Talented Time Travelers in Focus # 32

YOU CAN JOIN THIS WEEK'S PARTY—STILL IN PROGRESS—HERE!

And be sure to enter my newest giveaway here.

Now let's travel back to last week's party and take a peek at some of the creative talent linked up.

One of my favorite blogging buddies, BJ @ Sweet Nothings linked her post on all things English.

And, ironically, one of the things she posted about, and that I liked the best—that old rusty sign above—is giving her a bit of a decorating quandary.

If you're not acquainted with BJ, you really must go by for a visit.

She is sure to delight—with her lovely images, tempting recipes, and a sense of humor uniquely her own.

I love this gal, and you will too!

Okay, all you knitting fans!

Have I got a special sweet treat for you.

Not only did Nikki @ Nikki's Nifty Knacks show us a cute craft using mason jars, but she shared this adorable cake, made to look like balls of knitting yarn.

Too cute!

Have you ever found something that you just had to have, because of the special memories it conjured up?

Margie @ THROUGH MARGIE'S WINDOW scored this vintage bottle of perfume at a thrift store and knew she had to have it to remind her of the decades when her mom wore it.

I love antiques, and I really like the unique.

And it just so happens that Sanctified Spaces shared glimpses of unique antiques from a recent house tour.

My favorite was this bed.

"Fit for a princess"—yes?!

So I bet you're thinking I forgot to showcase this party-goer back in December, right?

Nope; I just wanted to show you part of the lovely loot Lynda @ Something Created Everyday walked away with, from an estate sale.

You won't believe all the glorious goodies she got!

Every girl needs her very own creative space—agreed?

Wouldn't it be fun to have a sweet little cottage like this one, to call your very own?

Well, Pam @ Backwoods Cottage has this delightful big-girl dollhouse to play in all day long.

Ready for an "easy peasy" reuse of those clothes you were about to toss out?

Then be sure to look up this smarty-pants idea @ A Day in the Life of the Hooks.

We're all in love with burlap.

Why, because it's inexpensive, it's versatile, and it looks great made into home décor—like these pillows made by Kim @ The Madsen's.

I like what she had to say about her creations.
"Now there will be no mistake who sleeps on what side of the bed."  ; )


Thanks for all the creative ideas you shared last week Time Travelers.

Now what ya got goin' on?

Time Travel Thursday #33 - Laughter is the Best Medicine

CHECK OUT ALL THE DETAILS FOR THE PARTY HERE!

And be sure to enter my newest giveaway here.

Welcome to the 33rd Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage.

Are you ready for our next trip back in time and into the future?

Then what are we waiting for?

Let's get going!

PHOTO SOURCE

Have you ever noticed that really young children seldom exhibit embarrassment?

In general, the very young take life as it comes and feel no need to be perceived as anything other than who they are.

Then, something strange begins to take place, and the perceptions of others become of paramount importance—especially during the teen and young adult years.

It's quite unfortunate that we humans have a tendency to dwell in that place for such a long portion of our lives.

But, I'm happy to announce, the pendulum swings back to the "carefree" side, later on in life.

So, why all the philosophical banter here?

Simply to set the stage my dear!

PHOTO SOURCE

You see, for five weeks, I'll be havin' another party here at the Brambleberry Cottage.

And I'm calling it Funny Faux Pas Follies.

Webster's defines faux pas as "BLUNDER; especially:  a social blunder."

Ever experience one of those?

Well now is your chance to share that experience with the world.

And the point?

Jester Image & Jester Graphics

Just plain ole fun!!!

A post of my own personal faux pas will go up each Friday—starting March 4, 2010—and a link will be provided for you to join the fun.

So be thinking of your funniest, most embarrassing moments and be prepared to share—keeping it "family friendly," of course.

If laughter is the best medicine, we should all be the picture of health by the end of this party!!!  ; )

“The rate at which a person can mature is directly proportional to the embarrassment he can tolerate.”

Douglas Engelbart


IF YOU LINK TO THE PARTY, PLEASE BE SURE TO LINK BACK TO THE BRAMBLEBERRY COTTAGE SOMEWHERE ON YOUR BLOG.

Talented Time Travelers in Focus #31

Be sure to enter my newest giveaway here.

Now let's take a peek at some of the talent linked to last week's party.

Thanks to a little design inspiration from her nine-year-old son, Deb @ DeJa Renew was able to update this old 70s side table with a bit of Bohemian flair.

Could she have a budding artist in her midst?

This is the year for Caroline @ Piorra Maison to shine.

She has committed to unleashing her creative energies in 2011, and these incredible knobs will be part of a forthcoming project involving...

this piece of "junk"—as declared by her son, not me.

I have a feeling he will be eating his words when Caroline is through with this beauty.

With a love of old vintage images and all things Victorian, Machelle @ Machelle Reeves Blankenship has embarked on creating a portrait reminiscent of the era she is so fond of.

I can't wait to go back and see the piece in its completion.

If you love vintage ephemera, as much as I do, you'll enjoy this cute Valentine's card—even though the holiday has passed.

