Karla's Cottage

New in the Shop and a super sweet Sunday

In case you hadn't heard, Mary is extending Artist Class by selling the classes individually.  If you'd like to order one or more classes, check here.

Our trip to Virginia was a nice break, that included a lazy Sunday where we just took off for a long drive to see what there was to see.

We ended up in Annapolis, and in this adorable neighborhood.    It was late in the day by the time we got there, so I didn't do much shopping, but that wasn't the purpose anyway.  We were just out looking around, enjoying the sunshine and each other.

And of course, lunch!  We found buttery crab that we could eat while enjoying this view. As delicious as the seafood was, any meal is improved with a view of the water!

Since we got home, I've tried to get caught up with the Boutique and Etsy.

I know, I know, you are waiting for floral wallpapers! I promise, they will be ironed, cut and packed up soon, but that is such a big job, I need an afternoon to devote to it, and today, I was only able to snag a bit of time here and there, so I listed a few little things in both shops. 

Thank you so much for your interest in the gorgeous old papers! I love hearing that you understand and share my fascination with beautiful wallpaper!

In the Boutique, I've added some tussie mussies filled with a prettily packaged bottle brush tree.

And I came across a big stack of vintage Christmas cards, so will be including one with each purchase from either shop.

Some of you asked about the crystal crown rings that I had for sale at Silver Bella. There are some of those in the Boutique now, in assorted sizes.

And I have a few bottle brush trees listed too.

There is more to add, so please keep checking back!

Meet Mr. Wonderful

We have a new little friend here at the cottage. 

Twinks is fascinated by him.

Mr. Wonderful isn't quite as infatuated with her.

He has decided that as long as Twinkle is near by, the best place to be is out of reach.

But they are working on the relationship.

Today was a great day for getting acquainted, its sunny, bright, and beautiful. 

While the two new "frenemies" explored each other's boundaries, I harvested tomatoes for the last time, again.  This is the 4th time I cleared out late tomatoes, thinking it was the end of the line for the plants.  Vine fresh tomatoes aren't a typical side dish for Thanksgiving in Kansas. But it sure will be this year!

I might even be picking flowers from the garden for the table!

(I am out of town a few days, this was pre-posted on Friday)

Treating the Treat Cabinet to a redo

There was a little detour on my way to getting the wallpaper ironed, cut, and sold... I decided to spiff up my studio for Thanksgiving dinner. The treat cabinet was treated to new (old) wallpaper in one of my favorite toile rose patterns.  I thought about indulging myself and using one of the glorious new papers that I bought at Wallpaper Heaven, but decided to go with this, since it was more neutral.  I can change the colors of table clothes, and decor inside this much easier with this background. 

Plus, this goes well with my hand painted roses on the outside of the doors.

Years ago, I got this cabinet by trading $20 piece from a garage sale. Its been a lot of colors and styles since then!

My son helped me rearrange the furniture so that the cabinet was in a location near an outlet and now all the goodies will be illuminated! The room is much more functional this way too, more space to set up tables for dining or for crafting!

This is a before shot, with all my Silver Bella inventory spread out waiting to be transformed into Miss Frenchie inventory.  I gave up and shoved it all in the garage for now and will deal with it after Thanksgiving.

(see the pile of wallpapers, waiting for me to get them ironed and cut?)

The treat cabinet is on the far left, in this picture.

I don't have a completely done After shot for you, but here is one mid-way.   Even with all the clutter spread out, the room seems more stream lined with the furniture moved around, doesn't it?

I've always loved this big china cabinet, but it was facing the front door and was never really that noticeable in the room.  Now, it is front and center.

Actually, that "I've always loved it" is a lie. When I bought it, I freaked out. It was one of those auction moments of pure panic when I realized that I bought a giant monstrosity that was too heavy for me to move, needed a complete makeover, was too big to fit in my van, and I was in trouble.

During the bidding fever, I was so excited to get this for under $50, that I wasn't thinking about what I'd do with it. After trying to remove the glass shelves and scratching the window in the door, and not being able to budge the giant, heavy thing by myself, I actually started to cry right there at Gold River Auction hall. 

Luckily my sons bailed me out with the old farm truck. And luckily the old farm truck made it all the way to Kansas City and back.

Now, I love it!

 
The top shelf of the treat shelf just holds a set of dishes from the same auction ($22). I really should get rid of them, there is no space in the kitchen for them and I could use storage space in the studio for MORE WALLPAPER!

The jar of pink M&Ms with the crown topper was a gift from fellow Bella, Suzanne.  She was the Frozen Charlotte Fairy at Silver Bella and was passing out these sweet dolls on tags all around! (not only was Suzanne generous, she is one of the funniest people you'll meet, and hanging out with her was a highlight of my trip)

The cottage print fan was a gift from Beth. She knows I collect pictures with a cottage and flower garden.  I daydream about living in a home like that, and strive for that meandering, overfilled garden look here at my own farmhouse style cottage.

