A tisket, a tasket . . .

HAPPY NEW YEAR, lovelies!

Well, embarrassingly enough, it has been a month and a half since I last blogged! 

{looking sheepish}

To my credit, I was OVERWHELMINGLY busy shipping out items through December at the rate of about 12 items a day from my Etsy shop! {HOORAY for sales!}

As it is the new year, I've been {and still am} rethinking what exactly I'd like my blog to be.

In the meantime, and in the spirit of something new, just thought I'd introduce my new little posy baskets in perfect Valentine's colors! Inspired by papier mache candy containers of yesteryear, and delightful painted sap buckets . . .

. . . in cottage pink

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. . . whitewashed

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. . . and poppy red

{I've three other colors in production at the moment and hope to begin listing them by next week!}

. . . and list a few personal resolutions . . .

1. become balanced

2. laugh . . . out loud . . . more! {I used to be so good at this}

3. really SEE things . . . instead of just LOOKING at them

4. organize . . . my whole house . . . one bit at a time

Here's to a BRAND NEW year full of possibilities! :)

Fondly, Kate

Front Page of Etsy

Good Thursday Morning, Lovelies!

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I awoke to 5 convos this morning on my Etsy shop! And found that a set of my nest shoe clips made the Front Page of Etsy last evening.

Here's the screenshot of the absolutely GORGEOUS Treasury by AlicesLookingGlass!

Have a LOVELY day!

Fondly, Kate

Front Page of Etsy

Good Saturday Morning, lovelies!

I awoke this morning to a convo from an Etsian friend telling me that my nest shoe clips made the front page of Etsy this morning from 5-6 am! :)

There they are, in the upper left-hand corner!

:)

Have a lovely weekend all!

Fondly, Kate

Little Muslin Pouches

Well, I've had many, many ideas swimming around in my little brain over the past few weeks.

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I've been in the middle of production on these little lovelies for a couple weeks now, printing up these sweet little vintage seed catalog images and getting the design just right.

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Meet {Summer's Tale} . . . the first in a line of 8 cotton muslin pouches! Sewn with raw edges, these soft little pouches will fray and soften even more with time!

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I can't wait to introduce them into my little Etsy shop!

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Let me know what you think!

Fondly, Kate

Friday's Fancies

Well, lovelies, time for another Friday's Fancies!

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My mind and heart are longing to get out to my garden and get my fingers in the dirt! So today's Friday's Fancies are all Garden-related!

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1. I absolutely love and need some charming little herb garden markers! And what could be better than this Vintage Silverware Garden Marker Set from Wooden Hive!

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2. This original signed photographic print entitled "Traces" by alice b. gardens is so soft and romantic, it makes me wish I had a lovely, distressed wrought-iron fence as beautiful as this one!

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3. Everyone needs a sweet little gardening apron such as this pretty linen and doily pocket apron from Prairie Seed! So lovely and practical at the same time!

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4. All the little birdies in your garden would love this White Shabby Chic Distressed Birdhouse from Cottage Rose! Great for all your feathered friends and so pleasing to the eye!

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After working in the garden all day, it's time to show it off by hosting a Spring Garden Party!

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Here are some absolute MUSTS for a relaxing evening spent with friends and family.

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1. Top sugary-sweet cupcakes with these beautiful Edible Butterflies from Sugar Robot! Both absolutely eye-pleasing and yummy besides!

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2. Light the garden path with a set of four Mason Jar Lanterns from The Masonry. So simple and cottagy! It reminds me of days spent canning golden peaches! Repurposed for casting a soft glow in the fading evening!

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3. Drinking any beverage from a lovely bone china teacup and saucer such as this one from Alice's Looking Glass makes for a charming experience! An elegant addition to a relaxing party.

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4. This Oilcloth Pennant from Magpie & Cake is the most perfectly cheery welcoming banner to an evening sure to be filled with good food, laughter and an evening cricket concert!

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Last, {but MOST CERTAINLY not least!} are these lovely garden-inspired lovelies!

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{from left to right}

1. Feel like a gardening princess any day of the week with this beautiful felted whimsical crown from Cosa Bello! Perfect for little girl's dress up, an enchanted occasion, or just to wear while you're mopping the kitchen floor! ;)

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2. Bring the garden in to you with these Petite French Farmhouse Pillows from my adobe cottage. These lovely pillows lend a sense of rusticity, comfort, and farmhouse appeal to any decor!

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3. At the end of a long day of gardening, reach for this English Soap Rose {yes, it's SOAP!} from Satin and Birch. So realistic, if I set one of these on my bathroom sink, I'm not sure if I would use it, or stare at it and smell it every time I entered the room! It's SO BEAUTIFUL!

