Shabby Cottage Studio ~Gail Schmidt ~ Artist

2011-08-01T12:10:00.004-04:00

I Have Moved!!

You can now find me blogging away at

Thank you to all my followers and for all these years at Blogger!
I hope you come follow me over at the new place!

It's a Done Deal!

2011-06-14T11:35:00.004-04:00

Yes I did it! I am ready to direct you all to my new home. And I am admittedly very nervous! It's a new venture, a step outside ye old comfort zone, after all I've been with Blogger for five years, and so, self-doubt crows loudly in my ear for the moment. But I tell myself that I'm old enough to realize I must ignore these taunts and just keep moving on. And so I shall.

I even have my own domain now for the new blog. You can find me at shabbycottagestudio.net

And I'm having a giveaway to welcome you to my new home!

So I hope you will stop by and link to me and I can be back in business again.

As some of you suggested in an earlier post, I checked out Google reader, and my goodness I was surprised at how easy it is to use to follow blogs! No wonder you use it! And by using Google Reader Subscription I found I can follow any blog I want, not just a blogger blog! I have some friends on Typepad and Wordpress and have already added them! I added the subscriber to my favorites so it's easy now, when I visit a blog I want to follow I click on the subscriber link I bookmarked, simply hit the subscribe button and BOOM it is added to my list. Why did I not know of this earlier! LOL I may be mad at Google for screwing up my blog, but this seems like a good thing they offer.

So, fare thee well Blogger old friend. The time has come to move on.

See you my lovely friends at my new home!
http://www.shabbycottagestudio.net/

xoxox

Change

2011-06-02T10:21:00.000-04:00

Yep that is me, right here, right now.

You know I don't usually revert to my blog to complain but I need a moment.

I think I am feeling my age. It seems there is something in the air, and while it has been there for quite some time, here lately it seems even worse. Like a bad smell gone overly bad. Since I did recently have a birthday I keep telling myself it's not worse, it's just me. Getting old.

What ARE you talking about Gail you might ask. I'm talking about technology and change. Everywhere I go these days I am confronted by change I don't want and don't even like.

Now I don't mind change when it truly helps me and makes my life easier, or better or more enriched. But not all change is necessarily good is it?

I used to like Google. I still depend on Google to be my search engine...you can't beat it. But I really don't want Google taking over the internet as they seem wont to do lately. I can no longer get into any of my blogs easily and have to go about it in a convoluted manner because Google wants to connect all of me and my accounts to Google. Whether I want to be connected or not.

So I mentioned in an earlier post that I was thinking about this and I have made up my mind. I am moving my blog. I will keep you updated. I am still working on the new one. And I will gladly tell Google to keep their nose out of it.

I used to like Etsy. But every time they make a change over there it simply makes more work for me. Now I don't mind work. I am an extremely hard worker and put in many, many hours working my businesses. But I believe in working smarter not harder. Because eventually I run out of hours in the day to get everything done.

If you present me with a change that allows me to do less clicking, less scrolling, less writing, less figuring things out, less key tapping, less anything...hey, I'm all for it! But when I have to do more of all this I cry foul!

So I'm thinking about closing my Etsy store. Because when is to much, to much? It's hard enough without these online companies constantly changing things. And every time a company says...Hey Guess What! we've made a change to make things better, they are not usually changes for the better for me...simply changes that make what I do take longer.

I don't hate technology, technology does help me run my businesses. But hey, technology we don't need changes every few nanoseconds. Give me less steps not more!

Okay lovlies thank you for the moment and your ear. I feel better.

Now I have to get back to work

because I hear someone else making a change I probably won't like either. ;-)

Bits and Pieces

2011-05-22T13:19:00.006-04:00

A cuh-raaazy week.

Lots of pictures to share. :-)

First I want to thank my friend Suzy Quaife from http://www.suziqusthreadworks.blogspot.com/. I entered a giveaway she was having and actually won! That rarely happens to me so I was thrilled! And I am so honored to have one of Suzi's gorgeous bags.

It came wrapped so prettily all the way from NSW Australia!

My photography skills do not do you justice Suzi dear!

Can you see all the detail?

And even sweet little goodies tucked inside.

Suzi's gift will be treasured forever. If you have not met Suzi and her FABulous threadworks you are missing some real beauty. When you visit Suzi's blog look for the pictures of her garden. I told Suzi I would like to live in her garden. It looks to be created of magic and fairy tales.

Last week we were rainy and cold enough to turn the heat back on and kept us from getting the garden finished planted. But now I do believe we are finally settling into late spring/summer weather. The tomatoes are in and tonight Mr Shabby and my dad put in the corn. Yum!

The Queen came to visit this week!

I inherited my bed of Queen Anne's Lace when we bought the house.

Lucky me!

The Roses and Peonies are running riot!

This year they have a new guardian

Mr Shabby dubbed her Birdmommy.

She sits in front of a tall bird feeder and there is a birdhouse above her to the right that is filled with baby Starlings right now. We have enjoyed watching mom and dad both diligently taking turns feeding their brood.

Of course I had to bring some flowers into the house!

To lovely not to enjoy them inside and out.

A close up of the Queen Anne's Lace.

I loved this image so much I had to play with it in Photoshop. Above and below are two samples of what the ladies are learning to do over in my new class Down and Dirty the Digital Way.

Aren't they fun?! Texture can be soft and subtle just as much as it can be grungy and distressed.

I can teach you how to do this to your own images.

There is a new class starting over at Creative Workshops June 13.

It's called Whimsical Landscape Painting with Mechelle Harrison.

This painting actually starts with texture. Come check it out!

Artful Gathering is picking up speed like a bullet train and we are being consumed with keeping track of a thousand little details, learning so much along the way. Video segments are rolling in from our teachers and let me tell you they ROCK!!!!!!! There is so much you can learn at this event. So save your pennies and make some time this summer for some fun!

Elizabeth Johnson is one of our Artful Gathering teachers and in her workshop she will teach you how to draw the most adorable little Bluebird and then add color. Here is a little video of Elizabeth drawing a Hummingbird.

Mom, Dad and Molly taking a little break, enjoying the gorgeous weather and sweet breeze. Mousey is creeping behind the swing. Mousey follows my Dad everywhere and she and Molly are good friends.

Happy Sunday lovlies! If I'm not posting as often you know I'm simply buried in work but that it will soon be better. :-)

Journal Winner

2011-05-09T15:31:00.001-04:00

Just in case you thought I forgot about the Journal Giveaway from our Birthday sale...I didn't. :-) Just had a little craziness going on.

Our winner is Linda of Charmed Victorian! Congratulations to Linda and thank you everyone who left a comment and came by the store to take advantage of the great savings!

Pretty Pretties

2011-05-06T23:12:00.001-04:00

I wish I was better with before pictures because you would not have believed this box. It was at one time a very old wood mailbox that was attached vertically to a wall with a cut out in the top for the mail. It was dirty with smeared dark red paint and and an ugly lock. I loved the primitive shabbiness of it, just not the dirt, the sloppy paint job or the ugly lock. Mr Shabby cleaned it up for me. I painted it with a dry brush method so some of the dark wood would still be visible, and then I added the appliques. I glazed the bottom half of the box and loved the two tone look so much I did not glaze the top. The worm holes and old crackle may not show well in the photo, but along with the mail slot we left on the side, they add to the utter charm of this box.

I really wanted to keep it but *sigh* I was good and left it at the Corner Nest with a price tag on it.

I wanted to keep this box too.

I used one the Bee Paris Crown single large single image I list in the store.

And the color is my new "favoritest" color.

I just love how it turned out with all the texture.

Do you think these pretties seem to have a tough life?!

Miss Minny

Miss Gracie

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend planned surrounded by love and happiness!

Another Birthday Bash Sale & Giveaway

2011-05-01T10:51:00.003-04:00

Oh yes. It's that time of year again.

Gail gets another year older.
But we won't dwell on that! :-)

Instead we're going to PARTY!

Because it's time for our Annnual Birthday Bash Sale at Shabby Cottage Studio!

Here's the deal...

25% OFF STOREWIDE
except classes and gift certificates!

Sale runs May 1 through May 6. No codes, no coupons, just pile up the goodies in your shopping basket and we'll figure it for you. Easy Peasy!

Now is the time to take advantage and stock up on your favorite goodies, and even find some new favorite goodies!

Along with the Sale I always have a Giveaway and this year is no different. I will draw one name from everyone who leaves a comment on this post, and this post only, to win one of my fabric collage journals.

So if you like the looks of the journal leave a comment, then come on over to Shabby Cottage Studio

and grab some goodies at great prices!

Happy, Happy Lovlies!

Thank You!

2011-04-29T22:05:00.000-04:00

You guys are the best. Thank you for the shared information about Google Reader and your support. I will never tire of saying this...it means the world to me.

♥♥♥♥♥

I'm Thinking of Moving

2011-04-27T23:27:00.001-04:00

photo courtesy salihan

Yes, I really am thinking about moving.

My blog. ;)

I've been with Blogger now since 2006 and I think it was fun while it lasted but there comes a time when you have to move on and I may have reached my time. I am still thinking, but it's feeling like the thing to do more and more.

While I have always appreciated the fact that Blogger is a free site and affords us tremendous design capabilities, it still has some limitations that don't allow me to do some of the things I would like to do and have it look the way I want it to look. Then there is this: for thepast year Blogger has just been giving me fits with formatting and spacing issues. And I don't like the fact that if I have a problem I have no one to turn to for technical support.

