A Cottage In The Woods

Shops Across The Pond

2012-02-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know how this happened, but it has been over a year since I posted anything under my 'Artists and Cottage Industries' label. So today I thought it would be fun to invite you to jump "across the pond" with me to visit these three lovely UK shops.

The Real Flower Company
Started when "Karen, Rosebie and Tim met up and soon realised that they all share the same passion; to bring natural, scented, fresh garden roses, perfumed flowers, cut herbs, and seasonal foliage back to a market that had lost touch with the beauty of real flowers."

Sigh. Aren't their hatbox arrangements pretty?

Scented Narcissi Hat Box

Pink and Ivory Rose Hatbox Arrangement

Peony and Sage
I immediately bookmarked this site when Maria of Dreamy Whites blogged about it here last November. Kimberley Bell's line of linens and tweeds are "inspired by vintage and french fabrics and an eclectic mix of all the things I love."

So many beautiful fabrics - these two are my favorites.

Faded Roses ~ Pink

Blackberry & Bee ~ Dutch Blue

Lobster and Swan
This UK Etsy shop has been a favorite of mine for several years. Selling original collage art, postcards, garlands, and the kinds of things "just like you might uncover whilst rummaging through a long untouched attic."

Layers of time garland

Estate sale lot 37 Hedgerow treasures

Beautiful, yes? Just click on the shop names or links under the images to visit! Hope you have a great weekend!

Doily Envelopes & A Thank You Giveaway

2012-01-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

Today I made some paper doily envelopes ~ one for a small gift for a friend, and a few more to make a garland for Valentine's Day.

I thought maybe you'd like to make some too, so I took some photos as I made one. They really are very easy to make, and they look great not only for Valentine's Day, but anytime. Here are the steps:

1. to create the bottom of the envelope, fold the bottom outside edge of the doily up to meet the inside of the top border
2. fold the bottom back down, and fold the sides in along the inside edge of the border
3. bring the bottom back up to make sure it fits neatly, adjusting if needed
4. bring the bottom back down again, and glue the sides down to the inside of your envelope
5. put a line of glue along the sides of the bottom, and then fold the bottom up and press it to glue it in place
6. once the glue is dry, fold the top down

As I was making these, I got to thinking. With all the lovely, lovely comments left on my last post, why not have a spur-of-the-moment Thank-You giveaway and enter everyone that left a comment?

So I stuffed one of these tiny doily envelopes with five of my watercolor tags, and using the random number generator, I entered the numbers from 1 to 78 (because there were 78 comments on the last post at the time I wrote this), and then hit the generate button.

And Linda, from Flowers On My Table, is the winner! Please email me at:

acottageinthewoods.zuzu@gmail.com

with your address, Linda, so that I can mail you the watercolor tags!

I'll have to do this again soon. It's so fun! Wishing you all a very lovely weekend!

Perfect

2012-01-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The Latin root of the word 'perfect' means only 'finished,'

not 'without flaws.'"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've shown you these watercolors before. But it took me some time to find them again when I was organizing and cleaning up the art material drawers in the armoire, because they were tucked away in-between various book pages and drawing pads.

So as I gathered them up together, I had a little heart-to-heart talk with myself.

"Self, look at what you've painted in the past few years. Several small studies on different papers. You love to paint, and with each one you learn a little more, but you are your own worst critic and what you don't toss out, you keep hidden away. Most of the paintings don't fit into the empty frames on hand and you don't want to buy new frames or pay for custom matting. So, are you just going to (1) keep on doing this, or (2) try something else?"

I think (2). Try something else. So when I wanted to do some quick, miniature studies, instead of doing them on bits a scrap paper, I painted on 1" tags. Tags are useful. I can use them on a gift or in a collage or to label what is inside a storage box.

I can use odd-sized paintings in framed collages or clip them to an inspiration board unframed. And for larger paintings, I can size the paper to fit one of my frames before beginning to paint.

So my watercolor project for 2012 isn't a new painting. It is simply experiencing the joy of painting, and then enjoying the paintings as well. When we create something, it doesn't have to be the best ~ just our best.

"perfect"

Quote from Everyday Sacred - A Woman's Journey Home by Sue Bender

I'm joining in at Layla's 'Word of the Year' Link Party. You can too - just click on:

Pinterest Inspiration

2012-01-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

It's snowing outside, so I thought it would be fun to spend some time this morning putting together a mosaic of some of my most favorite Pinterest images. I didn't realize it until after I'd finished the mosaic, but I guess I've got Spring on my mind. :)

The Pinterest images with source link information can be found here:

1-baby swan, 2-peonies, 3-books,

4-window, 5-little girl, 6-lace,

7-orchard, 8-swan, 9-tea cups

I'm also working on a new watercolor project, and hope to share that with you soon. See you!

2012

2012-01-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

I've come to think of each day as a new page in a journal ~ fresh with possibility, but not yet written. Add a few dreams, and you're all set to go.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.

~ Henry David Thoreau

I missed posting this on the first of January, but one of my dreams is to live life at a slower pace. So I figure I'm off to a great start.

Happy 2012!

A Little Touch Of Christmas

2011-12-19T12:25:00.004-07:00

This Christmas I wanted to keep things simple and bright with a few new handmade decorations and fresh evergreens from the forest.

So I made a glittered fairy house by reducing the Gingerbread house template from Martha Stewart, decoupaging pressed leaves and flowers onto the house to add texture and then painting and glittering it. I especially love the little door because I used pressed Forget-Me-Nots to create the door hinge. The wreaths are simply twigs held together with jewelry wire, and the garland is moss glued to twine with paper birds made from this Graphics Fairy printable. Even items that are out year-round become easy, inexpensive Christmas decorations ~ I added a velvet ribbon "winter scarf" to the bunny on the baker's rack, and the blue mason jar contains a paper angel.

On Saturday I headed out to find a Christmas tree ~ following bunny tracks

to a crowded grouping of 'Charlie Brown trees' where I knew I would find the perfect little tree.

Then as a last minute idea, I made some doily cones. They're easy to make ~ just cut a round doily into fourths, roll and glue them into a cone shape, glue strings to the sides, and add a simple decoration to cover the string ends. I like these because you can pop candies or small gifts inside.

And here is our tiny tree ~ just the right size for our tiny cottage. I added a very special glass bead garland that has been in my family for as long as I can remember, a few favorite glass ornaments, some glittered twigs, and the new doily cones. Very simple, but bright and pretty!

In-between cookie baking, cookie munching and family gatherings, I hope to pop by and visit you soon! Wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas Dreaming

2011-12-02T10:26:00.011-07:00

We did it! We finished our summer project ~ and by December 1 no less!

from starting in June, cutting down several huge pines and hauling the slash away
to extending our driveway and moving a ton of dirt
to building a 6'x14' shed
to cutting and then stacking firewood inside
to installing 4 new solar panels on the roof this week

So although many of my blogging friends are already sharing what they are doing for Christmas, I'm just now moving from the dreaming stage...

into the getting started stage! Hope to share what I've been up to with you soon, but until then, I thought you might enjoy a little Christmas dreaming! :)

Image Credits:
paperwhites: Hvitur Lakkris
gift wrapping: Liz Williams Interiors
music page: Sassy Sites
cookies: Midwest Home
bow decoration: BH&G
glass glitter stars: MemrieMare
truffles: via 2 Lovely
winter trees: Olli Kekäläinen
glass ornament: The Vintage Farmhouse

A Day Of Thanks

2011-11-24T09:40:00.004-07:00

Before I start my Thanksgiving Day cooking this morning, I want to share a quick pic.
Remember my previous post about winning Heather's Etsy giveaway gift? It took me quite some time to decide, but I finally chose three antique skeleton keys from VeronicaS and five chippy antique tin ceiling tiles from Recycled Relics. It is one thing to see the photos, but to hold these in my hand, to feel their weight and wonder about their stories is an absolute treasure. I'm thinking of using the ceiling tiles in a future art/DIY project. Thank you so much, Heather ~ every time I see these, I'll think of you, my dear Canadian friend!

Which brings me to today - Thanksgiving ~ and how very thankful I am for all of you. In the morning, I find myself a cup of coffee and log on to Blogger, and here you are! You are a bright spot in each and every day and a joy to know. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all have a lovely day!

Like A Little Kid In The Candy Store

2011-11-12T07:55:00.003-07:00

My blogging friend, Heather , had a giveaway a few weeks ago to celebrate her first year of blogging ~ maybe you remember seeing her banner in my sidebar ~ it was for $50 to spend at Etsy? Such a generous giveaway gift! So you can understand why I did a little double-take when I found out who won. Me? Can't be. Really? Wow! I felt like a little kid in the candy store! The mosaic below shows some of my "favorites" over at Etsy and I promise to share what I chose in a future post...
but most of all I wish to thank Heather for her sweet friendship and this lovely, lovely gift, and to invite my blogging friends to pop over and say 'Hi' at her blog, Inspire Me Heather. She is such a sweetheart!

Wishing you all a very happy weekend!

My Recycled Pumpkins

2011-11-03T07:42:00.003-06:00

I had my heart set on decorating for Fall using a few white pumpkins placed here and there in our little cottage, but when I went looking for them in town, I couldn't find any. All the local stores had were the traditional orange pumpkins.

So I took out the 'whirled pumpkins' that I had made a couple of years ago and gave them a makeover. A little white paint, some paper leaves sprinkled with silver glitter (resizing the leaf template from here), a couple kinds of ribbon ~ and how about that ~ white pumpkins! :)

Hope all is cozy and happy at your house!

Followers, Comments and Life

2011-10-26T07:36:00.004-06:00

The topic of blogging followers and comments has been on my mind, so...

