January 2019 – Karla's Cottage

Food full of love, with a room full of hearts and roses

bird song art event, cottage, flowers, Food and Drink, Valentine's Day

By Karla Nathan / January 31, 2019

As always, I got a bit carried away with the theme for the party….

Hearts, EVERYWHERE!

The freshly baked rolls were baked in heart shaped muffin tins.

As were the cupcakes. But it wasn't all that clear unless you looked at the bottom of them.

Rainbow carrots were even cut into hearts.

(That might have been the moment when I realized it had gone over the top, it took longer than I thought it would, even with Kia helping. But it was kind of fun, even if it probably was not a good use of my time)

Of course, there were cookies cut out as hearts.

The Dove chocolates and Cadbury eggs aren't hearts, but they are "lovebird" themed.

The treat cabinet was strewn with hearts and roses from top to bottom.

Red isn't typically my color, but I do enjoy pops of it at Christmas and Valentines.

Especially when the red is rosey.

And while this calendar page on the Treat Cabinet door isn't purely Valentine's themed, it is from Jan.-Feb. and seemed to fit in perfectly.

Hearts made by Beth are hanging on the other door.

And LuWanda is dolled up in rhinestone birds on lace with a flocked wallpaper heart.

We had fruity iced tea in the Treat Cabinet, and in the kitchen, I set up a hot cocoa and hot tea station.

But to be honest, this is always here. We like to have the ingredients we need for tea or cocoa ready to roll. And the lace hearts? Those are year round too. I hung them up for Valentines Day a couple years ago and couldn't bring myself to take them down.

The chair covers were a very lucky find. I was at an estate sale for a closed catering business, and these brand new, never used, pink, pretties were only $1.50 each!

I almost didn't buy them, then came to my senses.

They were exactly what I needed, right?

Beth had just given me the pink napkins that match them, and the Guncles gifted me with the plates. Lots of sharing and love went into the table top.

Including flowers from our newest Peep, Amy.

Now that our day full of Peeps has passed, I think I need to throw a Valentine dinner party to enjoy all the decor some more.

I do love Holidays and all the pretty things that come with them.

A Lovebird’s Song day at the Cottage

bird song art event, Valentine's Day, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / January 28, 2019

I had the BEST day!

My studio is always more fun when I fill it with my Peeps.

And all of the creativity that flows from them.

I provide kits that contain everything needed to finish the projects as I have made the prototype, and then I set out a few extras, and encourage the guests to bring their own items to personalize.

And it makes me happy to see what everyone comes up with.

And while there is lots of laughter during the day, it is interesting to see how serious everyone gets at times while working hard to make their pieces.

Even Albie was taking it seriously.

The little dogs love it when the room is full of people ready to hold and pet them. They all got dressed up in their vintage kerchiefs for the occasion.

It is great to see everyone generously sharing with each other too. Many made valentines, purchased treats or cards to fill our gift bags.

(These were from Beth and she used THE GOOD STUFF!)

I set out old fashioned, paper bags with traditional, doily hearts for everyone to add treats too. The hearts feature quotes from Conversation Heart candy, and I made mini versions of the wing project to pin to the bags with cleft note brooches.

My contributions to the sacks included champagne gummy bears, candy, and Peeps.

Sugarwings gave each of the ladies one of handmade, hot glue, rose topped pencils.

Thank you to all of the attendees for spending their time with me at the cottage, for the kindness of the gifts, for the shared laughter.

What nice people!

A Garden of Memories for a Fairy

bird song art event, cottage, fairies, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / January 25, 2019

My friend, Beth, gives me cool stuff she finds at estate sales. A while back, I got this domed piece from her, and tucked it away, not sure what I’d be using it for. When my studio got a deep cleaning in preparation for A Lovebird’s Song, I came across it and promptly sat down to make something from it.

Because what is more inspiring than a chance to avoid cleaning?

Sorry, no before pics. (I was excited to get busy avoiding my chores and couldn’t wait to start)

I’m sure you can picture it, plain, blonde wood base, with scraggly bits of floral foam glued to it. I painted the base and glued an old, metal lid to the center. The lid is covered in wallpaper. Around that, I drizzled a ton of glue and pressed moss into it. I cut small millinery blooms to add to the foreground, and larger ones for the back. They are all standing on their wire stems, not glued flat against the moss.

