We’re having a party

A little dinner party

By Karla Nathan / January 16, 2022

After all of the holiday entertaining, January was feeling a little flat without any. Plus, while we had some gorgeous days here and there, I was busy repainting a couple of rooms and missed going for walks. When it got cold again, I was done with the big jobs, and I really needed to get moving, the city’s activity center was closed due to the shortages of staff that everyone is suffering from now. I couldn’t go for an indoor walk when I was ready to.

So, I was feeling a tad down.

A party was just what I needed to beat the January doldrums!

To be extra festive, I made place cards . Not that I cared where anyone sat, I just thought it would be fun to do.

Rich and Jim are both beekeepers, so theirs got honeybees.

I made a peach pie and marinated grouper fillets that Rich caught in Key West in some Caesar yogurt and breaded them with panko, flour, salt and pepper. Then sautéed the fish in avocado oil and butter.

As I was cooking them, I thought it looked like it needed something more, so I whipped up a lemon, white wine and caper sauce to go over it. My first taste of it puckered my throat, it was so lemony, so I quickly added some chicken broth and milk.

It turned out okay, but for a few minutes I thought my typical, making stuff up on the fly way of cooking might backfire on me, as my friends were eating their salads and waiting for the fish to be ready.

I did screw up the pie. My glass pie pan broke, and I had to use a metal one. I don’t typically time things, I cook til they look done. But I was used to being able to peek through the glass to see if the crust was browned.

It was a bit doughy since I couldn’t visually check it. I might need to become a cookbook/timer person if I keep making mistakes. But I don’t take cooking very seriously, so maybe not.

The evening really was just what I needed, it is hard to feel gloomy with a roomful of best buds!

A book club party with bookish party favors

antiques/junking, Books, celebrations, collections, cottage, holiday decor, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / December 20, 2021

The annual holiday party for our book club was at my house, well, I have to admit that it always is at my house. I tend to hog the date because I love parties so much.

And I love party favors! I decorated the table with the book page/paper ornies that I’d made and sent one home with each person. You can’t see it in this pic, but each ball has a tiny, book charm dangling from it.

Here is the table before my friends arrived.

I have been collecting 49 cent Christmas plates from Goodwill all year, there are a few different patterns, but I like the mix.

It’s all a bit of a mix match. The water glasses almost all are the same, but the silverware, wine glasses, napkins, and plates are all over the place. The placemats are pages from the Grand fairies’ outgrown Christmas books.

Here is what I have learned about hosting a party:

NO ONE CARES IF IT MATCHES!

But they do appreciate an effort to make things pretty for them. I doubt if they cared that the plates were only 49 cents each and were various patterns. Or that to have enough wine glasses, I had to use a very non traditional, purple one.

They might have cared that the pie was a little dry.

Durn it. I used frozen blueberries, but made it the same as I usually do with fresh ones. That just isn’t the same, I love the juiciness of the fresh ones. Frozen requires more sugar, liquid and some lemon, I think.

The peach pie was better. I used pecan flour, eggs, some juice from the canned peaches, cinnamon and brown sugar in it.

This was my first time using Aldi’s crust (I never make my own crust). It was so-so. Not very flakey, and a little dry. I’ll stick with Sprouts, their crust is always ideal. Plus it is vegan, which is good when I am feeding my family.

Also, this might not be the prettiest place to set out desserts, but it worked.

I found some “Vintage Tinsel Sprinkles” at Homegoods and happily glittered all the treats. I love them so much that I had some glittery, festive-ness on my peanut butter toast today. Using my holiday plates.

One very nice thing about my big stack of thrift store plates is that I don’t have to be gentle with them. They are special, but they aren’t worth anything, so we have been using them daily since Thanksgiving.

Dishes are breakable, so I never want to own any that I am afraid of using. I like plates that I can enjoy.

Birthday Party Decor Without a Trip to the Store

celebrations, Corona virus, cottage, family, flowers, Food and Drink, Sugarwings, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / May 9, 2020

There are many things that social distancing has made more complicated. And hosting a birthday party was one of them. Sugarwings spends time between our household and her mom’s, so our two groups have been able to mingle, but sadly, we could not have other family members over to celebrate with us.

