Karla Nathan – Page 105 – Karla's Cottage

Happy Valentine’s Day!

celebrations, family, holiday decor, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / February 14, 2017

This is one of my favorite days of the year! It is also the anniversary of the day my husband adopted our boys, so we have made this an anniversary celebration with gifts and parties, instead of the traditional romantic day you'd expect.

This year, between the work schedules of our group, Sunday night was the time everyone was free for the bash. (hmmm, maybe I'll get a chance for a traditional, wooing type Valentine night since our family gathering was earlier?)

At first we were worried that we'd have to cancel, because Dewdrop had been sick. She felt better that day, but was still spotty from a rash.

We kept her busy making Valentine cards and decorations all day while watching movies and resting. She was up for the party and ready to celebrate when dinner time came.

She did have to sit out on the food prep, tho.

Sugarwings made the sliced tomato and mandarin oranges hearts for our salads. She was also in charge of table setting and decor.

After my mistake of over doing at Christmas time, I was smart enough to cook the day before for this party. I'd made a bunch of lasagnas, vegetarian, vegan, and less veggie for the little kids.

That way, I could just pop them into the oven, no worries, no work. I was able to enjoy the day with the kids, being crafty and hanging out. And I wasn't frazzled when it was time to sit down and enjoy the meal together.

We even had time to plan a surprise for the family. I climbed up on the arm of the sofa, and Sugarwings passed handfuls of confetti to me to put onto the ceiling fan blades. The girls were also kind enough to share some of their lace paper doily hearts from the craft supply box.

After dinner, before cake and gifts, everyone gathered in a circle to hold hands and sing "Family Together", a song my husband and the kids made up. I made an excuse to go hit the switch and the confetti floated down on the singers.

If I had it to do over again, I'd use much, much more confetti. But this is one of those things that would be hard to repeat. Everyone would see it coming and there couldn't be a big surprise again.

Unless I could fake out someone on a birthday, by having the blades loaded and casually saying something like, "would you please get that cup from the living room for me?" and hitting the switch as they walk under? Hmm, hope none of them read that….

It was all a big hoot, and if you watch the little video, you can see just how crazy and ramped up it made the kids much the kids loved the prank! It is posted on my FB page.

Best wishes for a fun Valentine to you too! From the little joys to the grand gestures, the sly smiles to the big grins, it's all about the love and about sharing that love with the ones you care about.

edit- I've added the video for you here:

Lace hearts

holiday decor, Valentine's Day

By Karla Nathan / February 11, 2017

At my friend's craft day, we made some lace Valentines. I'd been wanting to make some, and was glad that I did.

I liked it so much, that I made a few extra at home and have a couple in my Etsy shop now.

The ones I made for myself at craft day are hung in windows in the kitchen, but I really like having the ones that are for sale on this birdcage stand and I had fun moving them around the room and trying various spots to photograph them.

I might need to leave this stand in my house to use there, with another heart or maybe some wings done in the same way, hanging off of it, huh?

Although, for photography purposes, I think that the lace shows better with a solid backing behind it.

The lace is taken from a bridal veil circa 1940 or so.

I've decked both out with millinery and trimmed it with edging taken from my old Victorian French net curtains.

At first, I almost didn't list them since Valentine's Day is so close.

Then, I realized that I was planning on leaving my own up year round, just just for a holiday decoration.

And they'd also be great decor for a wedding, bridal shower, or even a little girl's room.

They look pretty against a wall, don't they?

In person, they look great in a window, but my camera can't capture that with the sun shining in.

If you are interested, you can find them here.

Vintage Valentines and other goodies in the Boutique

holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / February 9, 2017

If it seems like I am obsessed with my online Boutique and it is all I yammer on about any more, you are probably right.

I've seriously enjoyed reopening it.

And have spent a lot of time on it.

My blog never has had much rhyme or reason to it, beyond talking about what I've been doing.

So… since I've been working on the Boutique, I do tend to fixate upon it. I've got some crafty things coming up, Sugarwings is planning a Valentine party for the family, and I went to a fun Galentine's Gathering, so I'll have something else to talk in the next few posts.