“Garden of Memories” was clipped from sheet music. I make a habit of cutting out interesting phrases from old text to have on hand when I need just the perfect words. These words were ideal for this garden, because the photo I used was from a fun play date with a friend, Karen- a lovely memory!

A couple of vintage butterflies were added the same way as the flowers. I glued their wires into the moss, instead of sticking them right onto it. Then, I bent the wires to make it look like they were flitting about.

The faye child sits on a wooden spool, covered in blooms, with a teensy bluebird of happiness by her side. Her dress is netting cut from a vintage gown, her antennae are flower stamens, her wings are old text.

She has added a little bitty, bright spot of spring to this gloomy, winter day.

But now, I need to go clean after this refreshing break from work!

How to make hot glue roses by Sugarwings

flowers, how to's, Sugarwings, Valentine's Day

By Karla Nathan / January 22, 2019

Recently, Sugarwings has been creating with a glue gun, for hours, every time she comes over. She makes a lot of things with it, some odd, some cool, but these? I was impressed.

The translucent glue makes a delicate looking petal, doesn't it? She is using them for pencil toppers, and painting the tips of the petals with nail polish.

The pencils are wrapped in ribbons, and have gift tags on them, since we have plans to give them away, but I've also asked her to make some for me on dowels that we will wrap in green ribbons and use to fill a vase.

She asked me to do help her put a tutorial together, and I took photos of each step. I'd found this vintage gown at an estate sale (for $1!!!) and we thought it would be fun to do a dress up photo shoot for the the crafting session. (And I am always happy to have an excuse to take photos of this sprite).

She has put the pictures into an iMovie and was planning to narrate it, but hasn't had a chance to get back to that since she started, so I'll add the video later. For now, I'll give you the directions, as told to me, with the photos, in case you'd like to make some roses of your own.

Just in time for Valentine's Day!

She says is it very important to let your glue gun warm up, and wanted a photo of her waiting for the glue to get hot. She uses a low temp gun and likes the longer sticks.

The glue is squirted onto parchment paper.

Fold the paper over the blob of glue, and burnish it flat. She is using a toy spatula from a Play Doh kit here, but I've also seen her use a pencil as a rolling pen.

Cut a strip of the flattened glue.

Roll up the strip of glue and attach to the end of the pencil (or dowel) with a dot of more glue.

Make more flattened glue ovals, and cut them in half.

The straight line is the bottom of the petal that will be glued down, the curved sides are the tops of the petals.

Roll another piece of flattened hot glue around the center spiral.

She trims it as needed at this point.

And adds rows of petals.

It is a messy job, and you need to use pressure to hold the flower on and form it, which is why low temp glue guns are the way to go!

When done, touch the tips of the petals with nail polish.

Lovely!

Here are a couple of tips from me, not from her. I haven't made any myself, but I did help with painting. I think that the roses could benefit from a trimming with sharp scissors to get some of the chunks and strings out. But I didn't interfere with the ones she made, some have more places that could use a trimming than others.

When I painted the flowers with her, I had a Q-Tip dipped in nail polish remover to smooth out the color a little. I thought it made the bud more natural.

The blooms are also beautiful as is, with no color. The strings and glue chunks aren't quite as noticeable that way too.

To wrap the pencil, I used tacky glue around the base of the flower and about an inch or so down the side of the pencil, and tightly wound the ribbon around the pencil into the glue. I tied a bow of ribbon over the top and added a tag.

Now, I need to give these away…. hard to do, but I have been promised that she will make more for me to fill a vase with! Thank you, little Grandfairy.

Goofing around with friends

friends, photography

By Karla Nathan / January 19, 2019

TheOtherKarla, Beth, and I had a fun afternoon at the Old West Bottoms antique district. I didn't buy anything, but Karla, who isn't a junker found a few things.

Even without buying much, we still had lots of laughs and a lively time. Beth and I thought this walkway under the bridge was a gorgeous photo op, Karla didn't quite agree, but indulged us. See the people in the distance? They were there for a while, doing photos, with the young girl leaping into the air and posing quite prettily. I enjoyed watching them.

And insisted on doing it myself.

Not as prettily though.