But I think it all came to a head while working on the Artful Gathering site.

When it takes 2-3 hours to add and format text that should take 20 minutes I have to stop and ask, what's wrong with this picture? Then we found a new site and a new home for Artful Gathering and what a delight to work with! And I actually got technical suupport. And they answered me often within minutes! I couldn't help but think, how cool is that!

My only concern is that the new site does not have a "follow" button! They have RSS reader service and apparently I can add something called Google reader. I am on the horns of a dilemma. I have now over 500 followers and I don't want to lose my friends!

I'm thinking I would leave this blog up and put a big old moved sign with a link.

*sigh*

nothing is easy anymore.

xoxo

Gail

Little Sneak Peek

2011-04-23T18:29:00.004-04:00

Down and Dirty the Digital Way starts May 16 at Creative Workshops

If you can't see the video you can go here
http://youtu.be/D-pkzCKg__k

Lots Going On

2011-04-18T13:30:00.002-04:00

Are you feeling like I have this month, like it's been crazy busy, and the days are slipping away as fast as water through a cracked glass? I suppose part of that feeling is that so often we take on to much and then hurry hurry to meet those obligations, deadlines and timeframes.

I know I am guilty of thinking I can do it all. It's not that I have a problem saying no. Oh yes, I can most definitely say no. :-) And have. And do. For me I think it is more that I tend to think some jobs won't take as long as they end up taking, or I put to much of my time, and of me, into some jobs that truly don't need all that effort. I suppose that is the perfectionist side of me.

One item on my forever, ever long, to do list was a new digital class. And I finished it yesterday. Yay!

Down and Dirty the Digital Way

Opens May 16

If you saw this image on my blog this winter and liked it, let me show what it looked like

before

I'm sure we all have photos like this

but isn't THIS more interesting?

Or what about this one?

It's ok right?

But now we've elevated it to art.

Would you like to put photos like these on YOUR blog?

Do you create cards, scrapbook, create altered art in it's many forms? I imagine you have oodles of inspiration right in your own photo stash you thought you couldn't use. Now you can learn to create your own grungy, distressed and textured masterpieces!

You might think twice before discarding future photos.

Learn to work with layers and blending modes. You'll learn to texture using just one or two layers and you'll learn to texture with lots of layers. I'll show you how to use a simple grunge mask to for a quick and easy way to grunge the edges of a photo, like Mama Cardinal above.

Learn an easy way to lighten your photos without losing details and an easy way to watermark your photos for publishing to the 'net.

So if you've ever wished you knew how to give a plain, even boring photo some PIZAZZ this is a good class for you! You can wing on over to Shabby Cottage Studio for all the details of Down and Dirty the Digital Way.

Beginners welcome!

I'm teaching this class with Photoshop Elements 9 but if you have PSE 5, 6, 7 or 8, this class will work for you.

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

I also want to share some new information about Artful Gathering.

We have been using Blogger for our information and Registration site but have never been happy with it. We felt it was a tad cumbersome and we couldn't lay out the information in the way we really wanted . So I've been working on a new site and I was able to cross THAT off my to do list this weekend!

We have added a link to the new site on the Artful Gathering blog. You will find us at artfulgathering.com. Eventually we will close the old blog. Please come check out the new site.

We now have all the Workshop descriptions up and most of them have photos and prices.

Check out the Artwork page to see videos of each teachers artwork. It is awesome!

And since this is an invitaiton only event don't forget to Register Now!

The event site opens June 25 and at that time Registered guests will be able to start purchasing classes.

You've got plenty of time left to save your pennies for this new and exciting online video event!

Check out Monica Zuniga and Pam Carriker Preview workshop videos!

Visit everyone at artfulgathering.com

So now my lovlies, you know what I've been up to this month. What's happening with you?!

A Freebie Image for You

2011-04-07T13:04:00.000-04:00

Spring is in the air!

This 1911 ad is a free image for you. Right click and then save to your computer.

The Artful Gathering blog has added class descriptions (as much as we have right now)

for the July 2011 event!

Pop on over to the blog and click on the Workshops tab at the top of the page.

A Couple Bottles, A Couple Classes

2011-03-29T11:43:00.001-04:00

This is a reminder that Pam Carriker's class, Journal 365, at Creative Workshops, closes registration Thursday Mar. 31, and will no longer be available to new students.

If you register before registration closes you will then have one year to complete the class. Until March 2012. All the videos and pdf's are now up in the workshop and will remain for you to view and work at your own pace until next March.

A new class went live at Creative Workshops yesterday!

Interactive Altered Book with Dawn Meisch.

Using an altered book as the base, Dawn will teach you how to create pop ups, pull tabs, pockets, spinning wheels, hidden flaps and other movable parts. No experience required. So come join Dawn and learn some fun techniques to give your book projects some pizazz.

I've been buried in so many non-art projects that I am beginning to feel I have a keyboard permanently attached to my fingers. But I did manage to get into the workroom this weekend and at least finish a couple small altered bottles I started over a month ago!

♥ Happy Tuesday Lovlies!

Give it your creative best! ♥

Do you Ever have Days...

2011-03-25T15:32:00.006-04:00

Do you ever "those days" when you wonder

Why Bother?

I Certainly Do.

Today I was following some links and came across this image and it immediately grabbed me.

I said to myself ...Self, this is a most excellent thing to remember!

If I start comparing my self, my art, my blog, my business, my philosophy to someone else's then I hit that wall that says...why bother.

Most of the time I manage to corral self comparisons, yet, being human, sometimes it is difficult. As I have aged I think I have learned, somewhat, to control the urge. Because those thoughts are self defeating. Luckily those are days in the minority...but when caught unaware by those insidious thoughts I find I am left with a terrible taste in my mouth and as the awful question pops up to ask ...why bother?

So strongly did the statement call to me I followed the image link and discovered the artist has an Etsy store. Her name is Valentina and her shop is called Valentina Design. I have always been drawn to pen and ink work and Valentina's intricate designs are a joy to behold. But aside from her drawings, this piece she created with it's message, spoke loudest to me. It should speak loud to all of us who have "those days".

I need to pin that saying to my inspiration board.

Happy Friday lovely bloggers.

No matter where you are, no matter how near or how far,

you are dear to my heart.

xoxo

Gail

We Have Winners!

2011-03-23T17:03:00.003-04:00

I want to thank everyone who stopped by and left a comment for both Giveaways....Pam Carrikers class this summer at Artful Gathering and my tags. The winners have been notified.

Over at Artful Gathering we now have a tab at the top that has Workshop Descriptions. This is information we have so far received from the teachers and will give you a good idea of the scope of classes beign offered at the event. We posted the class cost if we have it.

Just a reminder that registration is required before classes can be purchased.

Registration is $5.00 and can easily be paid for with Paypal, or a Credit Card for those of you who don't like or want to use Paypal.
You can go here to Register and save your spot!

Our Artist Spotlight artist this week is JoAnna Pierotti.

Glorious Spring

2011-03-22T15:55:00.001-04:00

Spring has finally poked its head out here in the mountains.

Have I told you that this is my favorite time of the year?

When I can walk outside without bundling up like a snow man

when I can finally open my windows and doors,

I am a happy, happy woman.

I walked around the yard the other morning and discovered beauty.

Happy Spring day lovlies!

If you haven't entered the giveaways yet, scroll down...there are two!

They end tomorrow.

Pam Carriker Blog Tour

2011-03-16T12:44:00.006-04:00

Two blog posts in one day?!

Two GIVEAWAYS in one day?!

Today is the last day of Pam Carriker's Blog tour in celebration of her new book Art at the Speed of Life. During the tour Pam has graciously introduced each contributor in her new book. I didn't realize today was my day...ergo the reason for two posts. :-)

I met Pam a number of years ago when we both served on a design team together. I was drawn to Pam's

warm personality and her wonderful artwork. As I got to know more about Pam I was also drawn to her capacity for setting goals and following through and her dedication to working hard to
reach her goal of being a working artist. I think this book proves how dedicated Pam truly is. When I asked Pam to come on board as a teacher at Creative Workshops, she jumped right in with her first ever video class. I knew this was someone I could work with. I never worry about Pam not following through or not meeting deadlines.

Pam's book is a good demonstration of how Pam has managed to reach and maintain her goal of truly being a working artist. It is filled with demonstrations, techniques and time saving tips. Like Pam, it is warm and encouraging and gives you the belief that you too can work art into your life. You get to read about what goes on in an artists thinking brain, not only with Pam, but all the contributing artists. All of us, working artists or not, have our days of doubts and insecurities about out creativity and wonder how we can fit it into our life.. If you have not purchased this book, then do so, and on those questioning days, take it off the shelf and follow along with one chapter and discover you are not alone and you can do it.

I was proud that Pam asked me to be a contributor...I am in amazing company.

And now for another giveaway!

I am the co-sponsor of a very exciting, first time ever event this summer, called Artful Gathering 2011. If you haven't heard yet, get thee self to http://www.artfulgathering.com/ and read all about it! In conjunction with the event and Pam's tour we are giving away a free space in Pam's class - Visual Journaling 101 - at Artful Gathering in July. This is a retired class of Pam's that has gotten so many requests since it closed that she is bringing it back one more time for Artful Gathering! And with that free space Pam is also giving away a kit that will include

a strathmore visual journal, favorite pen, pencil, and sequin waste tool.

Now how cool is that?!

