Christmas Crafts and a Christmas Craft Fair

Here are the beginnings of a few of the items I'll have with me at an upcoming craft fair...

My son makes these mini ladders, just for fun, so I decorated one.  Last year, they sold out almost immediately!

The stars are made using actual tobacco lath which I've decorated with wintery decor.

I just LOVE wood and paper, so I've created these mini "trees".  I'll be selling them in pairs, while the smaller ones will be for hanging on the tree.

These aren't "professional" photos, I took them while I was out in my cottage this afternoon.  I love crafting afternoons!

SOLD! Heading to San Francisco

I love seeing where my items are going to live once they leave my cottage!

This washer pendant is heading to San Francisco...so many of my customers are from out west. I love that!

These are one of my favorite items to make, I love the contrast between the metal washer and the soft papers, all covered with the shiny glaze. It's a great marriage of different textures.  

Handmade Mini Envelopes

Newest listings in my Etsy shop today...stop on by!

Where'd The Crafting Oomph Go?!

I swear I've lost my crafting oomph this summer!  Perhaps it's because of the heat and "oppressive" humidity (I truly despise oppressive humidity).

If it were 14 degrees below zero out and I heard the words "hazy, hot and humid", I'd begin to sweat.  Not good.

Anyway, crafting oomph, right...I did make a set of 12 mini mini envelopes two days ago in gorgeous copper foil, but have yet to photograph and list them in my Etsy shop.  As soon as I get that done, I'll share them here.

Til then, I hope you're cool and comfy and crafting wherever you are!

Humans - One, Yellow Jackets - Zero

Yes!  We won!  Those terrifyingly huge, aggressive, 'roided up and nasty yellow jackets are GONE!

I know...they probably serve a purpose here on Earth, they probably destroy some other nasty insects, but I just can't handle them.  I can't. Not even in a book or on TV.  Nope.

My husband managed to rid my sweet little cottage of the nasty interlopers and yesterday, I went inside my cottage for a quick look-see. Of course, Bob was with me, protecting me, but still, I went in.

Once the weather stays cool, I'll be out there more regularly.  Til then, I'll be crafting on the patio or in the dining room.

I think I'll be making more mini envelopes next using beautiful copper foil papers!

And my head has been playing around with embroidery thoughts, too; that may be because cold weather is coming and I love to work with balsam in the winter.

Embroidery + balsam = intoxicating and cute drawer sachets!  I am a winter lover for sure.

End of Summer Blues

It seems that, for the time being, I have lost my crafty oomph!

Maybe it's the long stretch of heat and humidity, maybe it's knowing I have to go back to work in one week, maybe it's just the end of summer blues.

Or maybe it's the HUGE nest of yellow-jackets that have taken up residence in the trim boards of my cottage!!  Not only am I allergic, I am over-the-edge petrified of flying insects that sting!

I can barely even look at those kinds of insects, let alone work in my cottage knowing they're swarming inside the wall!

My husband has been working on getting rid of them on his own, although I'm all about getting an exterminator!  I'm giving him a deadline though; if they're not totally and 200% gone within the next day or so, I'm calling the tough guys with weapons!

East Coast Gem and Mineral Show

Talk about BEADS!!

My husband and I went to the East Coast Gem and Mineral Show yesterday and it was mesmerizing, so many gorgeous pieces to see! And the vendors are so happy to share any information they have with you...it is most definitely a passion for them!

I'm not a "beader" by any stretch of the imagination, but if I was, boy oh boy would I have been in my glory!

These beads were just one little section of the beads available yesterday...!

These cabochons weren't even a half percent of what we saw!  

My favorite of all were the minerals, though; to think that such masterpieces are a natural occurrence in nature is mind-blowing to me. 

This is gold in its natural form, and this piece went for thousands and thousands of dollars.  I don't remember exactly how much, except that some pieces we saw were $75,000!  

Pyrite, one of my husband's favorites.  

We did purchase a small piece to have at home, but only a small one!

I can see how, once you get started collecting gems and minerals, you'll be hooked for life. These pieces were just hypnotic!

MORE BEADS?!

Once again, I may or may not have made a quick trip to Michaels Crafts to buy more beads!!

How could I not? They were 40% off!!  So I did...I may even have bought six different styles.

And I may even have found a beautiful, creative and new pattern for using beads and wire to create a one-of-a-kind bracelet...which I shall show you soon!

This is not my own photo, but I do so love these types of beads, and yes, I did purchase some almost exactly like these!  

You just can't have enough SPARKLE!!

Handmade Pillow Covers

I love lotsa color, and I love colorful fabric!  These are just a few of the pillow covers I've listed in my Etsy shop.
 

