celebrations – Page 7 – Karla's Cottage

Happy Thanksgiving

By Karla Nathan / November 27, 2019

As years pass and circumstances change, so do family holidays. I did not expect to have a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, but was happily surprised when we could get everyone together the Sunday before.

After getting back late Friday night from my Florida Sister Trip, I woke up to Dewdrop and her dad here for visit.

We celebrated with a breakfast cocoa party in front of a Christmas program. Then started whipping up and prepping for a family dinner on Sunday.

We only had a few days with her, so got as much squeezed into that time as we could. We weren’t together on her birthday, so took a trip to Target for her to choose a gift.

We snuck in as many cuddles as we could, went to see Frozen 2, had a couple of dance parties, and crafted. The poor kid got sick while here, so much of the time she was napping and watching movies.

They are headed back east today, and it might be a while til I see her again. I feel thankful that she was here, no matter how long.

At the airport Friday night, this tree was available to add a leaf with your thankful messages to it. I wrote one that said, “people I love”

And I wasn’t surprised to find that many of the leaves expressed similar sentiments. Family was repeated many times. I hope that all of those travelers writing about their family were on their way to see them and be together.

Thanksgiving Day itself will be a quiet one this year for us, but the date on the calendar isn’t what counts. I am lucky I had a family day, and some time with my little one.

I will take that any day of the year.

Sugarwings turns THIRTEEN

celebrations, dogs, Sugarwings, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / August 31, 2019

Sugarwings and my blog are just about the same age. Here is the first photo I posted of her within a week or so of starting the blog. I have no idea how many times I have shown pictures of her here, but there are enough that I know I will pay the fees to keep my blog going long after I am done writing it, just to look back as a journal of my life and of the grand fairies growing up.

Thirteen years.

Really.

That flew by way too fast. But I have always thought that whatever age she is at the time is the best stage ever. Then, I am pleasantly surprised to see just how much fun she is as she gets just a little older. So, I am looking forward to seeing what 13 brings. And 14, 15, 16, on and on. 2 was adorable, but 12? What a blast! I can't wait to watch her grow and just get better and better and better as time goes by.

She has plans to be an oceanographer some day, and wanted her mom to throw an ocean themed party for the birthday bash.

It was just as cute as can be!

The shark was great!

The sea turtle cake was pretty cool too.

The girls started at her Mom's, then flowed to the Double Tree for a swimming/slumber party.

The next morning, after checking out, they came to see me the puppies. (Who am I kidding, this visit was all about the pups!)

All of the dogs were happy to see them.

I was too.

I loved seeing that my girl had such nice friends to spend such a special occasion with her.

If you’d like more info about puppies, there is a blog with their whole story: https://karlascottage.typepad.com/cottage_doodles/

34 years

celebrations, family

By Karla Nathan / August 10, 2019

Today is our 34th anniversary.

And he is still my favorite person to go on adventures with.

He will walk in the moonlight with me.

He stops to save turtles and loves animals.

Except rats. He is pretty good at trapping rats. That is a good trait in a husband if you have a 100 year old house on ten acres.

He is a dedicated pop pop.

He makes the best of my Christmas obsession.

And tolerates my even more out of control Disney obsession.

(As long as I don’t make him hang out with the mouse too)

He is always interested in trying new hobbies, like bee keeping.

And axe throwing.

He is very supportive of his family.

And would do anything for them.

He is very sentimental. This fallen tree was special to him, he told family stories to the grand fairies under it. So it had to be saved and made into a table.

The dogs adore him, and he walks in the woods with them multiple times a day.

He works hard, even on vacations, he can put in a 40 hour work week.

He is always up for adding another room on our house, or another dog to our family.

Luckily, I can usually stop him.

Unless I really like the idea of another room.

Or the dog is really cute.

He doesn’t care that I rarely wear makeup.

And best of all? He is hilarious. And sometimes everyone thinks so, not just him.

He makes us all laugh.

Another 34 years sounds pretty good.

Magical Mermaids

celebrations, family, guncles, Travel

By Karla Nathan / July 10, 2019

While absolutely EVERYTHING about our trip to Utah was wonderfully fun, there were some extra special moments.

Like when cousins and cousins of cousins got to know each other and spend a whole day together as magical creatures.

The Park City Marriott had an atrium and pool that was inviting, spacious, just made for gathering a flock (or pod?) of merfolk together.

