Well.. this month I decided to do something a little different.
I purposely created a special little "Be Joyful" Bluebird gift collection that
includes a greeting card, a bookmark, and a fun little round gift tag...
especially for you!

I'll be including all three special gifts with every shippable order over
$10.00 during the month of March to let you know how much JOY you bring
into my life by choosing to shop with me.  I know the world is full of
amazingly talented artists so I am both humbled and grateful for every sale.

Oh yes... and just so you know... even if you buy less than ten dollars...
I'll still tuck in a little special something... just because I LOVE you!!

Have a gloriously great weekend in the Lord my friends...
in His love and for His glory...
Karla

My Heart Leaps For Joy...

Does the little girl in you ever jump up and down for joy?
Okay... maybe not outwardly... but how about your heart?


Do you ever become so overwhelmed by the goodness of the Lord
in your life that you can hardly contain the joy that wells up within you?

I have had a few moments like that lately when God...
...answered prayers for a friend whose test results revealed no cancer.
...revealed and healed a place in my heart I didn't even know was hurt.
...gave me the strength to endure a physically painful circumstance.
...put a song in my heart before I even opened my eyes in the morning.
...gave me the creativity to design Mr. Froggy who makes me smile...
and then brought Psalm 28:7 to mind so he could point my heart to Jesus.
And the list goes on.

So how about you? Has your heart leaped for joy lately?
Would you be willing to share it in just one sentence or two?
I love hearing what God is doing in your lives...
and rejoicing in Him with you... in His love and grace!

xoxo
Karla

Catching Up With Hearts of Love...

I have soooo much I want to share with you but have just not had time!
So for today I'm going to go back in time...

because I've really been wanting to show you what showed up in my mailbox!

Is this label not adorable?  So creative.  I was smiling from ear to ear...
and I hadn't even opened the gift yet!

Inside was this amazingly beautiful silk-screened bird on a heart...
embellished with silver beads.  Have you guessed who it was from yet?

It was from my precious daughter Michelle... sent with love.
I have to admit... to receive this little treasure truly blessed my heart...
but the surprise of receiving it in the mail tickled me pink!

She also gave me three of these little felt hearts... I made one...
and I was going to stitch up a few more and make a fun little garland...
this is as far as it got!  But I decided I really like them hung
with the close pins... so I am happy!

Thinking again about Michelle mailing me her gift instead of hand delivering
got me thinking... I want to do that for someone this week... surprise them
with a little unexpected gift!  Hmmm... but how can I make it a surprise?
I have it... I'm going to send a little something to one of my Etsy friends! 
So if you've bought something from me in the past year... you never know...
you might just be getting a special little something in your mailbox next
week!!  How fun will that be!

So how about you?  Would you ask God to show you someone who could use
a little bit of a surprise blessing from you? It doesn't have to be handmade
or expensive... maybe even just a card. It's the giving that counts!
So please please please... do it!!
How much fun next week will be with so many women getting little surprises
in their mailboxes!!!  I'm so proud of you... so go have fun my sweet friends
and give a little gift from your heart!! 

xoxo
Karla

Glorify Him With Thanksgiving...

I am so blessed to be able to offer this painting to you as a print on Etsy!

She has such a sweet face and with, her hands lifted to the heavens,
she reminds us, not only to sing our praises to God, but that He is glorified
when our hearts are thankful and our lips declare His blessings.

Today I am thankful, that even though my Valentine sweetheart of more than
41 years, may not be the most romantic guy around, his love for me so
reminds me of God's... steadfast, unconditional, and forever.

I remember when God first began to teach me about the power of giving
thanks for my husband. I was a new believer in Jesus and wasn't used to
being thankful for much of anything, especially not for my husband! God
showed me how I had been so focused on his faults, I had become blinded to
his strengths. Over time, as I began to seriously look for things to be thankful
for... my heart towards him began to change. And then... over a period of
time, because my heart changed toward him... his heart changed toward me...
and we watched as God worked a miracle in our marriage.

