December 2010 – Karla's Cottage

A year in pictures part one

Books, family, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 31, 2010

A couple of days before Christmas, I decided to make up photo albums as gifts. My husband came down with a horrid bug and I didn't feel like leaving the house to go over to the studio, so I worked with what I had with me in the dining room from my trip out shopping that day.

I had a stack of pictures, and a bit of sparkly glitter paper, along with a few colored pens, some Stickels glitter, and a fresh bottle of glue. So, I went through the recycling and found boxes to tear up to use as pages, and put together the base of the book from those.

I had to make a quick run to the studio to grab a stack of ephemera from my desk, but didn't take the time to go through any piles or make any plans. I gave myself a "Make it Work" challenge and went with what I had handy.

Since the albums were for my kids, I knew they'd love the idea that the books were made from trash and old things. All are big on recycling and appreciate a green project.

The main part of the books was made with what I grabbed, but the next day when my husband started to feel better, I went out to the studio to embellish some of the pages and make the cover for the book.

The dyed velvet for the cover was an old skirt that got torn up to make a purse. I saved all the scraps and used them for many different projects this season.

Like this little stuffed bird.

The bird was glued to a page with the new baby on it, since the fabric was from one of her mom's favorite skirts.

The butterfly is hand drawn in metallic inks on the white envelope the photos came in from Walgreens. I made it into a pocket to hold extra pictures.

I've added blue trim from my Great Aunt Caroline's estate to that page too. I like to mix sentimental things in with the trash as much as I can.

Not all of the pages are the same size, I think that adds a bit of interest to the book.

I like to use trim or ruffles or lace that hang down from the edge of the page, and got lucky on this one when I realized how pretty it looked on this side as well as on the other. After that, I paid more attention and did this with the ruffles on other pages on purpose. I'm glad I didn't have the boys' photos on the back of the ruffley page, it wouldn't have worked out so well when it peeked out and showed on this side!

The pictures I used were some of my favorite family photos from 2010.

While I adore digital photos to pieces, I don't like only having them stored on the computer. Its nice to have a pretty book to flip through, so that everyone can enjoy the pictures, not just me.

This album was a gift to my son, Mr. Zen and his Beloved. Its filled with all 7 kids, and photos of the two of them together too.

Plus myself, my husband and RyGuy.

I made this album and one for our little Hippy Chick as gifts this year, and I think they all liked the presents. But in a way, it was a gift to myself too. I loved taking time from all the hustle and bustle of the holidays and just look at pictures of the people I loved.

PS- to shop at 40% off in my Boutique, you need to use this link:

http://www.karlascottage.com?code=happynewyear

New Year’s Eve Tiara Tutorial

Tutorials

By Karla Nathan / December 30, 2010

Are you ready for New Year's Eve? Here is a quickie tutorial for a simple crown if you need party favors for guests and don't want to spend much time or money on the project.

But, I have to warn you, they fit people better than dogs….

The ones I made are for kiddos, so I've used a little, vintage tea party plate as the centerpiece of each, but you could embellish your own in what ever you have handy.

To start, I folded a piece of pink card stock in half and laid a "French curve" over it to trace a pattern.

I cut it out, opened it up, and covered it in gold and silver wrapping paper. Then topped it in festive fringe.

It got flipped over, and a couple of ribbons were glued across the back. Make sure you cut them to a length that is good for tying around the head of the person to wear the crown. I left plenty to dangle down too.

To the front of mine, I added a glittery star from the Christmas tree. Since there was a hole meant to hang it from, I slipped a ribbon through that hole, and tied a cake topper ballerina to the star, securing it with glue.

(I use Ultimate)

Of course, you can decorate yours any way you want. Feathers, foof, spangles, sparkles, anything goes for New Year's Eve! I edged mine in silver Stickles glitter to top it off.

While I am away with Sugarwings on our grand adventure, I won't be able to keep up with emails and comments. But I will enjoy reading them…. thanks for visiting!

PS- to shop at 40% off in my Boutique, you need to use this link:

http://www.karlascottage.com?code=happynewyear

We believe!

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, holiday decor, Sugarwings, Travel

By Karla Nathan / December 29, 2010

Was Santa good to you too?

