Karla's Cottage

Five Swans A Swimming

Lesa Dailey’s class project at a Snowbird’s Song was a feat of engineering, and an object of beauty.  I was thrilled when she gave the original to me!

Especially since she had already given me this sweet snowgal riding a swan.  It was way too generous of her.  I will treasure them, as I do anything she has made.

The tags she used on the packaging were equally adorable.  I thought about putting mine onto my tree, but instead, I am using it here with my newfound, swan collection.

The teachers at my arty weekends gift a kit to each other.  We don’t always get to craft them during the event, personally, I try to save mine to savor later when I have more time.

 And it makes me feel better  when I am missing my Peeps!

Since I was lucky enough to have the original, I wanted to make my kit in a different way, not try to match it. Instead of adding the darling swan boat hat, I used the sail material to make a crown.

I changed the beak to pink, and used faceted beads for the eyes. I also tilted the neck and head, but maybe she just looks crooked...

I made the ruffle into a double layer, added lace, strands of pearls, and millinery blooms. Then, I glued her to a candlestick for height.

Of course, I HAD to use to wonderful, white ruffle she provided.  But I kept the rest of the back simple, since I loved the soft, blue velvet and wanted that to show.

Thank you, Lesa!  We love your classes here at the cottage, not only for the challenging way they stretch our skills, but for the pure loveliness you create and the personality you infuse in each of your characters.

If you are interested in some of the items from A Snowbird's Song, I have listed a few of  the pieces in my Boutique.  There are kits for Angelique the Aviary Queen as well as the completed projects.  

The kits come with a collage sheet, so you can make the angel with your preferred lady.  That leaves you with a page filled with other images to use for other crafting plans.  Pink and white are available. There are some holiday ornaments for sale too. And thank you to those who have already shopped with me!

You can find them here.

 

 

 

An Abundance of Thoughtfulness

The Peeps visiting me for a Snowbird’s Song, came bearing gifts.  Lori Oles created this gem for me from rough cut garnets and vintage treasures.

For the tweets and gifts , I hand dyed fabric bags, and placed them out on the seats the night before the party like hanging stockings on the mantel on Christmas Eve.

Just like dozens of jolly St Nicks working their magic, the joyful Peeps over-stuffed the bags with delightful gifts.

There was an array of hand made gifts, treats, mini kits, art supplies and more.  Generosity times ten.

Gail made these itsy bitsy stocking brooches.

Terri made multiple versions of this cottage tree ornament for everyone.  This is the one I received.

Our Southern belle friend, Lulu gifted everyone with jewels and beautiful baubles.

This is the special one she made for me.

My Sis, Terry also brought jewelry.  Hers was sterling with genuine stones, Nora chose moonstone earrings that matched a necklace she had brought with her.

Terry brought a special gift for me, my favorite chocolates, from See’s.

She also brought a gift for my husband, a wooden golf cart handcrafted by her husband, Dale.  The tiny wheels actually turn, this is adorable.

I was blessed to get many special treats myself.  Like this nest filled with felted eggs from Kim.

There was so much generosity flowing my way that I wanted to savor the packages, and waited to open them after everyone had left. This sachet and bird are from Maggie.

 When the guests were gone, the house was feeling empty and lonely.  I cheered myself up by going through the thoughtful gifts and finding the perfect spots to use them in my home.  This pearl encrusted nest from Suzanne went with my nature inspired tree.

The chocolate bar shaped Oklahoma was a perfect fit for my belly... and the ornie that Teresa gave to me with it went on the tree in my studio.

Jeannie gave me this hat that fits like a warm glove, ideal for cold, Kansas winters.  

Jane knows my love of hats, and brought a bag filled with vintagey floral ones to play with.

Carol gave me luscious supplies to play with too.  And European chocolates.

Connie and Nancy brought a pumpkin festival of bath products that I am working my way through and enjoying this autumn.  

Linda gifted me with lavender honey products that look really pretty in my guest bath, but I think I will set them aside to use in late February when I need to remember that winter is not forever.

And was gifted with vanilla scented creams to brighten the holidays.

