October 2010 – Page 2 – Karla's Cottage

The end of an era

By Karla Nathan / October 12, 2010

We've done it. The shed is empty. In clearing it out, we came across the sign I used to put bythe road during sale weekends, and someone stuck it in the ground here. Isn't the whole set up cute?? I was surprised that I felt no remorse at all, it was truly a relief to have it all behind me.

I'd stopped having the sales quite a while ago, but always thought that I'd have just one more little one to clear out remnants. But each year, the stuff got dustier and dirtier. There was still some great inventory left, an old iron bed, a mosaic table, doors, colums, dressers, chandeliers…. on and on.

7 truckloads total of goodies left here this weekend. All given away. It felt wonderful.

I could have taken it to the Salvation Army and gotten receipts for tax write offs… I could have listed the good stuff on Craigs List…. I could have had a sale… I could have just let it sit and rot… all these things were in my mind for years.

But I didn't do a single one. And it hung over me. Looming as a big chore that I had to face.

Finally, I just decided to let it go. Just let it leave. I knew there were things in there that people would love to have. It certainly wasn't just trash. It was good stuff that I had lovingly scrounged! But it was no longer worth anything to ME.

I'd made my profits from the business. This accumlation was paid for long ago, and I find things so cheap that I had very little cash into it. And if I considered how much I'd made over the years on the stuff I did sell, it certainly covered the small loss on these things.

And now we are ready for chickens!

The building is large, one side long and narrow, the other a big square. I'm thinking the smaller side for birds. If I ever get a pony for Sugarwings someday, it can live on the other side. We used to have 5 horses, but have since taken down the old barn. But I think that a pony would be really happy in my antique shop.

We also cleaned out the garage, to make room for two cars and the tractor. I had a furniture painting business in the past and the 24 x 24 building had been my workshop. So, another collection I had was bits and pieces of trim and hardware and interesting bits of wood.

In other words, stuff that rats love to build nests in if you leave it sitting for a few years unused!

So, everything was pulled from the garage, some was burnt, some went to a junker friend who also hauled off dozens of cans of paint.

We got the saw out and cut up my work bench. Since it had been built of pressure treated lumber, I thought of using it the top of it as a "bridge" or sidewalk in the garden, so we sat it in the creeping myrtle behind the house. The bottom half will be moved to the chicken coop to hold the nests.

And speaking of nests, here is a baby update:

My son's Beloved is still having contractions. She did way too much yard work on Saturday building a compost pile in her yard and had a rough weekend from that. On Sunday, I was really worried about her, she was so weak and pale, from contractions all night.

But she is on bed rest and now they have slowed down.

The newest fairy baby isn't due till November 11th or so. I'm hoping that this girl will be patient and wait till then to arrive, but her folks are hoping otherwise. The momma's other 5 kids were all born early and she feels ready NOW.

I'll let you know as things move along. Keep them in your prayers, please?

To Sugarwings- and THANKS swappers- and OOOPS

a lapse of memory again, or am I just careless?, Books, I do tend to run on, don't I?, parties, show and tell, Sugarwings, swaps, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / October 11, 2010

Sugarwings and I had a pretend tea party this weekend, and we both opened hostess gifts from the Dorothy tag books swap. I'm so touched by all the thoughtfulness! Anyone who knows me, knows that the way to my heart is to spoil that little fairy grand baby of mine.

Or to make something for me, I Iove hand made things! Or to give me ephemera and supplies to use in my own work. Or to to make a thoughtful gesture. I guess there are lots of ways to get to me, I so appreciate an act of kindness!

Before the party started, we opened a gift from Barbara, that she sent, "just because". I swear, don't you meet the nicest people in the blog world?

We called it the Yellow Brick Road Dress. It's a colorful concoction featuring a road, appliqued ruby slippers down the front, and poppies stitched to the shoulder.

Sugarwings has both red glittered slippers from the Oz movie and silver glittered slippers that were in the Oz book. I found them at garage sales, and she loves them so much, that she insists they are on her bed at night when I tuck her in. Not exactly cuddly, but they make her happy. And I know how women can be about their shoes. Personally, I have Fred Flinstone feet and am always happy to find a non-Birkenstock that fits me. So, I can't be a shoe person like she is. Wish I could.