If you want to win a chance at this great giveaway you need to leave a comment on this post and this post only. You also need to make sure you have a way for me to get in touch with you if you should win. I will draw one lucky winner with a random number generator a week from today, March 23!

So lovlies what a great hump day in Giveaway land! If you haven't seen my first post today scroll down to the post below this one for yet another giveaway.

No, now really, two in one day is all I can manage today. :-)

Celebration Giveaway!

2011-03-16T11:44:00.001-04:00

So tell me. What did we do before blogs?

Where did we go online to meet like minded friends,

share lifes's stories and enjoy mind blowing

eye candy?

Who knew you could laugh and cry, commiserate and come to care for
someone you have never met in person.

I didn't. Did you?

I still tease a couple friends, who, when I excitedly told them about the blog I was starting, gave me funny looks and asked,

why would you do THAT?

I tease them about it because they both now have multiple blogs. :-)

With clicks of the keyboard and scrolling of a mouse,

blogging opened a whole new world for so many of us.

I want to thank each and every one of you who have entered my humble little world by

stopping by, leaving comments and becoming a follower.

Today marks my 500th follower and I am having a giveaway!

With thanks and appreciation for all you lovely bloggers

who help make my world go round.

Here's the deal...I have sets of the tags pictured here

plus several other designs not pictured.

I am going to break up the sets, mix them all up randomly

and then give away FIVE sets. Yep! Five!

All you need do is leave a comment on this post,

and only this post, in order to qualify for a chance to win. You

must have a way for me to get in touch with you when you leave your comment.

One week from today, Wednesday, March 23, I will pick five

names with the random number generator.

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy. :-)

You may have noticed a little change on the blog with the addition of tabs at the top of the page.

I felt the sidebar was getting to crowded looking and people don't particularly like to scroll a lot. When someone told me they couldn't find a way to contact me on my blog, and I had a big button on the sidebar, I knew it was time to change things up a bit. Hopefully this will help.

Yesterday I added some new items to the store that are just

waiting for your Spring projects.

I was alos able to restock the 8" paper mache mannequins, but in a limited number.

So stop by Shabby Cottage Studio and check things out.

Happy Hump Day!

Searching for a New Home

2011-03-14T16:08:00.000-04:00

So what do you think Honey, do you think you could live here?

The neighbors look friendly enough

and it looks plenty roomy inside

Go ahead, look inside, I think you'll like it!

Yeah? I'ts great isn't it!

We'll take it!

Now you didn't think Mr. Shabby and I would

leave our own shabby nest did you? ;-)

Happy Monday lovely friends.

A Freebie for You & Other News

2011-03-06T13:46:00.004-05:00

Happy Sunday Beautiful Bloggers.

This morning winter made an abrupt return. I knew this would happen, because a.) we do live in the mountains b.) it is still officially winter and c.) there is always Murphy's law to contend with.

I am concerned for all the growing things that started to bud during our unusually warm month of February. I had just remarked a couple hours ago to Mr. Shabby that our Willow tree was really starting to turn green. Now we have big, wet flakes and the ground is turning white. Hopefully it won't last or stay long. I mean, this girl is ready for SPRING!

I was playing in my Photoshop Elements this morning with a tool I have not used a lot, called Transform. It allows you to skew, distort and play with perspective. I wanted to see if I could create a "floor". I got so excited I ended up creating a whole scenario for my floor. And I'm sharing it with you.

Right click on the image and then save to your computer.

I will also add it to the Free Iamges page. You do know about that page right? Over in the sidebar scroll down until you come to the button of a birds nest that says Freebies. Click on it and help yourself.

I actually got to the work table last week for a few moments. I had a can of this spray frost effect I wanted to try and I had a small clear bottle. From the SCS store I had a package of inchie Memory Frames. I dug around in my vintage lace stash and this is what I came up with.

We are bringing a NEW class to Creative Workshops!

Interactive Altered Book starts March 28 and taught by Dawn Meisch.

You will learn to create pop ups, pockets, spinning wheels, hidden flap and other moveable parts.

The class is $40.00.

Our classes at Creative Workshops are some of the best priced video classes around!

And just this past Tuesday Julee Herrman's class Soldering With Heart started, and they are soldering their little hearts out, so come on by and join in the fun.

You know you want to.

I have gotten a lot of emails asking me about Pam Carrikers Visual Journalism 101 workshop. For those of you asking, Pam is bringing this retired class back one last time. At Artful Gathering 2011! So this truly is your last chance to get in on this workshop before it is truly gone forever. But you HAVE to register for Artful Gathering in order to purchase a class when they become available for the event. If you haven't heard about Artful Gathering then jump on over to http://www.artfulgathering.com/ and read all about this amazing event. You will not want to miss it.

Last, but not least, if you have been thinking about Pam Carrikers Journal 365 workshop, registration closes the end of March. The class then stays open for one more year for anyone who has purchased the class by the end of March 2011. Once the registration closes, the class will no longer be available. Pam shares some fun teachniques for journaling in this workshop.

So that's it for me and my news this snowy Sunday afternoon. I hope wherever you are, you are warmer than me!

Please Meet Henry Li

2011-03-03T11:16:00.001-05:00

Henry Li will be one of the instructors at the Artful Gathering event this summer. He will be bringing us the beautiful and time honored tradition of Chinese painting in a Sumi Ink and Watercolor on Rice Paper class. This class is structured so that beginners to advanced students may join.

Being an online art teacher and art supplier, Henry has found himself a full-time job with thousands of fans and students all over the world. His artistic family members includes his wife Victoria, who teaches Chinese at Pomona College, also paints as her hobby; his mother-in-law, a retired Chinese professor, who practices her calligraphy every morning, and his daughter Amy who is a senior college student majored in art.

Henry has an amazingly impressive and varied background and it is my hope that you will visit our Instructors bio page over at Artful Gathering and read about this fascinating and unassuming gentle man. Henry works tirelessly to make his painting videos look effortless, spontaneous and joyful. Meanwhile, he has started to explore new materials and techniques that will give this centuries old art form a new life. You can also visit Henri Li at Blue Heron Arts.

The Writing On the Floor

2011-03-01T13:42:00.004-05:00

You've heard the saying "the writing on the wall."

This is a message I actually did write on the floor. :-)

Let me explain.

We are putting in new flooring in the dining room. When we moved in the floor was a really ugly linoleum that I knew would be difficult to live with until we could afford flooring sometime in the way distant future. And now, eight years later that future is here.

In the meantime I faux painted a hardwood floor and rug on the linoleum and it has served us well in the interim.

As we were nearing the end of the new floor Mr Shabby and I were talking about what might happen 100 years from now if someone tore up this flooring only to discover the painted one beneath.

We decided it would be fun to write the future owners a note...just in case they ever do decide to tear up this one. Fun huh? We thought so.

So I got out my trusty black marker and wrote the note. :-)

I guess I have home on my mind because yesterday I finished this banner for the

Shabby Cottage at the Corner Nest.

If you like the banner pennants I have now added this design to the online store. You will receive two sheets or two digital downloads. Each sheet has two designs for a total of the four different pennants you see here, ready for you to create your own banner.

You can find the French Ephemera Banner either as a digital download or printed sheets that will be shipped to you.

Here's wishing you a Happy Tuesday lovely bloggers!

Meet Liz Miller

2011-02-23T15:42:00.006-05:00

Liz is one of the teachers at the Artful Gathering event this summer.

Although Liz Miller CDA began teaching decorative painting in the Raleigh, NC area in 1985, her interest in art began many years before. As a child her love for horses lead her to drawing, first horses then people and more. Her favorite toys were crayons, paper, and any coloring book with horses included. Although she was always interested in art, Liz became a RN, then a belly dancer, and then a dance therapist, always drawn to the creative aspect of the job. When she discovered decorative painting and began sharing her discoveries by teaching others, she believed that this was a natural progression, still providing for the mental and physical health of her painters, through creative art therapy.

Currently Liz owns an art studio, Artful Endeavors, in Raleigh NC. She usually paints realistic style in acrylics, but enjoys creating and experimenting with watercolor and mixed media including watercolor batik. She teaches all levels of acrylics in weekly classes and workshops in her studio as well as travel teaching and hosting seminars with some of decorative painting’s finest national teachers. Liz is a DecoArt Helping Artist.

Liz has her Masters Degree in Dance Therapy, a creative arts therapy, from Hunter College in NYC. She is a member of the Society of Decorative Painters, The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild, and The Heart of Carolina Tolers where she has served as chapter president and various other offices.

Liz’s artwork has been chosen for display at the permanent collection at the Society of Decorative Painting in Wichita, KS.

Liz has taught at the Society of Decorative Painting convention and is known for her graceful leaves and leaf study workshop. You can find her online classes at Creative Workshops.

Visit her web site Artful Endeavors

OWOH Winners!

2011-02-18T10:49:00.000-05:00

What a whirlwind ride it was!

People flew all over the world, making new friends and finding fun new blogs to follow!

I drew two names this morning and have contacted the winners of my two drawings. Congratulations to Dolly of http://frommycherryheart.blogspot.com/ who won my There is Life wall hanging and Jenn of http://justjenndesignz.blogspot.com/ who won The Power of a Girl.

I would like to thank everyone who stopped by to visit and leave a comment,

come back any time ya'heah!

Meet Keith LoBue!

2011-02-16T11:15:00.000-05:00

Each week I hope to add a feature of the participating artists appearing at Artful Gathering and I am very excited to add the talented Keith Lo Bue to the list of teachers that are coming to this amazing event this summer for online art classes. I hope you will all come register, as this will be one of the first ever online art fest's of this kind!

