Karla Nathan – Page 185 – Karla's Cottage

It was hard to get out of bed today

By Karla Nathan / February 8, 2012

Friday night, Sugarwings had a high fever and climbed into bed with us. Well, we've always had a full sized mattress and been happy with it, but she has had a recent growth spurt and we were really pinched for space with her between us.

Especially with that boulder of a cast on her arm.

Recently we had ordered a new mattress, since we'd been waking up with stiff necks and sore backs because of what felt like a ditch in the middle of our old mattress,.

We were supposed to pick up our new, back saving mattress on Saturday. Instead, we called to see if there were any queen sized available, and luckily, not only was one in stock, it was on sale and we got a refund, so it cost less than the smaller order that we cancelled!

The trouble is, when you change mattress sizes, everything in the room changes. I didn't have bedding, or a frame to fit it. I figured I'd have a mattress on the floor for a while till I could search and hunt for the perfect thrifted or junked bed to fix up, but I just happened to see a frame marked 75% off that looked like "me" as I walked down the aisles of Nebraska Furniture Mart.

We got home, took down the cobbled together mantel and mirror and small rolling bed frame that we'd been using, and saw that I'd painted the room a couple of times since hanging that giant mirror. So, wall repair and painting had to happen before the bed was assembled.

And of course, it was not just a bigger mattress, the frame was bigger, stuck out past the dimensions of a bigger mattress. Silly of me to measure mattresses and think, "another 5 inches?? That won't make a difference at all" Because the frame itself adds even more than that. We didn't have a head board or foot board before, our little metal frame rolled right up to the wall.

Seriously, a little planning might have been smart.

This was all a spur of the moment idea. We went from happy with our full sized mattress set up with thrift store finds, to a dream come true, luxury B&B style, brand new from a real store, foofed up, twice the size of our old one, shabby chic, nest of a bed, all in a couple of hours without really thinking it through.

Here is the before. I really thought I was happy with that. But my oh my! Our new bed is wonderful.

Its huge. Almost waist height for me. I need a step stool.

I also have to hope that this bed means no more back problems, because if I am having a Back Attack, I won't be able to haul myself up there.

And since its so high up, I figured the dogs couldn't get up without invitation and help, so I splurged on all white, wonderful, fluffy bedding, thinking I'd be in charge of when they came up and could just say no if they were particularly stinky or muddy.

But no, they must sprout wings when I'm not looking, because they seem to get up on the bed easier than I can.

Never, ever, have I slept in a bed that is so luxurious and cozy. The new sheets and blankets are deep and thick, the bed itself is the perfect mix of firm, supportive and soft. Its a memory foam blend, with spring support, and the best thing I've ever laid down upon.

I don't think I could come up with enough gushy cliches to say how much I adore my new bed. Its like sleeping on a cloud. Its heavenly! I feel like a princess, in this lush nest.

And my still white, not yet dog messed, covers are as pretty unmade as they are pulled up.

Since the frame is so much larger than the size we've had sitting in that exact same spot for over 20 years, we've whacked our knees on the foot board a couple times. I'm going to have to rearrange the furniture a bit to make sure that doesn't happen again.

I started by moving this chair from the bedroom to the bathroom.

And this chair from the bathroom to the studio.

That won't be the end of it. Now the furniture roulette begins. Its a good thing I have a perfect new, comfy mattress, because my back will need the rest. I'll be scooting furniture around the house from one room to another till I get this all figured out.

I wasn't the only one to get a new "big girl bed", Sugarwings has one too. Its not like me to be buying new stuff willy nilly like this. I own very few items from real stores. My stuff comes from junk stores, antique shops, and garage sales. But I tell ya, I can get used to living this way.

The girl's room is getting a bit of a redo also. Pictures to come as I get it done, and get my own room all done so that my new bed feels at home here.

The craftless craft day

celebrations, flowers, Food and Drink

By Karla Nathan / February 6, 2012

Some friends came over for lunch Tuesday, and we almost had a craft day along with it. I'd planned an all day crafting day with lunch in the middle, but plans changed, so we enjoyed what time we had.

And I'll take any excuse to buy some fresh flowers for my kitchen. My local grocery store offers mark down floral bundles on Mondays, but I don't always treat myself to them. Or if I do, I'll buy one or two bundles. But for this special occasion, I splurged and got 7!

