vintage paper/collage art – Page 9

Sugarplum Fairy Kits

By Karla Nathan / November 19, 2015

Two of my favorite things in the whole world? Fairies and Christmas! (that includes grand fairies, too, of course)

I'd started out making angels, but as I worked on them, they became Sugarplum Fairies. Although, if you look at them right, they make sweet little cherubs too.

Something else that I love- THE GOOD STUFF!

I do not believe in saving my best supplies for something better. As I always say, if a project is worth my time, it is worth the BEST supplies. And I figure you'll agree with me, that these sparkly sprites deserve to don their best for the holiday season, right?

Kits are $18-$22 (Mercy is a bit more, she has a larger tree and the flocked wallpaper)

Each girl gets a very, very vintage silk ribbon flower from my stash of prized pretties.

The pictures I used are all old sepia ones that I edited, sized, and printed on high quality photo paper.

And all of the mercury glass beads for the little trees are authentic.

There will be shiny rhinestones, some of my favorite old wallpapers, and lots of other pretty things to work with, including hand illustrated instructions to follow. I've done a basic set of instructions, then listed each of the girls separate. The sprite that you order will be circled on the instructions, but you can also look through the directions for the other girls in case that gives you some ideas for creating your lil fairy.

Each kit offers the choice of making a magic wand for your Sugarplum Fairy to hold, or a mini tree instead. If you don't want to put the tree into her hand, you can sit it on the little gift that you'll wrap in vintage paper.

The kits come with trees too. You have the option to decorate a spool for the tree to set on, or use it as is with the white base, like here.

I've included a spoonful of mica flakes to add some snowy sparkly too.

(the bottle brush trees are already mica-ed up for you)

The girls all have white feather wings to honor all the Christmas angels watching over us.

(you could add a touch of glitter to them if you'd like)

This girl, Constance Joy, comes in ivory or pink, but on both, I've provided some gorgeous, gold metallic wallpaper to use on her base.

While Mercy stands on plush, pink, flocked paper.

You will back them with card stock that I have printed with Jingle Bells sheet music.

Because it is important for a project to look just as good from all angles, right?

My studio is filled with these darlings right now. I've loved making them, even more that I did the little Witchy Girls I had whipped up for Halloween. I probably enjoyed making them a little too much, by the looks of this room… I might have to list some finished ones to sell too.

Or just keep them and love them.

Sugarplum fairies flitting in, soon

fairies, holiday decor, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / November 15, 2015

Do you remember my little witch friends, Leitha and Rowena? Well, those girls have twin sisters! This is Merry, she is a Sugarplum fairy, her sis is Leitha the little Witchy Girl.

Rowena has a twin named Constance, who is also a fairy. I'm working on getting these fairies, some angels and other girls gathered together to make kits for the holidays in case you'd like a flock of fairies around your own home for holiday decor.

Luckily, I have a whole troupe of fairies to pitch in and help, I'm pretty far behind for the season.

I've barely even started on the tree dying. No glitter or color has been applied yet. There are a few trees listed on Etsy, but very, very few compared to my regular November schedule.

Now, while October was one of the most fun months I've ever had, with non-stop travel, parties and fun, November has turned into a serious catch up time. Well, at least it should be… I'm afraid that I haven't gotten much catching up done yet and the month is half over…

I feel very much like that irresponsible grasshopper that the ant has to lecture about not being prepared.

But you know what? I kinda liked being the grasshopper, for a change! Bouncing around from trip to trip and having fun with people I love. It was very hard for me to get back into worker ant mode when I returned. I played with grand fairies, did yard work to take advantage of the brilliant and uncommon November weather we have had, and then worked in my souvenir style art journals.

I love making mementos of my trips while the memories are still fresh, and once I get going on a journal it is hard to stop, and I also created a whole album for the rest of the year. I filled the vintage photo album journal that Beth taught me how to make, leaving just a few pages for the holiday season to be added later.

(I'll have some journal pages to show you too)

Both journals are done for now, even though I'm tempted to keep adding and adding little tidbits (are art journals ever really done?) They are still nearby on my desk and if I find something interesting in my stash, or an idea pops into my head, the journals get fiddled with again and I take a break from my belated Christmas crafts.

But lookee here! I got some wings made. These are now in the Boutique. I also whipped up a few banners and am designing that flock of fairies that I'd mentioned.

Soooo, I'm trying to get in gear. Now that I've got most of the journal compulsion under control, I've enjoyed sliding into my mica flake/glitter obsession. The things that I make this time of year are usually a few of my favorite things. (and in my Christmas loving mind, that was sung to the tune of, well, you know the song).

I'm not going to beat myself up about being behind, I'm going to throw myself into making those things that I adore and let the carols blast away in the background as I work.

