family – Page 70 – Karla's Cottage

Hoppy Easter!

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / April 12, 2009

Happy Easter! We've had a fun one so far, lots of egg hunting excitement, and we've decided that instead of Sugarwings, the fairy grand baby's new name is "Sugar Rush".

She might have had one too many jelly beans today! Although, her Daddy did buy organic ones and only hid one treat in each egg, she was insistant on opening them up and devouring the treat the moment she found it.

After all the eggscitement, she has been tucked in for a nap (well, we HOPE she'll take a nap- tucking in Miss Sugar Rush was like trying to convince a Tasmanian Devil to get some rest).

We are having a small dinner tonight, only about 9 of us, so we'll fit in the dining room. I didn't have to clean the studio after all!

My Handsome Husband is smoking a pork tenderloin, stuffed with apples and brown sugar plus a turkey breast, I am making baked mac and cheese, and Sugarwing's Daddy has whipped up vegetarian beans in the crock pot. My sister-in-law is bringing some other dishes. Aren't pitch ins the best meals ever?

Sugarwings did her part of preparing dinner by helping to decorate this cake. And it has taken over her mind, even with all the jelly beans she has consumed, all she can think about is this cake she created. Every other sentence she speaks includes something about Easter Bunny Birthday Cake.

And I don't blame her! This cake is a candy lover's dream! Sprinkles in the batter, as well as 3 kinds of sprinkles on top, 4 colors of sprinkled sugar, edible glitter, peeps, and little coconut nests filled with Cadbury eggs. I can't wait either!

Here is a tip for making coconut nests, I had never done it before, but figured out how to do it.

Mix one cup of sweetened, flaked coconut with a few drops of green food coloring

Add a splash of milk

Stir in a 1/4 cup of powdered sugar

The trick to make it work, was the powdered sugar, that and the milk make the coconut easy to form into nests. Kind of like play dough.

My home is now covered in pink Easter grass, but I think I kind of like it. I was going to clean it up before dinner, but its festive, so I'll probably leave it all over the floor. But I do need to go and put together my mac and cheese casserole and set the table. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday too!

Join me in the studio!

celebrations, fairies, family

By Karla Nathan / February 16, 2009

mini studio tour
Originally uploaded by Karla's Cottage

Here is a quickie video of my studio. I called it "Part One" as I was making it, but I was able to fit the whole room in and don't know if a part two is neccessary. If you'd like to see more, let me know.

I've shown lots of photos of the room before, but the odd way I have it laid out, makes it hard for everyone to picture altogether. So, I thought I'd give you a little mini tour.

Today is my Mom's birthday. I miss her all the time, but even more today. She is a person who understood the love of a good work room! Mom was a quilter and could spend hours in her basement sewing room. ( under the vintage card is a quilt that she made for me).

At the end of her life, she was in the hospital for months, very ill and weak. Watching her in her final weeks, I saw that the most simple of pleasures, like having a loved one near by, sharing a laugh, and the sweet taste of a favorite treat are the true treasures in life. The joy on her face when my sisters and I fed her a bite of canned Mandarin oranges, brought tears to my eyes. She didn't have much of an appetite and was tiring of hospital food, so we brought her cans of oranges, one thing she had always enjoyed.

The oranges weren't something fancy or exotic, but were special to her. The simplicity of the food itself kind of became a symbol to me. It made me remember to appreciate life's little perks.

So, when she died, I scooped up a can of oranges that was left on her table.

Today, for her birthday, I wanted to make the can into something I could use. After emptying it, I took off the label and glued it to the inside of the can, and then looked through old books for some words that reminded me of her. I found this little poem about a daughter sitting at her mother's feet while she sewed, and that was just perfect! (I've got lots of memories of sitting under the sewing machine and playing with fabric scraps)

Mom loved fairies as much as I do, so I drew and colored, and sparkled two sets of wings and glued them to a picture of her cut from a copy of an old photo. The first pair, I glued down, the second, I bent up for a 3-D effect.

With a green sparkle marker that Sissy gave me, I colored the dress Mom is wearing. I chose green for the rick rack that I lined the edges of the cans too, because that was her favorite color.

As soon as the glue is dried, I will fill it with sparkly marker pens and keep it on my desk, in my studio, since that is such a special place for me. I feel close to her there, knowing how happy she was in her own workroom.