Beth also knew I'd love this print and brought it to me.  So, I thought I'd share it with you.  Its saturated colors will be beautiful in a project, so feel free to download and print it!  If you get a chance, tell Beth thanks.

My plan for it, is to frame and hang it in the treat cabinet, the colors compliment the old picture of the little girl already hanging there.

Notice that I didn't finish the wallpaper inside the cabinet?  I got close to the corner... I have to admit that I didn't match up my repeat either.  I don't need perfection, sometimes good enough is plenty good for me.  

The painting is a vintage watercolor that didn't have a frame. I taped it to a white framed mirror.

This project from last year's Silver Bella is hung over a mirror in another part of the studio. I love the reflection and light of having lots of mirrors, but get sick of seeing myself in them. This is a good solution!

Back to work for me. But remember, all comments count toward the November Giveaway bundle of trims.

Pink roses and fall leaves?

We  are having amazing weather here. Its been in the 70s and beautiful, good time for raking up some of leaves that are being tracked throughout the house by my dogs.  They are little leaf magnets and must bring in a bushel each every day.

 

We don't bag or burn, instead I push them off into flower beds or into the woods behind the house to naturally decompose.

We'll also scoop up a few trailer loads and throw over the garden fence to enrich the soil there too. But for now, I am still gathering tomatoes from the garden!

We've yet to have a hard enough frost to kill off the flowers and some of the garden plants.  I don't think I've ever had a November when I've had pink roses blooming next to the changing leaves before.

The tomatoes I've brought in aren't all that wonderful, but they are good enough for cooking, so I'm planning home made tomato soup tonight. Maybe with a hand full of wild rice and some spinach thrown in the pot.  

I appreciated all your comments about Aunt Caroline's treasures and want to announce the two winners for the bundles of trim.

Suz Reaney

and

Joanna

 

And since the trims are such a popular thing with so many of you hoping to win some, that I'll offer another bundle for my November Giveaway. These won't be from my Aunt, but are just as nice.  I think you'll like them!

I rarely decorate much for fall, just because my house is not typical fall colors, and because it seems to be so busy around here, I don't get a chance. Here is the total of all the autumn decor, post Halloween flowers on clearance for $1.99 a bunch at the grocery store this week. 

I kind of like the splash of bright color,  and it is reminding me of this November's odd weather.  Fall colors against the pale shades just like in my garden.

Ghostly gowns, grumpy fairies and a dog two ways

Its done! I have the Grumpy Fairy book hand glittered and ready to sell. I've actually listed it in my Boutique and it is available now, if you would like one.

The story is illustrated with my watercolor and ink paintings, then each picture is layered over vintage flocked wallpaper in coordinating colors.

The pages are printed onto high quality, gloss card stock and it is bound in white. I really like the colorful, but soothing palette of colors and took a lot of joy in pulling it all together.

The fairy on the front cover is hand glittered, and I've added a touch or two inside the books too.

You had to guess when you saw this wreath on the bed in the first photo, that this picture would be coming, didn't you??

Beth came along to keep me company today while I glittered books. She worked on some Christmas ornaments in sepia while we chatted.  But first, I helped her with photos of these glorious gown she is listing on Ebay.  We have had some cold weather, but no hard frost yet, so the flower bed in the center of my drive way is still blooming a bit.  We thought it made a pretty setting for the prom dresses.

YUM!

Isn't the skirt on this one about as frothy as a concoction can be?

After taking the pics, we had some fun with Picnik, and made this one ghostly. It was done in "ghostify". 

This photo was retouched with "vampire scope", but I don't think it is actually spooky, just a cool look. I hope that these applications are available after Halloween, too, I really like this one. I used it on the ruffles above too. 

I'd better get back to glittering. Too bad I can't just photo edit that in....

And remember, if you want to win one of my Grumpy Fairy books, I'll be giving one away next weekend as the gift  for my October Giveaway.

All comments, all month count.  And I also want to thank so many of you for the kind, kind words you sent my way. I needed that.

Altered muffins/ altered dolls

Today, I had a mini craft day with my friend, Angie.  I'd made some muffins for us, and we talked for hours, while we worked.  It sure brightened up our gray, cold, rainy afternoon!

I used a box mix for the treats, but changed it up a bit:

One box of cinnamon muffin mix

2 eggs

1-1/2 cup organic cinnamon applesauce

1 cup of dried mix fruits (blueberry, cranberry, cherry)

1 cup of roasted sunflower seeds

3/4 cup milled flax seed

Angie had brought some old French postcards, that we scanned, printed, and glued to some little wooden plaques that I spray painted cream.  They have a touch of glitter to them too, but it doesn't show much in the photo.

