Tag Book Swap samples

By Karla Nathan / January 10, 2009

After Sugarwings went to bed last night, I made up a sample tag book to show you. Many were wondering what they would be like when finished. Well, no two will be just the same, of course, but this will give you an idea.

The 7 tags that I made last night will all be used as covers on the swapper's books. (sorry about photo quality, my better –not good, like my longed for Cannon Rebel, but better than this- camera is out in the car and my husband drove off to take Sugarwings to her Hippy Chick Mommy's house.)

This is the back side of my 7 tags. Notice one isn't covered? I will ink it up a bit, but not all tags have to be finished on each side, that is the swapper's choice.

Also, note that the tags are similar sized, but not exact? I tried to make a variety of sizes for the sample book, so you'd get an idea of how varied the actual book will be. With so many artists participating, it will be a potpourri of sizes and shapes. Just as long as you stay near the target size, you'll be fine with your tag.

Just as I expected, this swap was a good jump start for me. January is a sluggish craft time for me every year. I have lots of things coming up that need to be planned and worked on, but I simply wasn't facing any of it. Plus, it was all vague, out there, in the future stuff.

Committing myself to possible dozens of tag book covers, well, that got me going. And I have noticed in my life, that the more I do, the more I WANT to do. If I get away from my studio for a few weeks, like I just did over Christmas and New Years, I need a push to return. Then, I am firmly lodged in there and can't be removed.

Good timing for me, my sweetheart is leaving for Virginia today. He will be gone 12 days, so I needed a project to do while he was gone. Since October, we have been together pretty much all the time. He has been able to work here from Kansas, or I have traveled with him to VA. We'll have an adjustment period to deal with. Sugarwings will too, her Pop Pop is a big factor in her life. Last time he was away, she called him and said "I want Pop Pop at the DOOR not at the PHONE."

I will miss him as much as Sugarwings does.

But I have my blog friends, and all these projects (Miss Frenchie's, a new web site, an Etsy shop to fill).

Some of the tags I make to cover the books will be copies of my originals, but knowing me, I'll make quite a few originals. Each book will be tied up with vintage ribbons, like this one is, and will have the tiny, heart shaped, "Puppy Love" tag attached, as well as maybe some charm or other goodies. I ordered lots of vintage gum ball dog charms in pretty colors of plastic and have lots of little brass charms, as well as other tidbits to dangle here or there.

So, remember to not add anything to the TOP of your tag. You can add what ever you want to to the bottom, and have it dangle there, if you want. Ruffles, ribbons, charms, etc. That will make the book more interesting.

Here is a photo of true Puppy Love to inspire you. Teddy and Twinkle all cuddled up together, back in their free spirited days before they became parents.

There is still room in the swap, I might be crazy to commit myself to so many covers, but hey, that I just how I roll.

More Puppy Love, a list of LOOT, and a Valentine’s Swap

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), give away, swaps, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / January 8, 2009

You didn't' think I could go more than one post without showing puppies did you? You guys are going to be so sick of my puppy photos by the time they go to their new homes. I'll have a reputation of being "that boring dog blog".

But I know that there are some of you who are feeling the Puppy Love too, so here's an idea……

How about a Puppy Love swap for Valentine's Day??

Of course, "puppy love" also means young love, so your contributions don't have to be dog related at all.

Lets make a tag book. You send me 6 tags and I will make a cover, then assemble the book. Everyone will receive a 7 tag book back.

Valentine's Day is my two year blog anniversary, the puppies will be about old enough to go to their new homes then, too. It seems fitting to have this theme for my swap. What do you think?

Oh geez, this means I need to make a button, doesn't it? I'm so inept at that. Lately, tech stuff has been getting the better of me. My buddy, Beth, has bailed me out and is helping me with getting my website going, thank goodness.

And maybe some of you wonder why I am making dozens of tags for book covers instead of making things to fill my new website or list on Etsy or sell at Miss Frenchie's in April? Beats me, it isn't a smart business choice, that is for sure. But doesn't the swap sound fun?

Here is a recap of Karla's Cottage goings ons and LOOT:

Yes, there is a giveaway for January, that I keep forgetting to announce. Lets solve that and just call it a SURPRISE GIVEAWAY! Just always count on me giving at least one present each month, all comments are entered into the monthly drawing.
Swap sign ups are first come first serve. I'll start making some tag covers for the book and see how many I can handle before I put a limit on the entries. The last couple of swaps I did filled fast, so enter soon!
There will be a name a puppy contest. With a PRIZE (to be named later, or shall we just call that one a SURPRISE PRIZE too?) We'll need to get to know these guys a little better before we can name them.
There will be a, you guessed it, a SURPRISE PRIZE for my two year blog anniversary on Valentine's Day too. (I need to make some stuff for these prizes, huh?)

