jewelry – Page 8 – Karla's Cottage

Birdsong Two Necklace

By Karla Nathan / March 18, 2012

My necklace for Birdsong Two is finally ready to post! I know its taken me forever to do, but I had a couple of hold ups on the supplies and didn't want to create an example that wasn't equal to the components that the students were given.

When you want to work with vintage pieces, its not as simple as ordering 25 sets of the same thing online. I had to scrounge to find the right beads, pearls, crystals, and watches to use.

The watches that I found are exactly what I wanted, all on the smaller side, dainty, and old.

There are different colors of watches, so I matched the chains and findings to the metal tone of each watch. Some are shiny golden, some dark bronze, some silvery.

To be sure that it was a good design, and easy to make, I whipped up a second one following my own instructions. This time I used a bigger watch, that wasn't as sweet and dainty as the ones I'll be giving to my guests. I also made it with different beads, so I wouldn't use up all the ones for the class, but I put it together with the same amount of beads and followed the basic plan as the original one.

I've been wearing it all week, and have got a lot of compliments on it, and it has been comfortable to wear, which is important to me. I don't like pieces that turn this way or that and always have to be adjusted, or are too heavy and in the way.

If you want to make one, Its not too late to join us at Birdsong in April!

We will make 4 projects, in two days. There will be a swapping party on Friday night, and lunch is provided both days.

Or if you'd like to sponsor the event and make gift bag goodies, please let me know.

PS- These photos were edited on picmonkey. I don't think I'll miss picnik at all! Picmonkey is every bit as fast and easy. As a matter of fact, I think its more simplifed and quicker.

Yay!

Gathering the Good Stuff and whispering up a load of hats

bird song art event, flowers, jewelry

By Karla Nathan / January 22, 2012

Maybe I've mentioned that I've been behind a bit? Well, I'm getting caught up. Finally, I think I have all the supplies needed to create the necklace for my Birdsong Two project.

Since I was only using vintage beads, I had to scrounge to find enough old necklaces to take apart before I could make my prototype pendant.

Slowly, but surely, I gathered beads, crystals, and pearls in clear, taupe, cream, white, brown and pale pink.

As I accumulated baubles, I snipped them apart, carefully counted and sorted the treasures, and then made up a chart to keep track of how many of each that I had. For every kit, I needed beads in increments of 25, (Plus some for the examples too) so I divided them up into bags of 25, 50, and so on, then did a little sketch of each one, added a description and a number into my ledger. As I sorted, I started a separate bag of beads to set aside for the example, making sure I had the exact number for myself that I have for the class kits.

Yep, it would have been so much easier to order a package of pearls on-line or at Hobby Lobby. But I wouldn't want a necklace made out of those, why would I think my guests would want one? We are going to Use the Good Stuff.

My jaunts to antique malls have been fast and single minded. I've had Sugarwings, her Daddy, his Gypsy and our little Dewdrop staying with me while we nursed the broken wing of our little fairy. They all tagged along with me to get out of the house and the searches were to the point, no time to meander about.

But, who could blame me for spying a floral hat here and there while I was on a desperate hunt for crystals?

Its been Hat Bonanza Bonus Week around here! And I found a handful of necklaces too, old pearls, lots of aurora borealis crystals, and some mother of pearl.

There are probably enough gems in my treasure chest to start crafting my necklace. My chart might seem a bit of overkill for sorting beads, but by nature I am not an organized person. I have to severely train myself to be careful, double count, and make lists. If not, things go in one ear and out my mouth. I'm not even organized enough for the traditional in one ear and out the other style of doing business.

A tree top Christmas Party with Little Edy and a giveaway

give away, holiday decor, how to's, jewelry, redos

By Karla Nathan / November 23, 2011

My new, white Christmas tree is up and ready to be decorated! I'll be away for 2 weekends in Dec. and I am a little sad about missing out on tree time. I wanted plenty of time to enjoy the holiday decor, so my plan is to have the halls decked before Thanksgiving. But I needed a new topper, since I have two trees this year and plan on using my other tree in the newly remodelled kitchen this year.

While tidying up Sugarwing's room, I came across this little doll who had seen much better days. Either my fairy grand baby has the same tendencies to hang onto things that need refurbished, or she is the cause of the need for refurbishment…

This doll kind of has a Little Edy/Grey Gardens look about her, doesn't she?

The first thing I did was repaint her eyes and brows.

Then, I popped her into a party hat with the point cut off. At this point she doesn't look like she is going to any kind of party I want to attend. But there is still work to be done.

The party hat is a perfect skirt base for her, its sturdy and I can slide it right over the top of the tree.