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Well, lovelies, I hope you will enjoy this gardening season as much as I will! And I hope these little fancies have inspired you!

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Well, I'm off! Because I am planning a Garden Party at my house next Thursday! So I'll be trimming, mowing, mulching, cleaning {my house}, planting, and preparing until then!

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Have a LOVELY, LOVELY weekend!

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Fondly, Kate

Front Page of Etsy . . . again!

Hello again, friends!

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I awoke to about 30 more shop hearts this morning to find out that my {come what may} nest shoe clips had made the Etsy Front Page at 9 pm on Wednesday evening!!

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WOW! Twice in two days!!! :)

Fondly, Kate

Front Page of Etsy!!!

Good Tuesday Morning!

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My "flutterings" blue silk butterfly hair clips made the Front Page of Etsy this morning from 6-7 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time! :)

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First time I've made it to the Front Page!

{photo courtesy of CraftCult}
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Just had to share!

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Have a LOVELY day!

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Fondly, Kate

Bird's Nests . . . WHY GREEN?

If you've poked around my Etsy shop, you may have seen my bird's nest creations. If so, you may well be wondering, "Why are they all GREEN?" GOOD QUESTION!

{come what may nest shoe clips}

It is not that I don't understand that most bird's nests are of a grayish-brown color. I mean no disrespect to all of our feathered friends out there!

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{spring's hope nest shoe clips}

I just happen to love the notion of a nest being a living thing, green and growing.

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{the butterfly's repose nest hair clip}

After all, a nest is a symbol of home, sanctuary, respite from the world, a new beginning, life, and family, amongst other things. In my mind, a nest can never be something drab, dull or without life. This is not to say that I will never create a bird's nest of another color. I can appreciate the calming and comforting colors of weather-worn gray and warm brown. Those colors have their own wonderful symbolism too!

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{the wildflower meadow nest hair clip}

I do, however, LOVE the symbol of a green and growing nest as relating to HOPE . . . which is sometimes, the ONLY thing that carries us through the dark and lonely valleys of our lives. There is always hope!

And I'm happy to offer just a snippet of that hope through my GREEN bird's nests. :)

Fondly, Kate

featured artist . . . Jenn of Nejella Photo Art, and photo giveaway

Say Hello to Jenn from Nejella Photo Art!

I was browsing on Etsy one afternoon, searching under the term "forget-me-not" and happened upon this absolutely mesmerizing photo.

Taken aback by this lovely photo's ethereal and evocative nature, I peeked inside Jenn's shop and found a plethora of amazing altered art photographs.


Jenn's photo descriptions tell a story. They are thought provoking, honest and full of hope. For example: this lovely rose print entitled, "Waited Up Last Night" bears the following description: "She waited up last night. Not for the door to open. Not to hear what the new excuse would be. Not to see if he came to bed. She waited up last night for the promises her new start was going to bring."


I was able to chat a bit with Jenn and learn a bit more about who she is and where she gets her inspiration. I couldn't wait to feature her on my blog, and share only a sampling of the absolutely gorgeous work she does. Our interview follows.

*Tell us a little about yourself.*

A little bit silly and a lot quirky. I have a day job. I love anything Robin's Egg blue. I'm a dreamer. And I've never met a cookie I didn't like.

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*How do you view life? And how does this influence your artwork?*

I view life as a gift, one that should never be taken for granted. I try to stay in the moment as much as possible, because I know the past is done, and the future I cannot control. Those thoughts surely influence my artwork, because being in the moment allows me to put my full self into my art.

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*What are your loves in life?*

My family, my furry kids, my home, good coffee and Kundalini Yoga.

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*Where did you learn about Etsy?*

I'm not sure how I found out about Etsy, but I do know I started out by shopping on Etsy. My first purchase was a necklace made of vintage guitar charms. After that, I was hooked. Now, I buy around 90% of my gifts on Etsy. It makes shopping for the people I love fun, and I can be pretty sure no one will already have the gift I buy.

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*How did you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?*

Selling on Etsy just sort of happened. My husband and I were redoing our 1948 cottage and were spending every waking moment and every single cent on our home. I started beading, for relaxation. And then I couldn't stop. I was either working on our house, or beading. And I loved every second of both. Before I knew it, I had too many earrings for one girl, so I decided to try selling them. Shortly after that, I decided to sell my photography.

