Yeah! I have something really cool to share today! Remember back when I posted that the lovely Brenda Walton featured one of my projects on her blog? Well, she and I got to emailing back and forth and she invited me to a lovely and magical afternoon at her home for a calligraphy lesson and lunch with her friends! OH my stars! She is really just as sweet and lovely as you imagine she would be. The most gracious and lovely hostess. So talented and generous with her time and her guidance. But, the very best part is her laugh and her smile. I love a girl who laughs all the time - don't you? Yes, I'm pretty much gushing, but I loved spending the day in her beautiful studio and home. It felt like some kind of crafty dream - the kind you don't want to wake up from!
I wanted to be a good guest and I wanted to hand-make her something. So, I made her a butterfly card using one of her amazing Sizzix dies, and brought her a little gift too. I'm sharing the card today, and a few photos from the event on Saturday. How lucky am I to have received such a nice invitation?? VERY.
Here is the card I made... The butterfly wings join together in the center and there are separate pieces for the top layer of wings. LOVE.
I used some letter stamps and Corduroy Distress Ink to put her name on a little banner. I coated the wings with some antique glass glitter I had in my stash. The pretty patterned paper is from Authentique.
I wrapped some pretty ribbon around the back and attached it under the wings in the front.
In this shot, you can see how the card folds together. Inside is a tiny flat note! Before I put the glitter on the wings, I sponged some distress ink around the edges.
Sorry with the photos....I love doing these glamour close up shots! :-)
Below are a few photos that capture the mood and spirit of the day! First up, a wide shot of Brenda's amaaaaaazing studio! High ceilings with tons of natural light, and beautiful objets everywhere you turn! A feast for the eyes...
Brenda and her lovely and kind husband Doug.
That ceiling!!!
I adore this photo because it captures Brenda perfectly! I love a gal who will stand on her desk to take a photo!
Here we are all enjoying a beautiful lunch of soup, salad and quiche...followed by a big giant chocolate cake! Everyone was so lovely and fun. It was cool to hang out with a group of women who all grew up in my town. Often I am surrounded by people from all different places - but it was really nice to share stories with the knowledge of our shared history. Shared places and people.... I hope I get to hang out with them again.
Here is Brenda giving us a Calligraphy lesson after lunch. Can you see me reflected in the glass door? LOL. I am totally blown away by how effortless she makes it look to do calligraphy. True art.
So, me?? Not so great at this!! I gave it a really good try! I press very hard when I write and I'm very linear... I wish I could be good at this! Here is my practice paper.
One of the ladies had brought this pretty velvet bunny as a present for Brenda...
This paint palette could tell a million stories, don't you think? What a beautiful thing....
Love in a pail!
Thank you for letting me share with you today! Thanks for coming by to see me! Hope you are having a lovely weekend - and best wishes for a good week ahead. XOXOXO
Don't know how I missed this! Beautiful photography and what a wonderful day! Your butterfly is gorgeous, what a blessing!
Posted by: Natalie H | 04/03/2015 at 10:09 AM
So super impressed by this wonderful opportunity that you had!!! What a wonderful afternoon for you and your card is lovely and exquisite!!!
Posted by: Taunya Butler | 03/16/2015 at 09:03 AM
I can't even imagine!! Looks like an amazing day with Brenda. Great photos from the day as well. Fun thing are really happening for you and I'm tickled for you.
Posted by: Paulette S. | 03/13/2015 at 07:44 AM
How nice of you to take us along on your field trip to Brenda's house. Wow! Wow! Wow! Your project is lovely and Brenda's studio is the best. What a fabulous afternoon you had!!! What a treat!
Posted by: Princess Judy | 03/11/2015 at 01:43 PM
Oh wow was the first thing I thought when I saw your post. It looks like a magical day, I'm happy you had such a wonderful time. Your butterfly card is gorgeous, love the glitter and special fold.
Posted by: Lynn Put | 03/10/2015 at 01:59 PM
Hi Wanda! I just found your beautiful blog with your equally beautiful projects, because I was searching for another blogger named Wanda! I'm now a follower!
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly Deal | 03/10/2015 at 06:30 AM
I was one of the very delighted and lucky women to have participated in this class. Meeting Wanda there was such a pleasure. I have a new crafting friend and she has a blog too....yippee. Hope to see you again soon, Wanda. LOVE your butterfly.
Posted by: Lesley Kemp | 03/09/2015 at 04:46 PM
What a wonderful day you had and what a wonderful room she has. I can tell that it was made most perfect by the great friendships you all have.
Your butterfly is beautiful. I must try to make one similar. The glass glitter is perfect for it and I do like the paper as well. Good job, Friend!!
Posted by: Fonda Jo | 03/09/2015 at 02:24 PM
The next best thing to being there has got to be your great photographs! Lovely colors everywhere and a great looking group of ladies.
Posted by: Rosa M. Vasquez | 03/09/2015 at 02:02 PM
Sounds like an amazing afternoon! Thanks for sharing all the wonderful photos of the day!
Posted by: Stephanie Kraft | 03/09/2015 at 08:27 AM
Oh my goodness Wanda!! I am so very envious, but in a good way ;) What a beautiful card you made for Brenda and she does look like such a fun and delightful person! What a beautiful room and set up she has, and I do love the picture of her on the desk! Too cute! Thanks for sharing your wonderful afternoon!
Posted by: Kay Miller | 03/09/2015 at 08:06 AM
Lovely blog post Wanda. Was wondering how your butterfly card opens?
Amazing studio Brenda has. I wish my hubby was that supportive.
Thanks for sharing with us!
Posted by: Lynn Gauthier - Michigan | 03/09/2015 at 07:46 AM
What a wonderful and very special day! I love the beautiful butterfly card you made her! Gorgeous my dear!!! And thanks for sharing her studio and the beauty of this day with us! I am so happy for you!!!
Posted by: Jill Norwood | 03/09/2015 at 07:37 AM
What an amazing day! Thanks for sharing. Now we just need to get you up to Chico.
Posted by: Julie | 03/09/2015 at 06:53 AM
Such an enchanting day! I don't think there's any other word for it! I am SO happy for you, my friend. And thank you for sharing all these gorgeous pictures. It is such a joy for us to see them!
Posted by: Audrey Pettit | 03/09/2015 at 05:02 AM
SO in love with it all..your card..the studio..sweet people...so happy you had such a great day...!
gorgeous photo's..
Hugs Holly.
Posted by: Holly Saveur | 03/09/2015 at 02:03 AM
How fun! Love your butterfly card, so elegant! That studio....SWOON
Posted by: michelle | 03/08/2015 at 07:44 PM
Gorgeous card Wanda!! I am so glad you had such a great day - FUN for everyone!!! Thanks for sharing your photos and your memories with us : -)
Posted by: Peg Parsons | 03/08/2015 at 06:10 PM
Oh my, Wanda! What a fantabulous experience--you are certainly blessed! And what a gorgeous gift for Brenda. That butterfly alone is stunning! Thanks for sharing! Hugs!
Posted by: donna mikasa | 03/08/2015 at 03:34 PM