Here is Keith Lo Bue

Coming to Artful Gathering 2011
July 16th - August 20th
Premiering his own online workshopKeith Lo Bue is a jeweler, sculptor and teacher who has work in many major collections, including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC and the Museum of Arts & Design in New York. For over two decades his work has been exhibited all around the US and in Germany, Australia, New Zealand, France, Ireland and England. Dozens of books feature Lo Bue's work, including One of a Kind: American Art Jewelry Today (US), 1000 Rings (Lark), The Art & Craft of Collage (UK), the Virtual Gallery of Contemporary Jewellery CD-ROM (UK) and The Compendium Finale Of Contemporary Jewellery Makers (Germany) as well as Metalsmith, American Craft and Ornament magazines (US). His workshops have been presented to enthusiastic reviews at Haystack, Penland and scores of other art and craft institutions across the United States, Canada and Australia. Lo Bue lives and works in Sydney.

Keith will be creating his own online art class at Artful Gathering 2011. Stampington & Co. is one of our sponsors along with Articus Studio, Artist Cellar, and Lisa's Altered Art.

New Artful Gathering Artist Feature Every Week!

An Exciting Announcement!

2011-02-05T15:54:00.004-05:00

Oh my goodness I have been busier than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs! LOL

But it has all been a GOOD busy! I've been sitting on this for months and boy was that hard not to share with my lovely blogger friends. But details had to be worked out and organized and implemented. So I bit my tongue and kept working hard here behind the scenes to do my part in this new venture. I was so busy behind the scenes yesterday as we finally went live that I didn't even get a chance to write this post! LOL

Maybe you've notice the adorable new badge at the top right of my sidebar.
And she's right here too.
Isn't she a cutie?

How many times have you wished you could go to a live Art Festival where you would have access to quality workshops with fun projects, get to choose from a variety of teachers for a class you would like to take, to actually be able to talk and ask questions of the teachers and even shop their artwork? And how many times have you told yourself, "well it's a nice dream anyway" ?
I've been to a few over the years, and I for sure get that no matter how exciting these events are, these days my budget puts the ka-bosh on these lovely dreams.
And what of those who have health issues, don't like to fly, or drive long distances or live in another country!?

Well, Cristina Zinnia Galiher of Roses on My Table and I have come together in collaboration to bring the Art Festival right to your computer! We are gathering artists diverse in their talents and bringing them to you in the first ever online art festival/retreat/convention. We are calling it
Artful Gathering.

So please check out the Artful Gathering blog. You can see not only the list of teachers we have on board so far but a slide show of their amazing talents!

And please, help yourself to the Artful Gathering badge for your blog or website...
we want to spread the word that the
Gathering is coming!!!

I am wishing all of you, my lovely blog friends, a happy weekend. If you are in the midst of the bad weather roaming around the country, stay warm, dry and above all else safe!
♥♥♥

One World One Heart 2011

2011-01-31T04:32:00.001-05:00

Yes it's that time of year again! The magical One World One Heart Giveaway!
The Giveaway runs Jan. 31 - Feb 17, 2011.

Last year I joined for the very first time and it was such a joy to meet new friends and greet familiar faces. Lisa has said this is the last year. The fifth and final... so grab your hat and come along for a marvelous ride!

And what is One World One Heart you ask? Well Lisa says it best:

"One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers only. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past 4 years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships (and even one love connection) formed along the way. Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home........going from blog to blog(in various countries) seeing the wonder each one has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus each blogger participant will offer up a "door prize or prizes"....just for dropping by, saying hello and seeing their world. It's really that easy."

And if you are a first time visitor to my blog you might be asking...and who are you?

Welcome, welcome! My name is Gail and I am a mixed media and digital artist who quite frequently loves to marry the two art forms. I've been an artist for many, many years and love to inspire and be inspired by others. So make youself at home and wander around the Cottage all you like, it's been my home for about 4 years. My other home is a circa 1920's farmhouse on an acre of land in the mountains of Tennessee. My hubby of 20+ years, known here on the blog as Mr. Shabby, and I, are still working on bringing an old house into the 21st century. Our children consist of one canine and two felines. Both the felines showed up on our properties at different times, both young, starving and in need of a rescue. I'm blessed to be able to run my online businesses from my home with my art studio only steps away from my office (aka Command Central). I don't get to the studio as often as I want, but I do get there as often as I can.

Aside from getting to meet and greet friends old and new, part of the fun is the Giveaway! So I know you want to know what I have for two lucky winners. Yes, you heard correctly... I said two!

Well I have two mixed media wall hangings I created.

The first hanging is titled, There is Life. I created this wall hanging to meet a challenge using fabric I already had, I could not buy or use anything I didn't already have. Such a fun challenge! Part of what I used was old denim, upholstery fabric I've had forever and vintage laces.

This wall hanging is called The Power of a Girl.

This piece had no preconceived idea, it simply happened.

Both pieces have hangers on the back and are excitedly waiting for their new home.

Maybe it will be yours!

It's real easy to make sure you win a chance at one of these. Simply leave a comment on this post. You must have a blog and only comments on this post will be counted. Two winners will be randomly selected with a random number generator Feb. 18. 2011

Last year we had over 1000 blogs participating from all over the world.

Think about that for a moment.

Be sure to click on the link or picture at the top of this post to visit the OWOH page and visit all the other blogs who have joined the party!

And thanks for stopping by my Shabby Cottage Studio!

Soldering With HeArt

2011-01-26T11:54:00.006-05:00

We have a a new class debuting over at Creative Workshops!
If you have not met Julee Herrmann, you should!
Jewelry maker and shrine builder Julee also calls herself "Maker of Silliness" and in her own words she loves "creating in three dimensions and juxtaposing the old and decrepit with shiny and new." I love Julee's work and I think you will too.
Take a peek.

Julee's class is called Soldering wth HeArt and the workshop opens Mar 1, 2011
at Creative Workshops.

Julee's says:
"In this course we will make four 2D projects and learn to capture our whimsies and wist within glass and metal.

We will use images that tickle our fancy and old lace and ribbon that remind us of all the details we love to touch.

You will be inspired to come up with your own ideas for what you'll solder next."

It is a brand new year. You told yourself you are going to... be brave, be curious, be experimental, take a class, learn something new, discover different techniques...you know what you told yourself.
Here is your opportunity. Every journey begins with one step.
Go forth and ART my lovlies!
I have faith in you!!!
:-)

Lovely Work!

2011-01-19T15:52:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share with you some lovely work and give a shout out to Dru and her Etsy shop called The Nest. Isn't this French Vintage Inspired banner delicious! Dru says, "This handmade wedding banner is designed to mark your chairs at the Bridal table or grace the wall behind the bride and groom's chair." What a wonderful idea and who wouldn't want such a gorgeous banner to decorate the wedding!

Dru also created these wonderful Valentine tags and not only can you find them in her shop but also on her blog Garden of Dreams. Take a moment to stop by Dru's Etsy store and her blog and be inspired!

I'm pleased to say that Dru is one of my customers and I am always honored when images from Shabby Cottage Studio are part of the beauty other artists create. Thank you so much for sharing Dru! You are appreciated!

My Little Part in Pam's Book

2011-01-18T16:11:00.001-05:00

Some of you may remember last year I mentioned I was going to be a contributor in Pam Carriker's up and coming book Art at the Speed of Life. Well it is finally here and I received my copy in the mail last week. Yes, yes, I'm slow. LOL

I was so honored and totally surprised LOL to be asked by Pam. Who would have ever thought I'd be any part of any book! So this is my contributing page with some of my artwork

and on this page there is another picture of my artwork...the book cover on the top right.

I've been reading the book and it is wonderful! Pam did such a fantastic job! I know it was a lot of hard work. If you think you are way to busy to make time for art then this is the read for you! There are such fantastic tips, tutorials and techniques from Pam and all the other contributers that you can't but help but see that you too,

can create Art at the Speed of Life!

Happy Tuesday lovely Friends!

Snow Day!

2011-01-12T15:40:00.001-05:00

So what do you do when you are dealing with a blizzard outside?

Here's what I've been up to.
(ooops, Dorthe I should have said finished up, so sorry to be misleading)

I found a tutorial at the blog called Living with Lindsay I wanted to try my hand at.

I call it my Literary Wreath

I had an old book cover sitting around and this image I had a hankering to play with

So I came up with this collage.

I watched Gracie watch the birds. We were both entertained.

And I discovered these new visitors to our feeders.

we think they are called Eastern Towhee but aren't sure.

If anyone can tell me true or false I'd appreciate it!

For all of you dealing with blizzards today I hope you are hunkered down someplace safe and warm.

I received an Email

2011-01-11T13:20:00.000-05:00

I like to get emails in regards to the Creative Workshop site and the Shabby Cottage Studio store. It helps me gauge where we are, where we need to go, what we need to improve and what we are doing right. It is one reason I have a contact button here on the blog, one in the store and of course at Creative Workshops and I can also be contacted through Facebook. In regards to contact from you...I am easily accessible and the only way I would have it. If I still had a brick and mortar store you would be able to walk through the door and converse with me in person but this is the best we can do online. So never hesitate to say Hey Gail...!

This email says it better than any hype I can put out there. It truly speaks to why I run Creative Workshops as I do. Reprinted with permission from the author.