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*How did you come up with your business name, Nejella Photo Art?*

As a child, my grandmother called me Nejella (nej-ella) Why? Because Nej was Jen backwards. My grandmother was the warmest, funniest, chattiest, silliest, down to earth, eclectic, vibrant woman I have ever known. She passed away before I opened my shop, but she's part of me, so her heart is in everything I do. I carry her with me, and I see that in my shop.

*Where do you find your inspiration?*

I find my inspiration in flowers, moments and vintage everything and anything. I love the combination of beauty and age. I really hope to reflect that in my work.

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*What is one thing that has changed your life for the better?*

My husband. I met him in 2005 on Match.com. He encourages me every chance he gets. Always gives his honest opinion, even when it's not what I want to hear (brave soul). He never, ever says that anything is a bad or crazy idea. He makes me laugh and brings me peace. I really didn't know my creative self until I knew him.

Jenn's work is all amazing! I ordered this beautiful print above from Jenn, entitled, "Wish or Regret" The description follows:

"Is it a wish or is it a regret? This 8x8 print will arrive in 10 days. It will be printed on Kodak Endura Metallic paper by a professional printer."

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This print is so magical, interesting, and thought-provoking! And the metallic paper makes it glimmer and glow! I ended up staring at it for about five minutes straight the other day!

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Jenn has agreed to give away this marvelous print (which sells for $25.00 in her etsy shop) to one lucky winner!

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Here's how it works:

Post a comment to this blog entry. Leave a link to yourself. One winner will be randomly chosen on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 2010. Check back then to see who the winner is! I will at that time need your mailing address so Jenn can send this print out to you.

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~~~~Having problems leaving a comment? You may also visit kate's Cottage on facebook and leave a comment there to be entered into the giveaway!!~~~~

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/kates-Cottage/193195744405?ref=ts

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You can see all of Jenn's amazing work in her Etsy shop: http://www.nejellaphotoart.etsy.com/

See many examples of her artwork at:

http://www.nejellaphotoart.com/

And follow her interesting blog:

http://www.imstillmejustbetter.blogspot.com/

Regency Exhibition Ball

I just received an email announcing the Fourth Annual Regency Exhibition Ball held in Lansing, MI on Saturday, March 27th, 2010! My husband, mother, father, sister & her husband, my brother and I have attended the ball for the previous three years. We have always had a fantastic time! We learn how to English Country Dance just like they did in Jane Austen's day, eat wonderfully yummy food, laugh and enjoy the general splendor of the evening!

Here are my husband and me at last year's ball in our regency apparel I sewed. I ordered pure lightweight silk to make my dress for last year. Can't wait for the ball this year! My mom, sister, and I are already planning! Here's the web address: http://www.regencyexhibitionball.com

This next week I'll be listing some lovely Austen-inspired venise lace crowns/headbands

in my shop on Etsy.

Fondly,

Kate

edible valentines

Firstly, I must announce that I made my first sale of 2010 yesterday . . . hooray!

Secondly, It is January 16th and I have awoken to birds singing for the past three mornings! What a cheerful sound! And what a gift in the middle of winter!

Thirdly, I've been thinking of Valentine's Day recently and remembering some darling cookies I made last year in celebration . . . which my children happily consumed.

I just whipped up a couple batches of sugar cookies from my favorite recipe. Cut them out with heart cookie cutters. Then I whipped up some royal icing (egg whites and powdered sugar beaten until stiff peaks form). Tinted it with different food colorings. Spread the cookies with frosting. Let it harden completely. Then, poured some red food coloring onto a folded napkin inside of a tin, and stamped cute "conversation heart" sayings on each cookie with alphabet stamps.

I loved how they turned out! So did my kids' classmates, as we took them in to share for classroom valentine's celebrations.

After blogging about this, I am resolved on creating them again this year!

Happy winter to you all!

Fondly,

Kate

a sunny, snowy day in rural Michigan

I have come to the conclusion that I must have AMCD: Artistic Medium Commitment Disorder . . . I LOVE working with so many different items; fabric, pearls, MOP buttons, anything silver, laces, etc. I have a hard time commiting to one thing. So my Etsy shop is filled with lots of different handmade items. Sigh . . .

Fondly,
Kate

thank yous

I am SO thankful for great family and friends. Some thank yous are in order for supporting me in my little Etsy venture.

First, thank you to my Mom, who has always been a wonderful friend and mother to me and has always encouraged me to be creative! XO, Mom!!

Next, thank you to my sisters who have encouraged me along the way. The older of the two (and comrade in all things Jane Austen) was my first customer! Thank you, Em!
And my youngest sister, the business-minded glamour queen ;) who has given me good advice. Thank you, Jenny!

I've got to thank my sweet, sweet cousin, Shelley, who is raising twins and was my second customer and one of my first followers on facebook. Thanks, sweetie!