This verse reminded me of this story because before I met the Lord, Michael
and I were voted by our circle of friends to be the most likely to divorce... it
was just a matter of time. But here we are today... happily married...
and God seriously gets all the glory!!

God wants to be glorified in the hard places of our lives... and it can all start
with developing a grateful heart! So... can I ask you? Is there a circumstance or
a person in your life that you hear God calling you to begin to give thanks for?
Will you begin today? For His glory?

xoxo
Karla

Happy Valentine's Day...


Today can be one of those holidays where sweet expectations can be met
with heartbreaking disappointment and the devil may try to whisper in your ear
to try and convince you that you are not loved... or lovable. But it ain't so!

God's love is so much greater than human love... and it is unconditional and
forever and ever! And He says you ARE lovable... and much LOVED! 
So take a moment to quiet your heart and let God love on you!
Okay now...  go pass it on... gp give someone a Valentine hug...
or pick up the phone and tell someone how special they are to you!

And just for the record... I LOVE YOU!!
My life is sweeter because you're in it!
Will you be my Valentine?
xoxo

Something To Crow About...

I know I disappeared again... so sorry! I've missed you!
But I've been working on a new project!  Can't tell you what it is quite yet
but here's a little peek at a portion of one of the paintings that's part of it.

I love roosters... they have sooooo much attitude and personality!
We've had a few of these fiesty characters off and on over the years and
every one of them has been fun and entertaining!

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of a rooster is it's crow...
the infamous cock-a-doodle-do that so proudly announces the rising of the
sun and the bright new beginning of each new day.

Just now it made me think of Psalm 113:3...
"From the rising of the sun to it's going down,
the Lord's name is to be praised."

So do you think the rooster may simply be greeting his maker with a song
of praise every morning... thankful just to be alive! 
Hmmmm... I think the rooster really might have something to crow about?
What do you think?  How about you?
Is there a word of praise you'd like to crow about today?

Blessings and God-hugs...
Karla

His Banner Over Me & You...

I've been painting... and it feels so good!!
Yes... I know... I painted those cute little boxes. But that's different.

Painting a canvas... like this one... allows me to become a storyteller.
It gives me a platform from which to share a Word from the Lord,
in a way, that will hopefully lift your spirit and bless your heart!

How can your spirit not be lifted when you contemplate the greatness of
God's love and how He brings us into His presence and boldly waves the
banner of His love over us... not secretly, but publicly... declaring to the
world and to our enemies that we are His and He is our God and Father.

And we, as sweetly as any songbird, lift our voices in reply...
worshipping and singing praises to the One who loves us.

I loved using real sheet music for the leaves... it made me think about
how all of nature rejoices with us in the glory of the Lord.

And I loved using bingo cards for the banner... especially when you notice
the "FREE" in the center of each card... a reminder of how we cannot earn
or buy God's love... but instead He has given it freely and lavishly to all.

I'll be listing the print of this painting in Etsy sometime tomorrow.

May your heart be encouraged in the Lord today.
May you find a few moments to stop and be still and imagine, if you will,
the banner of God's love over you...
a holy declaration of His love and power for His you, His beloved one.

Blessings and God-hugs my sweet friends....
Karla

The Art of Doodling...

I've always loved doodling... especially patterns because it's so
relaxing, creative, and fun!  I know many of you are doodlers as well...
so I wanted to introduce you to my friend, Joanne Fink, who has taken
doodling to a whole new level... including having her own book and a
number of free videos which demonstrate her technique.


Joanne is an incredible calligrapher... and about three years ago she began
playing with a form of doodling called Zentangle® and enjoyed it so much
that she began to incorporate these doodle patterns into her letterforms
and designs and she calls her new style “Zenspirations™”
(which, just so you know, is not related to Zen as a religion or lifestyle).