And look at the vintage glitter that she gave to me!!! I love the can it comes in, too.  She says she also has a giant vat of OLD german silver glitter that she will bring over next week.  Can you hear me squealing with joy??

My job today was dollie do-overs. 

(Isn't the lamp fab?)

Over the last couple of years, I have been collecting neglected, old, washed up beauties to rejuvenate.

Don't you think that the girl in the back probably resents the one in the front? If they were sisters, she'd be the big boned, "handsome" one who watched her flirty little sis attract all the men.

I really should have gotten a before pic of this bride. She was so spooky looking, that I was tempted to use her as a Halloween decoration as she was. 

I did get a before of one of the pink dolls, and wrote up a step by step how to for the makeovers. I'll post that Friday if you are interested.

Also, geez, here it is mid October and I haven't announced the OCTOBER GIVEAWAY yet!!

Don't worry, I thought  of something fun for you.  Remember, all comments, all month count, there is always a monthly giveaway. I was just so busy with other stuff, I forgot. But I have it figured out, how about one of my GRUMPY FAIRY books?

I've figured out the printing problems and will have some ready to sell soon.  As thanks for all your inquiries and interest (and patience!) I'll give one away in October to a commenter.

In the Sunflower Fairy House

Thanks for your interest in Mary's

Artist Class, I'm looking forward to not only my part in the class, but doing the projects that others will be teaching too.  Not all the projects are listed yet, but she is planning 12, plus daily tips, tricks, and techniques.

Here is the $10 discount code that you can use to sign up for ALL TWELVE of the offered classes, plus be included in all of the prize drawings I will have to offer. 

karlascottage

Thanks for using my code for if you sign up!  

Personally, I am way beyond swamped right now, getting ready for Silver Bella, but I plan on catching up with all the Artist Class projects after the holidays. That is the joy of having an online class, I can look through them all in my jammies, late at night, whenever I get a chance to, not on someone else's schedule. 

Of course, knowing me, I won't wait.  I spend way too much time on the computer and will be too curious and excited about it all to wait "until I have time". Because "until I have time" is kind of like saying "once upon a time, in a land far, far away".

It is FICTIONAL.  I never have time!!  And never will have time to do what I want, but heck, I just do it anyway and it all works out somehow.

 Of course, there is always time for Sugarwings! But then, she might be the reason why I don't seem to have as much time for other things...

When I drive her out to school, I love to linger and look around. The gardens and the play yard are so creative and fun!  They grow food and flowers for the local farmers market and the huge (organic) garden is the first thing you see when you get out of your car. 

As the looming sunflowers died out for the year, they were bundled up into a tee pee for the kids to play in, and Sugarwings calls it her fairy house.

And this thatched roof play house makes me feel like I am on Gilligan's Island.  Or Survivor. Which is on tonight, and I have my fingers crossed that the evil troll man goes home. 

How is that for a jungle gym?  It makes me want to climb and play on it!  I love that this school is against big plastic junk toys. They focus on all natural materials and lots of imagination.

She loves her school, and as much as I miss her during the day, I know this is a good place for her. Plus, I'm enjoying the short drive out to the countryside to get her there and back, its a reminder to me to stop and appreciate my surroundings and realize how lucky I am to live in such a pretty area.

And of course, I always know how lucky I am to have this pretty baby in my life.

Back to normal

Its so nice to have everything back to normal, with Twinkle home.  Sugarwings is no longer telling everyone "Toto has wunned away" and the two of them are happy to be reunited.  Since she is convinced that she is Dorothy, she has also decided that Twinks must be Toto.  Which works out fine, because she can't say "Twinkle", she always says "Ankle" instead.

Yes, Toto sounds like a cuter name than Ankle. And that dog will answer to anything.

Thank you for all of your kind words about my little dorkie taking off.  I really don't deserve them, it was ALL MY FAULT.  Poor dog. But, she is home now and I am making sure she stays this time.

Over the weekend, I finally broke my losing streak in hat gathering. Lately, I've not done well at all, and Beth reminded me that I had created my own shortage by buying all the hats up in the surrounding area.  But I did manage to find a few this weekend and might be able to reclaim my hat whisperer title. I thought I'd have to retire it, I'd been on such a long dry spell of hatlessness.

Most are already stripped naked and packed up, ready to fly out of here.  I love this little bouquet of about a dozen white flowers with a scattering of purple velvet posies. When I saw the hat with those next to the ugly green and orange hat, I knew that together, they'd be great for Halloween decor or crafting.

It was an estate sale blast this weekend!  One here in my town was amazing, a beautiful, newer home on the golf course isn't usually the place to find old things, but it was jammed with a lifetime of great stuff. I was so surprised to see all of it. I was glad I didn't blow it off, like I normally would a house in that neighborhood.  I bought boxes and boxes of sheet music and a big stack of these spooky old napkins. So, I made up little craft kits with some of these things and have them listed here.