Have to thank my friend Judy! She started a screen-printing business and showed me that you can make money doing something you LOVE.

Thanks to Etsy for making a fantastic site and helping people turn a hobby into a business!

Anyone out there wondering if they should take the plunge and open a shop on etsy . . . my advice is DO IT! It is so much fun! I've met SO MANY nice and wonderful people on Etsy! Can't wait to see where this adventure will take me!

Fondly,
Kate

rags to riches???

I have naturally wavy hair. But for most of my photo shoots, I curl my hair to portray that "romantic, 'Jane Austen'" feel . . . for that purpose, and of course, it is actually fun to play dress up. :)
I've experimented with my hair-curling process, first using traditional foam rollers. I tried pin curls once which ended up giving me large, flowy curls. You can see the results on my etsy site by clicking on my "taria maiwen" flower hair clip.
For my most recent photo shoot, I rag-rolled my hair. This technique is not new. Women used to use bits of cloth, wrap their hair around them and tie them up. So, after I showered at night, I rolled up my hair and slept on it. It actually ended up being quite comfortable . . . quite unlike foam rollers!


After unrolling my hair, I simply pinned it up in back with a couple large snap-clips and a BUNCH of bobby pins, and, voila! Hair fit for a queen . . . or at least a Jane Austen fan! :)

Hope my new rag-rolled 'do will bring in the riches . . . okay, I know, that was cheesy!
Wishing you all well in the new year!

All my best!,

Kate

pouches with pearls

I've been going crazy making some sweet little safe-keeping pouches to hold the pearl hair bobbies I sell in my etsy shop. It has been a little TOO fun making them! :)

Happy New Year All!!
Kate

snow and pearls

I awoke this morning to a blanket of snow outside. A lovely sight! Hope we'll have a white Christmas this year!
Awaiting pearls . . . placed an order this week for several types of pearls and am awaiting them anxiously. Planning on making several different sets of pearl hair bobbies and working on a new line of jewelry over the Christmas break, which will combine millinery flowers, silver, pearls and lovely ribbons. Look for the new line in my Etsy shop in January.

I created a treasury on Etsy!

Wow! That was SUPER fun! I just listed my first treasury on Etsy titled: "a campfire in winter" full of wonderful, beautiful wintry items. Etsy is SO full of lovely and interesting items!
Check it out:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=100676

my scarf is in a treasury on Etsy!

My "first snow" scarf made it into a treasury! Click here to see the treasury:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=100284

Grandma's Chocolate Lebkuchen Recipe

Just mixed up a batch of this yesterday.

Christmas here just wouldn't be Christmas without Grandma's Chocolate Lebkuchen! . . . never had Lebkuchen before? It's kind of like an orangy, spicy, really chewy brownie.
It takes a bit of patience to make it as you start it one day and finish three days later, but SO worth trying!!! Yum!

1 1/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup honey
3 Tbsp. water
2 cups chocolate chips
2 eggs, well beaten
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
2 3/4 cup sifted white flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder

Combine sugar, honey and water in a large saucepan. Bring to boil and dissolve sugar thoroughly. Remove from heat. Add chocolate chips, stirring until melted. Let cool until pan is no longer warm. (It is SO important that the mixture is cool at this point. When you add the eggs, if it is too warm, the eggs will cook and curdle and the lebkuchen will be ruined) Add orange juice concentrate and beaten eggs. Sift flour, spices, baking powder and soda. Add to chocolate mixture. Combine well. Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature for 3 days.
Preheat oven to 325 F. Spread lebkuchen into a lightly oiled 9"x13" pan. Bake 35-40 mins. Let cool completely and frost with a mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice. Cut into 1 1/2 inch squares. Store in a tightly covered container. May be refrigerated. After 24 hours, the flavors will have mellowed.

*my grandma adds candied fruits to this . . . my kids prefer it without . . . this is heavenly with 1 1/2 cups finely chopped dried apricots and dried cherries!

thinking of spring . . . already

Looking outside today, everything is brown . . . not yet winter where everything is blanketed in snow . . . and not fall anymore . . . no pretty leaves on the trees, they're all bare now . . .

I've been thinking of my flower garden in spring . . . I know, it's too soon to think about spring! Here in Michigan, winters are cold! . . . and LONG . . . usually I get the itching for spring about late January, early February. I'm sure once the snow flies, I'll feel different . . . wanting to stay warm and cozy inside, drinking hot chocolate on cold mornings, LOVING winter . . . for now, I'll hold onto my mental images of the spring garden . . .

Fondly, Kate