Agnes Rosebud was invited to the party, and I dressed her up in the poppy headband that Barb had made to go with the dress. But the little pup wasn't all that interested in our presents.

Until this one came out of the box! Even the dogs were remembered with a hostess gift of tasty treats.

And oh my! Do you see that flying monkey on the altered blocks?? Sorry its not facing the camera completely, the two blocks spell OZ in green glittered letters and its cuter than a bug! Its from Amy Bauer.

The monkey was all wrapped up as a gift to me, but Sugarwings can't quite believe it is not for her. If we have to arm wrestle for it, I think I can take her.

The ribbon in her hair was part of the wrapping that I saved from the packages filled with tags. I salvage every little bit of tissue, bubble wrap, and ribbon that comes along with the avalanche of artwork. When you order goods from my shop, I try to use as much recycled packaging as I can, and the outside of the envelopes often are covered with black sharpie scribbles marking out the old addresses. But I really take time and care to make the purchases look good when you get the package open.

And so many of the swappers did too. I did some oohing and awing over the way some of the tags were wrapped up. Then, I scooped up the stuff to save and use again! Thanks, swappers!

The Good Witch/Bad Witch buttons that are pinned to her Yellow Brick Road dress were gifts from my Sissy to Sugarwing's Hippie Chick Mommy. This kid gets her love of all things Oz from her mom and her dear departed Nanny, who were both huge Oz fans.

As much as I enjoy the Dorothy story, I don't come close to those girls. They are fanatics.

I've become more of an Oz afficionado since being around them. I can definately quote the movie, act it out, and sing the songs when called for.

Toto is my favorite character, so I really enjoyed this cute zipper pull and will add it to my little fairie's winter coat.

Many of the swappers included extra tags for my own book, or hand made thank you cards that were so cute, I had to add them to my tag book.

This one features little Agnes Rosebud as a tiny baby.

When I host a swap, I'm lucky to get lots of extra tags to fatten my books up. I have them all on display in the studio hanging from this metal shelf. And everyonce in a while I'll take them down to flip through. Its wonderful to have a mini collection of so many artist's work.

To receive hand made, personal gifts from the artists too, is just amazing! Cheryl made this box and book and I was floored when I opened it. Do you ever feel like a dweeb compared to other artists? I was overwhelmed by so many of the really extrordinary art that arrived at my doorstep for this swap. Its impressive to see the talent out there, and even more impressive to see all the tags spread out on my table tops to drool over.

So, if your book is a little curled up on the edges, that is just drool from my admirations.

Okay, now here comes the embarrassing part. I hate to admit this to you, but I might have screwed up. After finishing all the mailing, there is still a book on my desk….

I never said I was good at this. I just said I tried really, really hard to stay organized.

All the names are marked off the list. So, I have no idea who didn't get one.

On the other hand, so many people sent in extra tags, and I made so many myself, and of course, that will really throw off the numbers.

So, if you don't have your book by the end of the week, please let me know. So Sorry. Very Sorry.

Also, someone didn't get a Toto tag in their basket on the cover of the book. If your basket is empty let me know. There is a Toto on my desk waiting to be reunited with his Dorothy. ooops again.

Thank you, to all who were part of the swap and thanks also for all of the thoughtful gifts! Totally unessacary, but greatly enjoyed by us both!

Lucky

antiques/junking, family, housework, magazine pictures or articles

By Karla Nathan / October 9, 2010

You guys are all pretty nice to have around, you know it? Thanks!

Its such a beautiful day here in Kansas, what a great October weekend. We are going downtown with good friends to hear some live music in the park, and to enjoy this weather. But before that….

I have to make a stab at cleaning out this.

It used to be my antique shop. Before that it was a chicken coop. And now we are thinking about turning it back into a chicken coop again.

So, I've been trying to get ahold of people who I thought might want some of the junk that is left over. I'd like to have the building empty by tomorrow. What no one takes will be on the curb, feel free to stop and look through my trash if you are driving by!

And this is only half the shed. The other side is just as bad.

I'd thought about turning it into a play house for Sugarwings, but the idea of fresh farm eggs is just too tempting. We already have some fencing we could slap onto the back of the building and we have some shelves that would make good roosting.

