vintage paper/collage art – Page 31

Packing up

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

By Karla Nathan / May 12, 2009

Oh, I am so far behind! I'm leaving Thursday for Jenn's event- En Le Jardin and had hoped to make up goodies to take to the mini market that Jenn is setting up for us during part of the weekend. But between Sugarwing's Daddy being ill, and a few other unplanned issues, I've got nothing ready.

Some weeks, there just isn't enough time in the days. Well, most weeks.

I thought I'd make up some tags, some wallpaper packs and then bring a bundle of bling. Vintage jewels are always a hit! But, even though I ironed and sorted wallpaper and made up a couple dozen tags, and piled up some old jewels, none of them are quite ready to go. Pricing and packing are holding me up.

Creating never seems to be the problem, that is the fun part to squeeze in! Its the marketing that gets me.

My revised plan, is to just get my necessities packed and ready to go. Then, if there is time (and space in the suitcase!), I'll gather up some of these goods and toss them in the bag.

Some how, I doubt there will be time. I have the fairy grand baby for most of this week till I fly away to Atlanta with my good buddy, Carol.

Plus, its a vacation! I don't want to stress out about getting ready. This is going to be fun and relaxing, I don't think I want to turn it into work. Plus, its not like these tags will go to waste. I listed a few in my Boutique already, and can add the wallpaper and the rest of the tags when I return from the Deep South.

This trip is something I have been looking forward to for so long, I can't believe that it is already here! I really do need to pack. I have about 12 hours straight tomorrow with Sugarwings, who can pull things out of a suitcase as fast as it goes in, so I should pack early and get it done tonight after she goes to bed.

She has been so funny this week. Life with her has been a parade of one costume after another. Here she is as "Glenda" from Oz. Its really just a princess dress from Target, but to her, she is a Good Witch now. I've had her helping me with potions too, we are making up all natural bug repellent.

I really dislike the smell of citronella, and don't want to use pesticides on her, so here is what I came up with, water in a spray bottle, with some of each of these essential oils plus some no-foam biodegradable soap. I'll let you know if we end up covered and chigger and mosquito bites anyway.

Besides taking care of Sugarwings and her poor, sick Daddy, then making tags and cutting wallpaper after her bedtime, I've done a little sewing. Yes, I know, I complain about sewing a lot, but I do it anyway. It isn't as if I like the action of doing it, I like the stuff I get out of it.

So, I put up with the stupid machine.

Remember when Scarlett O'Hara made a dress out of drapes? I feel a bit like that, decking out a tee shirt with doilies.

I figured it was appropriate for visiting Georgia.

This one is made from a couple of vintage pictures I downloaded and printed onto fabric and sewed onto the shirt. I sewed the girl onto the butterfly to create a fairy.

Then, I further goobered it up with dye markers, glitter pens and ribbon. Oh, and a ritzy rhinestone button from my hoarded stash of old buttons. I hate clothes. I hate shopping for and buying clothes, and really hate packing for a trip. All I like to wear are tee shirts, so I thought I'd foof a few for the trip.

But on the other hand, I am worrying that I am turning into my mother who used to sew quilt squares and appliques onto her sweat shirts. Scary thought. I love my mom, but I really don't want to dress like her…..

The 3rd Annual Cottage Charm Giveaway

antiques/junking, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), paintings, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / May 4, 2009

This is the 3rd year in a row that I will be participating in the Cottage Charm giveaway, hosted by Kim.

And once again, I am taking it literally and offering a Charm as the Cottage Charm prize! This one is a hand painted white rose, and it is accented with a genuine pearl. I've tied it to a mini tag made from vintage papers, but you could add the charm to a necklace or bracelet instead if you'd rather.

I've only been at this blogging life, for a little over two years, but it is fun to see traditions building up and things to look forward to year after year. Thanks, Kim, for this "charming" tradition!

Plus, you guys know I love giveaways, and I am on a charm kick lately. Here is the painted cup cake charm that is the gift I'm sharing for my 51st (ouch) birthday tomorrow. All comments, any post between May 1st and 5th count. For the Cottage Charm prize, any comment, any post until the 30th counts too. So, leave as many as you'd like.