And I didn't achieve much air.

While we had plenty of goofiness, I think that we ended up with a couple of nice pics too. The structure was a cool backdrop.

As we left, we saw a gaggle of dapper guys in suits headed over for a photo shoot too. I wonder if this area is a well known KC spot to pose?

Snowday Adventures with the Pack

dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 16, 2019

We had the most perfect snow!

No roads were closed, the temps barely got below freezing, there wasn't a hint of wind. I could get behind winter if snow days were always like this.

We had a great time in the woods with the dogs, and I really enjoy watching the interplay between the pups. They are slowly, but surely becoming a "pack", not just a bunch of dogs that live together.

While Albie isn't exactly lovey dovey with the Bigs, he participates in outdoor hunts with them and they have a routine, where he checks underneath the roots, while they scout out the upper level.

He is pretty proud of being one of the big dogs and works hard to keep up.

Actually, he is pretty much on the sidelines, and they don't even acknowledge his help. I don't think he notices, he feels like he is in on all of the action. Twinkle, on the other hand, knows she isn't invited and watches from a few feet away when something important needs to be dug up or chased.

Albie never misses a move, and keeps a close eye on what is happening, in case he is called upon.

He may be delusional, but he is happy.

Over time, we have come a long way with the relationships. And now, on the other end of the learning curve that time created, Twinkle is becoming a Senior dog, and losing her vision. Out in our woods, we have to keep an eye on her so she doesn't wander off and can't find us.

Not that we would ever consider leaving her behind! These walks in the woods are her happiest times.

She isn't the only one who loves them!

Me too.

A Lovebird’s Song book for Beth

bird song art event, Books, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / January 13, 2019

I've been busy as can be, putting kits together for not one but two classes, here at the cottage on Jan. 26 and in Florida at Karen's on Feb. 16th.

Actually, it ends up being 4 classes, two on each day. And I wanted to switch up this "Pages Through Time" autograph book a little bit for the workshop at my home. So, I've made an example of it with the slight changes. The pictured one is just a little thicker than the actual pattern will be, since this book goes to my BFF, Beth. She is going to help out that day and is going to work on the premade book, creating examples of interior pages for the other attendees.

I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with. I always learn good tricks from her!

A pretend Christmas gift

cottage, flowers, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / January 8, 2019

My husband loves recliners. I hate them, but love him.

We found a compromise! I love these chairs- and they recline!!

They are from Pottery Barn (typically out of my budget, but these were worth it). They have velvet fabric in a neutral tone, and each are big enough to hold an adult watching a show with a grand fairy next to them.

Much bigger than what I'm used to in this cottage, but I think they will fit just fine when the trees are down, those take up some space. I ordered them a couple of months ago, but they arrived a couple of days before Christmas, so I pretended they were a gift.

Thank you, Santa!

Christmas is all tucked away now, safely resting until next year.

The new chairs have helped distract me from being sad about my house going from light, bright, shiny, and decked from top to bottom, back to non Christmas normalness. And I've added some greenery to the rooms to bring back brightness in a different way. There is nothing like a fresh house plant to make you feel better when winter is at its darkest.

PS- I am thrilled to announce that I will be teaching a class in Florida at Karen Hillman's Cozy Castle!!!!!!!!!

Details here

I'll be posting photos and more info soon. I hope to see you in sunny Florida for a day of friendship, creativity, and fun with my ruffly wings and romantically inspired autograph book projects.

Also, the ruffled crepe wings and the signature book workshops will be offered in my Cottage Studio on Jan. 26th. Email me if you want to come and play!

Karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

Fluttery wings and a book full of sweet nothings, two classes two ways- in Florida and Kansas

cottage, holiday decor, Valentine's Day, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / January 4, 2019

Are you up for some romantic crafting projects? I have two opportunities for you to join me in creating ruffled, lacey, crepe paper wings, adorned with vintage millinery along with a charming autograph book, inspired by a very old and uniquely shaped signature book. The book will be made from the ground up, you will learn how to construct the covers from chip board and paper.

One set of classes is being hosted by the lovely, Karen Hillman, in Deland, Florida. She will serve a luncheon to us in her impressive and gracious style and we will create both the angelic wings and distinctive booklet.