And while we are on the subject of pups and love, here is Teddy meeting his babies for the first time. Twinkle is not as fond of him as she was a couple months ago.

Are you wanting swap details? Here they are. And email me if you are interested in joining. I hope you'll want to play, it will be a fun one, and a pretty simple one to make. The turn around time is about a month, but 6 little tags are quick to do.

Puppy Love

For this swap, you will make 6 tags, with the theme of “puppy love”. Dogs, sweethearts, young love, however you wish to interpret it is fine.

Decorate the tags in any way you wish, but please do not add ribbons to the hole, that is where I will connect 6 random tags to make a book for you, using my own ribbons and baubles.

You can add embellishments or ties or ribbons to the bottom of the tag, foof it up as much as you’d like!

Please use tags approximately 4 ½” by 2 ½”. You don’t have to be exact with this, but do try to be in that ballpark, so that your tag will fit well into the books. You can be an inch or so bigger or smaller, but not much more than that. Variety is quite nice, but if your tag is too far off, it won’t work with the books.

You are welcome to cut your tag out of any material you want to use. You DO NOT have to use a pre-made tag, you can fabricate your own. Fabric, metal, chipboard, etc, feel free to experiment!

You are welcome to finish both sides of the tags as elaborate as you’d like to, but only have to do one side, if that is all time allows you.

Please sign your tag, so the recipient will know whose work they are enjoying!

Once tags arrive at my cottage, I will sort them into piles that look cute together and assemble books from 6 different tags, plus a cover by myself. Some covers will be hand made, some will be copies, it will be a random mix, depending upon how many I need to make! And you might receive your own tag back in the book that I make for you, you might not. I’m sure you’ll be proud of it and how it looks with the other pretty tags so will be happy to get it as part of a book, if that happens.

Please have your 6 tags to my studio by February 5^th to be included in the books for Valentine’s Day.

Along with your tags, please send $6 for postage and supplies plus your return address.

Should a poor sewer who hates to even try, attempt a Magnolia Pearl inspired slip cover on a RECLINER? While taking muscle relaxers for a strained back??

Books, how to's, how-to projects, redos

By Karla Nathan / January 7, 2009

Have you read the Magnolia Pearl book? Beth gave it to me for Christmas and I have been obsessed with the photos. Now, not all are to my taste exactly (I think old rugs on the walls in the kitchen is just gross and dusty and musty)but I love the idea of it all. But in MY colors. Still, just look at this sofa. I was inspired by the opulence of it all, and have always loved the crazy quilt layering of fabrics when I make slipcovers.

My sofa could use a bit of the embellishments I spied in the book. I have a good start with the mixed fabrics already. If I added a few velvets and trims, I'd be close. Well, close enough for my house. I have to consider that it is climbed on by two year olds and dorkies, plus we use the sofa for real life, not for display!!! All of my fabrics need to be washable.

One element I really enjoyed from the book was the use of old textiles. So, I cut up a tapestry I'd found at an antique mall years ago and added a section to the center pillow of the couch.

Another one, got cut up for ruffles on the chair that I decided to recover in a Magnolia Pearl-ISH way. This tapestry's design wasn't as pretty as the Grecian ladies on the other runner, this one was elephants and guys in turbans. But I loved the over all look of the fabric itself, it really shows its age.

The next step was to gather up piles of remnants and trims and doilies and whatever else I had lurking in the linen cabinet in my studio. I wasn't exactly sure how and where I'd use it all, and actually didn't end up usingmost of the bits and pieces. But it was good to have a pile to look through, hold up to the chair and pick from. Nothing was planned out, this chair just came together from the inspiration of what I'd seen in the Magnolia Pearl book and what was left over from other projects or laying around the studio.

If a furniture store ever sells you an insurance package for light colored fabrics, please read the fine print. I liked this oyster white velvet, but was worried about dirt showing. So, for an extra $35, I got a guarantee. Any stain or dirt that got on the chair would be cleaned off by the company or else I'd get the chair recovered free.

Sounded good. But it wasn't. The fine print says it covers everything in the world but normal dirt. So, the chair got a bit funky and no matter how I cleaned it, it always looked smudgy. The oyster white slowly became mucky gray. I daydreamed about recovering it.