I was asked if giveaways help build up my following. Honestly, I don't know if it does. I know I get more comments, and I do enjoy the feedback. Also, I get a LOT out of blogging and like to give back. Plus, I make a LOT of crap or find a lot of good junk at great prices and like to share. Ask any of my non-cyber friends and they'll tell you the same thing. Its fun to give little pressies!

Good luck, on all the Cottage Charm drawings, there will be tons of fun blogs to hop around to and visit to sign up for wonderful prizes!

We've had a traumatic day here, poor Twinks broke her water dish and had to be put under to get some stitches in foot. She's still feeling drowsy and is on pain meds for the cut. I could tell she was really hurt, you should have heard her whimpering, I felt so bad for her. Now, she has a solid, unbreakable, tin water bowl. No more pretty, vintage glass for this dog!

I felt bad for me too, you should have seen the blood everywhere, that I had to clean up. It looked pretty bad. I'm glad I went in the house to get something and heard her crying, because I'd hate to have let her go on much longer like that, she was really bleeding. My husband wrapped her foot in a rag and put a rubber band around it like a tourniquet and the vet said that was an excellent idea, and that it helped.

Aren't you glad I didn't take pictures of that mess??

The vintage wallpaper journal kits that I sent to Somerset Life are back now. I'm not sure which issue they will be in, but most likely soon, I'd guess.

Two of the journal kits are listed in the Boutique.

A few more wallpaper packs got added today too. I'm still wrapping and photographing the rest of the rainbow of wallpaper you saw spread out in the studio a few posts back. And some that have been listed have sold out, but there will be more on the way. Thanks so much for checking in to see what is there!

I'll leave you with a more cheerful picture of poor little Twinkle. She's posing with Miss Pink Frenchie, who I bought at the flea market last week.

PS- Cindy, at My Romantic Home (who just had her ONE MILLIONTH visitor, wow!!) is having a May giveaway too, to enter, check HERE

How to cut vintage wallpaper

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / April 29, 2009

If you are going to be trimming vintage paper to use in craft projects, its time consuming and you'll need company to talk to so you aren't too bored. Luckily, I have Twinks to hang with.

For me, vintage wallpaper is simply a billion times better to use in art projects than any scrap booking paper could ever be. Now, I'll scan a really, really wonderful piece before cutting it up, so I'll always have it, but honestly, I don't much like using the copied pieces. The feel just isn't right.

Trouble is, vintage wallpaper can be a LOT of trouble. Its usually curly from being rolled up forever and it is often brittle.

Ironing it makes it much easier to work with.

I kind of go back and forth on what is the best way to iron and cut it. If it is really fragile, or I am just cutting a few pieces, I'll cut it right off the roll, then iron the pieces. If I am on a marathon of ironing and have good movie to watch while doing it, I'll iron it directly off the roll, like the first photo.

Here are some tips for cutting:

Keep a fresh blade in your exacto knife, or the edges of the paper will shred.

Find something the right shape and size to cut around. I use the glass from an 8 x 10 frame. That makes a good size bit to work with for most projects, and if I am making up packs to sell, its easy to mail.

Self healing cutting mats are wonderful! My blade doesn't get dull too fast and I don't slice up the table underneath. I used to try to measure the paper by the grid on the mat, but that was way too much work. Now, I just line up my 8 x 10 piece of glass with the straight edge of the paper and zip the blade around it. Much easier.

Iron the back side of the paper. Old paper is not prepasted, so the back is safe to iron on. If yours is gooey and gluey, its probably not very old. And your iron will be messed up.

The paper is often painted, if you want to protect your ironing board cover, you can lay a sheet of clean paper, or fabric over the board.

Ironing is almost as bad as sewing, but sometimes it has to be done. But ironing paper isn't nearly as bad as ironing clothes, since there are no cuffs or collars. At least, that is what I tell myself to get through it.

The iron can be left on its highest setting and some cut papers can be ironed in a stack of two or three pieces at a time to speed things along.