No matter what we do with it, I need to get it de-junked. This stuff has sat here for years, unused and unloved. I know there has to be someone who wants it. I thought about doing a rummage sale, but it turns out that I am too lazy. Cleaning it will be bad enough, but sitting out there early in the morning trying to sell stuff for quarters and dimes? Its better just to find homes for it all.

I had to tell myself that I've already made my profits from that business, and now I'm out of the antique shop biz and the rest of the inventory has to go. Do you ever hang on to stuff, knowing that its worth something? Well, this is GOOD junk, that for some reason just didn't sell. Wrong time, wrong place, I guess. But even though it is "worth something" its worthless to me just rotting in the shed.

The stuff deserves a new home. And I deserve a clean shed.

Untill the chickens poo all over the shed, at least. Not so clean then.

Have you seen the newest Somerset Life? Lots of blog friends are in it!

Including these pretty pages by my Texas shopping bud, Lisa.

I was lucky enough to score two articles in it. And that sweet Lisa actually called me to congratulate me on them! I don't think she has any idea how touched I was by her gesture.

See, around here, no one is very impressed by my work.

One article is about my peat pot frozen Charlotte fairies. The photography was really nice on this article, I loved the faded, blurred pastel backgrounds they used for the pics.

And I was excited to see that one of the upcoming challenges for artists is to use a peat pot in their own artwork and send it in. The deadline is Feb. 15th if you are going to make something for it.

And speaking of good pictures- my friend, Carol, took the photos of my house that are in the current Somerset Home.

I'm feeling pretty lucky right now. Not just being in two magazines on the stands at the same time, but in having good blog friends who leaped to my defense about the deleted post without even knowing the story behind it. Once everyone knew that it was the mom who didn't like what I said about the photos, everyone understood. Many of us were new moms at one time and knew completely how she felt.

And I'm lucky to have such a good family that pulls my foot out of my mouth for me every once in a while when I get it stuck there. And then they love me anyway, even with toe breath.

A better apology and a clarification

family

By Karla Nathan / October 8, 2010

Me again. Back for a clarification. No one needs to be upset about me removing the post about how awful the sonogram pictures were. I took it down because I offended the child's mother, not a reader.

I didn't mean to be a bad witch.

Honestly, I was talking about how much the sonogram disapointed me. I was hoping for sweet cuddly baby pictures, I'd heard so much about this new technology. I would never in a billion years say that my grand child was funny looking. I said it was a funny picture.

Sometimes, I say things I think are funny and go too far. I usually see humor everywhere and probably would have buried myself in a ditch somewhere years ago if I couldn't find humor in the world. My family has had lots of ups and downs, I know I've mentioned some of it over the years in my posts. I deal with the world by looking for a silver lining and trying to find the happy spots.

I try to enjoy every minute I can. Life is too short to be petty, insecure, unhappy, or teed off. Life can also be a dangerous and messed up place. So when I get a chance to laugh, I take it. I never mean to offend anyone by being irreverant, or flip. I just see fun smeared all over everything. And I mention it.

I rarely, well actually, I never, stop to think if what I am saying is offensive because it simply doesn't occur to me that it is. Maybe I'm self centered. Maybe I'm shallow. I'll need to be double thinking about this for a while. From my point of view, things are fun and silly and cheerful. But I need to be more sensitve and realize that not everyone sees what I see.

*********Good Witch/bad witch tags by my Sissy************ cute vintage scarecrow note from Sue Stoke*********

Over the past 800 plus posts I've shared a lot with you, which is why I am blathering on about this situation. I figure you deserve an explanation for my deletion and my girl deserves a public apology for me hurting her feelings.

I hope that everyone knows that I adore my family. And I also hope that no one would honestly think that I'd accuse anyone of inapropriate behaviour with clowns. Besides, clown noses are not genetic- they are plastic and stuck on, no clown's child is born that way. It was just me being silly. Oh gosh, I should just shut up…I could be making it worse again.

And some of the photos from the 4D ultrasound were a little better than others. But overall, I have to say that I would not reccomend anyone purchasing these just for baby pictures. With an online coupon, the sonogram still cost me over $150 and the photos were not that great. Plus they are not looked at by a doctor. But, I have been so worried about this child, that I would have paid anything to see her wiggling and kicking around. And even though her face was blurry and I don't know what she'll look like, I am relieved to see that she looked healthy.

