Quote of the Day...

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did , but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou

Saturday, August 7, 2010

A Tacky Affair

One of my much loved friends, Laura, was about to celebrate a milestone birthday. Her husband inlisted help from the many who treasure her dearly to throw a surprise party. There was just one problem. Everyone knew that no matter how careful the planning and preparation, it could never live up to the "affair" that she could pull together. She thinks of everything and does everything she thinks of extremely well. I think it was Karen and Cindy who first came up with the idea of having a "tacky" celebration. They wanted to incorporate everything that she has ever said she didn't like, such as tattoos, mismatched plates, and vinyl covered furniture. That list is pretty long (she is a little vocal at times.) Kathy and Pam chimed in with more "tacky" ideas and the wheels kept turning! At first I was holding out for an elegant and elaborate theme, then realized, I had better get on board or get left behind. In the end, they were absolutely correct! We could never throw the "perfect party" that she could, but this "Birthday Affair" was absolute "perfection" in its tackiness. We meant this all as a compliment to her and it was hilarious, hideous, and one of the most fun gatherings I have ever attended. I made this accordian book to record the festivities. . . the vinyl on the furniture, the obnoxious apparel (everyone was supposed to wear something she would deem vile), the mismatched plates and napkins (we used bits and pieces from every occasion we had celebrated in the last ten years), the completely unhealthy (but admittedly tasty) food, and the love that we all feel for her and for each other. In the end, I think the little book I made is just as "tacky" as the affair itself and I laugh everytime I look at it!!!







Materials used: two 5"X7" canvas,(for the covers), taupe heavy cardstock to make the accordion, various acrylic paints,(black for the canvas frames, washing over the cardstock, brighter colors for stamping and edging), stamps, punches, lace, ribbon, flowers, tacks, odds and ends of colored cardstock and a Tim Holtz glass knob for embelishments,various adhesives, a lot of patience, and a sense of humor.

6 comments:

  1. I Know just how great this looked in person, but it photographed really well too! Love this project of yours!

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  2. an offbeat What and fun way to celebrate. The party looked like a blast and the album you made is great! Good job!

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  3. Barbara....didn't know you had a blog. Awesome! It looks great!!!

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  4. Barbara - I absolutely LOVE the book! We did a tacky party about 20 years ago and had a total blast. I've recently been thinking about doing it again. Thanks for sharing your night!

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  5. Hi Barbara ~ Well, even in the world of "tacky" your project is still fabulous! I followed your link from Jean's blog, and is was so good to look at your blog and see your beautiful work. I've miss it - and you. xo

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  6. Adore this post, love. If you get a second, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my latest post for Lauren Conrad. xo

    www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

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