# The Cozy Castle

> Indulge Your Creativity


## Posts

- [A Beautiful 2018](https://www.thecozycastle.com/a-beautiful-2018/): 2018 has been a year full of joy, travels and new beginnings.  It took me about a year to bring my vision of Cozy Castle Events to life in my sweet historic town. It was a labor of love, but now The Cozy Castle and The Cozy Castle Design Loft are set and in place, and 2019 is welcoming wonderful classes, celebrations and events. I am happy to share the gallery below with some of the many highlights of the year… Wishing you a New Year of all things beautiful!
- [Publications](https://www.thecozycastle.com/publications/):                  
- [Easy, Beautiful, Fresh Marinara Sauce](https://www.thecozycastle.com/easy-beautiful-fresh-marinara-sauce/): And so we bid the Summer farewell… And in doing so we harvest the last of the beautiful juicy red tomatoes…. Here in Florida, we are blessed with a tomato season that lasts longer than most, and I behold each and every one of those days. I love to slice them, dice them, even eat them WHOLE!   But my favorite easy thing to do with them is make a light and tasty sauce..I grew up doing this with my Grandmother and each time I make it, I think of her.. It is quite easy with a few simple steps and […]
- [A Do-it-Yourself Pixie Garden](https://www.thecozycastle.com/a-do-it-yourself-pixie-garden/): I happened upon a nursery one day and they had a most beautiful Fairy/Pixie Garden….it boasted little bonsai trees and pebbles and stones and it was….. quite magical…. I kept the image in my mind and started to collect a few vintage pixies.  The key was finding what I imagined as the container to hold it….  I found it! I found some perfect components at Hobby Lobby…. And also a pretty Vintage Pink Wishing Well…. Some sweet Vintage Pixies… And so the layout began!  The flower box is wooden so I lined it with this coconut liner you can find […]
- [Once Upon An Easter](https://www.thecozycastle.com/once-upon-an-easter/): I am thrilled to be joining friend and fellow artist Jennifer Hayslip for Once Upon An Easter! Visit Jennifer’s website to learn more about this amazing event, my workshop, and other treats that await you!
- [Cozy Castle Christmas](https://www.thecozycastle.com/cozycastlechristmas/): A Holiday Inspired Artistic Weekend Retreat! Step back in time to the historic town of DeLand, Florida for an artistic weekend of creating, shopping and exploring central Florida’s hidden gems. Karen Hillman invites you to her Cozy Castle where holiday magic and bliss await you! Like all Cozy Castle Retreats, you will create, escape, relax and unwind! Karen strives to make her weekend retreats not just an event, but also a memorable, detailed and love-filled experience. This getaway weekend includes three beautiful holiday art projects, and also a surprise “Make and take” project, a tour of the historic Stetson Mansion […]
- [An Enchanted Fairy Garden Class With Jenna Workman](https://www.thecozycastle.com/an-enchanted-fairy-garden-class-with-jenna-workman/): There are fairies in my Garden! The enchantment of fairies dates back many years.  Fairies have been celebrated in folklore, stories, songs, and poems.  They are delightful, magical spirits with likenesses and kinship to flowers insects and other small creatures.  Do you know where a fairies favorite place to be is?   The garden of course!!!!  The garden here at The Cozy Castle will be the perfect setting to create on this special afternoon!  Owner of Fairytale Gardens, Jenna Workman will guide you through the creation of your own whimsical fairy garden! Think outside the Box!! There are so many […]
- ["On The Wings of Love" A Polymer Clay Class](https://www.thecozycastle.com/on-the-wings-of-love-a-polymer-clay-class/): The Cozy Castle welcomes Linda Freyer! Join me at The Cozy Castle as I welcome artist Linda Freyer from South Florida!  Linda is an artist of many mediums including Gelli Plate Printing, quilting, journaling, sewing and more.  Linda’s father was an extraordinary watercolor artist whose work greatly influenced her creative talents. Get Creative with Clay! This is a one of a kind learning opportunity and project!  Escape to a peaceful afternoon and learn polymer clay techniques such as gold leafing, using mica powders, stamping, paint, image transfer and more! Polymer clay is an overbaked clay and art pieces in this […]