Thanks for listening.

An apology

family

By Karla Nathan / October 8, 2010

Well, apparenty its offensive to make fun of sonogram pictures. I just want every one to know that I already love the new grandbaby and know that she is beautiful. My whole last post (deleted) was just aimed at the 4-D sonogram, NOT THE BABY herself.

Save room for dessert!

antiques/junking, Food and Drink, Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 5, 2010

The Dorothy tag books have kept me so busy that I almost forgot to show you one of the BEST parts of Roundtop- Royers!

This yellow brick road was right up my alley. And it leads to some great food.

On our first evening at the flea market, a food stand was pointed out to me and people mentioned eating there. Well, I'm not big on fast food, or fair food, and really wanted to sit down with a nice meal and some air conditioning and was glad when my friends agreed, that a cocktail and cool air was tempting. So we went to a steak house instead.

The next day, they wanted to eat at the food stand for lunch, even though the line was a mile long. I'm usually pretty easy going and can fit in with whatever plans everyone has, so I said sure. Thinking that I could always just eat a power bar if the food didn't look all that good.

But DANG! It was amazing. I had a grilled shrimp salad that was so good it could have been served in a fancy dancy restaurant with starched white tablecloths.

Now, I knew why everyone was raving about Royers. They had a shack set up in the midst of the flea market, as well as their main restaurant down town. So, the next day, we decided to try the main diner, and went early before it opened to put our names in. Good thing we did, when it opened, it filled. In a snap.

Its colorful, funky, funny, charming, and delicious. The second lunch was even better than my first. I had the same grilled shrimp, but this time on top of a tender hunk of salmon. With black eyed peas and fresh vegetables. Lunch wasn't cheap, but it was worth it, and the service was great. Happy, smiling people at both establishments.

I want to go back next spring just for another piece of their peach pie….

How to host a tag book swap

swaps

By Karla Nathan / October 4, 2010

People say I must be really organized to host swaps. Well, I'm not really, so I have to be extra diligent not to screw it up. Here are some guidelines I have come up with for myself to pull it all off.

If you are ever going to host a swap, maybe this will help.

First, I come up with a button that is eye catching and gets the theme across.

Next I write out all the rules, dates, etc and link the button to that post so that people can refer back for details.

When I set my fees, I keep in mind supplies as well as postage.

In the rules, I ask everyone to print their name and address on a separate piece of paper to send along with the tags.

I try to have all of this in place before I announce the swap. Then, I set up a flickr group for the swappers to show their work, and make up a few sample tags to show on my blog.

During sign up time, I search for my charms to add to the books, shop for ribbon and order padded envelopes.

Then, I start mass producing the covers. Don't take on more swappers than you can handle, over 100 really takes some time, and makes my 1000 sq ft studio seem full!

I have found that its better to wait for the majority of the tags to arrive before opening the packages. As I open them, I cross each name off of a list of swappers that I printed out.

Since I get so many packages, I don't check them off as they come in, only as I open them. With 75-100 packages, I try to streamline and not duplicate steps.

Each swapper was asked to include their name and address on a separate piece of paper. As I unpack the tags, I lay each stack on top of the address of the artist.

If the sender forgot to include this, I have a pair of scissors or an exacto blade handy to cut the return address out of the envelope.

It can take a LOT of space to set them all out at once, but it is the best way to work. I like to be able to see all the tags to chose the ones that go together nicely together for the books.

I have a big tub set to one side to hold the empty packages, envelopes, and tissue paper that I will recycle into wrapping packages that I mail from my shop. Another big tub is out for paper that goes to the regular recycle bin, and a trash can sits next to that.

An open box sits on the table to collect the fees.

After laying them all out, I start with one corner of the table and pull out a name and address from the first pile.

I mark that name off of the list of swappers, and pull together 6 tags that coordinate well.

There is always such a variety of tags, that it is usually pretty easy to pick out 6 that go well together.

Now, I don't go for "Matching", just for a pleasant mix. I might chose them for a similar feel, color, tone, or style- different reasons. Just a group that I like to see together.

