Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Cowgirls…

Paper Cowgirls, that is…They’ll take off and head to Waxahachie, Texas for a Texas-size celebration leaving a trail of glitter and paper scraps  from every corner of Texas and Louisiana. The occasion was the Paper Cowgirl Altered Art Retreat which brings together a variety of  very talented and versatile teachers along with an equally varied group of artists.

One of the high points of the event is the Swapping! You heard me, Swapping! We gathered and created and swapped anything you can name! No, not our dearly beloved hubbies…they were left at home to keep the plants watered.  We swapped crowns, packets of ephemera, specially-created charms, embellished dominos,  inspiration collections, art trading cards, and a fabulous fat fabric book. Everything had a Texas theme or a vintage paper connection! We all came home with more treasures than you can imagine.

I gathered 15 packets of vintage paper for the paper Treasure Swap…those packets were traded for 15 different collections…Lots of “ooohing” and “aaahing”as we opened our packages.  They were filled with

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Postcards and

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Greeting cards and

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Packets of treasures.

I added some Republic of Texas cash to spend in the shops on Vendor’s Night…

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Of course, I included a picture of myself dressed in my first rodeo outfit…I’ve aged a bit since then…the years have been good to me…but it’s the weekends that have done me in.

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We also created Miss Texas crowns to present to our partners…I made a Cowgirl Tea Party crown for Miss Nancy.  It featured a group of ladies ready to rope and ride along with a sweet little tea set to remind us that every dusty trail deserves a cup of tea.

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Here we are sporting our crowns: Queen LaVerne, Cowgirl Tea Queen Nancy, and Princess Suzi Buttons.

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Marie’s creation for Gail included a presentation pillow!

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Valita’s crown included a matching scepter!!!

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Organizer Joanna received a fabulous crown

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The entire group felt like Texas royalty!

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And that was just two of the swaps!!!No telling what next year will be like! Tomorrow I’ll share a few class shots…Until then, remember, “Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowgirls…

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2 comments:

Deanna said...

How I wish I could have been there! Looked like so much fun!!

Deanna :D

July 2, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Tina(Taken over by her daughter, Nicole) said...

Oh LaVerne! we are sooo glad you and Nancy came back for a second go..ya'll are too much fun!! hugs,tina

July 7, 2009 at 2:58 PM

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Limping Deer and the Twins

Limping Deer and the Twins
They are still spotted at this time.

Show and Tell Sunday June 15

Flea Market Finds...sounds like my whole house and yard...

Milk Glass Collection

Milk Glass Collection
Who knew that a 25 cent flea market find would unleash such a collecting frenzy? I never pay more than a dollar unless it's a really nice piece. They are great grouped with a single daisy in each.

These used to be inexpensive florist vases in the 50's and 60's. Everyone's Grandmother had bunches.

Mexicana Dishes

Mexicana Dishes
My sister found these for me at Bussy's Flea Market in San Antonio, Texas. I had seen pictures in her Fiesta reference book. Mexicana was also made by Homer Laughlin in the 30's. I had been looking for several years without ever finding even a single piece when she found the set...with a promise to hold it for us, she came running to find me and I bought the entire set...60+ pieces for $50.

Mexicana

Mexicana
I've added to the set over the years, but the price and experience will never match that first amazing find.

Vintage Kitchen Hutch

Vintage Kitchen Hutch
When my hubby found this hutch it was Pepto pink and I was not 100% sure about it. But with a new red back and fresh white paint and refurbished hardware, it became one of my favorite pieces.

Nancy made me save the vine

Nancy made me save the vine
The vine and flowers painted on the inside were in such bad shape that I was ready to remove it all. Nancy -My Crafty Little Page convinced me to keep it and after some touch-up work, I'm glad I listened to her. My husband restores vintage Cushman motorscooters and he tries to make everything "mint" condition again. The Shabby Chic movement came along just in time to keep me from making some terrible mistakes.