A Noodle Flinging Sweetheart

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, give away, Sugarwings, swaps

By Karla Nathan / February 15, 2009

I hope everyone had a lovely Valentines Day! Mine was great, I can't imagine a more fun day. We had Sugarwings till noon, then I played with puppies and afterwards, went junking a bit and met up with my husband to go see a movie (Taken- very gripping and scary) , then pick up Thai food (there was no way we could fight the lines to go to a restaurant!!) and ate it while watching a rented movie (My Best Friend's Girlfriend- predictable and stupid, but had its fun moments, I like dumb comedies).

This photo is from Bella's new family. Yes, one puppy is gone already. It was hard to let her go, but she is just down the road at Teddy's house, so I will get to keep up with her and see her as she grows up.

These roses are a custom order for someone, I thought they'd be pretty to show for Valentine's Day, even though that was yesterday. I usually consider a holiday to last a bit longer than just the one day. We celebrated Friday night too, and I guess I will just consider this "Valentine Weekend".

For Friday night's celebration, we took the whole family to a Japanese steakhouse. Sugarwings thought the fire was a little scary, but really got into the chef throwing shrimp into everyone's mouths. She was kind enough to share too, and thought she'd toss him one of her noodles.

We've had to move the puppies out of their pond and make a barricade for them in the studio, they have already gotten big enough to climb out of the wading pool! I made a couple little videos of them if you'd like to see the fluffy babies in action, go here.

I also made a studio tour video, but it was too big to load. I need to figure out just how long they can be, because it really was pretty short. But too long for Flickr I guess. Maybe YouTube allows more time, I should try there.

This little noodle flinger was her Daddy's Valentine Sweetie.

Oh- I forgot to announce the winner of my 2 year Blog Anniversary! It is

LYNNE

Please send me your address, Lynne, and I will get your gift in the mail. Thanks everyone for commenting and coming by to visit! Please remember that you can still enter the February giveaway by leaving a comment on any post.

If you'd like to visit some blogs who are featuring photos of our Puppy Love Tag Book Swap, here is a list of swappers who have sent me links. If you are showing your book on your blog, please let me know and I'll add you to the list.

Sheila-

http://www.blessedanddistressed.blogspot.com/

Cheryl –

http://insidethebubble.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/02/the-puppies-have-arrived.html#comments

Gretchen –

www.mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com

Meleen –

http://passionatedetails.typepad.com/

Robin –

http://thriftymissprissy.typepad.com/thrifty_miss_priss/2009/02/puppy-love-and-friday-the-13th.html#comments

Kana –

http://kanacreates.blogspot.com/2009/02/puppy-love-arrives.html?showComment=1234533240000#c5418216385443080485

Andrea –

www.vintagebellastudio.blogspot.com

Dawn-

http://gahangirls.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-tags-are-here-my-tags-are-here.html

Christa-

http://chloerosedesigns.blogspot.com/2009/02/sweetheart-of-package-in-mailbox.html

Nancy-

Http://wwwnancymatters.blogspot.com

Marilee-

http://rose-brier.blogspot.com:80/

Jenny-

http://fatedfollies.blogspot.com:80/2009/02/romancing-blog-valentines-day-party.html

Marilyn-

http://marilynbutler.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-puppy-love-tag-book.html

Carla-

http://myvintagevignettes.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-puppy-valentines.html

Karoline-

http://cherishedvintage.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-very-own-puppy-love-tag-book.html

Tiffany-

http://shabbyscraps.typepad.com/shabbyscraps/2009/02/americas-got-talent.html

Jeanie-

http://themarmeladegypsy.blogspot.com/2009/02/puppy-love-and-one-world-winners.html

Cheryl-

http://fromthepines.blogspot.com:80/2009/02/puppy-love-book.html

Blown Away

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Sugarwings, swaps, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / February 9, 2009

The wind began to switch, the house to pitch, then suddenly the hinges started to unhitch!

Well, it wasn't quite that windy today, but it sure felt like it. Enough that Sugarwings quoted Dorothy and also the Big Bad Wolf a LOT today. And I was able to open all the windows and blow some of winter's funk out of the house.

This is February??? Wow, what a gift this last week has been. And I had a bonus baby day, Sugarwing's Hippy Chick Mommy called to ask me if I could watch the fairy grand baby for a couple of hours. And even though I had a pile of tag books waiting to be assembled, how could I say no?

It was the kind of day that had us both jumping for joy.

We decided it was a great day to take Millie and Tinker Bella out for some fresh air.

Sugarwings is always attracted to this tree out in the field. Maybe because it is the perfect shape for a beginning climber? Or because silly Grammy tied a chandelier to it for a photo shoot and left it out there in the woods like that? She always wants to go out to see this tree and seems to get a kick out of it, so I guess the chandelier will have to be a permanent feature.

