December 2008 – Karla's Cottage

What a good year

By Karla Nathan / December 31, 2008

When I'm not feeling productive or creative, a trip to an antique mall usually provides some inspiration. So, after a bit of shopping, I am feeling the urge to redo something and get moving.

Beth gave me this stack of plastic frames and I have just the project in mind for it. Today is limited in time, though,Sugarwings is coming here for New Years Eve and I only have till 1pm today to get going on my plan.

So, it might have to wait.

In the last few months, I have developed an interest in busts and statues, so was really happy to find this one while out exploring Kansas City antique malls with Beth yesterday. Especially after reading the Magnolia Pearl book this week,( cover to cover twice! ) She has them everywhere and likes to play dress up with hers just like I do with mine. This gal will get a few necklaces to go along with the crown she is sporting.

Not everything in the book was to my taste, too many colors and too dark for me, but the style of putting it together really grabbed me. The plushness and layers of luxurious finds is what I enjoyed about it, and want to go toward myself. But in lighter colors. With roses, of course! This bust will get a paint treatment, she is pretty as is, but I prefer a more light hearted, lighter look.

Another thing that I am hooked on right now is boiled eggs. I can't seem to get enough of them right now, so have been keeping a bowl full in the fridge ready to snack on. I've never been able to resist drawing faces onto the shells, so every time I make some, I simply have to give them little personalities.

I'm so glad to finally have a baby girl around who appreciates my little quirks! Sugarwings "gets me" and thinks that of course, eggs should have faces and French toast should always be trimmed with cookie cutters and made into butterflies and flowers. And that chandeliers should have glittering birds tucked into the crystals. And that dogs need to be sang to. And that dancing in the kitchen while cooking makes the food better. Yes,I am so lucky that she has come into my life and I finally have someone who doesn't look at me like I am strange sometimes.

Its wonderful to have a little friend who understands that fairies can make homes in birdcages around the garden.

And that if you look around, you can see magic everywhere.

Of course, there is nothing better than having a family member share my obsession with paint, someone who will spend all day in the studio with me and doesn't think it is an obsession, just a great way to spend time!

Looking back over some of my favorite photos of 2008, makes me so eager to see what fun 2009 has to offer and realize what a lucky year I just had.

Here's to 2009- and wishing all of you fun and happiness in the upcoming year! (and the joy of sharing it with someone who "gets you")

A new Look for a new Year, and a new (but empty) webshop too. Because it is the same OLD me trying to set it up!

fairies, magazine pictures or articles, paintings, Sugarwings, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage

By Karla Nathan / December 29, 2008

Nope, no Twinkle puppies yet, but my Sissy has a new baby at her house- this is Elfie. She's half poodle and half cocker. I was surprised to hear that she is expected to only be about 7 lbs or so, once she is full grown. I thought cock-a-poos were much bigger. Isn't she adorable?

Did you notice anything new about my blog? Sara Duckett (Sadie Olive) has helped me spiff it up, with a change in the blog banner from tiny baby Sugarwings to-

a bigger girl picture of Sugarwings.

And this watercolor of roses that I did a few years ago had previously been tinted pink and turned on its side to use as my borders, or side bars. Now, I have had her tint the painting sepia, since I tend to have so much going on here. I think that this more neutral color makes for less chaos.

Sara also used this new design on my new website store! The shop isn't stocked up yet, but you can take a peek if you'd like. It looks pretty much like this blog, and is titled "the Boutique at Karla's Cottage". Sara added a link to the website from my right hand side bar.

The link is next to my oil painting of white roses.

For the life of me, I simply cannot get any further with the whole set up! My brain has said, NO MORE, for today and will not cooperate with trying to load anything on the site. So, for now, I'll take my time and work on it as I can. I'll let you know when it is set up and stocked.

While Sara was adjusting and fixing up my blog, she added a few more magazine covers for me, including this latest issue of Romantic Country. My article in here is a Valentine's Day quiz, to discover what your decorating style is. I had such a blast writing that. I grew up on Cosmo quizzes and could never resist filling those out! I can't believe that I actually wrote one myself and can see it in print. It has to be my favorite thing I have ever written. I'd love to do more quizzes. I will be thinking up possibilities for every occasion now!