Also, I want to thank all of you who buy my sparkly pretties each year, and let you know how much I love making them all. November is a time for gratitude (well, every month should be, but at Thanksgiving, the thoughts are more prevalent, aren't they?) And I want to express gratitude for the ability to travel, and for the flexibility of being able work on journals and get caught up with family activities when I return even if it puts me behind in my sales for the season. And that I have someone who will buy my pretties when I do get them made.

I know I'm lucky.

Thanks!

Another Halloween Banner

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

By Karla Nathan / October 16, 2015

Thanks for all of the banner and witchy love! I've enjoyed making these and have kept on making more as all of them sell.

Sometimes I sell so many kits for others to create with that I don't think about selling my own pieces. It is a good feeling to be encouraged to keep making these, I've loved doing each one.

The haunted houses too.

No two of any of my witches, banners, or haunted houses have been the same, but all are made from the luscious pile of goodies on my table that never quite gets put away.

Maybe when I run out of wonderful, old, black flowers, I'll be done?

It's time to switch focus to (yes seriously, it really is time for this) CHRISTMAS. Wow, already? Well, yep. If I want to sell hand dyed trees and little angel kits, and vintagey tree decorations, it is getting late for me to get them all made and ready to go.

But can you blame me for still being in a spooky mode? Heck, it is only mid October!

We are still knee deep in zombies and gore around here. Last night was the annual Zombie Walk, and my darling, little princess got infected with zombie fever. I'll have more pics from the parade later on. For now, I guess I'd better be starting in on some angels.

I hope I don't accidentally add a pumpkin or some cobwebs to them…

More Halloween Goodies-“Trouble”

holiday decor, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / October 15, 2015

Oh my, when I say I like to use the "good stuff", this is an excellent example of that! Vintage lace, old cabinet cards, millinery, silk ribbon flowers, rhinestones, old text, and more.

This banner consists of 5, 5" traingles of chipboard covered with vintage paper, front and back. The witches are cut directly from cabinet cards, glittered up with details, and each person has been witch-i-fied.

From the center piece, hangs a collaged charm that I made, with a little witch, a rhinestone, and the word "trouble" under a clear glaze.

Available here.

Witchy Girl Banners- BOO

collections, holiday decor, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / October 3, 2015

Today is the day of the Romantic Gothic Ghost class, and I was having sooooo much fun with witchy girls that I almost didn't get ready on time!

My house has had a population explosion of tiny witches all over the place.

I've even given the girls a brother, this is Newt.

And a dad- here is Lucious.

Some of the little wizards have found their way to banners.

This has to be my very favorite. I delved into some hoarded, ooooooold metallic thread lace….

Beaded trim from a flapper dress…..

And my collection of vintage, silk blooms to create this threesome of sorceresses.

There are a couple of banners for sale in the boutique, and some of the witchy girl kits left too. Some are sold out, I think little Fern and her kitty were pretty popular. The girl I think makes up the prettiest is this one, Rowena.

This banner is sold (thank you, Mary!)-

But Boo and the other trio are available.

I'll leave you with some details, then I need to go work on some last minute details before my guests arrive. I'm so excited to be having a party today!

edit- all banners are sold out! There are still some kits for the girls to do yourself, and there are book kits available here and here. Both kits feature these cute witchy girls.

Romantic Gothic Ghosts, two classes at the Cottage Oct. 3-4

holiday decor, Romantic Gothic Ghosts, Tutorials, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / August 10, 2015

Two different classes will be held here at the Cottage in October. On Sat. the 3rd, we will be making an apothecary jar housing a cute witch surrounded by transparent ghostly images.

And since it is Karla's Cottage, you know there will be choices and we will be using the Good Stuff. I'll have an array of witchy girl kits for you pick from and make to use in your jar.

On Sunday, Oct. 4th, we will alter a book with haunting, and mysterious elements.

You will make a complete book that day, and receive a trick or treat bag full of delicious goodies to finish the interior pages, if hobgoblins don't allow you enough time to work on the inside that day.

The pages themselves will be printed papers that I have scanned from vintage fortune telling and astrological pamphlets. So your spell book will be ready for embellishments and additions of your own over the top of the moody backgrounds.

The apothecary jar will be filled with ghosts.

They will be haunting a diminutive witch with her cat, and a pumpkin. I'll provide one hand made paper clay gourd, and you will make another one yourself. The trees behind her are covered in black millinery leaves and draped in cobwebs.

There is a lot of detail to each little witch in the jar or on the book covers.

Your trapped, bewitching charmer in a jar (made on Saturday) can hold a magic wand, or a broomstick, both will be hand made during the class.

The book cover (made on Sunday) features 2 young crones, one waving a wand, the other one swishing her broom.

Our colors will be neutral and black, no garish oranges. But I do like the very faded, old purple of these 100 year old millinery blooms. So if you want a touch of violet for All Hallow's Eve, I think these are the way to go.

