Sugarwings – Page 37 – Karla's Cottage

Where to start???

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), fairies, Sugarwings, swaps

By Karla Nathan / February 7, 2009

Where to start??? Where to start??? I have to say, the Puppy Love Tag book swap is just wonderfully overwhelming for me.

And overwhelming for the Fairy Grand baby too. We had a blast dressing up for our little present party. She was pretty serious, though. I think she was feeling the abundance the same way I was. Oh my, there is more fun stuff to open and play with???

All of the art supplies are greatly appreciated. My little crafter can go through tons of stickers in an afternoon of work in the "our studio."

We made good use of the treats too!

I think I will be able to keep my energy up while assembling books. Between the chocolates and the teas and cocoas and home made marshmellows (Shawn knows I am addicted and treats me to them a lot, she is a good friend to have!) I've already dipped into the goodie supply, notice that the chocolate bar wrapper is empty? (but it is so cute, I have to save it and use it in my art journal or else my own tag book)

Beth scored a big box of old journals at an auction (she has some to sell here - although when I went to her site to get a link, I kind of bought the last one….. but I know she has more and they are only $10 each, so ask her!!)

So many artists are making art journals, but I have never done one. Beth gave me one of her ledgers and I decided to make it a semi-art journal. I'm using it for practical things. Like postage rates. I wanted a pretty book to keep next to my computer to have handy for figuring postage.

And to keep passwords in. I have two pages filled with passwords from dozens of sites online. You need a password to do anything! And I hear it isn't smart to be repetitive with them, so I have to keep a log, or I would NEVER be able to open anything.

And then there are certain addresses that are good to have at hand.

And I am sure there are lots of other things I will think of to add to the book. So I am making up lots of extra pages that will be waiting and ready when I need to jot down something important.

Or just doodle.

Meanwhile, back at the tag book swap…. I have started assembling books!

When building them, I debated one hole or two at the top. I started making some with two holes, but switched back to one. For one thing, its half the work! For another, I kind of like to be able to fan the tags out like this, and see them all at once.

This book includes work by:

Kathy in Chicago

Andrea Tarling

LiLi M.

Sarah Elder

Carla Fisch

Samantha Miranda

and a cover by me

OMG aren't these going to be something when they are done????? Of course, the "when they are done" part is the tough part. I have about 450 tags spread out over my studio right now.

Some here…

And some here, along with goodies and gifties that haven't been consumed or displayed yet.

There are so many sweet gifts that I was, as I might have mentioned, OVER WHELMED!!! So, my plan, is to slow down and enjoy them. Play with a couple at a time, sip some tea, make some books, nibble some chocolate, then go and play with some more gifties. I hung up this banner from my East Coast Junking Buddy, Robin. It fit perfect on my hat garden buffet. Although, it also is good for tying around my waist and dancing around in. Just ask Sugarwings what Grammy wore to the dress up tea party and she'll tell you all about it.

Today, I slipped on this beautiful fairy necklace made by my pal, Gretchen and went to rent myself a huge stack of movies. I'll need them to keep me going as I assemble all these books. Brideshead Revisited is my first one to watch.

(Gretchen has great jewelry for sale on her blog, you should take a look)

See what I mean about wonderful goodies? Here are a few more of the presents that came as hostess gifts. There are also lots of pretty ribbons from quite a few of the swappers. What a perfect thing to include, I'll be needing it for tying tags together. And I got so much Valentine ephemera, that I will absolutely have to do this swap again next year, so I will can use it all up!!

There are thougthful gifts everywhere I look, spread out all over the studio. I just don't know what will happen to me next week when the swap is all done and over with. NO PACKAGES IN THE MAIL???? That will be hard to get used to!

Oh, I just had to show you this one, the box that it came in was such a joy to open and explore. You can read all about her tag series on her blog.

Thanks again to everyone who participated, and for all of your thoughtfulness and generosity with your time and your treats and your crafting skills!

Sugarwings and I had a lovely party to celebrate all the Puppy Love we got. I'll leave you with a couple more photos of our special day.

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!

