Karla Nathan – Page 137 – Karla's Cottage

How to make miniature book Christmas ornaments

holiday decor, how to's, how-to projects, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 20, 2014

As promised, here is the mini lesson on making mini book ornies.

I used paper cut from vintage Christmas cards glued over chipboard for my covers, and card stock for the pages. If your old holiday cards are sturdy enough, you could probably cut the covers directly from them and skip the whole gluing process.

First step- cut out the cover material, fold in half. Cut out three pieces of card stock slightly smaller than the cover, fold in half. (Any size you want to use works fine, most of mine are under 2", this one made from a card is larger)

Glue decorative paper to the cover. The backside of mine was white, but if yours isn't, cover both sides. This is a good time of year to save up chipboard,some pieces that I used were folded up inside a new shirt. Stores often use it chipboard to hold the shape of folded garments. So, as you are opening gifts, don't forget to salvage the packaging materials! (you could also cut up a cereal box)

Add glitter, ink, etc, to your taste. Don't add any 3D elements yet, though, embellish to your heart's content after the book is assembled.

To make the folded and decorated chipboard look like a real book, a piece of decorative tape, as faux binding can be pretty.

Put your three card stock pieces inside your cover, line them up, and punch two holes along the fold.

Tie the pages into the cover with whatever you think looks nice. Here, I've used vintage ribbon.

For a festive look, I like to use metallic pipe cleaners too. But first, I vintage them up a bit.

Give them a haircut and rub the newly styled piece onto a brown ink pad for a tarnished finish.

Next, add a hook (to whatever you tied the book together with) and hang it up.

I used these as favors and to decorate with for my book club holiday party. I think it would be fun to start a tradition of passing around a tiny book at Christmas dinner to have each person write a small message, or just sign their names. Date it, and hang it on the tree each year.

If you'd like to make some bigger books in different styles, I have a tutorial available here.

I'll leave you with some photos of what is new in the Etsy shop, it has been a busy Christmas tree season for me. I just now got around to adding some decorated ones.

Normally, I do get them out earlier…. But it has been quite a holiday season for me. Very fun, very busy!

I have some extra bright trees this year, thanks to Sugarwings. She and I had a dying party the other day.

And we got creative with our colors.

Around the cottage in December

cottage, holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / December 18, 2014

Before I decked the halls, we did a mini makeover. This wardrobe had been in the bedroom, but my husband never liked it there because when the doors were open to see the TV, they were in his way.

So, we moved the tvs and their cabinets from room to room. Once we did this, I felt that the space next to the cabinet was too empty, so I brought in a column from the studio, and another from the bedroom. both fit nicely behind the door when it is open and one even peeks over the top.

I also made a trip to KC's new IKea and got white, netting curtain panels, $2.99 for a package of two. I bought four sets to replace my lace curtains that were so old they finally shredded (but are now considered craft supplies!!). I love the fullness of having panels of netting on each window (and the price).

I was happy to have the perfect spot for a winter wonderland forest of trees on giant cabinet.

And I like the way the columms look from the dining room.

I wasn't as happy with the tv cabinet that got moved to the bedroom, because it held the television too low to see from my side of the bed. But my son is going to build up a box to set it on. I'll have some pictures of that when it is complete.

(by the way, if you ever have to do a switch-a-roo with tvs, I suggest taking a photo of all the wiring on the back so that it is easier to hook them back up again. With satellite boxes, DVD players and who knows what, all those wires are confusing. My son did a great job with it all, including drilling bigger holes into the back of the vintage cabinet to fit cords through, when the new box didn't fit where the old one was)

Here is a photo of the kitchen from our luncheon during my craft party/workshop. I've been thinking about painting my kitchen white, but I am liking the warm creams when I see this picture. I might have to rethink my plan…. But then, I do love the idea of bright white with some pale blue. Everything I own will still match.

That is what is nice about having so much neutral stuff, it goes with anything, I can mix and match pieces from one room into another, and a quick coat of paint can freshen up a look without changing anything else in the room.

The centerpieces were mismatched, matt white pottery vases from garage sales, filled with branches I cut from the yard, a $2 bundle of mark down roses from the grocery store, and poinsettias I cut from a plant I bought. I love to use the poinsettia blooms as cut flowers in water, instead of leaving them on the plants. They hold up well, and stay fresh for over a week.

And for one $6 plant, I got enough flowers to add to these four vases, plus plenty were still on the plant, so it will look nice as is. Until I'm ready to pluck them off and replace these blooms as they wilt. The branches should last the whole season.