And these tones of vintage ribbon flowers are a sweet addition to the spellbinding girl's gowns. A touch of color here and there doesn't take away from the black and ecru of either creation, since these are such mellow, old tones.

Especially for our sweet, mini sorceresses.

(If you like them to look aged more, we can give them a quick dip them in dye. These are vintage new stock, packed away for decades, never used, so might still retain some of their original brightness)

My theory on creating is that you should use the Good Stuff. Like glass and rhinestone old buttons…

Tattered trims from days long ago…

Hand dyed silk, and vintage velvet….

And delicate lace.

This antique gown from a distant wedding date is properly decaying for our haunting creations. I'll have snippets of it in each kit.

And please feel free to rip into it for use during the weekend.

Each project kit will be filled with romantic elements to create your piece. And of course, at Karla's Cottage, there is always a table of extras for personalization. I love it when no two finished artworks look alike.

We are going for a look of timeworn beauty, not modern Halloween. Expect luxe supplies and lovely images for our specters and sorceresses.

And remember, only bad witches are ugly.

Both classes will fill a day, and if you are fast worker, there will be plenty of extras for you to play with while hanging out with our fiends friends, and chatting away as we create together in our little coven of crafters.

Goodies will be served in the haunted treat cabinet, and we will break for a homemade lunch.

You are welcome to attend one class or both. Each is from 10am-5pm with lunch at 1:00.

If you'd like to join us here in Lawrence, KS (50 minutes from the Kansas City, MO airport) please email me – karlanathan@sbcglobal.net -for an invoice. This is a limited sized class.

Saturday October 3- Romantic Gothic Ghosts- Haunted Sorceress is $100

Sunday October 4- Romantic Gothic Ghosts- Book of Mysteries is $100

If you want to do both, you will receive a discount of 10%, which makes the total for two days- $190

I'll leave you with some more photos of the projects. I hope to see you here!

Birdsong FIVE kits for sale

bird song art event, Books, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / June 30, 2015

This is the project led by Lori Oles for Birdsong 5. Delightful, isn't it? And after she left, I found it in my studio, left behind as a surprise gift! All of the teachers trade kits too, so I also have one to make, which I am looking forward to doing. I was a bit busy during her class and didn't get a chance to sit down and work on my own.

I asked Lori and Lesa to make up a few extra kits just in case we needed them, and also to offer to our past Birdsong Peeps and sponsors who couldn't make it for the weekend. Lesa had a few personal orders to fill too, so her kits went really fast.

I have a few more of Lori's if you'd like one for $40, please email me at::

karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

While I was kitting up packages, I made ton of extras of my own kits. For one thing, I really love pulling together coordinating elements and packing up pretties for someone to open and enjoy. And I did a LOT of kits for my two classes.

Only one is sold out, I have the others still available.

You can find the Doodling Tips and ideas here.

And everything you need to make this collage page is found here in neutrals.

Here for pinks and here for blues. Please keep in mind that all are going to be unique, since I've filled them with vintage papers and materials.

There are also journal making kits available. With aqua , moss, or chocolate velvet ribbon. Every kit comes with instructions. The journal kits have hand illustrated ones so you have diagrams to look at.

While getting ready for the class, I made lots of examples too. I've got two of the books listed for sale, this one comes with an ephemera pack to finish the pages.

Both are fully constructed and ready for you to finish and fill.

And believe it or not, I ACTUALLY ADDED SOME THINGS TO THE BOUTIQUE!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I had to use all caps, because that was my equivalent of shouting it from the rooftops. I'm so impressed with myself for finally getting around to cleaning up my little online shop. (I'd much rather be impressed with myself for getting this done, than ashamed of myself for the long term neglect up til now, that is better for the soul)

Now, I'm not saying the store is fully stocked, as of yet…

But it is a start!

And you know what? It was fun to do. I'd forgotten how much I liked filling up the pages of goods. So, I've planned to set aside some time every day this week to add a few more things here and there.

I've got a lot of things to market, so I hope I can keep up this momentum. Please check back to see.

Edit- Lori's kits are now sold, but Lesa does have a couple, please contact her here: https://www.facebook.com/lesa.dailey?pnref=story

Hand made name tags

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

By Karla Nathan / June 12, 2015

Every year, for Birdsong, I like to make the nametags a little different. This year, I edited a vintage birthday card with bluebirds to make the tags. Each is printed onto matt photo paper, and glued them onto card stock for sturdiness.

I used glitter pens and markers to fancy them up, and added a small crystal, one for each year of attendance. These tags are for Peeps who are coming to their first Birdsong. I've been calling these ladies my "fledglings."

After drawing on and adding a crystal, I embellished with lace and flowers.

When possible, I like to personalize them. I couldn't pass up using this swoop of pearly lace that looks like a "J" for Jenn.

My friend, Sandra, coming up from Texas, used to live in Lawrence and is a Jayhawk fan. Her bluebirds had a little transformation into Jayhawks to welcome her back to Kansas.

Two other friends are colorful creatures, as bright and happy as the colors they love. I had to make special tags to match their rainbow personalities.

And Betti's initials are BZ, which has led to her fondness for bees, so I drew one on her tag.

Beth and Michelle have similar styles and both work with old, bold graphics a lot, so I changed theirs up a bit too.

It was easy to jazz up family tags. I know Sissy loves roses, Randy raises butterflies, and when I think of Karen, I always think- sparkly and pink. Terry is into steampunk,so her bird got a top hat. Hmm, I should add one to Randy's too, he is a steampunk fan. Even though the top hats I drew for Terry are just plain hats, not foofed up with gears and other steampunkiness.

The three ladies who have been here for every single Birdsong from the very first each have earned their 5 Year Pins. I pinned them right to the nametags for now, they can take them off later if they'd like to.

I could just keep going on and on with the name tags. I might just host the event for the sheer pleasure of having a reason to make these.

I'll be busy as can be the next few days with my husband's birthday, entertaining and feeding 30 plus visitors including 4 houseguests, 6 trips to the airport, and right after that, flying off to Florida with a party of TEN to relax on the beach. But I have pre-written a few posts, so please come by. When I return, I'll have pictures of the Birdsong Five Bash, and of grand fairies splashing in the waves.

I hope you are having a wonderful kickoff to your summer too!

Sweet Snippets

bird song art event, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / June 10, 2015

Last year at Birdsong was the first time I'd seen a snippet roll. They are an interesting project, and can be displayed rolled up, or hung on the wall.

Barb (one of our peeps) has hosted a snippet swap for our party, and I debated on whether or not to join, but was enticed by the idea of making one. And when my pal, Shawn, needed a partner, I decided to jump in.

It was right at the time I was heading to Texas for the retreat, and I hoped to have some spare time to work on this, so I filled a bag with tidbits ( I guess I should call them snippets, not tidbits, huh?).

This Victorian, hand embroidered and painted lace was something I've clung to for years and haven't found just the right thing to use it on yet. It was just what I needed for this!

Now, I've never made a snippet roll before, and really wasn't all that familiar with them. I'm under the impression that some things are meant to be able to be taken off. But I don't know where I heard that. It could be wrong.

I could've made it up.

But either way, I added some charms that tied on, a dress clip that clipped on, and a itsy bitsy corsage that pins on.

Recently, I realized that I never, ever use my silver cutlery for dining. Just a few favorite pieces and that is all. So, I'm on the path of finding homes or uses for it. I pulled out this spoon to use instead of a typical spool for the top of the roll.

Between redoing knots in the silk ribbon ties, and glue holding it in place, I got things a little messy. So, I glued more crap over the messy spots embellished over those areas.

This charm had been on my desk forever. I'd painted it way back when and I guess it was just waiting for the right home.

I loved making the first roll so much, I decided to make a mini one to give to the swap hostess as a thank you.

I'd packed a big spool, just in case the spoon didn't work, so I put it to work on this snippet.

Karen had a vintage wedding gown to share with us, and I cut off a bit of the hem to use as the back drop for the additions I was gluing down.

Guncle Randy had given me a scrap pack full of great ephemera, and this nest was packed in there.

There is a possibility that I see more snippets in my future. This was another instance where I was glad I made the time to enter a swap. I'm in three of them, which isn't like me, because I always think I'm too busy. But the cottage, the matchbox easel, and now this snippet roll have all shown me that making the time to join the fun is worth the effort.

I'll show you what I get in return once I get back from my trip to Florida.

A Matchbox Swap for Birdsong

bird song art event, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / June 8, 2015

My pal, Betti, offered to host a swap for Birdsong. It was a new idea for me. We have done a matchbox swap every year at the party, but this one was a little different. Her idea was to attach the matchbook to a mini canvas, and stand it on a little easel.

I enjoyed doing it so much, that I made up four of them (there were four easels and four canvases in the packages from Michaels). This one I crafted for Betti as a thank you. She has a blog called Betti's Beehive (hence the little fuzzy bee that I added) and loves bright colors, to match her vivid personality.

For all of my creations, I covered the canvas in old wallpaper, and made two copies of an old photo. One, I glued down to the wallpaper covered canvas. Then, I embellished the matchbox, and glued it down.

After that, I took the second copy and cut out the arms, and glued them over the box to make it look like the person was holding the box like a wrapped package.

All the easels were painted white, then rubbed with ink pads. I added a few embellishments and filled the box with tiny treats.

I'll show you what I get in the swap when I get back from my trip. (I've pre-posted this before heading to the beach)

Here is the cute, and colorful example that Betti made for the swap.