September 2012 – Page 2 – Karla's Cottage

Big Cedar and a BIG error in Swap Ettiquette

swaps, Travel, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / September 13, 2012

Last week, we were invited to share the Governor's Suite at Big Cedar Lodge.

That resort is beyond wonderful anyway, but man- that suite is really something! This is the master bath, look at the mosaic surrounding the tub area.

The room has a TV behind the mirror in the bathroom too.

And the resort is located near Branson, smack dab in the center of some beautiful scenery. Its very relaxing and was a much needed getaway. Although, I'm even more behind after being gone for a couple of days.

It was certainly worth being behind, though. Our friends have a time share there and we have joined them in the past when they've rented cabins, but wowzers, this suite was something! I'm glad I didn't turn down the invitation because I was swamped in the studio.

Plus, it was such a fun group! When I wasn't napping by the pool, we were laughing nonstop. All of us had aching jaws from too much smiling.

Since I've been back, I'm still working on the Faery Book Swap. Its a big job, but a fun one. I love assembling the books.

Here are some of the pages I put together for the books on Craft Day last Tuesday.

I am SO PROUD of the swappers. What a great swap! There has been one issue, that really upset me, though.

One lady contacted me to say that there was a page in her book that she threw away at the curb. I was shocked.

Honestly, there is not a page sent in that I wouldn't be proud to have in my own book, this swap was amazing. But everyone does have their own ideas about what art is.

My swaps are not juried, they are open to everyone. And there is a wide range of styles and skills, but you can tell that lots of love and time went into each page. I love the effort and the care that everyone puts forth.

And no, I can't guarantee that each recipient will adore each page in her book, but I do think that politeness would ensure not being mean spirited about it and saying the pages should have been sent back to the artist, not to other swappers!

Simply set that one aside if you really are not happy with it. Don't be hurtful.

Doing a collaborative swap means that you get a variety of pages back. Its much better than a one on one swap, where you could get totally burned if your partner sends something completely not your style. That has happened to me, so I never do one on ones, unless I know the person.

I like to do these big swaps, knowing that no one gets burned. Lots of people drop out at the last minute, some with no notice, others with heartfelt apologies. But in a big swap, that doesn't hurt any of the participants, you send in your amount, get the same amount back, no matter if there are 10 or 100 other swappers.

Hopefully, you will like most of your book. I made an effort to match up the pages so that they flow nicely together.

But if you don't like one of your pages, please be a lady about it. So what if one person's work isn't up to your high standards? Who are you to judge? Lots of time went into these and it hurts me to think that someone could be that angry about a page that they received that they would send me a rant about it.

I begged the irate swapper to not go public and mention this on her blog or facebook. No one needs to know the details. No one deserves to be singled out by someone who doesn't like their work. It would break my heart if one of our swappers was hurtful to another one of the ladies about her pages.

Especially since, it was a nicely done work with quality materials. Done by a person who knows what she is doing, not a newbie, and it was done well. I of course, will not point it out. But I have posted photos of it (not saying which one) in one of my posts about book assembling. And no, I would never embarrass the person who complained by naming her either.

My point, I guess is this. Please be nice. Just because something is not to your taste, doesn't mean others don't like it, or that it is bad art. Quietly remove a page from your book if you really don't care for it, but please be considerate of the work and care that someone else put into it. You would appreciate that consideration from others about your own work, wouldn't you? If you are that easily angered by the standard of work in a swap, maybe you should rethink swapping.

And thank you SO MUCH to the 99% of the swappers in this group, it was a fabulous feast of fairies and I'll miss them all in my studio. And thanks for your patience in me getting them mailed to you, its not a quick process. There are quicker ways I could do it, but I really do my best to make sure that each book is well coordinated.

Feeding time

dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), puppies!, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / September 12, 2012

Gracious, it has been hectic around here. Fairy pages and books, grand fairies, puppies, and a major deadline that I need to hit for another project, have all whipped my butt.

We did scoot away to Big Cedar Lodge for a couple of days, and I think I spent the entire time sleeping by the pool! Aunt Sandy took care of the babies while I was gone, and I needed that time away to get a bit caught up on my zzzs. These guys and the other forty million things I'm in the middle of are keeping me hopping!

This is the biggest and the littlest. I've been calling the big boy "Corkie" because he is the one that caused Twinkle all the problems and was almost too big for her to deliver. Aunt Sandy calls him Big Head.

