Good JuJu – Page 8 – Karla's Cottage

Hand Crafted Witchy Brooms and some instructions on how to

Good JuJu, holiday decor, how-to projects

By Karla Nathan / August 28, 2023

My husband makes walking sticks from grapevine growing in our woods. It needs to age and dry a year or so, then can be used. He said I could use a few, and after finding dried, curly and glittered straw flower arrangements at a garage sale, I knew I wanted to make witch brooms.

Each one was decorated with velvet and crinkled ribbons, a genuine stone charm, some vintage bling, and feathers.

This one had a knothole that I placed a vintage eyeball button on, with a bit torn from a tattered, sequined gown underneath.

The old jewels I used weren’t in perfect condition, but that is why I chose them. They look like they’ve been flying through the air on a broom for decades, right?

My set up for Good Juju’s First Friday weekend was already complete (and Halloween themed). But I made these work, by hanging one up high, one on the top shelf, and one nestled into a corner. Not the best for showing them off, but I wanted to get them in there case I could sell them this week.

I can show people photos on my phone if they want to see more about the brooms that are up high. And I’m happy to get them down if needed. I know it’s not the best situation, but I only have 8-1/2’ and I fill it up over the brim.

This one is made from the base of the straw arrangement and stands on its own, so it is the one on the ground.

I really would enjoy making more, and in a half size so I could sell them online. But for one thing, I’m starting a major studio redo and have no time. For another, these guys are HARD to make!

Here is the process:

Trim the straw to the length you need

Divide up the straw into small bundles

Add strong glue to the tiny bundle of straw about 4” from the top, then tightly wrap that area in wire

Keep wrapping bundles until you have more than enough to cover the stick

I had the end of my straw at the base of the stick for stability

Wire and glue each bundle together to the stick until the broom is full

Glue and tightly wrap twine around your wired areas

Put screws through large washers and screw them into the wood through the twine area, so the weight of the stick doesn’t make the straw pull away when you stand it up

And now the fun part- cover up the twine/wire/screw area with something pretty and start decorating.

I spend a lot more time on these things than I probably should

antiques/junking, Chandeliers, Good JuJu, hand painted signs

By Karla Nathan / August 20, 2023

For the September sale at Good Juju’s First Friday weekend, I conjured up some witch’s hats to hang in my entry. They are hung with black chandeliers and the frames I already had up there.

The frames help give the giant, up high slice of my real estate some more “umph”. I think the hats would just disappear with out the frames behind them.

When I plan such things, I need to remind myself just how big this area is. Previously, I hung some teensy birdcages which was a complete waste of time. These witch hats teeter on the edge of time wasting too, I shoulda made them larger.

For the August event, I finally made a sign with my name on it, but once I had the hats dangling, it didn’t look right.

So I replaced it with this fall wreath that I’d picked up for a buck. That seemed to go with the rest of the look much better.

My first inclination was to write the word “haunted” on a piece of paper and tape it above Cottage. I thought it would be funny.

But honestly, I just don’t like the sign itself. My writing is a mess and makes the sign look amateurish. I need to rethink and redo the words before I rehang.

The “KarlaNathan.com” was left up there, the black and white simplicity of it seemed to go well with the rest of the design. But I do want a nicer Karla’s Cottage to add, so back to work.

Sometimes I wonder at my choices for how I spend my time. Does this even matter?

Crowning Glory

Good JuJu, jewelry

By Karla Nathan / August 17, 2023

I have been making more crowns. They don’t sell in droves, more of a steady trickle, but at least I move a few each Good Juju first Friday weekend. Enough that I get to make more.

The one this kid is wearing is kinda steam punkish.

And this guy is sporting a rose quartz stone on his noggin.

Setting up for Good Juju’s August Event

antiques/junking, Good JuJu, Travel

By Karla Nathan / July 28, 2023

We had less than a week after July’s sale before we left to go on our North Carolina adventure.

I knew I would be fretting about the state of my space if I left it in its post sale shambles.

In my opinion, the spot needs a total flip-a-roo for a new look each new month. And that takes about two eight hour days for me plus touch ups.

I knew I needed to at least pack up stuff, bring in some new and rearrange the set up before I went out of town. As well as having to demolish the auxiliary booth that I’d been using to sell vintage clothing.

All of that got done, plus more. I was pleased to get it to a spot that would be just about fine as is for sale day.

Except the jewelry cabinet. Since there is silver on display, I need to keep it covered to prevent tarnish. But that’s a quick turnaround, mostly just hanging a few necklaces. Every other month, I take home the silver for a spiffing up to keep it shiny, too.

My nervous Nellie soul was pacified by getting so much done ahead of time. With the travails of our trip, I was sure glad that I’d been prepared too.

Since I returned, I have spent my days and evenings car shopping and haven’t had much time to finish my Juju set up.