We had the best Christmas morning ever, even though it was a couple of days after Christmas….

Sugarwings and her mommy stayed all night after the big family dinner on Sunday, and Santa came to see us that night. Apparently, he came by my house on Christmas Eve, but Sugarwings was not here, so he came back another day.

Kids are happy with any story that you tell them, as long as it ends in them getting presents.

He brought her a new art table, and lots of supplies. Plus, the little girl who sang "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" a few hundred times a day, got the game, Hungry Hungry Hippos.

I had it when I was a kid, and it is every bit as much fun now as it was then. We sat on the floor and played it for quite a while before even opening the other gifts. She was so sweet and cute with her presents. Just one would have been plenty for her. She was happy to sit and play with the first thing she opened and seemed surprised that there was more.

I think she was more fascinated by Santa's empty cookie plate than by the gifts themselves.

She also got a fairydoll that lights up with a pretty rainbow glow. It will be just perfect to play with on the airplane when we go to DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, that gift is for me. I get to take my Sugarwings to Disney. She is the perfect age to go, she is in her princess prime. She believes.

Her parents are very anti-commercialism, but love me and indulged my whim to take her there. They know that I love princesses and fairies as much as their little girl does.

We are staying at the park itself for two nights, and I can hardly wait. I've told Sugarwings that we are going, but she doesn't really get it. She does like the idea of taking an airplane trip with us. When I went to DC, she was heartbroken to be left behind. And being 4 years old, plus very dramatic, when she says her heart is broken, she MEANS it.

So, this time, we are cashing in the Southwest airline points and taking her along. One of the great things about SW Airlines is that you can fly into one city, rent a car, travel around and fly home from another city for no extra cost. So, we are hop scotching our way across the South.

We're going to Atlanta first to meet up with friends, then driving to Savanah for cupcakes on our way to stay at Hilton Head for a night. Then on to my baby brother and his husband's house in Jacksonville before our couple of nights in Orlando. Lots of driving time for a 4 year old, but she travels well with us.

Sugarwings is not a low key type kid, but when she gets one on one time, she is a joy to be around. Now, if I try to do something that doesn't involve her, things can get complicated.

We are meeting up with Jenn and her fairy Vivie. I'm hoping that our little Tasmanian Devil won't scare that sweet little Southern Belle away…. We are having lunch with them and with my pal Suzanne who lives in Atlanta too. And my husband has given up a round of golf to come along and help with Sugarwings so I can chat with my friends who I rarely see.

She is a wonderful, sweet, loving, caring child, but she can be a handful. There is just way too much personality to fit in that tiny little body of hers, so sometimes we have to do tag team child care with her. One person can't always manage alone in public. She has a way of going off into a land that only she can see and doesn't hear anything that is said to her.

Sugarwings and I are so close because I understand her and can find her when she goes off into her make believe world. But if I am distracted, she has trouble dealing with it. So, bringing my husband along will help.

A week is a long time to be away from my other babies, all the grand kids and the dorkies. I have a feeling I'll be homesick about half way through the trip. But then, we'll hit Disney World and that will get me over it!

Not only did I get a trip to Disney for Christmas, I also got this pretty pillow/wall hanging.

Beth made it for me. Look at the detail in the embroidery!

My oldest son gave me some candles, which is his standard gift. He keeps me supplied for every holiday and has it timed just right, so that I run out just as the next occasion arrives.

Mr. Zen, Sugarwing's Daddy, found me an old fashioned pop corn popper along with some organic coconut oil and local popcorn for it. I tried some of the corn he makes with his and have not had microwave popcorn once since then. YUM I was thrilled with his gift!

Yep, my family and friends know me well and spoiled me rotten. I know I say it a lot, but its true, I am very lucky!

My talented son, made wire wrapped charms for all the kids in the family, this one went to his brother RyGuy. There was a lot of hand made and heart felt gifting going on around here, the best kind of presents! I hope your Christmas was a jolly one too, with gifts from the heart and lots of family time.

