Cottage Sweet Nothings

I Have Moved

2008-09-08T09:41:00.003-06:00

OK, as promised, I have combined my two blogs into one. I will not be posting to this blog anymore, but will leave it up for those who want to continue to read the older posts.

Please CHANGE YOUR BOOKMARKS and blog roll entry.

The name of my new blog is "A Nesting Place" and I think you'll like the new layout and content.

So, without further adieu....see you there!

Strawberries & Eggs

2008-09-07T18:41:00.005-06:00

Hmmmm, I'm blogging a lot lately, huh? That's a good sign, I suppose. Must mean life is settling down a little. As some of you know, my life has been miserable this year with my husband's illness, but as each day goes by, he gets better and better.

I've always wanted to make some of these strawberries and I finally found a pattern for them. Here's my first one. Pretty cute, eh? I had these tiny doilies that are perfect for the tops and the button colors are so pretty.

I spent some of the day crafting, but most of it went to laundry. I normally do laundry on Saturday, but you know what I spent all day doing yesterday.

I fear that I don't have too many days left for hanging clothes on the line. Even in the heat of the day it took a bit longer for the clothes to dry this time. I'm really gonna miss that, too, because the smell of laundry dried outside...to ME...is one of life's greatest pleasures.

I do love this time of year though. I am not a summer person and I'm a winter person for about a nano second until everything turns that ugly winter brown and there's death all around you. I pretty much become a cold-footed bitchy pants until spring.

I'm also working on some of my hand painted eggs for my Etsy shop. I don't normally do these until spring, but I don't see why they wouldn't be lovable any time of the year. They are so fun to do and I love the pastel colors. I'm thinking of doing some darker, richer looking ones as well. We'll see.

The weekend sure went fast. The sun is going down and as per usual, I've got work tomorrow. I've got a trainee and I HATE training. Especially when they're 19 years old and basically lazy. I'm stuck with him for another two weeks. I much prefer to work by myself, not to mention that we're in the Christmas season in retail and it's the busiest time of year for us. I'm expecting overtime and working weekends soon.

Sorry I didn't get the photos of my craft room up. I'll try to do it soon, I promise!

I'll keep ya posted.

De-cluttering

2008-09-06T23:00:00.005-06:00

I love sitting at my computer after a long day listening to the Savoy Express on XM radio. It's a 40's station that plays Big Band era music. I love it!!

I spent the whole day in my office/craft/sewing room chucking stuff left and right. It's a small room as it is and tends to be where everything gets put when it has no place in the rest of the house. I ended up with a construction size trash bag full of stuff to throw out. I save stuff for years and then wonder why I saved it, don't you?

De-cluttering is a way for me to revisit what I have and maybe start using it like I always tell myself I'm going to do. I set up some special notebooks and folders for all of my paper scraps and rearranged an old computer armoire that I use to store my fabric stash. I'm making some storage boxes that I'm doing decoupage on with some pretty rose wrapping paper that I found at Big Lots for a buck. I want my shelves to look prettier and tidier than they do right now. I have a bunch old USPS Priority boxes that I'll never use up, so I'm making boxes like the ones you see for magazine storage.

As I predicted, I think we'll have an early winter. There's already a chill in the air and you can see the trees and bushes beginning to turn. I decided I better get out and pick my cherry tomatoes. There are bunches of them. This is the first time I've grown these and I love them. They are so abundant. They produce fruit very fast. don't they look yummy?

I'll post some pictures of my cave tomorrow. It's too dark in here to take pictures tonight and I'm tired.

It's de-lightful....it's de-licious...it's de-lovely......Good night!

Creative People are Easily Bored

2008-09-03T12:15:00.005-06:00

If you are the creative type, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Your brain is always on overdrive with new ideas, boring into your mind on the minute and the half minute. It hasn't been a month since I redid the look of both my blogs and I'm already considering a change, but with a slight difference.

I have two blogs. My crafty creative type blog and my regular, everyday, what's up blog. It takes up a lot of my absolutely valuable time (time I could be making something) doing two of them and I'm thinkin' about merging them into one. No, I AM merging them into one. It's just a matter of deciding on the layout and all that mess. Since I'm a graphic artist, too, I'm constantly changing the graphics, which will probably happen again, but what fun, eh??