The Followers Gadget

A few weeks into blogging when I was a newbie, someone asked me to add the 'Followers' gadget. At that time I didn't know what a 'Follower' was, but I added it to my sidebar because I was told that it made it easier for people to follow my blog if they wanted to.

The 'members' number means whatever you decide it means, but to me, it's not important. Some may follow my blog because they want me to follow them back so they'll have more followers, or perhaps to improve their search engine rank and then never visit again. Who knows how many follow my blog because they actually like it - the number doesn't matter, but the gadget is there simply to make following easier.

About Comments

I follow about 200 blogs, and to be honest I have trouble keeping up. Sometimes I visit and leave a comment often. Sometimes I visit and leave a comment occasionally. Sometimes I'm just a lurker. But when someone takes the time to visit my blog and leave a comment, I see it as an opportunity to make their acquaintance and build a friendship, so I make a point to visit them back. There are a couple of blogs where I cannot leave a comment like Theophanie's and Dan's - sorry, I think there's some issue with my computer setup that I cannot figure out. But know that I do visit you, and I do enjoy what you have to share. I don't leave a comment just so someone will comment on my blog. I don't leave a comment just because someone left a comment on my blog. I comment at your blog because I wish to connect and share with you.

Other Stuff

I don't understand why some people blog with comments turned off. Maybe you could explain that one to me. And when someone sends emails in response to the comments I leave at their blog instead of visiting my blog (because they just don't have the time), that comes across as an invitation for me to go away - so I do.

Blogging is a social playground, and I think most of Robert Fulghum's All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten applies here are well...

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school. These are the things I learned:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don't hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.

Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.

Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.

And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

So that's what's been on my mind. What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Quote: "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum http://www.robertfulghum.com/

Pumpkin Crafts

2011-10-17T07:58:00.011-06:00

So many fun ideas - I'm thinking of trying a little pumpkin craft project myself as soon as things slow down a bit.

How about you? Are you running around finishing up outdoor projects (like me), or are you inside enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and a good book? I am so ready to spend some cozy time inside! :)

Image Credits (including how-to instructions or shop links):
1- Love Embellished, 2-One Charming Party, 3-Hot Skwash,
4-Country Living, 5-Martha Stewart, 6-Budget Wise Home
7-Martha Stewart, 8-Twig & Thistle, 9-Ozma of Odds

Digging Out

2011-10-10T09:39:00.001-06:00

We're digging out from the foot of snow we received over the weekend, and hope to build the roof on our new shed this week - that way we won't have to shovel out the shed next time! :)

Hope you all have a great week!

Blender Pen Transfer Tutorial

2011-10-01T09:03:00.008-06:00

I like the look of vintage fabrics in home decor, like this from Salvage Dior ~

so I thought I'd give transferring images to fabric a try. I found the blender pen transfer technique to be so easy that I thought you might like to try it as well!

I started with this vintage image from The Graphics Fairy ~

resized, rotated, and mirrored (because it is text) the image in Paint Shop Pro so that I could print it out letter size, and then took it to the library to make a photocopy on their copier.

Then I gathered my materials:

my photocopy image
a flour sack dish towel (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)
tape to hold the image in place
a Chartpak colorless blender pen (I found mine at Blick Art Materials)
a burnisher (I used a stainless steel spoon)

With the image taped face-down on the dish towel, I rubbed the blender pen over a small area of the back of the photocopy until the image was visible. NOTE: Use the blender pen in a well ventilated area.

Then while still wet, I rubbed the image with the spoon to transfer it to the fabric. You can work in smaller sections to transfer larger images.

And that's all there is to it! Here's what my dish towel project looks like ~

I have heard that this technique works on cloth, paper, wood, and copper - and with all the free vintage images and fonts available, there are limitless ideas to try! Let me know if you decide to try it too!

Have a happy one!

UPDATE: For those of you who have asked, the transfer image faded when I washed it in hot water - so perhaps washing in cold water would be best!

Vintage Botanical DIY

2011-09-21T09:28:00.003-06:00

Inspired by this beautiful image from Dusty Lu,

I decided to create some vintage-style botanical artwork for our cottage!

I found the free images online, reduced the size and lightened the colors in Paint Shop Pro and then printed them out. I then pasted them to a piece of light cardboard, rounded the corners, punched two holes in the top, and tied hand-dyed ribbons to hang them. Such an easy and inexpensive little project ~ and although the flowers may be fading outdoors, I can still enjoy some floral beauty indoors! :)

Hope you all are enjoying a beautiful day!

Mosaics and Inspiration Boards

2011-09-14T09:55:00.004-06:00

Just for the fun of it, I put together this little inspiration board using the colors I love most. Whites, grays, French blues, soft pinks and lavenders ~ I think they are so pretty together!

If you like mosaics and inspiration boards, here are a few blogs that you might enjoy visiting:

Secrets of a Butterfly
Shabby Chic Interiors
Lovely Clusters
The Perfect Palette
Cowparsley
Hannas-Form
Valdirose
and
Catharina's Love

Wishing you a lovely day!

Image Sources: lavender: Style Me Pretty, shoe: Joy Folie, cupcakes: Paul Barbera, owl: lookpictures.net, botanicals: Kiss The Groom , letter: Petit Broncante, bouquet: Flowers by Bornay , clock: via Pinterest

Love Is Immortal

2011-09-03T08:42:00.007-06:00

Life goes on even when we are feeling sad. Yesterday I sat outside watching an orange butterfly sip nectar from one purple aster to another and then float into the forest until it was out of sight. It was a gift. A reminder.

Love you always, Mama.

Easy DIY Projects

2011-08-03T10:15:00.004-06:00

My Pinterest is filled with photos of French, Nordic & English style cottage homes decorated with beautiful antiques and flea market finds, but when it comes to decorating our cottage, I'm a DIY kind of girl. Today I'm sharing a couple of my latest (easy) decorating projects, inspired by Pinterest pins...

Black & White Antiqued Clock

Our clock was originally dark gold and black, but still kept perfect time, so (inspired by this pin) I dabbed leftover white wall paint on it and touched up the numbers with a black art pen. The clock hangs above a coat rack that Hubby and I made from wood scraps left over from building our house, and I think the clock looks so much better now that it's white!

Faux Farm Fresh Eggs

I had purchased some inexpensive white & brown ceramic eggs from Hobby Lobby a while ago to use as a decorative touch in the kitchen, but after seeing this pin, I knew exactly what to do with the Annie Sloan paint samples Sue had sent to me. I painted three of the eggs in different shades of blue, and love the results. Thanks again, Sue!

So, that's what I've been up to besides working outside. I hope to share a couple more projects with you soon!

~ Wishing you all a wonderful day! :)

Caught You!

2011-07-22T09:04:00.001-06:00

I know, I know... cute little chipmunk...

but I caught him red-handed, sitting on my watering can, eating ALL of the sweet, juicy alpine strawberries, and dropping whatever he didn't want into the watering can. What can I say? I love him anyway. :)

Wishing you all a very happy weekend!

Summer Wildflower Bouquet

2011-07-12T07:21:00.006-06:00

I have something pretty to share with you today! This is my very first wildflower bouquet picked from the garden that surrounds our tiny cottage. I started planting the garden three years ago with native plants from our property, but found this to be the most challenging garden I've ever grown - not only because it is at 10,000 feet above sea level (hardiness zone 3b), but because bunnies, deer and underground critters think it's an all-you-can-eat salad bar.

For the first time, many of the plants are large enough to take some cuttings. This bouquet has three different kinds of penstemon, white yarrow, fireweed, silver mound artemisia, field chickweed, sticky geranium, grasses and alpine lousewort leaves. It's such a treat to have fresh flowers indoors, and when blooms fade, I can step outside the door and gather a few new ones to add to the bouquet. Little happy dance, I can finally say that our cottage in the woods has a cottage garden!

P.S. I just found out about Sandy's 'Vintage Video Party' at her blog, My Shabby Steamside Studio, so I'm linking this post to her party. The theme is summer flowers and you don't have to have a video to participate, so I hope you'll join us! :)

Still Here

2011-07-05T07:08:00.000-06:00

Hubby and I have been felling huge pine trees, limbing them, carrying/rolling/dragging them to the driveway and then hauling the branches to a local slash & mulch site. I sometimes think it is too much to try to keep a blog going, but then I think about how much I'd miss you...

So for now, I'm just popping in to say 'Hi' and I'll try to get over to visit as soon as possible. Hope you're all having a great summer! :)

Image Credit: via Audrey Crisp

The Heart Has Its Reasons

2011-06-17T11:31:00.006-06:00

Out of hundreds of photographs, why do I love these so much? Must be for the same reasons I love wildflowers, stars and birdsong. Debussy, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov. Monet and Renoir. Shakespeare. Jane Austen and Sara Teasdale... the heart has its reasons.

Wishing you all a day filled with beauty and joy!

Image Credits: crown-kiss the groom, flower-luvpublishing, castle-etringita,
keys-79 ideas, girl-silent sequoias, heart lock-via Little Emma English Home,
music-t8contempo, forest-martien mulder

Spring Cleaning

2011-06-08T09:02:00.002-06:00

I am so happy! It stopped snowing a couple of weeks ago, the aspen leaves have unfurled, and the weather has finally warmed up into the low 70s. I think I'll make a new dress from the curtains, fling open the windows, spin around in a circle and start singing, and all the bunnies, deer, birds, and chipmunks will come running to help me with the spring cleaning.

OK - one can dream. Since summer doesn't officially start until June 21, I have plenty of time to get it done. See ya!

'Enchanted' image found at A Movie Script Ending

A Little Photo Love

2011-06-02T09:16:00.003-06:00

A few beautiful photos I found on the web to share with you today. I hope you have a lovely one!