Did I mention they were only $1.99 each? And some of the ones available were pink roses, which are favorites of mine. I rarely buy the roses though, because I am a cheapskate, even at two bucks, I figure that the carnations will last 4 times as long, so I go for those.

Plus I feel kind of sorry for carnations, they are often unappreciated.

Sometimes I wonder about myself. Really? Too cheap to buy $2 worth of roses because they will only look good for a few days??

I was thrilled to have a reason to buy enough flowers to put all around the cottage.

Including the treat cabinet in the studio.

And the coffee cart next to it.

We didn't even end up making anything that day, but we did "retire to the studio" after lunch to have treats and spend an hour or so being creative.

We were so busy talking and laughing we never got around to crafting on craft day. I see Carol so rarely, and this was the first time Lesa has been out to visit, so we had a lot of catching up to do. My buddy, Angie was able to come by just for lunch, she had a client to meet with afterward.

I know that everyone is busy, so it means a lot to me when friends can make time to come and hang out for all day or for a short visit, whatever they can squeeze in.

One of the things we talked about was how nice it is to have other women to discuss business or family issues with. Its a topic that Carol has insight with, she has even started a blog that addresses that subject, called Good Stella where she offers encouragement and advice to help women on the road to achieving their dreams.

Carol is always generous with her time and experience. And has good advice to offer.

This bird topped tree is one that I made in another friend's class a few years back. Sheila makes the coolest stuff, and is such a nice person. I always set it out for Valentine's decorating.

This year, I've added an ephemera heart from Ginger Shrader, and liked her sweet idea so much, that I hung a few more similar hearts on the tree too. Its sitting on a vintage candy box, that I picked up cheap because the top wasn't very pretty and I thought I'd foof it up. But when I flipped it over, I saw that the back was much more attractive and I display it as is- upside down.

Hmmm, what was I talking about? Oh yes, friends. And how lucky I am to have time with them.

Working as an artist can be a lonely job. Which is why I love craft days, and classes, and other gatherings of creative pals. Now, I am not knocking being an artist. I can't imagine having to put on real clothes and leave the house to go to a real job every day. Well, sometimes I do day dream about those real pay checks… but heck, anyone who'd hire an uneducated, no skills person like me probably wouldn't pay much anyhow.

Working from home is great. And I have the Dorkies to keep me company, as well as visits online from blog friends.

But there is something extra nice about actually having people come to the house, sit down, and chat.

New skills

Dew Drop, dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, paper cowgirl, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / February 4, 2012

Congratulations to Agnes Rosebud for catching her first mouse! She might end up being as talented as her mom, who has a voracious appetite for chasing varmits.

Agnes Rosebud isn't the only one learning new skills. Dewdrop got a painting lesson from her big sis this week.

Sugarwings is a bit of an unconventional artist. She is always ready to set the paper aside and try something new. She likes to paint all of her small toys, and anything else that she can get a hold of. I figure, as long as its just watercolors and she is painting her own belongings, that is fine. I'll wash them down and she can paint them again later. She;d rather paint her toys than play with them.

She knows to ask before she starts painting any of my stuff that is within her reach.

Well, most of the time. Every once in a while she needs a reminder. I've not had anything too important turned pink yet, just a few tidbits and supplies.

We bought some markers for window panes, and she has this big window by my garden door that she likes to work on. I can see why she enjoys this canvas, I like to draw on the window with her.

Their father is a bit worried that Dewdrop will take this idea and redecorate the world with it. My thoughts are to teach them when they are little where they can paint and where they can't, but give them some interesting options. He's afraid that she is way too little to know the difference and might just color all of the walls she sees now.

But as a person who used to paint murals for a living, and who painted that faux brick floor that the girls are pictured on, its hard for me to limit them to just paper. Its good to see them coloring outside of the lines and being individuals.

When I teach a class, its hard for me to limit the kits to just exactly what is needed. I like to have a pile of extras for the students to pick through, so they can create a one of a kind piece, and do their own version of "coloring outside of the lines".

So, I'm gathering up a nice selection of goodies for the Paper Cowgirl class I'll be teaching in March, down in Texas. The class isn't full yet, if you'd like to dig through the pile of pretties and make a wreath with me.