And in keeping with my love of rustic style, these pillow covers are a few that I've hand-stenciled onto a linen-like fabric.  

Feel free to stop on by FromMyCottage.etsy.com if you see something you like...the shop is always open!

Rustic Trees - New Design!

Hi!  Welcome!

I've just listed eight of my newest creations, what I'm calling rustic "theme trees".  Each tree shows a different theme, such as Christmas, the beach, pink and purple paisley, nature, winter, etc.  More will be listed soon.

They stand about 11" - 12" tall and 2" wide, so they're able to stand alone.  Each tree is "perfectly imperfect" as they are  made using salvaged wood that was already cut into this shape.  I looked and I saw trees!

These are fun, simple, unique and rustic pieces that you won't see anywhere else!  

DIY Braided Wire and Bead Bracelets

Remember how I said I may or may not have spent more moola at the craft store?  Well, I may or may not have made two more braided wire and bead bracelets.  Maybe.  Ok, I did.

I'm kind of loving this new style...it's cool and exceptionally simple. Really.  I kid you not!

While I do love both of these, the one with the black beads is a tad too small for my wrist, and the other is a tad too big. I need to work on getting the length just right for any wrist, as well as fine-tuning the finishing off.   

If I am able to fine-tune them to my (annoying) satisfaction, I may list them in my Etsy shop. If not, I'll enjoy wearing them for sure!  

If you're interested in how these are made, check out this video at Artbeads Cafe  It's very easy to follow!

More Beads?!

I may or may not have gone to the craft store today and spent $32.70 on beads, wire, and clasps, and that's AFTER my coupons and teacher discount.  Oh dear.  I told you...like a dog with a bone when I find something new to make.

Braided Wire and Bead Bracelet

Today I tried my hand at making braided wire and bead bracelets and I have to say, it was much simpler than I thought, and pretty cool looking, too!

These are the two I did today, one using "silver" wire and lighter beads, the other using "gold" wire and tiger's eye beads.  

Next time (like, tomorrow, since when I get ahold of a new craft, I'm like a dog with a bone!), I'll try the silver with darker beads.  I think that will be a dramatic and versatile look.

I love the contrast between the more industrial metal and the delicate beads.  I've no doubt the next one (or three) will turn out a little more precise.  

Thank heavens for Michael's/Hobby Lobby/AC Moore coupons!

Handmade Christmas Gift Card Envelopes

You know that motto that you can never be too prepared?  I sure do wish it was true for me, but at least I can help YOU be ready!

Here is my newest Etsy listing, available right now...

...set of six (6) handmade, gift card size, Christmas themed envelopes.  Perfect for your gift giving, when you want to add that extra personal touch.  

Stop on by if you're interested - FromMyCottage.etsy.com - there's lots more to see where these came from!  

Theme Trees, Part 2

The other day I showed you the beginning phase of my latest craft...theme trees.

What is a theme tree, you ask?   I like to think of them as a rustic, folk artsy wooden tree, adorned with a variety of beautiful papers, that stand for something you love.  For instance, I LOVE birch trees, so I might display this theme tree on a shelf...

This folk art tree stands about 11 to 12" tall, is stained a chocolate brown, and has slightly distressed edges.  I've attached gorgeous birch tree paper to the front, which represents peace and tranquility for me.  

There will be trees with color themes, holiday themes, hobby themes (think fishing); I use whatever I love, and let me tell you...I LOVE paper!  

This is the batch of theme trees that I've "grown" so far, and I can't wait to do another "planting".  They'll be "planted" (enough of that!)  in my Etsy shop soon.

Wood and Paper, One of My Favorites

Hmmm...what ever can I be making next?!

We shall see!

One hint = Christmas trees maybe? ;-)

Blue and White, White and Blue

Classic blue and white mini envelopes; these are gift card size, just right for enclosing a gift card.  You can't go wrong with these beauties!

PS...In case you've clicked on "My Etsy Shop" and found yourself NOT at my shop, it's because I'll be on vacation for a week, starting today til next weekend.  I've put my shop on "Vacation Mode";  I'll be back though, so please stop back!  

More Minis From My Cottage

Hi...good to see you!

I do love me some kraft paper creations....

One More Today

Before I call it a day, here are just a few more listings from my shop. Thanks for stopping by!

Working with paper is one of my favorite things to do! (Ya think?)

Each envelopes measures 3" x 3" and comes with a blank note-card to which you can add your own personal message.  Having a set of these minis on hand is such a great idea; use them for just about any occasion!

The pendants are one of a kind, no two are exactly alike.  

For these pendants (one of my favorite items), I use industrial metal washers and hammer them to add texture.  I then add either gorgeous paper topped with a clear, protective glaze, or I wire wrap them with/without beads.

'Night.  Sweet dreams.