- ["Life is Beautiful" - A Painting Class with Debi Coules](https://www.thecozycastle.com/life-is-beautiful-a-painting-class-with-debi-coules/): Spend An Afternoon with Master Artist, Debi Coules Debi Coules is my friend, and one of my favorite and coveted artists.  If you are familiar with my artwork, you already have great knowledge as to why I am so over the top excited about having her as a guest artist at The Cozy Castle!  Debi’s work is all about enchanted, romantic and ethereal works. Debi has a bachelors degree in Fashion Illustration and Fine Art and is known for her heartfelt paintings in Acrylic and watercolors. You can see her blissful works at www.debicoules.com I own many vintage prints and […]
- [Treasured Tuscany 2018](https://www.thecozycastle.com/treasured-tuscany-2018/): Karen Hillman invites you to join her in Italy for”Treasured Tuscany”May 4 – 13, 2018 If Italy on your bucket list, Karen Hillman would like to ext Karen Hillman invites you to join her in Italy for “Treasured Tuscany”
- [The Magic of Mint, An Herbal Workshop](https://www.thecozycastle.com/magic-mint-herbal-workshop/): Come into my garden…and pick some mint! My herb garden here at The Cozy Castle is bursting with growth right now. Especially my mint and rosemary! It seems it is the perfect time to host one of the many herbal workshops I have planned for this year.  Take off your makeup, put on some sweatpants and a T-shirt and head over to The Cozy Castle for a relaxing and rejuvenating evening! Did you know? Mint has been used for centuries because of its powerful and stimulating qualities.  Mint is very easy to grow in partial shade.  You can store fresh […]
- ["Fun With Flowers" with Suzanne Locke](https://www.thecozycastle.com/fun-flowers-suzanne-locke/): Spring is around the corner, and the arrival of Spring means beautiful temperatures, longer days and flowers in bloom!   Anyone can purchase a flower arrangement from a florist or store, but wouldn’t it be special if you could use your own imagination, vases, and containers to create your own design? This is exactly what we will do at The “Fun With Flowers” class here at The Cozy Castle.  We have timed it perfectly so that the floral piece you create can be used on your Easter table if you wish! Meet The Floral Designer I am welcoming Suzanne Locke […]
- ["THAT'S ITALIAN!" An Evening of Cooking and Tasting](https://www.thecozycastle.com/thats-italian-2/): Italians believe that food solves everything. I tend to agree with them. And this special event might just prove me right! Inspired by my childhood memories and heritage traditions, The Cozy Castle is hosting it’s first evening party. “That’s Italian!” is a cooking and tasting event perfect for couples and friends who love to learn in the kitchen! I feel blessed to have grown up with Italian grandparents who adored food. This is a beautiful thing, because they grew up very poor. My grandmother  shared stories with me about how a pot of tomato sauce, and a loaf of Italian bread would […]
- ["THAT'S ITALIAN!" An Evening of Cooking and Tasting](https://www.thecozycastle.com/thats-italian/): Italians believe that food solves everything. I tend to agree with them. And this special event might just prove me right! Inspired by my childhood memories and heritage traditions, The Cozy Castle is hosting it’s first evening party. “That’s Italian!” is a cooking and tasting event perfect for couples and friends who love to learn in the kitchen!   I feel blessed to have grown up with Italian grandparents who adored food. This is a beautiful thing, because they grew up very poor. My grandmother  shared stories with me about how a pot of tomato sauce, and a loaf of Italian bread […]
- [Victorian Valentine's Tea](https://www.thecozycastle.com/victorian-valentines-tea/): Life is like a cup of tea….it’s all in how you make it! I think there are few things as grand as enjoying afternoon tea.  When one can enjoy this simple pleasure in the quiet elegance and refinement of a grand English Tea parlor, the afternoon is sure to be a delight! Join me as we enjoy a high tea lunch while I share my Vintage Valentine Ephemera and love letter collection!  After our tea, we will visit Ellicott City’s quaint shops, several which are offering a special discount for this group only.  You will also receive a special gift […]