Sugarwings calls the littlest one her new Agnes Rosebud. But there could never be another Aggie Rose, this dog deserves her own special name.

The Vet said to start them on cereal when they were 3 weeks old. I jumped the gun by one day, but I think that is ok.

They had more on their tummies than in. They prefer licking it off of fingers to slurping it from a bowl.

I'll have more fairy pages to show you next time. Right now, I need to go and feed those nine hungry babies again!

Little Ghosts, a little puppy, and a little fairy princess

antiques/junking, dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), fairies, family, puppies!, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / September 10, 2012

There was a fairy surprise inside the box of swap pages coming from Deb Ganas, a whole pile of fairy garments, wings and slippers.

Dewdrop has a bit of a shoe obsession, so she will glom onto the slippers right away. Look at how funny the barefoot fairy feet shoes are! My husband has recently started wearing barefoot shoes for running, he thinks they are amazing. (his are not this cute) I'll have to clock the girls and see if these make them run even faster. I already can't keep up with Sugarwings, but I doubt if anyone could!

And isn't the package with the pages wrapped so sweetly? I should make sure and get a photo of her artwork too, it's really nice.

So far, a couple of tubs of packages have been mailed out. It will take a while to get through the whole set of swappers, but I've got a great start on it.

And the dilemma of how to wrap them is solved. Each book is swathed in fabric or tulle. Some of them are getting these elfish playing card tags. I only have 52 of those, so its a random selection for the tags.

I've got a few different airy fairy fabrics and tulles to use too, that really makes packing them up more fun. It gets monotonous if every single one is the same.

Of course, no two books are the same either. I'll be sad when I am done assembling them, I love sorting and sifting through to find pages that coordinate well together.

Last week was a short one for the kids. Not only were they out of school for Labor Day, Tuesday was some sort of day off too. So, I was able to spend some time with the big group of grands, and went to a garden center close out, lunch and a movie.

Mexican food, and Para Norman- which was a bit scary but had a wonderful message about accepting the differences in others and not being judgemental. Too bad it had to be taught by a scary, 300 year old Pilgrim Zombie Judge. But I love zombies, so really enjoyed the movie.

Poor Fin, looked at me about halfway through the movie and said, "why did you have to bring us to a scary movie?" And Sugarwings crawled up on my lap to clench me. I hugged Fin, held Sugarwings, asked if they wanted to leave, but both wanted to stay. I'm glad they did, it had an uplifting ending and Norman was a town hero.

We have a family tradition at movies. As the show ends, we go down to the front of the theater and dance to the songs that play during the credits. This time, I was too exhausted from lack of sleep due to puppies, but it was a really good song that I was sorry to miss out on dancing to. Little Ghost from the White Stripes, was so fun that we sat in the parking lot and played it over and over on my Iphone, then sang it all night.

The best part of being a grandmother are those kind of moments. At this stage of life, I know how fast it all zooms by and I like to stop and let the little ones take the time to explore and listen, and absorb the world. If we want to sit on a sidewalk and listen to a song a few times, why not? What is the big hurry to get in the car? Home will be waiting when we get there, we might as well grab onto something fun when we see it.

The garden center sale was a doozy. These weren't half dead, end of season clearance items, these were lush, thriving, pretty plants. I was thrilled to load up a cart at a dollar a pot, my yard had taken a beating from the heat and the chickens. I discovered that hens have a sweet tooth for begonias and petunias, and all the planters filled with those flowers have been pecked naked.

So, I have some pots to replant for fall and this sale was just what I needed. I want things to look pretty for Romantic Gothic Ghosts in October! If I get this new batch of plants settled in the dirt now, they should be ideal for company that week.

This photo was taken on 9/5, the little ones are opening their eyes and are getting strong enough to try to walk instead of scooch on their tummies.

Faery Book Swap page sets

Books, fairies, swaps, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / September 8, 2012

I'm so impressed with the art that has been winging its way to my door! Wow, what beautiful pages!

My job is to select pages that flow together in some way, whether color theme, or style.

Of course, I can't match them up perfectly, but I make sure that the pages look pretty together.

Its a joy to make the books up!

Its not a joy to make the labels for the packages though. Ugh. Oh well, its going ok. This will take a while, but I sure got a good start Labor Day weekend.

Not all the packages had arrived yet, but I had 50 some sets of pages, that was plenty to mix and match.

Sorry that I have not given you the names of all of the artists. If your art is here, please do leave a comment and let us know. These books are all done and packed up, so I can't flip them over to read the names at this point.