It has taken me most of the day to do this pile, but I'm still in my organizing mood, and it is rainy outside, so it was a good day to do it. I might even pull out a few more rolls to cut up before I start making up packets to sell. (this is just a fraction of the in my obsessed collection)

I'll let you know when I get them packed up and photographed and listed in the shop.

EDIT- I was able to add a few packs of wallpaper to the Boutique tonight

Man, there are a lot of steps aren't there? Sometimes I wonder why I don't get a real job… but then, I get to play with and sort out all these pretty papers while I sing to the Dorkie who never leaves my feet and think that this isn't such a bad job after all.

Before the skies turned gray and the rain started, I got a few photos of things to add in to the Boutique.

Slowly, but surely, I am getting some new things in there.

And I am trying to build up the Etsy shop too. Mostly supplies over there. But an assortment.

Wall paper packs will be coming soon, probably in both shops. If you see something you want in both, please email me before paying, so I can combine your shipping costs!

(There are some cute vintage swizzle sticks in both right now)

Some one asked me the other day if I wanted to trade links. You know, I rarely update my Pretty Places and am missing out on lots of good blogs.

If you want to trade links with me, JUST WHISTLE!

Also- one of my Etsy listings is in this pretty treasury, if you'd like to take a look.

An ABC of crafting- Aprons, Bellas, and Changes

Miss Frenchie's, Silver Bella, swaps, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / April 14, 2009

Are you going to be a Bella this year?? I wouldn't miss it! The atmosphere created by all those creative types gathered together and sharing ideas, gossip, giggles, as well as glue and glitter is quite something. The timing makes it good kick off to the Christmas holiday season, I come home wanting to spread sparkles and cheer everywhere I go.

Silverbella is more than just classes, it is an Event, with a capital E. If you want to go, check it out here:

http://www.paperbellastudio.com/pages/silverbella.htm

Another fun thing I am trying to plan is a get away to DC with not one, but two batches of friends all in the same week. A group of Lawrence, KS buddies wants to join me there for a Girl's Getaway, during the week, and then when the weekend comes, I hope to meet up with Blog Buddies in Leesburg for shopping.

Heather and Stephanie,who hosted the apron swap I am in, are going to meet me there, as well as some local Virginia area pals. I'm hoping Beth will go too. Last time I was there, I found this wooden hanger for her collection and brought it back as a souvenir. The rest of the pile of goodies is what I pulled together to use to make the apron I did for Zita as my part of the swap.

But does anything ever go as planned? Very little of my pile of supplies made it into the finished product. I took the bag of laces and ribbons and flowers with me to Beth'sthe other day for a couple hours of escapism into craft time, which I really needed. Seems like some projects just need a 2nd person's opinion, and some days, you just need the outlet of a friend to talk to while you work.

I'd been struggling with this one, nothing I was doing was working, and one vintage apron actually fell apart on me, after I tried bleaching, dying, and aging it. But, having Beth around to bounce ideas off of, and to hand me things from her studio to try on it, really helped. She even provided this apron to use, as well as the image of the little girl. She downloaded it from Vintage Workshop and printed it on cloth. I'd done the same thing with a rose picture, but it somehow just wasn't quite right.

Sometimes, the plans just don't work. I've learned to be flexible, do my best to rearrange, make changes, and then do what Tim Gunn always says, "Make it work".

The pieces I had picked out to use for Zita, really were things I thought she'd like, so I used them as the gift wrap for the finished apron.

And I was even able to use the first apron that I thought was ruined, as a liner, no, I guess for fabrics, you'd say, lining, huh?

Its on its way to Canada now, I hope she enjoys it! I barely got it done by the deadline. Some how, I am not keeping up with my life as well as I should. I did have Sugarwings all week, and am trying to get ready for Miss Frenchie's, plus we just had Easter, and I took a week's vacation. Well, any one of those things could explain why I am so behind on everything.

Tomorrow, I go and help Debbie and Carol set up decorations and mark booth spaces for the show, and I need to pack a few straggles up that I don't have tagged and ready yet. But instead of tagging and packing, I have been doing something more fun. I'm making thank you gifts for the two hostesses of the swap.