Info on how to sign up is here: Cozy Castle Events

Did I mention it was Reninger’s Antique Extravaganza weekend?!?!

While the flea market adventure isn’t exactly part of the workshop, I highly encourage you to attend it and shop to your heart’s content at one of the South’s top fleas. The classes are on Saturday, and the market is in full swing Friday thru Sunday, just down the road in the delightful town of Mount Dora.

I used to spend some time in the area back when I’d visit my Great Aunt Caroline (who lived til the day before her 102nd birthday!), so I became familiar with the joys of antiquing there, way back then. I fell head over hills for the hidden gem in the heart of Florida, and have filled my suitcase many times with precious goodies from shopping sprees while visiting.

The signature book and angel wings have a romantic feel to them, but are not necessarily Valentine decor. I hung some wings in the cottage for Christmas one year, and decided to leave them up for Valentines', then liked them so much, they stayed up year round. Who doesn’t need a sweet reminder of heavenly blessings nearby?

The book also, can be filled with sweet nothings and love notes, or used as a mini scrapbook, art journal, diary, or simply enjoy as a display piece and reminder of a day of creativity with other talented friends. Here is a page from my inspiration book (a gift from the Guncles that Karen and I both freaked out over and wanted to copy). I will be including a vintage calling card and other pretties for each kit.

Karen’s gathering will take place on February 16th, which makes it even more special to me. It is my mom’s birthday and she adored her Aunt Caroline. I’m excited to be spending her day in an area she loved.

I've been busy hand dying crepe paper and sewing it into yards and yards of ruffles for you.

No two kits will be exactly the same, since vintage materials will be used. I'm supplying roses for each set of wings, in your choice of color. Tiny vintage flowers will top the album also. Crepe paper is available in cream and white or pink.

The classes at my home will be on Saturday, January 26. You can choose to make the wings in the morning, the book in the afternoon, or stay the day and do both. Lunch is included.

Both cottage workshops are $55,

but if you sign up for the set,

you’ll save $5 on each

for a total of $100 for the day.

(I hope you will stay all day, I’m looking forward to spending it with you!)

We will have a Valentine themed luncheon and the Treat Cabinet will be stocked with chocolatey, yummy, sweetness. If you’d like to be part of this party, you can email me at karlanathan@sbcglobal.net for an invoice. And please let me know if you’d like white, pink, or red for your wings.

I could possibly do blue or lavender if you wish also. Ask for your fave and I'll see what I can find for you. My cottage does hold a couple of hats to choose from….

And if you like to go to the Florida and Kansas versions? First of all, I’d be thrilled! Second, I can make you two different colored kits.

Our Cottage Christmas

celebrations, Dew Drop, family

By Karla Nathan / January 3, 2019

Our Dewdrop was home for the holiday and we made the most of the time with her. Lots of snuggles happened, lots of fun too.

Christmas was a repeat of Thanksgiving. It was such a good day, why not do it again? We made gingerbread houses, walked in the woods, laughed, and ate together.

A perfect family day- plus presents!

Ki Ki made this house from graham crackers.

Yes, she is skilled in everything she does. Give her a bit of fabric and you get a custom pair of shorts, made without a pattern and fit perfectly. Give her a box of cookies and you get a Victorian mansion.

This is just the beginning of the mansion, it turned out just wonderful.

Just like our Thanksgiving, we had ideal weather.

Just right for enjoying some time outdoors and working up an appetite for homemade pot pie. We had vegan and chicken varieties, and I was smart enough to make them up a couple of days early so I could pop them into the oven and enjoy our time together instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Because no one wants to feel trapped at Christmas…

Well, most people wouldn't.

Our gingerbread homes made a pretty centerpiece for the dinner.

We had more than we could even fit onto the table. Now that the parties are over, we will load them up, and take them out to the woods as a gift to the fairies.

We have enough of them to set up whole communities for the fey.

And we are up for any excuse to go for a walk in the woods together.

PS- I am thrilled to announce that I will be teaching a class in Florida at Karen Hillman's Cozy Castle!!!!!!!!!

Details here

I'll be posting photos and more info soon. I hope to see you in sunny Florida for a day of friendship, creativity, and fun with my ruffly wings and romantically inspired autograph book projects