Free vintage Valentine images

free images

By Karla Nathan / February 2, 2012

Sugarwings and I decided to have a party. We are making cupcakes and inviting Pixie Pie, Clover, and a bunch of her other besties to make Valentine cards.

So, I have been busy scanning some old Valentines from my stash. I'm printing up stacks of them for the kids to cut up and glue.

These are straight from my scanner, no editing. Not the prettiest way to present them, but I thought I'd share them with you as is.

All you need to do, is click on the image, it will pop up in a larger pixel window for you to save it to your computer to print and use.

My recommendation is to print them onto matt photo paper. It has a much nicer look than just copy paper.

PS- Bottom's Up is this weekend if you are in the KC area!!!

The Short cut way to repaint kitchen cabinets with no sanding,stripping, or even removing the doors!

how-to projects, Kitchen remodel, Tutorials

By Karla Nathan / January 31, 2012

The other Karla and I have been promising Beth we'd help her with her kitchen for about 6 months and finally did it. It only took about 6 hours for the three of us. 6 months, and 6 hours, that is.

Beth had the doors washed, areas taped off and covered where needed.

So, we got right to it. The bonding primer was tinted to the paint color, which makes it easier, since primer can be such a blinding white.

ALWAYS USE A BONDING PRIMER.

Not primer for wallpaper.

Not primer for fresh drywall.

Not paint and primer combined.

Somewhere on the instructions or label, the can should say something like this " will adhere to glossy surfaces"

You will not need to sand or strip the wood, this primer will be ideal for gripping the wood and giving the surface some "teeth" for the paint to hold on to.

Please note, that primer needs a few days to reach its full strength, and it can be scraped up while fresh.Once it has cured, though, its tough as can be! If you want to distress your finish with sandpaper, please do it very soon after painting.

We left the doors on, and painted over the hinges. The door pulls were removed first.

We were in a hurry, so really didn't let the doors dry as much as we should have, so I knew that the opening and closing was going to create some cracks in the drying primer on the dark bronze hinges and that might peek out of the paint a bit, but wasn't worried, because I knew we were antiquing the finish when the paint dried and it would all blend in.

Sometimes, its smarter and faster to just go with the imperfections and make them work in your design!

After priming, we put on about 2 coats of creamy, satin finish paint. Then went out to lunch while it dried.

When we got back, we mixed 2 oz of acrylic craft paint into a bowl of about 2 cups of clear glaze.

While the glaze is wet, it looks milky, but it dries clear. Always remember that the mixed paint and glaze will dry on your furniture to the same color of the paint you mixed in.

Paint it on, and wipe it off with a clean, damp cotton cloth (an old tee shirt torn up is good), heavier in the corners and indentations.

After putting it on and wiping it off so the corners, indentations and edges were darker, we wanted a bit more of it showing, so, we pulled a glaze dipped brush down with the wood grain, to create striation marks.

I use a cheapo, 99cent brush, instead of the specialty faux finish brushes sold to do this with.

If the lines seem too dark, or heavy, go over them again or blot them with your cotton rag.

After that, we wanted even more design the to project, and decided to fleck glaze dots all over the surface.

Its easily done with a toothbrush, and the same glaze used for the faux treatment. The speckles should be random, and not too dark or big, and never drippy. Blot if needed. And don't get too carried away.

Ta dah!

The cabinets should get a top coat of poly (which is oil based, smelly and sometimes yellows, but holds up great and is extremely washable) or water based poly, Minwax Polycrylic (which doesn't smell, or yellow and is easier to use, but isn't quite as durable, but still really good).

Beth's sweet husband, Jeff, was volunteered to do the top coat later.

We thought our paint job looked pretty good when done! But there was still something bugging us.

Ta dah, again! Doesn't the room look better without the busy magnets on the fridge? This might be controversial (Beth told me not to pick on magnets, some people LOVE them) but I HATE magnet covered fridges. I know I am in the minority, and a lot of people really enjoy using their fridges as art and photo display. But I always find the clutter distracting for myself. (although I do have to admit, I enjoy looking at all the pictures on fridges when I am visiting someone and thiers is covered)

And another thing that bugs me is dark wood that doesn't really go with the room. Her door was too dark for the nice, light space.

