Travel – Page 8 – Karla's Cottage

In case you are running low on fairies, I know where you can find some. And here is some info on upcoming classes

fairies, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, Travel, vintage paper/collage art, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / January 12, 2020

There are plans in the works to do more tutorials, foof up and add to existing ones, and get my Boutique filled to the brim once again.

But I can't quite get to it yet.

For now, there are more fairies and books in the Boutique.

Because I simply could not help myself, I love making them too much.

But before I go restocking even more, I have a list a mile long of things to do, plus we are filling up our camper with three of the dogs, the two of us and heading to Florida for a 3 week trip.

The Boutique will be closed while I am away, but when I get back? I will be restocking and let you know when it is filled up.

A couple of things on my to do list before heading south, are: making kits for Karen Hillan's get together in Deland, "Listen to Your Heart". Spaces are still available for that party.

I also need to get samples ready for a class at the Guncles in April.

He has a few spots left. And there are also a couple of seats available for Karen's other gathering in Texas, "Beauty in Blue."

I am excited to have three upcoming teaching gigs coming up, and with some of my favorite people!

And I would love to see you at them too.

Here is how to find out more about all three:

Randy's "I Lourve Jacksonville"- https://www.facebook.com/randyspups Contact Randy for info, you can reach him here.

"Listen to Your Heart" in Deland, FL just in time for Valentine's Day– https://www.facebook.com/events/509270499709448/

"Beauty in Blue" celebrating the Texas bluebells– https://www.facebook.com/groups/2445165192414985/

And here is where you can find some fairies- http://www.karlascottage.com/category_15/All-items.htm

Listen to Your Heart, a class in Deland, FL

holiday decor, Travel, Valentine's Day, We're having a party, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / January 9, 2020

My dear, Special K, the divine hostess, Karen Hillman has invited me to teach a Valentine class on Saturday, Feb.8th at her Cozy Castle.

Whenever she comes to my home, she comments on some hearts I have hanging in my dining room. They were made during a girlfriends’ craft day at my good friend,Tami’s house.

So we will be making a version of those. Which makes it even more special to me. Craft projects made together with people you care about, already are infused with love, right?

Perfect for Valentine’s Day!

My kits will include a collage sheet printed onto linen, so everyone can choose their favorite photo to add. And faded, old, millinery blooms will in in the kit along with soft, pure silk ribbon to hang the lace covered hearts from.

Oooh, and the lace! YUMMY!

Yes, this is the Good Stuff, all the way. Class size and extra kits to sell will be limited due to the amount of this decadent lace that I have. There are two vintage gowns that I am taking apart to use, and I think the previous owners were pretty petite.

We will also be learning a quick and easy beading trick.

I’ve salvaged some vintage curtains that used to hang in my kitchen to make tiny, little tokens to hang from the knot of silk ribbon.

Your sewing skill level can be any level for this class. You can blow us away with your needlework, or get out a bottle of Fabric-Tac to assemble it.

I am not much of a sewer myself…

My Mom, who was a highly skilled seamstress, would be shocked to know that I am attempting to teach a class that involves needle and thread. But the main focus on this isn't the actual stitching of it, it is the foofing and decorating that is the best part.

Well, for me, the best part will be a day at the Cozy Castle with friends. Karen is an extraordinary hostess and has a beautiful home. I was lucky enough to teach with her there last year, and am thrilled to have a chance to say farewell.

She has sold her historic home, and will be moving this spring. It is a such a beautiful place, I will miss it and am honored to get one last visit.

Please contact me if you’d like more info, I would love to see you there.

Beach babes at Siesta Key

family, Travel

By Karla Nathan / December 15, 2019

On my annual Sister Trip to Florida, we were joined by all but one of both of my sister’s kids, thanks to Sissy’s generosity.

Sissy also brought everyone bags from Gudren, and wanted a photo of us together holding the colorful bags.

So we decided to go all super model, and pose with scarfs blowing in the breeze as we leapt into the air.

Uhm, we are not super models.

But we know how to have fun.

Maybe Sissy is model material. I love this photo that I took of her.

And this one. I channeled my inner Tyra Banks and told her to find the light.

We always try to use the ocean backdrop to get some good sister pics each year.

And this time, we were able to get more family shots.

And I got to spend time with people I rarely see.

I love having all the silly photos as souvenirs of the trip.

And the fun pictures.

As well as our traditional, casual, sister pics.

There was even a pretty, great niece there to snap photos of.

There were gorgeous skies to use as backdrops.

Although it can be hard to focus on faces without the light blowing out behind them.

Sometimes the faces are shadowed if I get the water or sky correct.

Mostly, we are just so happy to be together, we constantly have our cameras out to capture the short time we have with each other.

Because we know that, in a blink it is over.