Poor pups aren't quite big enough to go running across the field with the baby yet. Its sad to think that by the time they are ready to run and play, they will be at their new homes, and not here to chase us. I miss them already, just thinking about it.

Tinker Bella and Millie went back inside to their nest in the Puppy Pond, and the rest of us decided to explore the back yard and the creek a bit.

These are the kind of days that keep me going through winter. Last year, it was so harsh and cold, we didn't get a single one like this. This winter has had its share of harsh days, but at least we have had these breaks of shiny sun and crisp breezes.

Yes, the day was well worth it, even though I will have to burn the midnight oil to get these packages made up and ready to mail. I sent out about 15 tag books yesterday, and have most of the books made up. I'll be addressing them tonight and getting them to the PO tomorrow.

But there is no rush. I am taking my time and wrapping them all up pretty. No two are alike, these books and the packaging they go in are all unique.

Of course, I have company while I work. These guys have the run of the studio now, and have found some hats to play with. I've posed them in hats enough, that I guess it just comes naturally for them to climb in one when they see it!

OK, back to work. Be watching for the books, if you are in the swap! Some are already on the way.

And remember, if you want to enter the February Giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment and the winner will get one of my glass heart charms. I had 30 of them, and have been randomly attaching them to Puppy Love Tag books too, as well as giving them out as prizes for the Name that Puppy Contest.

Good thing the puppies don’t hold still much

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Miss Frenchie's, Sugarwings, swaps, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, vintage paper/collage art, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / February 4, 2009

Today is the last day for naming a puppy. There sure have been some good ones, choosing will be hard. Some are almost too good to give to a puppy that will be leaving me in a few weeks! There are names in the list that I want to give to a dog that I will keep forever!

Beth and I had a fun craft day yesterday, and she brought a Valentine ribbon to tie around this little one's neck. Of course, the minute I put her (the dog, not Beth) back in the Puppy Pond, she was turned into an object of tug-o-war and her sissies pulled off the ribbon and are still playing with it today.

Besides making up little heart shaped "Puppy Love" tags for the swap, I spent the craft day covering anything that didn't move with vintage wallpaper.

In honor of Miss Frenchie's sale (April 17th), I lined the drawer of this shelf with a page from an old French dictionary.

And speaking of Miss Frenchie's, here are some new additions to our group there, as well as new additions to the blog world! Three Shabby Chicks have a beautiful new blog, go by and tell them I sent you to say hi! They only have two posts up so far, but you can tell by looking at them, that they will have pretty things to come.

Back to my quest to paper the world- isn't this old silverware box great with the top wallpapered? The interior is a perfect match for the pink of the roses too.

Maybe I should name this pup "Vanna White" she is great at showing off the products.

Beth and I debated over these metal boxes I covered. We both thought it needed something. I decided that they should be left as is for now, what they need is a label stating what is stored inside. And for now they are empty. But the vintage cards I glued to the front have the PERFECT place to write on when they do find a purpose. I think I will take these to Miss Frenchie's sale too. I used more of the French dictionary pages here too. I wonder if I should come up with a pretty word in French to add to the labels before I take them in to sell? Or leave them blank for the new owner to label themselves?

What do you think?

Know any pretty French storage type words??

These bits and pieces of old sewing goods and trims were just listed in the boutiquetonight, while I listened to Lost. I got a good over view of the program, but will go back and watch it on TIVO later tonight, and of course I will watch Idol on TIVO too. Yes, pathetic soul that I am, I watch it TWICE in a night.The first time, I am usually working and listening (and tonight, it was while opening some of that package avalanche I have been expecting) so I watch it a 2nd time to actually sit down and see what is going on.

Top Chef is looking good too. Gotta love Wednesdays! And of course, Thursdays. Although Mondays aren't so shabby either.

OOOOOOHHH, that reminds me!!!!!!! Did you hear about Rachael Ashwell??? She is declaring bankruptcy. I hope all works out for her business, I'd miss all the gorgeousness.

Of course, I have plenty of gorgeousness right here. Little Miss Sugarwings is awful nice to look at. She is being sweet and cuddly tonight, her Daddy, isn't feeling well, so she is snuggling up to make him feel better. And to keep them company is a fluffy puppy that came in a red felt Valentine purse from Stephanie Oyler. Thanks, Stephanie, she really is enjoying it!

Stephanie's gift was part of the avalanche of swap goods (this is about half the stuff!). You can't tell from this photo, but I am being very organized with this swap. Even Beth, the account, said she was proud of me for keeping track of everything.

