holiday decor – Page 17 – Karla's Cottage

Happy Valentine’s Day!

celebrations, family, holiday decor, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / February 14, 2017

This is one of my favorite days of the year! It is also the anniversary of the day my husband adopted our boys, so we have made this an anniversary celebration with gifts and parties, instead of the traditional romantic day you'd expect.

This year, between the work schedules of our group, Sunday night was the time everyone was free for the bash. (hmmm, maybe I'll get a chance for a traditional, wooing type Valentine night since our family gathering was earlier?)

At first we were worried that we'd have to cancel, because Dewdrop had been sick. She felt better that day, but was still spotty from a rash.

We kept her busy making Valentine cards and decorations all day while watching movies and resting. She was up for the party and ready to celebrate when dinner time came.

She did have to sit out on the food prep, tho.

Sugarwings made the sliced tomato and mandarin oranges hearts for our salads. She was also in charge of table setting and decor.

After my mistake of over doing at Christmas time, I was smart enough to cook the day before for this party. I'd made a bunch of lasagnas, vegetarian, vegan, and less veggie for the little kids.

That way, I could just pop them into the oven, no worries, no work. I was able to enjoy the day with the kids, being crafty and hanging out. And I wasn't frazzled when it was time to sit down and enjoy the meal together.

We even had time to plan a surprise for the family. I climbed up on the arm of the sofa, and Sugarwings passed handfuls of confetti to me to put onto the ceiling fan blades. The girls were also kind enough to share some of their lace paper doily hearts from the craft supply box.

After dinner, before cake and gifts, everyone gathered in a circle to hold hands and sing "Family Together", a song my husband and the kids made up. I made an excuse to go hit the switch and the confetti floated down on the singers.

If I had it to do over again, I'd use much, much more confetti. But this is one of those things that would be hard to repeat. Everyone would see it coming and there couldn't be a big surprise again.

Unless I could fake out someone on a birthday, by having the blades loaded and casually saying something like, "would you please get that cup from the living room for me?" and hitting the switch as they walk under? Hmm, hope none of them read that….

It was all a big hoot, and if you watch the little video, you can see just how crazy and ramped up it made the kids much the kids loved the prank! It is posted on my FB page.

Best wishes for a fun Valentine to you too! From the little joys to the grand gestures, the sly smiles to the big grins, it's all about the love and about sharing that love with the ones you care about.

edit- I've added the video for you here:

Lace hearts

holiday decor, Valentine's Day

By Karla Nathan / February 11, 2017

At my friend's craft day, we made some lace Valentines. I'd been wanting to make some, and was glad that I did.

I liked it so much, that I made a few extra at home and have a couple in my Etsy shop now.

The ones I made for myself at craft day are hung in windows in the kitchen, but I really like having the ones that are for sale on this birdcage stand and I had fun moving them around the room and trying various spots to photograph them.

I might need to leave this stand in my house to use there, with another heart or maybe some wings done in the same way, hanging off of it, huh?

Although, for photography purposes, I think that the lace shows better with a solid backing behind it.

The lace is taken from a bridal veil circa 1940 or so.

I've decked both out with millinery and trimmed it with edging taken from my old Victorian French net curtains.

At first, I almost didn't list them since Valentine's Day is so close.

Then, I realized that I was planning on leaving my own up year round, just just for a holiday decoration.

And they'd also be great decor for a wedding, bridal shower, or even a little girl's room.

They look pretty against a wall, don't they?

In person, they look great in a window, but my camera can't capture that with the sun shining in.

If you are interested, you can find them here.

Vintage Valentines and other goodies in the Boutique

holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / February 9, 2017

If it seems like I am obsessed with my online Boutique and it is all I yammer on about any more, you are probably right.

I've seriously enjoyed reopening it.

And have spent a lot of time on it.

My blog never has had much rhyme or reason to it, beyond talking about what I've been doing.

So… since I've been working on the Boutique, I do tend to fixate upon it. I've got some crafty things coming up, Sugarwings is planning a Valentine party for the family, and I went to a fun Galentine's Gathering, so I'll have something else to talk in the next few posts.