It was ideal for gathering family members too. We had our luncheons there, our gossip sessions, and our wine sipping by the pool when we weren’t out exploring the city.

Terry and Guncle Kevin even threw a poolside birthday party for Guncle Randy in the space. And what kind of cake do you get for a Pet Butler?

A pupcake!

We even used the area for our prepping spot to get ready for the costume ball, with the girls doing each other’s makeup.

Me too, I was going for raven eyes.

The hotel itself was just what we needed for a family reunion. There were tables to play cards, lounging areas, a bonfire pit with s’mores, and an ATM that the grand fairies decided to use to play banker. I think I saw some playing cards inserted into it at one point.

ps- while the kiddos had a blast with these $39 Amazon tails, this is what Sugarwings’ looked like after one hour. They are hard to put on, hard to keep on, and easy to rip. Too bad, because they were beautiful and fun!

A Summer Solstice Costume Ball

celebrations, family, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / June 30, 2019

My husband’s amazing sister (and my BFF/fellow Disney lover/Birdsong assistant extraordinaire) threw a party.

And not just any party, this was a Summer Solstice costume ball for 150 friends and family that was really and truly a formal ball, not a party.

Oh, and she crafted about a third of the costumes herself, including these two that have twinkle lights embedded in the capes.

Not only was there a fancy, over the top, real life BALL, she had a kids’ party across the hall for the little ones.

With tables full of craft supplies.

Along with multiple door prizes for each kiddo. There were movies, pizza, cookies, games, dancing, and more.

Terry raffled off the big screen TV the movies were shown on as well as the centerpieces for the ball.

We had a photo booth too.

Sugarwings was a butterfly fairy and she made the headdresses for herself and Dewdrop.

Who went as a monarch fairy.

Terry created Guncle Randy’s costume and I helped with the crown he made himself.

She made Guncle Kevin’s too. But our dashing host, Dale, pulled his own together.

Terry not only whipped up this cutey’s penguin suit, she made sure there were stuffed penguins on the prize table for him to snuggle with.

This costume was my fave, not just because I am a fan of the Goblin King from Labyrinth. I loved all of the hand sewn gems and the stolen baby accessory.

She did not make the baby.

Of course, I loved these costumes too!

And the fairies inside the butterfly costumes.

There was magic everywhere that night.

And dancing!

Lots of dancing!

It was a wonderful event.

Thank you, Terry and Dale!

I’ll leave you with some more photos of the fun.

Hoppy Easter!

celebrations, sea shell fairies, Travel

By Karla Nathan / April 21, 2019

While in Jekyll Island, Georgia, Guncle Randy and I made a quick trip to the beach on our way back to Jax and Guncleland. The Easter workshop had been so jam packed with fun activities that we hadn’t had a chance to see the Atlantic til it was over.

It goes against every fiber of my being to be so close to the water and not get to visit it, so my baby bro made sure I had a walk on the beach to gather shells.

We found mostly broken ones, and just enough to make this bunny. The bits and pieces seemed to come together just right to develop a shell rabbit. At first, I was sad that the biggest broke as I picked it up, but once I assembled them, the break looked like the bunny was wearing a waistcoat! Even better than I had planned.

I hope your holiday is a happy one. When we take turns at the dinner table to tell everyone what we are “hoppy” about, I will have many things to share, including my trip to this beautiful beautiful island.

Once Upon an Easter

celebrations, Food and Drink, friends, guncles, holiday decor, parties, Travel, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / April 18, 2019

Jenn Hayslip’s bunny bash was every bit as special as I knew it would be.

It was great to catch up with old friends…

Meet some new friends…

Learn some entertaining tricks..

Attend a tea party with my baby bro…

Make Eastery foofiness in fun classes…

Eat wonderful food in fancy settings with fun people…

Teach a class…

Go to an Easter egg hunt…

Play dress up…

Eat more great food…

And more…

I even got to decorate an Easter tree and do some other sprucing up before things started.

Thank you, Jenn, it was lovely!

Disney bound!

celebrations, Travel

By Karla Nathan / April 11, 2019

If you have ever seen my blog, you know that I kinda like Disneyworld….. And that if I am anywhere near it, I try to weasel my way into a visit.

So yep, while I am in Florida visiting Guncles after my Georgia workshop, I am heading to see my pal Mickey. How could I not go??? My trip luckily coincided with my mouse loving sis, Terry, being there too. So she and I are spending a day together at our favorite place.