- ["Be Still My Heart"  An Ex-Voto Heart Art Class](https://www.thecozycastle.com/be-still-my-heart-ex-voto-heart-art-class/): Design Your Own Ex Voto An ex-voto is a vessel used in past eras to encase special prayers.  The most common shape was a  flaming heart, and churches reserved walls to showcase these beautiful pieces.   Last year, I traveled to Italy to be a guest artist for a creative group and taught the first Ex-Voto Heart Art Class.  I was also able to see and photograph many authentic ex-votos in historic churches all throughout the “Country of Love”. It was amazing! Since sharing my joy of that experience with everyone, I have had many requests to teach this class […]
- [Saints and Angels Art Class Featuring The DeLand Wings](https://www.thecozycastle.com/saints-and-angels-class/): I adore the use of Saints and Angels in my artwork. I do not consider myself an overly religious person, but more, a spiritual person who finds peace and beauty from the ethereal faces of Saints and Angels. I am always so inspired by the creative magic that they bring to my art. I search for vintage prayer cards, postcards, and ephemera from past eras which feature sweet cherubs, angels, and saints.   The DeLand Angel Wing Mural  Recently, I was excited to learn that my small town of DeLand features an artist painted mural of a gorgeous pair of white […]
- [SOLD OUT: Holiday Hand Lettering Class with Nicole Lind](https://www.thecozycastle.com/holiday-hand-lettering-class/): Create Your Own Original Hand Lettering Sign Do you admire those beautiful hand lettering signs you see in all the home decor styles now? They just look so gracefully written. Like the artist had to dance around with twirling with a pen to make their handwriting look so graceful. One of the things I have never loved is my handwriting.  I am constantly admiring artistic hand-drawn words and have always secretly wished I could create my own hand lettering sign. Recently when visiting friends home, I admired a hand-lettered sign she had on display. Then she told me she created […]
- ["Star of Christmas" - A Holiday Potted Garden Class](https://www.thecozycastle.com/star-of-christmas-a-holiday-potted-garden-class-2/): Spice up the holiday season with garden inspiration. If I had to pick just one favorite thing…which is almost impossible to do as I have SO MANY favorite things! But if I had to pick just one, it would be FLOWERS! When I purchased this historic home, there were no flowers in the front or backyard. There were so many other things to work on to get this historic home in tip-top shape, but I just knew I had to have flowers blooming to keep inspiring the changes I was making. I had to have at least a few flowers […]
- [The Herb and Flower Garden At The Cozy Castle](https://www.thecozycastle.com/herb-flower-garden-cozy-castle/): The backyard garden at The Cozy Castle is a bit of a “celebration” site for me, and that celebration takes place each morning.  I throw on my garden boots and brew a cup of chai, and walk out my back door pausing on the wood deck to literally smell the roses. I just indulge in all the things that make slow mornings amazing.  Down in the garden, I take my place on one of the little white iron benches nestled in the mist of lavender, thyme, rosemary, and trumpet flowers. I try and point out which song I’m hearing belongs to […]
- [The Glow of Fall Candle Workshop](https://www.thecozycastle.com/candle-workshop/): I’ve always loved Fall more than any other season because it’s the beginning of the most joyous time of year, the holidays. It’s the start of reconnecting with our loved ones, create beautiful new memories, reliving traditions and give thanks to the wonderful life we live.  Here at The Cozy Castle, that means officially it’s decorating season too! Though I adore my delightful town of DeLand, Florida, I grew up in Maryland where we have four wonderful seasons each year. The best of which is Fall. Each October I think about the amazing colors of crimson and gold and the […]
- [Joy In A Jar - September 30](https://www.thecozycastle.com/joy-in-a-jar/): I’m thrilled to announce the first of many Cozy Castle Events.  Join us on Saturday, September 30th for,  “JOY IN A JAR”, an event that will get all your senses excited! We’ll be sipping on champagne and nibbling light bites as we indulge in lots of homemade sweetness. To start our morning off, we’ll be learning how to create simple and tasty nostalgic treats! Enjoy making homemade apple butter and homemade pickles… Then venture into the garden to harvest mint and make your very own Vanilla Bean Body Scrub…  Register today and join the bliss! Saturday, September 30th from 11 […]