Jayhawks on Parade is a book that was out a few years ago, done locally, here in Lawrence, KS. Two of the birds I worked on are in it, so I thought the book belonged on my list of publications.

This one was a bit iffy. I debated whether or not I should include this. I am kind of in it, I have a picture of Sugarwings printed with a photo credit. Hmmm, do you think that is stretching the limits too much? Maybe this one shouldn't be listed, what do you guys think? I didn't actually write anything for this, or have an article, it is simply one photo. Would you include that on your blog if it was your photo?

Its a GREAT magazine and I love to think that I am in it, even just a little bit!

It has been a while since I showed you a hint about the December Surprise Giveaway, so here is another little peek of that. So far, you can tell that the gift includes:

vintage wallpaper
old jewelry
millinery blooms
some hand drawn elements

All of my favorite things and I hope some of yours too! I'll draw a name on Jan. 1st, all comments, all month are entered.

And do any of you do Facebook? I was told I should, so I signed up, but now have no idea why, or what to do with it. I am feeling a bit like a Geezer at this point, with my inability to set up my website and now, my lack of Facebook knowledge!

More sludgy than juicy

family, paintings, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 28, 2008

Are any of you having a hard time getting back on track with normal every day life, now that Christmas has passed? I seem to be in limbo, and unmotivated to get anything accomplished. I guess now that all the hustle and bustle and rush to make the holiday happen is over, I don't quite know what to do with myself.

My creative juices are more like a sludge right now. So, here are a few paintings I did for Christmas cards in years past. My husband works for a golf company and he likes me to make up golf themed cards for him.

Thats not such a good photo of this drawing, but in my state of lethargy, I'm thinking "so what". Hmm, you might wonder why I even bothered you all with a half assed post? I'm trying to get myself motivated to make something or DO something and my blog has always been good incentive to keep me moving.

After all the excitement, it isn't easy to rush back to work. We just had way too much fun over Christmas!

Yes, the holiday was pretty exciting around here. Sugarwing's Mom, the Hippie Chick showed us her fire dancing.

After opening gifts and stuffing our selves with goodies on Christmas Day, we all went outside to watch the Hippie Chick light her hula hoop on fire and put on a show for us.

She's quite talented, and even though it is a bit scary for me to watch, the flames were really dramatic in the dark, icy night.

Tuesday I have a play date scheduled with Beth, to go junking, tomorrow I start work on my new web shop, then, there is New Years's parties, and puppies due to be born, so I guess a couple of days to meander around the computer, read books, and resettle into post-holiday life isn't so bad. Is this what it feels like to relax!!??? Maybe that is what I am doing. A couple of days of doing NOTHING, really isn't so bad, is it?

Holiday Girth

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers)

By Karla Nathan / December 27, 2008

After all the fudge and tiramisu and ham and cookies and turkey and the rest, I feel a bit like Twinks looks right now.

No puppies yet, but the way she was complaining last night, I thought they might be on their way. Nope, false alarm. Sugarwings is fascinated to hear about the puppies in her dog's tummy, she doesn't quite get the whole thing. But she did bring Twinkle a book about puppies from her toy box.

Lots of people are asking, so I wanted to let you know, there will certainly be updates and baby pictures as soon as the little ones arrive.

And maybe a name the puppy contest??

Family Bliss

holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / December 26, 2008

What a wonderful holiday! I had such a relaxing, family day. How nice to have such a fun, easy going houseful of people. Dinner was tasty and simple to fix, and the dessert thatBeth brought was over the top, wonderful! (frozen tiramisu)

Beth also made this wallpaper encrusted box for me and filled it with tidbits and ephemeral treats.

Who else knows me well enough to give me a box loaded with with pretty little things like this?