In the meantime, blabber blabber, my Boutique, yadda yadda, my Boutique, yammer yammer, Boutique, blah blah blah, Boutique….

I know, right?

PS- I'm still offering the PDF download of this coloring page for free if you'd like on. Print it on matt photo paper for the best results, get out your markers and inks, and have some fun!

New in the Boutique and some back patting

give away, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage

By Karla Nathan / February 7, 2017

I'm super impressed with myself.

It's only been a week, but I've been sticking with my plan to update the Boutique.

Not only adding some new things every couple of days, I've been deleting things as they sell.

That might not sound like a big deal, but after months of letting my poor little shop languish into nothingness and disappear into the interwebs void, I vowed to nurture and care for it and beg it to stay with me after it was restored.

I'd been out of the habit of working on the site for…………..

let's say, a looooooonnnng time.

So, I've tried to make it a new habit (from an old habit of days gone by) to spend some time at the computer each day to keep my promise to myself.

So far, so good.

Please forgive my self bragging, but I have to admit that I've been pretty dang proud of myself for meeting my goal and if I compliment myself now, that might encourage me to keep up the good work.

I honestly missed my little shop for the last year (and more) so it feels good to get back to packing up pretty parcels of goodies to ship out.

Thanks for bearing with me as I pat myself on the back, for listening to my woes and worries while the Boutique was missing, and for shopping in it now that it is back. I appreciate it!

(There are 8 pages of markdown goods, of 50% or more to look through as well as new things being added)

As a Thank You for listening to me blab, and for shopping with me too- please check my previous post on how to get a free printable of this hand drawn coloring page with a Valentine theme.

If you need even more coloring in your life, check out this old book in the Boutique too!

Not only have I got the Boutique up and running again, I am beginning to add to my Etsy shop too!

I made sooooo many bracelets, that even though I've sold quite a few (thank you very much), there is not a dent in the inventory yet. I still have a big tray full of them to photograph.

I was on quite a roll with those, huh? It was an addiction. I had to have an intervention with myself, because I would still be at it if I could!

A FREE Valentine coloring page Giveaway for you and some coloring tips

drawing, free images, how to's

By Karla Nathan / February 4, 2017

Last week, at craft day with Beth, I decided to draw a Valentine coloring page similar to some I have done for other themes like Birds, Halloween, and Snow White. In the past, I've included them in art journal kits and swaps too, these are ideal to color and add to a book.

Plus, I simply and sincerely LOVE to color them myself!

My process usually starts with rifling through vintage books to find text to fit my theme, then creating a collage from it.

"Sunlight and Shade" a book from 1885, had a lovely font and sweet text that fit right in with Valentines.

See what I mean?

Mostly, it is just background that gets colored over, but I try to single out special words. This time, inside of hearts.

When I color my own copies, I leave those words as is, or accent with a clear, Stardust Gelly Roll pen, so they stand out.

(I ADORE those pens! They leave a sheer sparkle that is subtle and sweet)

As I color the pictures, I use multiple tools. There are some tips HERE for the variety that I use for my pages: markers, glitter pens, colored pencils, and white opaque inks

And HERE are some tips for roses.

For faces, I recommend colored pencils. Markers can be harsh. Ink, even more so. Of course, there are wonderful Coptic markers that you can use for blending and get a good result, so if you are doing lots of coloring pages with faces and skin tone, it is probably worth it to invest in those tints of markers. But they can be pricey, and I feel like using pencils along with the markers and inks gives the finished piece more interest.

And you can call it "Mixed Media". Which sounds more impressive than coloring.

Not that I am bashing coloring!

I love coloring.

Im just saying that the more detail, layering of color, and mix of materials that you use, the more interesting the picture is.

I cannot do without white opaque markers, sometimes for a little dot of highlight (like in the lovebirds' eyes), or over another color (like in the large, pink flower above), or under a color (like in the blue flower above), or on its own (like the rope braid on the frame above), or outlining words (like on the word, LOVE)

I also used a wide tip, white opaque marker on some of the background behind the word LOVE.