Another change you'll probably notice is the language of the posts themselves. I don't mean I'm gonna start cussin', mind you, but there is one thing in life that I've always been kinda anal about and believe me, it doesn't go unnoticed (as I'm told) that I have this thing about grammar, spelling and punctuation when I write or when I read the writings of others. I've even been called "condescending" of all things, because I dared to correct someone who was in err! How dare they!! :-} The spelling and punctuation thing probably won't change, because you need that to get your point across, and not come off like a total dode, but I am making a promise to myself that I will not sit here and edit, proofread and rewrite my posts, ad nauseum, until I think they're perfect enough to go ahead and publish. I am going to try and actually write the way I talk.

I just turned 48 this August and by cracky, I've earned the right to relax a little. I'm not climbing some corporate ladder or trying to snag a husband, so, out the window with that! I do write articles once in a while, so Miss Perfect will be let out of her cage periodically.

It'll probably take me a little while to make this change. Although I can write basic HTML, I'm not totally comfortable with PHP or or whatever they're calling the code that makes these blog thingos work these days. But, with a little experimentation and the loss of a couple clumps of hair, I can usually bend them to my will. I'll just start a practice, throw away blog to mess around with until I get it how I want it.

Is this what they call reinventing yourself?

Look Out Yesterday, Here I Come!

2008-08-31T17:23:00.012-06:00

It's no secret that I love old stuff. Anything pre 1960, that is. The 60's was when America lost it's innocence and stepped onto the slippery slope of this almost amoral society that we now live in. I grew up in the 60's and 70's and I do have fun and fond memories of those times, however, I wish I had been born much earlier. That desire has gotten so strong that I am emulating those pre 1960 days in any way that I can. I've always collected old things and loved the more traditional decorating styles, but this passion is infiltrating other areas of my life. I have been searching for old cooking techniques and vintage sewing patterns. I love the clothes that women wore back in the 30's, 40's and 50's and I can really see where these could be applied to the here and now. Working on that.

Probably the biggest thing I've been into lately are handmade items. I know how to sew very well, but haven't utilized that talent as much as I could. I've been hanging around much different areas of the web than I used to and have made a whole new batch of online friends that aren't graphic artists. They are crafters for the most part.

My latest passion are these sweet, little handmade pin cushions that I've been working on and plan to put in my Etsy shop eventually. These are so fun and easy to make, not to mention so cute and pretty. I make them using only vintage materials such as old bed linens, embroidered hankies and vintage buttons. I plan to use these same materials to start making handmade wallets, checkbook covers and other accessories.

I also went to work today and made some bread. Yes, I have a bread machine, but I wanted to try my hand at doing it the old fashioned way and I am very excited about my very first loaf. It is much better than bread machine bread and it looks like the machine might go bye-bye, or hubz can use it to make dough for his rolls he likes.

Lastly, and just a thought that popped into my head just now after seeing an ad for some stupid show coming this fallI; I can barely stomach television these days. Big Brother? Gimme a break! What is up with all these "reality" shows? I do confess that I love Grey's Anatomy, but beyond that, I mostly watch TV Land, AMC and TCM and the DIY and Home & Garden Channels.

I have one more day of vacation and then it's back to work. I guess I don't mind.

Hope you're all having a great weekend and be safe!

Thank You Etsy Cottage Style!

2008-08-29T09:31:00.003-06:00

I was so thrilled and surprised to discover that I was chosen as member of the week at Etsy Cottage Style. I am a fairly new member there, so that was a real treat. ECS is a group of wonderful ladies and hand crafters who sell their wares on Etsy. I am currently putting items together to put into my new shop.

I've been on vacation all week and am gathering materials for some projects I want to do. After I take my son and his girlfriend to the airport today, my daughter and I are heading out to the thrift store to look for some vintage materials. I've got my sights set on some wool felt and vintage prints. Looking through the cast-off linens and textiles at the thrift is one of life's simple pleasures, in my never to be humbled opinion. ;-)

I am also working on the creation of a light box for taking my photos. I found a tutorial on WikiHow that shows how to create one. The quality of your photos is so much better using a light box and I wish I had known about this during my long stint on eBay. My pictures would have been much better. I'll probably modify the design just a bit so that I can use pretty backdrops as opposed to just all white. I'll let you know how that turns out.

Have a wonderful Labor Day!

Two More Pairs of Shoes and Keychain

2008-08-26T09:08:00.004-06:00

I've just added two more pairs of shoes and a Paris kitty cat mug to my Zazzle store.

These shoe designs are so fun, and even if I don't sell any, making them is a blast. Zazzle is the only place I know that give you the opportunity to design shoes. These are high quality, casual sneakers by the maker of Keds. I wore Keds as a child, but they never had styles like these , but they are a timeless classic.

