Sunday, March 7, 2010

Paper Cowgirl Art Retreat is Coming

Planning for the third annual Paper Cowgirl Art Retreat  is in full swing and I’m sooo excited to be teaching a class. I’ll be demonstrating the techniques for making an altered book that forms a series of pockets to hold and display collections of art cards, postcards, photos, or any little bit of ephemera someone wants to show off .  They’re really fun and easy, but they look complicated. Paper Cowgirl is like that…it’s about women coming together and teaching each other techniques and talents that look impossible. But when we work together on a project, we inspire each other and we create art works that surprise and please us. More about the great “gurls” later. Right now I want to show a  book I’ve made for demonstration…

altered pocket book front cover

The cover is a collage of vintage papers… the inside uses lots of sheet music…and my favorite Anna Griffin stamps:

altered pocket book open back

It’s really cool when filled with tags and cards…

altered pocket book 2010 011

In fact, here it is filled with swapped tags from last year’s retreat…I’ve put a couple in my Etsy shop, but this is the version I’ll be teaching. Check out the blog; Cindy’s been working overtime to pull things together.

http://www.papercowgirl.blogspot.com/

6 comments:

Nancy said...

Good for you, LaVerne! Your hard work on your presentation paid off. Am looking at all the classes offered right now! xoxo

Sandra at 7th St. Studio said...

Laverne I love your project!!! Looking forward to seeing you and Nancy again this year!!! Can't wait!

Ann-Denise Anderson said...

Laverne! Yay! Can't wait to see you again and congrats on the gig!
xoxo, Ann-Denise

Mollye said...

Laverne, Just stopping by to say Hi. Love your book. The music pages are awesome. Have a blast at the retreat! You lucky girl you. xxMollye

Unknown said...

Your book is wonderful!!!! Can't wait to meet you in June!

HeARTworks said...

Oh that is really neat! Love all the niches to put all sorts of memorabilia!



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.