My biggest and best tip, though, is to finish off with a fine tip, black marker or pen to go over some of (or most of) the lines after you've colored the page.

For me, going over the outlines with black, sharpens up the drawing and makes it pop.

Would you like to give one a try? As a thank you to my readers (and shoppers) I'm offering a free download of the drawing/collage that I've done if you'd like one.

Email me at:

karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

I'll send you the PDF to print over and over to color as many times as you'd like (I've finished three and am working on a fourth right now, they are addictive!)

When I print them, I use a quality paper, either matt photo, or a matt brochure, not just plain copy paper. Copy paper can make the marker bleed, and sometimes it tears.

It is good to be back in business

the Boutique at Karla's Cottage

By Karla Nathan / February 1, 2017

I didn't realize I'd missed having a shop until it disappeared. I kept thinking I'd get back to it, but put it off and put it off some more.

Then, went I finally went to use it, it was GONE.

With help from friends, and over a week of turmoil, I got it back. And I promised it that I wouldn't neglect it again.

So, I've cleaned it up, marking down a total of about 12 pages of clearance items (50% off and more), and then adding a lot of my beaded wrap bracelets.

Thank you to everyone who has shopped with me. I do love packaging up pretties to ship out!

I was afraid no one would remember me and shop here. But I am lucky that some of you did come to see me and I carried an overflowing wicker laundry basket full of boxes to the PO on Monday from the weekend's visitors to the Boutique.

Since then, I've been adding a few things here and there, to build the space back up again. Like these Victorian Jet beaded trims.

This velvet box I'd foofed up with millinery and lined with old rose wallpaper.

This woven, textile bag.

A very sweet and very old baby book.

And this.

You know you want this, right?

Nope, I didn't make it. But it looks like something I'd do to a pin cushion, doesn't it?

Now, if I can keep on this roll, I'll be able to restore my Boutique to what I like it to be.

A selection of hand made items from me…some vintage supplies to create your own hand made items… antiquey things for your own cottage…a few old jewels to use or to wear.. and lots of good ol' midwestern heartland shopping type deals.

Thank you to every one who came by to take a look and who commiserated with me over my problems with the website (by the way, if you are starting a shop, Pappashop isn't easy to contact, I've heard it from others too- it's great when it works, but if you have an issue, not quite as easy to navigate).

I'll keep you informed as I add more pieces. And did I remember to say THANK YOU???

I mean it. I was thrilled to see I still had shoppers after not being in business for so long!

Thank you, thank you!

The Boutique is back in business, brimming with baubles and beads- and BARGAINS

jewelry, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage

By Karla Nathan / January 29, 2017

Thanks to Beth and Hope, my BOUTIQUE is re-opened!

(What was wrong with it?? Well, a combo of misadventures that all stemmed from the messages they send to me being lost. For some reason, my email address is not compatible with their site or their site is reprehensible to my email server, because I just ain't gittin 'em. That wasn't solved, but the website was re-instated and is running again. I'll make an effort to manually check the admin page for messages now, since I know I will not be getting email notifications.)

Things are looking up in the studio, the smell is going away, my shop is back, I've happily been able to get back to work.

The first thing I did was clean up the store. Somehow, many of the photos had jumbled up. For some reason, quite a few of the items were illustrated with a picture of a vintage "Carter's Little Liver Pills" box (sold a year ago).

Hmm… maybe my site was trying to tell me it was ill and needed help??

Anyway, odd random pics are banished, and items that have been lingering are MARKED DOWN DRASTICALLY.

I thought about having a percentage off sale, but instead went through each item, piece by piece, and marked them down individually, because many are over 50% off.

There are ten pages of sale items, 50% off and more. Please check them out here, if you are bargain shopping. And please keep in mind that I refund excess shipping after the packages are weighed.

My next step was to start taking photos of these wrap style bracelets. The first ones into the shop are the "Sweetheart Collection" just in time for Valentines Day!

I've also created a "Romance Collection"

There is some Cinderella blue in the Sweetheart Collection.