In her book, Zenspirations, Joanne shares creative monogram and pattern
techniques, as well as wonderful borders and frames,
that I can easily see being used in everything from art journaling
to creating your own embroidery patterns... and more!

You know I don't usually promote books or products on my blog...
and I'm certainly not being paid for this.. but the truth is my friend Joanne
lost her husband a few months ago with no warning at all. She had made a
promise to her publisher that she would help promote her book, but with all
that has happened in her life, she has been unable to keep that promise
and needs a little help from her friends because that's what friends are for.

So if you love to doodle... I promise you will LOVE Joanne's new book
and you'll definitely want to add it to your creative library!

In His love and always for His glory...
Karla

Painted Treasure Boxes...

I love the word TRANSFORMATION:

trans·for·ma·tion/ˌtransfərˈmāSHən/

Noun:

A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.

I love it when I think of how God has seriously transformed my life. 
Dramatically. Without a doubt. And yours too, I'm sure.
And I love thinking about how He's still transforming us day by day.

And I love how we've been created to be able to... with a little paint and
ephemera... transform something as ordinary as these little boxes...

into something so fun and wonderful and delightful
as these oh so cute Treasure Boxes!


I'm thinking seriously about hosting a Girls Night Out Craft Party with these
as the craft to make... what do you think?

I want my party to have a Valentine theme... thus the heart on this one.

And we all have little treasures that need a special home, don't we?

Maybe some pretty jewelry?  Or perhaps memorabelia from a special event.

And we all have friends and family who would love a gift made with love.

So I'll let you know if and when my little craft night comes together...
maybe you'd like to come. Oh what fun I am already imagining.

You see... one of my goals for this year is to be more intentional about
enjoying the company of the friends I have... and the ones I have yet to meet
and hosting a craft night sounds like a great way to do it!

You know how in the "old days" women got together to can food or make
quilts or darn socks?  I think we need to create new opportunities for women
to come together and love on one another, encourage one another and just
plain old have a good time! What do you think?

So how about you? Is there something you usually do by yourself that you
could do in the company of other women once a month?  Go ahead. Share it!
It might be the first step you need to take to make it a reality!

Blessings and God-hugs to you my sweet friends!
xoxo
Karla

Looking Forward to Love...

One of the goals I have on my list for this year is to celebrate life more!
I want to use any and every reason. I want to celebrate ordinary days and
special days. Anniversaries. Birthdays. I'm Happy Days!
And I want to celebrate holidays... including Valentine's Day!

So I'm spending some time creating with Valentine's Day in mind... fun!
So I just finished this charming little digital collection of "Owl Always Love You"
Valentine Clip Art and listed in my Etsy Shop. If you love owls this might be
perfect for your Valentine cardmaking, tags, scrapbooking, and more.

What I love about this collection is the saying "Owl always love you" because
that's what God says to us. His love endures forever.  It never ends. He'll
never ever leave us or forsake us and because His love for us is unconditional,
there is nothing that can separate us from His love... nothing... ever!

Now if that's not a sweet Valentine message, I don't know what is!
God tells us He loves us always. Who needs to hear those words from you?

And you should know by now...

xoxo
Karla

Crafty Inspiration for the New Year...

Almost all my Christmas decorations have been neatly packed away but
there are a few handmade ornaments that were gifted to me this year
through an ornament exchange that will remain in my studio where I'm
sure they will serve as inspiration for future creative and crafty endeavors!

Maybe they'll inspire your creativity too...

My amazingly talented daughter Michelle was the one who arranged the
ornament exchange with her friends and included me! Her cute little
Rudolph the Snow Angel can't help but make you smile with all its quirkiness!
I love how she added the house numbers of my address (which is also my
birthday) but I didn't realize the scarf covered part of it in the photo...oops!

I met Deirdra through Michelle... and she hand-delivered her ornament to
me when she came to my studio for an afternoon of Christmas crafting. 
Her handiwork has such a sweet vintage feel to it... and I LOVE the color!
Her creativity shines in this little charmer!