Its always good to have an excuse to make things! And some how those tags will get on that stuff, and everything will get thrown into the big red, redneck truck I drive. So, I made this last night while I watched "House" instead of making price tags.

For this, I even got my watercolors out. I want to make a gift for Beth too, she was a major factor in me getting that apron done at all.

Ah, it feels good to just sit and make something that I really enjoy. But for now, I'd better get those price tags made. I have a feeling that my fairy godmother isn't going to show up and do it for me. I'll have to create the other two paintings that I have in mind later.

Presents from the Lollipop lady, Loot from the trip, and a SALE in the Boutique

antiques/junking, Etsy Goodies, Miss Frenchie's, Moving to DC, Sugarwings, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / April 6, 2009

There is no place like home! Especially when I come home to this little girl. And waiting for us was a lovely box from my pal, Barbara. It was filled with fairies and treats and crafting supplies, and on and on and on!! She really went over the top on this "Just Because Box". Sugarwings and I will be serving PINK hot chocolate at our next tea party, thanks to Barb.

(There is nothing wrong with the fairy grand baby's eyes, that is a weird editing problem that happened when I tried to get rid of red eye, so don't worry that she got into some horrible glitter accident and was blinded)

Did I mention that I found a couple of hats in Virginia? The Hat Whisperer strikes again! I swear, I can sniff these little vintage nuggets of blooms anywhere I go. And JACKPOT, these are mostly roses. And all were bargains.

Of course, on Wednesday, I had the help of another hat lover, Andrea. She took me to all of her haunts in Frederisksburg. I was able to snag a couple there, but most were found in Manasses.

One of the very first things I unpacked when I got home, was the floral egg that Andrea gave to me. Its under a cloche in my bedroom now. Bethand I always say that things look more important under glass, but this little poof of foof looks very important even without the dome!

Another of my favorite purchases was thanks to Andrea too. She took me to a shop that was holding a pink sap bucket for her, and after she picked the one she wanted, she was fine with me buying the rest. Have I ever mentioned that I can't stop at just ONE of anything? Or did you notice without me mentioning it?

I'll use these buckets at my Miss Frenchie's sale, and what ever is left over, I'll be happy to keep in the studio.

By the way, Deb has updated the Miss Frenchie's Blog! Check it out for new photos and a list of the artists and dealers.

Andrea sent me this photo of our luncheon at Pinkadillys. Next time I go, I'll want to play dress up with the stash of millinery in the back room that is available for tea parties. And yes, I'll be going back, for sure!! Maybe I can organize some sort of blogger tea party for a group of us in that area? If you live out that way, let me know if you are interested.

On our way to Gettysburg, I was able to squeeze in a sneak visit for a few minutes each at Luckettes and at that pink polka dotted shop down the road from it.

Sorry, I can't remember the name of the shop, but I know that if you have ever been to Luckettes, you have also stopped at the polka dotted barn. If not, you must be so excited to be heading toward Luckettes that you have tunnel vision. Not that I blame you, that place is special, but look at this one!

Every time I go, I see the prettiest stuff. But this time, I noticed (as leaving, and already too late) a sign that said NO PHOTOS. oops…. I'm thinking that these are grandfathered in, since I had already snapped them??? Rude of me?

On the other hand, why would they object to me telling hundreds of people how beautiful their shop is? Maybe because I can't remember the name of it?

Downtown Leesburg, on the way home from Gettysburg, I mentioned to the other people in my group that there was a cute little Irish pub around the corner. They all immediately were ready for a break and pulled over. I ran down to the antique mall that Sue has a spot in and had a few minutes there before it close up at 5:30, while my traveling companions were swigging their beers.

Sue (Vintage Rescue) had the BEST daily blog postsfrom Rountop.

Well, I'd better get back to work. Today is my catch up day. Looks like I will probably need a few more, one doesn't cut it.

