January 2009 – Karla's Cottage

Name that Puppy

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), give away, Sugarwings, swaps, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 29, 2009

Ready to Name the Puppy? We have six little Dorkie Princesses, and 5 of them need to be named. One is already called "Little Star" (as in Twinkle Twinkle). I'm asking your help in picking names for the rest.

Keep in mind, their Mommy is named Twinkle, their auntie is Sparkle and their owner is Sugarwings. That might be a little hint about what kind of names we like around here. Well, actual that I like. My husband doesn't really care for standing on the porch and calling "here Twinkle, here Sparkle!"

For inspiration, here are some close ups of the little fuzz balls.

And the contest rules:

1-ON THIS POST leave a comment with a name choice.

2-You can enter more than once, but please enter separate names in separate comments, and only on THIS post.

3-I will pick 5 names that I like for prizes. If there are duplicates, I will write the names of the commenters onto slips of paper and have Sugarwings draw the winner.

4-A very pretty hat will be used to hold the slips of paper!

5-The prizes are glass, heart shaped, millifiori charms.

Deadline? Hmmm, how about one week from today?

That is Thursday, February 5th.

There has been a lot of interest in helping me with names, so please, if you have mentioned one previously, add it to THIS post!! You have given me some good ones already, so I'd like for you to have a chance to win a prize for helping out.

Prizes are fun for me. I have to tell you, I get so much back from my readers, that I just feel like I want to do something in return. So I try to always have some gifts for you, such as my regular monthly drawing and other little giveaways here and there.

There will be a prize for Valentine's Day, also, since that is my TWO YEAR blogaversery. Has it only been two years?? And what did I do with all my time before I discover the blog world?

My 500th post is coming up soon, as well as my 15,000th comment. Oops, scratch that, I just looked to see how close it was and I passed it!! Thanks everyone for all your kind comments, I do love to hear from you, even though I don't always answer, or I do answer and the email gets bounced back to me. There are a few of you out there who have never gotten the email answers I send and you still keep commenting, even though you must think I am rude. Thanks for coming back anyway!

I'm also close to 500,000 views. My gosh, what a surprise. Who ever thought, 2 years ago when I started this ramble, that any one at all would even look at it. Thanks so much to those of you who come to visit and keep me company here. Working as an artist can be a solitary adventure, it is nice to know that company is always just a click away when I need a break.

Tell you what, I will go back and see who was # 15,000 and send her one of these pretty little hearts too.

Be right back…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

I'm back, and the winner is:

Diane

Here is her comment:

Diane, please contact me with your address. And thanks so much to all of you who comment. I always like to hear from you.

Here is a reminder of the prize for January. There will be some more Valentine themed gifts coming for the 500th post and the anniversary too.

I have some gifts that I was sent as part of the Puppy Love swap to show you too. Swappers are generous souls and not only are they sending me pretties, but Sugarwings has some to open too!

My fairy grand baby is head over heels, crazy about the puppies herself. She has adopted them as her "babies" and likes to give them rides in her carriage. Which is better than squeezing them with joy, this is a nice compromise that the puppies appreciate.

Thanks again to everyone who has left such nice comments and to all of you who come by to visit. Also to those of you who take the time to join in my swaps and make them so much fun. Now, start thinking up puppy names!

Am I losing it?

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, fairies, Food and Drink, holiday decor, paintings, parties, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 29, 2009

Even puppies agree- there is nothing more cuddly than a puppy! These guys are hugging each other.

And they aren't the only ones who feel this way. We had a "Puppy Party" yesterday, and my friends brought their kids over for cookies and milk after school, to hug puppies. I'd say these pups will grow up to be well socialized and kid friendly. A lot of small dogs don't like small people and can be afraid of kids. But these little ones have been handled by kids since the day they were born and should grow up to be outgoing, friendly dogs.

Typically, I don't post recipes, because I make stuff up as I go along when cooking. But I was soooo happy with these cookies that I paid attention to how I made them, so I could tell you- here it goes:

Kansas Style Oatmeal Scotchies

MELT one cup (organic) butter

mix with a beater, the butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar, one cup natural sugar

add 2 (organic) eggs, a teaspoon of real vanilla, and continue mixing with the beater

In a separate bowl, fluff together:

1 cup whole wheat (organic) flour

1/2 cup flax seed

3 cups instant oats

dash of sea salt

1 teaspoon of baking soda

Stir the dry ingredients with the liquid mixture and then add 1 cup butterscotch chips and a cup of sunflower seeds (the Kansas State Flower, of course!)

Roll in balls and bake for 11 minutes on a non stick cookie sheet at 350

I made half on one of those air-bake pans and half on just a plain cookie sheet and honestly, the air bake pan was much better. I don't use it often because it is too big to fit into my dishwasher, but I will re-think that one, it does make a difference. The cookies on it were more evenly cooked and crisper.