This little cutie was from Tyler and what was so fun about hers was that she
had learned this techique from Michelle at a workshop she taught last spring
at Artfest.  I love this little guy... so sweet... almost huggable!

Isn't this owl a total HOOT?!?  Elizabeth made this amazing creation using a
recycled sweater... can you believe it?  So creative... and so inspiring!
It reminded me of the whole "trash to treasure" theme.  Beautifully done!

Janne is Michelle's friend from Norway. She has spent some time here visiting
with Michelle and I've been blessed to get to know her a little bit...
she's a darling girl and overflows with incredible creativity in so many ways!
I love the simplicity of her little house... and the brightness of the windows
made me think of "this little light of mine... I'm going to let it shine!"


I've had the pleasure of meeting Lulu  once and she is delightful. What I think
is most amazing about her ornament, besides its cleverness, is that she made
these in the midst of getting ready for her own wedding on December 3rd!!


And this was my contribution to the exchange... she turned out so cute!  She's
paper mache with lots of glitter... and I love the dots... and her musical tail!

I'm sad to say that I put Mystele's ornaments on the little tree in my kitchen
and I packed it with the tree without realizing it and there's still one coming
from Tammy so I have more inspiration to look forward to! I send my heartfelt
thanks to each and every woman who gave a part of herself to me this year!
And maybe next year, I'll host my own exchange... what do you think ladies?

What is so encouraging as I look over these ornaments is the variety of ideas
and the range of personality and talents that shine through! It reminds me of
how each one of us has been created so uniquely and how we can use the
gifts, talents and abilities the Lord has given to us to be a blessing to
others... to encourage them and inspire them... not only at Christmas but
all throughout the year.  I hope to do more of that with you in 2012!

Lord God... we are creative only because You are the Creator and we've been
made in Your likeness.  As we enter this New Year will show us how to
creatively use the gifts, talents, and abilities You've given us for Your glory...
and for the blessing of others. Thank You Jesus.  Amen.

Free Printable Christmas Tags...

I'm hoping to create some new Christmas Tags for you very soon...
but until then... I wanted to let you know these tags are still available!

Simply download these Free Printable Christmas Tags, print, cut and create!

Available now on my website www.karladornacher.com

You can use them for gift tags or scrapbooking...
for making greeting cards or even ornaments.
To get your creative juices going, check out this post from last year for
inspiration and ideas using these designs... and have fun!

With love and Christmas hugs...
Karla

Sweet As Apple Pie...

Many of you, over the years, have asked about my "An Apple A Day" book
and with great sadness, I have had to tell you that it was out of print.
So... it is with great joy that I present to you today... "Sweet As Apple Pie!"


"Sweet As Apple Pie" is a remake of "An Apple A Day" with a brand new
beautiful cover design, a some new devotionals and a few new recipes all
served to you in the same heartwarming homespun style of sweetness
and created to inspire healthy and fruitful living for the Lord!

It includes 31 devotionals with "Today's Apple" being a tasty bite
of God's Word. You'll be invited to "Chew On It" through an inspirational
story designed to nourish your soul... and to "Savor the Flavor" by praying
along with me to help the flavor linger in your heart long after you close the
book!  Also included are a few journal pages, fruitful quotes and verses, as
well as some fun apple facts.

You can take a peek at a couple of the inside pages and purchase a signed
copy here on my website.  Thanks for looking!!

Lord, help me to remember that every act of love and kindness is an
opportunity to offer Your life-giving fruit to those who do not know You.
Let my branches stretch out in new ways today... for Your glory... amen.

Blessed Be His Name...

If November has prompted you to count your blessings even more than
normal... I would love to add a few more blessings for you to ponder...
in His Name! 

Over the years, many of us have studied out the Names of Jesus and how
they portray the character and essence of Who He is and how He
wants to relate to us.  What I love about how He has communicated this
to us is that He uses descriptions that are very visual... that we can
understand and relate to from our ordinary and everyday lives...
and even moreso during the Christmas season!