I only had 9 minutes till I had to leave, because it was my son's birthday and I had a party to get to. So, I quickly whipped the primer back out and got the door ready for a coat of paint.

Beth said that Jeff would do the paint coat.

Here is what we discussed for the door:

1- paint the door to match the cabinets

2- paint it the base color of the cabinets

3- paint it the wall color

4- paint it the wall color and then do the same faux treatment and glaze that we did on the cabinets over that.

Either choice she makes, its primed and ready to go. And I think the room already looks bigger with the door nice and light, don't you? Which option would you chose? I'm leaning toward #4.

Surfaces

family

By Karla Nathan / January 29, 2012

My oldest son had a birthday this week. I realized that I rarely get photos of him, so when the family took him out to celebrate at his favorite restaurant, I made sure to bring my camera.

He always chooses this Japanese steak house on his birthday for Sugarwings because he knows she has so much fun there.

He's a loving uncle, a handsome guy, a hard worker, a sweet man, and I'm proud to have his as a son.

He has a strong work ethic and has been working 2 part time jobs for years, but just recently went full time at one of them.

He goes to the gym almost everyday, takes care of himself, saved up for and bought his own car, does his own laundry, and is a good cook.

He lost about 100 pounds and has kept it off for years and years.

Ryan has never had it easy. He has to try a lot harder than other people, but he never gives up. He has excelled in his life and when I tell people that my son works full time at a convenience store, I say it with a big glob of pride, every bit as much pride as the mother of a gifted student who becomes a rocket scientist would have.

Probably more pride because I know how he has struggled to get so far.

When customers are rude to him and tell him to hurry, I wonder if they realize how hurtful that is? That they are being cruel to someone who always tries his hardest and has accomplished more than anyone ever thought he would?

They don't see past the surface.

I think people see his blue eyes, handsome face, and 6 pack abs, and don't even realize that he has learning difficulties. They might see how shy and quiet he is and not realize that he has a speech problem, they will just think he isn't friendly, or has little to say. He has also been called stoned or drunk when people hear his speech or see that he is slow at times when trying to do something.

Ryan has been taken advantage of by some bad people in the past. Low lifes who used his sweet nature against him, so now he lives with us, in an apartment we built over my studio. Its important for him to have his independence, but also to be near family.

But we are lucky to have him here. He helps around the kitchen, mows our acreage, carries in groceries, and never, ever leaves a room without saying "I love you". And that is usually accompanied by me getting a kiss on the top of my head.

Is my family as perfect as it looks on the surface? Oh heavens no.

When you look past the surface you see something better than perfection.

You can see what caring, love, and strength built by adversity and a determination to make it all work better than it should, can do for a circle of people who need each other in their lives.

A little home rehab for a very little home

holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / January 27, 2012

after

Maybe I've mentioned that I am behind? Well, its been so bad that I didn't give my buddy, Angie, her Christmas gift! Christmas is long gone at this point, but there are still hints of it here and there in my home. I keep stumbling across a bauble that I missed packing away, or a bit of broken ornament peeking out from under a dresser.

Every year, I break quite a few Shiny Brites. I used to wonder what on Earth my family was going to do with all the holiday crap I have once I am gone.

But after breaking so many every year, I realized that by the time I am dead, they will be all gone.

before

Anyway, I had made this Christmas box for my friend, but its a bit late to give her a Christmas themed gift.

So, last week, I re-foofed it for the next holiday, by adding some Valentiney stuff.

after

The little angel by the door now holds a heart cut out of a red sequin, and the front sports a frosted glass heart with old rose wallpaper behind it, and some crepe paper.

And it isn't Valentine's Day without roses, of course.

Hopefully, her belated gift will have an extended shelf life now, so she can enjoy it awhile.

Patches

family

By Karla Nathan / January 26, 2012

Thanks for all your kind comments, but I'm not about to fall to pieces. I'm just a bit blue and slightly overwhelmed at the moment, but things get better. Life is an up and down thing.

When things go wrong, you fix what you can, patch up the messy spots and keep your eye on the happy shiny stuff ahead!

