Karla's Cottage – Page 251

Introducing Little Star, Millie, Tinker Bella, Trinket, Micah, and Glitter

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), swaps, vintage paper/collage art, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / February 5, 2009

Oh my, we sure had some entries for the Name the Puppy contest! Hundreds of cute names came in. Thanks so much, I enjoyed reading all the names and wished I had a dozen more pups to name. (but that would also mean a dozen more to mop up after too, so maybe not)

It was hard to select winners, so many were so good! But here it goes-

This little girl is Little Star and was named by Sugarwings.

Meet Millie, named by Carla for one of my favorite things in the world, millinery flowers.

And of course, I had to have a BELLA, but even better, how about Tinker Bella??? Don't you love that?? The winner for this one is Cheryl.

Sissy was the winner for this girl, her name is now Trinket.

The teeniest, tiniest puppy of them all is going to be called Micah. As in a shiny little flake of glitter! How perfect for her. The winner for this name is Jingle.

And Adeline Grace suggested Glitter. That seemed to suit this itty bitty princess.

All of the girls are modeling the heart charms that will go to the ladies who named them. If you are a winner, please send me your address, unless you are in the Puppy Love swap, and I will just add your charm to the package when I mail them out this weekend.

The last two babies are nestled into more gifts from Puppy Love swappers! Can you believe the goodies?? Tomorrow, the fairy grand baby and I are having our dress up Tea Party and opening presents together. She is very excited, especially when she saw the Tinkerbell tag on one of her packages.

Twinks can't bear me taking photos of her babies and not her, so I indulged her with this shot. I'm redoing a high chair for Sugarwings, here it is in progress. Of course, don't let Twinks know the picture is of the chair, not her.

The packages are coming in fast and furious now! I hope to make up the tag books over the weekend.

This tag swap has made me pay attention to the wall behind the bench in my studio. I've had a bad habit of hanging whatever I just found at a garage sale, or just painted, onto any old nail that was already there, over the years. But, standing at the table, sorting tags and facing the wall, made me realize how blah and unattractive it was.

Natasha, Heather and I had a discussion once about framing wallpaper as art, the three of us love it so much, we all thought it was lovely enough on its own to be framed. I finally got around to doing just that. I'm still foofing and not quite done. I want to add more small frames of wallpaper to the center of the big frames. Maybe hung on velvet ribbons? Or I might still go with the sepia photo idea. Or old post cards? But I do LOVE just wallpaper. Ooh, I could add some Millinery flowers!!!!!!

Good thing the puppies don’t hold still much

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Miss Frenchie's, Sugarwings, swaps, the Boutique at Karla's Cottage, vintage paper/collage art, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / February 4, 2009

Today is the last day for naming a puppy. There sure have been some good ones, choosing will be hard. Some are almost too good to give to a puppy that will be leaving me in a few weeks! There are names in the list that I want to give to a dog that I will keep forever!

Beth and I had a fun craft day yesterday, and she brought a Valentine ribbon to tie around this little one's neck. Of course, the minute I put her (the dog, not Beth) back in the Puppy Pond, she was turned into an object of tug-o-war and her sissies pulled off the ribbon and are still playing with it today.

Besides making up little heart shaped "Puppy Love" tags for the swap, I spent the craft day covering anything that didn't move with vintage wallpaper.

In honor of Miss Frenchie's sale (April 17th), I lined the drawer of this shelf with a page from an old French dictionary.

And speaking of Miss Frenchie's, here are some new additions to our group there, as well as new additions to the blog world! Three Shabby Chicks have a beautiful new blog, go by and tell them I sent you to say hi! They only have two posts up so far, but you can tell by looking at them, that they will have pretty things to come.

Back to my quest to paper the world- isn't this old silverware box great with the top wallpapered? The interior is a perfect match for the pink of the roses too.

Maybe I should name this pup "Vanna White" she is great at showing off the products.

