November 2009 – Page 2 – Karla's Cottage

Punch drunk from lack of sleep, but full of Bella LOVE

By Karla Nathan / November 15, 2009

I don't even know where to begin to describe how much fun I've had the last few days. My cheeks ache from smiling so much, my side hurts from laughing, and my voice is hoarse from talking non-stop. And I think that this photo kind of sums up the atmosphere of the week.

The gifts, swaps, treats, projects, leftovers from the Glitter Lounge, all just kind of accumulated on the table in my suite. Every time I came in the room, I'd deposit my pretties there, and by Sunday, it was so full that one more bit of candy or vintage paper could not have fit on it.

The gifts and goodies were astounding. Lori Oles created this lovely lady for me. She drove up from Arkansas to meet me in Kansas City for lunch, and shopping. Then we followed each other up to Omaha. We'd only met through our blogs, but had an instant connection.

The table top had a pink, blue and silver theme, and even though nothing was arranged, just plopped down onto the space on my way in and out of the room running from one fun "play date" to another, it all looked beautiful together.

The bird is from the Denise Sharp class I took, and the Day Dream journal is from the Rebecca Sower class. And see the sweet angel? She was a gift from another sweet angel, Lisa Kettle.

For Pam Garrison's class, I made a Sugarwings garland.

Right now, I'm EXHAUSTED. But happy. There was very little sleep to be had, and when I did get a chance to doze off, I was drowning in snot from a cold and up blowing my nose all night. So, please forgive me for not posting links to the people I am mentioning, I will try to add them after a good night's sleep.

Suzanne Duda was giving out little frozen Charlotte dolls, and mine came with a jar of pink M&Ms. My east coast pal, Coddy, brought an English tea towel to me, and the book is from the En Le Jardin group's swap.

One of my strategies at Silver Bella is to divide up my time between as many different people as I can, while still fitting in lots of visits with best buddies. See why I didn't get much sleep? There was lots of talking and laughing till all hours of the night, as well as intimate, heartfelt conversations full of tears and compassion.

So many wonderful women, so few hours to share!

My Little Sis, Robin, gave me the satin linen bag. Gorgeous!!!

The book mark was hand made by Jo Packham who gave a moving key note address. We all could have listened to her for HOURS and were sad that the speech was much too short. What a genuinely caring woman she is.

But I could say that about so many of the people there. The connections I made with this group were some that I will never forget and will always treasure. While I really enjoyed my classes and got a lot from my teachers (Anna Corba was spectacular, Pam Garrison is cute as a button, Rebecca Sower seems like such a gentle soul, and Denise Sharp has a eye for detail that is amazing!), to me the weekend was more about just being with like minded souls who "get it".

Sadly, there just isn't enough time to spend with them all. There were people I really wanted to chat with, and only got a few moments with here and there. And so many more that I never even got to meet.

My pal, Robin, made this for me, with a 1928 Omaha photo she found.

The Bellas in training are cute as can be, huh? I think that if I had any advice to give future Bellas, it would be to mingle. I try to sit with a different group at each class or at meals. I love my close friends and did get to sit with them too, but I reminded myself that the way I met them was sitting near them in previous classes. I didn't want to lose out on meeting new people, by only sitting with ones I knew. And this year, I met plenty of new friends that way.

Honestly, I think that is pretty good advice for every day life. Smile and say hi to someone new. Strike up a conversation with someone at work that you see in the halls but don't really know. Surf new blogs and stop to visit and comment. You never know who will be your next new buddy!

The chocolates are from Meleen, the tag is from Tiffany (don't feed her after midnight, she is like a Mogwai and will turn into a crazy Gremlin!), and I made the cone in Anna Corba's class.

I’m a Big Bella

Books, celebrations, Silver Bella

By Karla Nathan / November 13, 2009

I'm pre-posting this for you while I am up in Omaha at the big Bella bash.

Did I mention that I had a little sis? In my family, I'm the baby of the girls (funny that I say "baby" and "girls" about women in their 50s and 60s) but at Silver Bella this year, I've got a little sis.

Veteran Bellas are adopting newbies and helping them out, showing them around, and answering questions. My lil sis is Robin, who is my East Coast Buddy. When I go out to VA to stay at our apartment, Robin and I try to get together. So, I was happy to have her as my sis.

While shopping at Lucketts this summer, I found this book that was just perfect to alter for the occasion. It was old and beat up (just the way I like things!) and only a couple dollars, but filled with the sweetest, pastel sister pictures ever!