After about 8 dealership visits, 10 other dealership phone calls, and countless online searches, I finally found exactly what I needed to replace the car we gave to my son. (If you think you’ll be needing a car in the next year, I suggest you start looking now! It’s nearly impossible to get a new one, and used cars cost just about as much as the new ones)

See how pretty the paint is when the sun hits it!?! Now- to keep it that clean, so I can enjoy my sparkles……hmm. Garage door openers are among the many things we had to store in NC since we were flying home, not driving a truck. Including a boxful of funky finds from antique stores across the country that I stopped at on the way there.

My quest to replace my 2017 RAV4 wasn’t supposed to be that imperative. But Rich’s truck got smooshed up on a curvy mountain road (he is fine). We don’t have rental car coverage on our insurance policy, so after flying home and picking up a car at the airport, we are trying to keep that rental down to just one week.

We had also planned on pulling our son’s car home for some repairs for me to use it until I found a car in a couple months. Without a truck, that wasn’t happening.

With that time frame changing from months to a few days, I was extra relieved that I wasn’t required to do a booth flip.

Now that car shopping is settled, and we have looked around to get replacement ideas and possible budgets for a new truck (still waiting to hear if it is gone forever) I have had time to add to and tweak the booth, then get the silver polished.

I even had time to make FALL banners, crowns, and a few more mushrooms. These photos are from the first go-round and don’t show the additions. It might not look like there is room, but I squeezed more in. I might even make more little mushroom paintings, there are only a couple left.

It is nice to be back in Kansas, especially after an emotional rollercoaster of a trip. I am not a fan of any rollercoaster. At all. The visit was a juxtaposition of pure bliss and worries. Yep, good to be home! As Dorothy likes to say, there is no place like it.

Feeling beachy

antiques/junking, Good JuJu

By Karla Nathan / July 7, 2023

July at Juju is Beachy Keen on one of my walls.

I have found some great, old pitchers and pottery with an ocean theme like this fish.

As well as these lobsters and mermaids. Oh my- those mermaids!

The coral vase isn’t old, but suits the theme well, right? And there are lots of beachy blue necklaces and pearls spread out.

Can’t you picture the blue comb in a mermaid’s hair?

Speaking of mermaids, here is a collage I’ve done.

The blues are spread throughout, it’s a loose interpretation of beach style, but goes with it okay.

Like this lil guy in a sailor suit.

And juice glasses with Florida oranges on them.

Above it, I’ve hung a wreath I made from seashells picked up at Marco Island, and hand dyed silk ribbon. There are also my flamingo friends that I showed in an earlier post.

My half booth is divided up into small areas with different goods. I’m surprised at how much I squeeze in.

Some things from the previous month, like this garden statue get shifted around. I like to give the spot a whole new look as much as I can, without taking too much home after a sale.

Then there are things that did okay so I replenish the stock. Like these crowns.

And my shroomies.

I made quite a few crowns. The first time I brought some in, they lingered a bit. So I took a hard look at them and decided they were too shiny. I used some patina liquid on the metal and that turned the whole ambiance of them around.

First Friday weekend is today. If you’re nearby, come in and say hi!

https://www.goodjujukc.com

Off to see the Wizard

Books, Good JuJu, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / July 5, 2023

When Sugarwings was just tiny, that kid was obsessed with the Land of Oz and all things Dorothy. That theme lasted for many years, with a Dorothy costume in every size from baby to teen. Ruby slippers were worn out and replaced over and over. The beloved Dorothy doll was restitched and salvaged many times. A yellowbrick road pathway was put into our flower bed. Every Oz event, movie screening, or play that was available was attended and we wore our costumes each time.

I perfected my witch’s cackle and my husband learned all the words to the scarecrow’s song. I also got really good at pretending to be a flying monkey and sweeping in to run off with Toto (our Yorkie, Twinkle.)

That child’s love of the Wizard of Oz never waned. So when I saw a collection of Oz books at an auction a decade ago, I snapped up the stack for Sugarwings to read someday. But the Grandfairy ended up being an audio book fan instead, so I don’t have any sentimental reason to hold onto this collection of old books.

So now, they are going into the mall, along with some other Oz themed loot for the next First Friday weekend sale.

This special set deserved a display worthy of it, so I started with a vintage wallpaper rainbow backdrop and added some colorful items to amplify the rainbow effect.

Then I sorted my collection of books into colors to match the shelves and filled in with Totos, witches, lions, and more.

There is a heart for the woodsman, a picnic basket on top of the cabinet, and an antique black satin dress made for a wicked witch hanging on the door.

I used copies of a portrait I’d done of Dorothy as tags.

Isn’t this chalk ware Lion great?

After it was all set up, I liked the look so much, I almost packed it back up to take home and reset up in my studio. Nope, time for these books to go to another Oz fan.