Beth and I debated over these metal boxes I covered. We both thought it needed something. I decided that they should be left as is for now, what they need is a label stating what is stored inside. And for now they are empty. But the vintage cards I glued to the front have the PERFECT place to write on when they do find a purpose. I think I will take these to Miss Frenchie's sale too. I used more of the French dictionary pages here too. I wonder if I should come up with a pretty word in French to add to the labels before I take them in to sell? Or leave them blank for the new owner to label themselves?

What do you think?

Know any pretty French storage type words??

These bits and pieces of old sewing goods and trims were just listed in the boutiquetonight, while I listened to Lost. I got a good over view of the program, but will go back and watch it on TIVO later tonight, and of course I will watch Idol on TIVO too. Yes, pathetic soul that I am, I watch it TWICE in a night.The first time, I am usually working and listening (and tonight, it was while opening some of that package avalanche I have been expecting) so I watch it a 2nd time to actually sit down and see what is going on.

Top Chef is looking good too. Gotta love Wednesdays! And of course, Thursdays. Although Mondays aren't so shabby either.

OOOOOOHHH, that reminds me!!!!!!! Did you hear about Rachael Ashwell??? She is declaring bankruptcy. I hope all works out for her business, I'd miss all the gorgeousness.

Of course, I have plenty of gorgeousness right here. Little Miss Sugarwings is awful nice to look at. She is being sweet and cuddly tonight, her Daddy, isn't feeling well, so she is snuggling up to make him feel better. And to keep them company is a fluffy puppy that came in a red felt Valentine purse from Stephanie Oyler. Thanks, Stephanie, she really is enjoying it!

Stephanie's gift was part of the avalanche of swap goods (this is about half the stuff!). You can't tell from this photo, but I am being very organized with this swap. Even Beth, the account, said she was proud of me for keeping track of everything.

I have a check list on the table where I mark if the address was included, then I slip the address itself into an envelope and mark down if the postage was included and put the money on the pile of dollars. Tags get counted and marked off the list, then go into the large wire basket. All ribbons and tissues and boxes and bubble wrap are "harvested" for reuse. I recycle!

On the wall, is another project I started today. Remember the soffit in the studio that I covered in rose and floral wallpapers? On this side of the studio, I decided to feature flocked, neutral colored papers in old frames I painted different shades of white. Its not done yet. I might add some sepia toned photos. And more small frames to fill in.

Well, it is time for the Top Chef judging table and I have to be able to look into Tom's eyes for this. I've got a slight crush on Chef….

Oh, quickly before I miss Chef's eyes- Beth brought me these wrought iron pieces!! Love them!

How noisy would a pocket full of puppies be?

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, fairies, swaps, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / February 3, 2009

You know that avalanche of packages I am expecting? Well, it will be a big one, because I am expecting over 30 this week, and today only one came and yesterday's mail just brought two! My friend, Carla sent her tags wrapped up so sweetly. See why it is fun to open these boxes???

My mom used to watch for the mail man everyday like it was a major event. I used to tease her about it, she wasn't ever really expecting anything but bills, and flyers. Now, with all these packages coming to me, post time is becoming the highlight of my day too! My kids were teasing me about watching for the mail lady.

(art work bySara)

Of course, with these guys now living in the studio, I have plenty of distractions to take my mind off the mail.

Uhm, maybe I need something to distract me from posing pups in odd places? Actually, they seem to enjoy it, and are always pretty pleased to be the one singled out for extra attention. Twinkle simply can't understand why on Earth anyone would point the camera at anyone but her, though.

Thanks for all the puppy names! Keep them coming, every time I have a fave, another good one comes along. And remember, if there are duplicates, those comments will be pulled from a hat to break the tie.

Details on the contest here.

I've added some new things to the Boutique

And toEtsy as well. Aren't these photos wonderful? I love that they were mounted onto pastel cards, not the typical dark colored ones I usually see. I did save a couple to make something with them myself, but kind of think that I like the idea of just laying them in a bowl on the table, not even making them into anything else.

Although, it is hard for me to NOT foof….

Today should be fun, I am making Valentines with Beth. Then going to a movie night with the girls. I wonder if I can sneak a pocket full of puppies into the theater with me??