I try to go for a balance in each book. The first tag I choose is a heavier or bigger one for the back, and I build from that. I try to save the larger tags for the back pages, and then have a mix of sizes throughout the rest of the book.

Of course, the easy way to do it would be to just open packages as they come in, and start making books up a few at a time, with the first 6 people just swapping with each other. But that doesn't work for me, I prefer making up books with variety.

If I did it the easy way, I might end up with something like this- multiples of the same image used by different artists, and one color that stands out too much. This photo is an example of the wrong way to put the artwork together.

Now, my plans don't always work out perfect, but I sure try to make sure all the books are attractive. And with so much great talent out there to work with, the swappers make it easy for me. I don't think I could put together a book that someone wouldn't be happy with, the tags are all such fun.

Towards the end, stragglers come in past the due date, but I fit them into the mix as they arrive. I've never hosted a swap where everyone is on time… or everyone sends their tags. Things come up, people drop out. That is one reason why it is so nice to do this type of swap, if someone drops out, it doesn't affect the other players at all. Anyone who sends in 6 gets 6 back, simple as that.

After stacking a group of six tags together for maybe 6 or 7 of the addresses, I'll take them over to my desk to finish.

Each gets a cover that I made, color copied onto cardstock, then hand embellished with inks.

They are tied up with a ribbon that suits the theme of the swap.

And each book is finished with a charm that I've prepared for it.

I've always been big on recycling, and usually reuse my padded envelopes, but for a swap, I always order a fresh case of bubble mailers.

I keep a punch on the table for the tags that didn't get holes from their creator, or whose holes are too small. Scissors to cut ribbon, and glue to repair things that might have come loose while in the mail to me.

Each book is wrapped in a page from the book that inspired the swap (if applicable, like the Alice and Dorothy swaps that I did). Then it is slid into the padded envelope and the address is lightly taped to the package.

After I get a full crate of books, I take the box to my computer table, get out the postal scale and weigh each one, and write the weight on the package. The weight can vary according to the tags inside.

After a big batch is weighed, I'll make Pay Pal labels for the US participants and fill out custom forms for the International artists.

Then, back to the big table of tags to make up more books! This is why not everyone gets their book at the same time, I send them out as I get them made. And it can take a week or so to get them all mailed.

When they are all sent off, my studio feels empty. Its been such fun to have the colorful display of art from all around the world spread out from one end of the room to the other. Like my own private gallery!

Thanks to all of you who have ever been in one of my swaps. Its a labor of love for me! I appreciate you joining in on the fun.

Ahhhh, October!

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), flowers, I've been tagged, swaps, vintage paper/collage art, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / October 3, 2010

How is my weekend going? Oz-ish. I'm up to my elbows in all things Dorothy.

Doesn't this shot make you wish you'd joined the swap??? Wow, such talent out there. I'm taking way too long to open the packages and sort all the tags, because I have to stop and admire each one.

And because there are about a million of them. These two photos are just a smidgen of the piles.

I waited for the deadline to start opening all the packages, but I'm afraid not all are here yet. I think that I wasn't all that clear, some people thought the 30th was the mail by date, not the date I needed them. I have to apologize for not being more clear.

But- it takes days to sort, and assemble the tags into books, so I'll be adding the stragglers to the last books as I make them, as long as they are here before I finish.

There have been some lovely hostess gifts included too, I'll have photos of those as soon as I am caught up on the books themselves. Sugarwings and I have plans for a Dorothy party together where we will get to open and play with the goodies.

Aggie Rose is already planning her wardrobe for the party. I think I'll be the Wicked Witch. I have a feeling that Sugarwings will be Dorothy, since she kind of thinks that is who she is anyway. That kid lives in an imaginary world where she has multliple personalities. Often she is a mermaid, sometimes Dorothy, and then there are the lesser personalites, of a Baby Monkey, Fairy, Bride, Princess, Frog, Monster, Puppy, Alice, or Goldilocks.

Of course, she includes me, and I usually get to be the evil protagnist of any story that is going on in her head. I spend a lot of time as a Big Bad Wolf, Wicked Witch, or Flying Monkey.

Just once, I'd like to get to be a princess too. If I'm lucky, I get to be a Fairy Grandmother. But I know to never, ever, ever try to be Dorothy. That is HER.