I wanted a halo that stood up from her head, so I made a wire ring to hold it. The ring fits around her noggin, and was glued into place before gluing yarn hair over it. The halo itself is a vintage, circle, rhinestone brooch.

To keep the halo standing straight up, I glopped on a bunch of glue where it is wrapped with the wire. That needed covered up, so I added a white millinery bloom over the glue blob.

Her dress is made up of vintage papers, trims, and lace that I glued to her body and the party hat, no sewing for me. The wings are feathers and flocked wallpaper, and she is decked out in some millinery and jewels.

When she heads up to the top of the tree, I'll get a photo of her in her new home. That is if I ever get caught up and get that tree decorated… Right now, its up, the lights are on and its naked as a jaybird. But still festive! I'm happy just to have it there waiting for me. I've wanted a white tree for the past few years, my old one turned yellow and I hadn't found a reasonable priced one to replace it with.

The yellow was not a good "patina-ed with age look" it was a "did a dog pee on your tree?" look. It had to go.

My life is full of white trees right now. I've been bleaching and glittering more batches of bottle brush trees this week. I thought I had plenty of them done, but needed another couple of sinkfuls to fill some special orders. Plus, I like to have plenty to play with and decorate myself too!

Can you have too many? So far, the answer is no, and I seem to have a LOT of them.

And finally, I made up some cuff bracelet kits.

All filled with lacey, velvety, vintagey goodies.

These are priced separate from my Cuff Tutorial. Previous kits included the price of the online lesson, but with these kits, you need to either purchase the $6 class separately or use put them together in your own way. The kits come with the aluminum blanks and all the trims and bits you need to make a bracelet according to my directions in the class.

There are also plain cuffs for sale for you to use if you don't want a whole kit.

They are stocked in the Boutique in two sizes, 1 inch and 1-1/2 inch.

I hope you have a happy holiday weekend planned. We are going all local/free range/ organic this year, and even roasting our own pumpkin to make the pies. I've never done that before, so I might need to have a frozen pie as a back up… If you have any tips, please let me know!

Happy Thanksgiving!

PS- as a Thanksgiving treat (because I'm thankful you read my blog and buy my stuff and I can pretend this is a real job) I'll give away 2 Cuff Tutorials. Please leave a comment letting me know if you are interested.

ps- Have you visited Amy? She makes the best stuff from nothing. She is having a link party and I joined it today.

Cuff bracelet tutorial

Dew Drop, family, jewelry, Mayara, Sugarwings, Tutorials

By Karla Nathan / November 4, 2011

The cuff bracelet tutorial I promised is up and running. There is a button on my side bar to click on for more info, or click here.

Its a $6 class.

The class is online, in blog form, and holds written instructions lots of photos of the steps that I use to make my own cuffs.

(why on earth don't I ever think of polishing my nails before I do one of these???)

Here is a button for the class if you'd like one.

Its up and running, with no end date. So you can refer back to the blog in the future for a refresher.

I've also made up some kits for sale. You can find them in my Boutique, on this page.

The tutorial is included in the kit price.

There are a few kits listed and I am waiting on a bulk order of the aluminum cuffs to make up a few more. For now, I have the 1-1/2" size, next week I'll also have the 1" cuffs. Today I found some toasty, cream cotton velvet too, won't that be pretty?

And if you aren't in the mood to make your own, I have listed a few that I made myself too.

You can find some here, and some in the Etsy shop, here too. (Yay, I got it reopened! And have big plans to restock it for the holidays)

I've got another half dozen cuffs to photograph and list, but today was busy with putting packages together. I've been in bed with a cruel stomach bug all week and haven't had a chance to get my orders filled. But if you are waiting for a package from me, thanks for your patience, its on its way now!

Little Dew Drop and the rest of these photos don't have anything to do with the stomach bug, I figured they were much prettier pictures than anything along the lines of what I was talking about. Its been a rough week, but with a trip to the ER for fluids to revive me, I am on the mend.

Seems like the worst part of being sick (beyond losing a week of work, when I am trying to fill my shop for the holidays) is finally crawling out of my dark, depressing, sick room to find the house a mess. Now, I'm not blaming my sweet husband, who spent the night sitting up in a stiff chair at the ER while my veins were pumped full of that wonderful IV nectar that made me better, and who watched Sugarwings on his own while I was out of it.

He was just great. He was helpful, he was loving.

But he just doesn't notice messes.

I honestly think he doesn't see them.

So, when I finally was able to get up on two legs and left the bedroom, instead of just crawling from the bed to the bathroom, I was a bit down to see how things had piled up around the cottage.