Tami crafted this pink reindeer diorama that now sits on the table next to my cozy chair that I watch tv from.

Across from me on the coffee table, I keep this creation from Lesa.

Seriously, the generosity the group showed to each other and to me was over the top.  I did not get photos of everything, and hope that I don’t offend anyone by not posting photos of the bounty they provided.

But after seeing the warm hearted sharing, I do not think that they are the types who would be upset.  These gifts were given for  heartfelt reasons, not done to show off.

Nora hand wove this bracelet, and every time I wear it, it will feel like an embrace from my friends.  

All of the presents, for the group, for the door prizes, and the personal ones for myself were greatly appreciated. 

We had enough door prize donations for everyone to get one, plus grand prizes, and a few more rounds of gifts from the prize table, so that some people got more than one.

Beth’s traditional needlework apron is always a coveted prize.

The excitement from the Peeps who give the presents is equal to those who get them.  I love the ones they give to me, but the biggest gift of all is the generosity I see them sharing with each other.  I am quite appreciative with the jovial atmosphere and happy gift giving between them.

Thank you, all!

 

 

 

 

Seven Swans A Swimming

This is Lori Oles’ take on our first class of the weekend, Lesa Dailey’s “Seven Swans A Swimming”.  And as With all of her projects, it has her own spin on it.  

Here is how Lisa Phillipi finished hers, it is tucked away with her other completed projects and they all look so pretty together!

This swan was not easy.  I did see some struggles in the early stages, but it looked like everyone got through it, at least to the point where the decorating could be finished at home.

As I watched them work, I was struck with what a feat of engineering this was for Lesa to create.  It was not top heavy, it stood up nice and tall, and there were many steps to get through.

Seriously, that woman goes beyond artist, to designer, and creative engineer. 

I find her extremely impressive.

Thank you for the challenging, gorgeous class, Lesa!  

Snowbird Song2019- Parties

A Snowbird’s Song isn’t all gluing and foofing.  

We had a couple of parties too.

The first night, we gathered for homemade, French bread pizza, cupcakes and caramel apple sangria.

Terry made the cupcakes and people were still talking about them days later, they were so good.

Jenn Hayslip led us in an adorable make and take.

Darling!

Terry and Lori made up some appetizer trays while I baked Brie.

Good friends who help out over and above what was asked for are a rare blessing, aren’t they?

After eating and make’n take’n, we had a diorama Swap hosted by Tami.

We even had Randy play Santa so the Peeps could whisper what they wanted for Christmas into his ear.

Saturday night was dinner, shopping, and sparkly wine.

Dessert was cake truffle eggs and white chocolate, coconut nests.

After that was some shopping.

My garage got a makeover for that night.

It was festive and full of good deals, pretty things, and vintagey wonderfulness.

I will miss having the room this pretty.

No worries about that yet, for now it is still set up...

Which maybe was not the best thing on a snowy day when my car probably would’ve enjoyed being tucked into a warm garage.

Oh well, sooner or later, the carriage will turn back into a pumpkin.  

Next time, I will have photos from the classes.

 

 

A Snowbird’s Song 2019- ready for friends

Our gathering last weekend was so much fun.  I hope the Peeps enjoyed it as much as I did!

My studio was all gussied up in advance, happily awaiting everyone’s arrival.

Instead of tablecloths, this year I use brown paper and painted on swirls of blizzardly snow with white birds.

I don’t do centerpieces, the tables are full enough with lamps and supplies.  I did add some birdies wherever I could and tucked the washy wipes into pretty containers.

The name tags were hung on a straw wreath, wrapped in batting and lace.  It was hung on the treat cabinet door and did double duty, as a way to hand out the tags and a decoration.

The tags themselves were a two-fer.  Once the event was over, the name could be removed and the wreath brooch could be worn as a festive lapel pin during the holidays.  It was made from a 1950s tinsel garland, a bit of the “good stuff”.

While the end of October is pretty early to decorate for Christmas, I was happy I had done it early.

I have never been a procrastinator, but this year I was even more on the ball than usual.

Which was very lucky because I was hit with a stomach bug that knocked m flat on my back before the event.  Maybe it was more like a bug hitting a windshield and I was the bug.