That's why I'm delighted to be able to offer this art to you as a digital art
collection on Etsy. This art was originally painted and designed for my book,
The Heart and Home of Christmas, to inspire and encourage women,
like you and me, to celebrate the season in His Name...
to help us stay focused on the One we worship by looking for
the symbolism of Who He is in the sights and sounds of the holiday season.

 I hope this design will inspire you and even be a help to you as share the
love of Jesus through your cardmaking, crafting and creating this year!

Or...  if you would prefer your "Blessed Be His Name" Christmas Cards
to be already printed and delivered to your door... you can find them
in my Zazzle Store in two different formats with the option to customize
if you like... with your own verse and/or name!  Check it out.

May we glorify His Name together...
today and every day... throughout the holiday season!
xoxo
Karla

Tis the Season...

My first two bazaars of the season... I must confess.... have been fun!

I prayed before going... asking God to use me to be a blessing to others...
  And I went trusting Him for the sales...
especially since I can't make anyone buy anything anyway!  Duh!

The greatest blessing of all was having the opportunity to see a lot of women
I haven't seen in a very long time... some from Crossroads Church
where I used to go years ago... some from past speaking events
and others who had just lost touch with!

Let's just say... there was an abundance of hugs and lovin' at both bazaars.
It did my heart good... and I was blessed beyond measure.

You see... I grew up in a home where hugs were not given.
The first hug I remember getting (other than from boys) was from Mike's mom...
I was 18 years old.
It seemed so odd... so uncomfortable... I wasn't even sure how to respond.

With tears in my eyes and a heart filled with thanksgiving...
I prasie God that He has made me a hugger... and a cheek kisser!
I am so thankful for how He has so loved me...
that I have enough left over to give away. I am blessed!

So... I'm sorry if you weren't able to make it to one of the bazaars to get
your own personal Karla hug and kiss...
but even better... I'm sending you God-hugs and lotsa love!

Let us be thankful together!
Amen

Snowman Ornaments on Etsy...

I had several of you ask about the snowman ornaments...
so since I had a few left from last weekend's bazaar...
and a few still in the making... I just listed six in my Etsy Store!


As charming and adorable as they are in person... they were quite
the challenge to photograph!  I just couldn't get the light right to catch
the glitter or the glimmer of the bling or the brightness of their faces!

But just look at those personalities... and even sweeter face to face!


Oh yes... I am in the process of making a few more of these little cuties...
and still have quite a few bingo markers left so... if you would like
a particular number to honor an anniversary or a birthday
just let me know and I'll see if I can make it happen for you...
how fun would that be!!

Summit View Bazaar Display...

In just a couple of hours I'll be on my way to my first bazaar in 20 years!
Oh my... I had forgotten how much work putting together a display could be!
I didn't get everything done I wanted to... but I'm happy with it.

What a blessing it was that my studio is large enough to set up a mock booth.
There were so many details to work out along the way!

And what a blessing that my daughter loaned me those great panels.
All I had to do was cover them with some inexpensive muslin for a fresh look.
And I had bought the red curtains when we first moved into our new house
but decided not to use them.  I had felt guilty about not returning them...
until now!  Maybe it was a meant to be!

My display consists mostly of my original art and prints from my Etsy store...
but these little snowman ornaments were a fun and crafty addition. 

 
I may even make some for Etsy after the bazaars... they are just so cute.

Each one is unique with its own little vintage trim...

and I can't help but smile over each one.

I know its a bit early to be thinking Christmas...
but to all my friends out there who are selling at a bazaar or craft show
this weekend or preparing for one coming up... you are in my prayers!

Things that are handmade with love make unique and thoughtful gifts.
So... if you are not making and selling your own handcrafts this year,
would you consider visiting a bazaar or craft show in your area
during the next few weeks in support of those women who are
trying to help with their family incomes through the gifts and talents God
has given them and show them some love... in His Name and for His glory!

