November 2012 – Karla's Cottage

Ponies and free holiday images

By Karla Nathan / November 30, 2012

While decorating the house for the holidays, I took a mid day break to go visit "ponies" with Dewdrop and Fin. She adores watching My Little Pony, and talks about ponies all the time. Its her favorite word. Many conversations with her go like this:

Me- "Hi, honey, how are you?"

Dewdrop-"pony?"

Me- "Can you say 'Grammy'?"

Dewdrop- "pony!!!"

So, we thought she'd be thrilled to see some real, live horses.

She might have been expecting pink ones that fly, because she was a bit underwhelmed. She did give them lots of love, and enjoyed snuggling big, ole, Dusty even though he wasn't pink or purple.

(Notice the orb in the photo? She is putting out some loving energy)

Our neighbors (owners of Twinkle's Puppy Daddy) have a whole herd of horses and were nice to let us come and take the kids for a ride.

Mr. Fin did a great job solo as well as holding his baby sister while horseback.

Notice there are no photos of ME on a horse? You won't be seeing one either. I love horses, and think that their necks are the perfect size for a hug and they have the world's most velvety noses. But when we had our own herd, I fell off of a pony (not a big horse, a little pony. And yes, fell off, wasn't thrown) and fractured 2 vertebrae.

From then on, I've felt happier talking to horses with my feet on the ground. I'm not scared of horses, and have recovered, as long as I keep myself limber and do my stretches, my back is fine most of the time. But I don't have any inclinations towards climbing up onto another horse any time soon.

We have discussed getting some horses of our own again. My husband thinks maybe when he retires, he would like to have some. But I'm iffy on the idea. I enjoy being around them and think they make nice pets, but they are really big and a lot of hard work. There are days when I'm overwhelmed with just a few chickens and herd of dorkies.

That face is hard to resist though. We will probably end up with a few. Especially when the grand fairies are older and can be responsible for their own horse or pony.

We will see if the grands even want horses when they are older. My sons never did.

Dewdrop just might want one.

At the indoor play center, when I gave her a new shirt with a pony on it for her birthday, she quickly stripped naked to change clothes, right there at the table.

She was very excited about it.

Here are some presents for you, some free holiday images. I used the farmhouse in the snow for Carol's Shine workshop, (where I am at today, please wish me luck!) as the labels on my kits. And the birds reminded me of my Birdsong friends, so I just had to share them.

These are all on one page, so click on the set of images to open in a larger window, save to your computer, then print it.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / November 28, 2012

Over Thanksgiving weekend, I usually get my halls decked. Every year, I seem to spend less and less time on it, the decor is becoming more about quality than quantity. Or am I getting old and just don't do as much?

As I finished late in the evening, it was nice to sit and relax and enjoy a glass of wine with my husband in the light of the tree.

The dogs were all curious about the tree and think that the area beneath it is their new club house.

Aunt Sandy joined us along with Daisy and Dixie. We are trying to make all the dogs get along. Kind of a cease fire for the holidays.

It wasn't exactly a success, but at least there was no blood shed.

Albie wanted to wrassle under the tree, so refused to pose there. But he joined in for a family portrait once he got away from the excitement of the bright lights. Although, these guys are growing so much, that they are too big to sit in front of their mom, you can hardly see her.

The studio is all Christmassy too. Although it looks more like Santa's workshop after the elves have been working overtime.

Right now, there are trees taking over the place. One table is filled with trees photographed and listed, another with groups waiting their turn to have their pictures taken. Then, there is the drying table for the pile of newly dyed and glittered ones. And of course, my desk is filled with in progress ones being decorated.

These are all my newest color, I call the collection coffee and cream. I probably should have named the brown ones cocoa since they are a holiday item, but I dipped them in coffee, so just went literal.

I have lots of other colors too, wreaths and trees as well. If you don't see what you want here feel free to ask me, karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

I probably have it, just haven't taken a picture yet!

And in the Boutique, its Cameotown.

They are everywhere.

Along with a few other pretties.