But the worst part was that I passed the bug on to him and to Ryan and then had to take care of them, while I was still feeling like noodle legged mush myself. Not to mention taking over the care of an energetic Sugarwings for the night.

The two girls were already exposed to the bug last week when their Daddy and his Gypsy were sick, and haven't caught it yet. I'm hoping they don't. Its awful. I feel guilty enough that the guys picked it up while bringing me juice. They were very brave and are paying for it now. So, I'm off to go check on my menfolk, and see if they need a refill.

I hope all is well at your house. WINTER IS COMING (that Game of Thrones quote stays with me) and so are the bugs. Dang, I miss the summer bugs, as much as I hate mosquitos, they are better than the stomach flu!

Cuff bracelets

jewelry

By Karla Nathan / October 10, 2011

Before I left for Asheville and the Prairie Fairyland getaway, I felt the need to make something. Anything!- I just HAD to be creative for a while. After working on the kitchen redo for so long, I was aching to get into the studio.

So, I snuck out for an afternoon to play hooky from the remodelling projects and whipped up a few cuff bracelets.

This is one of my faves, it features a very old, carved cameo.

No two are alike. What fun would it be to make them assembly line style?

But all feature foofs, fluffs, and pretties from my stash of vintage goodness.

Some are all flowery with millinery blooms.

Some are dripping in rhinestones.

Others are wrapped in lace. All were pure joy to create!

I'd like to experiment with some ephemera covered ones when I get back, too.

Each of these were made with vintage ribbons in satin and velvet. I'm also thinking about doing a tutorial for these. Now that I have the hang of it. Once you get the basics on how to cover the cuff they are simple to do. It would be a low cost tute, probably about 5 or 6 bucks if you are interested, I'll be posting about it when I return from my adventure.

EDIT- This post was written ahead of time, before I left on my trip. I'll have new posts all week while I am away, but might not get to answer all comments or emails, but I will be reading and enjoying them on my Ipad. Thanks for coming by! I hope to add some "Live" posts from the road too.

Gotta love the KC gals!

antiques/junking, Books, jewelry, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage

By Karla Nathan / December 1, 2010

Is swoony a word? If not, it should be. This article is very swoony!

Its in the latest Joan d' Arc. This was a gift from Carol, now, that is a good friend, huh??? I'm lovin this book!

This one too, a gift from the uber talented Amy Barickman.

I'm planning on packing both in my bag when I hit the road next week with my husband to visit Virginia. The trip will be different now that we no longer have a spare apartment or car out there.

It will be more like a vacation, staying at a hotel and not cooking and cleaning. Yippee! I'll be needing this great reading material while I am there.

Of course, its dangerous reading books like these while staying in a hotel room. Both will be inspiring me to create and decorate.

Kansas City gals got it goin on. First, Amy comes out with yet ANOTHER book for us to drool over, then Gwen's Bottom's Up antique show just keeps growing and growing and getting better all the time. Beth will be there with her to die for bargains, and dealers from my favorite mall in the world, Rusty Chandelier are going to be bringing their GREAT stuff this time too!

To top it off, Curious Sofa is having a sale. There is no where prettier at the holidays than at Debbie's.

I've been sprucing up my own store too. This is the new banner I made for my Etsy shop and I'm making an effort to add to it every couple of days.

Today I added these itsy bitsy little trees, they are only about an inch high.

The Boutique has some new, old, books.

I've added The Secret of a Happy Day (full of angels!), Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. There is also The Lord is My Shepard, but I forgot to take a photo of that one somehow, I'll have to add it later.

I think this looks like a shooting star, don't you?

And this brooch is crown shaped.

And there are sparkling buttons along with the books and baubles.

And a sweet little vintage deer on a wallpaper covered box under an archway of millinery.

I'll leave you with some photos of whats new, then I'm getting back to work. Tomorrow I have Sugarwings and what doesn't get done today, just doesn't get done!

Randomness, swoonyness, winners, tasty puppies, and SNAKES- just another day at the cottage

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), give away, jewelry, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / July 13, 2010

While getting ready for my mermaid trip to California, I was thinking about tidbits to pack up for class supplies, and gathered up lots of little pearls and shells.

The pearls inspired my July Giveaway, of a pair of genuine pearl earrings. I made these with sterling silver hooks, then wrapped them up in a lovely vintage hankie. All comments- all month count toward the drawing.

I need to announce the winner of the other giveaway I was having, a pair of vintage rhinestone earrings go to Kay Ellen. I'll be meeting her at Kim's event, so will pack her gift in my bag and bring it along. Too bad its not one of my heavier giveaways, I'm only saving about a buck 40 in postage for lightweight earrings….