Gail,
I just want to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate your workshop(s) and the fact that they're open-ended. It is extremely helpful to come back again and again as I learn and improve my skills with Elements. You are much better than a book to those of us who are visual, where we grasp better by seeing how something is done.

As e-workshops grow and change, I didn't realize how valuable an open-ended workshop is until I signed up (somewhere else) for a workshop that had an end date. I didn't get nearly as much out of it, not to mention there's no going back for reference material. It was a mad rush to gather the materials and hurry through the videos--like cramming for a final exam. In the future I will think long and hard before spending my money on a workshop with a deadline.

So again, thank you!! I look forward to more Creative Workshops. All the best in 2011.

Lisa

January is the perfect time for a class!

Especially if you live in an area like I do and often get snow bound. What better way to spend a snow day than learning a new skill or technique!

This Friday, Jan. 14, Nellie Wortman's class Altered Fabric Book begins at Creative Workshops!

And when the class begins so ends Nellie's special promotion price of $90.00 and the class will then be $120.

So if you are interested in the class then take advantage of this great price break. Nellie has had a great response already and students are waiting at the door for class to start.

I will be there and I hope to see you in class too!

Happy Tuesday Lovlies!

xoxo

Got Valentine Projects?

2011-01-07T16:35:00.000-05:00

Ready for those Valentine projects?

We can help!

(images are clickable)

Malissa Waldorf used images from our Red Is the Color Collage Sheet for her adorable Valentine tags.

We now carry Manilla Shipping Tags and you can buy them by the EACH!

A frame or a memory box make excellent Valentine gifts and we have several shapes and sizes to choose from. Make functional fun and pretty!

How about papers or images for those Valentine projects?

Romantic Black and Cream in 4 x 4 or ATC size

We have images and shapes for all your Valentine projects!

And all our collage sheets are available printed or as digital downloads

Banners make fun and pretty Valentine projects!

Cut out the shapes, add ribbon...we carry lovely seam binding, images, lettering, flowers...you know we have GREAT flowers! What ever sets your "heart" aflutter. And don't, absolutley don't, forget the GLITTER!

We sell the individual German Glass Glitter and we have some kits available. We've ordered more colors to restock and should have those next week!

And if you don't like German Glass Glitter we now also carry Rangers Stickles Glitter!

And don't forget those embellishments! Layers and texture take a project up a notch!

Please Meet Annabelle!

2011-01-03T20:11:00.000-05:00

My friend Annabelle loves to mix things up when it comes to personal style.

She likes to mix hard with soft

like the lace here on her apron ties

And why wear a belt with her lacy apron when a touch of the unexpected is better

Of course she's not above a ruffle or two

Or a little bling

Well...maybe a lot of bling...

a girl can never have to much bling you know!

No, this isn't Annabelle

just a friend who hangs round and shares a love of bling

and feathers with Annabelle

THIS is Annabelle!

She is travelling to the Corner Nest tomorrow to become a display piece in the Shabby Cottage booth.

I think she will like it there! And I think if Annabelle had real feet...she'd be wearing cowboy boots!

I told you the girl has her own style.

Happy New Year Lovlies

2011-01-01T11:20:00.000-05:00

I awoke on this first day of the New Year feeling better than I have all week and I can feel my energy starting to bubble once more. Another day or two and I think all will be well once more.

Do you make yourself New Years resolutions?

I don't make resolutions but by the end of each year I have accumulated a "to do" list of goals that I want to accomplish in the following year.

Some things are small, like finally putting together a spread sheet that will tell me throughout the year where I stand at any given time.

Some things require a lot of consideration, like the dreamy inspiration kits I am working on.

Some things will depend on economics, like the laptop I really would like to purchase for myself this year to help unlock me from this desk, this chair, this monitor.

And one thing that is big and can't even be discussed yet until it is closer to fruition.

So what goals do you have for this year 2011? I have a feeling it will roll on out of our grasp even faster than did 2010.

I am sending each and every one of you lovlies many wishes for the year yet to reveal itself:

good health, a better economy, less hate in the world, a government that will stop acting like children in a free for all, contentment of life, love and lots of creative joy and inspiration.

All my love to you.

Gail

TWO SALES!

2010-12-29T13:18:00.000-05:00

That's right! I'm having an After Christmas Sale!

Get 15% off all purchases (excluding classes and gift certificates) at Shabby Cottage Studio.

I made it easy for you. When you check out simply use the code 15% in the voucher code box and the shopping cart will apply the discount. Please do not add classes or gift certificate to the cart or I have to void the order.

The sale is good through Jan. 2, 1011.

I am also having a sale on my Fabric and Lace Composition Book workshop over at Creative Workshops. Between now and Jan. 14 you can get 20% off this class. Simply use the code Class20 in the voucher code box on the checkout page and the shopping cart will make the deduction for you.

A class is a great way to spend a snow day! :-)

I'm down with some ugly bug so if I don't post again for a bit it's because the sucker got me good. But I am fighting it with all I've got! :-)

Hugs my lovelies...wishing you a healthy Wednesday!

A Hunting I Did Go

2010-12-26T12:12:00.001-05:00

For pictures that is. And I found them!

It's been snowing since yesterday morning. We absolutely had a white Christmas and it was beautiful.

a little wren who posed for me

Papa Cardinal

and Mama Cardinal

Daydreamer?

Oh wait, it's a Jay!

A new visitor this week, a male Downey Woodpecker

I had thoughts to get dressed and go outside

to take pictures of the snowfall...

but when I stepped outside to check the temperature I thought

...nah...a few pictures from the porch will do...

and then a mad dash back to the cozy fireplace

Oh I DO hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine

and that all your wishes came true!

Love to you all!

From Me to You

2010-12-23T20:15:00.000-05:00

No matter where you are

No matter how you celebrate this Holiday time

I am wishing for all my beautiful blogging friends

the happiest, joyous season ever!
Thank you for sharing
your year with me.

For myself and Mr. Shabby we celebrate Christmas with my family
and feel blessed that we can.
Merry Christmas my lovelies!!!
Much Love to you!

Snowmelt

2010-12-19T15:43:00.000-05:00

Even as the snow begins to melt

we still have beauty.

And who would I be if I didn't do a little Photoshop-ing.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Ev'rywhere you go;

There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well,

The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas;

Soon the bells will start,

And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing

Right within your heart.

Snowtime!

2010-12-14T13:00:00.001-05:00

It started snowing Sunday afternoon.

And this is what it looked like all day yesterday as I sat at my computer and watched the snow show.

At times the bird feeder experienced traffic jams. My little tree was full of birds waiting to swoop down and grab a bite.

The snow she was a blowin'.

Today the sun is out and the snow is about 6-8 inches. And about 18 degrees.

I am keeping warm. And very thankful for electric and propane gas.

"Our cheeks are nice and rosy

And comfy cozy are we

We're snuggled up together

Like two birds of a feather would be

Let's take that road before us

And sing a chorus or two

Come on, it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you."

Clop, clop, clop

I'm so excited!

2010-12-10T15:04:00.002-05:00

I've been dreaming about making this announcement for quite a while. We all have our "art heroines" who inspire us on our journey. I know that we all probably have more than one, and more likely, many. One woman whose art has inspired me for quite some time now is Ms. Nellie Wortman of Early Morning Thoughts.

Nellie's work is the kind of work that leaves me breathless and touched by magic. Nellie creates more than books and everything she creates in her studio is touched with that Nellie magic, but I believe it is by her books that a lot of people know of Nellie. I was lucky once upon a time to win one of her books in a blog giveaway. Holding it in my hands captivated me even more and the spell was complete.

So it with a sense of thrilled honor that I can now announce Nellie is teaching a class at Creative Workshops! Her workshop has a simple name, Altered Fabric Book, but let me tell you this...it is more than that. Nellie passes on her tips and techniques to show you how to achieve your own sense of magic.

Okay I'm gushing. You know that's not something I do a lot of. But Nellie is worth my gushing. I love this girl! Come take her class and you will too!

Workshop begins Jan. 14, 2011

The going price is going to be $120.00 but Nellie is generously offering a price incentive until the workshops begins. Purchase the class up until the day the class starts and it is $90.00. After the class begins it will go up to $120.00. This class is worth every penney. Grab it at a good price while you can. Makes a great Christmas gift!

Altered Fabric Book...check it out!

And speaking of incentives we have Sue Pelletiers Vintage Snowmen workshop on sale. 20% off!

This sale will continue until January 15, 2011 and then the class will no longer be for sale but will continue to be available for those who purchase it. So take advantage while you can. These snowmen are da bomb!!

I hope you have sparkling Christmas parties you're looking forward to this weekend and just plain enjoying the season!

FaLaLaLaLa...La..La..LA..LA!

A Week in Pictures

2010-12-06T20:48:00.001-05:00

It started snowing yesterday. Snowed all day. And all day again today.

Remember Minny? Not a scraggly starving cat any more!

Is she watching it snow?

Nope. She's watching Mr. Shabby refill the birdfeeder, no doubt

daydreaming about the days she chased the birds that visit those feeders.

I was so busy getting ready for the Open House at the Corner Nest this past weekend that I didn't even get a chance to post pictures so I have a lot to share with you.

I decided it would be so crazy jammed with people (and it was!) on the days of the Open House that I would take a few pictures before. Getting in the spirit of Christmas!

Some of the vendors went all out. Saturday Santa even sat here for a while!

See that gorgeous bed? They slapped a sold sticker on that baby while I stood there only 45 minutes after the front door opened!