You can't have too much sparkle for the holidays!

Painting puppeesh

celebrations, dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, paintings, parties, puppies!

By Karla Nathan / November 26, 2012

Isn't Ashley a beautiful bride? The wedding was lovely and our teddy bear of a nephew, Travis looked very happy.

The wedding was held in a shabby chic lover's dream house. I could have wandered around drooling over the furniture and decor all night. I wish I could have got more photos, but my camera broke and I forgot my phone.

Toward the end of the evening, it dawned on me that my husband had an Iphone that I could borrow it and email a few pics to myself. But by then, the light wasn't as good and I'd missed all the best shots. This close up of my handsome husband and I needed severe editing to make it usable. The rest, weren't salvageable.

Luckily, my camera didn't shoot craps till right as the ceremony started, and I had it for the bridal shower which was such a fun time!

It was held at Wine and Design where we all got to do a complete painting to take away with us, drink wine and eat yummy chocolate cheddar cheese ( from Trader Joe's).

This art studio is a GREAT idea that I would love to snag. You get a prepared canvas with a sketch on it, and the instructor paints along with everyone and they do a painting step by step.

Our class was a chandelier, but I was feeling a little homesick for my dorkie pups and for the kids. It was Dewdrop's second birthday, so I thought about her and painted a puppeesh (as she calls them) as a gift for her.

Its not the best painting I've done, but its aimed for a 2 year old. She likes it, and talks to the picture, telling it stories.

My idea of a fun party, is having a project to do, so this was right up my alley. They rent out to groups, and have a schedule of regular classes too. I think it could be fun to do in my studio, not as a regular thing like this was, but maybe a little class here and there, or teaching a painting of birds in a nest for Birdsong next spring?

Years ago, I used to be a painter, I rarely pick up a brush any more. I don't miss it until I do one, then I wonder why I don't paint more often.

The bride and groom are crazy about their pup, Barkslie, and I offered to do a painting of her for their gift.

This is done in watercolor, but I cheat, and use white acrylic too. I know that in the purest world of watercolor painters, this is frowned upon. But, I figure, its my picture and I can do as I like. So I do. I think the watercolor wash of shadows and spots on the snout is nicely accented with the white hairs over it. Now, the proper way to do this is to save the white of the paper, by using a masking fluid before painting the colors. But I prefer the layers, so I don't bother doing it the right way.

(the whites of the eyes are pure paper and so is most of the white fur, just not the accents over it)

If I do painting classes here at the cottage, I'd tell people not to listen to snobs who tell you that your technique is wrong and go for a finished look that YOU like instead.

Anyone interested? If so, please let me know and we can try to set up a class.

Happy Thanksgiving!

celebrations, family, flowers, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / November 23, 2012

Did you have a good holiday?

Ours had its missteps here and there, like any family gathering. But for the most part, it was a lovely day.
A 20lb fresh, organic turkey baked with garden herbs and olive oil went into the oven early and I got to hang out and play with the kids. I thawed corn that we froze this summer, baked bread and pies the day before, made mashed potatoes early and plopped them into a crock pot to stay warm, and I was FREE.

Setting the table is part of the fun, so I don't count that as any of the work of getting ready. Plus, I did it pretty simply, like the rest of the day, a few pretties in the center of the table and moving some furniture around to set up a second table, and it was done.

Ten of us went to see a matinee of Wreck it Ralph, which made me cry. That was a cute movie, and so much more than I expected. I don't care for video games, so didn't really want to go, but promised little Finn that I'd take him. I'm glad I did.

Afterwards, we played outside and in the studio. Perfect weather and perfect company. Who cared that we were doing this a day early? Everyone had the day off on Wednesday, and the date itself didn't matter to any of us.

All who came brought side dishes, that only needed warming up once they arrived. That was a delight! Every time I took a lid off a pan to see what was inside it was like a mini surprise party, and each one made me so happy. I love pitch in dinners, its so much tastier to try everyone else's favorites.

And I didn't spend all day in the kitchen.

