family – Page 31 – Karla's Cottage

Witchy Hats at the beach

By Karla Nathan / November 14, 2016

I found these black witch hats on clearance at the Victoria Trading Co's outlet store for $1 each. Since we were going to the beach, I decided to dye them ocean toned.

I tried Glimmer Mist in blue and gold, but it didn't seem colorfast. It stayed on my hands much, much better. Not good for a hat, we'd have had blue faces.

So I rinsed that out and covered them in spray glitter.

Then found this spray acrylic paint. Perfect!

We are going to drown them in seashells and ribbons to create Sea Witch hats. I'm glad I did the prep work ahead of time, so that we could concentrate on the fun part.

Keepsake bracelets for our annual Sister Trip

family, jewelry, tributes

By Karla Nathan / November 5, 2016

Three years ago, Bobbie, Sissy, and I met in Siesta Key to spread some of our father's ashes. Since then, we have been meeting there in October for a sister trip. Each visit, we bring some special gifts, in sets of three, so we have matching sister presents as mementos of our stay.

This year, I wanted to share some of the bracelets I've been making, so I used my best, beachy colored beads in amazonite, turquoise, aquamarine, chalcedony, azurite, crystal, and added in moonstones, and pearls, to remind us of moonlit walks on the white sand beach.

But to add a very special touch, I had some blown glass beads made up with our Daddy's ashes.

I didn't even know this was a thing, until I was at a Montessori fundraiser and bid on a custom piece by Cremation Marbles. That got me thinking about doing some extremely personal and sentimental additions to the bracelets I'd already made for the 3 of us.

On Vaughn's ( the artist) website, he asks to have a spoonful of remains mailed to him, but since I am nearby his studio, I asked if I could save postage and drop them by myself. Not only did I save a few bucks, I was treated to a show and got to watch the whole process.

He makes a variety of projects, I'd bid on a pendant at the silent auction. He was kind enough to let me get three beads in place of the piece I'd won. They were so much fun to watch being made, that I ordered a couple of extras for my boys, to make necklaces for them.

Here is a colorful one for my son. I'll probably just hang it on a leather cord. Vaughn made a couple of extra beads as a bonus too, those are a cobalt blue and I'll make a necklace for my grand fairies from those.

Blown glass colors can come out randomly and change with the heat of the flame and the kiln, so I knew that the beads he made for the sister trip might not be all the same. But they sure turned out perfect! I love our Gulf of Mexico Blue beads, the shade is ideal.

Don't the tones of the glass blend beautifully with the stones? I'm so pleased with Vaughn's work, and loved meeting his cute little family. And I hope my sisters love these as much as I do. I smile every time I glance down at my tiny bit of Daddy when I am wearing my own bracelet.

Close ups of the gallery wall

cottage, family, Hearth Room, photography

By Karla Nathan / November 2, 2016

When the new room was finished, I decided I wanted some of my favorite family pictures hung in it. This one is from our big getaway to Siesta Key a couple of years ago. I printed it at 8×10, but wanted it to be more prominent to show off the darling, but so fleeting, proof of sisterly love.

So, I framed it in an oval, vintage frame and attached that to the center of an ornate clock frame that I had. I'd taken out the clock and painted over the brass frame, then painted the oval frame to match.

Recently, I read one of those posts that pop up here and there, you know, those lists of the Top Ten this or thats, often about decor or fashion? This one was about decorating trends that make your home look dated. And one of the things listed was having displays of family photos. Their point was that a bunch of pictures was grandmotherly.

Hmmm.

Well, as often as I get sucked into reading all of those lists, they aren't something I believe in our care much about. They are slightly addictive to me, just like the TV show, Naked and Afraid. I'd NEVER be a survivalist, but I am glued to that series and can't turn away when the bugs start crawling on the starving people who can't build a fire. I follow those lists just like I follow that show. They are hardly ever ideas that I use, but I sure am hooked on reading them.

I do like it when I see a photo from my own home pop up in one of the lists, though! (hopefully on a positive list)

Like here or here.

So, not caring if my gallery wall made my home look dated according to a very important top ten list on the internet, I went ahead with collaging and framing some of my loved ones.

