vintage paper/collage art

Beauty in Blue

antiques/junking, bird song art event, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / November 1, 2019

It is exciting to announce that I will be teaching at Karen Hillman’s Beauty in Blue event at Stacy Seely’s ranch in Texas!

Crafting these birdcage angels for the holiday themed Snowbird’s Song has been so much fun, that I thought I’d use the idea to make a springtime, fairy version in shades of blue for Karen’s gathering.

She is now “Blue Bonnet Belle”.

A few years ago, my Sissy, Randy, and I were lucky enough to be invited to an event at Stacy’s with Karen. Oh my, what a lovely spot! And amazing food! It is a big slumber party, with gourmet food and lots of special attention, plus shopping at the Canton Flea AND crafting?

Yee haw, what a shindig! (Hopefully that sounded Texan?)

If you would like to join us in April, here is Karen’s info about the party. See you there?

ABOUT THIS all inclusive Art Retreat gathering FOR creative women

Karen Hillman of Cozy Castle Events invites you to join her, deep in the heart of Texas for this all-inclusive, creative, and inspiring weekend. This will be the third “Beauty in Blue” retreat presented by Karen at Whitworth Ranch Retreat. It is a celebration of Spring themed in shades of blue, inspired by the Texas state flower, the Bluebonnet. Karen strives to make each class or event a beautiful, detailed, and unforgettable experience.

Our home for the weekend is The Whitworth Ranch Retreat, a full service shabby chic art retreat located about 45 minutes outside of Dallas. (book your air travel into Dallas Fort Worth Airport). Stacy Seely is our chef and hostess at this wonderful retreat, which is a working Texas cattle ranch! Visit Whitworth Ranch Retreat to learn more about this exclusive retreat.

This event includes your accommodations, ten meals, three gorgeous art projects, Champagne party and personal portrait in the bluebonnets, Canton Flea market and Mineola shopping adventures, and more.

This is a weekend escape for creative-minded women who enjoy and thrive being in a group setting. The only rules are to leave the real world behind you and relax, escape, and create in this positive and upbeat atmosphere. The meals have been chosen according to the theme of this weekend, and we will have salad options available, but food selections have been pre planned therefore we can not accommodate dietary restrictions.

Registration Information

This is an all-inclusive event, and the cost covers your accommodations, meals, and instructed art projects.

The total cost is $775; at least half must be paid to reserve your spot with the remaining balance due by March 1st, 2020. PLEASE NOTE: A deposit secures your spot for this event and is NON-REFUNDABLE. Should you need to cancel, an effort will be made to find a replacement to fill your spot, but we cannot guarantee this. Once you are registered, you will receive paperwork to complete and return to Karen by email.

Click here to register on-line!

If you wish to pay by check, make checks payable to Karen Hillman Designs and mail to:
233 West Rich Avenue
DeLand, FL 32720

Beauty In Blue Art Retreat
Scurry, Texas (near Dallas)
April 1-5th 2020
$775—all Inclusive!

Look what we’ve got planned! Attendees will
receive a detailed itinerary and supply list
once registered.

Wednesday, April 1st Arrival 4 PM
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Hand Coloring Portrait Demonstration
with Karen Hillman

Thursday, April 2nd
Continental Breakfast
Canton Flea Market Shopping Adventure
Dinner
Chambray Shirt Design Class with Karen Hillman

Friday, April 3rd
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the retreat
Happy Hour Champagne Party in the
bluebonnet field and portraits
with Jennifer Hayslip
Completion of Chambray Shirt
“All that Glitters” embellished picture frame
with Karen Hillman

Saturday, April 4th
Breakfast
Town of Minneola shopping day
Lunch at Southern Fried Restaurant
Dinner
“Blue Bonnet Belle “Class with Karla Nathan

Sunday, April 5th
Farewell Breakfast

Three published artists will lead you in creating special keepsake projects

Karen Paige Hillman will give a demonstration of the timeless art of hand-colored black and white portraits. Also, bring along a blue chambray shirt, and Karen will help you design and embellish it into a whole new creation using lace, trims, and unique textiles. Each attendee will also create an “All That Glitters” 5×7 picture frame using rhinestone findings, vintage bling, and Swarovski crystals. Learn more about Karen’s art, classes, and events on her website, thecozycastle.com

Published photographer and artist Jennifer Hayslip will work her portrait magic among the Texas Bluebonnets! Bring along a special outfit for your personal photo. Check out Jennifer’s fanciful website, jenniferhayslip.com

And the amazing Karla Nathan of Karla’s Cottage will help you bring to life your own beautiful Bluebonnet Belle in shades of blue and white! View Karla’s incredible studio and art on her website, karlascottage.typepad.com

Squeezing in a bit more Christmas in July

bird song art event, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / July 31, 2019

My dear Peep, Tamil, often hosts a girlfriends' craft day, and provides an interesting project for us all to do. I recently attended one of her fun days, but didn't have a chance to make the theme for the day, a Mermaid Bottle.