What I liked about these cookies, was that I could lie to myself and pretend they were good for me. Sunflower seeds, flax seed, and organic ingredients made me totally overlook the butter, sugar and chips! I only used about half the amount of chips usually called for too, so that made me think I could eat twice as many.

While the kids were here, we started the Puppy naming contest. I took down their ideas and began a list. Are you ready to play? Here is Puppy #1, the first born and the tiniest. I'll get some photos of the other 5 girls and in my next post, you can start sending in the names. Details upcoming.

I've added my hand painted fairy box to my Etsy Shop.

The inside was in amazing shape for an old box. The exterior showed the wear you'd expect, but I wonder if anything was ever stored in it? The interior was about perfect. Of course, I had to foof anyway, I used flocked wallpaper, millinery flowers, crystals, all my faves on this little "royal emblem".

This box is listed in my Boutique. I plan on using both stores and going back and forth. Here is my criteria to decide which store to list what in (besides wanting a variety in each)- if the item looks better in a non-square shape, the photo will go in the boutique. If it needs more than the 3 photos allowed on the website, it will go in Etsy.

Okay, now if this post isn't already random enough, here is more. Am I going crazy? Lately my computer screen has been speaking to me through comment word verifications. Does this mean I am schizo? I don't actually hear it talk, if that makes a difference. Sometimes the words are very clear, like this one, "BLESS". Other times, they take some deciphering.

Like this one. To me, it says "mothering".

I might just be losing it. First, an actual, written recipe, not guesses and abouts, actual measurements. And now my computer trying to get messages to me?

The January Giveaway (finally)- you still have time to enter

antiques/junking, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, fairies, swaps, vintage paper/collage art, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 26, 2009

The babies have moved into their new home and are now my studio buddies during the day.

When I go to work, they will come with me and play in the "Puppy Pond". So far, they are just barely contemplating the idea of running and playing, they still prefer their nest. At least they have the option now! In a few days, they will be glad to attempt to wander out and have some fun.

There is already a difference in their expressions. I can see some recognition when they look at me. And some interest in people, not just in their Mommy.

Fun times are ahead! I'm ready for them to come running to the edge of the Puppy Pond every time they hear me coming. Its such a wonderful feeling!

The movie date with my sweetheart was nice, but the movie should have been a rental instead. It wasn't exactly the best of the "Underworld" series. My husband didn't care for it much, he only goes to see these vampire movies with me because of Kate Beckinsale and she wasn't in this one.

I made time this morning to list this Valentine's Bird on Etsy, and also had a chance to create some thing, even with the distraction of puppies in the studio!

I bought two of these little jewel boxes on my last junking trip, knowing they would be perfect for foofing up as a Valentine piece.

This one is topped with a little Fairy painting I did a while back. The inside is pale pink and I dooded it up too, with old wallpaper, millinery and a glittered crown. I'd show you, but the glue is still wet and if I open it, it would fall apart.

When it dries, I'll get some pictures and list it in my boutique.

While I am on a Valentine's kick, I thought I'd offer this tussy mussy full of treats as my January giveaway.

The image on the front is a gift from one of the Puppy Love Tag Book swappers, Ruth. Thanks for the thoughtful gifts, Ruth, I'm already making use of them!

All comments from the first of the month are entered. All comments, all month long. (that is the easiest way for me to handle it!!)

Curious puppy not included…

Love Birds

Etsy Goodies, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / January 25, 2009

Wow, I actually made time to make things yesterday!!!!! It felt so good. Seems like I have been busy with so many other things lately that there has been very little time to be creative.

These love birds were something I had been wanting to do for a while. The had been on my desk since way before Christmas, when I thought they might be a tree decoration. Since I waited so long, I had to tweak my recipe and add a pinch of Valentine's glitz when I finally got around to foofing them up. I like them even better this way, so am glad I waited. sold thanks!

And I REALLY, REALLY needed some time to work on pretties. I've had the fairy grand baby a few extra hours here and there, which is a pleasure, but still…. I have to have my pretty time too. Especially when she decides to pretend her diaper is full of playdoh, not typical diaper goo and tries sculpting with it all over her crib. Yes, that certainly called for some recovery time afterward.

one left, thanks

One thing that I like to do, when I don't have time to actually make something, is to make up kits for others to make something with. There is something about sorting the colors and handing the vintagey pieces that is soothing. It is almost as good as creating the piece myself! Well, not quite the same, but still, its comforting to pull together coordinating packs of pretty things.

Especially after putting in so much time cleaning and rearranging my studio, chasing a fairy baby, and deciphering how to set up a web site!

both sold, thanks!