On Thursday last week, I didn't get a chance to take many pictures during Carol's farm house photo shoot with Fifi. I was trying to not be obnoxious, which is hard for me. But I managed to keep my camera out of everyone's face.

I did ask Carol to pose for me, as we were putting away props from a shoot they had done outside. She was carrying in this vase of sunflowers and looked so pretty in her fresh, white cotton top, that I just had to get her picture.

Here is a quickie pic of Fifi and Mark Lohman (the photographer) going over a shot that they had just done. Carol's house is just swoony, every shot I saw them get was a keeper!

And since I am doing such a random, here-there-and everywhere-post, this is my purchase from Bottom's Up the week before. Its a gesso-ed and foofed box by Linda that I filled with sparkled birds when I got home. Willow's Nest was a great addition to the show, I hope they become regulars.

When I am working in my studio on nice days, I just leave the back door wide open and let the dogs wander in and out. Agnes Rosebud wears a jingle bell, so I can keep track of what is going on by listening to her follow her mom around.

But today, it was Twinkle I heard, she was barking and causing a ruckus.

When I ran out to see what was going on, I was greeted with this. So, I scooped up the tasty, rat-sized puppy and ran with her back to the studio so the snake didn't decide to snack on her, and grabbed my camera to run back out to get Twinkle.

She didn't seem to need to be saved.

That is what I love about terriers. They have NO fear and don't know they are little dogs.

I love living in the country, but some times, there are some drawbacks. Not, the snake,I'm happy to see him, he'll eat the hated rats (those are a BIG drawback). Chiggers are another one.

By running out into the grass to see what was going on, I'm sure I'll be itching all night. There was no time to stop and spray myself with bug repellent before I snatched up that delicious puppy.

One of the best things about going on vacation, is the break from bugs. Kansas in July is a chigger fest, and my yard seems to be party central for these guys. I'll be happy to be in California, at a completely different sort of party, away from this itchy critters.

Happy 4th! and unhappy hair

antiques/junking, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, holiday decor, jewelry, Sugarwings, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / July 3, 2010

We've had a bit of much needed rain, but not enough to spoil any fun. Yesterday, we had a family cookout and a trip to the lake.

Sugarwings has taken off like a little mermaid this summer, and swims circles around us in the water (with a life jacket). Just a week ago, she was clinging to us like an octopus when we'd get in the lake together. Now, she is dog paddling all over the place and we have to try to keep up with her to keep her in sight!

We aren't the only ones trying to keep up with her. Little Agnes Rosebud is always following her around the yard.

That pup doesn't seem to mind the treatment she gets from Sugarwings and keeps coming back for more playtime, even though she is the toy.

Have I introduced you to Clover yet? She is one of our expected grand baby's big sisters. And she is a kid who LOVES to play dress up. I can see lots of fun times ahead for the two of us. Sugarwings likes to put on a pretty gown, then go play and get dirty in it. Or strips down naked and throws the dress in the wading pool. She is okay with the game, but it is just a small part of her play time. I think she indulges me sometimes because she knows I like it so much.

Clover takes it much more serious than that. To her, dressing up is the main event.

In a couple of years, she and I will have to teach the new baby girl to appreciate the fine art of dress up.

Please keep the new baby in your thoughts, she will be having a high def sonogram on Wednesday to find out more about her development. We need her to be strong and healthy for future dress up games!!

Bottoms Up was a blast yesterday. Well, anytime I get to visit junking buddies is a good time. Carol and I went straight to Beth's booth where I filled up a bag (and she gave me a discount on top of her already great deals, thanks Beth!) I'll have some pics of the loot later.

Then, we headed up to see our Texas friends, Linda and Ludmil of Willow's Nest and shop a bit with them before exploring the show.

Seeing Linda's glorious white hair makes me want to embrace my gray and go natural. Especially since I hate my new hair color. It is supposed to be highlighted and blond, but looks more mousy brown in the photos.

I rarely care about how my hair turns out at the beauty shop. I'm old enough to know I can do something different next time and can enjoy a look that might not be exactly what I wanted since I know its only temporary anyway. Too short grows out. Too dark can be lightened. I just wait till next time.

But this time, I just am NOT happy at all. It just feels blah. And I am not in the mood for blah.

I am going back for a redo and asking for a blonder look. When a trip to the salon costs about $140, I'd like to get the color I asked for. What do you think? Would you go back for a redo and complain? I'll do it politely of course!

Here are some of my favorites from Willow's Nest. I treated myself to a sparkling little shoe that Linda made. They remind me of Dorothy's slippers from the Wizard of Oz. In the books, the shoes are silver, they were only ruby in the movie.