Which was pretty cool. All of her ideas are.

Instead, I needed to concentrate on A Snowbird's Song, and I finished the cards for the swap I joined.

These ladies are all a part of the collage sheet I will be giving to the ladies as one of my kits. They will only need one photo for the project, but will have a pageful to use as they wish on other pieces.

And this one is made from trees cut from old gift wrap and layered over snowy hills of vintage paper on top of glittered card stock.

This girl (also on the collage sheet) was the last one I made. I didn't pack well for the craft day at Tami's house, and ran out of lace and dyed coffee filters, so had to chop up and fit bits and pieces together to make her skirt.

Which I think was a happy thing, this is my favorite one! Sometimes, making do, means being extra creative, huh?

Thanks for the (as always) GREAT day, Tami!

Christmas in July?

bird song art event, vintage paper/collage art, wallpaper

By Karla Nathan / July 28, 2019

Things are moving along with preparations for A Snowbird’s Song in November. I am working on kits (two are complete!), swap hostesses have come up with delectable ideas for exchanging lovelies, and menus are swirling about in my head.

Mostly of cookies and treats.

Probably because my head is often filled up with daydreams about cookies and treats.

I am so pumped for the party that I just had to get in on a swap. Terry, my dear sis, is hosting a card one, and I was happy to hear it because that is right up my alley. I propped myself down at my work table and whipped up a few while I was feeling the Christmas spirit.

(in this pic, one of the stars had slipped off because the glue was still wet, it has since been returned to her waist band)

This one featured the front of a vintage card with a circle opening, so I glued it to another card and cut a coordinating circle from that.

I lined that with printed vellum and put a colorful bird image behind the transparent vellum.

Backing the vellum, is a Christmas card envelope from the 50’s that I glued to the inside of the card. I saved the stamp from it and added that, along with a little girl, velvet ribbon, and a flower to the front.

Another sparkly, gold card was used for this as a backdrop, then was layered with neutral wallpaper (old), and a Victorian post card. I trimmed the postcard around the roses and glued it down to form a pocket.

The girl was glued down behind the roses with her arm outside the roses and she is holding a bouquet.

A note from a vintage card was cut out and slipped into the pocket.

Often I work with whatever was last left on my desk. All of the stars and sequins on some of these cards were from kit building. So are the pink ruffles on the first card, making the sugarplum fairy’s skirt, and on the edges of this vintage wallpaper.

The girl’s Santa hat is the same (it might need more fluff), all are trimmings from the hand dyed coffee filters I was using for some other kits.

We don’t have the number of cards needed until the swap is full, but I wanted to get a head start and figured that if I made too many, they wouldn’t go to waste.

Transforming an egg carton

holiday decor, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / April 8, 2019

If you hadn't seen the title, would you know this was an egg carton? It is a six pack size, and I packed on the foof, layer after layer after layer to camouflage it and try change its look for a swap at Once Upon an Easter.

(I'm am away in GA right now, and by this date, the swap should be passed, and I will be the delighted, new owner of my very owned decked out egg carton made by my partner- photos to come when I return)

It looked more like an egg carton once it was wrapped up to pack. (I sure hope it makes the trip safely!)

And from the inside, you can definitely tell what it is. I added a hand painted egg, just in case…

I also filled it with Georgia peaches (pulled off one my vintage hats), some flowers, pictures cut from old Easter postcards, and a few other tidbits.

Our swappers are secret, all I knew was that my partner likes pink and neutral. I hope I didn't go over the top pink for her, it is much more colorful than neutral.

It is always a challenge to do a swap, and hope that your piece is what the other person will like. And to redo an egg carton into a treasure box? That was a stretch for me. I look forward to seeing the other creations, because I had to struggle with mine and I'd like to see how others have pulled off the transformation.

Thank you for hosting, Betti! This one had me thinking, and I enjoyed doing it.

Honey Bunny Shadow Boxes

vintage paper/collage art, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / April 5, 2019

Today is the day that I am teaching my shadow box project in Jekyll Island, GA.

I had so much fun getting examples ready for the class!

And you know me… it was hard to stop.

This is how they will used. Every kit comes with a collage sheet so the artists can choose which girl to use in her creation.