Credits:
1-Elle.se, 2-LuLu Taylor, 3-jandinflorida,
4-Dress, Design & Decor, 5-Kiss The Groom, 6-Valdirose

Returning Friends

2011-05-22T11:57:00.002-06:00

After an amazing sunrise, I went outdoors this morning just to listen. Despite the continued cold temperatures and on-again off-again snowstorms, the birds are returning daily. I am still learning their names and can only identify a few of them, but with the help of a field guide from my parents and the Audubon Guides website, I am learning more each day. I made a mosaic using images from the Audubon Guides to share some of the birds that I've seen here...

(click for a close-up view)

1-Wild Turkey, 2-Western Tanager, 3-Blue Jay, 4-Mountain Bluebird, 5-Downy Woodpecker, 6-Red-tailed Hawk, 7-Mountain Chickadee, 8-American Robin, 9-Pine Siskin, 10-Pine Grosbeak, 11-Broad-tailed Hummingbird, 12-Dusky Grouse, 13-Clark's Nutcracker

From a checklist I found on the web, there are 222 species living in this county. Perhaps by the end of summer, I will have met a few more!

Wishing you all a great week ahead!

Untie The Ribbons

2011-05-16T07:54:00.015-06:00

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons."
~Ruth Ann Schabacker

Image Credits: 1-Scrapbook 2-Brian's Lens
3-Belle & Bear 4-Shine by S.H.O 5-FrenchBlue

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I guess Blogger lost this post & comments from May 12, so I'm posting it again... I hope you enjoy it!

Friendship Portal

2011-05-07T11:18:00.001-06:00

Starting a blog is a lot like being in kindergarten and pulling your teddy bear out of a crumpled paper bag for show-and-tell. You never know - someone might roll their eyes and mutter "Oh, brother." But then again, there's always the chance that someone will really like what you have to share.

So I took a chance and started a blog, and at some point along the way it seems that my computer morphed from research engine to friendship portal.

A couple of weeks ago I asked Sue about the Annie Sloan paint she is using, and she generously took the time to mail me some samples along with her notes. Thank you, Sue - I really like the 'Louis Blue'!

And Michelle sent me a thank you gift for helping her with a couple of questions about Pinterest.

Two of her little hand-made bird eggs, which fit perfectly here. Merci, Michelle - I love them!

It continues to amaze me how quickly we can pop over to visit one another through this internet friendship portal - and how very glad I am to have found you all!

Happy weekend!

Image Credits: 1-Vectis Auctions Ltd, 2&3 - me

Happy Easter

2011-04-22T11:02:00.002-06:00

From our house to yours ~ wishing you all a very Happy Easter!

Simply Be

2011-04-15T12:23:00.008-06:00

I've really relaxed with writing posts in this blog. I haven't had much to say lately, but then I remembered this Oscar Wilde quote ...

"Be yourself,
everyone else is taken."

So that's what I've been doing. Reading, thinking, planning, playing over at Pinterest, making more paper flowers, and watching for signs of spring in-between snowstorms. In the middle of raising kids and working, I didn't spend much time thinking about what I'd be doing once I retired. Turns out, it's really pretty great to simply be. :)

Image credit: Anna Kamińska

Deleted My Tumblr Account

2011-04-01T10:10:00.005-06:00

A quick note - I deleted my Tumblr account a few weeks ago, and someone else picked up my acottageinthewoods.tumblr.com url address. So, if you are still visiting that tumblr, please know it's NOT mine. I'm posting images at http://pinterest.com/acitw/ now. :)

Reuse Upcycle Repurpose

2011-03-27T08:01:00.017-06:00

I've read articles stating that one of the trends born from the recession is upcycling. I love stumbling across inspiring reuse ideas on the web like these...

Men's Oxford Shirt to Sweet Sundress

Galvanized Tub to Upholstered Ottoman

Silverplate Vintage Spoon to Bracelet

TV Stand to Play Kitchen

Lambswool Sweater to Children's Slippers

Vintage Truck Springs to Kitchen Stools

Picture Frames to Terrarium

... but creating something new from what others might discard has been around for a long time. The only new trend is what people are currently calling it. Whether you reuse, upcycle or repurpose - it's all the same thing. Clever, resourceful thinking! :)

(to visit the source websites for more information, click on the image or image title below it)

Easter Craft Ideas

2011-03-19T09:12:00.001-06:00

I've been pinning ideas for Easter to my Pinterest board, and I'm thinking it's about time to get started on some crafts! If you see anything here that you'd like to try, just click on the link under the image to go to the website for information and instructions.

Flower Arrangements in Egg Shells

Spring Pussy Willow Nests

Easter Paper Chains

Spring Bulb Arrangement

Easter Candy Parade

All In One Basket

Teena Flanner Papier Mache Figures

Regal Rabbit

I hope to share some of the things that I make in the next few weeks. Wishing you all a very happy weekend! :)

P.S. To Dan from Frogs, Dogs, & Ferns... I am unable to leave a comment on your blog either in IE or Firefox, but I am following and reading about your progress - congratulations on your lovely win from Milly!

2011-03-11T10:01:00.007-07:00

Years ago I started an inspiration notebook - a 3-ring-binder filled with favorite magazine clippings. In 2002, I stopped buying magazines and started pasting images that I liked from the web to my computer.

Now there's Pinterest. Have you heard of it? It's a place to create collections of images from the web that you like and share them with others. You can create and name as many "boards" as you wish, and "pin" the images you like to your boards. By "following" others on Pinterest, you can see and "repin" what they are sharing. Here is what mine looks like - clicking on the image will take you to my Pinterest, where you can click on each board to see the kinds of things I've pinned so far.

The great part is that it is easy to add, remove, and move things around whenever you wish - just like my old 3-ring-binder, only it's virtual and it's free.

I'd love to hear if any of you are also on Pinterest - or let me know if you'd like to start your own. I'd be happy to help with any questions you might have.

MORE:
If you'd like to start your own Pinterest, go to http://pinterest.com/ Towards the top of the page on the left, you will see a button "REQUEST AN INVITE" - click it and fill in the request. It took about a week for me to receive an email back with a link to join. The person that sent me the email was super nice. He answered all my questions via email. If you need any help after that, just ask me - I'd be happy to help you. Once you have your own Pinterest account, you can follow my board and I can follow yours!

Tiny Houses Catching On

2011-03-03T08:20:00.002-07:00

I haven't had much to blog about lately, but I thought that those of you following my blog because you are interested in tiny houses might enjoy reading this article as much as I did:

Living well in less space: tiny houses catching on

Our house is 375 square feet - and I couldn't agree more with the article!

Credit image: Cusato Cottages, LLC

Valentines

2011-02-13T10:10:00.002-07:00

I collect bits of paper, cardboard and ribbon ~ and was inspired by all the great valentine project ideas out in blogland ~ so I decided to make a valentine for my little granddaughter. I cut out two heart shapes from cardboard, pasted pretty papers on top, and trimmed the edges. Then I added a crepe paper ruffle and hanging string in-between the two hearts, glued it all together, and decorated the top with watercolors & ink. Ariana is 2 1/2 now and playing with art in preschool. Perhaps this valentine could be the beginning of 'The Great Refrigerator Art Exchange' between grandmother and granddaughter! :)

And since I already had the supplies out,

I made more valentines to decorate our tiny cottage.

I'm off to bake some cookies, so I'll say 'Bye' for now. Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!

An Early Spring?

2011-02-04T09:07:00.002-07:00

"Groundhog Day 2011 results: Spring!" according to the Washington Post ~ which also mentioned that "Phil is only right 39 percent of the time".

Here at our house, we hit -21 degrees F in the wee hours, and the on-demand water heater demanded it wouldn't work until Hubby applied a heat gun and a little heat tape, but the good news is that we still have running water! Last summer we installed a submersible heat trace (aka heated-wire-thingy in the waterline) and littledanceofjoy, it works!

So we're doing a little shoveling and keeping the wood stove going. Hope all is warm and comfy at your house!

Oh ~ and be sure to let me know if you see any signs of that early spring, OK? :)

John Burroughs

2011-01-22T11:52:00.002-07:00

"To find the universal elements enough;

to find the air and the water exhilarating;

to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...

to be thrilled by the stars at night;

to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring -

these are some of the rewards of the simple life. "

~ John Burroughs

Photo Credits: 1-Igor Siwanowicz, 2-weather reports, 3-J. Callison Photography, 4-Inmost Light, 5-Nest by Tamara, 6-martine266

One Small Step For Woman...

2011-01-15T08:38:00.004-07:00

While standing in line at the grocery store, I heard the woman next to me talking with the store manager. Her purse had just been stolen while shopping, and her money, keys, cell phone, credit cards - everything was gone. I felt so bad for her.

For years I have been in the habit of carrying my keys in my pocket, and when I'm out and about, I also put my cell phone in my pocket so I won't miss calls digging through my purse searching for it as it rings and rings. So I asked myself - why carry a purse at all?

At home, I dumped the contents of my purse out and sorted it into two piles - what I really needed to carry with me, and what I didn't. This week when I ran errands, I put my keys, wallet, cell phone and lip gloss in my pockets - and I couldn't believe how free it felt not worrying about a purse and carrying that extra weight around!

Just how hard is it finding women's clothes with pockets? A quick search at anthropologie.com returned these and more, from casual to dressy, and every one of them has pockets.

Going purseless. Who knows - this could turn out to be one small step for woman; one giant leap for womankind! What do you think?

Image credits: Anthroplogie

Sweet Surprises

2011-01-05T09:24:00.001-07:00

2011 arrived quietly at our house. How peaceful this time of year is. Infinite stars at night, warmth from the wood stove, and hours spent curled up reading - I'm currently enjoying 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins. But while I was taking a blog break between Christmas and now, two very delightful things happened!

I won Jen's giveaway at Muddy Boot Dreams, and now have a beautiful glass garden cloche sitting on my table! I put a bird's nest inside for today's photo, but I'm looking forward to growing pink tulips or a delicate fern inside to enjoy up close. Thank you so much, Jen - it's wonderful!