And I just love to play with the old wallpapers. I made up a few packs for the Boutique at Karla's Cottage and also decided to restock my Etsy page. It has a way to go yet. I like to keep about 50 items for sale in it, and after adding a few and "cleaning it up" I'm not even half way to where it needs to be. There are a lot of sale prices on the Etsy page, as well as new wallpaper packs and the "Love Birds".

The Boutique also got a cleaning up. Thanks to you guys, there were a lot of "SOLD" items to delete! Thanks so much!!!

I added a lot of new things while spiffing around in there too.

Some were kits that I could play with and pull together from my stash, but others were "Flea Market Finds".

Aren't these shell flowers cute? I remember when my Grandma Smith used to make them. She'd paint hers with red nail polish when they were done. I wish I had one of her old shell roses.

sold, thanks!

There is one more item that needs to be listed in the shop, another Valentine Love Bird with a heart and key. But I am out of time, will have to get to it later. My own sweet, love bird of a husband is taking me on a date. We are going to see the new werewolf/vampire movie that is out. He sure knows the key to my heart, doesn't he?

Sugarwings and the puppy

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 23, 2009

Sugarwings and the puppy
Originally uploaded by Karla's Cottage

Sugarwings found the tutu that I bought for her from Holly up at Silver Bella Vendor night, and has worn it all day today.
I thought I'd do an experimental video from Flickr. Please let me know if you had any issues with it or if it slowed down my blog? Here is another one, if you want to see the little Fariy grandbaby showing off her tutu. She's pretty pleased with it. http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlascottage/3220199271/

I'm going to try to get some more items added to the Boutique at Karla's Cottage. Like this crackled glaze collage in an old frame. Thanks so much for your shopping trips to see me! sold thanks

Now, I hear Sugarwings stirring over the baby moniter, I don't think she is going to nap after all. Maybe I won't get that picture listed in the shop until later tonight…..

Sunshine??? Honestly??!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies

By Karla Nathan / January 22, 2009

What a day! It is in the 60's and we are taking full advantage of this gift of sunshine. Sugarwings got to go to the park and the babies got to go outside for the first time in short lives.

Looks like the bright day and the interesting new sights and smells made this princess attempt to play with that tiny spotted creature she stumbled across.

Playing didn't last long. A few moments of looking around, squeaking, and tripping over wood chips, and these guys had enough.

Then, it was time to curl up for a nap in the soft, lamb's ear.

I hope these pups enjoyed their outing, tomorrow, the temps go back down to the 20s. I know I have enjoyed every second of this glimpse of sunshine, and will certainly miss it tomorrow. It has inspired me to do some spring cleaning and right now, I have my studio turned upside down while the fairy grand baby and the passel of pups are napping.

I have also used the sunshine to get some photos taken and got more flowers and brooches listed in my shop. If I can finish cleaning my studio in a decent time, I'll try to take sunshiny photos of wallpaper packs and get them listed too.

Thanks again to everyone who visited my Boutique! I hope you'll be coming back?

doll and large brooch sold, thanks

The Boutique at Karla’s Cottage is OPEN!

Uncategorized

By Karla Nathan / January 20, 2009

Edited note: Oh, my gosh! Thank you, to all who came by and ordered from the new store already! I will add more vintage floral packages in the next couple of days, and I have added two more Tag Book Kits and two more Bingo card sets, in case those were out when you checked in.

You knew I was going to do this eventually, right? I love puppies, I love hats, the two had to be together sooner or later!!

Aren't the little cuties getting BIG? When they were born, they didn't even fill up a hand. Now look at the size of this little princess!!!

I have to admit, they are not easy to photograph. 95% of my pictures are a blur. Anyone have tips on taking pet pictures? Of wriggling little pets?

And guess what???? I did it!!! I figured out the problem with my website and have it open and ready to shop in. I'll be adding a button back to the side of my blog, just click on this picture (on the right hand side bar) to enter "The Boutique at Karla's Cottage."

As a thank you for coming by to visit, the first ten shoppers will receive a vintage valentine in their package.

Please, let me know what you think of the site, if you get a chance.

And don't forget, I do have a January giveaway present for you all comments on this blog, all month, are entered.

I will leave you with some photos of the inventory I am featuring in my brand spanking new web shop.

Read any good books lately?

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers)

By Karla Nathan / January 19, 2009

Now that the puppies are getting more interesting, Sugarwings has become totally infatuated with the babies.

And who can blame her? I'm smitten too. Soon, I will move their nest out to my studio so we can spend the days together while I work. The more the pups are snuggled, the better dogs they will be when they grow up. I raise puppies to be loving and social, so that involves a lot of lap time. Its a tough job, but some body has to hold the dogs all day!