I'm adding to the Etsy Shop and to the Boutique, but mostly, I have been marking sale prices. To get ready for Miss Frenchie's and the aftermath (lots of new listings from that huge pile of inventory) I'm clearing things out of the Boutique. Today, I marked clearance prices on over 30 items.

Pinkadilly-icious!

antiques/junking, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Food and Drink, Moving to DC, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / April 2, 2009

What a wonderful trip! Lots of friends, lots of fun, and I've been to visit two of my grand dogs.

Yesterday, I took a trip to Fredericksburg to meet Andrea Singerella for some junking downtown. I would have been happy just spending the entire day in her perfectly pretty studio and watching her cute kids play, but downtown sure wasn't bad.

Did you see the decorated eggs she had in her shop for such a BRIEF time? Those eggs flew out within minutes of her listing them. She mentioned in her blog that they would go on sale at 4pm, and when I went to look at them about 5:30, they were long gone. But when I got to her home yesterday, look what was waiting for me! A little treasure egg of my own.

I'd brought her a wallpaper journal ready for her to fill with pictures and some homemade, organic granola for the boys. Then, I realized that in today's day and age, you don't just hand someone a bag full of nut goodies, there are so many people allergic to nuts anymore. Luckily, she said nuts were fine in her family, so I didn't cause any anaphalactic shock, because that isn't the best way to start a good junking day.

Shopping in Virginia is different than in Kansas. The buildings in downtowns here are so old, that it is fun to simply walk the sidewalks and enjoy the views even if you don't have any thing to buy. Fredericksburg was every bit as quaint and inviting as Leesburg, where I had gone on previous trips out this way.

This sign is above the oldest soda fountain still in service in the US. I fell for it, because the bright red of the Coke sign had faded out to such a nice pink.

And while I am mentioning pink- look at this lady!

She had lavender and green sisters too. Sorry, I don't even remember what store this window display was in, but I love the mannequins and will probably ~~steal~~use this idea! It is similar, but not quite what I had in mind for my new dress form. Miss Ta Ta (yes that name stuck!)is headless, and neutral toned, but I have big plans for an exciting floral display in place of her head. Now, maybe, I'll drape her in tulles too.

Andrea treated me to a tea party luncheon at Pinkadillies. I didn't even care what the food was, I loved the name of the place so much, the meal wouldn't have mattered. But it was really tasty and the place was cute as a bug. We shared a pot of Peaches and Cream tea and had a good meal.

We weren't the only ones having a good time there. These ladies had no idea how near they were sitting to an obsessed millinery collector or they would have been holding onto their hats! Luckily, my hat whispering skills were in fine form and I was able to find a few good deals this trip, so didn't have to resort to mugging little old ladies.

And did I mention grand dogs?! Here is Lola. She goes to the office everyday with Mary, who works with my husband.

Doesn't she have quite the set up? Here she is in her box, with a stack of mail on top of it. I wonder if it is her job to lick the stamps? From all the kisses she gave me, I'd say it would be a good career move for her.

Lola's big sister lives nearby and we saw her last night. She seems like she could get a part time job as a stamp licker too.

This little one is twice the size of her baby sister! She is growing like a weed and is sweet as can be. Both recognized me (I'm positive) and seemed to be as happy to see me as I was to see them.

Today, I've taken a day off to stay in the apartment and work. Mostly paperwork for tax preparing when I get back home, but I also brought along these gloves to paint on. They started out way too vibrantly colored, so I soaked them in bleach for a day, then tea dyed them before I packed them up for the trip. Today, I drew vines on them with a fabric marker, then painted in the leaves. I've got a few pair of them, I thought they'd be a nice accent to the gardening display I am doing for my Miss Frenchie's booth in a couple of weeks.

I'd love to do some pairs with some real embellishment, but seriously, that wouldn't be feasible for using them. Rhinestones and millinery blooms would sure be pretty, but not useful if someone actually wanted to garden in them. At least not the way I garden, I get filthy when I work outside.

Oh- before I go and tackle that horrid paperwork waiting for me- here is the winner of the MARCH GIVEAWAY:

Kana

And remembber, the APRIL GIVEAWAY started yesterday! All comments, all month count toward the drawing. I'll let you know what the prize is, as soon as I come up with something good!