In the middle of the table is just a large bowl of glittered pine cones. I figure I have so much going on with holiday decor around the house, I need to keep things simple here and there.

A Holiday Party for my Bookclub and some JOY

cottage, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 16, 2014

"Merry" used to be my favorite word this time of year.

But now, I kind of like "JOY."

It is this silly elf's middle name and that has made it my favorite seasonal word.

Plus, we could all use all the joy we can get.

I hadn't planned on Sugarwings being here for book club, but her daddy had a chance to go camping with his buddies. (Even though it was going to be EIGHTEEN DEGREES THAT NIGHT!!!!!!)

So, I picked her up after school, and we ran some errands, then came home to foof up the house for the party. She was glad to help, but I was worried about her being on her own all evening while I entertained.

She had no problem with it and was excited to dress up like an elf to greet the guests (she is all about the costume, no matter what the occasion is)

I set up a table of crafts in my bedroom in front of a TV full of holiday shows to watch on the DVR. First of all, she never gets to craft in the bedroom in front of the TV, and take food in there too. Double forbidden fun.

Of course, there was some hot cocoa spilled on the chair, but hey, why use slip covers if you don't plan on pulling them off to wash them?

I guess these photos are pretty similar to the previous post, showing the dining room all set up for a party. But since this is an evening gathering and that was a luncheon, maybe they are different enough to show?

I love to use lots of twinkly lights when I have a party. The ones on the table are wrapped on gold branches and are battery operated. (bought on clearance after Christmas last year, 75% off)

I've added lots of layers of table clothes, and some lights under the table too. This time, I have vintage curtains as a table skirt and the string of lights show more. Usually, I have a regular table cloth draped to the floor, and get a softer glow. But this look is kind of fun too.

I chose the wine for the pretty labels. And it was good, too, and very affordable. It's nice to find a tasty wine under ten bucks.

I kept the food simple, like brie sprinkled with rosemary and wrapped in puff pastry, with a side of fig jelly and crackers. That is one of the easiest things to ever make, but sure looks special.

Another trick I have for elevating an ordinary dish is to, well, elevate the dish.

Here, I've set a compote of chicken salad on a plate, and set that on a cake plate, making three levels.

This compote full of dip makes this veggie tray more interesting than it would've been if I'd had it served on an actual tray. And lining the bowl with ruffly kale made it prettier too.

The three vases of flowers (left over from my last party) are also on different levels. I turned a bowl upside down to set one vase on to lift it up.

The cheesecake is a regular cheesecake, but I added a hand full of chopped pecans to the graham cracker crust, and then mixed in some of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Carmel Sauce into the batter. When it was done baking, I drizzled a little more on top.

One thing I should have done was to take some leaves out of the table, but I can't do it by myself and my husband was out of town. There is too much space between the dishes. since it was a small gathering, I didn't have a ton of food out, and it was spread out a bit too much to look its best. But that is just nit picking, huh? I doubt if my friends were gossiping about how much space I'd left between bowls…

For party favors, I made tiny, glittered books out of vintage papers. I'll have a mini how-to coming up soon if you want to make some yourself.

More pictures from Romantic Cottage Christmas

holiday decor, studio tour

By Karla Nathan / December 14, 2014

Its just too dang bad that my studio doesn't stay this cleaned up. I love having it this way. But in reality, it is a work space and while it lends itself to getting prettied up for a frothy afternoon of glittering guests, it is where all the hard work goes down. And 90% of the time, the room doesn't look so great.

The space tends to pile up with shipping materials and crafting materials, not to mention the fiasco that appears under the grand fairies tables every time they come out to play.

So for now, before the room becomes total chaos again, I'm loving the holiday atmosphere and the cleared off table tops.

My Valentine fairies seem to be very happy living with pink flocked Christmas trees, too.

Even the fairy I made in Hawaii last year seems content in a snowy forest.

Sometimes, the decorations here in the studio are very subtle. Like adding a vintage Christmas card to an old frame.

Or tying some blue Shiny Brites to the branches above the table.

The treat cabinet got a little foofing too.

Here is a simple idea. I painted on the glass of an old frame. If you aren't a painter, writing a holiday message with a marker suitable for glass is an easy way to make a cheerful decoration. You can add pretty paper behind it, or leave the glass on its own like I did.

And of course, since you are writing on the clear glass directly, it would be very easy to trace something that you have printed, if you aren't into hand lettering either.