This one is not flattering at all to a single member of the group, but I still think it is a great pic. A photo doesn't have to be perfect. This one is full of emotions and that beats perfect any day.

Ryan seems to think I have an over abundance of grand fairy shots. He could be right.

Here is how they all look, puzzle pieced together on the wall. The glass block window is the backsplash behind my kitchen stove on the other side of the wall. This used to be the cottage's exterior, and I liked that window, so we kept it with the remodel.

The fabric is the silk from the circus apparatus that hangs from the ceiling, and we need a pulley, so it can be fitted into the corner without it swagging as it is now.

All of those photos might be a little busy with so much going on right now, the top of the buffet is full of Halloween decor. Normally, it is more demur. At Christmas, it will be fantastically, over the top, so for that, I'll probably take the family pictures down and replace them with a stained glass window or some mirrors.

Until I get a pulley for the rope on the silks, this is how we hang them up after use. Who needs a ladder when you have circus kids? I wonder if she can reach the ceiling fan blades to give them a dusting while she is up there too?

Sister gifts- hand made art journals

Books, family, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / October 29, 2016

When Bobbie, Sissy and I go on our annual sister trip to Siesta Key, we pack craft supplies and I make journals for us to work in. My suitcase is 90% tools, lace, ribbons, ephemera, and other pretties to foof the books.

Although, they do start out pretty foofy already. The spine is all decked out in beachy toned trims.

The theme this year is Beach. The first year it was Blessings, last year it was Witchy Girls

Each one is a little different than the others. But all are covered in silk wallpaper (that I waxed for durability) and are made in the same colors.

I painted these little frames in ombre blues with glitter, so we can take photos of ourselves on the beach and add those to the covers. (I packed my portable printer)

The interiors are made up of scrapbook papers. They are heavy card stock and can be covered or used as is. Bobbie's has this black and white Harlequin pattern.

Sissy's has wallpaper roses.

There is already a little bit of trim added and I packed a two gallon sized bag full of ribbons and lace to really make these special and drip with vintage goodness galore.

I'll be sure and get photos of finished pages as we go along. More to come!

Punkins and Joy

Dew Drop, family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / October 25, 2016

This year we chose a chilly day for a trip to the pumpkin patch. But the cutting, Kansas winds didn't bother these guys.

I was the party pooper who wanted to leave early. That isn't easy to do, when Sugarwings wants to explore the farthest fields and is automatically drawn to run for the horizon line to find a pumpkin undiscovered by anyone else.

Sometimes, managing fairies is like herding cats. Or why don't I just say, herding fairies? That is a pretty apt description, if you picture a flock of winged, sparkly creatures flying in all directions and me trying to convince them not to flit over the flowers and chase ladybugs, but to go get in a car instead.

But there is no force on earth that can keep a cold Grammie out in a field of anything, including this pumpkin wonderland. I smoothly directed their thoughts toward our next adventure and made the rest of the day seem so enticing that they ran with me to pay for the gourds we bought and then out to the car.

Ha! Someday, they will realize how diabolical I am in my maneuvering. But for now? They think I am fun. Our pumpkin hunting was successful, and we had a wonderful, if short, visit. I might have bought a few more big orange ones that I'd planned to, though. Sometimes a bribe helps move things along too.

Hmmm, I wonder if they were the ones who maneuvered me?

But seriously, can you have too many pumpkins?

The annual Zombie walk

celebrations, family, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / October 23, 2016

The zombie walk gets better every year. This season, we had 4 grand ghouls in it.

Including this one. Her baby sister stayed home, though. She isn't ready to join the ghoulishness yet.

Avahni and Kia did fabulous jobs with the makeup and costumes, but the girls were in such constant motion, it was hard to capture at the parade.

Luckily, I got to see the process. Look away if you are grossed out, because the gashes and sores that they made with tissue paper and liquid latex look very authentic.

Seriously, LOOK AWAY!!!

Last warning, here comes the gore….

I warned you. Here comes another.

Awfully well done. But a bit stomach turning.

Here is a fluffy bunny to make you feel better.

And here is a cheerful, funny, Marge Simpson.

Maybe you need a little nourishment to fortify yourself.

Still feeling rough? Here is a nurse to the rescue.