Seashell Gnomes and Angels at Siesta Key

sea shell fairies, Travel

By Karla Nathan / December 7, 2019

In honor of the holidays, I made some gnomes and angels instead of fairies.

I was inspired by these broken shells that already looked like toadstools.

The tiny red noses were a lucky find by my nephew, who found a sprig of them washed up on the shore.

Nieces also helped gather shells for me. Shelli saw this “jawbone” and we crafted a Dino as a group project.

See the inspiration?

I think my little gnomes look like they are having a happy, little dance party. They must love Siesta Key as much as I do.

A Failed Attempt at being a Fairy God Mother

fairies, how to's, Travel

By Karla Nathan / November 10, 2019

This is who I was going for as my Halloween party costume, Merryweather, the blue fairy godmother. We were “Disney Bounding” which meant I only needed a suggestion of the fairy. I had a blue dress to wear, as well as a blue scarf that could replace the cape Merryweather has.

Disneybounding is a subtler, more fashion-forward way for fans to show their love for Disney. Instead of wearing full-on costumes as cosplayers do, Disneybounders dress up in stylish, everyday outfits (known as Disneybounds) that are simply inspired by a particular character.

At the last minute, I decided a hat would be nice. I found this headband style witch’s hat at Michael’s for 50% off, and our flight didn’t leave til afternoon, so I had plenty of time to transform it.

Because, who doesn’t whip up craft projects right before heading to the airport?

The black hat was a gamble, I bought it hoping that the black netting could be cut off and I could go with the silver fabric underneath as a base. And yup, it worked! I pulled off all the existing trims to replace with my own, more god motherly like ones.

I added sparkly tulle, a velvet ribbon and blue millinery rose to cover any black threads or remnants.

What possibly ruined the look was my black eye… And the fact that my dress and hat were sorta vintagey. People thought I was a Haunted Mansion ghost, not a fairy. By adding make up and glitter over the black eye, it probably looked fake.

Although, Merryweather is the bossiest of the three fairies and I am sure there were times when Flora and Fauna thought of smacking her.

I ended up tearing the rose offer toss in my bag (of course I would save that rose!) and putting the hat in the trash after being at Magic Kingdom for an hour or so. Rides were more comfy without the hat and it was just too bulky to carry.

Seashell fairies in Clearwater Beach

family, sea shell fairies, Travel

By Karla Nathan / November 4, 2019

Our trip to Florida was extra special with the four grand fairies along. It has been a very rough time for us lately and we wanted to have a big celebration for Khya’s 18th birthday to let the kids know how much we care.

Although it ended up being a bigger “bash” than I thought it would be…

We’d had the balcony doors open to enjoy the ocean, and beautiful weather, and I didn’t realize that the housekeeper had just shut it right before I ran out onto the patio. Oops.

Instead of going out the door, I bounced off of it. I spent the rest of the week pretending it didn’t hurt, so I could enjoy the wonderful trip with my sweet girls.

Due to my carelessness, I didn’t swim much. But I enjoyed lounging by the pool or ocean and watching the kids play from my one good eye.

And even with my sad, uneven vision, I had some gorgeous views!

When my son married Khya and Avahni’s mother, we took the girls to Florida as a welcome to the family trip.

Now that the marriage has ended, we wanted those two to know that they are our grand daughters forever, and we flew them off to Florida again to show them we are still family, no matter what.

I also wanted Dewdrop to have some happy memories of her last weeks with us.

She has moved back to North Carolina now, and will not be living with us in Kansas every other year. Her daddy wanted a new beginning and left to live in the mountains.

This trip was my attempt to hold on to those that I loved, but I think my heart may be more beat up than my face.

I never get tired of Disney, but it is even better with grand fairies!

family, Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 31, 2019

We had quite a trip for Khya’s 18th birthday and Dewdrop’s farewell party.

All of the kids were “the perfect age” for Disney. Some old enough to be on their own for roller coasters, no one needed a stroller, all could stay out late.

There was some rain, but not enough to bother us. But enough to make the crowds lighter.

My husband even joined us for most of a day at Animal Kingdom.

And while he is not a fan of the parks, he seemed to have a good time.

We took a ride on the new skyline just to enjoy the views.

The other two days were a later start, not going to Magic Kingdom til the special event, Halloween party at 4 pm.

The lazy days by the pool were ideal. I am used to being at the parks from open til close, and having long, lingering days to enjoy til it was time to visit Mickey, might be my new favorite way to go.

While I was spending a lot of time pretending that my skull wasn’t pounding in time to the African drums, I still was honestly having the best days ever.

Lines were short, the weather was comfy, and I had my four girls nearby.

Who knows what the future holds, with Dewdrop living in North Carolina full time, Sugarwings growing up, the big girls’ mom and my son splitting up?