On Friday, I explored the unexpected treasures at the country club house, and made a big haul.  Then, Beth invited me to Kansas City to shop with her on Saturday. And how could I turn that down? She is an estate sale master and knows where to go, what to avoid, and how to find the best deals.  Plus, I was still an emotional wreck from the Twinkle-less week and wasn't feeling too creative. I thought some more shopping therapy could help.

And of course, it did!  Isn't a bit of junking is good for the creative soul?  Sometimes, buying some new, old crap is just what I need to get me wanting to hunker down in the studio and work away.

I'll be getting out the jewelry making supplies and playing with all the rhinestones that I've been lucky enough to find lately. 

Don't you think that this picture is just trying too hard?  Its a great example of Photo Styling Gone Bad.  Too much loot, too much trying make it look cute in a picture. Just because I found pink Christmas lights, does it mean you really need to see them?

 Sometimes I wonder about how I spend my time....  I'd better go do something productive, I'm off to the jewelery making tools and getting to work!

And don't forget, if you want to win some vintage jewels, you still have till the 30th to enter by leaving a comment on any post.

French Ephemera is a handy thing to have around.

Craft day was not only fun, but productive, that is just the best.  We had a nice lunch (aren't pitch in meals the most fun?  I enjoy the variety of what everyone brings) then a walk on the Fairy Berry Trail before getting to work.

When I went to Savannah during Jenn's retreat
I found a French magazine from 1901 that I fell in love with, but felt like it was way to expensive to buy. My pal, Tiffany, got one and reminded me that the price averaged out to only $2.50 per page, so I splurged and bought one.  Now that I am doing a swap with these friends from our trip to Georgia, I am so glad I bought the magazine, the cafe au' lait cover was perfect for the center of these medallions I am making with all of their initials.

This side of the swap page is all vintagey goodness.  Old crepe paper, and ribbon, wallpaper, and millinery. And of course, the cool, French ephemera.  The only new thing on this, is the initial.  I cut diamond shapes (thanks for the shape idea, Marilyn!) out of parchment card stock and drew the initials in metallic inks and markers.

I was so enthralled by my new trick of making these, that I used one as a label on this package wrapped up for another Silver Bella swap. (the glue is still wet in this photo)

These medals, or medallions might be cute made into pins too...

Like I don't have anything else to do.  Today, I am mudding the new dry wall for a mini remodeling project and tonight I'll be painting the walls as they dry.   Tomorrow, I am having a group of friends over for breakfast and we are making a few charms.

And of course, it is the hey day of the garden season.  Last night, we picked a couple sinks full of tomatoes, so I made up a LOT of sauce to freeze. 

Its Sugarwing's job to pick the littlest tomatoes and put them in her bucket.  They seem to get dumped in and out a lot, but if a few get stepped on here and there, it doesn't really matter. I'm being over run with tomatoes anyway, I kind of feel like stepping on a few myself. It would be that many less to clean, cook, and freeze.

One of our plans was to make and can salsa.  Somehow, it just is not happening. We have the ingredients, just not the time to learn how to can.

Ah, aren't gardens wonderful? I might complain about how much work it is, but I am loving the results! 

But now, I have something to really complain about, I have to go and do dry wall mud. ugh.

A bonus giveaway to share the joy

Yesterday was such a good day! One for the record books.



* Lovely weather



* Family helping with yard work, getting things trimmed and tidied, and enjoying being outside together



* A bonus of a few extra, unexpected hours to play with Sugarwings



* The look of joy on my fairy grand baby's face when she saw the new additions to the Fairy Berry Trail



* A thoughtful, surprise gift in the mail from a reader (thank you, Susan!!)



* Giant mums in bloom, on sale for only $5.99 (I bought 6!)



* A delicious meal whipped up from our garden, by my son



* The happy anticipation of getting ready for the big family reunion this weekend



* A furry friend, who is always happy even when I have to pick tons of burrs from her silky hair.
 

* Time to spend in the studio making up some pretties

.

It was one of those days that make me happy and grateful for my life.

It was such a good day, that I wanted to share some of my good luck, and draw two names for the August giveaway instead of just one.  Plus, I realized it was my SIX HUNDREDTH post.

So, here are the two winners, each get one of these hand painted charms.

 
BEV- No last name, but here is the comment itself (how sweet, too!)

8/13- Just wanted you to know that your postings always make my day...thank you for your gentle words and your delightful photos...

Bev, please email me with your address!!

And the second winner is:

Gabrielle

Yep, yesterday was a beautiful day, and you know, today is starting off pretty good too.  Hope yours is also!