I love this Kitty cat mug, too. What girly girl wouldn't love to sip her morning coffee from this? I'm ordering one for myself.

Sorry I don't have time for a longer post. I am leaving for the day, but will come back and add more later.

A Quick Note

2008-08-23T10:17:00.006-06:00

As you can see, I have a new look here and I hope you like it. There's nothing like a new dress, eh? I redid both of my blogs. This one and my Deb's Daze Blog.

I am currently on vacation and plan to add some new photos and share some lovelies I've been saving for you! I am also working on getting some stuff into my Etsy shop, so bear with me.

Before I go though....I was so inspired by the graphics I put on my personal blog that I created a pair of Keds Casuals with the design. I've also got a new design coming in the form of pink & black Paris Kitty Casuals. Click the images to check them out!

Hope you're having a beautiful weekend!

Deb

Sew Pretty!

2008-08-10T23:21:00.004-06:00

If you sew, here is an item that is very inexpensive to create, but FULL of cottage sweet charm! I haunt the thrift stores all the time and I find these bushel baskets in abundance. I think I paid about 45 cents for this one!

I painted it a pretty French blue and trimmed it with Paris pink and roses. I sewed a lining in a cute pink stripe and I think this came out so great. I use it next to my bed for my books and magazines. There are so many ways you could use one in your home.

Even if you can't paint flowers, just the blue and pink alone is really fresh and pretty. As I have mentioned before, you can find rose decals all over eBay and that is a good option if you really want the roses.

Glass Painting

2008-07-21T08:26:00.004-06:00

Did you know that you can paint on glass? You can paint on anything if you use the right paints. The paints used for the items in these photos is especially made for glass. Ask a sales person at your local craft store for glass paints. They will stick to the glass and are very durable, not to mention awesomely gorgeous!!

You can take the most mundane items and turn them into beautiful pieces for your home. If you're on a budget, what is better than free??? The jar above is merely a very large pickle jar. I spray painted the lid with Krylon's Ballet Slipper pink and then added roses all around the sides.

This lovely oil lamp below came from my local Wal-Mart and it was pretty enough, but the hand painted roses make it special. I love oil lamps and use them in several rooms of my home. They are so romantic.

Need some pretty salt & pepper shakers? Well, just save a couple of matching jars, poke holes in the top with an awl or an ice pick, as I did....paint and there you have it! I've been using a set of these for years and I love them!

Vintage Cake & Pie Carriers

2008-07-06T07:38:00.008-06:00

I adore these vintage cake carriers and am always looking for ones in good condition that I can hand paint with my pink roses. This one is rather unique, as it is not just for cake, but pies as well. There is an upper compartment under the lid for pies or other items. You can even use just the bottom plate and the lid on your table for cookies or whatever else you might want to cover on your party table.

The picture below shows everything locked together with a handle that straps on for travel.

I tell ya, they just don't make lovely, clever things like this anymore and I am always thrilled to get a blast from the past like this!

The best place to look for these is in the thrift stores. I don't think I've ever found on anywhere else. For one in good condition, expect to pay as much as $12.00 for it, even at the thrift.

I sold this item on eBay last year for over $60.00.

What to do About Old Luggage

2008-06-20T23:55:00.003-06:00

You can pick up old suitcases for a song and turn them into some very useful and pretty containers for your home! The case featured in this post is called a "Be My Guest Case". I use it in my guest room to put all the things that my guests will need and that will make them feel at home.

I used regular latex house paint in a Robin's Egg blue to base coat the case first. I painted the bindings white and the hardware and antique gold. I am a decorative painter and pink roses are my favorite, so I poured on the pretty with rose wreaths and vines!

The interior was done with vintage fabrics from my huge stash! Isn't this just gorgeous filled with towels, guest soaps and some fragrant jams and jellies?

These cases have so many uses. Shown below, this case can also be used to store your best vintage textiles and linens. I've also made pet beds from old luggage by adding some wooden bun feet to the bottom and using the pocket in the lid for pet toys. If you make one for this purpose, you will need to devise a way to keep the lid open, so it doesn't slam shut on your little friend. I glued wooden blocks where the hinges are with the lid open and it just stays open all the time. You may have a better idea for that, but I just wanted to make note of it.

Here is the beautifully finished inside all done in pieces of my favorite fabrics from my stash. I can also see this case being used as a honeymoon case.