And some brighter blues in the Mermaid Collection.

There are single wraps, double, triple and quadruple too. They come in a wide variety of prices, depending on how many beads and what kind.

My friends Queenie and Beth, at Beth’s Booth

antiques/junking

By Karla Nathan / January 27, 2017

A couple times a year, Beth participates at the Old Summit Country Antique Show in Lees Summit. She and I used to do shows together and I sure miss it sometimes. So, to get my fix of junk stylin', I help her set up her wares.

She always has pretty stuff to work with. Displays almost create themselves, she has coordinated her inventory so well.

Unless I start picking through it, that is. The ribbon flowers? I snagged 'em.

While unpacking boxes, we had a visitor.

I did say COUNTRY SHOW, right?

Well, even though that is the name of the event, it doesn't mean that you are guaranteed a chance to snuggle farm animals.

Queenie was only 4 days old, too little to be left at home while her adopted family set up their own space at the show. She was pretty dang adorable and I was tempted to go pig shopping on my way home.

I've heard they are good pets.

But after more than a year and a half, we are still adjusting to owning a large dog. The mix with Honey the golden retriever with three goofy, little dorkies, has not been easy.

After considering just how much a piglet could complicate the already precarious union of those four dogs, I came to my senses. Plus, my studio already smells bad enough. Ugh- I think there is a dead mouse in the wall. It has been too awful to go in there to get any work done.

Oh, but wasn't Queenie a cutey????

Baubles, bangles, beads, and bothers

jewelry, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage

By Karla Nathan / January 23, 2017

The last two weeks have been very frustrating for me. First, my studio developed an odor.

That odor blossomed into a stench.

Before I knew it, I was dealing with a pungent REEK.

The smell seems to be a dead mouse in the wall. But I don't know why it is lingering so long. At first, I was patient. I simply packed up beads and hauled them to the dining room to work on.

I figured that in a few days, I could take the bracelets that I'd made and head back to the studio and list them in my Boutique.

Little did I know that the REEK would grow.

And that my website would disappear.

As in- gone-

all gone-

not there-

no access because it doesn't exist anymore!

Sob.

I tried everything I could to contact the webhost, Pappashop, got no answers. So, I've hired Hope at Paper Relics, who designed the pages, to look into it for me.

In the meantime, my boxes of beads and I are hanging out in the dining room with a stack of over 40 bracelets and I just keep on making more, biding my time until the studio is stench-less.

Once the room is safe to enter without my eyes watering from the hideousness of whatever is decomposing, I hope that my beloved Boutique has been restored.

If not, there is always Etsy. But, that just isn't the same. I miss my online store! It probably ran away from home because I'd neglected it for so long. It thinks I didn't love it any more.

But I do.

Please come home, little store!

Much needed vacation craft days

fairies, guncles, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / January 21, 2017

When Guncle Randy and I get together, there is usually some pretty paper and glue around. We always make time for a craft day and on my last visit, we even fit in more than that.

We had a full day with our pal, Regina plus a lot more time back in the stuffed to the brim (with delights) art room he has.

Regina gifted me with some gemstones, and I'm looking forward to getting them turned into jewelry.

During our play date, I made some cards, my sis had a birthday coming up.

And a nephew had just gotten married.

Randy had this awesome, old, ballerina photo that he copied for me to use, so I made this Valentine from the picture. I also created a Valentine banner with some red felt triangles he gave to me.

After I finished my sweetheart banner filled with ballerina girls, Randy and I collaborated on a banner with hunks for his mantel.

The left hand piece is by me, the right by Randy.

Here is another that I made for him. The red felt pieces are from Target's Dollar Spot. They always have good supplies, don't they?

I never get out of there with spending just ONE dollar….

When I left Kansas, I threw a few supplies in my suitcase, but not enough. No problem, at the Guncles' house, there are lotsa goodies to play with. Randy shared with me and we worked for hours back in his room of wonders.

Yep, it was a fun brother/sister/best friend week. Thanks, Baby Bro!

Author name: Karla Nathan