A local seamstress was going to make a slipcover for me, but she decided not to, she said recliners are too hard to do.

So, of course, I figured I could do it myself. Even though, if you sat near me in the sewing segment of Silver Bella, you would know from the constant complaints I spouted, I HATE to sew. Hate it. And am a novice.

Since I was house bound, while babysitting new puppies and their poor little, over worked mommy, I thought a project that I could do in the newborn's nursery (my dining room) would keep me busy. I'd strained my back at the gym and was on muscle relaxers so wasn't quite in my right mind either.

You know, I kind of thought when I started working on the chair, that it would make a good How-To for the blog. Until I got going on it, then realized, it was just too hard to explain, since I was making it up as I went along.

But here are some helpful tips if you feel like making yourself bonkers by trying to make slipcovers for a recliner from a hodge podge of fabrics:

gather up lots of materials to play with. What you think you are going to use, might not work, you need plenty of odds and ends to choose from
lay out your fabrics right side up to judge where you want them, then flip them over inside out to pin. I pinned mine where I wanted it, then trimmed the fabric around the pins
have all your pin heads face the same direction!
don't sew over any pins, unless you really enjoy changing needles on the machine
keep the sewing machine manual handy in case you need to change needles
those pearl pins are easier than regular straight pins. Especially the bright colored ones, they show up better and you hit less of them with the sewing machine needle
eye balling is easier than measuring. No one will be using a tape measure on your chair when they come to visit, so if you think it looks pretty good, you should trust yourself enough to go with that.
it doesn't have to be perfect. A slouchy look has a lot of room for errors.
throw in some unexpected textiles for fun
fringes and trims can cover up crooked seams pretty good
if you don't have any muscle relaxers, try a glass of wine before starting the project

The "sleeves" of my chair were terribly twisty. But the fringe saved them.

The back side should be interesting too! This is the side that faces the newborn's nursery (my dining room). I gathered up the ruffle with some old taupe velvet ribbon and roses that I pulled off an old hat (I have a few of those around).

If you decide to cover a recliner, you need to remember that it MOVES. The cover has to be done in pieces, not all one throw like a regular chair. I made the "'sleeves" first, then attached them with upholstery screws, to the inside of the arms. Then, the seat is simply a hemmed and trimmed piece of fabric that is tucked in around the sides, not attached to anything. The piece over the back, is made like a pillow case, that slips over it. And the foot rest cover is screwed down too. Buy extra upholstery screws, you will need more than you think!

Well, not exactly Magnolia Pearl, but it is at least Pearl-ish. Of course, the chair itself is the wrong style, not antique and not ornate. But it is comfy and I like a soft recliner for reading in. I call this my Grammy Gypsy Chair.

Hopefully, the busy fabrics won't show dirt the way the original one did. And, I can always take it apart and wash any section that gets dirty, if needed.

While cleaning up the room, I was ready for some more changes, and added this iron piece to the wall. (I'd had it up in the guest room, but now that Sugarwing's Daddy lives up there, he prefers his Hippy Tie Dye to my antique decor, so I took it down). Notice that I still have Christmas lights in the urn in the corner? I am calling it a winter decoration, instead of a Christmas one and keeping them there for a while. I enjoy the glow. And the vintage photo of the WhiteWitch that I had up for Halloween is back as a pretty lady dressed for Mardi Gras instead. That sounds better than "the Clash of the Holidays"!

January always makes me want to redo a bit. I guess it is being cooped up indoors, and staring at the same stuff over and over and getting tired of it. Also, taking down all the glitz of the Christmas decorations, makes the home seem dull with out them.

Or maybe it is just the muscle relaxers.

Puppy Love

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Sugarwings, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 6, 2009

Sugarwings is as infatuated with the new babies as the rest of us are.

Twinkle is happy to share the pups, and is being a good Mama. A little nervous, but loving. She is such a good natured dog, I shouldn't have expected anything less from her.

And when Sugarwings heard us talking about one of the babies having a star on its chest, she started to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and brought one of the wooden stars from her craft supplies as a gift to the newborn.

She doesn't realize it yet, but these puppies have a gift for her too. Since Twinkle is her dog, all the money from selling pups will go into a college fund for the fairy grand baby. Thanks, Twinkle!!

Guess who is here!!!?!!!

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers)

By Karla Nathan / January 5, 2009

Puppy time!

Yesterday afternoon, Twinkle decided that in front of the wood stove on a fluffy pillow was the best place to have the babies. Bookie and Sparkle were caught unaware and dozed through the first part of it all.