It is a joy to have my desk area kind of cleared off for now. I find myself working in a 4" x 4" spot sometimes as bits and pieces accumulate as I make things. Maybe I should do a resolution to have better workspace hygiene for 2015?

Hmm, it would be too bad to fail on a resolution before the first week of the year was even up, so maybe not…

PS, there are a few class kits left here and here.

Vintage baby shoes and socks ornaments

holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / December 12, 2014

Throughout the month, I spent time making little pretties here and there between all of the other hustley, bustley stuff going on. And I finally listed some of them. Not all! Dang, I love making holiday ornaments more than just about anything, but I'm so far behind this year, I've been spending more time making them than trying to sell them!

But, I really don't mind having them around.

It's not like I need more ornies on my tree…

But, I am always tempted just to keep them all! Still, I just can't, so some are for sale in Etsy and in my Boutique.

If I get a chance, I'll add more.

(back of the stockings)

If not this year, then next… Because it isn't like they will go bad, right? The vintage materials I used will just get vintagy-er.

An early start to the decking of the halls, yay!

cottage, fairies, holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / December 10, 2014

I was so happy to get my home decorated before Thanksgiving.

(For the big dinner itself, I had white pumpkin center pieces, so I did tip a hat toward the current holiday too) Our Elf on the Shelf made her first appearance on Thanksgiving day, and was part of the centerpiece.

I'm using a fairy from my Birdsong class for Santa's spy this year and we've been finding her everywhere since she got to work. Some mornings, she is just creepily watching Sugarwings sleep and is waiting on the pillow when she wakes up. Those are the mornings when Grammie forgot to pose her somewhere cute and hurriedly plopped her down.

I hope your Thanksgiving was a good one. Ours sure was, and no one seemed to mind that I'd jumped the gun and got the Christmas stuff out. Personally, I was relieved that I'd got that off my list of things to do.

First of all, I had a lot going on and time was at a premium. Second of all, I've had a bad case of sinusitis and asthmatic bronchitis keeping me in slow gear and I needed the extra time.

But honestly?

I just couldn't wait!

Those boxes of sparkly things were calling out to me from the closet. I had to set them free and let them shine!

I've been making a lot of little ornaments too. But sadly, being sick and being busy, I haven't tried to sell them like I should. My shop didn't get much of an update beyond the kits that I made for others to create their own pretties.

This little shoe is one that Dewdrop wore as a baby.

This is the before shot of it. Cute as can be, but not exactly tree ready.

The first step was to paint it white, cover it in glitter, and stuff it, then embellish. I've done this with a few of Sugarwings's shoes too, I love seeing them on the tree.

The tree on my dining room buffet is filled with all hand made, or hand painted ornaments. More of the little pipe cleaner fairies, bird cages, and some family ornies or gifts.

This is from one of Beth's lessons in our Romantic White Christmas online class from a few years ago.

This is a deer I painted for my husband the year we were married.

And I've got some hand painted rose ornaments too. The sheet music star piece with Dewdrop's photo is made with vellum paper. I love the way the light shows through the vellum.

Here is a simple how-to for making these, if you are interested. Just scan sheet music and print on vellum to get this look with the project.

One thing I always do on my buffet, is to set out a mirror as a tray, or base for the holiday decor, add a string of lights onto the mirror, and then cover it with lace. The mirror reflects the lights and adds extra sparkle to the display.

And who doesn't need more sparkle???

PS- Kits from Romantic Cottage Christmas are available here and here.

Romantic Cottage Christmas,extra Kits, and Using the Good Stuff!

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

By Karla Nathan / December 7, 2014

As you can see from this winter wonderland of fairies, when I plan a class, I make a TON of the pieces before I teach them. These fairies are from Birdsong 4. And not only was I trying to work out the kinks in the project before sharing the steps, I got hooked. I loved making them.

There were also plenty of sprites to add to the silver tree on the kitchen buffet. (on the right)

I tend to go over board with kit making too.

I whipped up dozens of holiday ornament kits for our small gathering, knowing that they would be great for gift giving and for adding to my online shops.

Our day in the studio was so much fun! I enjoyed having a reason to get the room into its full on holiday glory and then to spend time out there with nice people, listening to Christmas music, and making sparkly creations for our trees.

Here is one of the projects we made that day. If you'd like to make any of these ornies or fairies, the kits are available here and here.

We also made these stuffed, felted stocking with vintage lace.

These are from Shan and Rebecca.