And I want that Christmas tree! For my booth! LOL

This was a walk through area filled with Christmas trees, ornaments, wreaths and tree decorations.

That is a NINE FOOT TALL Gingerbread man!!! Robin, the owner of Corner Nest, made that herself, out of muslin! Man but she impresses the heck out of me!

You can not imagine the spread they put on! They did breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Can you imagine, a snowy, rainy morning and you walk in and are greeted by hot trays of scrambled eggs, hash browns sausage biscuits, a veritable TOWER of muffins, bagels and condiments!

And lunch was even bigger! I wasn't there for dinner so I can only imagine. All free for all the customers. And door prizes galore! Happy, happy shoppers everywhere.

The check out counter was always crowded with a line but they had a system down pat and moved people through with lots of smiles and laugter. Robin KNOWS how to run a business.

I got the new booth all spiffed up just in the nick of time for the Open House. Now that I know how all out they go at the Corner Nest for Christmas, next year I will put up a tree and be more decorated.

Yay, Mr. Shabby got the chandelier lit for me. If it is still there when I go back I am thinking about putting a not for sale on it because it looks so pretty in the booth.

Next year I will do something with that post!

Looking more full aren't I?! :-)

I ran across a tutorial from Nancy Maxwell James that she did for Paper Whimsy. I just love Nancy's work. I gave it my own spin with the ruffled "collar" and I was so pleased with the way it turned out.

Then at the 11th hour I decided I should at least attempt to make a few ornaments for the booth. It was so much fun playing with sewing fabric, lace and glitter! It's hard to see the glitter on all these.

Heart Ornaments

Stuffed Ornies

Pocket Ornaments...great for gift cards, cash or small gifts like jewelry! :-)

And of course had to have some Tag ornaments

So my sweet lovlies here in blogland that is how I spent last week. Yesterday I had computer issues, so while Mr Shabby worked on them, and it snowed outside, snuggled in my comfy chair and vegged for the day. Rare for me and it was perfect. I didn't even feel guilty. ;-)

Sleighbells ring, are you listening...jing, jing, jing

Studio Pictures

2010-11-29T15:36:00.006-05:00

Do you remember radio broadcaster Paul Harvey? Sadly he passed away in 2009. But I always enjoyed his broadcasts and especially his The Rest of the Story segments. Well, I promised you more studio pictures and so here is the

"Rest of my Studio" Remember if you want a closer look right click on a picture. Then most of you should also be able to hover over that image and get a magnifying glass icon to see it even one more step closer.

From ~~command central~~ the computer room we can sneak a peek into the studio through the screen door. And I don't have far to go from workroom to computer and back.

My shabby screen door serves two purposes. It saves room without a big wood door standing open inside the room that I didn't like to shut because of claustrophobia. 1 Screen door = 2 problems alleviated. So let's go on inside!

Once through the screen door, immediately to our right is my wonderful 9 foot looong work table. I removed the chair to get a better shot. I have two rolling tall carts of drawers beneath the table to the right of where I usually sit.

I have wonderful light in this room. Sometimes to much! I often have to leave the Roman shades down to cut the sun glare on my worktable, and taking pictures can be tough. Plus I have 4 sets of 2 flourescent lights hanging from the ceiling in strategic spots. The picture below is with the light off and shades open (see my glare problem), while the one below that is with the light on and shades pulled.

I am standing across the room looking back at the screen door wall to take this picture. I laid a quilters 2 sided ironing/cutting board on top of the small chest of drawers and it saves me having to find room to set up an irong board....plus I can just swivel in my chair to iron. I use this little spot all the time for pressing fabrics for projects.

The drawers of the chest hold my laces and such, so I have quick access to them when working on a project. I really like things convenient when I am in the throes of creating.

Which is why I set up this corner to house tools, mediums and embellishments I use the most.

Don't we all love our bling?

Another angle.

This is the opposite end of the table. (where I was standing to take the picture of the screen door wall above). Once a closet, we removed the doors, added shelving plus another worktable to give me wonderful L shape.

Inside the closet left...

and right. The shelves of fabric were once a really tall single shelving unit that Mr Shabby built for me last year. We simply cut it in half and it fit perfeclty on the side walls of the closet.

No that is not a computer screen but a tv/dvd player . ;-)

Immediately to the left outside of the closet Mr Shabby built me a freestanding paint table area and I love it as I can keep the wet messy stuff away from the other work areas.

Well, most time anyway. :-) And as you can see everything is close and handy between all 3 work areas!

Drawers...gotta love 'em!!!

Orienting the paint table the way we did created a small faux wall and I saw a tiny room within a room, happening here. The fabric on the side of my paint table is one of my vintage window valances I had left over...I've had them waiting for years to be used and the colors were perfect here! Which proves my belief that as long as you buy what you love you will always find a place for it.

I placed two storage cabinets out from the other door that leads to a hall to create a second wall and moved two dressers within that little space. This is where I store a lot of the "other stuff" that I don't need to have handy all the time.

I have a different, bigger dresser in mind for this "faux" room next year as soon as it is stopped being used elsewhere. Then I plan to label all the drawers so I know where things are since they are hidden.

Where these two dressers meet left me a hole in the corner that is perfect for anything tall that needs rolled. I placed a basket and a box on the floor back there to hold the rolled items.

So that's pretty much the room. It's about 12' x 9'. I'm lucky that I have 10' ceilings because that allows me to "go up" on the walls, when I can't "go out" on the floor.

So my lovely, lovely blogging friends that is the "rest of the story".

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed good times, good food and good fun with friends and family. We worked our space to get ready for the Dec. 4th open house at the Corner Nest (yes they are open 365 days so we were there Thursday). But my sweet hubby took me out to dinner Thanksgiving night and since I'm not a big turkery eater my steak dinner and Margarita were sublime. :-)

My Little Studio

2010-11-23T20:02:00.000-05:00

Cloth Paper Scissors said they wanted their Winter 2010 issue to be about small spaces. And mine certainly fits that bill. So I'm proud to say they included it in their latest issue!

They only put a couple pictures in for these vignettes so I promise to post the whole room later. If you might wonder where I am, I just spent the weekend out of town and now I'm trying to get things ready for a large open house that is held at the Corner Nest on Dec. 4th. So I'm actually in my little studio working, working working!

Okay...this picture of me? Mr Shabby took it and I can't tell you how many he took and of course I didn't like any of them. Finally he told me the reason I didn't like them is that when a camera is pointed at me I get this really cheesy smile that makes me look goofy. So he told me to just give him a little smile. It's kind of like my studio. Tiny.

I hope you like this little preview. I'll put up more pictures after the holiday.

I'm wishing each and every one of you who celebrate Thanksgiving, the best you've ever had. And what is o0en thing am I grateful for this year?

Why you of course!

Yay We're Moved!

2010-11-16T21:45:00.001-05:00

So yesterday I told you my little story about our move. Well after a lot of hard work yesterday and today it is DONE! (for now lol) Again here is the before picture.

And these are the after. Don't forget, you can click on the pictures
to see them even larger and closer.

I'm loving the new space! Now I have to go find more STUFF to fill it!

It's looking a little sparse to me right now. But never fear...your intrepid shopper is here! LOL

Just look at that glorius light!

I love the glass topped door!

And I have electrical outlets! I love lamps...they warm up a space nicely!

That wall! A glorious 6 foot long wall!

The picket fence will be a fun place to display hanging items. We've already got a couple more fun furniture pieces being prepped for painting.

I'm tired my lovelies. I hope you like the first pass at the space.

A Little Story

2010-11-15T11:30:00.000-05:00

We were at the Corner Nest Friday, as we usually are, bringing in inventory, moving things around and "fluffing" in general. We do a lot of the moving of things. When you have a small space you have no choice because as you sell big or small pieces, holes develop and they must be filled so that everything stays nice looking.

When we arrived I noticed one of our neighbors had moved out since we were there last week.

Mr Shabby saw my eyes roam over this space (the white part of the floor) and he immediately said "Don't even think about it".

mean ol Mr Shabby

To make a very long story short, the owner of the Nest, Robin, was upstairs to help me with an electrical issue and asked if I knew anyone who wanted to rent a space telling me how extremely reasonable rent was. But Mr Shabby said "don't even think about it".

mean ol Mr Shabby

So I went back to work "fluffing". Remember this chandelier I posted a while back that I was trying to decide what to do to it?

Well I figured it out, and as a lot of projects, it changed quite a bit from my first thoughts to it's final creation.

As I finished up I turned around to look for Mr Shabby. Oh. There he was. Standing in the middle of the empty space across the hall looking contemplative. I asked "what are you thinking about?" He said,

You know, that is a reasonable price for getting more space and I'm tired of moving furniture around every week to make room for something. It wouldn't take much to move everything, even the tent, across the hall"

So today we are going to the Corner Nest to move Shabby Cottage across the hall into a larger space. And LOOK! I have a real wall!!! And look at those gorgeous windows! The light is amazing!

Such a sweet man that Mr Shabby, don'tchathink? :-)♥♥♥

Happy Monday my lovelies! May the week be an easy one for you!