In the meantime, blabber blabber, my Boutique, yadda yadda, my Boutique, yammer yammer, Boutique, blah blah blah, Boutique….

I know, right?

PS- I'm still offering the PDF download of this coloring page for free if you'd like on. Print it on matt photo paper for the best results, get out your markers and inks, and have some fun!

It’s a very guncle-y Christmas!

guncles, holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / January 18, 2017

For a few years in a row, something has come up where I happen to have a shot at getting to Florida in January and make it to the Guncles' house to see their festive Christmas decor still on display and making the place even more sparkly than usual. This year, my husband had a business trip and I was luckily able to to tag along.

The guys have a marvelous collection of shiny brites, enough to fill an old, tinsel tree.

That tree is loaded to the brim, and has a fantastic selection of ornies.

Little Perry Clayton likes it too.

It is touching to see them use some gifts I've made for them over the years in the midst of their abundant cheeriness. Like this banner that I created last year.

Every inch of their home is transformed for the holiday, with the tiniest detail not over looked.

The home is already spectacular, filled with all of the vintage finds, Kevin, the antiques expert, scavanges from garage sales around the city.

Adding a layer of Christmas splendor makes it even more special. Thanks for the hospitality and the beautiful visit, Randy and Kevin!!

Holiday Mom-style Stress

celebrations, Dew Drop, family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 30, 2016

What was the best part of your Christmas?

Mine was these smiles. And lots of them.

The grand fairies seemed over joyed with all their gifts (even though Dewdrop didn't get the two front teeth that she needed).

We were blessed with multiple celebrations starting with a Solstice party on the 21st, then our big family dinner and gifts to each other on the 24th.

On Christmas morning, we checked out what Santa brought, then had a big, buffet, brunch-bash with relatives.

With a table set for TWENTY THREE! (Did I mention how much I love my newly enlarged space????) We snaked three tables through the kitchen into the living room, and all seemed to fit just fine.

I'd had planned to set the table and make it fancy, but I was lucky to even get food done. So, everyone had to get their own forks and plates and drinks, which seriously, no one minded, or noticed. There is only so much time, and I overestimated how much time I had.

Which brings me to admitting that I over extended myself right along with the tables.

Which I think is pretty typical for the mom of the family to do.

After prepping all of the big meals, I was done in.

I loved, loved, loved, the family parts and the holiday traditions, of the weekend, but I have to say that I didn't enjoy fixing all of the food. While trying to please everyone and make sure they all got their favorite things, making vegan, vegetarian, meat lover, and gluten free versions of the foods, I forgot to keep my Christmas spirit. I got tired, I got cranky, I got resentful that I didn't have time to decorate cookies with the kiddos.

I don't know if it was because I'd been ill this year and am not back to 100%, (a medicine that I am on for another month or so can cause tiredness and muscle aches) or if I'm simply getting older and slowing down, or if I really did over plan and do too much.

Or maybe:

I had shoes that were too tight.
My head wasn't screwed on right.
My heart was two sizes too small.

Cause I acted a little Grinchy while pulling it all together. I'm a bit ashamed of myself.

Yet, on the other hand, I sincerely, honestly love the holidays and it all means so much to me. I did make a huge effort to stay positive and loving with the grand fairies, but I think I grumped and grinched a bit too much with the older family members and really shouldn't have let that happen.

And no, even though Honey looks a little like Max here, I didn't force her into pulling a sleigh. I wasn't full on Grinch, just annoyed that the food preparation never seemed to end.

Like I said, it often is the way of many moms to stress out to make things perfect for Christmas. Normally, I can kind of roll with it and keep our holiday simple while pretty. This year, I'm not sure why, but it got away from me, and I was in over my head.

At least I learned a lesson. Next year we will do a simmering pot of soup instead of a full restaurant menu with enough food to feed a restaurant full of people. I have to be able to treat my family special while not forgetting about myself too.

Yes, I'll change the dinner next time, but there isn't one other thing I'd change, it was delightful to be with people I loved and there is nothing better than that.