We also couldn’t pop into a store for last minute items, like the balloons that Sugarwings wanted for the table. She loves planning our family parties, and is the one who set this up.

We did have one last package of water balloons leftover from last summer, the kind that come in a big bunch, that you hook up directly to a faucet to fill up.

She could have taken each off its stem and blown it up, but we decided balloons filled with water could be extra fun. We floated them in clear glass bowls and used them as a centerpiece.

There were some banner pieces packed away, but not anything personal, so the Grand Fairy printed some dragons to hang onto the banners. And we agreed that the colorful dragons tied in the color of the balloons to the banners.

But the best part of the meal was the dolce de leche cheesecake that our Hippy Chick spent all afternoon working on. She came over to our house to bake it, and that added to the festive feel of putting a party together.

We missed the rest of our big family, but know that staying away, and staying healthy now means we will be celebrating with them later when all of this ends.

Listen to Your Heart, a class in Deland, FL

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

By Karla Nathan / January 9, 2020

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

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

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

Perfect for Valentine’s Day!

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

Oooh, and the lace! YUMMY!

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

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

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

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

I am not much of a sewer myself…

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

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

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

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

Beauty in Blue

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

By Karla Nathan / November 1, 2019

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

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

She is now “Blue Bonnet Belle”.

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

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

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

ABOUT THIS all inclusive Art Retreat gathering FOR creative women

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

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

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

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

Registration Information

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

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

Click here to register on-line!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, April 5th
Farewell Breakfast

Three published artists will lead you in creating special keepsake projects

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

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

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

Karen’s Classes at the Cottage

bird song art event, dogs, Goldendoodle Puppies, We're having a party, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / September 5, 2019

After our trip up north to the fleas and the deer hunters' camp, we had a workshop at the cottage. Karen taught a class to craft this darling flower fairy, in warm, fall tones. (mine has a moonstone on the end of her magic wand)

Here is her example in pink.

All of the ladies made really cute ones. If you get wonderful supplies, and are shown a wonderful idea, it is easy to come up with something wonderful, right?

Karen really came through with this one.

We had a smaller group, a couple of people couldn't come due to illnesses. So we cozied up on one side of the room with an intimate sized group, relaxed and casual.

Having puppies to hold is a plus for any gathering too.

I hope the guests had as much fun as I did. For me, it was the best!

Now, I just can't wait till A Snowbirds' Song, I love having friends in my studio. This little get together whetted my appetite for more.

By the way, if you would like to see more puppy pictures, please check them out here: https://karlascottage.typepad.com/cottage_doodles/

And if you need a small to medium goldendoodle to snuggle yourself? They are for sale, just contact me.

Sugarwings turns THIRTEEN

celebrations, dogs, Sugarwings, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / August 31, 2019

Sugarwings and my blog are just about the same age. Here is the first photo I posted of her within a week or so of starting the blog. I have no idea how many times I have shown pictures of her here, but there are enough that I know I will pay the fees to keep my blog going long after I am done writing it, just to look back as a journal of my life and of the grand fairies growing up.

Thirteen years.

Really.

That flew by way too fast. But I have always thought that whatever age she is at the time is the best stage ever. Then, I am pleasantly surprised to see just how much fun she is as she gets just a little older. So, I am looking forward to seeing what 13 brings. And 14, 15, 16, on and on. 2 was adorable, but 12? What a blast! I can't wait to watch her grow and just get better and better and better as time goes by.

She has plans to be an oceanographer some day, and wanted her mom to throw an ocean themed party for the birthday bash.

It was just as cute as can be!

The shark was great!

The sea turtle cake was pretty cool too.

The girls started at her Mom's, then flowed to the Double Tree for a swimming/slumber party.

The next morning, after checking out, they came to see me the puppies. (Who am I kidding, this visit was all about the pups!)

All of the dogs were happy to see them.

I was too.

I loved seeing that my girl had such nice friends to spend such a special occasion with her.

If you’d like more info about puppies, there is a blog with their whole story: https://karlascottage.typepad.com/cottage_doodles/

A Summer Solstice Costume Ball

celebrations, family, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / June 30, 2019

My husband’s amazing sister (and my BFF/fellow Disney lover/Birdsong assistant extraordinaire) threw a party.