I can't wait to see what they come up with- and I'll take plenty of pictures to show you what they make when I get home again.

Filling my Suitcase with Eastery Foof

holiday decor, Travel, vintage paper/collage art, wallpaper

By Karla Nathan / March 27, 2019

The art event I will be going to next week is Easter themed.

So, along with the tiny baskets and fluffy critters decked in pastel posies, I have made some seasonal banners too.

This one is for springtime.

But most are made special just for the holiday.

I don’t know what it is about banners that draws me in like it does.

I could get lost in making one after another, after another!

Kind of like crafting art journals, I am every bit as wrapped up in those.

Did I mention that I made so many books to sell that I couldn’t possibly take them all with me?

Yes, I get a bit obsessive when I am left alone in the studio with some time to create… I tend to prolifically keep going until I run out of those specific supplies or the world interferes and I need to move on.

Which means that when I return, I should have plenty of books to add to my Boutique. I’ll show you some pictures soon.

I am slightly in love with them.

Happy spring!

celebrations, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / March 20, 2019

What a perfect way to welcome springtime! I made pastel, floral, Easter banners all morning.

This one has a Charlotte bunny.

And some sparkly jewels. Lots of Good Stuff was put to good use on it.

Afterwards, Ryan and I had a nice, long dog walk. Then Sugarwings and I had a meandering bike ride.

We topped off the afternoon with froyo, I refuse to eat icey desserts in winter. And I’m extra happy that spring is here, and along with it, ice creamy delightfulness!

Yay, Spring!

A Garden of Memories for a Fairy

bird song art event, cottage, fairies, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / January 25, 2019

My friend, Beth, gives me cool stuff she finds at estate sales. A while back, I got this domed piece from her, and tucked it away, not sure what I’d be using it for. When my studio got a deep cleaning in preparation for A Lovebird’s Song, I came across it and promptly sat down to make something from it.

Because what is more inspiring than a chance to avoid cleaning?

Sorry, no before pics. (I was excited to get busy avoiding my chores and couldn’t wait to start)

I’m sure you can picture it, plain, blonde wood base, with scraggly bits of floral foam glued to it. I painted the base and glued an old, metal lid to the center. The lid is covered in wallpaper. Around that, I drizzled a ton of glue and pressed moss into it. I cut small millinery blooms to add to the foreground, and larger ones for the back. They are all standing on their wire stems, not glued flat against the moss.

“Garden of Memories” was clipped from sheet music. I make a habit of cutting out interesting phrases from old text to have on hand when I need just the perfect words. These words were ideal for this garden, because the photo I used was from a fun play date with a friend, Karen- a lovely memory!

A couple of vintage butterflies were added the same way as the flowers. I glued their wires into the moss, instead of sticking them right onto it. Then, I bent the wires to make it look like they were flitting about.

The faye child sits on a wooden spool, covered in blooms, with a teensy bluebird of happiness by her side. Her dress is netting cut from a vintage gown, her antennae are flower stamens, her wings are old text.

She has added a little bitty, bright spot of spring to this gloomy, winter day.

But now, I need to go clean after this refreshing break from work!

Fluttery wings and a book full of sweet nothings, two classes two ways- in Florida and Kansas

cottage, holiday decor, Valentine's Day, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / January 4, 2019

Are you up for some romantic crafting projects? I have two opportunities for you to join me in creating ruffled, lacey, crepe paper wings, adorned with vintage millinery along with a charming autograph book, inspired by a very old and uniquely shaped signature book. The book will be made from the ground up, you will learn how to construct the covers from chip board and paper.

One set of classes is being hosted by the lovely, Karen Hillman, in Deland, Florida. She will serve a luncheon to us in her impressive and gracious style and we will create both the angelic wings and distinctive booklet.

Info on how to sign up is here: Cozy Castle Events

Did I mention it was Reninger’s Antique Extravaganza weekend?!?!

While the flea market adventure isn’t exactly part of the workshop, I highly encourage you to attend it and shop to your heart’s content at one of the South’s top fleas. The classes are on Saturday, and the market is in full swing Friday thru Sunday, just down the road in the delightful town of Mount Dora.

I used to spend some time in the area back when I’d visit my Great Aunt Caroline (who lived til the day before her 102nd birthday!), so I became familiar with the joys of antiquing there, way back then. I fell head over hills for the hidden gem in the heart of Florida, and have filled my suitcase many times with precious goodies from shopping sprees while visiting.