(and the leftovers were pretty tasty)

Gratitude, Joy, Merry, Thanks, and all of those wonderful words we need to use more

Dew Drop, family, holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 25, 2016

I hope your day is a Merry one! Isn't that a great word? I love Merry and Joy both, I'm not sure which is my all time favorite word, maybe Joy.

We've tried to make each of those words part of our celebrations. Oh, there have been tummy aches, forgotten homework assignments. a case of the sniffles, and a few reminders that, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit" here and there, but over all, I'd say the season was a joyful success at the cottage.

I've tried to say YES to any and all holiday activities that come my way, plus make up a few of my own to make Christmas last all month, not just a day.

Some days, it can be as simple as a Cindy Lou Who hairstyle after watching the Grinch. Other days, it is cocoa in front of the tree, a special night out, or a ride to look at lights. Big or small, it is the attitude of celebration that brings the fun.

And while I can't keep up the parties year round (without more naps than I'd have time to take for recovering), I think that we can keep up the Joy if we make our best efforts.

I'm thinking about making that my New Year's resolution. To create a smidgeon of Joy or Merriment in each day. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, of course, little things mean a lot. And this happiness should be shared, not saved just for family. It really needs spreading around.

My son is a master of this, and I'd like to emulate some of his moves. Like always asking the name of a store clerk or waiter and using it is one of his ways of acknowledging others and showing care.

There are many more, like: Simply giving smiles to people you pass, or making a joke on a crowded elevator instead of looking at the floor and just waiting for the door to open.

Stop yourself from snapping at your kiddo when you've asked them three times to do something, and try singing the request instead. A silly or unexpected response can turn a day around.

LAUGH! Even if you are all alone but especially with others.

Give a kiss on the head to someone as you walk by (which I have to admit, is a better idea with family than strangers).

Post a picture of pure prettiness on FB and bypass those ugly political arguments.

Compliment when you see something you like, speak up, if a passerby's coat is a great color, or if your husband looks nice in his shirt, or if some one is walking a dog that has very nice manners. Don't just think it, say it out loud when you see something you like!

Remember the power of please and throw in plenty of Thank Yous.

And be thankful-to others, to yourself, and to the world and god for what you have. Slow down and be grateful. Nothing brings more happiness than letting yourself remember all the reasons you have to give thanks.

I guess I'm saying that I want to work on not just noticing the good things around me, but speaking out about them. And also creating moments that count, that might lift my own day as well as another's.

Saying YES to Joy.

Well, maybe I should've saved all of this for New Year's Eve? No, probably not. It is never too early to get started on spreading cheer. And maybe I'll start a new tradition for myself- making Christmas Eve resolutions.

And I'll start my resolution by speaking up about YOU. Thank you to those who take the time to visit me on my blog, for listening to me blather on about what is on my mind, what I think is pretty, what I've made, or about my family and pets.

It's been almost ten years of blogging for me and I've enjoyed every minute of it, and I am both grateful and thankful for all of you on the other end of what I write.

Please have the Merriest and most Joyful of Christmases!

A Craft day party (on my own)

holiday decor, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / December 20, 2016

This holiday season, I've been on a non-stop quest for filling my days with all of the holiday fun I could find and I've been pretty successful at it. Parties, luncheons, play dates, cocoa parties, and more.

Last Tuesday, I had plans for a full craft day and lunch party with a few friends. Sadly, no one could make it after all, and I thought I should probably get busy and do some Christmas shopping while I had a free day. But instead. I decided to have a solo party. I got myself a candy cane and headed to the studio to make some stuff. I've missed creating, there has been a very small amount of it lately.

It was a good day, even though I missed my buddies. Whipping up this shadow box (made from the backside of a wood framed canvas, lined with a Christmas card and filled with bottle brush trees and a putz house) sure made me happy.

I even treated myself to a second candy cane while I worked.

Then, I painted this pup for a friend (the glue under the glitter is still a bit wet, the glitter will dry clear, not white.)

Earlier, I'd started this snow gal head. I took advantage of my solo craft day to finish her.

Her body is a Victorian cruet bottle filled with fake snow.

Yep, a good day. Of course, I missed my friends, but sometimes it is good for the heart and soul to have a day just to piddle around with supplies and make something.