So, please don't think I'm in bad shape, I hope I wasn't complaining too much. Sometimes I over share on this blog…

Maybe to even out my negative post about being down I should print a happy list?

I have nice kids to worry about.
Sugarwings' elbow will heal.
My husband is buying chain saw pants to wear for the next time he cuts wood!
Sparkle was the sweetest puppy mama and lap dog EVER, and we were lucky to have her for as long as we did.
Winter might suck, but this one has not been very cold, and I've not got snowed in once. I've not even slid across the driveway and fallen on my butt yet. NO ICE!!!
Grandfairies are pretty cool to have around.
Our Hippy Chick is academically gifted and doing great in nursing school
Our Gypsy is starting at KU this week and loves her classes, and both girls will pass on the love of learning to the grandfairies.
My husband makes me laugh. A lot. He's fun to live with.
Agnes Rosebud could possibly grow up to be as sweet as Sparkle was.
My studio is a wonderful retreat, even when I am not feeling arty, its a beautiful place to be and I'm lucky to have it.
I have a new kitchen. A perfectly vintage, brand new, big kitchen.
All of our cars are repaired and back on the road and hopefully will go on for a long time before they need replaced.
American Idol is back and better than ever.
I sure enjoyed baking all those Christmas cookies that are stuck to my backside. Sugarwings and I love to bake together. Dewdrop has decided she wants to help in the kitchen and likes to stir the batters with us.
My shop is practically empty, and needs restocked.
People from last year's Birdsong are signing up to come back again and bring friends. That must mean that they liked it here at my cottage with me. That is a lovely compliment that so many are returning. And I look forward to seeing them again!
My friends are some of the funnest and caring people around.
I'm at a place in my life where if I want to take a couple of days off to feel blue, I can. My home won't be taken from me, my family won't go hungry, no one will even notice if I am not working a couple of days. I'm my own boss. That is a big plus right there.
You guys cared when I was a little down, even though it was just a little down. Thanks!

(3 kinds of new rhinestone chain is available in the Boutique, $3.50 a foot)

And the cupboard was bare

Dew Drop, how to's

By Karla Nathan / January 24, 2012

Thanks to those of you who shopped in my stores over the holidays and the New Year clearance sales. I was torn up about Sugarwing's arm and losing my dog, among other issues, so I was not paying proper attention to the shops and decided just to let them clear out so I could start over.

And the clearance sale did just that for me! wow. This is one of the cabinets I store most of my tidbits in after listing them, and as you can see, it is down to bare bones. I've got piles of new things ready to photograph and add to the shops, but for now, its just down to a few basics that I keep in stock and not many other items. Etsy is completely empty and there are only 5 pages in the Boutique, compared to the 14-15 I had rockin for the holidays. There were multiples of all the millinery packs, and now each one is the last of its kind, all the others sold.(But I have more to come, if I can snap out of my doldrums and get out the camera)

Did I say, THANK YOU?? I appreciate you coming here to shop with me, I know that the web is huge and there are tons of choices bombarding you everytime you look around. I try to make my packages extra pretty to let you know that I'm glad you came by and visited my store.

I have not made a dent in the pile of new items left to stock so far. I did restock the Charlottes, because that was easy, I just renewed the existing listing. For the other goodies, I'll have to take photos, edit, and list them one by one. But I promise, there is some gooooood stuff comin!

That is, if I can get myself in gear. I'm just not feeling it right now. Typical winter blahs maybe, but the weather has been far from blustery and blah.

Sparkle is missed, that is for sure. I'm sad about that.

And there have been some other issues family wise that are getting to me. Just enough to sap my creativity.

In the meantime, I'm making myself do little crafty things. Just enough to keep me from hibernating with a book and avoiding the world around me.

Last night, we had the family over for soft fish tacos (broiled cod, red & green peppers, and onion, drizzled with olive oil, lime juice, chilli powder and sea salt then wrapped in sun dried tomato tortillas and topped with white cheese and heirloom tomatoes). On the side, we had fresh guacamole. So, I had about 5 avacodo peels. And I hate to waste anything, so I made dye.

The peels were boiled in about 4 cups of water, then left to sit over night. Today, I dipped ribbon and lace in the water.

Avocado peels make a beautiful, old pink, not a bright one. It looks like the color of vintage silk slips.