But when they realized what was happening, Bookie took off to hide under something (anything, just HIDE, Bookie, HIDE!!!) and Sparkle sat nearby to offer moral support and keep an eye on Twinks.

Poor Twinks, I was worried about her at first. She kept staring into my eyes, asking for help. Then, when the first baby came along, she was exhausted and took a little nap. But when she woke up, she was ready for business and at full attention to the babies. All it took was one little squeaky toy sounding peep from puppy #1 to make her realize these guys were hers and they were pretty interesting.

Who wouldn't fall in love with this?

And good thing she figured it out after the first one, because 5 more little squeaky toys came along soon after.

All girls!

This morning, Twinkle can't be convinced that the babies would be happier kept in a box, she keeps taking them to the sofa or to MY bed. While I find them totally adorable, I also find them stinky and messy. So I have a feeling that she will not be getting her way, these girls will be staying in the box for the next couple of weeks until we set up a play ground for them to romp in.

Since I finished my book yesterday, I might need a project I can work on in the house, and stay near the new mama, she is a bit nervous and I don't want to be out in the studio for long. I'd better get back in to them now, please forgive me if I don't answer emails today.

Frenchie-fied

Uncategorized

By Karla Nathan / January 4, 2009

Yesterday, the Miss Frenchie's group had a meeting at Mission Road Antique mall. One of our members is Gwen, who has a booth at the mall, so I thought I'd show some of her wares. She travels to France to buy her inventory, and has a great eye, this is some GORGEOUS STUFF!!

The meeting was productive, as well as entertaining. Our luncheon turned into almost 3 hours of chatting. As much as I love my little fairy grand baby, my family, and my studio, it was nice to get out, be in a lovely setting and talk about interesting topics that didn't include kiddie activities. Even grammies need days out sometimes.

Plus, these women are smart, professional, and creative. Besides business plans for the April in Paris show we are working on, design, blogs, magazines and interiors were talked about. Carol can quote the Wall Street Journal about business, and Debbie is sharp as a tack about colors and well, just about anything in retail and design. While hitting other subjects of interest, we still managed to stay on track and discuss what we were there to talk about, Miss Frenchie.

I've been president of our local art guild in the past, and I have to tell you, keeping creative people focused on the subject isn't easy. But I was impressed with this group and the way we had a good time, but still got business done. Deb took on a leadership role and handled it all well.

From what everyone had to say, I can promise that this next sale will be a wowzer. More vendors, more time for preparing, more visual va-voom for each booth! And I thought the LAST one was spectacular. I just can't wait till the next one!

This cabinet was making me wish I hadn't spent all my money on Christmas gifts. It would look perfect in my studio…. What a yummy blue interior. Gwen's stuff is always yummy.

There is something about this time of year that has me wanting to redo, fix up, change my house. Partially it is from being cooped up inside and seeing the same view over and over. Also, having all the glitz and glitter of the holiday decorations, makes the house seem more special and when they are gone, everything seems a little more dull.

Right now, I am housebound, hanging out with Twinkle and waiting for puppies. She and I slept in the living room so I could check on her every hour and sleep with the light on, but not disturb my husband. That poor dog is past her guesstimated semi-calculated due date and I can tell she is ready. So, I am using "our" confinement time to read, be lazy and kick back.

Beth loaned me "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" and I am loving it. I just finished two books by Jennifer Weiner and one by Sophie Kinsella. Why can't my favorite authors be more prolific??? I am all out of their books now and who knows how long I'll have to wait till a new one is out?

We have a fire going in the wood stove, I am going to make a pot of soup and go cuddle up with my fuzzy baby who just isn't feeling well and read the rest of my book. We thought she was in labor last night, and was once again pretty restless. Or was that because I was checking on her every hour and the poor thing got no rest?

Wish us luck. I hope that next time you hear from me, I'll have puppy photos to show you!

An Elf Celebration

celebrations, family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, parties, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 2, 2009

Today we had an Elf Celebration. Sugarwings was so excited, and talked about it all day yesterday, she just couldn't wait. She thought it was the elf's birthday and sang Happy Birthday all morning.

She and I drew an elf, then painted and cut it to copy onto this little rhyme that I wrote about the party's theme, then we made up gift bags for the kids who were coming over.

Each small guest got some treats, a black and white copy of the elf picture to color, and an elf of their own.

I have had a fondness for these cuties since I was a kid and have a big collection of them, that I was happy to share with my friends today.