A little too smug?

antiques/junking, fairies, Miss Frenchie's, Moving to DC, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / March 28, 2009

Oops, I spoke too soon. Remember my smug bragging about being set up for the big sale 3 weeks early, before I leave for my trip? Well, that self imposed, fake deadline didn't fool me. I know that I have 3 weeks and every pore of my being is telling me that I have plenty of time…. go ahead, have some fun, the stuff can get packed later!!

Practice Table #1 is tagged and boxed and ready to go, so I am not a complete slacker. Practice Table #2 is set up in a dry run display waiting for tags and packing.

But, we are having an ice storm, with snow forecast, and my packing tubs are in the detached garage.

Who am I kidding! This second table is not packed up yet because tags and packing are BORING.

So, I took Sugarwings to a movie (Monsters vs Aliens, very fun!), baked and played in the kitchen (had to have fresh, homemade organic granola bars for the trip), surfed blogs (I'm going to miss visiting while I am away!), and finished some projects for the sale.

I also learned a new trick. I am enamored with sewn paper ruffles now! As much as I hate sewing, it just might be worth doing, to get more of these.

They are vintage pattern tissue, and I love the dimension they add to a piece.

Some of the tissue ruffle is used on the bottom of this ATC too. (yes, another side track, I took some cutting and gluing time off to make this)

The card is made of vintage wallpaper, with a cut out of a girl from an old greeting card. I've added glitter ink and white ink details to her, and made 3-D butterfly wings from a page of text from an old book and markers. When I found these words on some sheet music, I just had to draw a teacup in the little fairy's hand!

Then, I added an old German die cut and the ruffly tissue I love so much, topped off with a millinery posey.

In the midst of all the crap I was doing to avoid tagging bagging, I also made some slide shows. I saw one on Carol's blog and had to give it a try.

One, of Twinkle's pups, is on the lower left hand side bar of my blog.

If you'd like to see a larger version, or one of Sugarwings, you can click on the slide show and it will take you to the home site.

We leave for Virginia on Monday and will be going to see a friend's art opening. Here are details if you are in the area:

Constance Ehrlich will be showing her work from April 3-24 at the Arts Club of Washington in DC. The opening reception is Friday April 3, 6:30 – 9 pm.

Headquartered in the James Monroe House, a National Historic Landmark, the Arts Club of Washington was founded in 1916 and is the oldest non-profit arts organization in the city. Its programs and activities focus on promoting public appreciation of, study, and participation in the arts through ongoing educational and cultural programs.

In the show Constance will be displaying 17 paintings that document the fun-filled adventures of a group of friends as they visit famous museums around the world. During these travels, each character poses in front of their favorite masterpiece creating a perfect Kodak moment.

The winning comment for March's Giveaway, of a hand made Spring inspired necklace, will be drawn and announced from Virginia. You still have time to enter, the winner will be announced on Tuesday.

A Pufik Day

fairies, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / March 24, 2009

Do you ever make ATCs? I rarely have, but just recently, a friend asked for one, then I saw that Donna had a call out for swappers of ATCs on her blog and I offered to do one for her too. For me, it is always easier to get started on something if I have more than one to make. I guess I hit my stride and get going once I get into it and hate to stop at just one of anything I make.

Or buy… but that is another story. And you don't want to hear about the jelly beans sitting on my desk right now. I mean, what is left of the jelly beans.

Also, sometimes the first one I make isn't always a keeper. Like this one. I should just keep going till I get a better one, huh? The problem was that I like to use authentic vintage pieces when I make something like this and the only old photo I had in the right size was of a little boy. I tried to transvestite him up into a little fairy girl, but just might have missed the mark with this one. That foofy, millinery petal skirt doesn't really go well with the lumpy sweater and knee socks. Its kind of like a sorry mix, and I am sure that this kid will grow up to have issues.