Thank you for your prayers... I'll let you know on Monday how it went!
Love and God-hugs...
Karla

Suitcase Mirror Display...

I had the hardest time figuring out how to display my little pocket mirrors!
I have 16 designs to choose from and I wanted it to be easy to find the design
you wanted... so throwing them all in a big basket was just not an option!

I had bought this adorable little vintage suitcase at a garage sale earlier this
summer... I should have taken a before photo as it had a broken oval mirror in
the lid and a little brighter kelly green lining... but I really wanted to use it.

So I removed the broken mirror and re-lined it with this green felt.
I was pleasantly surprised to see how all 16 designs fit perfectly in the lid!

I used black foamboard to cut and hot-glue this divider for the inside
with 16 spaces and each space holds four mirrors of each design perfectly.

It looks pretty cute with the lunchbox I think.  I am wondering if the sign is
a little over-sized but maybe when I get some of the other signage done it
won't look so over-powering. What do you think?

We will be borrowing some display panels from my daughter and should have
those today to start figuring out how to set the whole thing up so stay tuned!

But for now... I am thankful. Thankful for the opportunity to share God's
Word and my art with the church and with the world through these bazaars.
Thankful to the Lord for showing me some creative ways to display it all.
And thankful for knowing that He goes before me and prepares my way!

Are any of you selling at bazaars this holiday season? If you are... let me
know and let's pray for one another... not only for good sales...
but that we might somehow be a blessing to all those who pass by!

Love & God-hugs...
Karla

Craft Show Display... Lunchbox Fun

It's been a lot of years since I've been a vendor at a Craft Show or Bazaar...
but this year I'll be at two... Summit View Church which is my home church...
and Crossroads Community where I attended several years ago.

I've been working on some creative display ideas for my booth...
like this oh-so-cute lunchbox to hold a few of my little square plaques!

I bought it at a yard sale while I was in Illinois this past year... I remember
my sister just smiled... wondering why I would want a rusty old lunchbox!

I attached some webbing for straps to keep the lid upright...


and I stainded some spindle tips I had cut off and kept from an earlier project
and simply hot-glued them to the bottom of the lunchbox for legs.

I also used some styrofoam packing material to build a 3-sided box to hide
my calculator and money under... and wrapped it in a 1910 newspaper page!
Don't you love the "I cure men" title to this ad?  Hilarious!
I love how it says... "If honest and responsible you can pay when cured!" 
Oh... if only that were true for today!

Stay tuned... tomorrow I'll show you my Pocket Mirror Display!

So next Saturday, the 29th, I'll be at Summit View and the following
Saturday, Nov. 5th, I'll be at Crossroads... both days from 9 to 4.
If you're local... I hope you'll come by and see me!  I'd love that!

Thanks for all your love and support and prayers!
xoxo
Karla

Princess Love-A-Lot

I first wrote about Princess Love-A-Lot back in February and she's been
in my heart ever since. I recently gave her a new look
and just added hersweetness to my Etsy shop...


She made me think about all the little girls... and big girls too... who fancy
themselves as princesses  and I thought maybe this little princess could help
moms share the truth of not only the blessings of being a princess but the
huge responsibility that comes along with wearing the crown. So I've decided
to include a copy of the original story {that I've also added below}
with every print order because...

If we truly belong to the King of Kings... yes...  that makes us a Princess!
But not the kind of princess that sits on pedestal... expecting to be served.
And it's not a title we boast of.. or a position we brag about.
Oh no no... not in God's Kingdom!


In the Kingdom of Love-A-Lot, we are called to do just that...
LOVE A LOT!!
That's the crown we wear... that's what's supposed to set us apart.
Loving others like God loves us... yessirreee...
loving... caring... serving... forgiving... self-sacrificing.

