Nope, no Twinkle puppies yet, but my Sissy has a new baby at her house- this is Elfie. She's half poodle and half cocker. I was surprised to hear that she is expected to only be about 7 lbs or so, once she is full grown. I thought cock-a-poos were much bigger. Isn't she adorable?
Did you notice anything new about my blog? Sara Duckett (Sadie Olive) has helped me spiff it up, with a change in the blog banner from tiny baby Sugarwings to-
a bigger girl picture of Sugarwings.
And this watercolor of roses that I did a few years ago had previously been tinted pink and turned on its side to use as my borders, or side bars. Now, I have had her tint the painting sepia, since I tend to have so much going on here. I think that this more neutral color makes for less chaos.
Sara also used this new design on my new website store! The shop isn't stocked up yet, but you can take a peek if you'd like. It looks pretty much like this blog, and is titled "the Boutique at Karla's Cottage". Sara added a link to the website from my right hand side bar.
The link is next to my oil painting of white roses.
For the life of me, I simply cannot get any further with the whole set up! My brain has said, NO MORE, for today and will not cooperate with trying to load anything on the site. So, for now, I'll take my time and work on it as I can. I'll let you know when it is set up and stocked.
While Sara was adjusting and fixing up my blog, she added a few more magazine covers for me, including this latest issue of Romantic Country. My article in here is a Valentine's Day quiz, to discover what your decorating style is. I had such a blast writing that. I grew up on Cosmo quizzes and could never resist filling those out! I can't believe that I actually wrote one myself and can see it in print. It has to be my favorite thing I have ever written. I'd love to do more quizzes. I will be thinking up possibilities for every occasion now!
Jayhawks on Parade is a book that was out a few years ago, done locally, here in Lawrence, KS. Two of the birds I worked on are in it, so I thought the book belonged on my list of publications.
This one was a bit iffy. I debated whether or not I should include this. I am kind of in it, I have a picture of Sugarwings printed with a photo credit. Hmmm, do you think that is stretching the limits too much? Maybe this one shouldn't be listed, what do you guys think? I didn't actually write anything for this, or have an article, it is simply one photo. Would you include that on your blog if it was your photo?
Its a GREAT magazine and I love to think that I am in it, even just a little bit!
It has been a while since I showed you a hint about the December Surprise Giveaway, so here is another little peek of that. So far, you can tell that the gift includes:
- vintage wallpaper
- old jewelry
- millinery blooms
- some hand drawn elements
All of my favorite things and I hope some of yours too! I'll draw a name on Jan. 1st, all comments, all month are entered.
And do any of you do Facebook? I was told I should, so I signed up, but now have no idea why, or what to do with it. I am feeling a bit like a Geezer at this point, with my inability to set up my website and now, my lack of Facebook knowledge!
I just love that puppy picture! Too cute!
Would I put it on my blog? If I could draw, and someone published a picture of it, I’d rent a page in the local newspaper to tell everyone! YES, it belongs there! Can’t wait to see the pups! What a happy time in your life! Good for you! Your Friend, Bobbi
Congrats on the new website Karla! Can’t wait to see it filled up! And also on more fabulous publications! (and I think a photo totally counts! lol!)
Karla your new look is AWESOME!!! LOVE the new website too, it is going to be a perfect new venture for you.
I am so excited to see the new little puppies coming and your sisters little puppy is SO cute.
Congrats on the article features!! I think you could put the magazine on your sidebar maybe with the title “Photo Credit In”… I have seen people do that and think it is quite nice. 🙂
Just getting back to visitng a few blogs after the whirlwind of the holiday, have a happy new year! xoxo Heather
elfie is a cutie.
Love your new look and can’t wait to see your website stocked up!
Victoria x
Love the new blog, although anything with your sweet sugarwing is adorable. I had my own little Sugarwing this year, she just moved away to Michigan (how rude, right?) so now I will have to be a traveling grandma. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Karla, and wishing you the happiest New Year filled with all the joy and laughter of those you love.
xo Lidy
Can’t wait till the shop is filled. Looking forward to it.
Well Karla, that puppy is so adorable, I am looking forward to seeing you new babies when they arrive. I also like your new banner and your boutique. I think you will be happy with your new store.