Gorgeous, huh???

Knee deep in Fairies

Books, fairies, swaps, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / September 6, 2012

Earlier this week, I began to tackle the boxes and packages of Faery Book Swap pages that have been arriving. Here are my steps:

Each box needs to be opened, and usually the pages are individually wrapped.
There is a master list with all the names, and I check off that the package arrived.
I salvage all bubble wraps and tissue paper.
I make sure there is a return address, if not I have to cut it off of the box they arrived in, then check off the address on my master list.
I check for payment, set that aside and mark the person paid.
The pages get stacked with the return address at the bottom of the pile. When I make the books, that helps me keep track of who created those pages. Then I slide the completed books into the padded envelopes and tape the address to the front. I don't use this as a label, I make the labels online and look at the taped on address as I type in the info.
All empty boxes get stored away for future use, I try to recycle as much as I can.

So far, I've made 52 stacks of 8 pages. This table top has been cleared and all the packages are tended to. What a good feeling!

I'll wait till the rest arrive to finish the stacks, and start making the books. Since I extended the deadline due to Labor Day, they will be trickling in all week.

Want a peek of some of the gorgeousness that has been coming my way?

Its going to be sad when the avalanche of packages stops coming to the door every day. Its like little bits of blog friends coming to visit my studio. Well, that sounds weird. But I hope you know what I mean.

I'm glad to know that I have Romantic Gothic Ghosts planned, and that I can start gearing up for that. Then, I'll have real live friends coming to see me here. (there are a couple spaces left if you'd like to come to play with us)

Freda sent Sugarwings this sweet music box, I can't wait to see her face when she opens it. We like to wind up a music box after I tuck her in sometimes, and she can listen to the music till it runs down.

I've always admired Robin Sanchez's work, and was thrilled that she sent me one of her pieces!! Look at that Charlotte necklace!!!

Charlottes are such a special little doll, aren't they? And so wonderful to use in projects. I adore what Terri Gordon did with this one. When its folded up, its a heart. When its open, the sides are fairy wings!!

This was on someones box, sorry I can't remember who. Cute,huh? I'm often blown away by some of the packaging that comes in. Wow, there is a lot of love and care that goes into a swap. Which is just one of the many reasons why I love them!

I'll try to snag a few more pics as I make the books. And I'll pin these from my blog to the Pinterest Board that I made.

PS- a couple years ago, Beth and I did this online class, complete with every paper and image you need ready to download and print for the detailed projects. There are also lots of decor tips and pretty ideas.

It wsa the inspiration for our Romantic Gothic Ghost class at my studio, Oct. 6th.

There are a couple spots left in the workshop at my house, and if you sign up to come, the online class comes as a bonus! If you can't make it to Kansas for the arty party, the online classes are full of fun and only $25.

Week old puppies

dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), puppies!, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / September 4, 2012

So far, Twinkle has been too good of a mama. She keeps those babies stuffed to the brim! We are supposed to be supplementing her feedings so she doesn't deplete her calcium and get sick, but its hard to compete with her at feeding time. Those little guys would much rather have a mommy than a bottle. Or as Dewdrop always called nursing, "Moops". (a combination of mommy and boobs)

These photos are from Sept. 1st. But the babies seem to get bigger by the hour!

I discovered that they like the bottle hotter than I think it should be. The wrist test that you'd do for a human baby isn't accurate for the pups. A dog's temp runs over 100 degrees, so a comfortable drop on the wrist for us is cool for them.

Since I realized that I've been serving the milk too cool, and started to warm it up, I've been able to compete with the moops a little better. Now, when I poke a hot bottle of formula at a puppy, they clamp on and can even sometimes drink half a bottle.

I'm glad, it was getting frustrating and I was worried about poor Twinks. I've also discovered that I need to take her over to the studio with me for about 45 minutes before feeding so that she doesn't beat me to it and they all have full tummies before I can even attempt to feed them.

My house is smelling like a dog. Twinkle keeps them clean, but they are smelly pups. I think they are about big enough for a bath. We change the bedding a few times a day, but they still smell up the place. I think that Twinkle and I are both still shocked that there are so many babies, 9 can be pretty overwhelming.

I'm so glad we had a break in the weather and could open all the windows and air the place out. That was a relief. We really needed rain around here, but I think I needed some fresh, cool air even more!