So, I cut it apart and reassembled it, adding glitter, flowers, and sparkle. Of course, since it was for Silver Bella, each girl got a tiara to wear. The book has lots of blank space, and empty pages simply decorated with a die cut robin or rose, so there is plenty of space for her to use it as an art journal or photo album.

Not only did I find the perfect book to make this, I also found the perfect wrapping paper! Old sheet music titled, "the Robin's Return".

This morning, I've been wrapping up all the gifts I've made to take along. For Marilyn, who is opening her home for me to come and shop in, I've packed a couple of my bottle brush trees.

Marilyn's business is actually called Hannah's Treasures, but in my mind, it will always be Wallpaper Heaven! She has thousands of rolls of vintage wallpaper and its overwhelmingly wonderful for an ephemera junkie like me.

More little trees are packaged up for roomies. Yes, it looks like a lot of roomies, and no, I'm not sleeping 8 to a room.

Jenn, Tiffany, Lori, and I made plans to go in a day early to go to Wallpaper Heaven. They are all roomies, and are letting me sofa surf that night since my reservation is for the next day.

For the rest of the weekend, I was supposed to be sharing with Heather Bullard, in a connecting room with Carol and Shelly. But, Heather had to cancel, she just didn't have time to come to Omaha. You should have seen me scrambling, trying to find a new room mate at the last minute! No luck, so I am paying full price instead of sharing a spot. Oh well, it worked out, since Sugarwings will stay with me one night when the family comes up to help me set up my Vendor Faire

And hopefully, Carol, Shelly, and I will have connecting rooms. I'm perfectly capable of staying on my own, but Silver Bella weekend is all about being social and I like the late night giggle fests that go on. So, a roomie is a good thing to have.

Carol, Shelly, and I are co-hosting the Glitter Lounge. Last year, we invited friends up to our room for a kick off toast to start the weekend on Thursday night. It was such fun, that we are making it a tradition and hosting again this year. I've got my disco balls all packed up and ready to go!

But now I need to get some cupcakes made to take too, I'd better get cookin.

Its just too hard to stop myself

antiques/junking, Books, Silver Bella, Travel

By Karla Nathan / November 11, 2009

While wrapping up some gifts to take to Silver Bella, I thought I'd gather up the gift for the November Giveaway. So many of you were hoping to win the bundles of vintage trim that I gave away earlier this month, that I thought I'd tie up a few more bits of it and offer that as the giveaway.

I'll be away for the weekend, and will be swamped when I return, so might not have time to answer your comments, but will enjoy reading them. And each one goes into the drawing for the prize.

The blog redo that Hope did for me, is so pretty and is exactly what I wanted. I'm loving the new look! So I wanted to thank her and bring a little gift to show her how much I appreciate her work. I look forward to seeing her again, its so good to reconnect with buddies at the event! The flocked wallpaper I glued onto the book is the same that she used for the side bars of my blog.

She keeps an art journal, and is a champion doodler. I thought maybe she'd enjoy an ephemera filled book with her name on it to fill up with her artistic ramblings.

Making a book for Hope got me fired up to make a few more…

Mary had given me a stack of old book covers, and I am finding them very compelling. Little books filled with old papers has been something I've been making for a couple years now, and it is even more fun with these book covers.

Each is filled with with a mismatched assortment of papers, plus some tags that I like to trail ribbons and doodads from.

The last few days have been a hodge podge of little projects, as well as running errands, packing up and over all getting ready to go.

There is still a LOT left to do. So why do I get so side tracked? I didn't need to make books. I should have been packing up my supplies instead. Or why did I make myself a brooch to wear on my coat? That's just how it goes around here. I can't help myself.

My Sissy gave me this cubic zirconia pendant, that looks like a crown, and I thought it would be great on one of my vintage medal ribbons with the "K" pendant that was a gift from Carol, last year at Silver Bella. With a tiny millinery rose added, of course!

My table is filled with an assortment of things that I decided I need to add to my booth, so I still have some price tags to make and packing to do. The truck is loaded and ready, but there are always odds and ends that get added at last minute.

I almost envy the people who ship their vendor goods… they at least have to limit themselves and not go crazy with inventory. I went crazy with mine.

Baby Bella

fairies, how to's, Silver Bella, Travel

By Karla Nathan / November 9, 2009

At Silver Bella vendor night, the theme will be Night Of 100 Aprons, or something along those lines. I know that I need an apron! So, I pulled this one from my Boutique and doctored a shirt to wear with it.