A few days later, I was surprised by a lovely gift from Deborah of The Fairfield House - a book entitled 'The Country Diary Of An Edwardian Lady'. The book is a copy of Edith Holden's nature diary written in 1906, filled with her gorgeous paintings, favorite poems, and gentle thoughts and observations from around her home in Olton, Warwickshire. Thank you, Deborah! You have inspired me to gather up all my loose sketches, paintings, poems, and pressed flowers and create a small diary or framed collage myself!

I started blogging in July of 2009, and didn't have a clue as to what I was doing. But I'm so glad that I gave it a try, because I've met so many wonderful people from all over the world - and cherish the friendships we share!

Wishing you all a very joyful 2011!

Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T11:53:00.001-07:00

Glittered trees

and perfect snowflakes ~

a gift of gentle beauty.

And although it arrived at our house,
there is no doubt in my mind ~

this gift is just one of many
to be shared and enjoyed by all.

Happy holidays!

Indoor Christmas Decorations

2010-12-19T05:02:00.006-07:00

This week I slid up and down the snowy forest hills to find a Christmas tree, and returned with two. The first one is wee, and sits on the baker's rack in our eat-in kitchen.

I didn't have anything to decorate the tree with. So I dusted some dried flowers with glitter and added a bird's nest that I made from grass & moss with two tiny eggs made from wood filler.

The big tree is decorated with a mix of handmade and glass ornaments. The glass bead garland is special as it has been in my family for as long as I can remember. I made paper tussie mussies and hung a few favorite glass ornaments,

and to give the Christmas tree more of a woodland look, I glued glitter to pinecones and aspen twigs and set them in the branches.

And here is our big tree decorated for Christmas. Well, it's really not all that big. It's 30" tall. But it's just right for a tiny cottage in the woods! :)

I'm off to make some Christmas cookies and candies. I hope all is merry at your house!

Christmas Crafts

2010-12-10T11:11:00.002-07:00

I've been making some Christmas crafts this week. I made a 'Merry Christmas' banner by writing each letter on a tag with a permanent marker. I then dabbed the tags with instant coffee for an aged effect, strung them together with gardener's twine, and hung the banner above the kitchen sink ~ you can see it better if you click on the image.

Hubby asked what these were, and when I told him that they were containers for Christmas candy, he instantly liked them! I cut a paper towel tube in half to create two containers and glued scrapbook paper to them. I then glued a layer of tissue paper over that, added the ruffled trim I made, filled them with wrapped candies, and tied the ends with ribbon. It's such an easy craft to make and you can fill the containers with whatever you wish. These would also be great as Christmas dinner placeholders, simply by writing your guests' names on them.

This last photo shows a Christmas card my sister gave me years ago that I framed. I store several pictures in the same frame and change the picture out with the seasons - talk about easy! The red berries are kinnikinnick berries that I picked and strung last year, and if you look closely at the little twig chair, you'll see an elf's hat that I made using a scrap of the same tissue paper I used for the candy containers.

So that's what I've been up to this week. I like to decorate with a few favorite family ornaments, handmade crafts, and Mother Nature's gifts. Next week I plan to go into the woods and cut a tree and I'll share more pics with you then.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Holiday Decorating Ideas

2010-11-30T10:06:00.001-07:00

I found some holiday decorating ideas via the web ~

like this handmade paper garland and easy Christmas greens arrangement,

handmade Christmas crackers,

burlap-wrapped topiaries in glass containers,

a beautiful flocked Christmas tree,

white amaryllis

and a sweet treat!

All these ideas are so simple and pretty! I'm looking forward to trying a few of these myself. Have you started decorating for the holidays yet?

Image Credits: 1-Country Living, 2-Jeanne d’ Arc Living, 3-Country Home, 4-Canadian House & Home, 5-Better Homes and Gardens, 6-Marie Claire

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T07:46:00.002-07:00

Taking a little minute in the morning quiet
to wish my American friends a very Happy Thanksgiving on the 25th
and a joyful weekend to all my blogging friends around the world!
Enjoy!

Image credit: gorgeous 'Carriage in Waiting' photograph by Carla Dyck

A Little Snoopy Happy Dance

2010-11-18T07:35:00.001-07:00

I used to be one of those tall, lean, healthy people that could eat whatever they wanted, but sometime around my 50th birthday, all that changed. So this past summer I decided it was high time I went out and found my healthier self. I started walking a mile 3-4 times a week, and today I'm doing a little Snoopy happy dance

because I've lost 15 pounds and am feeling much better! No diet, no gym, no special exercise equipment - just getting outdoors and walking. Woohoo!!! Now I can't imagine a week without walking! :)

Image credit: Cartoon Avatars

Thank You, Morrie

2010-11-12T08:51:00.007-07:00

Hubby and I do things a little differently from most Americans. One thing we do is purchase easy-care clothing that all packs into a few travel bags. We don't own any other clothes. I thought about sharing this before, but hesitated because I thought it might seem a little too weird to other people - living like world travelers, simple and carefree, while on "staycation" in a tiny cottage in the woods.

But this week I changed my mind and here I am writing about it. I borrowed Tuesdays With Morrie from the library and read it in an afternoon, taking in each and every thing Morrie had to share with thought, tears and gratitude. Morrie Schwartz was a dearly-loved sociology professor who passed away from Lou Gehrig's disease in 1995 - but through the book his student and friend Mitch Albom wrote, Morrie's teaching continues to inspire. Morrie said:

"The culture we have doesn't make people feel very good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn't work, don't buy it."

Thank you, Morrie!

I don't buy advertising. I find the psychology behind it insulting. We don't have a TV, a radio, or buy magazines. We do our purchasing research over the Internet.

I don't buy "keeping up with the Joneses" (greed). More is not better and what we buy is not who we are. Our home is 375 square feet big and we are happy and comfortable. We recycle, reuse, re-purpose, and conserve resources. It's so easy.

I don't buy selfishness or prejudice. I value sharing a smile, offering a helping hand, and saying thank you often.

Morrie said:

"Do the kinds of things that come from the heart. When you do, you won't be dissatisfied, you won't be envious, you won't be longing for somebody else's things. On the contrary, you'll be overwhelmed with what comes back."