Hugs Karen
Love your new look and the new drawing of Sugarwings (whose name is so wonderfully sweet…no pun intended)! Looking forward to pictures of the new puppies when they arrive.
Oh Karla! I just picked up the magazine at Hyvee this morning. I am waiting for all the boys to settle down for the night and then I will pour a nice cup of tea and spend some time enjoying one of my favorite magazines! Can’t wait to take the quiz! And congrats on the new online venture! May you have tons of success but still find time to stop and smell the roses!
I think your website looks just great! I DID notice the new picture of your dear little “Sugarwings”. I also liked Heather’s thought of putting it in as a PhotoCredit. That’s a terrific idea! I’d sure as heck put something in about it. You are IN the darn thing, doncha know! I’d be yelling it from the hilltops!! And might I add that your website goes ever so well with a glass of wine and double cream Gouda cheese…just saying…that’s all…
Happy New Year!! – Kathy in Chicago
You better believe you should add everything that you are in…Love the new look!! Laurie
Love the new look! Personally I just don’t ‘get it’ about facebook, but I’m a geezer, too, lol! Love those old millinery flowers – count me in! Blessings, Becky G.
Karla, your new look is really pretty…your web boutique looks wonderful too!!! your work looks gorgeous in the sepia tones…hecks YES, i think you can include a photo credit in your published list…i am not on facebook…i have already signed up for too many things that i don’t have time for…
Great new look Karla and very fitting now that Sugarwings is changing from a baby into a little girl. Cute puppy too. Can’t wait until your babies arrive.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
I love the facelift, it looks great:>) If anything of yours was published I would include the magazine, why not? Why should the size o amount of what you did matter? It is still your work. Your December give-away looks like something I would love:>)
Karla, your sissy’s new puppy is so precious. I do like your new look. Of course sugarwings will be cute at any age.I will be looking forward to your new web site.I haven’t had time to take the quiz yet, but I love the new issue and its always nice to see your name in the credits. It appears your giveaway is going to be really good for the lucky one chosen.
Have a great evening.
Jean in Virginia
LOVE LOVE LOVE the new look!!!!!!!~
Happy New Year!
Yes…you should absolutely keep the Where Women Create mag up. I think if they selected your photo to grace their magazine…you should be very proud. Your new blog looks great too. I really like the sepia roses along the sidebar…that way we keep our eyes on your great posts. I hope the New Year brings you many blessings!
Karla,
I really enjoy your blog! The new artwork of Sugarwings is great.
Kana
kanac@bellsouth.net
Funny comment about Facebook, Karla!! My daughter thinks that a blog is for geezers. She is a facebook queen & myspace, too!!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
I really like the new look….Waiting for the news of Twinkles babies….
and Yes, I would show off anything I had in a magazine, picture or article, whatever…
Brenda
Your blog is very pretty now, well it was before and it is again. I am on Facebook. I’ll look for you.
hi karla, i’m so in awe! everything look amazing! the changes are very nice and your paintings of roses are wonderful. warmest congrats on all of the print! if you ever have any advice to share on getting published, please leave a tip at my blog. happy holidays! elyse
Karla: I just wanted to let you know that I think a photo counts! I love your beautiful rose paintings. Roses are my favorite things! Thanks for the pictures. Martha
What a cute puppy! love the new look too! I haven’t figured out facebook either. I told myself would in the new year. Wanna be my friend (I know it has something to do with that!)
One photo??? Yes, of course, that’s all I ever had for the couple I’ve listed! HA! I still need to find my copy of “Where Women Create”…small towns!!! Grrr! And you’re way past me on the webstie, nice job! I’ll be begging for help soon…
Happy New Year! Hugs, Heidi
I totally feel like a geez! I can do my blog but that was after 6 months of constantly asking my son questions on how to do this or that!
I love your new look and the website is really exciting…
Now, You HAVE to pick me this month cute Karla! I HAVE to win the surprise gift because I NEED wallpaper and millinery and hand painted goodies and I also NEED whatever else you are giving away! (I work with 3 year olds and they learn the word need very early in life!, I am just following suit because they are very smart little munchkins!) hee! hee!
Happy new year if I dont comment sooner!
Your faithful blogging friend, karen….