To make the shirt, I scanned a post card, and used the Picassa editing retouch tool to remove the "Happy Birthday" from the picture.

Then, I wrote in my blog title, and printed it onto printable fabric from the craft store.

When I cut it out, I left raw edges that will fray when I wash the shirt. I sewed it onto a long sleeve, J. Jill, tee shirt that used to be my favorite, until I dribbled coffee all over myself while wearing it.

To get the picture on the shirt just right, I wore it while doing the pinning. The tee shirt was stretchy and the cotton piece was not, so pinning it on while the shirt was stretched over my chest was the way to go.

After sewing it on, it looked a little puckery, but that is fine, because it leaves room to expand for boobs.

I'm looking forward to a comfy night in a tee shirt and jeans, last year was a much more dressed up theme, Prom Dresses.

Of course, I'll still be wearing a tiara! It wouldn't be Silver Bella without a chance to wear my crown.

This one is similar to my own tiara, but is one that I just finished, to take along to sell in my booth.

And what else do I have packed for the trip? A new outfit for Sugarwings. Yep, I'm bringing the fairy grand baby! Actually, her Daddy and my Handsome Husband are bringing her, they are coming up to help me set up my booth, and using the trip as an excuse to go and stay at our favorite Omaha hotel with the water park that Sugarwings loves to play at.

We have plans for breakfast on Saturday with Beth, since she is coming up to Omaha just for vendor night to sell her great stuff. I was afraid we'd be so busy I wouldn't even see her, so we made plans to meet up and enjoy the Embassy Suite's free breakfast together.

I splurged and got a new outfit for the fairy baby, since we have a breakfast date. Even though the frothy skirt and flocked butterfly shirt are from Old Navy, and not real costly, it was still sticker shock to me!! I buy all of her clothes at garage sales and Goodwill or get hand me downs from cute little Bethany.

But when I saw this pink concoction of froth, I had to have this skirt! She'll be an adorable Baby Bella. I think she'll need a crown too…

My goods are finished and all packed up. I've borrowed my brother-in-law's big ole truck again for the road to Omaha. We own three farm trucks ourselves, but not a single one with a topper. And a 3 hour drive in the Midwest in November can't be counted on to be rain or snow free. Luckily, my sweetie of an in-law is generous with his vehicle so I don't have to rent something.

Speaking of sweethearts,look what Stephanie

sent to me! Roses, roses, roses! Just out of the kindness of her heart. So, I will share with you. For my November Giveaway, I'll add a pretty millinery rose to the bundle of vintage trims. Thanks, Stephanie!!

I will be away from my computer till I return, but will do some pre-posting, so please check back. I'm sorry I won't be able to return comments, but will read them all when I get back, and each will count toward the millinery rose topped bundle of old trims!

Pink roses and fall leaves?

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), flowers, holiday decor, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / November 8, 2009

We are having amazing weather here. Its been in the 70s and beautiful, good time for raking up some of leaves that are being tracked throughout the house by my dogs. They are little leaf magnets and must bring in a bushel each every day.

We don't bag or burn, instead I push them off into flower beds or into the woods behind the house to naturally decompose.

We'll also scoop up a few trailer loads and throw over the garden fence to enrich the soil there too. But for now, I am still gathering tomatoes from the garden!

We've yet to have a hard enough frost to kill off the flowers and some of the garden plants. I don't think I've ever had a November when I've had pink roses blooming next to the changing leaves before.

The tomatoes I've brought in aren't all that wonderful, but they are good enough for cooking, so I'm planning home made tomato soup tonight. Maybe with a hand full of wild rice and some spinach thrown in the pot.

I appreciated all your comments about Aunt Caroline's treasures and want to announce the two winners for the bundles of trim.

Suz Reaney

and

Joanna

And since the trims are such a popular thing with so many of you hoping to win some, that I'll offer another bundle for my November Giveaway. These won't be from my Aunt, but are just as nice. I think you'll like them!

I rarely decorate much for fall, just because my house is not typical fall colors, and because it seems to be so busy around here, I don't get a chance. Here is the total of all the autumn decor, post Halloween flowers on clearance for $1.99 a bunch at the grocery store this week.

I kind of like the splash of bright color, and it is reminding me of this November's odd weather. Fall colors against the pale shades just like in my garden.