Laurie's was Tiffany Blue. She was my inspiration for making up kits in that color too. (I also had red, white, and pink)

Beth added glittered ballerinas to hers and made one for each of her little nieces.

The kits contain everything you need to make the pretties, but I also had a big table full of extras.

With lots of little embellishments, wallpaper, ribbons, and lace.

Once we had finished the three kits, and had some lunch, we spent the afternoon "freestylin"

Everyone had plenty of supplies and inspiratins to make all sorts of pieces.

From tags, to garlands, to embellished little trees.

(once the glue dries on this one, it will be a glittery masterpiece)

I like the way Rebecca made this paper mache ornie into a mosaic of sparkling papers.

The third project for the day was, "On Gilded Wings" this angel on the left. ( Her skirt is netting I tore from a 1940s bride gown, included in all of the kits.)

One thing we talked about while we glued and glittered, was one of my favorite topics. No, not the grand fairies, although I probably blathered on too much about them, too.

No, we talked about Using the Good Stuff.

I can't emphathize enough, that a project worth your time is worth your best materials. Why save them for something better? Just by using the vintage bridal gown lace, or the soft, old flowers, you have made THIS project better.

I am a big believer in using the good stuff in every day life too. And that doesn't mean it is top of the line expensive stuff either. My china is from an auction for $10. My vintage napkins are from a toss away bag of stuff Beth didn't want. The vases are from garage sales.

And the layered tablecloths (which don't really show here) were hand made by my Great Aunt Caroline and my Great Grandma Nellie. Why keep those things in a drawer, never to be seen? I like to get them out and use them. I added sheet music and a vintage, new stock doily under each plate to protect the cloths, but I figured if they get spilled on, I can always soak out a stain. Or set a vase over the spot next time if can't get the spot out.

But stuck away in a drawer, never being enjoyed and used? That would be too sad.

I feel the same way about my stash of vintage supplies. Why would I buy them to use as supplies if I just decide to hoard them away and not enjoy them???

That is why the tiny crystals on the Santa hats I made for my guests are vintage old stock from the 30s. And the felted wool is hand dyed. The trim is wool roving, not just dacron, and all of those ingredients make the piece just a little more special, even though it is a simple little, silly thing.

Another way to look at it, is that Using the Good Stuff is a gift to ourselves. Women tend to think of everyone else during the holidays. Maybe you need to stop and think of yourself, take the time to open your stash of special items, and make something wonderful for yourself or as a gift. The act of just using the Good Stuff is such a happy feeling, and making presents with your beloved goodies is even better.

This is the season to thing about sharing the bounty.

Don't be a Scrooge, hoarding it all away! Take that special button out of the glass jar, or cut away a hunk from the back of an old gown, or slice into that butter soft velvet and USE IT!

A personal holiday tradition

holiday decor, jewelry

By Karla Nathan / December 6, 2014

Typically, I'm not a red or a green person.

But for the whole month of December, I wear red and green stones for Christmas.

I've had this ring for – aack! a LOT of years! – since my twelfth birthday. It was a gift from my sister, Bobbie Sue.

And these emerald earrings were a gift from my pal, Shanna.

The peridots were my Great Aunt Caroline's. And the ruby was my Mom's. It's a sentimental time of year, so it is extra nice to have Christmas colored jewelry that reminds me of family.

Or fun days out with friends. The garnet and diamond ring in the back is from a flea market buddy trip. the very vintage rose gold one in front was from a garage sailing day with friends, and was only $4.

I think any of the pendants go wonderfully with the pearl necklace Sissy made for me from Great Grandma Nellie's pearls. (Notice that I cropped my wattle out of the photo?)

For the last few years, I've also worn this red velvet coat from Victoria Trading Co. during December, along with this pretty scarf that Jenn Hayslip gave to me for teaching at one of her events.

The coat could be considered a bit much. I either look like I am wandering about in my bath robe, or am Mrs. Claus escaped from the North Pole. I've heard Red Riding Hood too.

But when I put it on, I feel festive. It's warm, it's soft, and I don't think looking like Mrs. Claus is such a bad thing this time of year.

Do you have a personal tradition that makes you feel all Christmassy?

Letting down the kiddos

Dew Drop, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 3, 2014

We have the sweetest, most forgiving, grand fairies. I let them down, big time, by forgetting an important item on our Holiday To Do List.

We have BIG plans for the holiday season this year. I want to do something special every week of December with them. (these gold flecked sugarplum dresses will be getting a workout for this month)

Between holiday crafts, gingerbread house building, and cocoa parties, we are also going to Breakfast with Santa at Lionsgate Country Club, to the Lawrence Community Theater's showing of Mary Poppins, and to see Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer at the Coterie Theater in Crown Center, plus the Festive of Trees, and some other fun outings.