Lawrence goes all out for the night.

We try to get a table on the patio at a good restaurant to enjoy the show.

This spooked up car was parked across from us.

I already can't wait til next year's spooktacular!

Wicked

celebrations, family

By Karla Nathan / October 18, 2016

Wicked is my favorite play. Of course, I haven't been to that many… but I do love it, I've seen it four times now.

Each time, I've gone with someone different. The first time with my husband to the fabulous Fox theater in St. Louis, which is so special, it is worth going to even if there is no play to see.

This time with 3 of the grand fairies, and I have to say, that was pretty special.

We made a weekend of it, and stayed at a nice hotel in Wichita. They were great company. And it was fun to watch Sugarwings' emotions as the story unfolded.

It was a special birthday weekend for KiKi, we brought cupcakes to the hotel and watched an in room movie.

Now, I can't wait til Dewdrop is old enough to go see a play with us!

Tri-Unity

celebrations, family, Sacred Circus, Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 2, 2016

Isn't this cute as a bug?? We got it so we could go to the performances that our kids do at festivals.

I even hippy-ed it up with some swirly lights for the weekend that we were at Tri-Unity.

It is small, only 16', but with a canopy and a pop up tent out front, we had plenty of space. Will I fix it up? I'm not sure. After the big remodel job we just went through, redoing something isn't feeling all that enticing right now. We'll see after I recover. For now, it's pretty cozy and nice inside.

And when we will camp, we won't spend much time inside. I know we didn't this time. The grounds were beautiful, and the event was child friendly, with a cute area set up just for the little ones.

And it was even prettier at night.

The Sacred Circus rig was under a lit tent and the silhouettes of the performers were mesmerizing.

Watching the aerialists through the tent was almost like watching mermaids swim in a colorful sea. Their movements were graceful and flowing.

There was non-stop entertainment, too.

A series of musicians filled the stage late into the night, and the day was started with a drum circle.

During the days, there were workshops. I took the nature walk and learned about edible plants. You could learn to belly dance, hula hoop, fly through the air on a trapeze, meditate, drum, among a few dozen other classes.

Or just hang out with the kids and get your face painted.

And then join them in a parade.

And relax with yoga.

I liked watching the many painters, and petting dogs.

There were some interesting painters there.

But the best part? Time with family.

And friends.

I'll leave you with some more pictures of the weekend, and will show you the circus performance in an upcoming post. Be prepared for lots of grammie style gushing over grand fairies!

Costume head dresses for the Circus girls

Dew Drop, family, Sacred Circus

By Karla Nathan / September 10, 2016

One great thing about having a big studio is hosting craft days. I love seeing friends pour in with piles of supplies and watching the creations start developing.

My family was performing at a festival outside of St. Louis (where they got to be on stage with some of their favorite musicians, doing their act to the tunes) and they needed a little something to top off the costumes they'd chosen for the event's themes. Each day was a different color and theme, with outer space, ocean, and – Circus Sunday!

Kia made this one.

They are based on pieces of felt, adorned with fancy stuff, and then have a clip added to the back.

Here is one I made for Avahni. She wanted it slightly steam punkish.

Our friend, Amanda made this for Katie Tree.

Hers were the mermaid themed ones.

Kia also spent some time painting and glittering a Donation tin to set up for tips during their shows.

I adore my studio, and love it even more when it is filled with creative souls.

Here is one that I made for Sugarwings.

These aren't typically the type of things that I make, but it was sure fun to dabble with feathers and glitter for an afternoon. And to be inspired by some artists who specialize in this kind of glitzi-ness.

The Hearthroom is now the Circus Room.

family, Hearth Room, Sacred Circus

By Karla Nathan / September 10, 2016

We are enjoying the new room!

15' high ceilings made the space perfect for hanging silks so the grand fairies could practice (and give us shows).

There is still some work to be done on the space yet. These silks need a pulley in the corner of the room, so Honey doesn't keep confusing the dangling tails with a tug of war toy. And I need to do the mosaics on the floor. I have a few little knicky knacky things to distribute around the house and frames to hang, but with the cozy new chairs in front of the fireplace to curl up in with a good book, and flying fairies to entertain us, we already love the area, finished or not.