Morrie Schwartz

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
~ Henry Adams

~~~

Tuesdays with Morrie was written by Mitch Albom. Mitch has a website here.Image credits: 1-Saddleback Leather Company, 2-Mitch Albom

November Days

2010-11-04T09:52:00.006-06:00

It's been snowing a little over the past few weeks and time seems to have slowed down.

Inside the wood stove keeps our cottage cozy, and I'm back to spending my days drawing

reading, embroidering,

and enjoying the slower pace. Even doing the little things, like the dishes, is more enjoyable!

"The winds will blow their own freshness into you,
and the storms their energy,
while cares will drop away from you
like the leaves of Autumn."

- John Muir

Happy November days from our house to yours!

Thank You

2010-10-27T08:11:00.001-06:00

Thank you for all your honest, kind, wise, and funny comments in my previous post. You have helped to remind me of the original reason I started blogging. Sharing openly, in our own voice, about whatever we wish is what makes each and every blog as unique and special as the person who writes it. You know me. I love to blog about...

artists and small cottage industries

everyday beauty and simple living

gardens and nature

and cottage-style homes

- but that's only a small part of blogging. Visiting you, and reading and seeing what you have to share is what I love most. Time may be limited, I may not make it by to visit you as often as I'd like, but please know how very grateful I am for your friendship. You put the joy in blogging.

Photo Credits: 1-Michele Mattei, 2-CathyPenton Designs Shoppe, 3-Cloth&Patina,
4-Kristybee, 6-Pixdaus, 7-Jean d’ Arc Living, 8-Really Linda Barker, 9-Skona Hem

How Do You Find Balance?

2010-10-20T09:56:00.007-06:00

I've been feeling a little overwhelmed trying to keep up with blogging. It's my own fault. There are so many wonderful blogs to visit!

I usually only post once a week now, and although I'd like to visit everyone that leaves a comment here with me, sometimes I don't make it. When blogging friends post several times a week, I miss out on some of their posts. So please tell me, dear bloggy friends, how do you find balance when it comes to blogging? I'm sure others are wondering the same thing!

A little update: 'Overwhelmed' may have been the wrong word here. I'm feeling tired, but not stressed. :) Please read all the wonderful comments from everyone - such an inspiring conversation! Thank you!

image via Tumblr

Live, Laugh, & Love

2010-10-07T09:51:00.001-06:00

Last May I wrote a post called 'The Journey' about a feeling I had that I was about to turn a corner. I've finally turned that corner.

I'm no longer a mama to three small children - they all grew up and are living busy lives. I'm no longer going to school nights or working a high-stress job in software - that's all in the past. I'm no longer helping Hubby build our house - we are living in it.

That corner I had to turn was to answer the question of what I would DO with the rest of my life. The answer might seem obvious. Live it. But it took me some time to make the adjustment.

I'm learning to enjoy living life at a slower pace. I'm spending more time outdoors, taking time to smell the roses and sip and enjoy my tea and honey instead of gulping it all down in a crazy hurry. There's time to visit with the people I love, and when someone apologizes for taking too long in line at the grocery store, I tell them no worries - I'm not in a hurry.

So what will I DO with the rest of my life? Continue to do what's most important. Live, laugh, and love. :)

Wishing you a very happy day!

Image Credit: BibliOdyssey

Fall Mosaic

2010-10-01T10:23:00.003-06:00

I made a mosaic to share today, using images from the morgueFile, which provides free images by creatives for creatives. You can click on the mosaic to see it up close.

Like the little girl in the last photo, I'm heading on out ~ I hope you enjoy this beautiful fall day!

Autumn Is Here

2010-09-23T11:43:00.002-06:00

I went for a walk in the woods this morning and thought you might like to come along too...

Wishing you a beautiful day!

Francois Houtin for Hermès

2010-09-15T08:43:00.002-06:00

Tripping along a most serendipitous path, I discovered the Les Maisons Enchantées dining tableware by Francois Houtin for Hermès. The text I've quoted below and all images are from here.

"‘A dream world, drawn with sepia-colored ink on cream-colored ceramic. Magical forests, childhood memories, tree houses…’ a déjà vu of blooming plants and cottage house appear in soft outlines ─ a story in ‘utopian’ gardens unfolded on ceramics.
Following Hermès’ ‘Tales To Be Told’ theme in 2010, La Table Hermès dinning tableware is also stepping into the fantasy world. The Les Maisons Enchantées series, as designed by Hermès scarf designer and renowned artist François Houtin, is inspired by 18th century gardens and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s reflection on ‘back to nature’. The twenty-one pieces Les Maisons Enchantées series is created in faïence, combined with a shade of vintage eggshell and sculptural silhouette of tree-house and plant. An embodiment of fairy tale, the collection seamlessly inserts a dose of art into daily life." ~ Carmen Lee

Happy daily dose of beauty!

Imagination

2010-09-04T11:15:00.001-06:00

The world

is but a canvas

to the imagination.

Quote: Henry David Thoreau.
Whimsical tissue-paper fairy dress: Me.

Just a little smile for your day! :)

Why I Blog

2010-08-26T08:48:00.002-06:00

Some of you asked to see a pic of the footstool I finished painting robin's egg blue. It's made of bamboo, and sitting on top of it is a small cement rabbit I've had for almost 25 years. I took this photo through the mirror in the bright morning light - you can click on the image to enlarge it if you'd like.

This was going to be a short post, but the words "short post" got me to thinking about an email I received a couple months ago. I was asked if I was collecting data, perhaps for writing a thesis on blogging or gathering information for a magazine. And how was it that so many of my posts were light in content, and yet I received so many comments? I wrote back saying that I wasn't gathering research - I simply blog about whatever comes to mind and write as if I'm having a conversation with my sister.

My sister loved the clean lines of American Shaker style - I love the curves in French design. She loved warm colors - I love cool colors. She could sew anything beautifully - I make a point of avoiding sewing anything with a zipper. She could tell me the names of rocks - I know the names of wildflowers. We used to talk for hours and it didn't matter if we loved the same things or not. All that mattered was that we loved each other dearly and found joy in sharing our lives.

My sister showed me how to open my mind to new things and to share my heart. That's why I blog, and why I love visiting yours. This connection we make - this joy we share - is precious.

A Little Etsy Love

2010-08-23T09:37:00.004-06:00

When Etsy launched in 2005, I really didn't think too much about it. Then I donated a pressed wildflower botanical I had made via Etsy to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund - joining others in raising nearly $25,000. From then on I knew that Etsy would be big - not only as a place to sell/shop, but as a community with heart.

I am collecting pennies right now - saving up for several future projects. But I still love to window shop, and last weekend I played around with Etsy Treasury, creating a treasury based on the colors of autumn twilight. You can click on the image below to go directly to Etsy if you wish to see more or make one yourself.

Supporting small business is important to me, and I can always find the time to spread a little Etsy love! :)

Dreaming While Awake

2010-08-21T09:12:00.003-06:00

Some pretty images to share ~ a little dreaming while awake.

I run into images like this while traveling the internet, and when I find one I like, I save it. Like cutting out favorite pictures from a magazine, when I look at them again I start to see what it is that I love. Whites, blues and greens with tiny bits of pink and purple. Flowers and candles. Painted, timeworn, rumply and cozy.

Today I'm painting a little footstool robin's egg blue. What are you up to today?

Image credits: Martha Stewart, Jeanne d'Arc Living, Babazar, Livingetc, Sussie Bell, Living Inside, Jo Tyler, Skona Hem

My Arts Desire

2010-08-18T09:01:00.000-06:00

I met Sue from MyArtsDesire recently via the Where Bloggers Create II party, and instantly fell in love with her gorgeous studio,

her beautiful artwork,

and her wonderful blog! We share many common interests, and when she posted a giveaway, I entered with my fingers crossed tightly. Imagine my delight when I found that I had won the second of her two giveaway prizes! When I went to the post office yesterday, I hoped to find a small envelope from Sue. Instead, there was a box full of beautifully wrapped treasures...

and when I opened these, there were even more wonderful surprises!

Thank you so very much, Sue, for all these beautiful gifts ~ I love every single one of them! And for all my sweet blogging friends, if you haven't visited Sue before, you are in for a treat! Just click here to visit My Arts Desire!

Wishing you all a beauty-filled day. :)

Image credits: 1&2 MyArstDesire, 3&4 Zuzu

Fireweed & My Camera

2010-08-14T09:13:00.001-06:00

There are so many wonderful things that I'd love to share with you from our little cottage in the woods. Droplet necklaces draped off the wildflowers after a rain. Gossamer dragonflies with brilliant blue bodies. Apricot & vanilla sunsets. But my point & shoot camera is 9 years old and cannot capture these.

So I take many, many photographs, changing out the batteries every 5-10 shots, hoping I'll have something to share with you. These Fireweed wildflowers grow just outside our door and were photographed from the early morning to the late afternoon.

Hang in there, little camera, and together we will continue to give it our best. And thank you, dear friends, for coming by to visit! :)

The Tiny House Keyhole Tour

2010-08-09T09:04:00.004-06:00

I love visiting beautiful blogs and sharing inspiring photographs of cottage home decor that I find while stumbling across the internet, but when blogging friends ask to see more pics of our tiny house, I panic.

What? Our house? It's not finished!

I blog about what we've been working on and snap a few close-ups, but I do not take any of those sweeping, whole-room, magazine-worthy shots. So I was thinking. What if I created a mosaic using the pics I've taken inside our tiny house since I started blogging, and shared that with you?

You still have to use your imagination here. Think of a one-story dollhouse with an open, white interior and a cathedral ceiling and lots of light pouring through the windows, and then click on the keyhole to peek inside to see some of the details...

Click on the keyhole to peek inside

It's a work-in-progress. Not magazine-worthy. But I love it - this wonderful, unfinished, tiny cottage in the woods. I hope you enjoyed the keyhole tour!

Paper Garland

2010-08-06T08:33:00.003-06:00

I have always loved delicate paper artwork, I guess for the same reasons I love snowflakes, flower petals, butterflies, and clouds.

So I cut petal shapes from pattern paper and pink crepe paper, dabbed them with coffee to give them an aged appearance, and strung them together with seed beads to create a garland.

Now instead of looking at a blank wall above my kitchen sink, I have an inspiration wall!

I made the garland, hanging butterfly print and tissue paper butterfly for pennies, and printed out my favorite Sara Teasdale poem. The key, metal dragonfly and vintage pink flowers were in my treasure box, the egg print was a gift from Carole, and the bird tag is from Susie.

Suddenly, doing the dishes just got a whole lot better! ~ Wishing you all a day full of smiles!

Simplicity

2010-08-01T07:49:00.007-06:00

When Hubby and I moved from the suburbs to the mountains, we made some major changes in our lifestyle - the most obvious being that we built a tiny cottage off-the-grid and gave away or sold most of our material possessions.

One good idea leads to another and another, and we have continued to make changes. I cook most of our meals from scratch and wash the dishes by hand. We heat the house in winter with a woodstove, and have switched to using vinegar and baking soda to clean the house.

We make and repair many of the things we need ourselves, share one vehicle, and combine our errands into one trip a week - which includes dropping off recyclables.

These choices and more have saved us a lot of money - and each one is also good for the environment. The icing on the cake is that we have discovered that in living simply, we have never been happier - or felt richer.

People ask how we could possibly live in such a tiny house. I ask them to imagine taking their sweetie by the hand, staying in a cozy cottage surrounded by nature, enjoying great meals together, reading, working on projects together, watching the fire dance in the woodstove, and sharing the beauty of sunset as the first stars appear.

"...simplicity is not about doing without. In fact it's just the opposite -- it's about having enough. Enough intimacy with others and with nature, enough sense of purpose and fulfilling work, enough fun and joy. Voluntary simplicity is about living life fully, of experiencing life as a whole human being. It's also about caring for the earth and people throughout the world who truly do not have enough." *

~~~

I'm keeping my eyes open today for more ideas at Suzan's blog party, PROJECT GENESIS

because every small, positive change we make feels good, and we can make a huge difference when we do it together. I hope you'll join us here!
And a little update: For those of you who have asked, our cottage is 375-square-feet. You can read more about it here.
Quote from: The Simplicity Resource Guide

Brynwood Needleworks

2010-07-27T08:22:00.003-06:00

I have a crazy day planned today with a zillion errands and did not plan on writing a post - that is until I clicked on Donna's blog a few minutes ago.

I met Donna via the 'Where Bloggers Create II" blog party. Her work is amazing, and I asked her if she might be able to share a little about how she creates her gorgeous quilts. Today she posted a tutorial - I am so thrilled and wanted to pass this forward to all of you! Just click on the link below to read more...

A Tutorial for ZuZu

Wasn't that sweet? Donna's flickr page,

"Charmed, I'm Sure" Pinwheel Quilt"

provides visual steps and instructions that clearly explain: cutting and assembling the quilt top, the batting she uses, how to assemble-pin-and roll all the layers together, and wonderful stitching tips!

I'm so happy! I made my first quilt top nine years ago, and then due to moving, building the house, working part-time, and not knowing how to proceed, I never finished it. I plan on pulling my quilt top out during the winter months and with Donna's wonderful instructions, I now know that I can do this!