Its a beautiful day here at the Cottage. I woke up after about TWELVE hours of sleep, to a crisp, clear autumn day. I know I need to be making Dorothy books, but I just had to walk around outside and luxouriate in this weather. Soon, leaves will be dropping and my yard will be something I dread going into because I'll be trying to avoid the rake.

But for now, its that perfect time in between summer's heat and winter's cold. The weeds have slowed down, and the leaves haven't fallen yet. I can go outside and not be reminded of how much work the yard needs. I can just enjoy it as it is.

Of course, while I'm outside enjoying the day, I'm also avoiding those tag books….

But not for long, I'm already gearing up for the big tag book marathon. But I think I'll leave the studio door open so dogs can wander in and out, and I can breathe in the sweet October air while I work. And I think it will be a jammie day. That makes it even better.

Gifts for me and gifts for you

antiques/junking, celebrations, Food and Drink, parties, Travel, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / October 1, 2010

As wonderful as the shopping was in Roundtop, the best part was the people. Of course. I just love meeting up with blog buddies, and finding out that they are even more fun in person than I expected.

Lisa and Jodie came with gifts too, that's always a big plus when your buddies are artists!!

And I got to meet the beautiful Elizabeth, who'd I'd heard so much about on her Mom's blog.

Sandy also brought her cute daughter, Jen, who I had wanted to meet. Sandy and I have shared stories and worries about our kids and hate it that we live so far apart. If we didn't, I'd be playing matchmaker for Ryan and Jen!

Lisa and I got into the theme of the night for Sweet T's party. We were supposed to come up with unique serving ideas made from junk.

I brought my crown "cloche" for a plate of crackers to go along with her doll head dip holder. The winner was a pair of mellons in a bra, but there were some great ideas. The lamp shade behind our dishes has a plate of treats on top of it, and there was also a chandelier with the votives filled full of strawberries.

And Yay! I got to meet Cindy. Who is not only talented, she has the prettiest complexion you'll ever see. If I ever get down to her Paper Cowgirls event some day, I'll have to drag her skin care secrets from her.

Sandy made these cheerful booties for my new grandbaby. Tonight we are going to the baby shower, so I'll be bringing them to the expectant mom, she will just love them!

And there were gift bags filled with treats from the French Cupboard. From all the gifties and treats, that everyone was giving out, I could have gotten by without doing any shopping at all. But….

Of course I shopped! At Cole's, Lisa found these French net curtain panels, but didn't get them. I scooped them right up as soon as she turned them down.

Heck 2 years ago, I didn't know what French net was, but now I can't get enough of it. I guess I'd always seen it and loved the look, just didn't know the name. Its a very delicate lace, with flowers over a fine netting.

That kind of lace can run really high, but I've been lucky. These were slightly damaged, but I didn't care. The four panels were $125, which is cheaper than buying lace panels at Target. And these are Victorian. Since they were made for some old, elegant, turn of the century mansion (well, at least that is where I've pictured them) they are LONG. Like 9 feet or so. I've just draped them over a tension rod and clipped them in place with a curtain hook.

There was a tent in the "fields" that had vintage linens in mounds on table tops, for great prices. They also had them for sale by the pound too.

I bought decorated scarves, some as gifts and a chiffony one in gray with rosebuds to use as a runner on my dining table. It was 5 bucks!

I found a few more odds and ends, as I unpack I'll take some photos. But the biggest bargain of them all was this basket of flowers.

I'm choosing two winners from the guesses, no one got it exactly right. There were 89 bundles of flowers, and Sue guessed 88.

But if I count the individual blooms, there were over 250!! Cheryl guessed 135, that is the highest guess I got, so she'll get a corsage too.

Thanks for taking the time to guess. Its surprising to see just how many there were. I was shocked when I actually counted them out.

Wow, is it really October? I have to announce the winner of my September giveaway, one of the projects from Romantic Gothic Ghosts. The tutorial is still up and running, you have time to make some Orange-free, romantically inspired Halloween decor for your own home.

Or if you just want to win something to decorate with, leave a comment any time this month. I'll be giving away another one of my creations for October!

September's winner is: Elaine (Etta Rose)