Family time

celebrations, family, holiday decor, how to's

By Karla Nathan / December 28, 2010

Cute, huh? She is a serious one so far. She just watches and listens and takes all the commotion around her in with no fussing. On Christmas Day, she went with us to a movie (True Grit- REAL good!!) and dinner (sushi- really, really good!) and I don't think we heard a peep from her all day.

After so many parties this season, it was so pleasant to spend Christmas Day itself at the theater and out to eat while Sugarwings went with her Hippy Chick mommy to their family.Having a 'day off' to rest up got me ready to host the big dinner party on Sunday night. Both girls stayed all night with us after the party and had Santa visit lMonday morning, so we got to extend our celebrating even more.

Mayara's favorite Christmas present was a blanket that my grandma made for my son 31 years ago. It was a night of handmade goodness and thrift store finds. An excellent way to do gifts!

Christmas Eve was a quiet one around here. Just Sugarwings and her sister, Daddy, and his Beloved plus my husband and I. We had rainbow trout, fresh brussel sprouts, and garlic fingerling potatoes, and waited to open gifts when my oldest son, Ryan got off of work.

(by the way, the nickname for our littlest fairy didn't stick. No Star Brite for her. I found out that is Rainbow Brite's horse's name. Not that I am anti-pony, I love horses, but I'd rather not name my grand daughter after one)

Poor Ry Guy had to work till 9 or so on Christmas Eve, but we were happy to wait up for him for presents.

A couple of us had some last minute work to do to finish up gifts. I worked on things right up till dinner time, myself. I made so many last minute creations, that I didn't even have a chance to photograph any of them. I was whipping stuff up so fast, I was like all of Santa's elves bundled into one crazy, gluey, woman.

But I did manage to snap a picture of these headbands for the little girls. They are so easy to make! I simply took a plain, plastic headband, ran a bead of glue along each side, and wrapped cloth or ribbon around and around from one end to the other, pressing it into place.

Then, glued on a pretty. Each took a matter of moments. I'd say it took longer to pick out the pretty and ribbon than it did to actually finish the headbands.

I've got more Christmas photos to share in the next post. I hope Santa brought you all the joy and goodies you asked for from him!

Frazzled, but happy

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 26, 2010

Agnes Rosebud and I are almost worn to a frazzle by Christmas. But not quite yet, two parties left to go! We'll have to muster some cheer and hang on to that last frazzle of strength to get us through.

Looking at Sugarwings' happy little face is usually all it takes for me. Although a nap doesn't sound bad… I wouldn't mind curling up on the pillow with the pup.

Ever notice, that no matter how soft the surface is, whether it is a couch or a bed, or a chair- that a little dog will always climb up on a pillow or blanket that is lying there? Like the sofa itself isn't quite soft enough, they need a pillow too.

Tonight is our dinner for 21, which is a pitch in meal, so should be easy to make. I'm keeping it simple so I can relax and enjoy the company. I'm still making a few gifts in the studio, then need to re-fluff the space into a dining room. But I'll leave an area set aside for artwork, while dinner is cooking, we'll be making projects out there.

So far, its been the loveliest weekend, ever. Even if I am worn out by all of Sugarwing's excitment and energy. She has stayed all night with us a few nights this week, but tonight is the one when Santa is coming to our house. Her mommy is having a sleepover here too. We are making pancakes again in the morning, along with a salmon quiche after we see what Santa has brought.

Friday morning, we took our fairy grand baby to the restaurant that her Daddy cooks at part time while he is trying to build up his massage/energy work business. Since he had to work on Christmas Eve, we thought we'd come to see him and eat our breakfast there.

Sugarwings ordered a strawberry pancake and her father surprised her with a Santa face on it.

Its the happy little fun details that have made this Christmas so wonderful. Cuddling up to watch Rudolf, painting each other's noses red just like our favorite deer's nose, having a hot cocoa party every night before bed, drawing pictures with a pen shaped like Frosty. Nothing that costs much, but lots of happy Holiday things to do together.

The last few days, an elf has come in to our home and hidden her candy cane that she needs for stirring her hot chocolate. So, she has had to follow clues around the house to lead her to the treasure. After jumping up and down with glee a bit when finding the jackpot candy cane, we pull her table over in front of her pink lit Christmas tree, and have our party.

