Karla's Cottage

Goofing around with friends

TheOtherKarla, Beth, and I had a fun afternoon at the Old West Bottoms antique district. I didn't buy anything, but Karla, who isn't a junker found a few things.

Even without buying  much, we still had lots of laughs and a lively time.  Beth and I thought this walkway under the bridge was a gorgeous photo op, Karla didn't quite agree, but indulged us. See the people in the distance? They were there for a while, doing photos, with the young girl leaping into the air and posing quite prettily. I enjoyed watching them.

And insisted on doing it myself. 

Not as prettily though.

And I didn't achieve much air.

While we had plenty of goofiness, I think that we ended up with a couple of nice pics too. The structure was a cool backdrop.

As we left, we saw a gaggle of dapper guys in suits headed over for a photo shoot too.  I wonder if this area is a well known KC spot to pose?  

 

Snowday Adventures with the Pack

We had the most perfect snow!

No roads were closed, the temps barely got below freezing, there wasn't a hint of wind.  I could get behind winter if snow days were always like this.

We had a great time in the woods with the dogs, and I really enjoy watching the interplay between the pups.  They are slowly, but surely becoming a "pack", not just a bunch of dogs that live together.

While Albie isn't exactly lovey dovey with the Bigs, he participates in outdoor hunts with them and they have a routine, where he checks underneath the roots, while they scout out the upper level.

He is pretty proud of being one of the big dogs and works hard to keep up.

Actually, he is pretty much on the sidelines, and they don't even acknowledge his help. I don't think he notices, he feels like he is in on all of the action. Twinkle, on the other hand, knows she isn't invited and watches from a few feet away when something important needs to be dug up or chased.

Albie never misses a move, and keeps a close eye on what is happening, in case he is called upon.

He may be delusional, but he is happy.

Over time, we have come a long way with the relationships.  And now, on the other end of the learning curve that time created, Twinkle is becoming a Senior dog, and losing her vision.  Out in our woods, we have to keep an eye on her so she doesn't wander off and can't find us.

Not that we would ever consider leaving her behind! These walks in the woods are her happiest times.

She isn't the only one who loves them!

Me too.

 

A Lovebird's Song book for Beth

I've been busy as can be, putting kits together for not one but two classes, here at the cottage on Jan. 26 and in Florida at Karen's on Feb. 16th.

Actually, it ends up being 4 classes, two on each day.  And I wanted to switch up this "Pages Through Time" autograph book a little bit for the workshop at my home.  So, I've made an example of it with the slight changes.  The pictured one is just a little thicker than the actual pattern will be, since this book goes to my BFF, Beth. She is going to help out that day and is going to work on the premade book, creating examples of interior pages for the other attendees.  

I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with. I always learn good tricks from her!

 

 

A pretend Christmas gift

My husband loves recliners.  I hate them, but love him.  

We found a compromise! I love these chairs- and they recline!!

They are from Pottery Barn (typically out of my budget, but these were worth it).  They have velvet fabric in a neutral tone, and each are big enough to hold an adult watching a show with a grand fairy next to them.

Much bigger than what I'm used to in this cottage, but I think they will fit just fine when the trees are down, those take up some space.  I ordered them a couple of months ago, but they arrived a couple of days before Christmas, so I pretended they were a gift.   

Thank you, Santa!

Christmas is all tucked away now, safely resting until next year.

The new chairs have helped distract me from being sad about my house going from light, bright, shiny, and decked from top to bottom, back to non Christmas normalness.  And I've added some greenery to the rooms to bring back brightness in a different way. There is nothing like a fresh house plant to make you feel better when winter is at its darkest.

PS- I am thrilled to announce that I will be teaching a class in Florida at Karen Hillman's Cozy Castle!!!!!!!!! 

Details here  

I'll be posting photos and more info soon.  I hope to see you in sunny Florida for a day of friendship, creativity, and fun with my ruffly wings and romantically inspired autograph book projects.

 

Also, the ruffled crepe wings and the signature book workshops will be offered in my Cottage Studio on Jan. 26th. Email me if you want to come and play!

Karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

Fluttery wings and a book full of sweet nothings, two classes two ways- in Florida and Kansas

Are you up for some romantic crafting projects?  I have two opportunities for you to join me in creating ruffled, lacey, crepe paper wings, adorned with vintage millinery along with a charming autograph book, inspired by a very old and uniquely shaped signature book. The book will be made from the ground up, you will learn how to construct the covers from chip board and paper.