I’m a Winner too!!!!!!!!!!

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, flowers, give away, how to's, swaps, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / February 2, 2009

AND THE WINNER IS—ME!!!!!!! Well, it sure feels like I am a big time winner, you should see all the pretties that have come in the mail to me this week!

Honestly, these are wrapped too pretty to open. Sugarwings and I will have a dress up tea party together and wear our floral hats and open the pile of pressies together when she comes over at the end of the week. For, now, I am enjoying the lovely wrappings!

So many of our Puppy Love Tag book swappers have sent in lovely gifts, I just don't know where to start in thanking everyone. Tons of generosity and thoughtfulness is filling up my mailbox along with all the beautiful tags!

These gifts are a sweet bonus to the fun of doing the swap. I am slightly overwhelmed. Well, more than slightly… Bowled over is more like it.

But I absolutely do not want to give you the wrong idea, that gifts are required or expected when you send in your packages of tags!! Or any other swap I host.

So, I want to thank ALL of the swappers who joined in to trade tags, and let you know how much I appreciate the effort that each and every one of you has made to put these cute books together. And yes, they are going to be really cute. I love the ones I have seen so far!

And I have to say, if you have never hosted a swap before, you should give it a try. Anticipating the mail lady's arrival each day, opening up the boxes and packages to admire the tags, meeting all these talented artists, it has just been a blast.

The reason I like this swap so much, is that it is collaborative. It does mean extra work for me, but it is worth it to see all the creations all togther and in person. I don't care for one on one swaps, (even though I was paired with GREAT swappers and got cool returns on what I sent in, when I have done some!!) I've heard horror stories of swaps gone bad, but with this type of swap, if one person doesn't come through with their portion, no one is left in the lurch without a partner. (like I said, it didn't happen to me, but I have talked to people that it did happen to)

The deadline for tags to be in is Feb. 5th and I will be showing you some pictures of the books as I put them all together. I'd say about half are in already, so I should have an avalanche of packages coming in filled with tags in the next few days!

In the middle of receiving the first 30 or so bundles of tags, I got these gifts in the mail from two different blog contests that I won! The millinery flowers (YUM!) are from Andrea and the sugared house is from Side of the Road. Thanks, ladies!

Oh, but you are probably interested in who won the January prize from me, huh? I keep running on about me and my gifts, well, here is one for you- and it goes to:

Mahala

And hey, she is a Puppy Love swapper!

Don't forget, we are still having the Name That Puppycontest going till Feb. 5th, so leave a comment on the previous post if you want a chance to win a milliefiori heart charm and name one of my furry little buddies.

This heart is a leaded and beveled glass one that I foofed and spiffed with vintage wallpaper and a red velvet flower. I'm going to list it in my Boutique tonight.

Today was mostly paper work and boring crap, no time to make anything at all, but I did get a few millinery craft packs listed on the boutique.

Oh, and I fixed up this gumball machine that I found at the Goodwill a few days ago. I've never been an orange fan, but that was an easy change.

All it took was a can of "Ballerina Slipper" pink spray paint, sandpaper and white acrylic paint. After a coat of sprayed on pink, I roughed it up with the sandpaper, and dry brushed a hint of white over the top. Its now filled with yogurt raisins and sits in the studio so that Sugarwings and I can have a snack when we need a boost of energy during those big play dough projects!

(artwork by Tiffany)

The puppies are up and running now, well kind of. If you'd like to see a video of them on Flickr to help inpire a name for them, please check it out here. But please keep in mind, that I thought the camera was off when it really wasn't and the second puppy video has me talking baby talk to one of them (and sounding like a doof).

Name that Puppy

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), give away, Sugarwings, swaps, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 29, 2009

Ready to Name the Puppy? We have six little Dorkie Princesses, and 5 of them need to be named. One is already called "Little Star" (as in Twinkle Twinkle). I'm asking your help in picking names for the rest.

Keep in mind, their Mommy is named Twinkle, their auntie is Sparkle and their owner is Sugarwings. That might be a little hint about what kind of names we like around here. Well, actual that I like. My husband doesn't really care for standing on the porch and calling "here Twinkle, here Sparkle!"