I hope your Christmas has been one to cherish too. Ours is full of good memories, and more to come. I'd better go color on my Rudolf nose and get busy before the guests arrive.

I've been reading my comments and emails on my magic phone, but haven't had a chance to answer any. Thanks for the Christmas wishes! And that I am wishing the Merriest of Christmas seasons right back at you!

Merry Christmas!

celebrations

By Karla Nathan / December 25, 2010

Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases, from all of the Nathan Family!

Baby pictures!

family, holiday decor, parties

By Karla Nathan / December 22, 2010

Sunday was Girl's Night Out with the moms of my two grand fairies. We brought along this little sugarplum since she never leaves her momma's side.

There is something really nice about having daughters. Now, my sons are the best, and I love them to pieces. And Sugarwing's daddy is the most sensitive, caring man you'll ever meet. He is a good listener and a wonderful person to talk to. I'm always surprised at the wisdom that comes out of his mouth, but crazy boy grew up to be a thoughful man, with an amazing outlook on life.

We'll always have a special relationship and he and I best friends as well as mom and son.

But, I was raised with two sisters and we were always close with our mom. So, I'm used to girl time and missed it, raising two boys.

I am now doubly blessed that I have my boys as well as these girls! Also that my sassy Hippy Chick and my sweet Gypsy Beloved are friends and we can have a laughter filled evening out on the town as a group. We enjoyed it so much, we will make it a tradition and hit the town together again for Mother's Day.

We are all going to be together for Christmas Dinner along with Beth and her family, and my brother-in-law's family (with little Pixie Pie) here in the studio the day after Christmas.

We'll have 21 here for the day, so my table scape will get another workout! I'll be adjusting and squeezing in some tables to make us all fit, but basically, the center pieces will stay the same. They have sure gotten plenty of use this year!

I'm also hoping we can do a craft project while waiting for the meal to begin. Everyone is bringing a side dish, and a friend just sent us a Honey Baked Ham (we call those Pork Candy) so we'll be having an easy meal. And we will pretend that there is no such thing as cholesterol.

There should be time to play too! I bought paper clay and hope to make up some snow balls ahead of time, so we can transform them into snowmen ornaments.

Some of our guests for last Saturday's dinner party brought their pup, from Twinkle's previous litter. Funny to see her next to Agnes Rosebud, who is about a 1/3 her size! They hit it off, though and had a great time together.

(my husband said they look like Danny Devito and Arnold from the movie Twins)

They would have had even more fun, if BUTTON had come…. Beth seemed to think that I don't want dogs at my dinner parties. Like she has never been here before??? We teased her about it all night. I guess she thought it was going to be fancy and dogs weren't allowed. She knows better now and is bringing him for our Christmas dinner this weekend.

Aggie Rose can stop looking so sad when her best friend gets here to play.

Beth brought me this embellished burlap bag filled with Shiny Brite ornament box tags. She has a pdf on her blog for you to print some for yourself too. I've already tied a couple to gifts, they really add a nice touch!

Of course, I still dont' have all my shopping done, so there has not been much to wrap yet… hope you are all done and enjoying this last week festivities before the big day comes!

Fall into winter decor

celebrations, Food and Drink, hand painted signs, holiday decor, parties

By Karla Nathan / December 21, 2010

The dinner party on Saturday night was such fun. The trick was making all the food the day before, so I could just pop the pans in the oven and let them cook till it was time for the party. No fuss at all, I could relax and enjoy my friends.

In the afternoon before they arrived, I had time to make up some little trees to set out on the table, then give away at the end of the night.

This one has a B for Beth.

If all of this set up looks familiar, its because I've been using the same tablescape all season.

These are the same glittered pumpkins that I used for Halloween. I just removed the most overtly Halloween themed stuff, then added some Fall/Thanksgiving things and then when that holiday was over, I added some Christmas flair to the setting.

Like this green glitter fairy from Walmart for $1. They had them in all colors, but had sold out of everyone but green at my local store. But I think it kind of fits the look of my table and adds a punch of color.

Plus, I'll be able to use them again for spring time decor.