We started with edible snowflakes, cut from soft flour tortillas. The idea was to saute the cut tortillas in butter and add powdered sugar and color sugar sprinkles, but my little fairy grand baby enjoyed snacking on the corners she cut out of her creation. She also really got into dumping colored sugars onto the finished product.

There were lots of other goodies to eat, along with sparkling fruit juice in glasses you could toast with.

At Michael's after Christmas sale, I bought lots of supplies to make elf hats for 75% off, and rolls of snowman wrapping paper to use as table clothes.

The work could be pretty serious at times.

But at others, jumping up and down was called for. Sugarwings was a blur most of the day. My friends are a bit shocked at how much energy that little one has coiled up inside of her. She is always on the go!

But, with her buddy, Julia's help, she slowed down enough to get a elf hat completed.

Shawn's daughter, Bethany made a really cute hat. She is an accomplished crafter and when Shawn comes out for a craft day, I always know that Bethany will create something sweet.

Max made a snow guy hat. And asked me to paint a matching snowman on his face.

When it was Sugarwing's turn for some face painting, she turned the tables and painted me instead.

We both ended up painted, although, most of my paint is on my saggy, baggy, old lady neck and when I look down, like in this photo, it is hidden.

I just can't imagine a more fun way to spend a morning. Time to sit and talk with best friends while drinking coffees and eating quiche, hot Cinnamon rolls and crunchy snowflakes, then crafting elf hats with some of my other, smaller pals. This is a good start to the new year, I can't wait to see what other fun is waiting for me in 2009!

edit- Shawn has a great camera and just sent me photos from today, so I am adding them on-

A winner for December, 10 resolutions and a good start on #9

collections, fairies, give away, how to's, how-to projects, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / January 1, 2009

Happy New Year! We had a quiet evening, reading princess stories to our little fairy princess. I cooked up a pot of Cajun styled shrimp and veggies with tomatoes I froze from our garden and we stayed in for the evening. Yes, very tame, but very pleasant. I had time to think about the past year and the new one that starts today, and come up with a few resolutions.

1- just like last year, I want to USE the good stuff in my artwork, not hoarde it! This is a hard thing to make myself do, and even though I kept the resolution last year, I think I need to make it again this year so I don't backslide.

2- paint more, and incorporate hand painting into my collage work. I made this one last year too, and kept it on a so-so basis. I could do better on it this year.

3- complain less, act more. I guess I mean, that instead of complaining, I should DO something about what bothers me.

4- say NO sometimes. Ooooh, that is a really tough one for me.

5- expect more from my sons and not treat them like kids. I find myself irritated and picking up after my grown sons and nagging at them like a mom, instead of talking to them like a fellow adult who shares the same home.

6- draw more. Kind of like the Paint More resolution, but not really. I love to paint, drawing can be hard work.

7- don't watch as much junk on TV. I should rent DVDs of full seasons of good TV shows, not just watch whatever crap happens to be on. (You did notice that I didn't say I was going to watch any less TV, that would be impossible for me!)

8- shall I be a bit cliche and say I'll lose that 10 lbs that I found this year? I'm not much of a dieter, so I guess not. Maybe I should say I will go for walks with Sugarwings and Twinkle more, take the baby to the indoor pool, and plan to add another section of garden to my yard? That should be good for getting rid of a few pounds over the year.

9- more how- tos on my blog. I like doing them and I think people enjoy reading them.

10- spend less time browsing blogs and keep up my paperwork better. (like that one has a snowball's chance in hell)

Did you make any resolutions for the year? Good luck with them if so.

Now, onto the Surprise Giveaway for December- ta da! It is a photo album, or scrap book, or art journal, or whatever you want it to be, Kathryn,because you are the winner for December.

Today starts a new giveaway for January. I'm not sure yet what it will be, but all comments still count for the drawing.

Remember the project I mentioned yesterday, that I wasn't sure I had time to do? Well, between the couple hours I had while waiting for Sugarwings to come over to play and her afternoon nap time later, I ended up with plenty of time to get it done!

All year long, I have been saying I want to do something special with my best wallpapers so I can always have them out to see and enjoy. So, I decided that I could not let the year end without finally accomplishing the task. Here is a how-to, if you want to do something similar.

1- I cut (not measured to fit, I just cut off a large bit of each) and ironed a few pieces of the prettiest papers I had on hand, then laid them out on the floor in a pleasing pattern. Trying to balance the colors, and not have all the blue ones together or the rose patterned ones next to each other.