This year, we tried to start a new tradition. Usually, I coerce everyone to say what they are thankful for before we eat. This year, I decided to do a "blessing tree", so diners could write their thankful thoughts onto a paper leaf and add it to the tree.

That way, those who didn't feel like speaking up could still contemplate their blessings and think about the reason for the day, beyond just snarfing turkey.

Sugarwings, Finn and I went out on the Fairy Berry Trail to gather up some leaves to use as templates.

I put all the kids to work producing enough leaves for the whole group.

Each person got a leaf and a glitter pen to write on it.

I made the mistake of using a base that was too light weight for the tree and it toppled a few times, but no harm, even when it dove into a candle.

If this is going to be a tradition, next year, I'll get a better pot for the tree. Maybe even bring in a living potted tree…

This is Sugarwing's leaf. (before the glitter got so thick you couldn't read it). I think it says it all, don't you?

Some free Thanksgiving Images

free images, holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / November 21, 2012

While on our trip to NC, the guncles and I had some flea market fun together. We always try to fit in a junkin day when we get to hang out, and the Raleigh Flea Market was a great choice!

One booth had a stack of old books, for $1 each. I've scanned some of the pages for your projects. Just click on the image to open it in a larger window before you save it to your computer to print.

We are having our turkey a day early, the best time we could scramble the most of us together at once. So, I'd better go and get busy, there is a ton to do. We want to keep it simple this year and not make it an all day food fest with nothing but hard work. I'm taking everyone to see Wreck it Ralph, then having a later dinner. So the key, is prepping ahead of time!

Which means, I'd better get preppin.

I hope your holiday is a blessed one!

Sparkles is purdy

celebrations, holiday decor, Tutorials, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / November 19, 2012

When I did a little make and take of Christmas stars at my friend, Angie's, store, I had a lovely evening. Her place was so festive and pretty for the upcoming holidays. I got there just as the sun was deciding to set and there was a soft glow of lights coming from the shop windows. Yep, just lovely.

See the flowers on her doors? Years ago, when she first rented the place, I surprised her with little rosebuds on the door panels. I came by when the place was closed and whipped out a few roses as a welcome to the new place. There aren't many people you could do that for, just randomly show up unannounced and start painting on their building, but I knew her well enough to know she would like it.

We used to work together on projects in the past, she'd hire me to paint for her, and I'd invite her to be a part of the antique shows I used to have at my house. It had been a while since we'd done a project together, so I was really looking forward to being at her open house.

There wasn't much traffic at all for my little make and take, but I still had a great evening. Its nice just to have a reason to hang out with good friends and pretend that its "work" so that you have to be there. And she is a nice person to hang out with.

The same day, I meet up with some other friends that a good to spend time with, Debbie, Carol, and Amy. We are all going to speak at Carol's workshop for creative businesses.

They are some seriously fun and friendly people, who are also very successful in what they do. I was a bit overwhelmed after our discussion about what we were going to say during our talks. Amy has written many books, owns a couple of businesses, Debbie is a nationally known stylist among other things, and Carol's store and photography business are gorgeously done. All are quite knowledgeable.

There was lots of talk of business practices, employees, and other professionally sounding things like power point and publishers and such.

What was my contribution? It kind of sounded like this:

"Me like purdy stuff"

Yep, a bit out of my league with these ladies.

The talk is sold out, and Carol has a long waiting list of people who want to come. I certainly don't want to disappoint anyone. I'm better at making things than talking about my so called business.

So, what do you think? If you were attending, what would you like to hear?

Carol is letting me do a small craft along project, that will later be used as props for her photography styling talk. I'll be happy to have that to do, but I'm also talking about blogging and tutorials as we work on our sparkly make and take doodad.

If you were coming, what would you like to hear about blogging or business from me?

Besides, "Me like sparkles. Them is purdy"

Away

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

By Karla Nathan / November 17, 2012

Its hard for me to travel this time of year. I know, I know, its barely November, not even Thanksgiving yet! But I am such a home body and for the last few years we have been on the go so much, that this holiday season, I want to plant myself firmly by the hearth and just soak up all the festiveness that I can.