Name that Puppy

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), give away, Sugarwings, swaps, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 29, 2009

Ready to Name the Puppy? We have six little Dorkie Princesses, and 5 of them need to be named. One is already called "Little Star" (as in Twinkle Twinkle). I'm asking your help in picking names for the rest.

Keep in mind, their Mommy is named Twinkle, their auntie is Sparkle and their owner is Sugarwings. That might be a little hint about what kind of names we like around here. Well, actual that I like. My husband doesn't really care for standing on the porch and calling "here Twinkle, here Sparkle!"

For inspiration, here are some close ups of the little fuzz balls.

And the contest rules:

1-ON THIS POST leave a comment with a name choice.

2-You can enter more than once, but please enter separate names in separate comments, and only on THIS post.

3-I will pick 5 names that I like for prizes. If there are duplicates, I will write the names of the commenters onto slips of paper and have Sugarwings draw the winner.

4-A very pretty hat will be used to hold the slips of paper!

5-The prizes are glass, heart shaped, millifiori charms.

Deadline? Hmmm, how about one week from today?

That is Thursday, February 5th.

There has been a lot of interest in helping me with names, so please, if you have mentioned one previously, add it to THIS post!! You have given me some good ones already, so I'd like for you to have a chance to win a prize for helping out.

Prizes are fun for me. I have to tell you, I get so much back from my readers, that I just feel like I want to do something in return. So I try to always have some gifts for you, such as my regular monthly drawing and other little giveaways here and there.

There will be a prize for Valentine's Day, also, since that is my TWO YEAR blogaversery. Has it only been two years?? And what did I do with all my time before I discover the blog world?

My 500th post is coming up soon, as well as my 15,000th comment. Oops, scratch that, I just looked to see how close it was and I passed it!! Thanks everyone for all your kind comments, I do love to hear from you, even though I don't always answer, or I do answer and the email gets bounced back to me. There are a few of you out there who have never gotten the email answers I send and you still keep commenting, even though you must think I am rude. Thanks for coming back anyway!

I'm also close to 500,000 views. My gosh, what a surprise. Who ever thought, 2 years ago when I started this ramble, that any one at all would even look at it. Thanks so much to those of you who come to visit and keep me company here. Working as an artist can be a solitary adventure, it is nice to know that company is always just a click away when I need a break.

Tell you what, I will go back and see who was # 15,000 and send her one of these pretty little hearts too.

Be right back…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

I'm back, and the winner is:

Diane

Here is her comment:

Diane, please contact me with your address. And thanks so much to all of you who comment. I always like to hear from you.

Here is a reminder of the prize for January. There will be some more Valentine themed gifts coming for the 500th post and the anniversary too.

I have some gifts that I was sent as part of the Puppy Love swap to show you too. Swappers are generous souls and not only are they sending me pretties, but Sugarwings has some to open too!

My fairy grand baby is head over heels, crazy about the puppies herself. She has adopted them as her "babies" and likes to give them rides in her carriage. Which is better than squeezing them with joy, this is a nice compromise that the puppies appreciate.

Thanks again to everyone who has left such nice comments and to all of you who come by to visit. Also to those of you who take the time to join in my swaps and make them so much fun. Now, start thinking up puppy names!

Sugarwings and the puppy

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 23, 2009

Sugarwings and the puppy
Originally uploaded by Karla's Cottage

Sugarwings found the tutu that I bought for her from Holly up at Silver Bella Vendor night, and has worn it all day today.
I thought I'd do an experimental video from Flickr. Please let me know if you had any issues with it or if it slowed down my blog? Here is another one, if you want to see the little Fariy grandbaby showing off her tutu. She's pretty pleased with it. http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlascottage/3220199271/

I'm going to try to get some more items added to the Boutique at Karla's Cottage. Like this crackled glaze collage in an old frame. Thanks so much for your shopping trips to see me! sold thanks

Now, I hear Sugarwings stirring over the baby moniter, I don't think she is going to nap after all. Maybe I won't get that picture listed in the shop until later tonight…..