On a less fun note, I'vebeen cleaning my house, uck.

Tonight I am hosting book club, so I wanted to kill two birds with one stone and take photos of the house while it was cleaned up, since that rarely happens! I'd show you some of the pictures, but they are for something else- I was invited by Sandra to be featured as her "Jewell of the Month" for February. Wow, Miss February! As much as I hate the cold and winter and the doldrums that go along with that, I love February. Mostly because of the 75% off clearance chocolate on the 15th.

Might explain why my house is Miss February, but I will never be that….

Besides slaving away over housework and puppy holding, I also was knee deep in website set up this weekend. OMG what a disaster I had with that. I was all done, ready to open and for some reason, all my photos scrambled up.

So, now a redo and a clean up before I can open. I'll let you know when it is ready. I'll throw myself a big ole grand opening bash when it is ready! Although, that might just mean me sitting here at the computer with a glass of wine and a few puppies in my lap. Well, that isn't such a bad way to celebrate!

Okay, I'm off to make up trays of food and light candles for book club.

Here’s looking at you, kid!

antiques/junking, Etsy Goodies, swaps, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / January 17, 2009

Hmm, I don't know if you can tell from this photo, but the puppies have opened their eyes! For some reason, I was thinking they weren't due to be looking back at us yet, so I was surprised when Sugarwings held one up and said "he can see me!" She was pretty excited to be the first to notice, but up till now, she had been worried because the puppies wouldn't look at her.

Probably because, in this house, that is all we do is, Look At Sugarwings. Its our favorite pastime.

Although, lately, another regular pastime of mine is cursing at Papashop. That is the web hosting site for my new online store, and my friends have been over-the-top helpful in setting it up, and I can see where it will be really easy to use once I get it fine tuned. But— I keep finding glitches. I thought I was ready to open and discovered that I had NO LIMITS on my inventory. If a shopper wanted to order 1,500 of a one of a kind option, there was no stopping them. Not that I get those kind of sales…. maybe a more reasonable illustration would be that if a shopper wanted to order TWO of a one of a kind item, I couldn't stop them.

This is an item that I have three of, one is listed. Since I can't open my shop yet, I figured I should tell you about it here. So many people have inquired about the swap tags, that I made up a kit with the copies of the ones I made.

The kit includes 6 of the collage/painted tags copied onto card stock and then their backs were covered in vintage wallpaper. Two red flocked, two pink flocked, and two rose patterned.

Snippets of wallpaper scraps, some ephemera, lots of rick rack, ribbons and bows, three sprigs of old millinery blooms, and a scattering of vintage buttons are included too.

Plenty of pretties to deck out the tags and make your own Puppy Love Tag Book if you didn't get into the swap. Or, if you are a swapper, these would be fun to add to your book and double the size of it!

The kits are $25 each (plus postage. Postage is free if the kit goes out in the mail with a completed swap book to a fellow swapper) and as I said, only 3 available. If you are interested, please contact me by email. I can't open my web boutique yet, but hopefully will soon! I have other Valentine's goodies there too!

Like this piece. It has a pink flocked heart on it, so it would be nice to have for sale by Valentines Day! I'm sure I'll be able to get the store figured out. Heather and Beth have been so kind and have taken so much time to give me advice. I'll let you know when I have my GRAND OPENING.

Heather and Beth aren't my only generous friends! Two Puppy Love Swapper's packages have arrived and Samantha Miranda sent coloring cards for Sugarwings and Dove chocolates! Ruth Flowers sent marvelous ephemera die cuts. Thanks, ladies!! And by the way, both of you both are so lucky to have those names. Don't they just roll off the tongue? Samantha Miranda…Ruth Flowers…. how pretty.

This photo should make you wish that you were one of the 65 people in the swap! Aren't these tags that Samantha sent in just beautiful!? (Ruth's are too, but my photo didn't turn out. Ruth, I know you wanted photos I'll get some to you when the light is better)

Hopefully, the swappers will be adding their photos to the flickr site so we can all see their creations…

I'll leave you with a couple photos from an antique show today. I met Carol there, and Beth had a booth, so I took her some treats. I have pictures of Donny and Sandy's booths, but they don't have blogs, although Carol and I tried to tell the Fabulous Donny that he needs one!!

Whiling away a day, when you can’t go outside to play

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 15, 2009

So, how do you entertain yourself on a day so cold that you simply don't feel warm no matter what you do? Well, you find distractions. Like arranging sleepy puppies into a heart shape. Well, kind of a heart shape, they are a tad wiggly to pose very well.

You can also see what happens if you add bubbles to a whirl pool tub.

We discovered that the jets create lots and lots of bubbles. And just as many giggles.

Here is a flickr video of Sugarwings splashing away: http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlascottage/