We’re having a party

A heart here and there

family, give away, Sugarwings, swaps, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / February 14, 2008

Of course, now that it is too late to make use of them for Valentines Day, I found a bag full of heart charms! Some really pretty ones too.

On the other hand, when would I have had time to make enough Valentines to use all of these up? Its not like I haven’t been making things every day anyway. When would I have made something more? Sometimes I have to just realize that there is only so much time in the day!!

And they certainly don’t rot, so I’ll set them aside for next year. Also, a heart here and there is always nice year round. Especially in my Sugarwings Scrapbooks.

She certainly has my heart!

I adore this Sugarwings Valentine that was made by the other Karla, Sugar Bear.

You know what else I love? Strawberry Malted Milk balls. How sweet and pretty they are, so tempting and pink and crunchy.

Valentine’s Day is the anniversery of the day my husband adopted our boys. We always celebrate with a family dinner out. But this year, we had to have our bash early, due to Rich’s travel schedule. So I am going to DC with him and we will have a romantic Valentine’s getaway togehter, for the first time in, well, let me see, 20 years???

I will be posting from DC and will announce the winners of the OHOW giveaway as well as my one year blog anniversery drawing from our apartment out East. I will mail the gifts when I get home next Monday.

For my anniversery (has it really been a year??) I have this large shipping tag with a sweet vintage birdie on it (in honor of my "bling your Bird House day" coming up soon)

There is also an embellished matchbox, with a rose and glitter theme, and some heart charms for the holiday.

I included the matchbox because it reminded me of one of the first swaps I was in as a blogger, Natasha’s Shabby Chic Matchbox Swap.

I’ve loved all the swaps I have been involved with over the last year. Even though, when I first heard about swapping, I thought it was a weird thing to do. But man, try one, just one, and you are hooked forever. What is it about them that is so addictive?

If you’d like to enter my Begosh and Begorra Two Tag Swap, details can be found Here. Please make sure I send you my address, if you have already said you’d like to be in and I didn’t give you my address, will you please contact me again? Sorry if I forgot to give it to you.

Same with giveaways. When I first saw one a year ago on someone’s blog, I wondered why on Earth they’d be giving their stuff away for no reason. But I just had to try that once too, and hey look at me! I am the queen of giveaways. I always have at least one going at a time, usually more.

I get such joy from wrapping and sending presents. I think I’ll add another giveaway now!!

For my Bling your Birdhouse Day that I am co-hostessing with Beth, how about if I give away one of the little birdhouses I just made?

I’ll give two away!!

I’ll give one away on the day of the party and another on the day of the tutorial. Dates here

It is my 50th birthday year and i have a LOT of celebrating to do! Expect more gifts from me in the future. And thanks sooooo much for the last year, it was the best. I appreciate all your visits and support. Its nice to know that I am not just sitting here typing to myself. Although, I’d probably do that anyway, it is hard to shut me up.

Thanks everyone! I’m glad to have all of you as my Valentines!

Begosh and Begorra and be ready for a new swap! Yep ANOTHER ONE!

Etsy Goodies, holiday decor, Moving to DC, Sugarwings, swaps, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / February 13, 2008

I’m going to Virginia tomorrow to stay at our apartment there for a few days. I’ve posted a bit ahead and they are timed and ready to go. I’ve never tried that before, but it sounds like a good idea! There just seems to be more to photograph around here than in the bachelor pad my husband lives in part time.

I still haven’t packed for the trip yet. This photo might explain why. Sugarwings spent the night with us and I had her till 6pm today.

We discovered a new trick- Grandmama’s studio floor is perfect for chalk!

My little budding artist also discovered that if you chew up and spit out the blue chalk, it makes a great paint you can smear around on the floor with your fingers.

Sounds like something I would try to do myself.

The fairy grand baby also helped me to make this today. Of course, she mostly wanted to put the blue eggs in her mouth. I hope my swap partner doesn’t mind getting eggs that have been slightly chewed on.

My partner is Heather and her blog is Jeweled Elegance, so I knew I’d need some sparklies on this nest.

I added a crown covered in jewels and glitter, a sparkly robins’ egg, and some old flowers that I sprinkled with the sparklies too.

The swap is hosted by Heather at Speckled Egg. I have NEVER gotten into one of her cool swaps in time, I was so glad to squeak into this one at the last minute, thanks, Heather!

Plus this was a quick one to put together. Sugarwings and I made this while chasing her around the studio today testing out my supplies. I had all the elements glittered up all ready to go, all we did was glue them into place in this Johnson Bros. tea cup.

Speaking of birds and their homes, I started a flickr group for our Birdhouse Bling Day. (details for the swap in my previous post).

Here is the Flickr site. It is open to the public, feel free to post birdhouse photos whenever you’d like! You don’t have to write a blog to use this, its open to all.

And speaking of swaps– is anyone interested in a St Pats Tag Swap? Just a simple quickie.

A reader, Jenny, asked me if I knew of any St Pat swaps and I hadn’t seen any around, so I asked her if she wanted to do a one on one tag swap. Come to find out, she is a newbie and hasn’t had a chance to swap yet. So I thought, we should do one and show her how!

All you need to do is make 2 tags, any size, any shape, any old way you want as long as they have a St Patrick’s Day theme. Send it to me with a self addressed, stamped envelope (make sure that your postage is covered, this might weigh more than one stamp’s worth). I’ll swap them around and send you two back.

Quick and easy, no large packages and tons of stuff involved, just send a couple, get a couple.

Have them here by March 5th (Friday) and I’ll get them out to you in time to slip under your pillow on St Pat’s eve for good luck, and sweet dreams of green beer.

Also, help yourself to any of these Irish images I scanned. I thought I had more, hmmm. This tag thing could be harder than I thought if this is all I have to work with.

Sissy, do you have any Celtic type things you’d like to send along and share?

While I was scanning, I copied the cover of Somerset Life and sent it to Sadie Olive (who beautifully laid out my blog for me). She added this one to the list of magazines to the left. Thanks, Sara!!

As promised, I made up some Cottage Collage Bird House Bling Kits and listed them on Etsy for $10 each. There are 3 left I think.

I might be able to make up a few more when I get back from DC.

I also listed a few more things, tried to stock up before I go out of town.

But I’m afraid all orders won’t get mailed till after I get back on Monday. Then, Tuesday is my Sugarwings day and not a lot gets done when she is around! They will be packed up that night after she leaves. Unless you don’t mind having your things slobbery and chewed on, I don’t think I should let her help.

Well, no more excuses, I need to go and pack for my trip!

Its starting to look like Christmas!

fairies, family, holiday decor, how to's, Sugarwings, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 22, 2007

The view from my studio window is a blizzardy one today.

But the view inside is improving!

I actually got the studio cleaned and HALF of it is set up for my 3 big Christmas party meals coming up.

Did you notice the amazing painting on the wall??? A gift from my sister-in-law’s family.

She commissioned an oil painting of her mom and had copies on canvas framed for everyone in the family.

Look at this detail!!!! Right down to the hearing aide in Little Joan’s ear and the nub of the eraser on her mechanical pencil.

The artist is Lynn Lupetti, and I was so impressed with this portrait, I had to look her up online.

Apparently, I am not the only one impressed with her, she has paintings hanging at the Smithsonian, The Vatican, and the White House!

Now, I am stunned by this gift. Not only does it capture the sweet nature and kind face of our Little Joan, it is from a renowned artist. I loved it before I had any idea who did it.

I’m sure it was expensive and so is the frame, but do you think anyone would care if I painted the frame white?? You know it is going to happen. Maybe more of an ivory.

I placed the painting in my studio for now, so we can all enjoy it during the holiday meals I have planned for out there.

I have this side of the room set up and ready to go, and the other side is close.

I got side tracked and made some Christmas cards while trying to set up the unfinished side of the room.

I’d already had Sugarwing’s painting copied into four per page, and cut them out, some around the body, but others, just as a rectangle. All of the cards are different.

I buy note cards on clearance to use as background, this one was a teddy bear design thank you card.

I glued a piece of vintage styled scrapbook paper over the teddy, and across the back of the card to cover the writing on it. Then, I added snowflake stickers, some swirls of black glitter ink (I thought I had a silver pen, oops! but black is OK, at least it is glittery)

Then, I glued a sepia toned copy of Sugarwings onto it- and was done.

These are being kept extremely simple. I did a couple dozen this morning and now will stop and add addresses those before I do any more. I want to be sure I can get some mailed to relatives and not get carried away with cutting and gluing and having too much fun, then not have time to address or mail them. (The vintage wrapping paper is from Beth ‘s stash)

This one is on old wallpaper that has a star pattern in gold. The paper wraps the back of the card too, so you can appreciate the vintagey goodness of the print, and so it will cover the writing, since I am using premade note cards and don’t want that to show.

I cut a snippet of holiday ribbon to glue down and embellish with a brass snowflake and that is it on this one.

I keep wanting to do MORE to them, but figure that friends and family would rather get one like this, than nothing at all. And if I spend too much time on them, I wouldn’t get any out.

Plus, I really need to get back to work on the studio/dining room and get it set up completely. Looks like I will have 22-27 on Christmas Day and this side of the room is only set for 12.

The bleached and dyed bottle brush trees didn’t go as far for a centerpiece as I would have liked.

I added sugared birds, reindeer, cake plates and compotes, as well as some candle holders. Lots of clear glass and tea cups with millinery flowers or tea lights in them.

I always serve all my meals as buffets, so I can fill the center of the table with pretties and have the food set up in the kitchen where it is convenient to clean up and put away afterwords.

I don’t know how I will decorate the other side yet. Funny, that 4 packages of 21 bottle brush trees only fills one table. But they are so tiny, they need to be clustered for any impact.

See there is progress on this part too! When I finish my Christmas cards, I will stash all the supplies behind the screens and arrange them to hide the messes, foof up the tables, scrounge around the house for chairs, and as Tim Gunn says, "make it work". I might need another table squeezed in somewhere……

Hope your holiday preparations are going well too!

Its Party time! What do you LOVE about your Holiday Home?

We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 11, 2007

Its time for our "What do you LOVE about your Holiday Home?" party!!!!

And I am glad it is a virtual party, or no one would be able to make it to see me- look at this ice!

This kind of weather does put me in the mood for the holidays. I’m glad I can stay snug and warm in the house. I have a pot of soup simmering on the stove, made with ingredients I grew in our garden and froze to save just for a day like this.

Everyone has been curious about my fudge recipe. I think I made it up, but I am sure I am not the only person who makes this fudge. Its too easy not to!!

I have been making it this way for at least 25 years, with an average of 15 batches a year (one year I made about 35 pounds!).

Here are some tips:

milk or semi sweet chocolate chips in a 12 ounce bag are perfect.

Peanut butter chips are tasty, but make a thicker fudge.

White chocolate chips don’t set up thick enough if you use a full can of the milk.

What I do, is use a full can of sweetened condensed milk per bag for the regular chocolate chips–1 1/3 can for the peanut butter chips—- 2/3 can for white chocolate chips

Then, you warm the milk over a medium heat, add the chips and stir till they melt- NOT COOK, JUST MELT.

Beat it with a mixer till it is fluffy (a long time, but I make 4 bags in a pot at a time, so it goes faster)

At this point you can add mini chips, nuts, crushed candy canes, etc.

Pour into a lightly greased pan.

I layer the flavors, it makes them pretty to look at as was as tasty to eat.

My favorite will always be white chocolate with pecans. But the boys in the family are crazy about chocolate and peanut butter. But the best thing is??? It is always perfect and never fails.

What else do I love about my holiday home, besides the tons of fudge I keep around all season??

Simple and easy decor ideas, as easy as the fudge recipe.

By the front door, I use my summer garden things and add a bit to them for some holiday flair. Gazing balls and flower pots grouped together, can look Christmassy with a few added ornaments in the pots and a couple branches from the Christmas tree.

Yes, I stretch the budget by dividing up my artificial tree. This is a white Martha Stewart tree from K-Mart that I only set up the top half of.

I don’t use the branches in the proper order either, I like the tree a little more natural looking If you can call a white plastic tree natural) and will use branches out of the sequence the directions say to. The tree is less of a sharp triangle that way.

Then, I take the lower branches from the part of the tree not set up and use them all around the house, like in the pot on the floor next to the tree.

I put one in a glittered terra cotta pot and shaped it like a miniature tree and filled it with lots of red and green ornaments, then set it up in the library upstairs. To hold the tree in the pot, I have scrunched up newspapers around it and covered them with a holiday hanky.

In my master bathroom, I added a branch to a pot of ivy. I stuck the wire of the branch directly into the soil and that holds it steady. Then, I draped the white "tree" in strands of old pearls.

(My master bath should be in the next issue of Romantic Country and on the stands in the next few days)

I have laid a couple of the white branches on the top shelf of my bathroom cabinet too.

A white basket in the breezeway holds a branch and is topped with a pink velvet bow.

There are even a few branches in the chippy old blue painted drawer under my stereo cabinet, that hides the view of the speakers.

Yep, one tree, a dozen uses!

I love being able to make my decorating dollars stretch and also to have a little bit of Christmas in every room of my house.

Using what I already have (like the garden urns from garage sales, or the salvage piece from a flea market), using decorations from my child hood and my boy’s childhoods, as well fun souvenirs of good times, like the sparkling glitter "K" that I bought when out shopping with my friend, Beth are all things that I love about my holiday home.

(Twinkle thinks she is the main subject of every photo I take)

I love sentimental things at the holidays. This butterfly was a sun catcher that always hung on my mom’s patio door.

Unexpected and non-traditional ornaments make a tree unique and whimsical. And very entertaining to babies, Sugarwings loves to hear stories about the things on our tree!

Mom and I went shopping at Montgomery Wards together the year I was 11, and I remember her letting me pick out these doves for our Christmas tree that year. I have had them on mine every year since then.

My good friend, Connie made this ornament by gluing each individual white bead into place.

Sometimes you might not be able to afford a "real" piece of art by an artist you admire, but when they have Christmas pieces for sale, it is a great time to purchase some of their work.

This carousel horse was given to me by my mother-in-law my first Christmas after my wedding to her son. It isn’t meant to be an ornament, but I love having it as one.

Another sentimental piece from Mom, is this little bag she made for me. She had made quite a few that I decorated to sell at art and craft shows, but I ended up keeping a few for myself and am glad I did, now that she is gone.

Behind it, is a hand blown glass ball by another artist in town. His work is normally very expensive, but at the holidays, it is a good time to pick up a couple of ornaments for a fraction of what his lamps or bird baths go for.

Another friend, Shanna Wagner, made this stained glass star for me.

Next to it is a clear glass ball from a 90% off after Christmas sale that I added part of a necklace to by just draping it over the neck of the ball.

Underneath is a gold vintage ball that I glued a piece of jewelry to for a magazine article I wrote for Victorian Decorating a few years ago.

Well, I’ve rambled long enough about what I love about my holiday home:

Hot, home made soup

White Chocolate fudge, and knowing that we will be having big family get togethers where I need lots of home made fudge to serve, and also having great friends and people I care about to make lots of fudge for too.

Sentimental ornaments filled with memories

Entertaining little Sugarwings by showing her the birdies and sparklies and horsies on the Christmas tree

Decking every hall in the home with a little bit of Christmas and using budget stretching ways to do it so that I can still afford to buy presents!

Now it is your turn to tell us what you LOVE about your own Holiday Home.

If you don’t have a blog, leave a comment and tell us a story about your decor

If you do have a blog, leave a comment (with your URL) so that I can link your blog and everyone can visit you and "party hop" on over.

My Sissy, in Indiana, sent me a photo of a tree she decorated through her office, for a Woman’s shelter.

She made and donated beautiful things for the tree, then the company filled it with toys and presents for the women and children staying in a shelter at the Holiday. How is that for some LOVE?

Make sure you leave your comments on THIS posting, so I don’t miss you to add to the party. Also, I will be drawing names for Christmas presents I will send out.

I will do my best to list everyone. Please, please please, check back to make sure your link is active and let me know if I have messed it up and I will fix it. I don’t want to leave anyone out. I’ll be adding sites starting Tuesday night, and continue throughout the day on Wednesday, then adding some stragglers on Thursday.

Happy Holidays! and thanks for coming to the party!!!

My buddy, Beth has a new holiday banner and will be starting her party at 9:30 Tuesday night. The cute kids in her banner (which she made herself) are tiny little Bethy and her brother from a Christmas long, long ago. Bag_cu Here is a little sneak peek of what Beth has been making.

In Chile, Maria Elena has Santa greeting us at her front door, then later cooling off in the swimming pool, since it is summer in her part of the world.

My Candian friend, Joy (who also won my November giveaway drawing) has vintage toys on display and the cutest Ho-Ho-Ho banner made of snowballs. Good thing she already has plenty of toys, because it looks like ole Santy Claus is in some danger on her rooftop……….

The other Karla, Sugar Bear, is welcoming us with a fresh wreath. She was also lucky enough to get one of those adorable Sugar Shack kits from Hollydoodle, and it turned out beautiful. Keep reading down to the next post, and you’ll see her trip to the talented and sweet Jennifer’s Sis Boom sale. Wow, what pretties!

If you love pink as much as I do, you have to go see Shannon .

Jennifer Hayslip was the bella of the ball at Silver Bella’s junk gypsy night, she is one pretty lady. And she has an eye for pretty things. If you can catch your breath after seeing her "Sugar Plum" dining room, scroll on down to her previous post too. She’s taking us on a tour of NY as well as giving us a peak at her own creative creations at home!

Oh goody, more pink and white! This time at Robin’s. She also has some cute sugar cottages that she made herself, with NO pattern!

And if you are looking for pure creativity and wonderful handmade items (some she made at Silver Bella too)- you know you are going to find it at Kari’s. Kari was the inspiration for me to throw a party, when she had her teaparty last spring, I was HOOKED on blogworld and have not been able to get enough since. Thanks, Artsymama!

Pink! and roses! and more! Its heavenly at Ele‘s home and she isn’t even ready for us yet. She says her holiday post is to come 10am Wed. morning. That means you get a bonus dipping of holiday heaven, because the one up now is pretty spectacular.

I spy a pretty pink fairy over a pink village at Pink Faded Roses. And check out her wreath on the pink rose wallpaper. I am a wallpaper junky, and that stuff is delightful.

Lori has some visitors, pretty red birds have come to call. I have always loved cardinals, they just say ‘winter’ to me. Lori seems to be having the same Christmas tree issues that my neice, Shelli has. There is a kitty hiding in her tree.

Bottle brush wreaths, glittery letters and a little bit of Pooh and Tigger are some of what you’ll see at Vintage Bliss. Scroll down to the previous post and you’ll think you’ve entered Wonka’s world.

I found a plump little fairy to visit over at Sue’s. She had quite a few fairy friends on the tree.

Carolyn, the tiniest Santa is waiting to meet you at Rhonda’s.

Its a summer garden Christmas in Argentina with a TV STAR! Marina Capano is a pretty lady with a pretty home to show us.

A luscious tulle and ruffled gown filled with vintage flair and ready to be a Christmas gift to a lucky little girl is at where else but- Vintage Flair!

A sparkling lit tree is reflected on a shiny wooden floor in this pretty living room. Come by Alexia’s to see the warm glow at her home.

Back up to Canada again to visit Linda for a tour of her lovely home. You’ll swear you are flipping through a magazine when you see her first photo.

I love the banner with the tussie mussie spilling over with goodness above the white curtains over at Sarah’s.

Don’t stop at the chocked-full-of-creativity holiday post, keep scrolling down or you’ll miss the wreaths!! Suzy always has great stuff to see, and today it is especially true!

When you see the cheerful blue door with a wreath welcoming you to her home, you have to hope you’ll see some blue and white dishes at Janet’s. And yes, she does have a great collection, and has even used some to hold paper whites and a tree. Don’t you just LOVE to make use of your favorite belongings as part of your holiday decor?

Katrina has been baking sugar cookies and put some elves to work decorating them.

You’ll want to pull up a chair by the golden glowing fire at Amy’s to enjoy the cocoa she prepared.

My buddy, Betty, has really decked the halls! Fun and friendly just like she is.

The carols are playing at Shelly’s and her vintage Santas are out to enjoy.

I seem to be drawn to wreaths during this party, and am crazy about the giant one over the dreamy, white piano– and the hydrangea one tied to the footboard is a BRILLIANT idea! I might have to steal that inspiring look at the Inspired Room.

Way down under, at Alison’s, the kangaroos are a hoppin!

Jen has a cute idea, she’s doing a virtual Advent calendar with a photo a day till Christmas. She is also having a give away, post a comment on her 8th photo to enter. Good luck!

A new blogger, Nancy has hand crafted elegance to share.

At Mary’s you’ll be greeted by a smile from a couple of carrot nosed snowpeople in a cheerful holiday collage.

If you have never been to see Carol at Raised in Cotten, silly, silly, you! Get there NOW. I just love Carol, we became buds at Silverbella and she is as much fun to hang out with in person as she is at her blog. That is one inventive and talented woman, and she has more than one post filled with holiday decorating ideas that you need to look through.

Carol made this little watch box lovely for me as a swap at Silver Bella. She was a vendor there and, her booth was jammed packed with great vintage finds as well as her own cool creations.

I was looking forward to seeing this one, I always love the dreamy look of Becca’s pictures. And you can tell she puts a lot of love into her Christmas decor.

Jeanne has a snowman themed tree and the sweetest snowman ornament made by her daughter. That is a true keepsake.

It looks like Beachy loves the vintage sitting elves as much as I do. She has one from her childhood out on display.

Here are a few I saved from when I was a kid too. Of course, since then, I’ve added a dozen more or so to the collection, it is a weakness of mine.

Beachy has a tree full of holiday memories to share.

At Alicia’s home make sure you don’t miss that mirror over her mantel! And the fantastic chair the doll is sitting pretty in.

3 generations of Christmas crafts are lovingly displayed at Raechal’s on the other side of the world from me here in Kansas.

I met Jessi at Silver Bella too- and she has an out going, fun personality and her home matches it. Her home is as pretty and fun as she is.

I LOVE the jars of star dust at Becky’s.

Kari and Kijsa have worked their artistic magic again. I want to pull up a seat at that whimsical table they have set up and take them up on their offer of a Diet Coke. And don’t miss their previous post with directions on making one of the coolest wreath ideas around.

When I see a home like Rhondi’s at the holidays, I start itching to paint a room red. Her red dining room is the perfect backdrop for a traditional Christmas.

Crystal knows the importance of scent at the holidays and has filled her home with the aromas of a real tree, potpourri, and candles. Scroll down for a mini home tour and unique cloche idea!

I am linking as fast as I can! I’m glad I got an early start and linked a few last night. I’d like to take a little break and say thanks to everyone who is joining the party and also to show you a present that just came in the mail from Debbie.

How cute is this? Such attention to detail, the package is almost too pretty to ruin by eating the peppermint bark. Ha! Like that would stop me!! Thanks Debbie!! I’ll be snacking on your treats throughout the day as I link all these parties.

Now back to work, I am about 60 some behind!!!

Cathy, in Idaho, says she has to love snow up there, and celebrates it with a shelf filled with snowmen.

Carrie has a collection of Natvity scenes, and some nicely set tables ready for a holiday gathering.

And hey! what do I see?? On the silver tree, she has two of my collaged ornaments that she purchased from my Etsy shop! Thanks, Carrie!

Darling! That is the baby’s nursery at Sandy’s. What a lucky baby.

And did you think we could ever have a party and not go see Heather???? It is always pretty at Pretty Petals, but at the holidays—-wowoowowow!!!

My friend, Natasha never disapoints, either. Another big wow for her place. I’m ready to buy a ticket and head to Australia to see it all in person!

And don’t miss the sweet tussie mussie’s on Cathy’s tree.

Stephanie gives us a glimpse of Christmas past with some old photos, then shows us all the perfectly pretty pinks and roses she’s decorated with.

Fresh cookies right out of the oven and some sweet sentiments to go along with them are served up at June’s

Adeline has exciting news to share about her publishing debut- check out the magazine! And make sure you scroll down to see her charming cottage and the ginger bread homes she has created.

This home has all my favorite combos, some silver and aqua, pinks and whites, and jadite greens with red shiny brites- don’t missPriscilla’s place

At Elizabeth’s she has stayed with a simple palette of red, white, and silver. With charming results.

Every room is done up at Brittany’s, even what she calls the "dog’s room" has a cheerful red and white tree!

Meet "Swiss Santa" and "Schmootly" and see some European Christmas pictures at Mary Lou’s

Santa’s little helper is counting down the days at Kerry Anne’s

In Alabama, Adrianne is asking what the holidays mean to you.

Its an elegant Country Christmas at Mary’s dear little red house.

The cookies look yummy in Germany at Regina’s

More vintage cuties are on display at Valerie’s, she even has some angel figurines her husband picked up at a yard sale for her! That is something to love about the holidays, a husband who can pick out garage sale treasures!!!

Paul-ene has her little doggy decked out and ready for coming to the party.

Debbie has a lavendar tree!! And you have to see her collection of "weird" snowman. I’d collect those too, if I ever came across any!

All of my snowmen are the traditional kind, like this one. I could go for some vintage cool ones like she has.

Rich, warm colors and Southern Hospitality await you at Rhoda’s

Tamy has a tree decorated by her boys, and it is as cute as a button.

Ok, as soon as I get back from visiting Natasha in Austrailia, I have to go to England to see Ginny! This is beautiful!!! You are going to love her English Christmas!

Warmth, coziness, and a kind thought are waiting for you at Julie’s

Have a cup of tea and enjoy Luame’s tree. It is just my kind of tree, a little bit of everything and LOT of it! pretty!!

I always enjoy visiting Phyllis, she’s like the next door neighbor I wish I had in real life. She always has a great new banner, that changes reguarly, but I think that the one she has now is my all time fave.

Gail is showing her favorite things at her place.

More vintage to love at Lakewood Manor. And who doesn’t love those ceramic Santas from the 60’s? I know I had one growing up too.

BJ is getting a start on her holiday candy making and I just wish we were there in person to taste those goodies.

Cindy is another friend who never disapoints in the decor department. Day after day her blog is a beautiful place to visit and for the holidays, it is even more special.

Liz has made the cutest cookie cutter wreath. And you can learn how to say Merry Christmas in Swedish.

Besides a festive slide show, Debra is giving away a gift. I’ve been on the receiving end of some of Debra’s gifts before, and believe me, if you are a collage crafter, you want to win the give away she is having!

Lidy has a special call out for helping the less fortunate, as well as sharing her holiday gorgeousness with us.

There is a lot to see at Blanca’s, but I of course, am always drawn to the white displays and love her shelves with the pottery and white deer.

Speaking of deer, look who visited my yard during our last big snow.

This is the view from my studio back door.

My yard is always full of "antler rats" as I call them when they eat my rose bushes in the spring.

This home is one I could move right into. That display in front of the mirror, is a knockout. Suzanne has lots of pretties to show us.

I almost got teary when I read the story of the sign on the gate at Sandy’s. It is very touching and a wonderful family treasure at the holidays.

Now, you have to go junking in Georgia with Karen and take a peek at her fabulous Santa collection!

When you go to see Gina, don’t miss the adorble, flirty little faces of the cute girls on the ornaments.

My Silverbella friend, Valita has some dramatic, red curtains that are a wonderful compliment to her decor, and her newly painted walls I’m glad to hear I am not the only one who repaints for a holiday.

Santa ROCKS! at Karen’s. How funny ! Also, look at how pretty the simple arrangement in the window is. Scroll down to see the kit she ordered from my BFF Beth.

Beth still has some of these kits for sale and you still have time to make some for your own tree. Although….. with the houses I have been seeing, I dont’ know how any of us would squeeze in one more ornament! But- we manage, don’t we??

There is snow up in Canada at Cheryl’s. She had a bit of a tree dilema, but solved it. Haven’t we all come across something that just didn’t want to fit into our cars??

Another Silver Bella friend has come by to invite us over to her snowy part of the world- Natalea is getting a start on wrapping gifts to put under that big, gorgeous tress of hers.

I just love the slide shows, and here is another one to enjoy at Leanna’s. Gotta figure out how to get my own slide show…

Here is another whole house tour, that you wish would keep going on- lots to see here at Becky’s

Ispirational messages and photos are at Cielo’s spot

Penny has been posting about her holiday decor for a while, you’ll have a lot to look at and scroll down through here.

Shiny Brite wreaths, ribbon candy, pink bottle brush trees, and is that a pink feather tree I spy in the bachground? Great collections abound at Sue’s

Oh, how sweet, a nutcracker tree at Andrea’s. Plus the mystery of what really happened to Elvis is solved, scroll down and you’ll find him.

Back to Canada to visit Kim and Liam for some cute displays. I love the watch face and jewelry by the bottle brush tree.

A studio tour at Maria’s features some vintage balls.

There is a soft, comforting glow over everything at Swaddle Cottage

Now I am homsick for our old barn after seeing Julie hang wreaths on hers. How festive!

Renee is going through a move right now and can’t decorate, but I am sure she’d appreciate a visit from some holiday friends. Its hard to be trying to sell a house at the holidays.

Santa himself is delivering the mail at Pamela Jane’s

Amy is dealing with toddlers, dogs, and little space, but still rallys and makes her home festive for them all up in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Here is another one where you will want to continue scrolling down for even more to see. I am crazy about the simple trees covered in vines and sheet music, as well as the candy cane heart and the simply wonderful can covered in old paper at Jill’s

The Advent Calender at Jennifer’s is a one of a kind item I wish I had thought of. Crafters and decorators, you are going to love the ideas she presents in every photo here. Bottle brush trees in egg cups, a Christmas tree in a red toy dump truck, PLUS a giveaway!!

Monica, who was the hostess for the Deck the Halls swap has made a perfectly beautiful white and aqua wreath. Love those colors!

Kathy has me drooling over the vey thought of cream cheese sugar cookies……

You know, with a name like the Rose Cottage, the place HAS to be pretty, and it is.

We have a party to attend in Holland too! Corina takes joy in decorating with her little angel.

I just decided what to give as my present in the drawing. A choice of the Tiara and Crown book, or a pair of earrings.

I’ve seen so many people going all out to decorate their homes for the holidays during this party.

So, I thought it would be nice to let them decorate themselves!

So, the winner will get to pick out a pair of earrings that I have made from vintage pieces, something with some holiday flair and glam.

OK, back to linking- I am almost, but not quite, caught up, and have been at it for hours. It is taking so long, because there is so much to see and I am looking over each site. I’ll go back when I can linger, but hey, you can’t fault me for not being able to pull myself away too quickly!!

Its a candy lover’s dream come true at Cindy’s.

The painted door with roses is a one of a kind decor item that is just to die for at Kimberly‘s.

Pearl Maple is on the road visiting family and has holiday travel pictures to share.

A dollar store, blue Santa is as cute as can be over at Mary Alison’s. I’ll be getting out a dollar and heading to that store myself, he is a steal!

Sandy, a fellow painter, has a cute hand painted Santa on a window, as well as trying her hand at a glittered pair. It looks adorable in the blue and white chintz teacup she has placed her sparkling fruit into.

No matter how far away we travel on this party, it is amazing to see how much stays the same. All the way over in the Netherlands, Santas, Snowmen and candles are still the highlight of a holiday home. This Netherland’s home would be as comfortable here in the midwestern state of Kansas as it is all the way across the world from here.

A very special hand drawn Santa portrait graces the beautiful white mantel at Deb’s

I am going to go and STEAL Vickie’s couch!!!!!!!! Love it!! and scroll down a few posts to see a truly unique aquarium. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a mermaid swimming around in there.

Yay, another Bella friend has come to the party- Heather has a whole herd of glittering deer to show us, and some beautiful hand made pieces she has bought from friends. If you don’t already shop with her, you have to check out Heather’s store. She carries some of the best supplies around.

Angelina‘s Beautiful Cards, needs to be called "Angelina’s Beautful Trees" from now on!

So far, I don’t think I have put my foot in my mouth yet- only a couple of mistakes. One misspelling that I corrected, and just now, I added the link to Paint Mine Pink, since before I forgot to include it. She was at the top of the list of links, so if you missed her when you were WAY up there, try again now!

At Laura has beautiful things on display and best of all, you can shop while there and pick up some for your self! I love the angel.

The "Pink Pearl Girl" has a genius of an idea for a tree stand!! Check it out atVicki’s.

Britt at Sparkled Vintage Charm is celebrating her 2nd Christmas in a row "preggers" so wasn’t going to be a part of this party. But she has the cutest baby Santa on her Flickr site that you have to see!

I always enjoying chatting with Michelle. I just came back from visiting her blog and saw that she has the same tradition that we do! My husband’s mother has also made a cross stitch stocking for everyone in the family. Looks like the same pattern sock too, nice and big to fill up with lots of goodies!

The lights are twinkling and the tree is glowing at Dolly’s. I’m fond of that fairy with the snowflake, too.

A lit tree tour of the Big Apple is up on Susie Q’s blog.

Its a red hat holiday at Pat’s

Dara has one of the prettiest, most dreamy blogs I have seen yet! There is a dear little deer that you can’t miss out on, she is delightlful!

Oh no, my Silver Bella friend, Heather, is ill- and so is her camera!! She is all decorated and ready and will have photos up soon. Please check back with her!!!

Lisa has some unique banner ornaments. Hmm, something else I’d like to try to make. Wow, I am getting sooooo many good ideas today!!

I can’t even say what I love best about Meg’s because every single picture looks like it came from a decorating book. I just have to love it all.

Cindy has a beautiful home and "cute pink stuff" just like the name of her blog!

Barbara has a traditional home with a splash of whimsy. Its a "beary" merry Christmas there!

Terri is someone who must believe like I do- that anything looks more important under glass. Her domes make the pretty white cottage and snowpeople take center stage. And speaking of snowpeople- look at that fun fridge!!!

There is a holiday baking party and some of the prettiest white furniture you have ever seen over at Miss Gracie’s

Well, it is after midnight and I have a big day tomorrow, having fun with Beth, we are going out to lunch, swapping wallpaper, maybe doing some estate sales, then playing with paper. See, fun!!!

I’ve linked and linked and linked my little heart out today. I hope I didn’t miss anyone. I didn’t leave comments on all of your blogs or answer your comments because I was in a hurry to get everyone up and connected. I did read them all though, and really enjoyed this day of holiday cheer!

I will add on stragglers over the next few days. That is a nice thing about virtual parties, they don’t have to end when the evening does. Thanks everyone!!

THURSDAY MORNING:

I will add a new guest before I go hang out with Beth for the day and would be happpy to add more tonight-

Cherished Vintage is a new place for me to visit. This party has been great for meeting a few new people, but I do think that 90% were already blog friends. That made me feel good to know that I had that many out there!!!

Any way, at Karoline’s brand new blog, you will wonder why it took her so long to start one! She has some beauties to share. Drop by and welcome her to blogworld and enjoy that adorable pink Santa sitting there so jaunty with his legs crossed.

And at this site!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She may be late, but who cares? Lets just say we are thrilled she made it and go straight over to Alice. (by the way she did her blog design, and it is one pretty place, done up perfectly)

And at Alda’s, there may not be a partridge, but check out the hand made pears. Also, you have to scroll down to see her fairy angel.

Victoria has been writing her Christmas cards, and if you scroll down a bit, you’ll see her tour of Shabby Chic in NY! Lucky girl, I want to go Christmas shopping there! (But I am pretty cheap, when I went, my souvenier was a box of matches- still, I loved every minute of being there)

THURSDAY EVENING- Ok time to add more!

My friend, Sandra is doing surgery on Santa (!?!) You’ll just have to see for yourself….. but don’t miss her beautiful artwork, what a beautiful blue bird she has painted.

There is a family story behind the Shiny Brites on Brenda’s tree.

8 crazy nights are listed at Saucy’s, as well as a silver Christmas to drool over. Yum, I just love the simple silver decor.

I know I keep saying this, but– wow! Here is another- too pretty to believe! I love Dawn’s home, and check out that white light fixture!

I’m not sure where to start with Denise’s home, it is all just so perfectly perfect. All of it. Photos to just be thouroughly jealous about. And that song that is playing is one that I haven’t heard before, I love the line about Shiny Bright in it. Of course, it reminds me of my favorite ornaments. How have I never heard this song???

Please welcome Stephanie to blogworld, she is just getting started and has a few trees set up for us to enjoy when we come by to tell her how much she will enjoy being part of the community!

Here is a holiday craft idea for gift giving if you have a baker in the family, complete with how-to’s over at Kimmie’s

You know, Susan has it right when she says that pulling out all the ornaments brings back so many memories of the past.

I don’t know if Mary lives up at the actual North Pole or not, but it sure looks like it from her pictures of the Northern Lights!

At Kathy‘s you can meet Isabelle in her glowing cloak of roses.

I have just been so impressed that so many of our blog friends have photos of their homes that look like they came straight from the pages of a book or magazine. Here is another one that looks like a professional decorator did the home, it is so well done and beautiful. But it all came from the heart and Maureen has sentimental stories to tell about the decor.

One of my very first blog friends, Vicki, has a sugar plum cottage on display. She says she’ll have her own home pictures up this weekend, so you’ll want to go back and look again then. But, once you’ve been to see Vicki and her creative masterpieces, you’ll want to go back again and again anyway.

I will continue to add links to this post for the next week. We don’t want to leave ANYONE out.

FRIDAY MORNING– And the list goes on…………..

Its a PINK Christmas at Jennifer’s.

The Queen of Christmas is reigning over the "wonderful life" of my creative, fun, and kooky pal, Carlene at Unruly. She has a unique way of seeing things and her decor is always one of a kind, funky, but oh, so elegant and enviable!

Friday night’s additions:

A St Lucia Celebration is in full swing, Swedish style at Mica’s, where the home is decorated vintage decor and shimmering white lights. You’ll love this pretty blog.

A poll on favorite Christmas songs, a give away, and a Holiday camera. What more could you ask for? Stephanie has her home ready for a visit from all of us.

Saturday night’s additions:

Its a little boy’s dream Christmas at Dayami’s home, complete with a candland truck with peppermint wheels.

Its a trip to Beford Falls over at Debbie’s. And don’t miss the wreath she made with the collage in the center, its so pretty.

Sunday morning and we are still having people drop into the party-

At the Pink Gate, Louisa is showing us photos of a nearby attraction, that had been featured in Victoria magazine. Its so lovely, but everything they had in their pages was…..

And back down under again to the Bowerbird’s Nest where Jenn has had a Christmas tree catastrophe, but has made the best of it, and has so many beautiful pictures to see of her home. I’ve had a tree come crashing down TWICE myself, it is heartwrenching to lose the precious ornaments and the memories they represent.

She has a long post, and it is worth lingering over, have fun visiting!

When I visited Cathy, I saw that she and I are in the same issue of Romantic Country that is out right now!! How nice! Then, I spent some time turning green with envy over the photos of her garden before scrolling down to see all the pretty pink holiday decor. I am so green right now.

The link takes you to her home page, it isn’t easy to get to her blog, you have to go through a couple of pages, and see the blog listed and click on it. I promise, you will be glad you took the time to find it, she has some beautiful eye candy to share.

Heralding angels and red Santas will greet you at Jen’s

Monday’s additions:

I’m glad that Janet has joined us, because she has a great idea for holiday decor. I am crazy about all the little sliver birds in thier ironstone and shredded sheet music nest!

Here is another lovely nest, this time over at Lynn’s. Everything is beautiful with touches of red and white amoung the cedar. But I just love the sweetly simple, bare branch , table top tree sitting in a nest.

Monique shows us the deals that only 6 Euros can buy!

Its Tuesday and we have a new hostess inviting us over- Maureen has decorated goodies and will be adding her holiday cross stitch projects.

Wednesday:

Take a tour of the "castle" and let puss and boots introduce you to the knight in shining armour wearing a santa cap over at Jeanenne’s

Ginna has had to downsize and rethink her holiday decor after downsizing homes, as well as keeping pretties out of the reach of a 3 year old.

Oh, this one is fun! Not only are Alvin and the Chipmunks singing in the background, and the cat is eying the tree with a plotting gleam in her eye, but Lallee has made a pretty tree with words, and seems to know how to load her photos in an interesting way. All I can do is do single pictures, and I find myself feeling very lucky when TYPEPAD lets me put the words close to where I want them to be.

Her blog is laid out well and there are nice photos too.

Another pretty, pretty place to go!! and here I thought I was crazy about pink and white, but this aqua, white and silver at Jennifer’s is darling!

There is a sweet story of the what it means to be a grown up at Christmas at Keetha’s as well as a funny, what can go wrong next? baking story in the previous post.

Thursday’s additions:

Jilly has some lucky estate sale finds, one is a darling hand made ceramic church, maybe from the 60s?

We are going out with a BANG- take a lookie at this cottage!!!!!! funky, elegant, fun, I love this house. I am always so happily surprised to come across a great blog I have never seen before. I know you’ll enjoy this one! go visit Diva Deb and see for your self.

Well, it has been a fun week of looking at the holiday homes and seeing all the things we love about our Christmas decor. All this cheer has really been a boost in my Christmas spirits! Thanks so much to all of you who participated and made this party the fun and successful festive gathering that it was.

We are winding down now and everyone must be busy bustling around with their last minute Christmas to do lists. I think I can stop listing and linking now. Thanks again!! I am finally ending this LOOOOOOOOOOOONG post.

Oh, Fudge!

celebrations, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, Food and Drink, give away, holiday decor, Moving to DC, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 10, 2007

It’s almost time for our "What do you LOVE about your holiday home?" party!

I’ll do my post later Tuesday evening and start linking up as comments come in.

Please remember that you have to leave a comment on THAT post, the Holiday Home party, or I will miss you and won’t link.

And what have I decided to send as a prize? Well here is one of them, this great book, Crowns & Tiaras. I’ll have more party door prizes for guests that day too.

I will have separate drawings for bloggers who participate and for readers who leave comments about what they love about their holiday homes too. I just want to make sure some one from each group gets a prize.

Here is one little tidbit I love about my own holiday home. This welcoming pink glow in the breezeway, where I have wrapped pink lights around an iron garden topiary frame and set it into a wicker plant stand. People get an idea of what to expect from the rest of my house when they are greeted by this!

And there is more to love around here, my dorkies of course. All cozied up by the wood stove on a fluffy pillow staying warm while an ice storm rages outside.

The weather makes it a perfect night to stay in and make holiday candy. I am a fudge creator. I make tons of fudge each year to give away. Beth claims that my fudge is the reason she had to join the gym

I make the short cut, simple to do, nothing to it variety, always perfect, and quick. All it consists of is melting a bag of chips into a can of sweetened condensed milk and then beating it till it is fluffy and pouring it into a pan. Best, creamiest fudge ever. And everyone thinks you slaved over it. Oops, my friends won’t think that anymore, will they? My secret is out. I’m bad with secrets, you can tell by the way I run on and on, I tend to blabber about everything.

I bought these ceramic pans at a garage sale this summer for 25 cents each, never used, still in packages from the store! They are oven and freezer safe, and I will fill them with fudge and wrap them up pretty and give them to friends this year.

So, tonight, I make 14 batches of fudge. I have to have plenty to give away and to feed the family when I host lots of holiday get togethers! I have a 6’4" nephew who is a size 28 waist and can really pack away the peanut butter chocolate fudge. He’ll get a batch all of his own.

Yesterday I showed the 3 slate tables I bought for our Eastern apartment, but didn’t show why I got them.

The tables are to remind my husband of our home here, they match this floor in our entry way.

I laid this tile myself. I don’t know how to use a wet saw (and am afraid of those anyway, I nicked a knuckle on a power saw once and still get the heebie jeebies thinking that I could have lost my right hand!)

Since I couldn’t cut the pieces, I made a mosaic with small stones and 4" tiles throughout the 12" tiles. It really was pretty easy to do, except for the kink in my back from crouching on the floor so long.

I also did some of the trim in this area- it is barn wood we tore out of our 100 year old barn that couldn’t be saved. (That is how I caught my knuckle on the power saw. ) I sure prefer less dangerous projects like painting, or gluing wallpaper!

Twinkle just can’t understand why she shouldn’t be in every photo, so I just humor her.

This snowman tree is from Paula Kay’s home. She was a door prize winner at our last party and sent me a photo of the tree she created this year.

I am really looking forward to our party tomorrow. If you’d like to take a peek at the last one we had, it is here: http://karlascottage.typepad.com/karlascottage/2007/09/what-do-you-lov.html

Here is a photo of something my neice loves about her holiday home- Baby, her cat peeking out of the tree. Twinkle just wishes she could do that with ours.

Hope to see you all Wednesday!

Ready * Set * GO!

antiques/junking, Etsy Goodies, fairies, Hand Painted Furniture, hand painted signs, holiday decor, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / November 29, 2007

I’m DONE! I’m ready for my sale!!!

I even had time today to cover this cash box in old wallpaper and foof up the keys to it.

I had bought it at a garage sale this summer for $2, and it was a plain, industrial grey color. A little bit of vintage papers, some glue, ribbon, a charm and some old pearl buttons, and I am ready to make change in style tomorrow!

I also made a few more teacup posie arrangements.

Pretty teacups that were slightly chippy got a makeover with oasis glued to the inside, then covering them with moss or shredded papers and gluing in some pretties. I used a variety of goodies inside of them, tiny Christmas balls in silver, millinery flowers, and glittered birds. After putting them in place, I drenched them in white glue and did another light fairy dusting of glitter over the top.

Price tags are done, stuff is arranged. This cabinet is all whites.

I have more than one area done in reds and greens. There are plenty of traditionalists who want the old fashioned Christmas colors. I love them myself, and have fun setting up the displays, but have gone with more pastels and neutrals in my house this year for holiday decor.

The pink poinsettias are my favorite, I love the rich deep pink ones, that are almost the color of an azalea. (by the way- if you think your house isn’t ready to photograph for our "What do you LOVE about your Holiday Home" party on Dec. 12th, here is a good example. There are dirty dishes in this sink, but the angle I took the photo hides them. And the mess on the counter top, just got pushed aside for the picture. Your house doesn’t have to be perfect to show us some pretties in it for the party!!) But I should replace that light bulb before the open house.

Or you can just zoooooom in.

The grocery store had $1.99 roses again this week and I bought 3 dozen (all they had) for my open house.

I also buy pink and white poinsettias ($3 a pot at Wal-Mart) and use them as cut flowers instead of potted.

Yes, these are sitting on the back of my toilet. Is that tacky? Should toilets just be left alone??

I was able to take the 3 dozen roses and 2 poinsettia plants and spread flowers all throughout my home.

Most of the roses were still buds, so I am gambling they’ll still look good by Sunday. I had to arrange all the flowers on Wed. since I’ll be tied up with my sale the next few days.

Actually, I don’t arrange them much. I just plop them into vases. More cottagey than a true arrangement.

Oh-oh, I see some price tags coming lose. I hope I don’t run into many of those situations in the studio for the sale.

Its too bad the price tags have to be so visible, they don’t make a pretty photo. But I like them to be right in your face for shoppers, easy for them to see. Don’t you HATE having to wait for someone to get a key to open a case and flip something over so you can see the price???? Why do people hide their prices so often????

Remember the clearance stockings I bought earlier? I got them all foofed up with glitter, buttons and old jewelry and will be hoping to sell them for $15 each. Seems like a good price for them, I hope the shoppers agree.

I put $18 on my little ballerina fairy under glass.

Can you see why it has taken me so long to pull this together? I hope the care that went into it shows.

Right now I am off to bed. Well, that is after I watch Survivor. Wish Beth and I luck tomorrow!!

What do you LOVE about your HOLIDAY Home??

We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / November 15, 2007

Yep- it is time for another PARTY!

I had such fun with our last party, with everyone linking and showing what they love about their own homes (check it out here).

Many people told me that they enjoyed it too. And who doesn’t enjoy looking at all the holiday decor?

I have a feeling that there will be some spectacular displays of Holiday Glory out there in blogland! After seeing what Easter and Halloween had to offer, I am ready to be blown away by Christmas.

You can show anything you like. A whole room, a whole house, or just a close up of something special to you.

So, on Wednesday, December the 12th

If you have a blog: all you have to do is comment on my blog after you post your photos, and make sure I have your info.

I will link to your Holiday Home and we can all party hop from home to home and visit each other.

Please add the button, designed by the talented Sadie Olive, to your own site so everyone will know you are coming to the party and will meet you there!

If you don’t have a blog: please leave comments about what you LOVE about your own holiday home for others to read.

Silver Bella part 2 of MANY to come- you’ll have to stop me when you’ve had enough!

antiques/junking, give away, jewelry, Silver Bella, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / November 12, 2007

I still haven’t unloaded the car from my trip to Silver Bella, but at least all the glitter has been shaken from my suitcase and my clothes are put away.

I am the world’s biggest TV junky and had gone 4 days without. Last night was a pure veg out in front of the TV with Dexter and Larry David.

Today is a studio rearranging day that I can’t quite concentrate and work on.

So, I’ll take quick break from puttering and tell more about Silver Bella.

It was so fun to be able to deliver my October giveaway prize in person- wish that happened more often!

And yes, Jessi is as much fun in person as she seems to be on her blog. (And don’t forget, EVERY comment on my blog is an entry into the monthly drawing)

Here I am with Jessi, Natalie, and Jennifer, more of my blogger friends that I got to see in person.

I was all decked out in my Bella-wear. Tiara, crown shirt (blinged up), 2 vintage crown necklaces, official Silver Bella blinged up hoodie and toting an official Silver Bella tote.

I said that I if I were at Disney World, I’d be that person who was walking around dressed in Mickey Mouse wear from head to toe. I looked like the ultimate tourist/consumer who couldn’t say "no" to a souvenir! And who didn’t have the sense to not wear them all at once.

But the weekend wasn’t all play, there was WORK too. Well, that was more like play!

Each teacher prepared kits for us to make their projects. This one was Jenny and Aaron’s. They painted the scene, then copied it for us to reproduce ourselves.

It was a light hearted, fun kit to put to put together, and I was able to add my own touches, which all the teachers encouraged.

Here is a close up of mine, with a swirly snowy sky done with a ball point glue pen and clear glass glitter.

I also added a vintage reindeer brooch to mine, and switched the ruffle from the white crepe paper (I’m just not a fan of crepe paper) to old wallpaper that I brought along.

I also used a gelly roll stardust pen to outline the windows.

I tried to take a photo of each of my five projects next to the kit they were made from.

And here it is, in place hanging on the wall of Sugarwing’s room.

I liked it in there because it went well with my cottage print collection.

And of course, with the doll house too.

That is the only project I have unpacked so far. I am trying to get ready for the local TV show that is coming this week. The host will be here tomorrow for a pre-interview, and the shoot is Thursday.

Here is my roomie with her finished one too. She really wasn’t demented like the photo seems. She might have just been on glitter overload by then.

Oh, and here is one other thing that is unpacked, because it was in my suitcase not in the big shopping bags that have filled the back of my Scion. (or the Brave Little Toaster as Heather Bullard calls it after our antiquing trip to Brass Armadillo with one of our great teachers and a sweet lady, Jennifer. These rings (and a handful of others I HAD to buy) were black and dingy and over looked. I bought 8 for $7 each, all are vintage, most are sterling and one was 14 kt gold!

A few of us had some time to kill on Saturday afternoon, so drove the Brave Little Toaster (my family calls it the Refrigerator, but I guess it will answer to the name of any appliance) to Brass Armadillo, about 20 minutes from the hotel.

It was one of many highlights of my trip. Jennifer is fascinating and as down to earth and friendly as can be. Heather is hilarious and just too much fun. And of course, you know I love Beth.

And I was in on the birth of the next big design that will be sweeping the country. Jennifer found this vintage pillow and has plans to remake it in her Sis Boom fabrics and you know you will be buying one because it will be so cool.

I’ll have LOTS more of Bella stories, crafts and pictures if you aren’t tired of me going on about it yet.

In the meantime- don’t forget that I am having a virtual blog party on DEC. 12. It will be a Wednesday and we will all link and show each other what we LOVE about our HOLIDAY HOMES.

What Is Lurking out in the Pet Cemetery behind my cottage????

family, Food and Drink, I've been tagged, Sugarwings, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / October 31, 2007

Ghouls just wanna have fun!

Welcome to the Halloween Blog Party!! It is sponsored by a group here and they have their scary tunes going, I have them playing in the back ground while I write to get me in the mood.

My niece, Shelli, made this ghostly cake. Enjoy a piece while you mingle at the party!

And Sissy has been crafting again! Look at this creation, I just want to move right into this cottage.

There is even a crystal ball waiting for me on the table. Have I ever mentioned my fortune telling hobby? I call myself Madame Karkina and wrap the nearest table cloth around my shoulders like a shawl and pretend to read palms. (It is usually after a couple of glasses of wine.)

That is a picture of Sissy as a witch next to the black cat.

And speaking of familiars- oops, I mean pets-

did I ever mention this?

Yep, I have a pet cemetery on my 10 acres, right along I70. It used to be a bit of a land mark around here, but as it rusts and the trees grow up around it, you don’t notice it along the highway any more.

Yesterday was such a pretty fall day that Sugarwings and I got dressed up and went back to the punkin patch for another visit.

I went as a princess and she was a pink butterfly. (I am wearing big sunglasses to hide from the paparazzi and trying to teach her the princess wave- also known as the beauty queen wave: ELBOW ELBOW WRIST WRIST WRIST).

Her grandfather didn’t wear a costume. As usual, he just dressed as a handsome husband.

Aren’t they so cute together? This might be my favorite photo of the two of them.

Tonight for trick or treat, she will be dressed as Dorothy and Twinkle will be Toto. I have a feeling I will be posting photos…. Sweet2btreat2bread

I was tagged by Michelle to name 3 blogs I like to read. That is HARD to do, I am a blog-aholic and love to peruse the boundless bounty of blogs.

So, I’ll just list who I looked at this morning, these are some good ones:

Bethany has hand made felt goodie bags for Halloween

Heather always has some of the prettiest photos around, and she is showing some Silver Bella themed kits she will be selling

the queen always has great photos too, and right now there is a wonderful vintage Halloween masked ball print to see.

And of course, I always check out my buddy, Beth to see what wry and witty things she has to say or what fab finds she got at the last estate sale. Right now, she has an infestation of creatures creeping around her place and hiding in all the nooks and crannies.

One last Halloween Witch, looking really really scary before I remind you this is the last day of the

October Drawing. I will wait till the 2nd to announce the winner so you can leave comments on THIS POST till then. (COMMENTS FROM ALL MONTH COUNT TOO)

The prize is a Cottage College Kit with vintage wallpaper OR a hand made item from one of my kits.

Happy Halloween, everyone! Of course, you know what that means tomorrow is?? The biggest candy bargain day of the year! I will fill my shopping cart with 75% off chocolate and start the count down to Christmas weight gain early.

Waste not want not, and some shameless self promotion and begging, with a bribe thrown in

Etsy Goodies, give away, how to's, magazine pictures or articles, paintings, vintage paper/collage art, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / September 27, 2007

The after party let down hasn’t hit me yet, I am still enjoying all the after party glow!

Maybe since there are no dishes wash or cans to gather up or floors to mop, I won’t experience the crash that usually happens to me after everyone is gone home after a fun little bash!

Do you recognize anything here on these tags?

I simply can’t let anything go to waste!

I cut up my hand painted party invitation and made it into tags with some of my wallpaper stash.

(PS- thanks to all of you who are buying up my Etsy wallpaper Cottage Collage Kits, I know you will LOVE working with these papers!!!)

I was in an aqua mood, but I did use pink velvet for a couple of the ties.

These papers are quite an addiction for me, I found such great colors, the pinks are faded out to just the perfect shade.

I really should be painting, I have a big holiday sale coming up and I don’t even know if my typical crowd cares about wallpaper or tags, or paper doll dresses- they come to my sales expecting jewelry, hand painted things and lots of vintage pretties.

I could end up with a room full of paper goods and puzzled customers who wonder why they came!

I tend to get carried away with new ideas. Like- why did I buy a ton of these albums (with great hand made paper pages inside!!) to doo dad up like this, BEFORE doing one or two to see if anyone would even want one??

I just love them though, and will get alot of joy from covering them in wallpapers and old millinery flowers, jewels, tags, trims, and all the fun goodies I have to play with in my studio!

1-I glued down the full page of wall paper

2-I cut a medallion out of an old page with scalloped scissors

3- drew on the medallion with black gel pen and gold paint pen

4-added a smaller oval of rose themed wallpaper

5-rimmed the oval with gold glitter glue

6-rubbed a crackle glaze over the roses

7-garnished it all off with ribbon, a tiny posy and some vintage rhinestones and tied on a tag with one of my cut up hand painted roses from the invitation on it

The back is plain wallpaper, and the inside will get decked out too, I think I’ll make it into a book that anyone can simply add their own photos to.

How can I not keep playing with this old wallpaper??? It is too beautiful and fun to work with for me to stop even though I am about up to my neck in paper dolls, tags, covered boxes, albums, etc. I am nothing, if not prolific!

My drawing winners yesterday were Paula Kay and Cindy. Now, what are the odds that there are TWO Paulas?? One is Paula K.!

I am sending Paula #2 these cards I made up for her last night. She ends her emails with a cute quote, something about a hand made card is a hug with a fold in it. So, I thought, maybe this girl likes hand made cards!!

Here are a couple of folded up hugs coming her way today. Sorry about the mix up, Paula Kay and Paula K.!

Paula #1 gets this small painting and a magazine.

I think I might have some new readers from this party and wanted to let you know that I have a giveaway once a month, plus some extra goodies here and there too.

All you do is leave a comment and you are entered (every time). This month’s prize is the same as last month, a Cottage Collage Kit or a piece of art I have made from one of the kits.

My new friend, Cindy was the other winner for the magazine drawing from the party. I made a tag for her with some of the roses from the invitation and her name on water color paper I had added a pink wash to. (and my vintage wallpaper of course!!)

She asked me to sign the magazine and that just felt weird to me. People don’t ask me to sign things?!?! I added part of the party invitation to the page my pictures were on. That felt like more of a memento from the party.

I am not sure when my next article is out, either the December issue of Romantic Country or the one after. It is all turned in with the text and photos. I can’t show you the pictures, but can give you a tease with this slice of one.

And I have a big favor to ask. If anyone saw the article I wrote and enjoyed it, could you please let the editor know? A quick little note to her might mean me getting more articles to write, and hey, that means more parties for us!!! Thanks!

address:

Phyllis Goldstein

Romantic Country

c/o Harris Publications

1115 Broadway

NY, NY 10010

Heck, you’ve seen me give presents to receive comments, you know I love to bribe you for your visits here! If anyone gets a letter to the editor published in Romantic Country, just see what present I will send you as a thank you!!!!!!!