My heart jumped for joy when I saw that Karla Nathan had scheduled her 3rd annual BirdSong event for June 6th... I had wanted to attend each of the previous years, but the date conflicted with my work schedule.
Karla's blog was one of the first I visited when I started blogging three years ago; she always has lively anecdotes of her daily life, sprinkled with painting and remodeling projects, along with beautiful creative works and tutorials.
It didn't matter that the event began the morning after school was out for me; which meant I had to make my way from Minneapolis to Lawrence, KS (roughly 490 miles) on Thursday after work.
Needless to say, I was tired and more than a bit grumpy when I checked into my hotel in Lawrence at around 11pm. "This better be worth it..." I remember thinking, just as my eyes closed for the night.
(a vignette from Karla's Cottage)
I was not disappointed.
What greeted me the next morning was a roomful of creative souls who encourage and motivate each other (both personally and artistically), who enjoy spending time with each other, laughing, joking, sharing stories... often doing so while their hands are busy putting some magical project together.
Our hostess, Karla, was every bit as wonderful as I hoped she would be. She has a knack for making newbies like myself feel right at home (this was my very first creative event).
Our first class was taught by Beth Leintz, who showed us how to stitch adorable birdies, flowers and hearts out of felt and other bits of fabrics...these then went into a peat pot (decorated, of course) to create a simple and pretty "bouquet."
(these were Beth's samples and supplies)
This is my version.... unfinished...
and after a few final touches at home
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I discovered that while I loved the peat pot idea, I could also display these cuties in various ways...
...this one made its way to a vintage lamp in my studio... it looks right at home!
I loved this class - and now, I am a bit addicted to making these little birdies (did I mention that they are stuffed with lavender?!?)
Our second project of the day was this tiny wire birdcage (or captured fairy) from Karla.
(my wee fairy cage)
This is the type of project that requires much practice... many of us were frustrated with the wires not staying in place (Karla was very helpful with her suggestions on how to make this easier...but my hands weren't cooperating). Once done, however, we were all thrilled with the outcome. Well worth all the bleeding fingers (just kidding!).
This project definitely allowed everyone's creative personality to shine through...
I have not given up on the birdcage... since getting back home, I've purchased some wire and will be making a couple of them in various sizes to gift to friends. Karla has a tutorial available here, should you want to try your hand at it.
Stay tuned for lots more BirdSong photos and stories... for now, I'll leave you with some beautiful images from Karla's studio.
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