For inspiration, here are some close ups of the little fuzz balls.

And the contest rules:

1-ON THIS POST leave a comment with a name choice.

2-You can enter more than once, but please enter separate names in separate comments, and only on THIS post.

3-I will pick 5 names that I like for prizes. If there are duplicates, I will write the names of the commenters onto slips of paper and have Sugarwings draw the winner.

4-A very pretty hat will be used to hold the slips of paper!

5-The prizes are glass, heart shaped, millifiori charms.

Deadline? Hmmm, how about one week from today?

That is Thursday, February 5th.

There has been a lot of interest in helping me with names, so please, if you have mentioned one previously, add it to THIS post!! You have given me some good ones already, so I'd like for you to have a chance to win a prize for helping out.

Prizes are fun for me. I have to tell you, I get so much back from my readers, that I just feel like I want to do something in return. So I try to always have some gifts for you, such as my regular monthly drawing and other little giveaways here and there.

There will be a prize for Valentine's Day, also, since that is my TWO YEAR blogaversery. Has it only been two years?? And what did I do with all my time before I discover the blog world?

My 500th post is coming up soon, as well as my 15,000th comment. Oops, scratch that, I just looked to see how close it was and I passed it!! Thanks everyone for all your kind comments, I do love to hear from you, even though I don't always answer, or I do answer and the email gets bounced back to me. There are a few of you out there who have never gotten the email answers I send and you still keep commenting, even though you must think I am rude. Thanks for coming back anyway!

I'm also close to 500,000 views. My gosh, what a surprise. Who ever thought, 2 years ago when I started this ramble, that any one at all would even look at it. Thanks so much to those of you who come to visit and keep me company here. Working as an artist can be a solitary adventure, it is nice to know that company is always just a click away when I need a break.

Tell you what, I will go back and see who was # 15,000 and send her one of these pretty little hearts too.

Be right back…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

I'm back, and the winner is:

Diane

Here is her comment:

Diane, please contact me with your address. And thanks so much to all of you who comment. I always like to hear from you.

Here is a reminder of the prize for January. There will be some more Valentine themed gifts coming for the 500th post and the anniversary too.

I have some gifts that I was sent as part of the Puppy Love swap to show you too. Swappers are generous souls and not only are they sending me pretties, but Sugarwings has some to open too!

My fairy grand baby is head over heels, crazy about the puppies herself. She has adopted them as her "babies" and likes to give them rides in her carriage. Which is better than squeezing them with joy, this is a nice compromise that the puppies appreciate.

Thanks again to everyone who has left such nice comments and to all of you who come by to visit. Also to those of you who take the time to join in my swaps and make them so much fun. Now, start thinking up puppy names!

Am I losing it?

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, fairies, Food and Drink, holiday decor, paintings, parties, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 29, 2009

Even puppies agree- there is nothing more cuddly than a puppy! These guys are hugging each other.

And they aren't the only ones who feel this way. We had a "Puppy Party" yesterday, and my friends brought their kids over for cookies and milk after school, to hug puppies. I'd say these pups will grow up to be well socialized and kid friendly. A lot of small dogs don't like small people and can be afraid of kids. But these little ones have been handled by kids since the day they were born and should grow up to be outgoing, friendly dogs.

Typically, I don't post recipes, because I make stuff up as I go along when cooking. But I was soooo happy with these cookies that I paid attention to how I made them, so I could tell you- here it goes:

Kansas Style Oatmeal Scotchies

MELT one cup (organic) butter

mix with a beater, the butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar, one cup natural sugar

add 2 (organic) eggs, a teaspoon of real vanilla, and continue mixing with the beater

In a separate bowl, fluff together:

1 cup whole wheat (organic) flour

1/2 cup flax seed

3 cups instant oats

dash of sea salt

1 teaspoon of baking soda

Stir the dry ingredients with the liquid mixture and then add 1 cup butterscotch chips and a cup of sunflower seeds (the Kansas State Flower, of course!)