The signature book and angel wings have a romantic feel to them, but are not necessarily Valentine decor. I hung some wings in the cottage for Christmas one year, and decided to leave them up for Valentines', then liked them so much, they stayed up year round. Who doesn’t need a sweet reminder of heavenly blessings nearby?

The book also, can be filled with sweet nothings and love notes, or used as a mini scrapbook, art journal, diary, or simply enjoy as a display piece and reminder of a day of creativity with other talented friends. Here is a page from my inspiration book (a gift from the Guncles that Karen and I both freaked out over and wanted to copy). I will be including a vintage calling card and other pretties for each kit.

Karen’s gathering will take place on February 16th, which makes it even more special to me. It is my mom’s birthday and she adored her Aunt Caroline. I’m excited to be spending her day in an area she loved.

I've been busy hand dying crepe paper and sewing it into yards and yards of ruffles for you.

No two kits will be exactly the same, since vintage materials will be used. I'm supplying roses for each set of wings, in your choice of color. Tiny vintage flowers will top the album also. Crepe paper is available in cream and white or pink.

The classes at my home will be on Saturday, January 26. You can choose to make the wings in the morning, the book in the afternoon, or stay the day and do both. Lunch is included.

Both cottage workshops are $55,

but if you sign up for the set,

you’ll save $5 on each

for a total of $100 for the day.

(I hope you will stay all day, I’m looking forward to spending it with you!)

We will have a Valentine themed luncheon and the Treat Cabinet will be stocked with chocolatey, yummy, sweetness. If you’d like to be part of this party, you can email me at karlanathan@sbcglobal.net for an invoice. And please let me know if you’d like white, pink, or red for your wings.

I could possibly do blue or lavender if you wish also. Ask for your fave and I'll see what I can find for you. My cottage does hold a couple of hats to choose from….

And if you like to go to the Florida and Kansas versions? First of all, I’d be thrilled! Second, I can make you two different colored kits.

Christmas tag books in the Boutique and a sweet wedding, at the BEST weekend

antiques/junking, Books, celebrations, friends, holiday decor, vintage paper/collage art, wallpaper

By Karla Nathan / November 21, 2018

I'm still enjoying the bounty of paint pours from my creative binge this summer and am now using the pieces to make holiday tag books.

You can purchase them HERE, in the Boutique.

I seriously adore the technique and the look of the swirled paints. Acrylic flow painting is the BEST!

I'd gone with Beth to attend the wedding of The Other Karla's son in St Paul and brought crafty goods (including these painted tags) with me to play with in the hotel room, then found a bounty of beauties at a flea market on the way there.

Once I got started on making these, I couldn't stop. I was a bad friend and sent Beth out on her own to have lunch with her Minnesota nieces while I stayed in my jammies and made book after book after book that day, till it was time to get ready for the wedding.

Because- WOW- look at this paper I'd found!!!!! How could I leave it uncut, when I had all of these pretty, painted tags to make things with????

I'd also bought 1928-29 women's magazines from December with lots of helpful Christmas tips, along with an old book of hymms that included Christmas carols.

And stacks of holiday ephemera.

And did I mention that it was 13 degrees outside? And I'd driven through mini blizzards to get there. Yes, I was content to do hotel crafting in my jim jams and had a beautiful, wonderful, magical day.

It was the BEST.

Not only did I have a fab night with friends, then a day at a flea market on the way to the wedding, I had an entire day with the most magical of vintage supplies, topped off with a night of dancing and laughing til my sides hurt at the wedding.

Or did my sides hurt because I was way to old to dance that hard and that long?

Either way, it was a perfect weekend. Laughter, road trips, making things, attending a lovely wedding. Yep, the BEST.

I had never met Karla's son, but soon realized he was a catch. His wife won my heart quickly too, when she told us about the family tradition of using this vintage cake topper.

Karla made ribbon wands that were waved in the air when the couple entered the reception, and soon we were all dancing and waving them around out on the floor. Not only were they pretty to see flying about, but they had magical properties.

When we twirled them about, we were FANTASTIC dancers. We were the BEST.

And personally, I can't dance and have less rhythm than, well, I can't actually think of anything or anyone with less skill on the dance floor than I have.

Between the laughing and the ribbon wands, my dancing skills suddenly became amazing. Everyone's did.

Yep, it was the BEST.

ABOUT THIS all inclusive Art Retreat gathering FOR creative women

Registration Information

Beauty In Blue Art RetreatScurry, Texas (near Dallas)April 1-5th 2020$775—all Inclusive!

Three published artists will lead you in creating special keepsake projects

Beauty In Blue Art Retreat
Scurry, Texas (near Dallas)
April 1-5th 2020
$775—all Inclusive!