But I do know that I love them all so much, and I will always be here for them when they miss their Grammie.

My husband has retired, our budget is changing, the kids are moving on, our family is divided. Some people have shown how little they care when times are tough.

But I have had a blessed time and know how lucky my life has been. It wasn’t so much that I got to go to Disney with them as much as I got to share special memories and time.

No matter what changes are ahead, I will always have that.

Mickey’s Halloween Party

family, Travel

By Karla Nathan / October 30, 2019

We went to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party while in Florida. Dewdrop was Cinderella, Sugarwings – Tiana, and myself – a fairy godmother. The blue one, Merriweather.

I made the hat, added sparkling tulle and a vintage blue rose.

But, with my black eye and vintagey dress that was a blue/gray, I am afraid I looked more like a Haunted Mansion ghost than a fairy godmother.

The headband wasn’t great on my achey head, so I ditched it.

While not everyone guessed Tiana, the grand fairies were clearly royal.

Even though the hairstyles didn’t last after a wild night of spinning on teacups.

That party is such fun, we went twice. It is a ticketed event from 7pm-midnight, but you can enter the park at 4pm. Crowds are less than regular park days because the tickets are (slightly) limited. Our first night was a little rainy, and seemed much less crowded. Many rides were only five minute waits. But the shows got rained out.

It didn’t rain the entire time, but got a little heavy toward the evening. We had ponchos, and powered through. The weather was warm, not hot, it really wasn’t bad to be rained on. I think it was more pleasant than the days I have been there when it was 100 degrees or higher.

It certainly wasn’t too chilly for Dole Whips!

We also had Jack Skellington pops. And there were generous trick or treat stations where they gave out handfuls of candy bars.

My luggage was much heavier after packing all of that loot.

Since the Villains Spectacular was rained out on our first day, we watched it twice on our second trip.

Sugarwings and I ended the night at the Monsters Inc Ball, dancing til midnight, while the others rode Space Mountain.

As the two of us left for the bus ride back, she was pensive and snuggly. I had told her that with her grandfather retiring, this might be our last trip. She thanked me for taking her and said that she didn’t know what her future career would be, but she would be sure to make enough money to take her grandkids to Disney.

A very welcome getaway

friends, Travel

By Karla Nathan / September 2, 2019

I certainly needed a break. It has been super busy around here, between hungry pups needing snugggles, getting a property ready to put on the market, malfunctioning machinery, blown circuit breakers in the studio, plumbers needed in our house, and more.

What could be better than a getaway with good friends?

At a beautiful location?

Down the road from my favorite flea market?

With crafting!!??

Karen invited me to stay at Rawhide Outfitters Camp

Overlooking a bluff of the Missouri, in Northern Kansas. This is the third year in a row that I have been lucky enough to attend this gathering and enjoy the Whetshire's hospitality, and Tracy's expert cooking.

It is near Sparks and White Cloud, so we spent some time shopping at the flea markets.

I found piles of treasures!

Tami provided a project for us to create one evening over wine and giggles.

I was only able to be there for a day and night, due to pressing concerns at home. But I adored every single second of the trip.

And- I slept for a solid 9 hours. I hadn't done that since the pups were born. I came away rested and refreshed.

Park City Glam

family, Food and Drink, Travel

By Karla Nathan / July 13, 2019

Park City is a beautiful place to visit any time at all, but we were lucky to be there for Savor the Summit, a dining event that took over the streets.

Restaurants showed off their finest dining displays all up and down the street (and I do mean, up and down, it is on a hill).

I didn't have my camera with me, (what was I thinking??) but I borrowed Guncle Kev's to get a few shots of the pretty tables.

We had some time to walk around and appropriate appreciate the dining designs that lined the slope (making plans for future tablescapes for our own homes) before joining the rest of the fam for a fancy dinner.

As pretty as the outdoor tables were, we were glad to be eating indoors, the air was nippy.

Actually, downright cold. I was happy that I had bought this new coat at the Sundance outlet store earlier that day, because we did not pack for temps in the 40s.

And the girls were loving a chance to wear the new shawls that Aunt Terry wove for them on her loom.

They loved them so much, they insisted on sleeping with them too.

Luckily, it was warmer the next day, for Silly Sundays.

Yep, the fun never ends in Park City! We spent Sunday morning at the outdoor market, and made the most of the kids' activities offered. It was practically a pet parade/fashion show downtown, everyone was dressed in their resort wear and walking their dogs. We saw a lot of doodles and yorkies, it made me feel like a trendy dog owner myself.

These cousins all picked out a special bloom at a flower cart to give to Aunt Terry as a thank you for the special weekend she treated us to. I think that they made some remarkable memories, and I am thankful to my sis for making all of this possible. What a trip!