One set of classes is being hosted by the lovely, Karen Hillman, in Deland, Florida.  She will serve a luncheon to us in her impressive and gracious style and we will create both the angelic wings and distinctive booklet.  

Info on how to sign up is here: Cozy Castle Events

Did I mention it was Reninger’s Antique Extravaganza weekend?!?!   

While the flea market adventure isn’t exactly part of the workshop, I highly encourage you to attend it and shop to your heart’s content at one of the South’s top fleas.  The classes are on Saturday, and the market is in full swing Friday thru Sunday, just down the road in the delightful town of Mount Dora.  

I used to spend some time in the area back when I’d visit my Great Aunt Caroline (who lived til the day before her 102nd birthday!), so I became familiar with the joys of antiquing there, way back then.  I fell head over hills for the hidden gem in the heart of Florida, and have filled my suitcase many times with precious goodies from shopping sprees while visiting.  

The signature book and angel wings have a romantic feel to them, but are not necessarily Valentine decor.  I hung some wings in the cottage for Christmas one year, and decided to leave them up for Valentines', then liked them so much, they stayed up year round.  Who doesn’t need a sweet reminder of heavenly blessings nearby?  

The book also, can be filled with sweet nothings and love notes, or used as a mini scrapbook, art journal, diary, or simply enjoy as a display piece and reminder of a day of creativity with other talented friends. Here is a page from my inspiration book (a gift from the Guncles that Karen and I both freaked out over and wanted to copy). I will be including a vintage calling card and other pretties for each kit.

Karen’s gathering will take place on February 16th, which makes it even more special to me.  It is my mom’s birthday and she adored her Aunt Caroline. I’m excited to be spending her day in an area she loved. 

I've been busy hand dying crepe paper and sewing it into yards and yards of ruffles for you.

No two kits will be exactly the same, since vintage materials will be used.  I'm supplying roses for each set of wings, in your choice of color.  Tiny vintage flowers will top the album also. Crepe paper is available in cream and white or pink.  

The classes at my home will be on Saturday, January 26.  You can choose to make the wings in the morning, the book in the afternoon, or stay the day and do both. Lunch is included. 

Both cottage workshops are $55,

but if you sign up for the set,

you’ll save $5 on each

for a total of $100 for the day.  

(I hope you will stay all day, I’m looking forward to spending it with you!)

We will have a Valentine themed luncheon and the Treat Cabinet will be stocked with chocolatey, yummy, sweetness. If you’d like to be part of this party, you can email me at karlanathan@sbcglobal.net for an invoice. And please let me know if you’d like white, pink, or red for your wings. 

I could possibly do blue or lavender if you wish also.  Ask for your fave and I'll see what I can find for you. My cottage does hold a couple of hats to choose from....

And if you like to go to the Florida and Kansas versions?  First of all, I’d be thrilled!  Second, I can make you two different colored kits. 

Our Cottage Christmas

Our Dewdrop was home for the holiday and we made the most of the time with her. Lots of snuggles happened, lots of fun too.

Christmas was a repeat of Thanksgiving. It was such a good day, why not do it again? We made gingerbread houses, walked in the woods, laughed, and ate together. 

A perfect family day- plus presents!

Ki Ki made this house from graham crackers. 

Yes, she is skilled in everything she does. Give her a bit of fabric and you get a custom pair of shorts, made without a pattern and fit perfectly. Give her a box of cookies and you get a Victorian mansion.

This is just the beginning of the mansion, it turned out just wonderful.

Just like our Thanksgiving, we had ideal weather.

Just right for enjoying some time outdoors and working up an appetite for homemade pot pie. We had vegan and chicken varieties, and I was smart enough to make them up a couple of days early so I could pop them into the oven and enjoy our time together instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Because no one wants to feel trapped at Christmas...

Well, most people wouldn't.

Our gingerbread homes made a pretty centerpiece for the dinner.

We had more than we could even fit onto the table.  Now that the parties are over, we will load them up, and take them out to the woods as a gift to the fairies.  

We have enough of them to set up whole communities for the fey.  

And we are up for any excuse to go for a walk in the woods together.

 

 

PS- I am thrilled to announce that I will be teaching a class in Florida at Karen Hillman's Cozy Castle!!!!!!!!! 

Details here  

I'll be posting photos and more info soon.  I hope to see you in sunny Florida for a day of friendship, creativity, and fun with my ruffly wings and romantically inspired autograph book projects