I hope you have a wonderful Independence Weekend!

If you travel, be sure to buckle up!!

I'll leave you with a few new bits in the Boutique. I'm trying to add to it a little each day this week. Mostly vintage and flea market goods, but I will have some altered books coming this week too.

The June Giveaway Winner and some pictures that aren’t what I’m talking about

antiques/junking, flowers, give away, jewelry

By Karla Nathan / July 2, 2010

Does everyone have some fun plans for the 4th? We hope to do a bit of boating this weekend. But for me, today is the fun day, I'm going to Bottoms Up with Carol Spinski.

This show is a new gem for Kansas City. Its organized in part by my pal, Gwen. She is an expert in French antiques and lived in France for years while serving our country as a big shot FBI agent. Gwen is fascinating, and not at all what I expected from someone who is a lawyer working for the FBI. (of course, she is the only one I've ever met, in my circle there are mostly artists and junkers). She is also an artist and has one of the best trained eyes around for antiques. (her bottles were featured on the last cover of Somerset Life)

If you are in the area, or can get here this weekend- here are directions:

Not only will Gwen have her French goodies there, but my pal Beth will be there with her beautiful bargains (she is known for some of the BEST prices in KC, but hurry, the dealers clean her booth out right away!!).

Not only that, but Willow's Nest will be setting up too. Oh my, their booth is beyond dreamy. I'll have some photos for you tomorrow for sure!!

The pictures I have today have nothing to do with Bottoms Up. They are of new items that I listed in my shop this morning before I go shopping with Carol. I figure that while I'm giving my pal's show a plug, I could throw in one for my own stuff.

Beth has some photos from Willow's Nest on her blog. They are just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I'm always so impressed with Linda and Ludmil's displays.

On Saturday, my husband will be playing golf, so I hope to have time to list more in the Boutique.

Also, there are LOTS of new markdowns in my shop. You can find them here.

And this is the beginning of July, so I'd better announce my June Giveaway.

It goes to Lori

If you didn't win this month, remember, every month starts a new giveaway. I'll see what I can scrounge up for July.

And if you are a follower, I have a separate giveaway for Google Friends. But, please remember, you HAVE to be on my Google Friends list to enter that. Following on Google Reader doesn't add your name to a list that I can see to draw from.

A Polka Dotted Princess

antiques/junking, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), jewelry, Sugarwings, vintage paper/collage art, wallpaper, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / June 22, 2010

Before Sugarwings came over to play with me today, I got a few things listed in the Boutique. The jewels that I found recently are really nice, and in great shape. Someone took such good care of them, that you wouldn't even know they were at least 50 years old.

See what I mean? Nice sparkle to the rhinestones.

This picture is made from one of my teensiest frozen Charlotte fairies, in a vintage frame. I love it when a project can be made from ALL vintage materials. Usually, something, somewhere in it needs to be newer. Like a tag, or a bit of card stock. This little lady is all OLD. And as an older lady myself, I appreciate that about her.

Sugarwings and I have the afternoon to play. Her Hippy Chick Mommy came by to do some laundry and is going to watch DVR-ed episodes of True Blood while she washes her clothes, so that means I get to snag the fairy baby to work in the studio with me.

I'm not sure yet what we'll make. She did ask if we could make a polka dotted dress for her puppy to match her own dress. I'm not much of a sewer, but I think we can paint polka dots onto a hanky and tie it around the pup's neck. Sugarwings isn't very picky, that should make her happy. Especially if we use glitter paint.

The last time we worked with glitter, she had it crusted all over her and kept saying, "I have Project on me!!"

Not that she is fussy. That wild child is usually encrusted with something.

This tag book is listed in the shop too. Its two large tag covers and 5 small tags inside, all wallpapered up and ready to be embellished. I'm including scraps of the papers to finish it with.

Don't forget that I have a Peat Pot Pretty with a frozen Charlotte fairy as June's giveaway prize! Can you believe that June is almost over??? Geez, where did it go. I have two articles to write by July 1st, and am not usually a person who waits till the last minute to do things (well besides taxes, uchk) but the time just got away from me.

My husband is going to be gone all week, so I should be able to get them both done. When he is around, I tend to stop work early to fix dinner or just hang out. And we come up with excuses to see Sugarwings and play with her. I can be more disciplined when I am on my own. Well, kinda- I am playing hooky this afternoon to make a polka dotted dog dress.

And as a prize for the drawing for new followers, I have some of that nice old rhinestone jewelry. I'll draw from ALL of the followers, not just the new ones. I appreciate you signing up, thanks!! When the number hits 250, I'll give away the earrings.