Thank you so much, Donna, and to all my sweet blogging friends, please pop over to Donna's blog

Brynwood Needleworks

and say 'Hi'! I just know you will love visiting her and seeing all the beauty she creates! :)

July Wildflowers

2010-07-23T07:57:00.002-06:00

These are just a few of the wildflowers blooming here in July. When you click on the images, it's just like standing here with me looking through the lens, and they are so much prettier up close!

Golden Banner

Rocky Mountain Penstemon

Single Delight

Shooting Stars

Wild Roses

The monsoon rains began this week, so I've been busy transferring more wildflowers to my foundation garden. I'm enjoying spending time in the forest - everything looks so lush and smells wonderful!

Wishing you all a very happy weekend, dear friends!

A Midsummer Day's Dream

2010-07-16T08:56:00.003-06:00

When I go into the woods by myself, I am never alone. Birdsong, the flick of a chipmunk's tail, a rabbit posing as a statue, or a squirrel running up a great spruce tree all remind me that I'm in their world.

This is my most favorite place to spend time, and when I am here I am struck with wonder,

which then gets me to wondering

about all the stories that have been told for thousands of years by so many different cultures from around the world.

"I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:
There sleeps Titania sometime of the night,
Lull'd in these flowers with dances and delight;"

~ from Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

And I understand completely how these delightful stories could have been spun about such a place as wonderful as this.

More Cottage-style Inspiration

2010-07-12T09:10:00.005-06:00

Adding more beautiful photos to the Cottage Inspiration Lookbook...

Photo Credits: 1-Butik Sophie, 2-Sandra Lane, 3-Landstil, 4-Pale & Interesting,
5-Sussie Bell, 6-Caroline Arber, 7-Gemma Comas, 8-1st-Option

Forest Mamas & Babies

2010-07-06T09:57:00.002-06:00

While trimming trees, I found a nest with four beautiful blue eggs in a three-foot-high spruce tree.

With binoculars, I check on Mama a couple times a day. You might need to click on the photo to see her - she is in her nest about a foot off the ground. Through high winds and hail storms in what seems to me to be such a vulnerable location, she cares for her babies and is doing just fine.

And then on Sunday morning around 7:00 AM, Hubby asked me to come listen to an unusual sound in the forest. It stopped, it started again, it stopped, and finally we discovered that it was a tiny fawn climbing the hill, calling for it's mother. We kept our distance and talked to it softly, as it "hid", not moving a muscle.

I made several phone calls to find out what to do about an abandoned fawn, and because it was a Sunday and a holiday, I only reached message machines. Then it occurred to me to call the state park I used to work at, and I spoke with a Ranger I knew. She told me that after the doe gives birth, the fawn is left alone for extended periods of time until it is old enough to travel with it's mother. She said if the fawn wasn't orphaned, the doe would return in 12 - 24 hours. I continued working outdoors, checking every 2-3 hours as baby stayed put, sleeping on and off.

Sure enough, Mama returned sometime between 2 and 4 PM. And although completely unnecessary, I think of myself as a forest grandmother - keeping my distance, checking on mamas and babies, and feeling so very lucky to be able to watch their families grow, as I continue to learn that nature has it's own rhythms, rhymes, and reasons, and everything is just fine.

Project Genesis - July 1, 2010

2010-07-01T06:22:00.003-06:00

Today I am joining in "Project Genesis" at Suzan's blog, Old Grey Mare, sharing one simple and effective idea that makes a positive environmental difference. Our hope is that our blogging friends will read these ideas, join us in making positive changes, and share the ideas forward with family and friends.

July 1, 2010 : No More Dry-Cleaning

Did you ever feel like you were being "taken to the cleaners" when you paid your dry-cleaning bill? I did. Then I found out that most dry-cleaners use a solvent called PERC, which the EPA reports is a "toxic chemical with both human health and environmental concerns".

Enter change. I paid my last dry-cleaning bill 9 years ago and only purchase clothing and linens that I can wash myself. In addition,

the money I used to spend on dry-cleaning became available for a better use

I no longer waste time and gasoline running a weekly errand to the cleaners

I no longer need to bag and recycle the plastic bags and hangers that accumulate from dry-cleaning

And most importantly, I stopped supporting a service that uses toxic chemicals

You can find eco-friendly cleaners in your area - just click on

nodryclean.com

and enter your zip code to get a map of participating cleaners near you. But I've decided to stick with the plan I came up with 9 years ago, because for me, it's easy, it saves time and money, and it's green.

~~~

Thank you, Suzan, for starting this blog project! My hope is that all our blogging friends will join in, share, and create positive change together! To read more of today's great ideas, please click here.

Image credit: Country Living Magazine

June Wildflowers

2010-06-24T09:35:00.005-06:00

Hubby and I have been spending more and more time outdoors working on Summer projects. We have stacked our firewood in the shed for next Winter, and I've started thinning trees and removing deadwood in the forest with my trusty little bowsaw.

I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the beautiful wildflowers growing here in June...

Siberian Iris

Canadian Lousewort

Indian Paintbrush

Sharpleaf Valerian

Pineywoods Geranium

Colorado Blue Columbine

Tall Fringed Bluebells

Temps have been in the 70s, and with all this beauty around us, working outside is a pleasure. I hope you have been enjoying June too!

My Tiny "Studio"

2010-06-18T16:00:00.009-06:00

Karen Valentine's blog party, "Where Bloggers Create II", begins June 19th. This is an annual blog party to meet kindred spirits and share our creative spaces and stories. Thank you so much Karen, for bringing us all together! Here is my story...

~~~

I live on the side of a mountain in a tiny cottage, where the line between outdoors and in is blurred. Windows frame Nature's paintings, constantly changing with the light and seasons, and treasures found while walking the property are brought indoors to be enjoyed up close.

It is in this blurred space between outdoors and in that I lose track of time creating - picking and pressing wildflowers on summer mornings, lying on the forest floor to take a photograph of a tiny flower, or sitting inside drawing, painting, crafting or creating a magical world via digital collage.

Natural light, a cathedral ceiling and a white interior give the tiny cottage an open and airy feeling. Beautiful art papers, pressed flowers, vintage millinery and ribbons are tucked away in the drawers of a large armoire to keep them clean and organized, and brushes, paints, and miscellaneous art tools fit snugly in an old red toolbox on the lower shelf of a French baker's rack next to the farm table where I work.