But sometimes our crowns slip, don't they?  Maybe even fall off?  Mine does.
Sometimes I'm too preoccupied with my own life to care about others.
Sometimes I let someone else's attitude or behavior change my own...
and my crown tumbles to the ground.
Sometimes my own self-righteousness knocks it off without me realizing it.


But that's not who I am... I am Princess Love-A-Lot.
So once again... I must humble myself. And asking the King's forgiveness,
I reach down to lift it up, and I realize it's not really even my crown...
it's His.

You see, that's why our crowns keeps slipping and falling off.
God's love is soooo much greater than our love!
This crown we wear in His Name is too big for us!
But as He looks at His little girls... He smiles.
He is confident we will grow into it.
So once again... we don our crowns as Princess Love-A-Lot
and we seek to be more like our Savior... loving like He does...
so others might see Him through us.


Remember... we dwell in the Kingdom of Love-A-Lot...
so check your crown once in a while to make sure it's sitting pretty...
in His Name and for His glory.

Love and God-hugs...

Art Journal Growing in Grace...

If you looked back through my art journal, you'd see all kinds of artsiness...
oodles of doodles, collage and layering, painting and colored penciling...
but right now my love is for simple line drawings...


I'm guessing this little cutie will be getting some color some day soon...
maybe even become the catalyst for a canvas painting. But for today
it's simple... clean and crisp... a combination of line, shape and patterns.


The fun thing about creating in a journal is that you are able to give yourself
the freedom to let your page or doodle or design just becomes whatever
it becomes. There is no pre-planning. No end goal. But sometimes
you like it enough to want to share it... other times... not so much!


I did have to stop and ponder a bit when I added the words to the image...
they were just so fitting. And I thought about how... having just turned 60...
I still have so much room to grow... so many opportunities in my life to both
receive God's grace and to givie it away! We all do, don't we?


And the flowerpot reminded me to let my roots grow deeper in God's love...
because the more firmly we're rooted in Him... the stronger we grow in every
way... in love, hope, and faith... and the more we have to give away!


Did you notice the pencil sketch on the opposite page?  I'm so ready to
start inking her. But should I paint this one first?  Should I offer it on Etsy?
Should I offer it as a line drawing or wait and offer it as a painting. Or both?
What do you think?


But for now my friends... my prayer is that we might all continue to...

"...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
2 Pet. 3:17-18

Love and God-hugs...
Karla

No Walk With Me Today... Sad to Say...

Between playing catch up, celebrating my birthday,
and just feeling uber tired ever since I returned from China...
I have not found the time or energy to even take a walk!


And sad to say that today... instead of walking... I'm sipping tea & honey
from this lovely cup my blog friend Julie gave me {thank you sweet friend},
I'm sucking on Hall's throat lozenges, sniveling, coughing, whining a bit...
and... mustering up just enough energy to do a little computering.

I did manage to add 3 new super cute Snowy Joy Digital Art Collections
to my Etsy Store though and would love for you to check them out...
here's a sneak peek of one of them!



And now for a well-deserved nap!
Love and God-hugs...
{and be thankful you can't catch my icky yucky germs via cyberspace!}

A Working Holiday...

We have spent much of our time at the factory Michelle works with here in
China developing her product line for her business... Close2MyArt.
It has been such a joy to watch her at work... and to observe the
amazing talent of the artists here and the pride they take in their work.


Here is one of the sculptors working from a sketch Michelle gave him.

I have so much respect for them and there craft and their eye for detail.


Once the sculpt is finished, a mold is made and a sample goes upstairs
and into the hands of the skillfull painters.


Here's that little teapot getting all dressed  up in Michelle's colorful style!


Michelle works with them on each piece until the perfect colors are in place.


It was so great to see how much they love and respect my daughter...


notice how the sweet girl on the right is holding Michelle's arm
with her head resting on her shoulder.  Michelle is so kind and respectful
of them and it shows in how they treat her in return.
That's my girl... so proud.