- [Art & Soul Italy Tour, 2017](https://www.thecozycastle.com/art-soul-italy-tour-2017/): I have been asked by a magazine who is doing an upcoming feature on my work and my art studio, if I would  share a favorite quote… this is  mine….   “Don’t Dream Your Life,      LIVE YOUR DREAMS…”   This describes what this tour of Italy was for me..  if I had to sum it all up…   IT WAS A DREAM….. a dream come true.   I was ever blessed to be part of Red Shed French Antiques & European Flea Market Tours Tuscany Trip this June and quite frankly, my life is forever changed.     You […]
- [Crimson & Clover Artist Retreat, 2017](https://www.thecozycastle.com/crimson-clover-artist-retreat-2017/): SOLD OUT!   Join me in the amazing state where I grew up for this special and decadent, all inclusive weekend.   If you have been a part of my past art events, you know I love to present top notch, intimate and special retreats, and this  one, I believe shall be the créme de la créme! Fall in Maryland is a true sight to behold…a dream come true of sorts. We will be 30 miles or so from our nations capital so if possible, you may like to stay a few extra days and explore beautiful Washington DC!  The […]
- [Join me on a once in a lifetime tour of Italy!](https://www.thecozycastle.com/join-me-on-a-once-in-a-lifetime-tour-of-italy/): Karen Hillman invites you to join her in Tuscany, Italy June 2 – 11, 2017 If a trip to Italy is on your bucket list, Karen Hillman and RS Vintage Karen Hillman invites you to join her in Tuscany, Italy June 2 – 11, 2017 If a trip to Italy is on your bucket list, Karen Hillman and RS Vintage Tours would like to extend an exclusive invitation to join us in Tuscany! Imagine the perfect Under the Tuscan Sun experience. Emerse yourself in “to die for” Italian vistas, fun vintage shopping and special creative journeys for the heart and […]
- [A Year of Creativity](https://www.thecozycastle.com/a-year-of-creativity/): Truly, it has been an incredible year of journeys, travels, creations and bliss.   My motto these days is “Live your dreams…”  And I have been living mine each day of this year.  And guess what?  I intend on doing the same in 2017. My art continues to flourish from within my little studio.   I traveled to Texas and Charleston for divine artist events.  I was able to meet and share time with the amazing Melissa Frances, along with many other artist friends. I taught and indulged in fun classes including a “Peachy Keen” event, a decadent sweet treats presentation, a vintage wind chime […]
- [Best Fall, Best Birthday, Best Life Ever..](https://www.thecozycastle.com/best-fall-best-birthday-best-life-ever/):  I do it today and every day and I encourage those I know and love to do the same. Don’t wait, do not delay. Do it now.   I have celebrated a milestone birthday this year.       I have lost more friends and family members than any other year  of my life.       This is why every fall of the year when my birthday is rounding the corner, I will try not to  fret over the number of years I am, but instead, to try and take an inventory that I am making the most of every moment, […]
- [The "Empty" Bucket List](https://www.thecozycastle.com/the-empty-bucket-list/): For me, this year has brought  lots of joy, love and happiness, but it has also been a year of some difficult times and journeys…     I laid my beloved mother to rest a little over a week ago and it has taken me to a deep place of appreciation, respect and solitude.   It has taken me through waves of emotion that sometimes encompass me in my thoughts for hours. It is so difficult to watch someone you love commit to fighting a health battle and feel like you are seeing a light at the end of the […]
- [A New Chapter..](https://www.thecozycastle.com/a-new-chapter/): It has been some time since I have been able to sit down and post on my blog and I have missed the creativity…in fact I have missed all creativity from working in my studio, to photographing, to cooking. This is due to a new chapter in my life.  After spending many years in the South Florida area, I found myself longing  for the simple pleasures and joys of a small town.  The move has taken several months as I also moved my art studio which will now be within my new historic home.  I truly am a small town […]