With the pups around, its even harder to leave.

But I know they are happy with Beth and Jeff.

Those two met the pups before I even got to see them, they came by to help bottle feed when Twinkle gave birth and I was at my family reunion.

As this is posted, I'm in NC at a nephew's wedding. I'm happy to be seeing family and will have a great time with them, but its nice to know that we have not made any more travel plans for November or December. I might put my tree up and just park myself under it to stare at the lights for a while when we get home.

While snuggling these fuzzballs of course.

Geez, I'm homesick and I haven't even left yet. I need to get a grip on myself and go have some fun. If I'm not careful, I'll turn myself into a boring, old, shut in with a houseful of hoarded animals and too many vintage pieces of junk that I tell myself are "supplies" that I will need in the future, not trash!

Oh, but I just love being at home.

Unorthadox places to find good supplies-” harvesting” from ugly things

antiques/junking

By Karla Nathan / November 15, 2012

When I am making things, I am dedicated to using only The Good Stuff. I figure that if I'm spending my time on a project, I don't to waste it using so-so supplies.

Shiny bits from Hobby Lobby will not cut it for me. I like the look and feel of aged beauty from the past.

Of course, fleas and garage sales are good places to look for blingy bits, but I've found that to keep myself (and my online Boutique) pleasantly plumped up with glitz, I have to keep my eyes peeled for the best of bargains.

The other day, I came across this light up Christmas tree covered in jewels (the photo was taken after I'd already started pulling off the sparklies).

It was a bit of a gamble, not knowing if the jewelry would fall apart when I tried to pry it loose, or if the glue would even come off of the pieces.

Luckily 90% came off perfectly fine. (by the way, DO NOT use an exacto blade to ever pry anything, no matter what, ouch)

Getting the glue off was a little harder.

These jewels were heavily coated in dust, so I soaked them in cleaner, thinking that would help the glue come off too.

It didn't.

I discovered that hot water melted the glue away. It was easy to clean up with hot running water, dish soap and a toothbrush.

But like I said, it was a gamble. You never know what kind of glue was used and how hard it will be to remove. If this had been epoxied, I'd have been in trouble.

I've already put some of the jewels I harvested to use as tree topper stars.

Here are a few places I've found good supplies CHEAP by harvesting them off of ugly things no one wants:

A hideously ugly table top Christmas tree at an estate sale, had some lovely little birdies on it, and was only $12. I got 27 birds from that ugly tree, as well as a few decent ribbons.
A $35 vintage wedding gown, not exactly ugly, but not in the best shape. Perfect for me to harvest tons of lace from.
A $3 red dress, great to cut up, but not good to wear or display.
Sometimes even the most savvy estate sale planners don't closely inspect things and let ugly cloud their vision. I bought a beautiful, large, matt white McCoy pot for $1 because it was holding one of the most excruciatingly ugly plastic flower arrangements ever. If the pot had been empty it would have sold for a LOT more.
A string of mercury glass beads was used to hold a couple of beat up, (badly) hand made aluminum foil covered styrofoam bells. The beads were ignored by shoppers because the bells were just too awful. I got $10 worth of beads for 50 cents because no one stopped to look beyond the ugly parts to the nice beads.
Vintage rosebud wallpaper was used as a shelf liner for a cabinet in a basement at an estate sale. I asked if I could buy the paper, without the rusty cabinet and got it for $1.
Sometimes a grab bag of cheapo, 1980s, gaudy jewelry has a couple of hidden beauties in it. I usually buy the inexpensive bag, pick out what I want, and give the rest back to the flea mkt vendor to resale to someone else who might want it instead of taking them all home to throw away.
Last spring, I found a boxful of plastic Easter eggs that were not kind to the eyes. But- they had sweet bundles of millinery flowers glued to some of them.

My advice in finding good supplies for bargains, is to look at things more carefully. Many of the things I like to harvest are from craft projects of long ago, that were not well done. But the items used in them were right up my alley!