One item on the list that I'm really looking forward to is following a map of holiday lights around town.

But, do to a major effing-up on my part, our schedule of fun events didn't get off to a smooth start. The girls and I talked all week about going to see Rudolf. Then the night before we planned to go, I discovered that my tickets were for that day,not the next.

Yep, missed it.

But see Dewdrop's sad face? That isn't about the play. She simply gets tired of too many hugs sometimes… and Sugarwings is a full on, heavy duty, non stop hugger.

Those girls were soooooooo sweet when I explained that I'd made a huge mistake on the date and we missed the show we were looking forward to. I didn't hear one single complaint, and no tears fell down cheeks. I was so pleased and proud to know how understanding and appreciative they are. We do a lot of fun activities together, but if I thought they were acting like spoiled brats over these outings, we sure wouldn't be doing them.

It is good to see that my grands are big hearted and that they felt bad for me because I was sad about mixing up the dates. Neither of them felt bad for themselves. (So of course, I felt even worse about my major mistake!)

So, we decided to find some fun out there some where and headed to Kansas City, even though we were not visiting with our favorite ruby nosed deer.

Those little fairy girls didn't care where we went, they were thrilled to wear their new gowns (from Ross Dress for Less for only $18 each) and hang with the old folks for the day. Especially hanging with ole Mr. Claus.

He is set up at Crown Center in Crayola''s Santaland, with lots of giant crayons to climb on.

And a little crayon house to twirl in.

We went out to lunch, walked around the mall, (where neither one even asked for a toy) and did crafts at the Crayola store. Then, later a movie. All in all, a fantastic day.

( this is the photo before doctoring on picmonkey, where I used bokah stars to lighten it, wrinkle remover to take out the background, eye tint to remove the last bit of fuscia from Sugarwings' hair, eye tint to soften the banner and the red lights, plus some snow.)

Making a package as special as the gift inside

holiday decor, how-to projects, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 1, 2014

It's that time of year, when gifting is on our minds. Sometimes, the wrapping just about does me in. One year, I did the smartest thing, I used ONE GIFT BAG for the whole family!!

It really was a lifesaver that hectic year. I made a pile of pressies for each person, in the room right next to the tree. Then, I took a large gift bag back there, put one present in it, and brought it out to be opened. Then I went back and refilled it, with something for the next person. It was funny, and we had a great time, with me playing Santa one bag at a time.

But if you are not rushed, and would like some special presentations, here is an idea.

I love these plain, wooden or paper mache boxes from Michael's and Hobby Lobby. They are great to decorate and fill.

One issue I have with them, though, is if you try to decoupage them, the lids don't always fit right. I've learned that it best to paint the area under where the lip of the lid will fit on. You can goober up the sides as much as you want, but stop your ornamentation right up to where the edge of the lid will be.

And don't forget to decorate the interior too. I usually paint the inside of the bottom part, and then do something unexpected inside the lid. (Do be careful not to have your embellishments get in the way of the lid closing, though)

This whole thing was pretty quick and simple. And nice to take the time on for wrapping notable gifts. The majority of my giving will be done in paper bags, but I do like to whip up a few extra nice packages here and there. The small boxes are only about a dollar each, and the decorations can be done with scraps, a little bit of paint, and glitter, plus an embellishment or two.

Here are the steps I followed:

Paint the inside, and outside of the box metallic silver.
Paint the outside rim of the lid also. And the bottom of the box.
Brush glue onto the top of the lid, adhere and burnish decorative paper (I used vintage wallpaper)
Buff the edges of the paper with a sanding block to make it smooth. I then ran a metallic silver ink pad along the edge.
Brush Elmer's glue along the bottom of the box, about half way up, and over the entire top of the lid, then sprinkle with crystal clear, fine glitter. I like Martha Stewart's glitter for this, it is very sheer.
When the lid dried, I drizzled glue on the inside of it, and laid two layers of ruffled wallpaper into the glue and added a flat millinery bloom to the center. (You could use lace, or other ruffles, and a sparkling, old gem for the same effect)
For the top of the lid, I simply added a millinery bloom from my garden of floral hats. You can decorate the top as ornate or simple as you like.
Run a bead of glue around the bottom of the box and press a ribbon or trim into it, cut to fit. I added a second layer too.

Author name: Karla Nathan