Like the new look and the new Sugarwings. That puppy sure is cute! Takes ages to load stock on a website, mine is still not finished, one year later!!! Rachaelxo
Oh yes, I for sure think that having a photo in it “counts”!! You should have seen me when my ornament was on Cathy’s tree in Romantic Homes!! Even though it was barely visible, you would have thought I was on the cover, from how excited I was!!
🙂
I joined Facebook recently, but I am a *geezer* on there too. My “friends” are my sis-in-laws, and my boys think it’s waaaaaay UNcool that their mom has a Facebook, and I have been forbidden to add them as friends! 😉
If I can find ya on there; I’ll add ya!
~Becca~
Love the new look. Pretty new painting of Sugarwings. Can’t wait til you have the boutique stocked.
I don’t get Facebook either, sorry!
Lorna
The new banner looks fantastic! I love the image of Sugarwings! I thought that Elfie was a stuffed animal, I really did! And…uh um…YES! I would proudly list the magazine if I were you!
Karla,
A photo in a magazine?? Heck yes, include it!! You go, girl!
Please include me in your drawing.
Happy New Year!
Dawn
Karla, I LOVE your new blog look! The background looks so beautiful. And I LOVE that picture of sugarwings! She is so perfect. Love those long eyelashes 🙂
Your giveaway is chocked full of all my favorite things 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful, safe new year!
Hugs,
Amy
Oh and that puppy is beyond cute!! Look at that sweet little face 🙂
Love the new look. Isn’t that puppy just an adorable bundle of mischief! Facebook?????? is that a book with mirrored pages?
I really enjoy reading your blog. Best wishes to you and yours for 2009.
Regards Alveen
Love the new look!
Cute pup.
Hope you have a wonderful new year.
Looking so pretty Karla and your art work really stands out!!! That little puppy is too cute and what a perfect name.
Hugs,
Carol
I noticed your banner right away! It looks great…and Yes, put the magazine up 🙂 You are definately in it!
Facebook is so fun! You’ll be glad you did it!
I prefer reading blogs over those social networking sites like Facebook. I signed up along time ago and never did anything with it.
Don’t feel bad taking your time setting up your shop. It’s totally the wrong side of the brain for me, too. I did my shop all by myself — next time, I’m HIRING someone to do it!
Hey Karla!
I have ‘Where women create’ too and I have to admit that your photo has slipped my attention to start with, sorry. I still cannot find it after two times searching for the photo 🙁 Do I have the special edition?).
In other words I wouldn’t include this publication. I think that people might order this great magazine expecting an article that still has to come! Because your studio will be in a next edition of WWC, I’m sure of that.
Your new blog looks great though I loved the former colors too. Both Sugarwings are adorable, but this one is of course the more accurate.
I wish you and your family and friends have a happy ending of 2008 and a swell beginning of 2009.
For more happy new years wishes stay tuned!
I really loved the pink roses wallpaper on your blog before, but I like the sepia tones, too! And the new sugarwings is in sepia and makes it all flow well together! (I hadn’t noticed the updated sugarwings, til you pointed it out!)
And HECK YES, I would include the magazine where you have a picture published!!!
I just love your new look and can’t wait to see all your new goodies in your store. Of course, I would include the magazine with your picture!
Have a wonderful New Year!
I always thought your blog was beautiful before but I love the updated version too. Can’t wait to see the puppy pictures. Also love the look of your giveaway— the violets give the hint of spring to come!
Karla, you’re looking quite spiffy over here. I’ll be exciting to see your new shop.
Hi Karla, I love the ne pic of Sugarwings!
Also everything you have included (ie: Magazine)should stay on your blog.
I am excited about the drawing, and to see what your gifting is….
Also, I set up a Facebook, I rarely/never go there, it’s just not my cup of tea. I also have a myspace that I visit only when I am notified of a comment.
I am just a blog girl, trying to post on a regular basis.
I am still looking forward to puppies!
Your updated Blog is beautiful.
Blessings
Are you kidding? If I did anything half as wonderful as you do I’d put it on my blog. I’ll have to pick up the Romantic Country. I always love your articles. I love your new look too!
Hey if you name is printed you are in it!
What an adorable puppy. Is there any thing better than babies and puppies.
Happy New Year!!!!
Looking Great Karla! I’m inspired!! Happy New Year!