- [The Greatest Gatsby](https://www.thecozycastle.com/the-greatest-gatsby/): My Gatsby Artist event was held this past November and drew artist friends from around the country for a bliss filled weekend of shopping, dining and creating! It was truly a feast for the eyes to see everyone dress the part in their “Gatsby” finest!    There were feathers and frills and beads galore and well…. WE PARTIED LIKE GATSBY!!!! After a full day of antique and vintage shopping, we gathered for a  dessert soiree’ in my outdoor shabby shack which I transformed into a Speak Easy party palace!   We sipped on “Deco Diva” Martinis and created our own […]
- [Queens of Art](https://www.thecozycastle.com/queens-of-art/):  Karen Paige Hillman presents Queens of Art 2, “Gatsby Queens.”   An artists creative weekend celebrating the era of unprecedented opulence! This special weekend will take place in the quaint and historic town of Mount Dora, Florida.  The weekend includes 3 decadent art projects, Friday evening welcome dessert soiree’, lunch on Saturday, and a dinner at The Lakeside Inn  on Saturday night,  along with special take home treats and treasures!   Most IMPORTANT NOTE… HOTELS WILL BE FULL… It is an antiques extravaganza weekend at Renniger’s.. Hotels will not block rooms because they know they will sell out.  We plan on […]
- [It's the simple things....](https://www.thecozycastle.com/its-the-simple-things/): I have a fond childhood memory, and it is something I have decided to try and incorporate into my life when ever possible….   It all started one day when I came across this..  This is a vintage clothes pins holder, complete with a hook at the top to hang on the clothesline.  When I found this, I was flooded with the memory of my grandmother and her non-stop laundry routine! Yes, she had a perfect working dryer, but she might as well not have had it, because every stitch of clothing was hung out back on the clothesline.   In the […]
- [Easy as Pie!!](https://www.thecozycastle.com/easy-as-pie/): One of my favorite things is to bake is a buttermilk pie! This is a custard like pie that is traditional of the southern United States.  I discovered this sweet treat in the great state of Texas and I have been making them ever since.  They are so easy to make, and even easier if you cheat a little and use a frozen pie crust.  The frozen crusts come in packages of 2, so I usually make one for me and one to share. You only need 4 ingredients: 4 eggs 1 cup of Sugar or Splenda 1 TBS all […]
- [Antique Button Necklace and Bracelet Class](https://www.thecozycastle.com/antique-button-necklace-and-bracelet-class/): Just in time for the holidays!     I’ll be teaching you to create a beautiful antique button necklace and bracelet.   We will use special vintage buttons and bling and will celebrate the season as we create to the sounds of classic holiday music and indulge in milk and cookies! It is an heirloom piece that you can pair with your favorite holiday outfit or give as a gift to that someone special on your Christmas list!  The date is WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9TH at 6:30 PM at Karen Paige Design Studio in Mount Dora, Florida Cost is $50 in advance […]
- [Recent Creations and Fun](https://www.thecozycastle.com/recent-creations-and-fun/): It’s been a busy Summer and I am looking ever so forward to spending time up north to take in some cool Fall days and nights!  Here in Florida, we won’t see the likes of cool air for several more months. I am proud to have been included in 2 features in the most recent issue of Creating Vintage Charm Magazine.  There is a feature on my art studio, and a feature on a special artist retreat called Serendipity that was held in Texas at the fabulous Whitworth Ranch retreat.   Order a copy of this beautiful and charming magazine […]
- [Welcome to Karen Paige Designs!](https://www.thecozycastle.com/welcome-to-karen-paige-designs/): Hello All! Welcome to my new blog, formerly Ancient Queen Designs. Since I opened my art studio, I decided it would make the most sense to keep everything, my photography and my artistry here on this new blog, Karen Paige Designs. It is my hopes that with my many announcements, all of my devoted former followers will find me here, and I welcome all new followers as well! My blog will be a place of sharing my happy world of art, my photography adventures, my artist retreats, my recipes and culinary delights. I have so many exciting things happening these […]