When Sugarwings and I were there in February (yes, I know, I WAS JUST THERE), we were impressed by this happy couple's new party clothes. So, I added some confetti nail polish to my previously Valentine themed magic band for this trip.

Happy spring!

celebrations, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / March 20, 2019

What a perfect way to welcome springtime! I made pastel, floral, Easter banners all morning.

This one has a Charlotte bunny.

And some sparkly jewels. Lots of Good Stuff was put to good use on it.

Afterwards, Ryan and I had a nice, long dog walk. Then Sugarwings and I had a meandering bike ride.

We topped off the afternoon with froyo, I refuse to eat icey desserts in winter. And I’m extra happy that spring is here, and along with it, ice creamy delightfulness!

Yay, Spring!

Living like a Queen at the Cozy Castle, plus Kit and Class info

antiques/junking, bird song art event, celebrations, Food and Drink, friends, Travel, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / March 11, 2019

This is my buddy from my weekend at the Cozy Castle.

Queen Satine, is as gentle and sweet as she is glamorous.

I felt as queenly as Satine looks the whole time I was with Karen.

From the very first night, walking up to her welcoming home, I was wrapped up in comfort, caring, and luxury.

It was heavenly!!!!!

These wings are painted on an alley wall in Deland, FL. Karen took me out for a night of exploration of the cute downtown and we stopped to check out the artwork.

The workshops that I taught were hosted at her event space nearby, and she has it every bit as pretty as her home.

We had a group of fun ladies there to make angel wings and a memory book with me, and they came bearing gifts.

After this leg of my journey, I was meeting Sugarwings and my husband, and they were very happy to see me the chocolate when I picked them up at the airport.

The wings were the same kits from the class that I had at the cottage for Valentine's Day, A Lovebird's Song.

But we put a Karen style spin on it, and had frozen Charlottes and bisque babies available for purchase to add to the wings. (Karen will be teaching a class using the sweet bisque babes here at the cottage if you'd like to join us on April 20th)

The kits I provided were neutral with soft pink, but I always enjoy seeing what goodies people bring to add some extra touches to their own projects. My friend, Becky gave her wings some Florida Flair.

We had two rooms set up for the students, and I was busy flittering about between the two. It almost made the teaching go a little easier than the same amount of people in just one room, because when they are at separate tables in the same space, I still have to repeat the instructions to each table, but this way, I didn't feel like I was bothering one table to say my spiel to another table.

After the morning's class, we were lucky enough to be guided to the Cozy Castle for a lunch break, to dine at a beautifully appointed table Karen had prepared for us.

And to be treated to the world's best cake!

Last year, Karen baked one for my birthday, and gave it to me on a surprise visit. I was quite happy to get another taste of one of her specialties.

After our schmancy luncheon of deliciousness and beauty, we went back to the workspace for round two, and made these memory, or autograph books.

There are some extra kits, (I always make plenty) I just haven't had a chance to get them listed in the Boutique because I am in the middle of BLECK! taxes BLECK! and in getting kits made for the Once Upon and Easter event that Jenn Hayslip is hosting on Jekyll Island. (I am making extra for those too)

I will have more time when I return in April, after the OTHER CLASS that I am also prepping for here at the cottage with Karen.

Whew! That is a lot of classes in a row!

You can inquire about the wings and autograph book kits now, ($40 each) or wait until all are listed in mid April. Sorry I'm not on the ball for the kits yet. But soon, there will be a slew of them. You can be crafting away up to your knees is kits if you feel like it. (ha)

Or maybe I will be seeing you at A Song of Spring and you can be treated like a queen by Karen too? She brings light and love and happiness and glamour and style and sincerity and beauty everywhere she goes, and I think you'll enjoy the classes.

Her only free time, while in Kansas visiting, is Easter weekend. Soooo…… it is not an easy time for people to get away for a workshop. Looks like it will be a smaller class, which means we have plenty of space available if you'd like to join us?

Lunch, treats, 3 classes, and lots of laughing, foofiness, and fun.

Sorry, I wish I could offer poodle hugs, but Queen Satine will not be attending. She must have an appointment with the Easter Bunny too.

email me at:

Karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

if you are interested in one of the kits from my past workshops or attending a future one.

I will leave you with a couple more photos from my royal weekend with Satine and Karen. It was the BEST! She even took me to Mt Dora's famous flea market.

Yep, it was the BEST.