LIFE AT THE COTTAGE

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #77 & Talented Time Travelers #76


"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 77th Time Travel Thursday linky party at The Brambleberry Cottage!
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects? Great!

Now if you're anything like me, you hate to say goodbye to Christmas
each year.  I love almost everything about this wonderful holiday. 

So...
perhaps you will indulge me with a few more
 Christmas features for 2011.   ; )


Mary @ Sweet Little Bluebird came up with the cutest ideas for creating
 holiday art from scrapbooking supplies and frames.

Stop by for a visit to see more of her adorable creations...
AND welcome her to Blogland.


I love to decorate with vintage deer at Christmas—not so much for the
ties to the holiday, but because of the presence of the real deal
around my farm year round.

And I must say, I do love the pose of this one found by


It was the perfect counterpart in the terrific vignette Jane created with
this rusty vintage bowl filled with fantastic old ornaments.


Isn't this a sweet little hot chocolate station?
Though the concept is a familiar one, Sherry @ Pondered Primed Perfected designed
the festive holiday tray herself, AND she shared her how-tos, as well.


Now show us what you've been up to lately!


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

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #76 & Talented Time Travelers #75


"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 76th Time Travel Thursday linky party at The Brambleberry Cottage!
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects? Great!

Well, I promised I would give you a double feature this week, and
I aim to deliver!  So let's revisit some of our talented time travelers
from the last two weeks.

Sometimes you have to play around a bit to
get just the look you want from your decorations.

Susan @ Compulsive in Texas had a good thing goin' with her handmade
sign but decided to keep tweaking her mantelscape...until
it was "screaming Christmas"!


Kirsty @ Coral and Coast decorated her lovely holiday table with a
"nod to nautical."  Even her dog, Harley, made a contribution—the faux
driftwood in the center—to this pretty tablescape.


When I visited BJ @ Sweet Nothings, I was a bit taken back by her serene
 silver and white decorations.  Now there wasn't a thing wrong with
them, mind you.  They were absolutely gorgeous!  But I've come to know BJ
as a "colorful" person—in both her decorating and personality.

True to nature, she didn't disappoint.  Further into the post, I
discovered the pretty pops of color I've come to
expect from this sweet—and colorful—lady.


Seeing these festive, frosted Christmas lights made me smile. 
I hope they will bring the same response from you.   ; ) 

Want to know how to create this special effect? 
Visit Snowflakes and Dragonflies for the how-tos.


I dare say, there is nary a one of you who has never heard of 
Rice Krispie treats.  But have you EVER
seen them in such a fun shape?!

Trish @ Sweetology comes up with the absolute cutest
treats around!


Now that she's three-years-old, I'm on the lookout for simple craft ideas
to explore with my precious granddaughter when she visits.

This glittery snowflake—made by Kimberly @ Creating Home—is
something that will be fun to work on as we're
creating memories for a lifetime.


Are you still scrambling for a few last minute gifts?  Want a
decorative item that you can make and use beyond Christmas?

This super simple project from Andrea @ The Cottage Market
 might just be your answer.


Having been a serious recycler for many, many years, I'm always
looking for ways to reuse rather than dispose of.

But I must admit, I would never have thought to reuse the material that
Myric @ Petites Passions used to create this
sweet little tree.


Did you ever participate in a sleepover when you were younger? 
Well, Delightful Deets shared snippets from a Snugglerama—a grownup version—that 
made me want to gather a bunch of my gal pals and relive my youth.

Maybe I should just have my own Snugglerama right here at
The Brambleberry Cottage next summer...and invite all of you. 

Watcha think?   ; )

OK, show us your craftiness for this week!

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

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #75 & Talented Time Travelers #74


"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 75th Time Travel Thursday linky party at The Brambleberry Cottage!
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects? Great!

But first, I have a confession to make.  I'm afraid I've been a very
bad girl.  I spent too much time Christmas shopping today and didn't get home in time to
get the post together, to feature any of last week's talented time travelers.

Does that mean I'll be put on the naughty list?

I promise...
 I'll make it up to you by doing a double feature next week.  OK?

Now show everyone how good you've been this week.   ; )


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

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #74 & Talented Time Travelers #73


"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 74th Time Travel Thursday linky party at The Brambleberry Cottage!
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects? Great!

First...
let's peek at some of the great ideas shared by a handful of our
talented time travelers, during last week's party.


Just hear those sleigh bells jingling
ring, ting, tingling too...

Sorry!  I got a little sidetracked.   ; )

But, if you want to create your own vintage-style sleigh bells, be sure
to visit Amanda @ The Ivy Cottage.  She has a totally terrific tutorial
for making a set you can use to accompany you
on your sleigh ride this Christmas.