Sorry, Vicki, you deserve better than this! I'll make another. Trouble is, that is GREAT wallpaper, some that Heather and Natasha shared with me after we visited Wallpaper Heaven. Its a shame to waste a teeny square of that one. I'll salvage this card to keep for myself. Or as a gift for my gay brother-in-law. He'll love it.

This little boy is a different story. Although his clothes are a bit over the top, he is perfect just the way he is ( I barely did anything to this card that was part of a set given to me by Mary. )

This morning, Sugarwings said that about me, out of the blue, she told me that I was perfect! Although it sounded more like "you pufik". Then, she added, "just the way you are". Now, has she been watching Bridget Jones? I asked her where she heard it and she told me Jimeny Cricket told her that. Well, if crickets are going to talk to you, that is a nice thing for them to say. And I'll take a compliment like that any day, she sure made me feel good.

This is the back of Donna's ATC. I made it on one of Mary's cards too. Gosh, I wish I had a lifetime supply of these, aren't they gorgeous???

At the grocery store today, I couldn't resist this bundle of roses. How springy! I was lucky to get them, the flowers go on sale every Monday for $1.99, and there aren't usually any left on Tuesdays. This is my lucky day, first, my fairy grand baby tells me I am perfect, then some very important documents I have been trying to get a hold of finally come, and now $1.99 roses on a Tuesday. Man, what else can this day have in store for me??

This too! My mom's old watch, hasn't worked in years. I took it in for an estimate and found that it only needed a cleaning and a battery, nothing major. Now that is lucky, Mom loved this watch and I will enjoy wearing it and thinking of her. I splurged and got a new band for it. I wouldn't usually be attracted to white leather watch bands, but today, it just looked right. I think it compliments the opals and amethysts.

My husband and I will be heading out East for an art opening and a visit to our apartment out there for a bit, on the 30th. But, you still have till the 31st to enter the drawing for this springtime floral necklace that I made. I'll draw a name from out computer there, and mail the gift when I get back.

Gifts of Affection and the March Giveaway

antiques/junking, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), give away, paintings, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / March 11, 2009

Now, Beth might have just happened to include this sentimental bit of ephemera in with the gift pack she brought me, but in my mind, she added it with true affection! I know I just love her to pieces.

With affectionate thougths of my own, I'm offering this necklace as my prize for the March Giveaway.

This is the one I chose, because it is filled with rosebud and posy charms and seems to be just right for welcoming Springtime!

All you need to do is leave a comment to enter. As always, all comments, all month count.

Beth came over yesterday to finish up our sewing projects started last week, and as much as we both dislike sewing, sometimes you just gotta do it. Unless you have unlimited funds and can have hire a seamstress, of course. Which we don't.

And she showed up with gifts!! Well, she always does. Beth is a hunter/gatherer and is always on the prowl for goods for resale. While she is out, she picks up tid bits she knows I'd like too and since she knows me so well, they are always perfect!

Great stuff, huh?

But we didn't spend the whole day opening gifts and eating scones, we got some work accomplished too. The tablecloths are DONE. whew. And for some silly reason, who knows why (since neither of us enjoy sewing), we both started making bags from some vintage scrappy stuff we had around. Hers is from a quilt and mine is old curtains and doilies.

The bag I made is far from perfect, but looks OK as long as you don't examine any stitches or look too closely. I made up the pattern as I went along, to fit the doily I wanted to use. I think the bag would be better with a bit more embellishing, but I quit. While Beth was here, it was going OK, because we were at that slap happy stage, the one where no matter what you say or do, it makes you have a giggle fit. None of it would be in the least bit funny if I tried to tell you today what we were saying, but in the moment, we were hilarious to each other.

The tablecloth I'm using on my studio table now is a gift from Beth too. She brought it to cut up and I said, NO WAY, its too nice. So she gave it to me! Apart from it being really pretty, I love it because my great grandma made one very similar that I don't like to use, because ~~my family is a bunch of pigs~~ I don't want to ruin it. I call this one my "stunt double" table cloth, I can use it and be reminded of the one I have from my great grandma.