- [Serendipi-TEA in Texas](https://www.thecozycastle.com/4680-2/): Once again, I traveled “deep in the heart of Texas” to the wonderful Whitworth Ranch Retreat for a long weekend of BLISS!! The beauty of this event was that my dear friend Stacy Seely who is the owner and chef of this artful retreat, gifted myself and 18 of my chosen guests with a Downton Abby themed weekend. The details were beyond imaginable… the food, the clothing choices… spectacular, the projects we created….. SPLENDID!! I will simply share the photos because they speak for themselves…    The cherished memories of this weekend will live with me for always…  as an artist, I […]
- [Karen Paige Design Studio](https://www.thecozycastle.com/karen-paige-design-studio/): Hello my Dear Friends!! Please excuse and forgive my long delay in blogging!  So much has come to be, all exciting and wonderful!  I have so much to share, but let me start here with the blissful news that I have opened a sweet little art studio in Mount Dora, Florida!   Mount Dora is a quaint town just above Orlando, and is very charming and “Someplace Special” as the city motto says!  I am 100% engulfed in my element here as the town is full of incredible artists, musicians and antique vendors I adore… I create for a beautiful […]
- [Best Fall Ever](https://www.thecozycastle.com/best-fall-ever/): Fall is simply my favorite season of all time…I feel blessed each year on my birthday because it always seems the Fall leaves are at their peak of splendor and it makes me feel like this alone, the beauty of crimson and gold, is my finest birthday gift.   This year, my friends Randy and Kevin celebrated their love and became legally married in New Hampshire.  I was honored to be the photographer and capture the joy!  The weather could not have been more picture perfect. The happy couple could not have been more debonair and handsome. Every detail was gorgeous, every […]
- [Summer Projects](https://www.thecozycastle.com/summer-projects/): I have been creating quite a bit this Summer!   The above photo is a sneak peek at an amazing piece I bought for $30 and transformed using a fabric medium! I am so thrilled with the results!  It will be published in an upcoming feature called “Grunge Gone Glam”, Restoring a forgotten period piece to newfound splendor. I have been so inspired lately to create with vintage religious items.  Something moves in my spirit when I work with old prayer cards and devotional books, etc.  I opened up my Shabby chic Shack for a meet the artist event and […]
- [Beauty Awaits You](https://www.thecozycastle.com/beauty-awaits-you/): Beauty Awaits You….. Beauty in Blue Art Event February 28-March 4th 2013     Hello Artful Friends!   My name is Karen Hillman.  I am a fine Art Photographer/ Artist in the South Florida area.  I love all things vintage and nostalgic! My work ranges from my hand colored black and white portraits, to my altered and embellished belt buckles, jewel boxes, hand mirrors and more!   I can hardly wait to welcome my “Beauties” for this years BEAUTY IN BLUE EVENT!  It is a small and intimate affair, and the bliss is beyond measure!     May I  present […]
- [Projects for Beauty in Blue](https://www.thecozycastle.com/projects-for-beauty-in-blue/): I am thrilled to be teaching a fun, non-intimidating “Be Creative” project at Beauty in Blue!  It is also something that will be very well utilized by artistic gals.     It is an embellished train case.  It can be used for your tools and supplies or for anything else you wish.  I have one for my artful goodies and will be making another at Beauty in Blue to use in my guest room to hold snacks and goodies for visitors!  We will learn some fun embellishment ideas and techniques.     Your job is to find a special train […]

## Pages

- [Karen Hillman Designs](https://www.thecozycastle.com/karen-hillman-designs/)
- [Media](https://www.thecozycastle.com/media-2/)
- [Celebrations](https://www.thecozycastle.com/celebrations/)
- [Events](https://www.thecozycastle.com/events/)
- [Blog Grid](https://www.thecozycastle.com/blog-grid/)
- [Contact](https://www.thecozycastle.com/contact/)
- [Welcome to the Cozy Castle](https://www.thecozycastle.com/)


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