Although, it does make me wonder…. will someone be ripping up my projects in the future, saying, "ugh, what a waste of beautiful things in this hideous display!!"?????

I will be away for a few days, but have fresh posts for you while I am gone. If you'd like to order anything from my online shops, I'll pack up your goodies on Tuesday the 20th. Here is some stuff in Etsy that I added before I left.

I replaced some of the sold out wreaths, too.

A rainbow of trees

holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / November 13, 2012

It certainly tis the tree season around here! I'm on a roll with these pastel sweeties. Hopefully, I'll get some listed in the Boutique or on Etsy, before I go out of town. But I don't know if I will or not, I've got a list as long as my arm full of things to do, so adding more pretties to the shops might have to wait.

We are headed to North Carolina for a nephew's wedding. If you are kind enough to buy something from me while I'm away, I'll be mailing it on Tuesday the 20th, when I return.

The holiday season is fast approaching. If I had a lick of sense, I'd have all my Christmas sales items prepped and ready to go early in the year.

But, for me, my job is more than just working and I run my business in a way that makes me happy and keeps me entertained. I enjoy making holiday things AFTER Halloween. Not way in advance like a smart business person would. I love the feeling of Christmas on its way, and the anticipation of getting out my baubles and tinsels to play with is the best part!

I do my holiday retailing in real time. Not way ahead like I should. I don't always get done as much as I should that way, but I love doing it.

So, here I am mid November, taking a trip for almost a week, getting ready for Thanksgiving, I have an article due for a magazine, a workshop to prepare for, and I have a table top full of mini trees to finish glittering up, photographing, and marketing.

Uhm, I did say that I enjoy this, right??

Well, honestly, I do. Like I said, this is more than just a job to me, its a lifestyle. I love what I do, and making Christmas things during the season is an activity that makes me happy. I might always be a few steps behind in getting them done, but those are delightful, little skippy steps, not trudging, drudgery type steps.

Sugarwings agrees. Every year, she helps with the mini trees. This year, she was big enough to mix all of her own colors and dip them by herself. This is her pile that she is keeping to make into Christmas presents for her family.

She did say that maybe I could sell a few for her, but only if they were $10,000 a piece. I let her know that if she gave them as gifts, they would be priceless to her family, and that we didn't need to sell them.

The paper towels that we dried the trees on will be cut up and used in a project too. The dyes made a pretty watercolor effect on the paper.

I do have some more holiday goodies listed and for sale in the Boutique and promise to soon have more in the Etsy shop. I have a million or so trees to add to it, as soon as they are glittered and sorted. Some I will set aside to top off more decorated spools too.

What I added to the shop over the weekend are some star ornaments.

And a few kits if you'd rather make your own. These come with everything you need, including glitter and mica flakes.

Each kit contains the materials to make 2 stars complete with vintage Christmas card cut outs for $8.

A day off

holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / November 11, 2012

At a garage sale this summer, I bought a baggie full of hand crocheted snowflakes.

They would have been sweet on a Christmas tree as is, but I thought they'd be even better foofed up. Plus, I was in the mood for a day of plain old gluing and playing with pretties.

First, I stiffened them with a mix of liquid starch and glue. Then, I glittered them up with a sprinkling of mica flakes.

Over that, each one got a centerpiece of something vintage and precious.

Next, came dangling ribbons and lace.

Some, I have kept for my own tree, the rest are available in my Boutique and on Etsy.

While I was in a gluing frame of mind, I added some trees to old spools and prettied them up too.

There are days when a having a simple project that has no goal other than being lovely, can be calming to the soul. I didn't want to have to think much, or plan, just let my fingers rifle through my dishes of jewels and flowers randomly adding dainties to some sparkly Christmas things.

It was just what I needed. A day to be alone with myself and my thoughts, to work out some worries. I always think better when my hands are busy.

By the time I was done, I had a full table of delicate pastel pretties. And a happier outlook.