Knowing that the rooms were ready, the food was prepped, Randy and Terry were on the way, I told myself to not worry, just sleep it off and quarantine myself for 24 hours.  I made all sorts of plans for the worst case scenario.

 If I didn’t get better in time, my friends could teach my classes, my family could feed everyone, I could go to a hotel to keep anyone else from getting sick.

I was able to relax and rest knowing that not only was I prepared for guests, I had the world’s best helpers to take over for me if needed!

The rest helped, I was out of bed and back to myself in no time.  No one else caught it, so it must have been something I ate.

Building my kits and making examples early in the summer was a blessing too. With all that happened to our family in the last few months, I could never have been ready in time if all of that was still waiting to be done.

My world is much more serene if I plan ahead and am ready before scheduled.  I was able to not only have the unexpected recovery time that I needed, I was able to look forward to welcoming everyone instead of running myself ragged until they got here.

Also, I owe a big thanks to my teachers and helpers who I knew I could count on to be wonderful!

And they were, I was thrilled with the whole weekend.  With their help, it was the best!

Also, a big thanks to my Peeps, It was lovely to have them come to visit me in Kansas. I’ll have more photos of the event itself next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty in Blue

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” 5x7 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My watercolor bluebird class for our workshop

Having never taught watercolors before and being extremely overworked, overwrought, and tired, recently- I was worried about this bluebird class.

But I shouldn't have been! The attendees did a wonderful job. I was so proud of them and very impressed.  They each got a hand drawn page to paint after we used a big, blank page to get some practice done on.

Everyone's turned out just lovely.  And after painting them, they popped the pictures into mini frames to embellish with a rhinestone cluster.

Nora even "branched out" and painted this sweet bluebird.

Honestly, it was one of my favorite classes.  I had a wonderful time showing some painting tricks to friends.  And it made me wish I had more time to paint.  It was a lot of fun.

I'll leave you with some photos of the studio, all spiffed up and ready for company.

 

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

 

Karen's Classes at the Cottage

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.

 

A snowy, canvas mural

I painted one last canvas drop cloth.

The others were old murals that I touched up.

This one is brand new.

,

I bought  a $15, 9x6’ drop cloth from Walmart  and a cheap gallon of gray blue paint to start it.

This will be used for a backdrop at A Snowbird’s Song.

 It is meant to be a photo op for our Peeps.

I kept it pretty simple, a snowy background for people to stand in front of, with the tree and birds to the sides and above their heads.

I will just have to figure out a good place to hang it.

For now, it is in the garage behind the junk, like the other one.

While I was working in the garage, dressed in paint clothes, I cleaned the space up.  Everything got carried out to the driveway, the walls repainted (as well as the garage door).  I even moved the fridge!

 Then, I put everything back in what I sure hope, is a less cluttered manner.

Maybe it won’t be nearly as much work to get the room ready in November for Snowbird?  I use the spot as a store, and it is always a chore to prepare it.

Heck, I can just drape the messes in painted drop cloths!  No work at all...

 

 

 

 

 

Squeezing in a bit more Christmas in July

My dear Peep, Tamil, often hosts a girlfriends' craft day, and provides an interesting project for us all to do.  I recently attended one of her fun days, but didn't have a chance to make the theme for the day, a Mermaid Bottle.

Which was pretty cool.  All of her ideas are.

Instead, I needed to concentrate on A Snowbird's Song, and I finished the cards for the swap I joined.

These ladies are all a part of the collage sheet I will be giving to the ladies as one of my kits.  They will only need one photo for the project, but will have a pageful to use as they wish on other pieces.

And this one is made from trees cut from old gift wrap and layered over snowy hills of vintage paper on top of glittered card stock.

This girl (also on the collage sheet) was the last one I made.  I didn't pack well for the craft day at Tami's house, and ran out of lace and dyed coffee filters, so had to chop up and fit bits and pieces together to make her skirt.

Which I think was a happy thing, this is my favorite one! Sometimes, making do, means being extra creative, huh?

Thanks for the (as always) GREAT day, Tami!