Roll in balls and bake for 11 minutes on a non stick cookie sheet at 350

I made half on one of those air-bake pans and half on just a plain cookie sheet and honestly, the air bake pan was much better. I don't use it often because it is too big to fit into my dishwasher, but I will re-think that one, it does make a difference. The cookies on it were more evenly cooked and crisper.

What I liked about these cookies, was that I could lie to myself and pretend they were good for me. Sunflower seeds, flax seed, and organic ingredients made me totally overlook the butter, sugar and chips! I only used about half the amount of chips usually called for too, so that made me think I could eat twice as many.

While the kids were here, we started the Puppy naming contest. I took down their ideas and began a list. Are you ready to play? Here is Puppy #1, the first born and the tiniest. I'll get some photos of the other 5 girls and in my next post, you can start sending in the names. Details upcoming.

I've added my hand painted fairy box to my Etsy Shop.

The inside was in amazing shape for an old box. The exterior showed the wear you'd expect, but I wonder if anything was ever stored in it? The interior was about perfect. Of course, I had to foof anyway, I used flocked wallpaper, millinery flowers, crystals, all my faves on this little "royal emblem".

This box is listed in my Boutique. I plan on using both stores and going back and forth. Here is my criteria to decide which store to list what in (besides wanting a variety in each)- if the item looks better in a non-square shape, the photo will go in the boutique. If it needs more than the 3 photos allowed on the website, it will go in Etsy.

Okay, now if this post isn't already random enough, here is more. Am I going crazy? Lately my computer screen has been speaking to me through comment word verifications. Does this mean I am schizo? I don't actually hear it talk, if that makes a difference. Sometimes the words are very clear, like this one, "BLESS". Other times, they take some deciphering.

Like this one. To me, it says "mothering".

I might just be losing it. First, an actual, written recipe, not guesses and abouts, actual measurements. And now my computer trying to get messages to me?

The January Giveaway (finally)- you still have time to enter

antiques/junking, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, fairies, swaps, vintage paper/collage art, yorkies

By Karla Nathan / January 26, 2009

The babies have moved into their new home and are now my studio buddies during the day.

When I go to work, they will come with me and play in the "Puppy Pond". So far, they are just barely contemplating the idea of running and playing, they still prefer their nest. At least they have the option now! In a few days, they will be glad to attempt to wander out and have some fun.

There is already a difference in their expressions. I can see some recognition when they look at me. And some interest in people, not just in their Mommy.

Fun times are ahead! I'm ready for them to come running to the edge of the Puppy Pond every time they hear me coming. Its such a wonderful feeling!

The movie date with my sweetheart was nice, but the movie should have been a rental instead. It wasn't exactly the best of the "Underworld" series. My husband didn't care for it much, he only goes to see these vampire movies with me because of Kate Beckinsale and she wasn't in this one.

I made time this morning to list this Valentine's Bird on Etsy, and also had a chance to create some thing, even with the distraction of puppies in the studio!

I bought two of these little jewel boxes on my last junking trip, knowing they would be perfect for foofing up as a Valentine piece.

This one is topped with a little Fairy painting I did a while back. The inside is pale pink and I dooded it up too, with old wallpaper, millinery and a glittered crown. I'd show you, but the glue is still wet and if I open it, it would fall apart.

When it dries, I'll get some pictures and list it in my boutique.

While I am on a Valentine's kick, I thought I'd offer this tussy mussy full of treats as my January giveaway.

The image on the front is a gift from one of the Puppy Love Tag Book swappers, Ruth. Thanks for the thoughtful gifts, Ruth, I'm already making use of them!

All comments from the first of the month are entered. All comments, all month long. (that is the easiest way for me to handle it!!)

Curious puppy not included…

Love Birds

Etsy Goodies, vintage paper/collage art

By Karla Nathan / January 25, 2009

Wow, I actually made time to make things yesterday!!!!! It felt so good. Seems like I have been busy with so many other things lately that there has been very little time to be creative.