Do you have a special little person in your life,
who loves to pretend?  I know I do.

And this adorable, interactive fire station, created by Jessica
 @ Utah County Mom, would be just the thing for
hours of fantasy fun.

Jessica sells these in her Etsy shop, but she was
also gracious enough to share her tutorial.


Not only do I love, love, love giving presents, but I thoroughly
enjoy embellishing the packages.

This darling candy cane ornament, created by
Coleen @ Crafty and Cooking Momma, couldn't be any
sweeter...or simpler to make.

It would be such a cute addition to any gift.


OK, now show us what you've got for this week!


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

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #73 & Talented Time Travelers #72


"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 73rd Time Travel Thursday linky party at The Brambleberry Cottage!
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects? Great!

First, travel with me back in time to last week, and let's review
some of the creative projects shared by our talented time travelers.


Have you ever wondered why cloches are so popular?  Could it be
that they elevate even the ordinary to extraordinary?

For instance, any one of the single elements of this wonderful vignette, created by
Faye @ Wild Rose Vintage, would be lovely to behold on its own,
but grouped together under glass, they make the most
 fabulous holiday statement.


Isn't this the cutest little side table?  Would you believe it's made from several
different, unrelated components?  It's the clever creation of catnap.


Bessyboo @ SISTERKINS shared a terrific tutorial for a
holiday centerpiece using pinecones.  And the design possibilities are as
far-reaching as your imagination.


These beautiful cards are the handiwork of Kathi @ South Bay Studio.
I just love Kathi's work and if you do too, you will be happy to know
she sells these—and many other of her gorgeous cards—
in her Etsy shop.


Well, that wraps up another party AND another month!
Can you believe it?   ; )

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

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #72 & Talented Time Travelers #71


"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 72nd Time Travel Thursday linky party at The Brambleberry Cottage!
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects? Great!

Let's take a peek at some of the creativity linked by
last week's talented time travelers first.


When you saw this feature last week, were you able to guess
the mystery item protruding from the log?  Well, if you guessed a piece
of weathered garden hose, you guessed correctly—something
I did not do.   ; )


It's the night before Thanksgiving, but
it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Blogland.

 Emily @ Bargain Bound has gotten a jolly jumpstart on her
holiday decorating with this fabulous wreath she created.


Abstract art?  Not exactly.  This pretty project was part of a school 
art lesson taught by Jamie @ Jamie's Jumbles.  And though we're 
just under the wire for the holiday, this fun idea is simple enough to incorporate as part
 of your Thanksgiving festivities tomorrow—with the adults, as well as children.


I like simple, fun, and stylish projects.  This colorful scarf, created
 by Kim @ MADE IN A DAY, fits that bill all the way around!


Inspired by these totally terrific upcycled Lazy Susans
 found on Pinterest, The Vintage Chateau decided to give a little
frenchy love to one of her very own.

Be sure to pop by and take a peek!

That's a wrap for yet another week. 

May your Thanksgiving be blessed
with love, laughter, and a
heart of gratitude!


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

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #71 & Talented Time Travelers #70


"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 71st Time Travel Thursday linky party at The Brambleberry Cottage!
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects? Great!

First, let's revisit some of the talented time travelers from last week.


I love photography—especially nature shots!

When I visited Elaine @ K & E Photography, I was excited to find one
beautiful nature image after another.  But, when I got to
 this shot, I was a bit perplexed as to what might be
protruding from the fallen log.

When I posed my inquiry to Elaine, I was quite surprised to discover
 that it was not what I originally thought it was. 
Want to take a guess yourself?  


Meet Henry.  No, Henry is not the name of the time traveler who linked this
terrific transformation to the party.  Henry is the name given
to this piece by Mary @ because I like to decorate.

You'll have to pay Mary a visit to learn her reasoning behind
this particular masculine moniker.


Is there anyone living in your house who suffers from an insatiable
sweet tooth?  At the Brambleberry Cottage, that would be my Yankee!

Needless to say, I was thrilled when I read the healthy ingredients list for this
yummy sweet treat presented by Jutta @ organized-living-solutions.

Most of us look for ways to reuse and recycle, as much as possible.
But I must admit, the method of reuse incorporated into the creation
of this lovely ring, by Jörg @ Goldsmiede Jörg Plaar,
was something I had never considered.

By the way, though this is a German blog, if you scroll down
the post—about halfway—you'll be able to read it in English...
unless, of course, you can read German.

Now it's time to show us what you've been up to lately.