A visit to For The Love of Old Junk And Other Treasures will unearth a trove of old photos and vintage cards for your viewing pleasure.

I love one-of-a-kind pieces!

To me, they are what make your home uniquely yours.

Karen @ The Vintage Bag Lady created this whimsically charming wall art from castoffs she had "hanging around" her place for decades.

That's why I don't throw anything away;  I'm sure that one day I'll be able to create something really wonderful from it!  ; )

As always, great job, Time Travelers!

Now what ya been up to this week?

Time Travel Thursday #32 - Cottage Critters

CHECK OUT ALL THE DETAILS FOR THE PARTY HERE!

And be sure to enter my newest giveaway here.

Welcome to the 32nd Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage.

Are you ready for our next trip back in time and into the future?

Terrific; let's start travelin'!

Some of the animals that have visited the Brambleberry Cottage, over the years, are of the varieties one would expect to see at any home, anywhere in the world.

Case in point, there's our son's German shepherd, Ellie—introduced to you last year.

It was quite amusing to watch her play Jane of the Jungle in our daylilies when she was a pup...

and most delightful to see her interact with our granddaughter, Lana, as she got a little older.

The Yankee would say that our "granddog" was playing with our granddaughter.

And you probably remember this rascal—a "rescue" who lived with us for only a short while.

Frodo was quite the traveler and was forever missing in action around here.

He decided during one of his travels—after only a few months at our cottage—to take up permanent residence with a widow who lives on a nearby farm.

He does still manage to visit us here on occasion, when he's out and about on his adventures.

And, of course, no matter the season, the numerous sweet tweets that visit the cottage are some of my favorites.

But while those beautiful feathered friends come and go...

these spirited ladies were members of our little farm for several years.

Besides supplying us with an overabundance of farm fresh eggs, their entertaining antics kept us in stitches.

As one might imagine—living in a heavily wooded area, on the edge of a national forest—we also have our share of squirrels scurrying about.

And though there is an ample supply of nuts and berries and mushrooms to munch on—as well as our apples, when they're in season—they insist on devouring the birds' food we place in the feeders.

I guess—like many humans—they prefer "fast food".  ; )

Though we keep a vigil during the day to chase the gray squirrels away, their flying friends...

have apparently gotten wind of the fact that this diner is open all night!

Unfortunately, I never seem to have the camera at hand when the rabbits are racing around the grounds, or the foxes are trotting through the trees,

but...

I did have it with me on this occasion, last summer—thankfully.

The Yankee and I were on the little country road leading to our farm and had just rounded a corner, when we came upon these bovine beauties bounding down the byway.

Now cows and bulls are quite a common sight around here; we see them every day.

But they're normally spotted in fenced pastures.

This group must have been camera shy, because as soon as I snapped their picture, they bolted into the woods.

Then again, they might have feared I was going to use the pictures as incriminating evidence of their escape.

I didn't get a chance to explain that the images were just for you, my blogging buddies.  ; )

Now it's your turn to show us what you've got.

IF YOU LINK TO THE PARTY, PLEASE BE SURE TO LINK BACK TO THE BRAMBLEBERRY COTTAGE SOMEWHERE ON YOUR BLOG.

Joining Susan for Outdoor Wednesday.

Talented Time Travelers in Focus #30

Be sure to enter my newest giveaway here.

But let's also take some time to take a peek at some of the talent linked to last week's party.

Sherrie @ A Vintage Affaire—in good company with most us around the country—is eagerly anticipating spring.

To set her sights on warmer days ahead, she created this sweet, cheery mantelscape from vintage finds.

I love this utterly romantic vignette created by Nicki @ The Vintage Farmhouse.

The old petticoat-turned-table topper is definitely the belle of the ball. 

Tara Lauren @ Lauren Lane Décor found these old pieces and decided they needed an update.

They look sooo much better with their new paint job.
And have you ever seen such unique handles before?

Are you familiar with the title "Grapes of Wrath"?

Well, Sarah Marie of Braids and Brown Boots created some grapes of wrap—as in, around a headband.

Now that's a new take on an old title.  ; )

We should all send Pottery Barn thank you notes for sharing their fabulous decorating ideas with us!

Keeping Life Fun With One Craft At A Time borrowed a PB concept to create a new-once-old side table—a super fun idea!

Most of us have a unique piece or two that we imagine ourselves never parting with.

Maybe it's because the styling of the piece is so classic it will fit in any décor.

Or maybe we're just determined to make it work, regardless of how our style changes over time, because we like it so much.

This gorgeous desk is just such a piece for Stacey @ A Sort of Fairytale.

I agree; it's definitely a keeper, Stacey!!!

Sweet Valentine's vignettes are springing up everywhere you look around the blogosphere.

Cindy @ Custom Comforts used a cute sampler she made in the 80s, mixed in a few other pieces she had on hand, and then sprinkled in a few candy hearts to create this charming tablescape.

Want some cute ideas for a spring bridal shower?

Visit Tracie @ Fishtail Cottage to see her lovely displays.