Another Week of Creating

2010-11-11T21:49:00.001-05:00

I want to tell you something before I share my pictures. Your comments mean the world to me. When you work at home all day, every day, alone with no interaction with co-workers, no arty friends who understand, those comments reach deep into my soul and soothe me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As we've slowly been getting my new computer up and running I've had some more time at the worktable while waiting for "computer stuff" to get done by Mr. Shabby. Here's what I came up with this week

My friend Jen from The Shabby Paris Market (go check out her site) got me all motivated a couple weeks ago. I had heard many times about doing transfers with CitraSolv and wanted to give it a try, but when I couldn't find it locally I kept putting off ordering the stuff online. And then of course it fell off the end of my brain into oblivion. But one day recently, while perusing Facebook, I saw an item Jen had done using the transfer technique and it reminded me again that I wanted to try it, and Bingo, I went right then and ordered the CitraSolv. I love this technique! So simple and fun! I don't like the too strong orange smell of the cleaner but I've been doing it in front of an open window to help clear out the overpowering smell of orange. They also sell it in lavender. I love that smell and I'm wondering if it would be any better than the orange. Nah...proably just as overpowering.

Here is a simple canvas tote I altered with some vintage lace and and then used the transfer technique on some fabric ticking, added some buttons, some striped ribbon to the handle and I think it turned out

tres cute.

This wall shelf was an ugly brown grey that I transformed with some cream paint and glaze. Then for added interest, and because I love this ticking so much, I used it along with the CitraSolv transfer technique and voila! Not so ugly anymore.

I was so enamored of the technique used on the bottles in my last post I decided to try it on something else.

This was a plain white small wooden bowl/box with a lid that needed something something.

If you've been to either of my stores you know I sell large single format images as digital downloads. I had a couple frames that were brown ugly plastic, the kind you find at yard sales for maybe 50 cents because they're so ugly no one wants them. Well...no one but people like me that is...and you...and you all know who you are.

But a little paint goes a long way toward making the ugly acceptable.

I printed my Grunged Pink Rose on paper and put it in the frame above.

And for this frame I printed my Paris Postcard.

So for not a lot of money look how easy it is

go from ugly duckling to swan. :-)

I hope you liked my show and tell. There is a big open house weekend at the Corner Nest Dec. 4 & 5 and so these goodies will make their way down to my space. I have to get there also to get a little (and I do mean little) Holiday decorating done for the event. This is my first year there and apparently they put on a big food spread, have lots of door prizes and sales. Hoo Haa I think I must needs go shopping that weekend.

Later my lovlies, I hope every single one of you have a wonderful weekend planned!

I'm Back! With Bottles!

2010-11-06T16:49:00.000-04:00

Okay comptuer problem is fixed and the new computer almost ready. Yay!

Being computer limited actually was a blessing in disguise this past week. It forced me into the studio to distance myself from my computer frustrations. And a flurry of creation took place!

Some of you know I love bottles and that I've been decorating and selling them for quite some time. And I love a good bottle class.When my friend JoAnna of Mosshill Studios offered her soldered bottle class in the Spring of 2009 I was there front and center and I posted some of my soldered bottle creation here on the blog.

A couple years ago I saw Zinnia's bottles in a mutual Ning group and was taken with her bottles and her beautiful color palettes and textures. You know I am a layers and texture kind of girl! So when in all my surfing I somehow ran across information leading to a Ning site called Roses on My Table a few weeks ago I had to investigate (you know I love flowers too). I was thrilled to see it belonged to Zinnia and she was teaching her Mixed Media Bottle online! Oh joy joy! I signed up on the spot.

But until this week I hadn't allowed myself any creating time. As I said, blessing in disguise. Zinnia's class is wonderful! Her videos are clear and plentiful and her voice is sweet. Her generous teaching style is right up my alley as she gives you plenty of information and shows you step by step exactly how to do everything and then some. Zinnia offers quite a bit on her site, she has classes, she has swaps, even for youngsters, and her Information Library (R.A.I.L.) consists of brand new monthly videos and resource updates and absolutely worth the reasonable fee for a year long of videos and techniques.

Tell her I sent you. ;-) She's a sweetheart!

Here are some close ups of the bottles (above) I created this week.

The next three bottle are only 3 inches tall.

I had a BLAST!

Happy Saturday my lovlies...can you believe it was snowing here just a bit ago. Unusually early, even for us here in the mountains.

I'm Down, But Not Out

2010-11-02T15:39:00.001-04:00

My computer gets hard use. I mean HARD. There are days when I sit here (sad to admit I have no life)12 to 14 hours working it. So it's really no wonder things go wrong. If anyone was around at the time, Mr Shabby built me a new computer 2 years ago. And, well, it's that time again. And while the new computer is waiting for one last new part the old computer decided to fall apart yesterday. I am very limited right now as to what I can do with my computer. So I will be back my lovlies. As soon as I can with either a fixed computer or a new computer...whichever comes first.

BOO! And a Clue for DW's

2010-10-30T14:48:00.001-04:00

The fifth one said,

"Get ready for some fun."

Then whoosh went the wind,

and out went the lights,

And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

Now you've collected your very last clue

and if you're still not sure what to do,

finish your layout and jump to your host

Digital Whisper to add to the blog post!

Happy Halloween Creating!!!

PARIS FROM MY WORKTABLE

2010-10-28T16:35:00.001-04:00

It's a simple formula really....

Take an old paper mache box you've had sitting around forever

Print the Paris Crown image on Iron On Transfer paper

then iron it to burlap you dyed this summer

Ink the edges of the lid and add lace

glue aged ticking fabric to the bottom of the box

add a transparency, the word Paris printed on muslin, some bling and call it done.

I did. :-) ♥♥♥

Some New, Some Not So New

2010-10-26T14:43:00.002-04:00

I just stocked the shelves at the Shabby Cottage Studio store with some new items and restocking of sold out items from Prima and the Tim Holt Idea-ology line. Gotta love 'em both! Just in time for gift making. I know, I know, who wants to think about it (Christmas) but reality is nipping at our heels.

Happy Tuesday lovely lovlies! Hope your weather is as balmy beautiful as mine at the moment. I'm enjoying it while I can because I know it won't stay this way much longer.

Freebie For You

2010-10-23T18:30:00.001-04:00

Just for you!

8 1/2 x 11 300 dpi image.

Use it as you will except to resell in a collage sheet or in a cd/dvd collection.

Don't forget to click on the image, then right click and save.

Happy Weekend my lovely friends!

Picture Woes

2010-10-21T11:32:00.000-04:00

Standing at my own mailbox looking down the street.

Yesterday Blogger let me upload two photos. Then I could upload but I just kept getting the infamous red x when I tried to put the images in to my post. Then last night my camera card went kaflooey. BEFORE I was able to get my photos saved to my hard drive!!! All my photos I took on our outing Tuesday...gone. Except the one above which I managed to have saved before the card just went totally bad. All recovery operations were futile. Here I was so proud of myself for remembering to bring my camera on our little day trip and actually taking photos. Now lost to oblivion. I'm sad.

Sometimes technology can take a flying leap. ;-)

Torsos Torsos Everywhere

2010-10-20T15:04:00.000-04:00

I added some new images over at the Inspiration Gallery last night. Cindy over at Whimsical Musings has been creating some fun new torso tags that she gives as special gifts to her neighbors. Such lucky neighbors!
I wanted to post a picture here of some of Cindy's tags, but after numerous repeated tries in different configurations, I have decided Blogger has other plans for me today. I know they have maintenance scheduled for later today and after sitting here struggling with the picture loader I believe they must need it. But you can hop on over to Cindy's blog and check out her tags and you can also catch them at the Inspiration Gallery. What? You haven't been there yet? Well my lovelies you simply must go and check out the artwork and be inspired! :-)

Cindy's tags inspired me to create a couple more Torso Tag sheets.

A Floral and Birds sheet

And a French sheet

Mr Shabby and I played some much needed hooky yesterday and went car hiking through the mountains of North Carolina. AND believe it or not, I remembered to take my camera AND actually use it. So today I'm playing catch up...which one must do when one plays hooky...but when I get a moment I'll get the pictures out of my camera and share some with you.

Happy Wednesday all you lovely Bloggers!

New Workshop Starts Today

2010-10-18T11:52:00.000-04:00

Fabric and Lace Composition Journal Workshop

Working with fabric is a blast! And I make it easy for you.

I think I counted 180 minutes of video and lots and lots of close ups. It will be like you are sitting right at my worktable with me! So come on, join me in the workroom for some good creative fun!

Remember at Creative Workshops our classes are all video, all 24/7 so you can fit a class into your schedule and even work in your jammies after the kids or lovely spouse are in bed if you prefer.

Happy Happy Monday my Lovelies!

Grunge It Up

2010-10-15T17:00:00.001-04:00

A cool breezy fall day calls for time in the kitchen

with a fire in the fireplace

a big pot of vegetable soup on the stove

and a fudge marble cake in the oven.

Add some time design time and you have three new large image formats over at the store.

grungy bee and flower

grungy climbing rose

and grungy pansies

That's what I've been doing with my Friday. What have you been doing with yours?

Love to you all.

Vintage Linens and Lace Now Available

2010-10-13T20:47:00.003-04:00

Finally. I have the packets of vintage linens and laces ready for sale. For now I am listing them here on the blog and I'll see how that goes. If you look over to the sidebar and scroll down you will see a badge that says Vintage Lace. Simply click on it and you will be taken to a page where you can purchase the packets. I had to slap my hands to keep me from keeping so much of it for myself. So, so tempting. :-)

I know we've all been glued to the television watching the Chilean miners emerge from their underground prison. What a miracle. How thrilled I am for the miners, their loved ones and the coutnry of Chile.

God Bless.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! I know my week has certainly been much better than last week. :-)

I'm an Idiot!!