My lifestyle, art, and studio are a combination of outdoors and in, and when I wake up in the morning with a new idea, take a walk in the forest, or discover something new while playing with art, I feel exhilarated and inspired. This place where I create is very special to me, because it is where time and space disappear, and where passion, joy and ingenuity meet - in a cottage in the woods.

~~~

Thank you for stopping by - I hope you enjoyed your visit to my little world. On the morning of June 19th, several hundred people will have posted their story. If you'd like to join me in visiting everyone, please click here to go to Karen's blog - I hope you have a lovely day!

Georgianna Lane

2010-06-08T07:30:00.011-06:00

Another sweet, serendipitous find! You know how it is. Yesterday, while googling for 'vintage lace', one site led to another and then another and suddenly I wasn't searching for vintage lace anymore, but found myself at this Etsy shop ~

Georgianna Lane

Bluebell

Pale Blooms

Spring Orchard

Nesting Season

Hearts

What's funny, is that I just discovered that Claudia also posted about Georgianna Lane today! Guess we're thinking the same thing - gorgeous, gorgeous photography! Just click here to visit Georgianna's Etsy shop! :)

Magical

2010-06-04T07:15:00.005-06:00

This past week the Aspen leaves unfurled, casting a translucent green glow across the forest.

And although I've seen it before, it seems magical to me. Bare branches for eight months - then fully leafed out trees in just a couple of days, as far as the eye can see.

At the same time, Northern Fairy Candelabra catches my eye. The tiny plants have blooms that are less than 1/8 inch across when fully open.

The Fairy Slipper orchids are also in bloom at the first of June. They grow on a shaded northwesterly hill down from the house, and are about the size of the tip of my pinky finger. I visit them every year, but do not disturb as they are fragile and dependent on specific soil fungi to grow.

The forest continues to amaze and delight, year after year, with it's perfect timing and beauty, and I smile as I am reminded of a favorite quote:

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
~ Lao Tzu

I hope the first week of June has been just as magical where you live!

It's The Little Things

2010-05-28T07:29:00.003-06:00

There is something about stitching by hand that slows time down and fills it with quiet moments and thoughts. I enjoy it so much that I find myself always wanting to have something to work on! Today I'm sharing two recently finished projects with you.

Starting with an old frame, I embroidered my favorite squares from my 39 Squares Project to fit. I like this smaller version much better!

And then I made a heart from scrap pieces of muslin, lace, and netting. I turned a small piece of ribbon into a flower using the same technique I shared here, added a piece of fabric with French script and some twine for hanging.

To me, it's the little things make a house a home, and handmade adds an extra bit of love. :)

Wishing you and yours a very happy weekend!

Wild Candytuft

2010-05-21T07:17:00.002-06:00

There's a smile on my face and a skip in my step as I run back to the house to grab my camera. Wild Candytuft is the first bloom of Spring here at 10,000 feet above sea level.

The 2" high plants grow in the middle of a deer trail on the sunny south hill next to our house, and I get down nose-to-nose to photograph the elfin bouquets up close.

The first wildflowers have bloomed, accompanied by the song of a Western Meadowlark carried on the wind through the forest at dawn and at dusk. If anyone's looking for me, I'll be outdoors! :)

My Childhood Dream

2010-05-14T11:16:00.002-06:00

When I was little,

my family lived in a suburb of Denver, and on weekends, holidays and vacations, my parents took all seven of us to the mountains jeeping, camping, and hiking. My father enjoyed photography and took these photos that I'm sharing today.

My mother read us the history of the areas we visited from a book called Stampede To Timberline that she kept under the passenger seat of the Jeep. And although I was busy playing and teasing my older brothers and sister, I really was listening, and I was instilled with a love of Colorado history. I saw the old mining camps and ghost towns first-hand, inspired by the skill and courage of those who'd lived there.

I stood on top of 14,000 foot mountain peaks, learning about the wildlife and the tiniest of alpine flowers, while at the same time seeing for myself a beautiful world that really was round just like I'd learned in school.

I was taught by example to tread lightly - to leave campsites in better shape than we found them, respect the land and wildlife that lived there, and to stay on the old mining and logging roads and trails. I looked up into the universe at night and saw that all this beauty continued on into infinity.

And I'll never forget the moment when the dream formed in my mind. I was about 9 years old, and I told myself that someday I would like to live in the Colorado mountains - this place I love so much. There's no doubt about it - I was one of the luckiest kids in the world. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

The Journey

2010-05-08T10:31:00.008-06:00

This week, all week, I've been feeling like I'm about to turn a corner - but I don't know what's around it yet.

I'm not sure where my thoughts are taking me, but I don't feel lost. A journal, or a blog, can be full of surprises - things we learn about ourselves and others, and the growth we experience from it. I just wanted to say 'Thank You'. This journey wouldn't be near as much fun without you.

original Winnie The Pooh drawing via BibliOdyssey

Pass Nothing By

2010-04-30T08:25:00.011-06:00

A delicate fabric of bird song
Floats in the air,
The smell of wet wild earth
Is everywhere.

Red small leaves of the maple
Are clenched like a hand,
Like girls at their first communion
The pear trees stand.

Oh I must pass nothing by
Without loving it much,
The raindrop try with my lips,
The grass with my touch;

For how can I be sure
I shall see again
The world on the first of May
Shining after the rain?

~ Sara Teasdale

Digital collage by Zuzu, with special thanks to: jdurham, jimmunnelly,
sssh221, hotblack, gracey, and kevinrosseel.

A Cherished Lesson In Time

2010-04-25T10:09:00.005-06:00

I got to thinking last Fall how nice it would be to open the drawer and pull out a fresh, hand-embroidered tea towel to dry the dishes - just like I did when I was small and helped my great-grandmother with her dishes. All of her tea towels were hand-embroidered, and she lovingly shared the story behind each one with me.

I embroidered my first tea towel last November - tulips in redwork - and although I was careful, my stem stitches did not look as neat as I would have liked. Weeks later, a package arrived in the mail from my big brother. Inside, there were embroidered tea towels - he wasn't sure if they had belonged to our grandmother or great-grandmother, but he thought I might like to have them. One of the tea towels was embroidered with a pink teapot. I do not know who embroidered it, but in looking at it closely, I suddenly understood the stem stitch.

So my latest tea towel, above, has it's own special story. A pink teapot was embroidered on a tea towel long ago, used for everyday until it was worn and tattered, and then carefully stored away for decades by my big brother until he sent it to me. From it, I learned to make neat, tiny stitches just like hers, and was reminded that although we may not think about it, what we do today could someday became a cherished lesson in time.

Dreaming In Color

2010-04-21T10:07:00.006-06:00

Do you dream in color? I'm looking around the tiny house, thinking a little touch of bird's egg blue would be nice, so I pulled up a few inspiration photos to share with you today...

Wishing you a dreamy, beauty-filled day!

Photo Credits: 1,3,4&5 - Country Living Magazine 2-Wisteria 6-PiP Studio 7-Cox&Cox, 8-Anna French

Little Dance Of Joy

2010-04-18T09:23:00.002-06:00

Thunder, lightning and snow. Birdsong and wild strawberry leaves. Little dance of joy - Spring has arrived! :)

Tiny House Style

2010-04-14T09:41:00.008-06:00

Yesterday I was delighted to find two giveaway gifts in my P.O. box that I recently won. Carole from Maynard Greenhouse sent me a copy of the 2nd Edition of Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine, and Susie from Susie Harris, sent me a copy of Annette Tatum's book, "The Well-Dressed Home".

Jeanne d'Arc Living is as beautiful as I had hoped, with a soft color palette, vintage and garden-inspired finds, handmade goodness, and a sprinkling of nature and cut flowers. And "The Well-Dressed Home" is about creating a home inspired by your unique personal style. I know I will enjoy both of these very much, because for a Colorado mountain home, our tiny house interior isn't anything like what most people would expect. There is plenty of natural light and most everything is painted in soft whites. The furnishings are Country French, some painted and some natural wood. There's vintage garden finds scattered about - a cement garden birdbath that I've turned into a side table, wildflower botanicals, topiary, old glass jars, iron and wire works, a watering can, bunnies, and even a bird's nest. The kitchen has beadboard cupboard doors and open shelving for the dishes, pots & pans, and next to the French goblets are inexpensive vintage jelly jars that we use as small glasses. So I'm sure you understand why I love these two wonderful gifts!

Here is a peek inside the Jeanne d'Arc Magazine:

And a peek inside 'The Well-Dressed Home':

Thank you so much, Carole and Susie, for these lovely gifts! They have found a happy home and I know I will enjoy reading them and discovering more great ideas in creating 'Tiny House Style'!
For all my blogging friends who have not yet met Carole and Susie, please pop over and say 'Hello' - I'm sure you will enjoy visiting their beautiful blogs as much as I do!

39 Squares Sampler - Finished!

2010-04-09T08:35:00.002-06:00

Kind of a crazy week with another snowstorm, followed by no internet, then slow internet - but I finished my 39 Squares sampler project!

(click image to enlarge)
1-pansy 2-watering can 3-muscari 4- straw hat 5-wire border edging

6-"G" 7-planting a rose bush 8-bistro chair & lavender 9-violet 10-grasses
11-"A" 12-forget-me-nots 13-birdhouse 14-blossom 15-birdbath
16-"R" 17-glass cloche 18-bird 19-trellis & climbing flowers 20-butterfly
21-"D" 22-unopened ferns 23-tree swing 24-robin's egg 25-hollyhocks
26-"E" 27-iris 28-bee 29-purple asters 30-bee skep
31-"N" 32-duck 33-pink roses on arbor gate 34-dragonfly 35-topiary
36-garden bench 37-coneflowers 38-trowel and seed packet 39-lavender bunch
and for balance, 40-large coneflower and "2010"

I like some of the squares much better than others, and was thinking about creating another embroidery project with my favorites. Out of curiosity, I googled "embroidery sampler" and found this via Wikipedia:

"The oldest surviving samplers were constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries. As there were no pre-printed patterns available for needleworkers, a stitched model was needed. Whenever a needlewoman saw a new and interesting example of a stitching pattern, she would quickly sew a small sample of it onto a piece of cloth - her 'sampler'. The patterns were sewn randomly onto the fabric as a reference for future use, and the woman would collect extra stitches and patterns throughout her lifetime."

How about that? Designing on a sampler, and then creating a finished piece from it has been around for a long time! I would like to thank Amy Powers for inviting everyone to join in her "39 Squares Stitchalong". I have rediscovered how very much I enjoy embroidery, and creating one's own designs is even more fun, because you can create anything your heart desires!

As you can see, my heart desires spending time outdoors playing in the garden. Hope your weather was spring-y and beautiful this week! :)

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T09:04:00.003-06:00

Wishing you and yours a wonderful weekend

from our tiny cottage in the woods!

Tapestries Of Nature

2010-03-31T10:48:00.001-06:00

I love nature and art, so I was in 7th heaven the day I discovered Tapestries Of Nature. I spent time that day scrolling through all of Judy's posts, each one a treasure, where she shares vintage finds while antiquing, like these great, old garden cloches,

and her out-and-about adventures,

gorgeous photographs from her Illinois brick & mortar shop,

and her wonderful creations - wearable art for both you and your home, which she sells in her shop, on Etsy, and at local shows.

one of Judy's wet-felted & antique lace scarves

Judy's handmade jewelry using re-purposed finds

one of Judy's pillows, with her silk-screen art and beautiful old lace