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

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Celebrating Six Decades


Someone very special just had a birthday!  Well, not just...
Actually, his birthday was one week ago, today.  I tried to get him to let me post
about it on his birthday, but he wouldn't hear of it.

He could not imagine that anyone out in Blogland would even care that he was 
celebrating his 60th birthday.  Besides, he pouted, "I'm looking "really old!"  Yeah,
right!!!

Now, tell me the truth.  Do you think my Yankee looks 60 years old? 
I sure don't!   ; )


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #70 & Talented Time Travelers #69


"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 70th Time Travel Thursday linky party at The Brambleberry Cottage!
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects? Great!

Let's peek at some of last week's talented time travelers first!


OK, I know we've barely gotten through Halloween, and Thanksgiving is still a few
weeks away.  But the ideas shared by Jenny @ Simcoe Street for Christmas
 decorations are just too fabulous to pass up.

This lovely ornament is filled—quite literally—with memories
of a very special day in Jenny's life, but you'll have to pay her
a visit to get the details.


One of things that I love about today's decorating style
is that it can be so uniquely personal!

Angie @ Knick of Time is a prime example of someone who
decorates with a unique personal style.  Note her entryway—
papered with vintage dictionary pages. 

Besides looking fabulous, she now has plenty of reading material
at hand, should she get bored while working at her desk.   ; )


Most times, stepping outside our comfort zone makes us rather uneasy. 
Though Erin @ salvaged whimsy was a bit unsure about the results
of her shelf makeover,  I think she did a fantastic job.


It was an "Aha!" moment that lead Design Fluff to the creation of
this whimsical eye chart apothecary jar.

I see why she loves it, don't you?


Now, let us see how creative you've been this week.

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

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #69 & Talented Time Travelers #68


"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 69th Time Travel Thursday linky party at The Brambleberry Cottage!
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects? Great!

Let's check out some of the talented time travelers from
last week's party first.


Unique items made from sheet music abound throughout the blogosphere.
But have you ever seen a crown fashioned from music sheets? This lovely piece
was created by D.E. @ WHITESERENADE.


Gallery walls have made a big comeback over the past few years. 
And I just love the way interesting finds are being incorporated
 into the design.

Linda @ Studio Stuff is revamping her "family" wall with some rather unique
dditions.  Be sure to go take a peek at what she has come up with thus far.


Moving can be a very stressful undertaking—keeping everything "show"
ready."  But even with her house on the market, Nicole @ Sash to Treasure was not
about to pass up an opportunity to decorate for the season.

I think prospective buyers will find her mantelscape charming,
don't you?



You may be wondering why I'm showcasing ghosts in November. 
Elementary, my dear!  Laughter is not bound to a specific time of year.  And the names
given to these adorable apparitions, by Lesley@ FREAKING CRAFT,
were just too humorous to pass up!


You can find the inspiration for home décor in some of the most unusual places.
Tiki @ Ribbons, Lace , and Inspiration found hers in the workshop. 
Her material of choice—shop rags!

So what craftiness do you have up your sleeve
to share this week?   ; )


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

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #68 & Talented Time Travelers #67


"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 68th Time Travel Thursday linky party at The Brambleberry Cottage!
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects? Great!

Let's travel back in time and visit a few of
the talented time travelers from last week's party first.


I love the effects of layering—whether it be home dècor, clothing, or jewelry.  All those
lucious layers just seem to add so much more interest.  Case in point: 
this lovely necklace created by Jana @ Artful Panoply.

Jana is a newbie blogger, so be sure to drop by and
show her a bit of bloggy love!


Michelle @ A Pinch of Prim shared some of her current Goodwill finds at the party
last week.  But when I visited her and caught a glimpse of her adorable
papier mâché creations, I just knew I had to
share them with you! 

Discovering new-to-me talent out in
Blogland is one of the fun elements of blogging.


While I thoroughly dislike painting walls and furniture, I've always wanted to learn to
 paint artistically.  To be able to capture beauty on canvas seems
so rewarding.  If you visit FARMHOUSE PORCH you'll be sure to
see a number of pretty pieces by someone who knows
how to work magic with a paint brush.


Do you like quilts?  How about stylish art?  Want to know how to create
one from the other?  Then take a stroll over to The Three Sweet Peas—where
Stacie shared her terrific tutorial for this pretty picture.


Is this not just the cutest bunny?  Shari @ Swinging on a Star Creations
drew this adorable pen and ink creature and then further
enhanced it with watercolors.  You can find the origins of her
unique frame when you visit her.

I love being able to showcase some of the incredible creativity floating through
the blogosphere?  My only regret is that I can't feature
every one of you!

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