Whiling away a day, when you can’t go outside to play

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 15, 2009

So, how do you entertain yourself on a day so cold that you simply don't feel warm no matter what you do? Well, you find distractions. Like arranging sleepy puppies into a heart shape. Well, kind of a heart shape, they are a tad wiggly to pose very well.

You can also see what happens if you add bubbles to a whirl pool tub.

We discovered that the jets create lots and lots of bubbles. And just as many giggles.

Here is a flickr video of Sugarwings splashing away: http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlascottage/

Puppy Love

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Sugarwings, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 6, 2009

Sugarwings is as infatuated with the new babies as the rest of us are.

Twinkle is happy to share the pups, and is being a good Mama. A little nervous, but loving. She is such a good natured dog, I shouldn't have expected anything less from her.

And when Sugarwings heard us talking about one of the babies having a star on its chest, she started to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and brought one of the wooden stars from her craft supplies as a gift to the newborn.

She doesn't realize it yet, but these puppies have a gift for her too. Since Twinkle is her dog, all the money from selling pups will go into a college fund for the fairy grand baby. Thanks, Twinkle!!

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")

A new Look for a new Year, and a new (but empty) webshop too. Because it is the same OLD me trying to set it up!

fairies, magazine pictures or articles, paintings, Sugarwings, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage

By Karla Nathan / December 29, 2008

Nope, no Twinkle puppies yet, but my Sissy has a new baby at her house- this is Elfie. She's half poodle and half cocker. I was surprised to hear that she is expected to only be about 7 lbs or so, once she is full grown. I thought cock-a-poos were much bigger. Isn't she adorable?

Did you notice anything new about my blog? Sara Duckett (Sadie Olive) has helped me spiff it up, with a change in the blog banner from tiny baby Sugarwings to-

a bigger girl picture of Sugarwings.

And this watercolor of roses that I did a few years ago had previously been tinted pink and turned on its side to use as my borders, or side bars. Now, I have had her tint the painting sepia, since I tend to have so much going on here. I think that this more neutral color makes for less chaos.

Sara also used this new design on my new website store! The shop isn't stocked up yet, but you can take a peek if you'd like. It looks pretty much like this blog, and is titled "the Boutique at Karla's Cottage". Sara added a link to the website from my right hand side bar.

The link is next to my oil painting of white roses.

For the life of me, I simply cannot get any further with the whole set up! My brain has said, NO MORE, for today and will not cooperate with trying to load anything on the site. So, for now, I'll take my time and work on it as I can. I'll let you know when it is set up and stocked.

While Sara was adjusting and fixing up my blog, she added a few more magazine covers for me, including this latest issue of Romantic Country. My article in here is a Valentine's Day quiz, to discover what your decorating style is. I had such a blast writing that. I grew up on Cosmo quizzes and could never resist filling those out! I can't believe that I actually wrote one myself and can see it in print. It has to be my favorite thing I have ever written. I'd love to do more quizzes. I will be thinking up possibilities for every occasion now!

Jayhawks on Parade is a book that was out a few years ago, done locally, here in Lawrence, KS. Two of the birds I worked on are in it, so I thought the book belonged on my list of publications.

This one was a bit iffy. I debated whether or not I should include this. I am kind of in it, I have a picture of Sugarwings printed with a photo credit. Hmmm, do you think that is stretching the limits too much? Maybe this one shouldn't be listed, what do you guys think? I didn't actually write anything for this, or have an article, it is simply one photo. Would you include that on your blog if it was your photo?

Its a GREAT magazine and I love to think that I am in it, even just a little bit!

It has been a while since I showed you a hint about the December Surprise Giveaway, so here is another little peek of that. So far, you can tell that the gift includes:

vintage wallpaper
old jewelry
millinery blooms
some hand drawn elements

All of my favorite things and I hope some of yours too! I'll draw a name on Jan. 1st, all comments, all month are entered.

And do any of you do Facebook? I was told I should, so I signed up, but now have no idea why, or what to do with it. I am feeling a bit like a Geezer at this point, with my inability to set up my website and now, my lack of Facebook knowledge!

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?