And this? Not to mention, she also gifted me with a Magnolia Pearl book! This was my year for gifts, I raked them in, a pink cashmere scarf from Ryan and a GPS from my husband, as well as a drawing on pink paper from Sugarwings! She knows what colors I like, just like Ry did. And with the GPS, I will never miss out on finding a garage sale again.

Sugarwings was entranced by the treat cabinet.

She made a few trips back to it.

There was some singing and dancing.

Handsome sons opening gifts.

New friends getting acquainted.

And promises kept. Yes, Santa brought the Mermaid that Sugarwings was waiting for. I can't imagine a better holiday.

Sugarwings and I are going to go hang out and play with her new friends, and maybe see a movie. So, I'll leave you with a few photos of the Christmas Dinner dining table. I tend to fill the center of the table with odds and ends of pretty things, so that each person sitting down to eat, has something interesting to look at.

Merry Christmas

family

By Karla Nathan / December 25, 2008

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday!

Our Romantic Surprise Getaway

Moving to DC, Travel

By Karla Nathan / December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas!

I have a new post, that for some reason, understood only by those people who "improved" Typepad…..any way, who knows why, but my NEW post from Tuesday popped up AFTER this post from Monday night. So, please scroll down if you'd like to see it. And Happy Holidays! May your Christmas be filled with joy and laughter and lots of happy memories to look back on.

We're back from our romantic, surprise getaway! And look at our rustic, cottagey accommodations!

Isn't it adorable??? Actually, this is called Jefferson Pools, it is a hot mineral spring bath house, named after Thomas Jefferson, who used to bathe there. It is part of the resort we stayed at, and I have to say, as lovely as the resort was, I just fell head over heals for this little part of it!

Of course, I didn't realize when the hotel shuttle dropped us off for our one hour dip in the hot springs, that it was going to be quite so… rustic. No heat. No frills. No ROOF. And the day was topping out at about 26 degrees. I'd do it again, it was a fun experience, but I'd do it on a warmer day! And I would bring something warm to wrap up in when I got out of the steamy water. There was actual ice on my sweat pants when I went to get dressed after my dip!!!!!!

This is the resort we stayed at. The Homestead, in Hot Springs, Virginia.

We were lucky enough to have a tower suite.

Of course, with that 26 degree weather, we didn't get to use the balcony, no matter how tempting that beautiful view from it was.

And look— the room was PINK!!!!!!

This little alcove was a cozy , warm, spot to relax and read while sipping wine. I didn't even miss the balcony.

There were lots of old fashioned details that I just loved about the place. I was glad that the bathroom had not been updated to something sleek and trendy. The building was over 200 years old and wasn't trying to pretend to be something it was not.

Everywhere I looked, there was something interesting to see.

With plenty of old photos of the hotel's past on all the walls.

Newspaper clippings and stories about all the presidents who had stayed there.

But the best part was High Tea served in the lobby every day at 3pm while we were serenaded with Christmas music on the piano. Those scones were served warm from the ovens, and the whole hotel smelled heavenly from all the fresh baked goodies.

Imagine my surprise to see so much pink everywhere. The combo of pink cushions, with celedon and aqua walls in this walk way to the spool, spa and gym area was one of my favorite places, too. I guess I had a lot of faves.

The walkway offered a view of the backside of the building, through its old, wavy glass windows.

The swimming pool was filled with natural mineral spring water too. In a slightly more luxurious form than at Jefferson Pools.

Yep, it was kind of schmancy there. Can you see why I was blown away?

She seems to like it there too.

Here is part of the grand lobby where the tea was served. This photo was taken before the party, but by about 2:30 each afternoon, the room would fill up with dozens and dozens of families and couples ready to relax and sip tea. Teams of waitresses and waiters with tray after tray of teapots and treats would file through the room going form table to table passing it all out. I'd go back just for afternoon tea. My husband wasn't as impressed as I was by this, but humored me and sat and sipped along.

He's pretty sweet.

But the poor guy never did get to make it out onto the golf courses. And this place has the oldest first tee still in constant use in the country.