You'll also get to see her beautiful cottage garden when you visit.

You know how sometimes certain things just speak to you—your style, your likes, your romantic side?

Well, that happened to me when I visited Debra @ Common Ground, and saw her porch decorated for Valentine's Day.

I loved everything about it!

And the beautiful images from that post provided her with the perfect elements for a gorgeous blog banner.

Julie @ LEGACY OF LOVE ARTISTIC CRAFTS is dedicating her blog to her parents, for the whole month of February—the month of love.

And so she should! 

They've been married sixty-four years!!!

How much would you be willing to pay for a beautiful vintage chandelier—with all its sparkling crystals intact?

 If I told you how much the Country Cottage Girl @ Vintage Cottage paid for this beauty, I might just have to pick you up off the floor—having fainted from sticker shock.  ; )

So I think it best that you go visit her to get the full scoop.
 

Well that wraps up another week of great ideas.

So, let us see what you've been up to this week?

Time Travel Thursday #31 - Now It's My Turn

"We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories.
Some take us forward, they're called dreams."
~Jeremy Irons~

Welcome to the 31st Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage.

Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,

and most creative projects? Great!

A few weeks ago, I showed you the Yankee's first junk jewelry creation.

So this week, I thought I would share mine.

If you remember, the inspiration for his design originated with a vintage

trunk hinge.  As I scoured our numerous boxes of old furniture odds and ends,

looking for my own inspiration, I happened upon

 this fabulous vintage furniture pull. 

I absolutely loved everything about it—its shape, scale, patina...

especially the patina.

It would be my jumping-off point.

Once I found the pull, I moved on to my stash of jewelry bits

and pieces.

This antique watch fob chain had the look I was going for but wasn't anywhere

near long enough.  Hmm...what to do?

After plundering through a few more boxes, I discovered this old

chain belt—well, part of one, anyway.

I had tossed this in a "will do something with this one day" box,

many years ago.  And believe me, it was long before repurposing

junk pieces for jewelry was even popular.

I wanted to add a few girly embellishments to my creation, to soften

the hard lines of the other pieces.

This old mother-of-pearl shoe clip caught my eye—and, of course,

there was only one.

Then I decided a bit of bling was in order, as well.

This 1950s aurora-borealis-rhinestone button and vintage clip-on earring were

 perfect for what I envisioned.

A quick shuffle through another box unearthed this old keychain.  I liked

the heart and key and decided it would be a

sweet addition to my repurposed piece.

Originally, I had thought of using the complete vintage furniture pull. 

But, once I decided to add the jewelry pieces,

I took it apart.

The escutcheon made a perfect background for the shimmery button, and the pull 

went back in my "someday" box.   ; )

AS VIEWED ON A MINIATURE MANNEQUIN

And here's my first junk jewelry creation.

I wanted to create something that would compliment the Yankee's piece,

so the two could be worn together.

I think they play nicely together, don't you?   ; )

Linking to these fun parties:

All Things Related, Gina's Transformation Thursday,

Leigh's Thrifty Thursday, Suzanne's Vintage Thingie Thursday,

Becky's 100 Ideas Under $100.00, Stephanie's Strut Your Stuff Thursday,

Cindy's Show and Tell Friday, Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday,

Jane's Frugalicious Friday, Jessica's Favorite Things Friday,

Meg's Everything But the Kitchen Sink, Donna's Saturday Nite Special,

Bobbie's Check me out Saturdays, Laura's Saturday is Crafty Day,

and Stephanie Lynn's Sunday Showcase Party.

CSN to the Rescue Again - With a Giveaway!

Congratulations to Katie @ Katherine's Corner!  The winner of this giveaway.

Are you familiar with CSN Stores?

Well, you should be!

In their 200+ online shopping sites, you'll find everything needed—from A to Z—to create a hip, stylish décor for your home.

From trendy accent chairs...

to fashionable zebra rugs, CSN has you covered.

Looking to create a soothing sanctuary?

CSN can make that a reality...

for every member of your family.

Need to design a space for quiet contemplation?

CSN to the rescue again!

Whether for outside use...

or in...

stylish solutions abound.

On a quest for that "special something" to add visual impact to your existing décor?

The perfect piece awaits you among the thousands of choices of wall art and décor at CSN.

The stylish home you've always dreamed of is a mere click away.

And here's some help to get you started.

From now until March 19, 2011 (midnight, EST), you have the opportunity to win a $40.00 shopping spree, good at any of the over 200 CSN sites.

Here's how:

1.  Leave a comment, on this post, letting me know you're a follower of the Brambleberry Cottage—one chance to win.

2.  Post the giveaway on your sidebar, for the duration of the giveaway, then come back and comment here to let me know you've done so—two more chances to win.

3.  Blog about this giveaway, then come back and leave a comment here that you've done so—three more chances to win.

That's six chances to win, in all!!!

The winner will be announced March 20, 2011—the first day of spring!

It's my way of helping you celebrate the arrival of warmer weather!  ; )

This giveaway is good only for the U.S. and Canada.