Salt Shaker Snow Gals at a girlfriends’ gathering

friends, holiday decor, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 18, 2016

A few of our Birdsong Peeps gathered at Tami's house as she hosted one of her generous craft days.

At last year's holiday party, I was admiring her collection of salt and pepper shaker snow people. So, when I heard that was the project for this season, I was thrilled! Here are some that she made and that were sitting out as examples.

She provided a bountiful supply of goodies to deck the snow gals out and we rolled air dry clay and glued pretties onto little snow ladies all afternoon, only stopping for a delicious luncheon.

Here are a few that friends made.

And here is what I made that day.

Tami always goes all out to make our days in her studio special, so I wanted to bring her a special gift. Since she is a button collector, I thought a necklace made of vintage mother of pearl buttons would be a good idea for a gift.

Lovely ladies, fun projects, tasty food, non stop laughter, all made a perfect day-

Thanks Tami!

Annual Holiday Home Tour

holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / December 15, 2016

We had lovely weather for the Holiday Home Tour this year and there was a great selections of houses to peek through.

This kitchen could've made me turn as grinchy green as those apples, with seething envy if I wasn't so in love with my own cottagy kitchen. (well, maybe I was a slight shade of green)

Here is the room from another view.

What a wonderful, old home.

The details of the recent remodel were so smartly done. Like using the original garage doors as siding in the TV room.

And at this house, they went all out with props to use for photo ops.

This won my heart as we drove up. When I saw the tree tied to the roof of the station wagon, I knew the house was going to be a fun one to tour.

I was right.

Every home we went to, was very well done. I'll leave you with a few pics of the day.

A holiday dinner party at the cottage

celebrations, cottage, friends, holiday decor

By Karla Nathan / December 12, 2016

Last week, I hosted the annual holiday book club party. Here is 2014 and here is 2015. In the past, I've just done snacks and treats, but this year, I thought it would be nice to have a sit down dinner.

Since we have the new space, I was thrilled to have a chance to use it. Plus, the book club ladies are a nice group, it is good to have a night where we can kick back and chat about things other than books.

The new space is ideal for entertaining. I picked up a small, drop leaf table that I keep in the hearth room by the door, and we carried it to the dining area, slanted the main table and added the drop leaf one onto the end of it.

Originally, I thought I'd get a gigantic, rustic, farmhouse table to fill the space, and to seat my large family.

But then, I saw the price tags.

So, I bought a $60 drop leaf table to create more seating instead.

The drop leaf fits nicely, and solves the problem when needed. It is wonderful to have plenty of room to seat everyone without bringing in a folding table. In the past, I'd have to move the island (I built it on wheels), set up a folding table from the studio, and cram in a few extra chairs.

Now, all of the guests fit comfortably without having to move the island.

As much as I like the look of a farm house table, I think I prefer having a more flexible set up. My dining table has 3 leaves and expands to 110", the little drop leaf adds space for 5 more people. We had 11 for the party, and I think I can probably make three more fit if I got creative with where the chairs go.

Nothing on my table matches, and all of it is from garage or estate sales. Sometimes, I think, maybe I should go buy some matching silverware, or glasses…. but honestly, I don't think anyone minds. The lights are dim, the candles are lit, there is plenty of wine.

For this party, I used white dinner plates, table cloths and napkins, clear and gold salad plates, floral bread plates, and clear glasses. I added a string of battery power lights to a bowl of painted pine cones topped with Shiny Brite fruit, and put some sparkling branches with lights, a pink glass garland, and gold Shiny Brite balls.

My local grocery store has $1.99 flowers on Mondays, and just happened to have some perfect ones for the party marked down and waiting for me. Pink and green, with a touch of red for the holiday.

I was going for a white on white look with a splash of color.

I made vegetarian lasagna, and stuffed shells with chicken and butternut squash a week ahead of time, then pulled it out of the freezer to bake up that night. I always believe in as many short cuts as possible when planning a party. Everyone brought wine to share, I baked some bread, bought packaged salad, and kept the dinner part simple.

Add a nice bunch of ladies, and it was a very nice party!