Did I mention the food????? OMG

The BEST. Every bite I ate while there, and I did have more than my share of bites of food, was wonderful. It seemed kind of old fashioned and the menus reminded me of something you would have seen in the 50s or 60s, not in a typical restaurant today. I liked that, and the fact that the building wasn't afraid to show its age. That place had a history to be proud of and didn't feel like everything had to be brand new and shiny. As a person feeling my own age and history, I appreciated its imperfections brought on by age and its time worn loveliness.

In a time when local shopping centers and malls are constantly being abandoned for bigger, better, newer, shinier places, it is wonderful to see a business that has thrived since 1766 and is still going strong. As much as the luxury and beauty of the resort appealed to me, the historical aspect was even more interesting.

Oh, but I did enjoy the luxury!

OK little girl, let’s give someone else a turn!

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, holiday decor, paintings, Sugarwings, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 23, 2008

We took Sugarwings to see Santa today and she wouldn't leave him alone. She sat there on his lap and waited for the Mermaid doll she asked for. Finally, she got down for the bribe of a candy cane, but then went back and got another candy cane to give to Santa. Then went back for another sit on his lap. Then for another hug. It looked like St. Nick was enjoying her visit, I think it might be nice for him to have someone with no fear come to hang out a while.

I think this little one loves Christmas as much as her Grammy does.

She stopped to speak to every single Santa she saw at the mall.

And she didn't think it would hurt to put in a word with the giant cow for that doll she wanted.

When I got back from my trip, there was a stack of packages waiting for me! One was from a sweet reader pal, Jean, who lives in Virginia.

Not only were there surprises for Sugarwings, she sent me some treats too, including a box of these white doves.

I've added the glass doves to the dining room chandelier along with other birdies and some snowflakes I have received this year. They might just all stay there a while after the holidays as more "winter decor" than Christmas decorations.

One of the snowflakes was from Tiffany, a Silver Bella pal. I'd ordered this cute little bottle of Christmas wishes from her shop, and she sent along lots of pretties, including this card. It brings back memories of a class we took together in Omaha, where she was helping me with using hot wax over parts of my project. I really like the way she has applied wax over the scene in the center of the card.

Previously, I had shown you some of my little paintings that I was making into cards. Here are a few (of the dozens) that I made while in the hotel room.

And in case you were feeling sorry for the poor dorkies, at home alone while I was out on a fabulous vacation, they had some fun while I was gone. Twinks was invited over to stay at the farm where her true love, Teddy lives. And the other two dogs were so happy to have Twinkle away and not bothering them, they felt like a queen and king with the whole house to themselves. (Twinks can be a little bossy)

I'm off to go work on my Christmas shopping. Typically, I am not a last minute shopper. When my kids were little, we used to love to go to the mall on Christmas Eve and eat lunch at the food court while we watched all the crazed last minute buying, and I'd bask in a warm glow from the knoweldge that my packages were wrapped and under the tree. Not this year!

I hope all of you are having a lovely holiday week. Merry Christmas to all of you from Sugarwings and I.

Itsy Bitsty Christmas Card paintings and a giveaway reminder

give away, holiday decor, Moving to DC, paintings, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 18, 2008

This may be a vacation, but it doesn't mean I can't get some work done!

My husband and I are in Virginia at our cozy little apartment, and while he is at work today, I've been doing some tiny paintings to make Christmas cards from. I guess our vacation hasn't officially started yet, it just kind of feels like it to me, since I am away from home and have been able to sit around in my jammies all day and do what ever I wanted to.

And what is it that I always want to do, when I have my choice of doing any thing at all? Create things, of course!

So, I have been painting away. I packed up enough supplies to make up holiday cards, as well as envelopes and even remembered the printed labels, to get them all into the mail. Today was spent making a couple dozen itsy bitsy pictures (the largest is about 4" tall), and tomorrow, from our hotel room in Richmond, I will make the cards. Hopefully, I will get them all finished by Saturday morning. That is when we leave for our romantic getaway.