These love birds were something I had been wanting to do for a while. The had been on my desk since way before Christmas, when I thought they might be a tree decoration. Since I waited so long, I had to tweak my recipe and add a pinch of Valentine's glitz when I finally got around to foofing them up. I like them even better this way, so am glad I waited. sold thanks!

And I REALLY, REALLY needed some time to work on pretties. I've had the fairy grand baby a few extra hours here and there, which is a pleasure, but still…. I have to have my pretty time too. Especially when she decides to pretend her diaper is full of playdoh, not typical diaper goo and tries sculpting with it all over her crib. Yes, that certainly called for some recovery time afterward.

one left, thanks

One thing that I like to do, when I don't have time to actually make something, is to make up kits for others to make something with. There is something about sorting the colors and handing the vintagey pieces that is soothing. It is almost as good as creating the piece myself! Well, not quite the same, but still, its comforting to pull together coordinating packs of pretty things.

Especially after putting in so much time cleaning and rearranging my studio, chasing a fairy baby, and deciphering how to set up a web site!

both sold, thanks!

And I just love to play with the old wallpapers. I made up a few packs for the Boutique at Karla's Cottage and also decided to restock my Etsy page. It has a way to go yet. I like to keep about 50 items for sale in it, and after adding a few and "cleaning it up" I'm not even half way to where it needs to be. There are a lot of sale prices on the Etsy page, as well as new wallpaper packs and the "Love Birds".

The Boutique also got a cleaning up. Thanks to you guys, there were a lot of "SOLD" items to delete! Thanks so much!!!

I added a lot of new things while spiffing around in there too.

Some were kits that I could play with and pull together from my stash, but others were "Flea Market Finds".

Aren't these shell flowers cute? I remember when my Grandma Smith used to make them. She'd paint hers with red nail polish when they were done. I wish I had one of her old shell roses.

sold, thanks!

There is one more item that needs to be listed in the shop, another Valentine Love Bird with a heart and key. But I am out of time, will have to get to it later. My own sweet, love bird of a husband is taking me on a date. We are going to see the new werewolf/vampire movie that is out. He sure knows the key to my heart, doesn't he?

Sugarwings and the puppy

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 23, 2009

Sugarwings and the puppy
Originally uploaded by Karla's Cottage

Sugarwings found the tutu that I bought for her from Holly up at Silver Bella Vendor night, and has worn it all day today.
I thought I'd do an experimental video from Flickr. Please let me know if you had any issues with it or if it slowed down my blog? Here is another one, if you want to see the little Fariy grandbaby showing off her tutu. She's pretty pleased with it. http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlascottage/3220199271/

I'm going to try to get some more items added to the Boutique at Karla's Cottage. Like this crackled glaze collage in an old frame. Thanks so much for your shopping trips to see me! sold thanks

Now, I hear Sugarwings stirring over the baby moniter, I don't think she is going to nap after all. Maybe I won't get that picture listed in the shop until later tonight…..

Sunshine??? Honestly??!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), Etsy Goodies

By Karla Nathan / January 22, 2009

What a day! It is in the 60's and we are taking full advantage of this gift of sunshine. Sugarwings got to go to the park and the babies got to go outside for the first time in short lives.

Looks like the bright day and the interesting new sights and smells made this princess attempt to play with that tiny spotted creature she stumbled across.

Playing didn't last long. A few moments of looking around, squeaking, and tripping over wood chips, and these guys had enough.

Then, it was time to curl up for a nap in the soft, lamb's ear.

I hope these pups enjoyed their outing, tomorrow, the temps go back down to the 20s. I know I have enjoyed every second of this glimpse of sunshine, and will certainly miss it tomorrow. It has inspired me to do some spring cleaning and right now, I have my studio turned upside down while the fairy grand baby and the passel of pups are napping.

I have also used the sunshine to get some photos taken and got more flowers and brooches listed in my shop. If I can finish cleaning my studio in a decent time, I'll try to take sunshiny photos of wallpaper packs and get them listed too.

Thanks again to everyone who visited my Boutique! I hope you'll be coming back?

doll and large brooch sold, thanks