Silver Bella Bound

antiques/junking, holiday decor, Silver Bella

By Karla Nathan / November 6, 2009

Since returning from our Florida adventure, I've been knee deep in Bella preparations. I've set up 3 tables, as a practice run to see how everything fits and what I need to bring. Since we have a SHORT set up time and I have a LOT of crap, I mean, beautiful and precious things, I needed to do a dry run.

One table is all jewelry and foofy stuff. One is all Christmas and hand made stuff and the third is supplies.

After setting up the displays, I tagged everything and started packing it all up in a way that would be easy to pull out and set up quickly. Well, at least that is the plan… I'm crossing my fingers that it works that way!

All lighting, table clothes, tools, tapes, extra tags, calculators and cords go in one container.

Last year, I made a lot of display mistakes that I think I might have corrected for this year. But who knows. I'm crossing my toes as well as my fingers that all goes well.

For 2008, I'd stocked too many flower packs in one small area. Now, I have less, and have them divided into two containers, easier to shop through.

I'm also bringing a lot more supply type things, like the big 4" x 8" shipping tags that I like to use myself. I have cases of them, so might as well put some out. They are a great size to work with.

And do you remember the vintage glitter that my friend gave to me? I reproduced the label of the can and added some of the glitter to jars with the "old" labels. I had more than I'd ever use. And they make such a cute display on this spice rack that I got from the Good will and painted white.

So, 2 tables are packed and one to go. I'm getting close! Now, I'll have a few days to enjoy gathering up supplies for the workshops, and gifts for friends. I'm meeting a bunch of people a day early, and then going to Wallpaper Heaven again!! Can't wait.

But I've got to run now to make it to the PO before it closes. I'll announce the winners of Aunt Caroline's trim bundles next post. Your comments can still count on this one too.

Sweet bundles to share

family, give away

By Karla Nathan / November 5, 2009

Your comments on my last post were very moving, I can see that so many of you care about mementos of the past and understand my joy in receiving some of Aunt Caroline's things. My heart feels for those of you who were not allowed a remembrance from a loved one's estate.

I've been on both sides, when my mom passed, my sisters and the rest of the family were giving and caring. We were all careful to make sure that anything with a sense of family history stayed with a family member and wasn't accidentally sent to auction. But when I lost my father, it was a different, and not so pretty story, due to completely different circumstances (nothing to do with my sweet sisses, of course!)

Losing a person you care about is hard enough. Dealing with ugliness at that time is devastating. As crushed as I was to lose my mom, I will always remember the days after she died with joy and deep love for my family. They made those days beautiful, even with the heart ache.

Knowing that you all understand and feel the bitter-sweetness of my trip to Aunt Caroline's home makes me doubly happy to share some of her treasures. So I am keeping the giveaway open, and offering a second bundle of trims to give.

All comments on the previous post, as well as THIS post are entered.

Thanks for caring!

Treasures from Great Aunt Caroline and a gift for you too

family, Travel, tributes

By Karla Nathan / November 3, 2009

The reason for our trip to Florida was for me to meet my sisters at Great Aunt Caroline's home to help our cousin organize for a sale. Our generous aunt had remembered each of us in her will, and over the years had sent packages of sentimental goods and gifts to us from her possessions. The home and contents were left to our cousin, who was every bit as generous as Aunt C. and told us to chose anything at all that we wanted from the home.

Funny, we didn't grow up knowing this charming lady who passed away right before her 101st birthday in June, but you could sure tell we were related by her taste in furnishing and collections! Looking through her things, I felt so "right at home". She and I had such similar favorites, everywhere I turned, I was squealing with excitement over some little tid bit or goody.

I felt the same way a few years ago, when I first saw a painting done by my great grandmother, who I never knew. I looked at it and thought, 'that could be my work'. Same style, same feel.

When I first got to know my greatest of Great Aunts (in my thirties), the connection was immediate. We loved many of the same books, colors (her house was full of PINK!), artwork, etc.

So, it was an emotional day, when we were visiting her home without her there. Sad that she was gone, but warm and happy, seeing things that she had loved and knowing how thrilled she'd be that I loved them too.

Of course, I was worried about being greedy. I didn't want to take stuff that others might want or that my cousin could sell for a profit. But she was every bit as generous as Caroline and kept assuring me that my selections were just fine and Caroline would have wanted to share.

I was in HOG HEAVEN with the 100 years of craft supplies!!

So, I loaded up on laces and trim, beads, and baubles. And didn't put a dent in it. She had boxes and boxes of trims and ribbons and laces and jewelry making supplies. Our cousin had already donated most sewing supplies to a local quilting guild, but the amount that was left was still overwhelming.