And I have a feeling my husband wouldn't appreciate me ruining his surprise get away by cutting and gluing and glittering all weekend. (well, it sounds like fun to me, but I know it wouldn't to him!)

Don't forget that I have a surprise for you guys too. The December Giveaway Secret Gift!! I will be out of town for a few days,and maybe not near a computer after this- but you can still leave a comment to enter the drawing and have a chance to win.

Here is a hint of what the surprise is. Surprises are such a fun part of the season,aren't they?

If I don't "see" you again while I am out of town, I hope that you are all having a good time with your holiday preparations and are getting all glittery too!

Recycled photos

holiday decor, magazine pictures or articles, Moving to DC, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 16, 2008

Wasn't Heather's party a fun one? I am looking forward to having time to go through all the links and visit the holiday homes. I've only had a chance to look at a few, and was blown away by the ones I saw! Bloggers know how to do a holiday, that is for sure. There are some beautiful decorations out there and luckily we get to take a peek at them!

Thanks to everyone who came by my shop for my Blog Readers Appreciation Sale. I enjoyed wrapping up packages and getting them out to you all, I hope you enjoy your treats.

Have I ever mentioned Ashwell? My shabby chic colored cat? Actually, he lives in Ryan's apartment,and Ry thinks his name is Ash, from the hero of the Evil Dead trilogy. You might have noticed a few pictures of Dorkies and fairy grand babies around the cottage, but we have a whole menagerie here, lots of people, lots of pets. That makes the home even more special for the holidays.

My husband and I will be out of town for a few days, so I won't be mailing any purchases from my Etsy shop after Tuesday afternoon. Thanks so much for your support of my shop! I do appreciate you coming by to browse. I'll restock after the holidays and will also be opening a new on line store. (Details to come)

Since I have been packing up oodles of items to ship out today, and running last minute errands all over town to get ready for Christmas and my trip, I have NOTHING new to show you.

So here is some stuff from a few years ago. These photos are by the talented Bill Mathews and styled by the skilled Gloria Gale. (who have both given me permission to show photos we worked on together, don't ever show magainze photos on your blog, it is not legal without permission!!!) We did the shoot for Victorian Decorating magazine and they were done in the most elaborate and gorgeous Victorian house. We were lucky to have access to it for the day.

My job was to come up with easy decorating tips and ideas and then display them in the home and write how to's for the magazine.

This photo is of something I didn't do this year, but I really like it and might use it for my table scape during Christmas Eve dinner. I've taken the metal cap off the top of ornaments, filled them with water and used them as vases. To keep the balls from rolling around and the water spilling out, I used a bit of that clay like stuff that you can hold things together with. And of course, I forget what that is called.

The tip for these two pictures, is to use stickers on bottles or ornaments and add glitter over them. The previous pictures showed a garden planter as a buffet server, with glittered and painted terra cotta pots to hold silverware and napkins. I used this idea at a friend's's wedding reception and it was a nice touch.

Lets see, the other one is making place card holders from pictures of Victorian ladies and more stickers. I was on quite the sticker kick that year.

Here is a variation of an idea I also had published in Somerset Life, making a magnetic message board from an old ceiling tin.

This one is about as easy as it can get, punch holes in the top of old Christmas postcards and add a hanger made out of tinsel, and hang the cards on your mantel or tree.

Beth loaned me the birdcage full of ornaments, and that was going to be the picture, but we decided that we needed more, so asked the homeowners if we could borrow some mail, and tucked it in the cage to show it used as a display for Christmas cards. Sometimes, you aren't quite sure what the shots will be till you get into it and see what develops.

This is another quickie, last minute idea. Gloria turned over some stemware and made them into mini cloches.

Well, I am off to pack for my trip to who knows where. It is just killing my husband to keep this secret! He is bursting with wanting to spill the beans. I won't let him, though! I want to be surprised when we get there, wherever it is. Although, not knowing does make packing complicated.

Hopefully, I will get to post from our apartment in Virginia, but I might not. So if I don't talk to you until Christmas, I wish you all the very, very best of holidays!