Hi Karla!
I did notice the new look as soon as I got onto your blog today. It looks GREAT!
I think you should add the magazine with the picture credit. It’s your name, so use it girl! As for facebook I got on at my daughters urging but still haven’t figured out most of it. I would rather just visit my favourite blogs and pick up my regular email. But that’s just my opinion.
I hope you had a great Christmas and I wish you a happy and safe New Year.
Cheers!
Lois
Hi Karla!
I did notice the new look as soon as I got onto your blog today. It looks GREAT!
I think you should add the magazine with the picture credit. It’s your name, so use it girl! As for facebook I got on at my daughters urging but still haven’t figured out most of it. I would rather just visit my favourite blogs and pick up my regular email. But that’s just my opinion.
I hope you had a great Christmas and I wish you a happy and safe New Year.
Cheers!
Lois
I just found Where Women Create but have barely opened it yet. Now I have another reason (like there weren’t enough?) Lovely banner and new look! Very nice indeed!
What a cute puppy. We have a cockapoo and he weighs 23 pounds. It all depends on what size the parents were. I like your new look.
Your new puppy is soooo cute! I have always had cats, but this little cutie has me thinking a little dog could be in my future.
Just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year and thank you for producing such a wonderful blog. I have just discovered your blog this year and it is delightful! I know that when I may be feeling a bit alone or in need of a craft boost I can turn to your blog. Thank you again.
Hey Karla:
HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re probably just T-I-R-E-D.
Relax, and have a nice cup of tea, and your motivation will come back. In due time.
Hey, at least you’re not in some tiny town in the boonies, like me, who knows no one, and has no friends, and no etsy shop, or
crafts studio set up ! (YOU’RE SO TALENTED)
Count your blessings, and remember, some of us are living back in time ! Hope those little pups come soon, then you’ll be plenty busy ! God Bless, and again, Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Deborah
I love, love your new look and I think if you were fortunate enough to have something of yours printed in that wonderful magazine, you should show the cover on your blog.
Everything looks gorgeous!!! Can’t wait to see the grand opening of your store! Yes if you are in it brag I would!!! We’ll see you Friday! Oh my I sure hope I win I would love to have some of that wallpaper!!
Great design! I would definitely add that magazine to the list! Your paintings are lovely!
Love the new look. It is that time of year.
I’m glad you included it. You deserve it!!!
I’m crossing my fingers and my toes for this months givaway. lol
Karla I just love the new blog banner. Great pic of sugar wings, you are really talented! That little dog is adorable!
I love your new look, the website is going to be fantastic as well. I think you can list any thing you want girl, go for it. I hope you and yours have a terrific New Year and know it holds loads of glitter and gold waiting for you!
I LOVE the new look! Everything is so soft and muted! I was JUST Admiring the white rose painting in your little blog photo album the other day…so beautiful! Love the updated picture of Sugarwings too! But that pup? Oh that is the CUTEST little thing ever! Elfie looks just like a little stuffed dog!
I’m hoping I can get that copy of Romantic country in Australia, I only just got November’s and was so excited I positively danced all the way home…
happy new year
Sarah
I definately count the “Where Women Create’ book, if you’ve got an illustration in it. Heck, I’d count it if I had an add in it! P.S. I really like the sepia roses in the sidebars.
Hi Karla!!
Elfie is a cutie.Adorable.
Congrats on the article.
Happy new year!!
Hugs
I loved your article in Romantic Country & coincidentally, just took the quiz last night. I had 2 B answers, 2 C answers & 1 A. Which would explain why I have such a hard time achieving cohesiveness!
And heck yeah, I’d include that magazine on my blog! My grandbaby’s face in a magazine? I’d be singing it from the rooftops & posting it on my front lawn. *grins*
I’m with you on the facebook thing. I signed up for it too because I was told I should. I really don’t see the point of it. I like blogging much better.
I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
Here’s to a happy New Year!
blessings,
kari and kijsa
Congratulations on the new look. It’s fabulous – hard to go wrong with Sara at your side. Sugarwings and Elfie are tooooo cute. As for the photo credit…yep, put it in there. Take credit whenever and wherever you can! Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2009. XOXXOO
Happy New Year Karla,
Hope I not too late Pinkie Denise