I filled a vintage suitcase with trims and supplies, but then was
worried about checking such a delicate piece of luggage, so I packed
that suitcase inside my other suitcase and boxed up things to check. (gotta love Southwest Airlines and their free baggage policy!!)

The trims and supplies that I got will be used and enjoyed, and I know that Aunt C. would have been happy with that. Over the years, she has given me many remembrances, so I won't feel guilty about using the things I got from her home.

But I did get a couple of sentimental keepers too. A couple of her hand made pot holders, some little glass birdies from her sunporch, and this table cloth. I've spread it on the bed to show it off, but it is actually for the dining table.

My great grandmother made it, with silk from WW1 parachutes and hand crocheted squares. It is in beautiful condition, and I'll do my best to keep it that way and pass it on to Sugarwing's grand kids someday.

Caroline liked to make jewelry, using old pieces, just like my sister and I do. We discovered that her grandfather used to make jewelry too. The crystal beads are some that my aunt strung, and the necklace on the left is one that Sissy made by taking apart a necklace our great, great grandfather made.

Every time I wear it, I'll be feeling the love and the history wrapped up in it.

Remember the 100 cards that kind hearted readers made and sent in for Caroline's 100th birthday? She treasured those cards and loved to look through them all over and over.

Family members went through the cards to take some as keepsakes. I got a few for myself too. Thanks again to all of you who helped make her birthday special!

I'd like to offer a bundle of old trims as a remembrance of Caroline. If you'd like to win some, leave a comment on this post.

Winners, Water, Fairies, and Fun

Uncategorized

By Karla Nathan / November 1, 2009

The more I look at my blog redo, the happier I am! Thanks so much, Hope, I am loving your design!!!

I just wish she'd could come over to my home and de-clutter my life the way she de-cluttered my blog.

And now, I need to announce the winner of the October Giveaway, a Grumpy Fairy book. It goes to:

Sorenthe

And a giveaway for the Artist Class paper doll supply kit goes to:

Jane Palmer

(more drawings coming for that one, too! If you want to enter, details are in my sticky post at the top of the blog)

If you are ever wondering when the perfect time to visit the beach in Jacksonville is, I think I've discovered the answer. Late October, midweek, mornings are PERFECT!

The water was just the right temperature, there was a gentle breeze. The sand was warm, but was comfy, no running tip toe and trying to keep my feet from frying like I have to do when I been on it in the summer.

Plus, we were just about the only people there. Sugarwings called it "her beach".

The only company we had was from these guys.

Because the beach was so bare, we could let our fairy fly free, and she ran up and down the beach pretending to be a bird, with no worries of kicking up sand on others or stepping on sand castles. (or being hard to keep track of, we couldn't miss her, she was the only thing out there!)

She found balloons that had washed up on the shore, and you'd have thought that it was Christmas morning. Little gifts can sometimes bring the most joy, huh? (we popped them and threw them in the trash as we left, so no fish or birds would choke on on a balloon left to float)

Everything about the part of our trip to Jacksonville was just the best. Uncle Randy has a beautiful garden, designed just for fairies, so Sugarwings fit right in. He even bought her a new fairy gown to wear, as well as wings for the rest of the family too. (I got to be an angel, that was a twist for me, I'm usually a trouble maker)

Uncle Randy gave her a flute to play to entice fairies to come and dance with her.

Everytime I visit Randy and Kevin's home, the garden gets more beautiful. Its a vacation in itself to sit out there and sip a glass of wine and just relax and take in the view. Of course, the gourmet cooking that those two guys spoil us with doesn't hurt either.

Their garden is welcoming and interactive, so many hidden treasures to find in the plants. But knowing our rough and tumble, curious little pixie, Randy was kind enough to give her an area to dig and make mud cookies too.

Sugarwings thought that Tillie was dressed in a party hat just for our visit, and told her over and over how beautiful she looked in it.

I missed having my good camera with me on the trip, but we decided to be very streamlined in our packing, since we were traveling with a 3 year old. So, I kept a small, light weight camera in my pocket instead of the heavy (but adored) Rebel that fills my purse.

I'll leave you with some photos of Randy and Kevin's home. You can see why I looked so tired in the photo of the three of us on the swing. There is a lot of stuff in their house that attracted Sugarwings, and I was on high alert, two steps behind her, and keeping her busy so she didn't indulge herself in exploring all the pretties!

And my favorite thing about Jacksonville?

The most fun baby brother anyone could ever have!