A flamingo of a different color

Garden, Good JuJu, Hand painted

By Karla Nathan / June 25, 2023

A box of flamingos was gifted to me through a friend who’d had them first given to her. They seemed to be just what I needed for my summer display at Good Juju.

But first, the flock needed a group makeover. I sprayed them with a bonding primer, painted them with acrylic craft paints, then wired and glued flowers to their tummies.

Uhm, you might have noticed our grass. Or lack of it, I should say. My husband retired from working at the world’s largest country club company, so he knows grass and the principles of growing a perfectly groomed, lush expanse of it, but we just don’t care that much out here in the country. If I could, I’d have all ground covers, dandelions, and clover without a single blade of grass.

Anyway, back to my feathered friends- ta dah! Previously, I’d had some umbrellas with flowers in my booth, then used those for garden party decor.

After leaving them outside in a storm, they were done for. And of course, I can’t waste anything, so I pulled the flowers off and reused them on these gals.

I don’t know if anyone else notices the displays I create up high, but I sure get a lot of joy in making them.

June at Juju

antiques/junking, Good JuJu

By Karla Nathan / May 31, 2023

When I found this landscape, I knew it had to go behind my mosaic cottages. Even though the display was finished. I took it apart and redid it all, not just this shelf, but the whole cabinet. I had to distribute some of the things that had been on this shelf to the other levels so the painting wouldn’t be completely blocked.

Because I tend to layer so much that I block a lot. Like the mirror on the wall in this photo.

What mirror? Well the one I hung in December that no one has ever seen because it has had so much in front of it.

Since I am a stacker, piler, and layer-er, I am careful to have most price tags prominently displayed. People don’t have to risk causing an avalanche to get something down if it isn’t a price point they appreciate.

If I can do it, the tags are easy to find, but not right in your face.

Other times they are directly on the face. Ha, get it?

Seriously, I try not to overcrowd, but it ends up that way anyhow.

Ceiling to floor.

Speaking of ceilings, for summer, I have added butterflies to the entrance. They didn’t have quite enough umph, so I also hung frames around them.

My jewelry area got a makeover too.

Did I mention that I like to layer things? This is pretty full.

By piling so much on the furniture, shoppers miss those pieces. I’m trying to use larger tags on them to see if that helps. I’ll have to make one for this cool chair. I’ve had it in my breezeway for a year now, and really liked it, even though it doesn’t seem like my typical look, I thought it was cute there with a basket of rosemary on it.

Also not my style? Red, white, and blue.

Still, I found so many, many more things I really liked in those shades, that I once again, went overboard.

My plan was to do groupings in these tones and fill a small area. Before I knew it, I had so many pretty items that over filled a whole wall.

Plus, I threw in bags of marbles and of buttons to coordinate and make more splashes of color.

To be honest? I prefer neutrals with floral accents. But- ya gotta know your crowd. I think the shoppers there enjoy the mix. And I really do have fun putting it all together, no matter what colors I use.

And I ended up loving the final look. Maybe I am a red, white, and blue fan after all?

A gifted shelf

Good JuJu, jewelry

By Karla Nathan / May 5, 2023

On my last post I was talking about trying get shoppers to notice that my furniture is also for sale at Good Juju. But not this piece!

It was a gift from my neighbor, Lily, who makes the aromatic candles. And it is ideal for my jewelry display!

Or so I hope. Last month I tried to market my sparklies from the new, smaller space and that TANKED. I’m always up for a shuffle or a redo to make the most of my displays, but honestly, it’s just a guessing game for me.

I will let you know how it goes.

I keep trying stuff to see what works

antiques/junking, Good JuJu

By Karla Nathan / May 2, 2023

This month I am trying something different in my Good Juju space. See all of the blue tags?

They border on obnoxious, huh? That is the point, I hope.

My booth is piled floor to ceiling with small things. And they do pretty good most of the time, I think people enjoy the treasure hunt. But I also think that they are so focused on the mountains of minis that they do not see the bigger picture.

That furniture underneath the massive stacks is for sale too! And I am done with my umbrellas, am ready for a new entryway display, so they are also gaudily tagged.

Sadly, I rarely sell furniture. Oh, a piece here and there, but usually small and extra inexpensive. (Not that I have anything high dollar anyway)

People probably don’t even notice the tables, shelves, and dressers. So, I tried to tag them in a way that made it obvious.

It certainly is a scramble when someone does buy a table, since there is a possible avalanche of goods on top of it. But, I am always happy to unload and redo. It’s like a timed design challenge, to reshuffle as fast as I can while shoppers are looking around.

I like my spot to have a different look each month, so I don’t want the same furniture there forever and I am constantly hauling things back and forth from home. Which is inefficient. I’d much rather sell some and find more pieces to fix up and redo.

Well, we will see, huh? This month is my one year anniversary at the venue, I am still trying new things. It’s also my birthday Friday while I’m there. My second Good Juju birthday weekend with post concussion season. (Not a tradition that I want to continue!)