2- My technique was far from perfect. I measured the soffit length (17 1/2") then cut each paper to that, with scalloped edge scissors. I didn't want to have to act like a professional wallpaper-er, and cut exactly with exacto knives and match patterns. I wanted it free and easy and quick, (remember, I was very short on time, with that baby coming over to play and 2008 coming to an end!).

I figured that if the edges were scalloped, and not perfect, it would be charming (and easy to do!). And I discovered that my measuring was a bit off here and there, but that didn't bother me at all. I liked it that some were a little longer, some shorter.

3- Wallpaper paste was applied to the back of each square with a wide paint brush, then the square was slapped up on the wall and smoothed down with a wet wash rag. Now, sometimes old papers are hand painted, so you have to be careful not to wash off or smear the paint.

4- The first square was lined up in the corner, the second overlapped it and was pasted up next to it. Now, I am sure that the proper way to do this is to use a plum bob and straight edge, but I was eye balling the patterns of the paper to make sure they all seemed straight. If one was looking a little crooked, I just slid it over a bit while the glue was still wet.

My plan was to use the bigger patterned pieces (in the width they came in, I didn't cut them all the same) on the wall. Then, with the little vintage frames that Beth gave me, I hung the smaller patterned pieces over it.

My all time favorite wallpaper went in the center of the wall in a large frame.

Of course, I didn't measure the wall to find the center, once again I eyeballed it. But I wanted the small frames to be even, so instead of doing complicated math, I hung the first small frame to the side of the large, center one, and then marked the spot where the nail went on a piece of paper.

After that, all I had to do was hang a picture, then hold up the piece of paper to mark the distance to the next nail. I nailed right through the paper to save time, no pencils or measuring, just a piece of paper, a hammer and nail.

At this point, Sugarwings was up from her nap, so it was her job to hand me the hammer and the next frame.

My studio is pretty, uhm, busy, but I like it this way! And I know that 2009 is starting off right, with a beautiful view of my favorite papers to keep me inspired while I create.

What a good year

antiques/junking, family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 31, 2008

When I'm not feeling productive or creative, a trip to an antique mall usually provides some inspiration. So, after a bit of shopping, I am feeling the urge to redo something and get moving.

Beth gave me this stack of plastic frames and I have just the project in mind for it. Today is limited in time, though,Sugarwings is coming here for New Years Eve and I only have till 1pm today to get going on my plan.

So, it might have to wait.

In the last few months, I have developed an interest in busts and statues, so was really happy to find this one while out exploring Kansas City antique malls with Beth yesterday. Especially after reading the Magnolia Pearl book this week,( cover to cover twice! ) She has them everywhere and likes to play dress up with hers just like I do with mine. This gal will get a few necklaces to go along with the crown she is sporting.

Not everything in the book was to my taste, too many colors and too dark for me, but the style of putting it together really grabbed me. The plushness and layers of luxurious finds is what I enjoyed about it, and want to go toward myself. But in lighter colors. With roses, of course! This bust will get a paint treatment, she is pretty as is, but I prefer a more light hearted, lighter look.

Another thing that I am hooked on right now is boiled eggs. I can't seem to get enough of them right now, so have been keeping a bowl full in the fridge ready to snack on. I've never been able to resist drawing faces onto the shells, so every time I make some, I simply have to give them little personalities.

I'm so glad to finally have a baby girl around who appreciates my little quirks! Sugarwings "gets me" and thinks that of course, eggs should have faces and French toast should always be trimmed with cookie cutters and made into butterflies and flowers. And that chandeliers should have glittering birds tucked into the crystals. And that dogs need to be sang to. And that dancing in the kitchen while cooking makes the food better. Yes,I am so lucky that she has come into my life and I finally have someone who doesn't look at me like I am strange sometimes.

Its wonderful to have a little friend who understands that fairies can make homes in birdcages around the garden.

And that if you look around, you can see magic everywhere.

Of course, there is nothing better than having a family member share my obsession with paint, someone who will spend all day in the studio with me and doesn't think it is an obsession, just a great way to spend time!

Looking back over some of my favorite photos of 2008, makes me so eager to see what fun 2009 has to offer and realize what a lucky year I just had.

Here's to 2009- and wishing all of you fun and happiness in the upcoming year! (and the joy of sharing it with someone who "gets you")

A new Look for a new Year, and a new (but empty) webshop too. Because it is the same OLD me trying to set it up!

fairies, magazine pictures or articles, paintings, Sugarwings, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage

By Karla Nathan / December 29, 2008

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!

Author name: Karla Nathan

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