Vintage Pillowcases

2008-06-17T10:35:00.005-06:00

Probably my most single favorite thing to collect are vintage linens. You can find them in so many places. 99% of my visits to the thrift shop will yield at least one nice vintage piece. I got these lovely crocheted cases for $2.95 at one of my haunts. I couldn't believe that they stayed in the store long enough to be put on the yellow tag sale! They are in pristine condition, too!

I have dozens of old cases and it is so fun to mix and match them. I sometimes wish that everyone had the ability to see what I see when I run across certain things. But, then again, if they did, that would mean stiffer competition for me. :-)

These yellow rose cases didn't look like much at all hanging from a cheap plastic hanger, but I brought them home for $.50. After a good laundering and pressing with some nice linen water, these are just beautiful! Yellow is not usually my favorite color, but a rose is a rose and I really do enjoy these. Especially mixed with a pair blue gingham cases that I have.

So, hit the thrift stores and make a bee line for the old sheets and pillowcases. And remember, if you find an otherwise nice piece that has a few stains or holes and you sew, grab it for a cutter. You can make other items from the good parts, which I'll talk more about later on.

Highly Collectible Paint by Numbers

2008-06-13T20:51:00.004-06:00

I recently discovered that the old paint by numbers we used to do as children are now highly collectible. They fit into a few different genres of Cottage Shabby Chic, such as Bohemian and Kitsch. Gosh, I must've done dozens of them when I was a child and I sure wish I had saved them. ::sigh:: But, since I really love the look, I went out looking for one I could do now and found this really gorgeous rose paint by number. I just love these colors and best of all, I had a frame in my stash that works perfect for it. I bought it last summer at a church sale and had been saving it for just the right thing.

So, if you can't find any vintage paint by numbers, or they're just too expensive for your budget and you love the look, why not paint one yourself?

I have many more things to share and am planning a trip to the flea market as soon as my shopping envelope gets filled up again. It's been ages since I went and I'm craving some good deals.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend and happy hunting!

Decorate the Outside with Traditional Hydrangeas

2008-06-08T12:33:00.012-06:00

Happy Sunday to my visitors! Today's post is about bringing your cottage taste to the outside of your home. We tend to focus on the interior, but a true lover of shabby cottage, vintage chic knows that the outside is another blank canvas upon which you can build your dreams and display your heart's passion.

One of my favorite outside "decorations" is the Hydrangea plant. Hydrangeas are my favorite second only to roses, of course and you can see why by looking at the photos. How gorgeous is this plant??. Hydrangeas are fairly easy to care for and adapt nicely to a wide range of climates. Hydrangeas will produce gorgeous blooms from May through November. They have a tradition of being a staple in the cottage garden.

Hydrangeas are perennials and will come back every year. They also make wonderful dried flowers for arrangements, although they could probably use a light spraying of some sort of fixative, as they are very delicate in their dried state.

Cottage Hutch

2008-06-04T11:56:00.011-06:00

Flea markets, tag sales and thrift stores are a fantastic way to create a beautiful home without spending a lot of money. I purchased this hutch at a tag sale for $25.00. It was unfinished wood and needed a few minor repairs. I also purchased some vintage looking glass knobs for the drawer. I just made the repairs, painted the whole thing a simple cottage white and started adding the pretties. Almost all of the items you see displayed in the hutch are little things I picked up here and there mostly at my favorite thrift stores.

When choosing accessories, I always choose what pleases my own eye, regardless of whether or not it is an authentic-designer whatever. If your interest is in investing in valuable items, then you can continue to do that, but if you want the look, without the expense, don't worry about labels, brands or makers. Just get what you love and display it with pride.

The lamp you see what purchased at a thrift store for $3:00. I spray painted it with Krylon in "Ballet Slipper". I had been saving my last and rather small piece of Rachel Ashwell's Rosalie print fabric and it was just the right size for recovering the plain white shade. I found some very inexpensive beaded fringe at WalMart and it looks stunning even if I do say so myself.

I'll be adding some close-up photos of these items later on when I discuss creating "vignettes".

So, until I blog again.....Deb

Hello World!

2008-06-01T18:24:00.001-06:00

I am just moving into this new blog I created today, so bear with me while I get things tweaked and some content added in. This is where I will be showcasing my passions for vintage collectibles, flea market finds and goodies found during my thrift store and tag sale trips. I will share photos of spots around my house that might inspire you or give you some ideas of your own. I hope to make many new friends here!

Happy Hunting,
Deb