Since the basis for the table scape was all neutral, and lots of nature inspired pieces, it seemed to flow from season to season with just a few changes here and there.

Like tucking in some glittered stars-

A few of my bottle brush trees-

Some art work from Romantic White Christmas-

3 French hens (there is another one somewhere)-

Holiday messages of joy-

And more stars, this one is backed with fringed sheet music.

Way back before everything got cold and wintery, I picked these branches of lavender and hydrangea and put them in water. The water evaporated and the plants dried. I have a feeling that this will be on my table till Spring comes around and I can pick some replacements from the garden.

The treat cabinet got a mini makeover for the party, a few vintage ornaments tucked and hung here and there-

And some hand painted signs that I made a while back.

The two signs don't really fit the style of the rest of the room, but they are so colorful, fun, and holiday-ish that I had to add them. With grandbabies around, Santas and Frosties are a must whether they match or not!

This season, I've gotten a lot of use from my treat cart too.

The glittered letters spelling JOY are still on the bottom shelf, but now I've added a strand of lights to them.

The coffee service has been popular through all my parties this month too. For this one, I set out hot chocolate with candy canes, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, shaved chocolate, whipped cream, and the bottle of 150 year old Grand Marnier as well as decaf coffee.

Its such a simple thing to do. No cooking, no work beyond shaving the chocolate. (I used a vegetable peeler and a big bar of chocolate) but it packs a lot of style and gets a lot of attention from guests. With a store bought cheesecake and a some cookies that the kids decorated that night, it was a tasty dessert for very little effort on my part.

I like to do things the easy way, but make them look special.

I'm VERY lucky, of course, to have the studio dining tables that I can set up and leave as is for a whole season of entertaining and not have them be in the way. If I'd had to take all this down and set it up each time I had guests, I doubt if I'd have had so much company!

Two more parties to go…. Can't wait! One is the day after Christmas so I get to extend my holiday cheer past the 25th, lucky, lucky me!!

I'm linking with Faded Charm and White Wednesdays for this post.

A Christmas Elf

Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 20, 2010

This is what happens when I ask Sugarwings to pose. Which explains why most of my photos of her are candid shots!

(you can click on the mosaic to see details in a larger picture)

I'm off to send packages, finish my shopping and wrap presents. I kind of feel like Sugarwings looks in the photo collage. Zip-zip-zipping around. Busy as a bee right now.

Holly Jolly

celebrations, fairies, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 18, 2010

Sugarwing's school play was cute as can be.

The whole family came out to watch her and Mr. Fin, who sang his little heart out. He was enjoying his moment in the lime light and really got into performing.

Sugarwings, on the other hand, was just having a good time, and sometimes plain old forgot to sing.

This afternoon, I'm getting ready for another holiday party. Can you believe Christmas is almost here??? I don't like to think about it being so soon, because that means it will soon be past too. I want to waller in every moment of the season and soak up all the joy I can. The holidays make me happy as a pig in mud.

If possible, I want to squeeze in another craft day with my local art friends. Last week, some Kansas City buddies came by for a holiday art day and we created these dress forms. Normallly, craft day is individual projects, but this time, we did a group effort and I taught a class on how to build these maniquins based on a Barbie doll model.

Its interesting to see how different everything comes out, when we were all doing the exact same thing. Except for this dress form, she was made with a vintage doll as the model and kind of came out potato shaped. But we added a couple of ruffles and gave her some curves and I think that she turned out lovely. (I've picked up a few tips from years of watching What Not To Wear!)

Since tis the season, some of us decided to transform them into angels. Mine is going to be part of the table decor for my dinner party tonight.

I'd better get busy… We have 15 for dinner and I'm arranging chairs at the studio tables. I've had the Christmas music blaring all afternoon while I finish up a few little things I've been making. But now its time to get the party details in line. Lettuce to wash, appetisers to make, wine to chill.

I made up the food yesterday, veggie lasagna, stuffed mannicotti, and meatballs. Ready to pop in the oven. I also made 4 batches of Christmas cookies and have goodies out for kids to decorate them tonight. Don't you think a freshly decorated cookie tastes better than just about anything else? And kids love to do their own.

I'm off to work! Hope your weekend is a jolly one too.