**********************************************************************************************

I've had a comment, from someone unhappy that we had pups. Here is my response:

I have to agree with you when it comes to pure bred dogs in puppy
mills. Those poor things are treated like a cash crop, not beloved pets
and have many issues with health and social behavior.

My dogs are lovingly raised to make sweet pets, and are coddled and
cuddled from the minute they are born. There will always be pet owners
who want a preferred breed of dog, and they deserve a chance to get one
with a good start in life with a background that they can trust.

I do not have pups to make money. There is not much profit after
expenses. The little money I do get goes to Sugarwings' college fund
since Twinkle is her dog.

Twinkle is bred with our friend's Yorkie, who she adores. And she is a
devoted mama who also adores her pups. Teddy's family treats her well
while she is visiting there, it's a happy time, not stressful for her.

I breed her with Teddy because she is such a loyal, love filled, ball of
joy, that I want another dog just like her. She is not show quality but
she is an ideal little pet and so are her babies.

People know how well my babies are treated and if they get one, know
they will be getting a socialized and well adjusted addition to their
family whose mom was part of our family, not a bitch in a cage who never
was let outside or played with.

My grand dogs go to good homes, we actually give away quite a few
pups to family and friends so that I get to stay in contact with them
and watch them grow up. I don't charge outrageous amounts for my dogs.
And I don't provide papers, they are AKC but I don't think that is
important. What matters is that they are full blooded terriers with that
spunky, loyal attitude and raised in a happy, safe environment People
don't buy my dogs to breed, only to love.

Sparks and White Cloud

antiques/junking, flowers

By Karla Nathan / September 2, 2012

For the Faery Book Swappers-

Since
the 1st is a holiday weekend, its ok to wait till Tuesday to mail your
packages. And please note that it will take me a couple of weeks to make
that many books and get them mailed back to you!

During all the puppy and other chaoses around here, I've managed to still squeeze in some junkin time. Beth, the other Karla and I set out for Sparks and White Cloud on Thursday. Its my favorite place to shop!

It was blasted hot, like its been most of this season, but that didn't stop us. Well, kinda, just not all the way. It did cut our day short. There was a period when we were all feeling a bit woozy and sick from the heat and decided we needed to sit in the air conditioned car with a cold drink and think about whether we'd lost the will to go on or not.

We'd spent maybe 3 hours in Sparks, and figured we could handle a quick trip to White Cloud too. They aren't completely set up on Thursday, so there wouldn't be much there.

We were pretty tired, hot, and sick of crowds. There were tons of people there, lines to walk through some booths. I'd never seen it so densely packed with shoppers. It made me kind of sad to see our flea market hidey hole found out by hordes of others!

I'm glad we pulled up our big girl panties and braved the second stop, I found this 1800s ledger book, with over 200 pages of receipts in it! I paid much more than I usually do for supplies, but I was travelling with two accountants who pointed out how it was only pennies per page, and that didn't sound so bad after all. It was cheaper than most scrapbook paper.

It was my lucky hat day too. I must have bought 8 or 9, all creams, whites and pinks. All for $5 and under too.

And lace! Lovely, lovely lace!! A friend was selling old, old lace for $1 a package and I bought $40 worth. that is a LOT of lace, but wow, what a deal. I'll be using a lot of it to finish off the Faery Book Swap and will save some for Kim's Snow White gala in April. I'll be needing a lot for those kits.

This is for An Enchanted Affaire too. I found this 1940s lace dress for only $3, and it holds volumes of delicate lace for my kits!!

It came with a red satin lining, which is a separate dress. That will be going to the little girls for their dress up closet, after I cut it off short enough for them to wear without tripping over.

Sparks never disappoints in the sparkly department either. I was there the second day and still found all these gems on dollar tables. There were also old books for 50 cents, photo albums with great mats, and a few other goodies. We weren't there long, but we were there long enough to score big.

During my Indiana trip, I hit a few jackpots too. More hats! More jewels also.

And a gorgeous 1950s wedding gown to cut up for the Snow White kits. It cost a bit more than the $3 red dress, but the $30 I spent for it was well worth it. There is a lot of great, old lace to use. And don't both of them look perfect with the red flocked wallpaper I've got for the project too?

Usually I shop all along I70 when I take an Indy trip, but I needed to get back to the little ones. And how nice it was to be home and be with them! Cute, huh? I"m so glad I left the tails this time and didn't have them docked. Look at the blur where this teensy girl is giving her nice long tail a wag.