And not just any party, this was a Summer Solstice costume ball for 150 friends and family that was really and truly a formal ball, not a party.

Oh, and she crafted about a third of the costumes herself, including these two that have twinkle lights embedded in the capes.

Not only was there a fancy, over the top, real life BALL, she had a kids’ party across the hall for the little ones.

With tables full of craft supplies.

Along with multiple door prizes for each kiddo. There were movies, pizza, cookies, games, dancing, and more.

Terry raffled off the big screen TV the movies were shown on as well as the centerpieces for the ball.

We had a photo booth too.

Sugarwings was a butterfly fairy and she made the headdresses for herself and Dewdrop.

Who went as a monarch fairy.

Terry created Guncle Randy’s costume and I helped with the crown he made himself.

She made Guncle Kevin’s too. But our dashing host, Dale, pulled his own together.

Terry not only whipped up this cutey’s penguin suit, she made sure there were stuffed penguins on the prize table for him to snuggle with.

This costume was my fave, not just because I am a fan of the Goblin King from Labyrinth. I loved all of the hand sewn gems and the stolen baby accessory.

She did not make the baby.

Of course, I loved these costumes too!

And the fairies inside the butterfly costumes.

There was magic everywhere that night.

And dancing!

Lots of dancing!

It was a wonderful event.

Thank you, Terry and Dale!

I’ll leave you with some more photos of the fun.

I had so much fun teaching at Karen’s that I invited her to teach here!

bird song art event, fairies, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / February 27, 2019

I just adored my time at the Cozy Castle with Karen Hillman and her guests! So much so, that I needed more time with this fabulous, stylish lady and I invited here to come to see me and teach a class here.

If you’ve spent any time with her, you will understand why I wanted more of her company.

Good idea, huh? She will be creating Felicia theFlower Fairy here on Saturday, April 20th, along with a tutorial on these delectable, sugared violets.

You will be going home with sweet, edible flowers and mint leaves just in time to enhance your holiday goodies on Easter Day.

She is a darling sprite, isn’t she? Here is what Karen has to say about her:

Welcome Spring with Felicity the Flower Fairy!

Mounted on a vintage shaker and posed in a shimmering rose bloom with her flower wand, Felicity will now work her Spring magic making all of the flowers in the world bloom!

All pieces including vintage bisque baby are supplied for you! Just bring anything special of your own if you wish to use such as any small rhinestone bling.

The day will include lunch lunch and treats, as well as a class from me also- details to come. I’m working on prototypes today, but wanted to get the news out as soon as I can since this date is quickly approaching and the classes occur on a holiday weekend.

Class size is very limited, please contact me for more info:

karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

A Lovebird’s Song day at the Cottage

bird song art event, Valentine's Day, We're having a party

By Karla Nathan / January 28, 2019

I had the BEST day!

My studio is always more fun when I fill it with my Peeps.

And all of the creativity that flows from them.

I provide kits that contain everything needed to finish the projects as I have made the prototype, and then I set out a few extras, and encourage the guests to bring their own items to personalize.

And it makes me happy to see what everyone comes up with.

And while there is lots of laughter during the day, it is interesting to see how serious everyone gets at times while working hard to make their pieces.

Even Albie was taking it seriously.

The little dogs love it when the room is full of people ready to hold and pet them. They all got dressed up in their vintage kerchiefs for the occasion.

It is great to see everyone generously sharing with each other too. Many made valentines, purchased treats or cards to fill our gift bags.

(These were from Beth and she used THE GOOD STUFF!)

I set out old fashioned, paper bags with traditional, doily hearts for everyone to add treats too. The hearts feature quotes from Conversation Heart candy, and I made mini versions of the wing project to pin to the bags with cleft note brooches.

My contributions to the sacks included champagne gummy bears, candy, and Peeps.

Sugarwings gave each of the ladies one of handmade, hot glue, rose topped pencils.

Thank you to all of the attendees for spending their time with me at the cottage, for the kindness of the gifts, for the shared laughter.

What nice people!

ABOUT THIS all inclusive Art Retreat gathering FOR creative women

Registration Information

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

Three published artists will lead you in creating special keepsake projects

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