I have a check list on the table where I mark if the address was included, then I slip the address itself into an envelope and mark down if the postage was included and put the money on the pile of dollars. Tags get counted and marked off the list, then go into the large wire basket. All ribbons and tissues and boxes and bubble wrap are "harvested" for reuse. I recycle!

On the wall, is another project I started today. Remember the soffit in the studio that I covered in rose and floral wallpapers? On this side of the studio, I decided to feature flocked, neutral colored papers in old frames I painted different shades of white. Its not done yet. I might add some sepia toned photos. And more small frames to fill in.

Well, it is time for the Top Chef judging table and I have to be able to look into Tom's eyes for this. I've got a slight crush on Chef….

Oh, quickly before I miss Chef's eyes- Beth brought me these wrought iron pieces!! Love them!

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-

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")

More sludgy than juicy

family, paintings, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 28, 2008

Are any of you having a hard time getting back on track with normal every day life, now that Christmas has passed? I seem to be in limbo, and unmotivated to get anything accomplished. I guess now that all the hustle and bustle and rush to make the holiday happen is over, I don't quite know what to do with myself.

My creative juices are more like a sludge right now. So, here are a few paintings I did for Christmas cards in years past. My husband works for a golf company and he likes me to make up golf themed cards for him.

Thats not such a good photo of this drawing, but in my state of lethargy, I'm thinking "so what". Hmm, you might wonder why I even bothered you all with a half assed post? I'm trying to get myself motivated to make something or DO something and my blog has always been good incentive to keep me moving.

After all the excitement, it isn't easy to rush back to work. We just had way too much fun over Christmas!

Yes, the holiday was pretty exciting around here. Sugarwing's Mom, the Hippie Chick showed us her fire dancing.

After opening gifts and stuffing our selves with goodies on Christmas Day, we all went outside to watch the Hippie Chick light her hula hoop on fire and put on a show for us.

She's quite talented, and even though it is a bit scary for me to watch, the flames were really dramatic in the dark, icy night.

Tuesday I have a play date scheduled with Beth, to go junking, tomorrow I start work on my new web shop, then, there is New Years's parties, and puppies due to be born, so I guess a couple of days to meander around the computer, read books, and resettle into post-holiday life isn't so bad. Is this what it feels like to relax!!??? Maybe that is what I am doing. A couple of days of doing NOTHING, really isn't so bad, is it?

Merry Christmas

family

By Karla Nathan / December 25, 2008

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday!

OK little girl, let’s give someone else a turn!

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, holiday decor, paintings, Sugarwings, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 23, 2008

We took Sugarwings to see Santa today and she wouldn't leave him alone. She sat there on his lap and waited for the Mermaid doll she asked for. Finally, she got down for the bribe of a candy cane, but then went back and got another candy cane to give to Santa. Then went back for another sit on his lap. Then for another hug. It looked like St. Nick was enjoying her visit, I think it might be nice for him to have someone with no fear come to hang out a while.

I think this little one loves Christmas as much as her Grammy does.

She stopped to speak to every single Santa she saw at the mall.

And she didn't think it would hurt to put in a word with the giant cow for that doll she wanted.

When I got back from my trip, there was a stack of packages waiting for me! One was from a sweet reader pal, Jean, who lives in Virginia.

Not only were there surprises for Sugarwings, she sent me some treats too, including a box of these white doves.

I've added the glass doves to the dining room chandelier along with other birdies and some snowflakes I have received this year. They might just all stay there a while after the holidays as more "winter decor" than Christmas decorations.

One of the snowflakes was from Tiffany, a Silver Bella pal. I'd ordered this cute little bottle of Christmas wishes from her shop, and she sent along lots of pretties, including this card. It brings back memories of a class we took together in Omaha, where she was helping me with using hot wax over parts of my project. I really like the way she has applied wax over the scene in the center of the card.

Previously, I had shown you some of my little paintings that I was making into cards. Here are a few (of the dozens) that I made while in the hotel room.

And in case you were feeling sorry for the poor dorkies, at home alone while I was out on a fabulous vacation, they had some fun while I was gone. Twinks was invited over to stay at the farm where her true love, Teddy lives. And the other two dogs were so happy to have Twinkle away and not bothering them, they felt like a queen and king with the whole house to themselves. (Twinks can be a little bossy)

I'm off to go work on my Christmas shopping. Typically, I am not a last minute shopper. When my kids were little, we used to love to go to the mall on Christmas Eve and eat lunch at the food court while we watched all the crazed last minute buying, and I'd bask in a warm glow from the knoweldge that my packages were wrapped and under the tree. Not this year!

I hope all of you are having a lovely holiday week. Merry Christmas to all of you from Sugarwings and I.