Some of you were asking about this bench I have made new pillow shams for. It was a Victorian heard board that I got at a garage sale, in bad shape. Sugarwing's Daddy is an accomplished carpenter and he made the headboard into a bench, and I painted the flowers on it.

Today, while avoiding putting away all the sewing paraphernalia, I cleaned up my Boutique a bit and deleted some SOLD items, added a few new ones.

As tempting as it is to hang out at the computer and list more things, I need to get back to work. That sewing machine and all the mess that accompanies it needs to be stashed away, hopefully I won't be getting it out again for a long, long time!

This is the post to comment on for the 500th giveaway prize (yea, I know, not a very clever title, but it did get your attention, right?)

antiques/junking, celebrations, Etsy Goodies, give away, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / March 1, 2009

Wow, what an outpouring of caring and sympathy from everyone about the last pup going on to her new life. Thanks so much, to all of you. I think we will all miss those little furry sweethearts, won't we?

Sugarwings got a little extra attention, although it is hard to give her any extra attention, when she already gets it ALL. I took her to Toddler Tumbling for the morning and my handsome husband splashed with her at the indoor pool for the afternoon. She played hard and wore herself out, I think that helped her cope with losing the puppy. I'm trying the same thing with Twinkle. She is still searching everywhere for the babies, so we've spent a lot of time throwing the squeaky toys for her to chase and be distracted.

Me too! I'm keeping busy myself. I actually had some studio time, which I have really missed. Today, I made this pedestal from a hankie box, a salvaged bit of a chair leg, some trim, wallpaper, millinery blooms and fringed trim.

The lingerie box in the first photo was from a flea market I went to yesterday. Today, I plucked some blooms from my hat garden and foofed it up a bit. I might line the interior with wallpapers, but am not sure yet. I just love the old rose printed cotton fabric on the top of it.

There was a tiny bit of trim from the pedestal left, so of course I couldn't waste it! So I edged out the bottom of an 8" shipping tag with it and then started decking it out. This is listed in my Boutique right now for $9 and has lots of vintage goodies in its makeup!

Remember last week when I bought the boxes of tid bits from an assemblage artist's sale? The curly-que metal bracket on the top of this wallpapered covered box is from that. I started this box before Christmas at a craft day with friends, and didn't feel inspired to finish it, until I found that metal piece in my goodie box last week. My craft pals were coming back out to visit, so this was the perfect time to pull it out and get it done.

The little doll was a gift from my friend, Jenn, and I turned it into a fairy princess with a millinery flower petal skirt, and an old rhinestone earring made into a crown. Oh, and of course, some wings. These are a pair of feathered wings from Michael's that I cut down to fit this teeny baby. She is hanging from a fishing line to a screw I added to the top of the box. The screw is hidden under an old button.

And what would be the best thing to make a nest for the fairy to sleep in, but an old corsage with some shredded paper! If I was a fairy, I'd want to sleep there.

Speaking of Jenn, she sent this elf to me, just out of the blue after I gave her a little painting advice! How sweet was that?

This surprise arrived in the mail too, from Coddy, who I met in Virginia for a flea market day last fall. My pal, Robinwas there too and Coddy sent her a similar bracelet. It sounds like Coddy, is planning to start a blog, I'll let you know if she does! She makes these bracelets from seashells, and it looks pretty intricately done. Sugarwings saw it and called it a Mermaid bracelet, I think that is a good description!

Isn't this a pretty find? I've discovered that a lot of you love old brooches as much as I do, and I am filling the shop up with a variety of them. This one is only about 1" long and is extremely delicate, yet still sturdy enough to wear.

The next post will be my 500TH!!!!!!! Geez, how did so many go by so fast? Probably because I never shut up….So, I'll have a special giveaway for that. Not these earrings, they belong to:

Kerryanne as the winner of the February giveaway!

I'll chose another pair of earrings for the anniversary giveaway. So, now onto the 500th post giveaway, if you'd like the yet to be determined pair of earrings.

I'm going to do this a bit different than my usual way. For this you have to:

Leave a comment on THIS POST. I'll let you know who the winner is on the actual 500th post itself.