After about 3/4 of the dye water was soaked up, I added leftover coffee and dyed some more lace with that color.

Then, when that second batch was about gone, I poured in more water and added a few drops of blue food coloring.

What a pretty robin's egg color it makes! These ribbons will be perfect for tying up some little somethings for Birdsong in April, isn't it the perfect springtime color?

Birdsong Two is almost full, we have space for 5 people. Its really nice that so many people from last year returned and a couple are bringing friends. That means a lot to me, that so many ladies who were at our first party want to come to our second. That's probably enough to cheer me up right there, if I wasn't in such a blah, contrary mood, I'd be dancing around with joy just thinking about it.

I don't think there is anything wrong with letting myself feel a bit down now and then. Life is about contrast, there has to be some down to the ups.

So….

I'll roll with it. I acknowledge that I'm down, and let myself mope a bit but not waller in it.

I'll try to do little crafty projects until I'm back to feeling arty again and I really want to make something.

I'll indulge myself a bit.

I'll make a list of why I'm sad, face it, honor and understand it. To bury the sadness just plants a seed to grow depression.

Here is my list, it does help to write it all down and get it out of my head. I see what I can face, what is trivial, what is just part of life, and what really deserves attention. If not, its all some amorphous blob of doom over my head that I can't define.

My dog died
Seeing Sugarwings and my husband hurt shook me up, even though I know they are fine now, I'm still reacting.
Post holiday let down
I worry about my kids
its winter!
Picnik is closing, and I love that site, and use it daily!!
Ryan's car broke down
Sometimes I get treated like a doormat
I worry about my kids
Christmas cookies are stuck to my butt.
I miss my sisters, the older we get the further away they seem
Taxes are lurking
My studio is knee deep in clutter and I don't want to deal with it
I worry about my kids
Its winter.
I need a nap
I'm always behind, can't quite catch up

See, its not like I have giant, looming issues. Life is really pretty durn good around here andI know that I'm lucky. But for now, I'm going to take the rest of the day off the read a book and rest up a bit. Mabye an afternoon movie too…

I could do a "good things" list that would be thousands of times longer than my bad things list. But I won't for now, I'm going to roll with the downess a bit and then get on with the good stuff.

Gathering the Good Stuff and whispering up a load of hats

bird song art event, flowers, jewelry

By Karla Nathan / January 22, 2012

Maybe I've mentioned that I've been behind a bit? Well, I'm getting caught up. Finally, I think I have all the supplies needed to create the necklace for my Birdsong Two project.

Since I was only using vintage beads, I had to scrounge to find enough old necklaces to take apart before I could make my prototype pendant.

Slowly, but surely, I gathered beads, crystals, and pearls in clear, taupe, cream, white, brown and pale pink.

As I accumulated baubles, I snipped them apart, carefully counted and sorted the treasures, and then made up a chart to keep track of how many of each that I had. For every kit, I needed beads in increments of 25, (Plus some for the examples too) so I divided them up into bags of 25, 50, and so on, then did a little sketch of each one, added a description and a number into my ledger. As I sorted, I started a separate bag of beads to set aside for the example, making sure I had the exact number for myself that I have for the class kits.

Yep, it would have been so much easier to order a package of pearls on-line or at Hobby Lobby. But I wouldn't want a necklace made out of those, why would I think my guests would want one? We are going to Use the Good Stuff.

My jaunts to antique malls have been fast and single minded. I've had Sugarwings, her Daddy, his Gypsy and our little Dewdrop staying with me while we nursed the broken wing of our little fairy. They all tagged along with me to get out of the house and the searches were to the point, no time to meander about.

But, who could blame me for spying a floral hat here and there while I was on a desperate hunt for crystals?

Its been Hat Bonanza Bonus Week around here! And I found a handful of necklaces too, old pearls, lots of aurora borealis crystals, and some mother of pearl.

There are probably enough gems in my treasure chest to start crafting my necklace. My chart might seem a bit of overkill for sorting beads, but by nature I am not an organized person. I have to severely train myself to be careful, double count, and make lists. If not, things go in one ear and out my mouth. I'm not even organized enough for the traditional in one ear and out the other style of doing business.

Author name: Karla Nathan