Can you imagine how happy I was when I found out that I had won Judy's blog giveaway? It arrived yesterday, and I had so much fun unwrapping everything. I cannot thank you enough, Judy - I am going to have so much fun adding your special touches to our tiny cottage - and me! :)

So, sweet blogging friends, I hope you will stop by and visit Judy at her blog - Tapestries Of Nature. She is such a sweetheart, and I think you will enjoy all that she so beautifully shares!

Photo credits: 1-6 Tapestries of Nature, 7-Zuzu

Inviting Spring Indoors

2010-03-27T09:53:00.003-06:00

Waking up to a blizzard this morning is no surprise for March-April weather here, so I've been working on inviting Spring indoors! This little Buckeye butterfly is the latest painting to fly out of my watercolor paintbox...

A blank piece of watercolor paper, a pencil, and watercolors that can be mixed to create any color I wish - don't you just love the excitement of possibility?

And here is my 39 Squares embroidery project with 9 more completed squares. I have many ideas for the project, but embroidering them is another thing! I've pulled many, many stitches out to redo something. Four attempts at the the tree with the swing, and the blue butterfly looks a little bowlegged, but I'm trying new stitches and having fun with it. You can click on the image to see it closer if you wish...

The latest squares are in purple font: birdhouse, birdbath, glass cloche, "cowboy" butterfly, unopened ferns, tree swing, robin's egg, hollyhocks, iris, purple asters, bee skep with teeny bees, pink roses on an arbor gate, topiary tree, garden bench, purple coneflowers, and a lavender bunch

So, this is what I've been doing while the snow continues to blow sideways. I did see the new baby calves romping around in the mountain meadows this week, and am hearing more and more birdsong as the birds return. I hope you are enjoying the first week of Spring too!

A Little Bit French

2010-03-23T12:47:00.004-06:00

You probably know by now how much I love to share what I call serendipitous inspiration. I don't recall how I found A Little Bit French, but in a word, I am "charmed".

Using beautiful vintage papers, fabrics, trims and French ephemera, Rhonda creates original French-themed art. Here are just a few of her creations that she sells (or has already sold) at her Etsy shop, Parisgal56.

Fabric books with pockets to hold your treasures

paper tags with handmade ribbon and key tags

Photo Card Pouches

Her blog is delightful, and every Friday she holds a "French Friday Giveaway". I won one of her sweet Mini French Pillows, which was beautifully wrapped.

And then last week, I won this 3x3 mini canvas made with vintage laces. So sweet!

So pop by and visit Rhonda's blog...

A Little Bit French

and say 'Hi'. Who knows, perhaps you will win her next French Friday Giveaway!
Photo credits: 1,2&6-A Little Bit French, 3&4-Parisgal56, 5-Zuzu

39 Squares Project, Squares 1 -7

2010-03-20T10:35:00.001-06:00

Some of my blogging friends, Claudia, Mary, and Elyse, are participating in Amy's '39 Squares Project', embroidering a sampler with 39 1" squares with whatever strikes their fancy. I love this idea, but didn't think I could fit another project into my growing list, until circumstances realigned my plans. My back decided I needed some bed rest, so all of a sudden I had plenty of time! :) Here is my project after three days:

1-unopened ferns, 2-robin's egg, 3-hollyhocks, 4-iris, 5-purple asters, 6-pink roses on an arbor gate, 7-bench

I'm feeling better each day and love embroidering - reminded once again to slow down and enjoy life!

Wishing you a wonderful first day of Spring!!!

Michele Mattei

2010-03-16T09:10:00.001-06:00

I first discovered world renowned photographer, Michele Mattei, via the Lucy B Campbell Fine Art Gallery website in London. Clicking on the name found under each image will take you to the gallery website page for each image.

Poppy

MM34

Belenois Calypso

Wanting to see and learn more, I found that Michele Mattei has a website,

Michele Mattei

which includes additional works and a biography... all of it incredibly inspiring! I hope you enjoy visiting these websites as much as I have!

Spring Dreaming

2010-03-12T09:42:00.004-07:00

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
~Percy Bysshe Shelley

Enjoy your weekend!

Photo credits: 1-Cabbages and Roses, 2-Cox & Cox, 3-House to Home, 4-Bloomingville

Simple Beauty

2010-03-09T07:45:00.008-07:00

In the morning light

simple things

become still life art

right before our eyes.

Wishing you a day filled with simple beauty!

Spring Fever

2010-03-05T08:50:00.018-07:00

Temperatures have reached a balmy 40 degrees F here this week, the ice and snow are melting, and there is mud everywhere! I will have to wait several more weeks before anything green peeks out of the ground, so to deal with my case of spring fever, I've created a colorful springtime mosaic to share! You can click on the image to enlarge it...

Ahhhhhh, I'm feeling much better now! Are there any signs of spring at your house yet?

With special thanks to these very generous photographers: 1-kconnors 2-chamomile 3-nessmoon 4-jeltovski 5-taliesin 6-kevinrosseel 7-sioda 8-bosela 9-anitapatterson

Baby Steps, Patience and Persistence

2010-03-02T09:57:00.001-07:00

I'm taking baby steps teaching myself to paint with watercolors. I've never been one for taking classes - I prefer good old-fashioned discovery, improving skills through trial and error, and in time I hope to develop "my" style. This is my third attempt at painting an Apollo butterfly, so the most important lesson I've learned so far is to... slow down.

I started this painting with a light pencil outline and then painted the lighter colors in.

Testing my paint out on a scrap piece of watercolor paper first, I played with the brush tip and removed excess paint before applying it to the painting, which made for fewer globs and goofs.

And here it is. I enjoyed the lesson immensely and look forward to continuing and sharing my watercolor journey - taking baby steps with patience and persistence. And may I also thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for all your sweet comments and support - you give me wings!

February Dawn

2010-02-26T11:22:00.007-07:00

I watered the lavender topiary this morning and put them in the windowsill. Such a small thing, but I get so much joy from it! They started out as seeds and now, 10 months later, they are 7" high and filling out. I wonder - do you think they receive encouragement from the grand trees in the forest? :)

Wishing you a weekend filled with joyful things!

Under The Willow

2010-02-22T10:23:00.007-07:00

Those of you who follow my blog know that I am a HUGE supporter of small cottage businesses and all things made lovingly by hand. So today, I'd like to introduce you to Under the Willow.

I met Carrie years ago via Cottage Living magazine's forum. She is friendly, caring and creative, and her products reflect the beauty of her spirit. The online shop offers her natural laundry soaps, bath & body soaps, Billows (small pillows of comfort), & more. Here are a few items from her website:

Whispering Willow Natural Laundry Soap

Hand Created Soap

Linen Spray

Handmade "Billow"

If you get the chance, please pop over by clicking here! Her products and service have received great reviews, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about Carrie!

Enjoy your day!

All images via Under the Willow

Chop Wood, Carry Water

2010-02-18T08:15:00.009-07:00

Inside our tiny house, the wood stove and passive solar keep us warm and toasty, but looking out the bedroom window, the icicle valance tells a different story. So far this February, the temperatures have ranged from -2 to 24 degrees F, and the water line from our cistern to the house has frozen - meaning no running water.

Which calls to mind a Zen proverb...

"Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.

After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water."

Good to know. Up here, we definitely chop a lot of wood and carry water. Having lived most of my life as a city girl, this has been an adjustment for me, but along with hard work comes joy. To me, there is nothing more satisfying than the warmth and sound of a wood fire in the middle of winter, and a refreshing drink of mountain spring water. Like this little leaf, we're hanging on through the seasons, enjoying the beauty and joy each day brings. Who knows, perhaps one day we might even reach enlightenment. :)

Wishing you a beautiful day!

Tulip Study

2010-02-14T08:42:00.002-07:00

I'm doing a little 'spring cleaning' on my blog. I've been questioning my direction, so you might find that some of my posts have been deleted or that the layout may be moving around a bit. While I'm working on that, I thought I'd post a tulip study that I did yesterday - just having fun, sitting in the sunshine and playing with art...

February's Magic

2010-02-02T09:30:00.002-07:00

It's February 2nd, and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, forecasting 6 more weeks of winter. That's fine with me - all is as it should be. I wouldn't want to hurry through winter and miss out on February's magic!

Photos by Zuzu: 1-frosted grasses, 2-blue spruce needles, 3-hoppy footprints, 4-squirrel restaurant

Wishing you a beauty-filled day!

Nope, No TV

2010-01-30T09:45:00.007-07:00

Erin left a comment with my last post: "i find it fascinating that you choose to not have a television. i have toyed with the idea myself. have you blogged about it?" So, here's my post about not owning a TV...

Our TV was too big to bring along when we moved here, so we sold it at a garage sale. It was odd not having a TV at first - no more Gilmore Girls, or decorating shows or my favorite British gardening show, Ground Force, but after a few weeks I started noticing a positive difference.

Not watching TV has opened up more time to do the things in life that we value most. I started cooking all of our meals from scratch, and meals were more enjoyable because we were not hurrying to finish in time to watch a show on TV. After dinner, we spend time watching the sunset or the fire flickering in the wood stove, play a game, or talk - relaxing and spending time truly being together. When the phone rings, instead of letting it go to the message machine because we're watching TV, I answer it, happy to spend time visiting. We go to bed earlier and are more rested.

I found the dramatic music and images on the TV news upsetting, so now I read the news and check the weather via the Internet. I also didn't like all the commercials. The more I am distanced from advertising, the more content and grateful I am for what we have. We have enough. We don't need more, and more, and more. I still enjoy window shopping via the Internet, but I don't buy to "keep up with the Joneses" and I'm perfectly capable of researching and comparison shopping before making a purchase. No TV means less advertising.

What about the programs on TV? No, I don't miss those now either. Occasionally we borrow a DVD from the library and watch it on the computer, but we choose the movie, and we choose when to watch it, without commercial interruption.

Certainly, people can own a TV, watch specific shows, and lead a quality life. But I've had enough TV. I read "In a 65-year life, that person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube.* So for me, nope - no TV.

* Information via csun.ed

Passport Not Required

2010-01-26T10:17:00.011-07:00

I used to work in software, testing website applications that were at the time cutting edge, but that are now quite commonplace. Do you ever stop and think about this whole internet, search engine, photo sharing, blogging, technological miracle that allows us to visit anyone anytime in a blink of the eye?

I do, and I am completely in awe. The first image, "Tulip Orange Lady" is by photographer Rieko Koizumi, who lives in Japan. The second image, "L'Etoile" by Edgar Degas, hangs at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. And the third image, entitled "Morning Mood...2", is by photographer Tatiana Mikhina and she is from Russia. I could spend hours visiting each site - no passport required. :)

I hope you enjoy visiting these as well!

Soft Whites

2010-01-22T06:59:00.023-07:00

While many are blogging about the coming of Spring, I am blissfully wrapped in the quiet of Winter. You would think that I would tire of white indoors and out, but no. On lazy afternoons when I wake from a nap, I am pleasantly surprised by this tiny, beauty of a cottage - enjoying the matinée performance of light, shadow and color while the snow falls outdoors.

Our cottage isn't finished. We still have upper kitchen cabinetry to build, and flooring and finishing woodwork to do. But that will take a few more pennies in the pocketbook, so until then, I'm adding more photographs to my Cottage Inspiration Lookbook, all in soft whites. I hope you enjoy these as well!

Photographs: 1-via Brocante Home, 2-Laura Ahsley, 3-Ton Bouwer, 4-Ginger Barber,

5-Country Living