2010-10-11T21:58:00.001-04:00

Oh. My. Gosh. You guys! I totally forgot to draw a winner for the free class! Sheesh! The past two weeks have just been crazy and stressful. Crazy with sale stuff and then we almost had a HUGE...I mean GINORMOUS server catastrophe for Creative Workshops and that has had us scrambling for higher ground. We even had to cancel our mini vacation until we could get things figured out. To make a long story short... our server who shall not remain anonymous, they are called Apollo Hosting and STAY AWAY from them, they lie....told us we had unlimited space when we signed up with them.

Right before we were to leave on vacay they emailed us to say we were in violation of their space terms (wth?!) and our site would be taken down in 3 days if we did not get in compliance. Peeps that is over 2 dozen classes getting ready to fall down around my ears. I can't tell you how sick I was. BUT! We have found a new server, and have been scrambling for two weeks to keep everything safe on the old server while trying to get everything safe in the new home and finally, finally we are there. This was one of those situations that while it was awful and terribly stress inducing, still could have been worse...they could have sent the email while we were out of town and we could have come back to no classes!

And while this is is no excuse for forgetting to draw a winner for the Free Class it is my story and I'm sticking to it. :-) Soooo, while I am late I am here and the random number generator chose Sharon Chapman as the lucky winner of my new class! Congratulations Sharon!!! I'll be emailing you!

I'm taking the day tomorrow to spend with my mom and doing some shopping over in Kingsport, about an hour and a half away from here. Now that the situation has been resolved I need a day away from computers! :-)

Creative Fun

2010-10-10T15:06:00.001-04:00

I love old windows. They are so versatile. I've painted on them, I've made them into blackboards. I've created doors and tables with them, added shelves to them and as you see in the picture I've even hung two as art on my bedroom wall....ok, ok, they are old cabinet doors but you get the idea. ;-)

This is a window I finished this week and took to Shabby Cottage at the Corner Nest.

It got painted, distressed and glazed.

Adding a piece of vintage crochet lace on the back, a couple shabby coat hooks and two old table legs, not only added cottage charm, but functionality as well.

Yesterday was a quiet day and I was able to get to my worktable and create some fun with a revamp of a tired, worn out paper mache box that had seen better days. Sorry I didn't think to take a before picture, but trust me, it was sad.

I covered the sides with decorative paper I digitally designed. (I will be adding this one to the store.)

I painted the lid rim.

Months ago I created some fabric paper and thought it worked wonderfully for the lid.

I added some vintage lace...

burlap, a vintage image, some bling and some rust...

and called it done.

I think I will take it to the Corner Nest space.

Our Dalmation, Cleo, is a Daddy's girl. If she can't find her dad when one of them has been outside and comes back in, she will run to every room of the house until she finds him.

I'm so glad we bought a chair and a half so many years ago because that is "their" chair.

Awake or asleep.

I hope everyone has been having as beautiful fall weather this weekend as we have!

Toodleloo from the mountains!

Meanderings & New Tutorial

2010-10-08T06:00:00.020-04:00

I adore movies. As a child I grew up on movies and I have many happy memories of my mother driving my little sister and I to a nearby theatre and dropping us off, only to pickup us up after the movie. I also remember summers spent at my Aunt's home and walking with my cousin a few blocks downtown to one of the two movie houses in the town I was born in, but didn't grow up in, and spending a wonderful couple hours wrapped in the magic of the big screen.

Living as rural as we do now I can only say thank goodness for satellite and movies on demand. Even now, a long way down the road past childhood, the idea of watching a movie is a huge warm, comforting feeling of escape for me. I think I sometimes bodily leave my chair and step into the screen. I even watch the credits! And I admit, I immerse myself, so I am of the type of movie watcher who will gently and politely shush you if you try to carry on any conversation other than what we may be watching on the screen. Time enough for other discussions later. After the movie. ;-)

Living on a budget doesn't always allow me the access to as many movies as I would like...but this week I got to watch TWO because one was on television and didn't cost me a thing.

Mr. Dreamy himself, Russell Crow, was looking pretty darn ~~hot~~ good in ~~tight leather~~ nicely fitted trousers. Russell was one of the producers of this flick and he and director Ridley Scott put chase to your typical overdone Robin Hood story. For one thing, King Richard is killed off in the beginning of the story. And Cate Blanchett as Marian is certainly not your typical Marian. Without giving anything away I guess the best I can do to describe this verison is to liken it to a kind of backstory as to how Robin became Robin Hood.

I remember when this movie came out in 2004 and thinking I would like to see it. But it never happened until it was on t.v. the other night and I decided to stay up late to watch it. All I can say is it was okay. The most interesting thing I found about the movie was that, like the Robin Hood story above, this version was not your typical King Arthur story. It actually took place about 1000 years before the other stories of Arthur and Arthur is a Roman cavalry officer during the end of the Roman occupation in 467 A.D. And yes, there is a round table, loyal knights, a Guinevere (who is of the people known as Woads and led by Merlin), and Lancelot...who does not have an affair with Guinevere. I did enjoy it not being your typical Arthur story.

Some of you have asked about Minny and I wanted to let you know that Miss Minny became part of our family about a month ago and is still adapting to becoming an indoor kitty. I am happy to report that she has filled out and while still lean, she is no longer a starving kitty and she finished all her shots yesterday. We discovered she is older than we thought. The vet said maybe a year and a half.

She and Gracie both love the window behind the printer so now they have their own towel and take turns sleeping there and watching birdies in the tree. Speaking of Gracie they have made great strides and have even shared some nose touching. But Gracie still likes to hiss at Minny to put her in her place. Funny thing is, Minny refuses to be put in that place. LOL

I'm working very hard at getting Minny more socialized. She knows her new name but absolutely refuses yet to come to it or even look to see who might be calling her name.

But you couldn't ask for a more sweet natured cat.

Sorry for the little blur but I thought this face was so funny I wanted to share.

And this one cracks me up. Like a little kid you have annoyingly coerced into smiling and they give you a dorky fake smile just to get rid of you.

Cindy Adkins hosts a challenge each month called Creative Spirit Challenge today. She provides an item she created and then the challenge is to see your creations. This month she created this adorable Halloween spool and wrote a tutorial for our Inspiration Gallery. This is a quick and easy project and would be wonderful as door prizes for your Halloween party, or scatter them about the party buffet!

So hop on over to the the Inspiration Gallery and check it out!

I hope everyone has a marvelous Fall weekend planned.

Toodleloo my wonderful bloggy friends!

Creating Vintage Charm & Vintage Snowmen

2010-10-06T14:34:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this new magazine yet?

Creating Vintage Charm

brings you "Arts and Designs for Pretty Living"

I received my copy in the mail yesterday and I was so pleased with the articles, inspiring ideas and gorgeous eye candy. And if you visit their blog I see they are sponsoring a Challenge Contest with prizes!

I'm also proud to have contributed a tutorial to their first issue

and to discover I am in such fine company too.

If you get chance, order a copy and then sit back and enjoy!

And while we are on the subject of vintage charm....

Have you seen our new class by Sue Pelletier?

It's called Vintage Snowmen

Learn how to use modeling materials to create snowmen with a vintage flair. Sue will use bottles, found objects, garland and glitz to create whimsical snowy treasures! You will also explore Celluclay and create paper mache snowmen nestled in vintage silver cups, creamers or bowls. These bottle snowmen were featured on the winter 2008 cover of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, causing a "flurry" of activity! Just in time for the holidays!

I'm already thinking, hmmm, wouldn't these be cute additions to my antique space at the Corner Nest, and then my brain went into overdrive thinking how I could present these when snowman time is over.

I would say run, don't walk, because I've seen the videos for the class and this is going to be one of those workshops you walk away from saying, wow was that a BLAST!! And it a great price too! Remember our videos are available 24/7 so you can refer to them over and over when you need to.

So let's get our creative hats on and have some fun!

Happy Wednesday my wonderful Blogging Friends!

3 Years Old Sale and Giveaway!

2010-10-02T00:10:00.001-04:00

Come Join Our Party!

We have some GOODIES for you!

Stop by the store Oct 2-Oct 8

and receive 25% off anything you purchase!

(except classes and gift certificates)

Stop by the store to get the free image just waiting for you!

Win a FREE class!

Leave a comment on this post (and this post only) for the chance to win my new online class Fabric and Lace Composition Journal FREE!

So come PARTY with me!!!

Fun News plus a Sale and Giveaway

2010-10-01T12:13:00.005-04:00

I haven't posted much this week because I've been busy as a buzzing bee in the background.I have lots to tell you today so I hope you'll hang in there with me and check it all out!
You see, I've been sprucing up over at the store!

First I want to show off our new banner and co-ordinating badge.

Then I wanted to let you know we also have a new Store Gallery! I was never happy with the old gallery as it was cumbersome for me to add to or change things around.

So I set up a blog called Inspiration Gallery! I will be putting up a badge here on the SCS blog but it will also be a link in the store (hopefully by tomorrow).

There you will find inspirational art and tutorials....printed, video and digital. It is small now, but just like my store, I have faith it will evolve and grow.

Plus I'm happy to announce that Shabby Cottage Studio now has an Artist in Residence! No, not me! Cindy Adkins. Cindy will be like a design team of one! :-) But since the name team implies more than one I decided to call her Artist in Residence! You will find her badge over on the right hand sidebar, so pop in and visit Cindy whenever you can because creations are always flying out of her studio! And over at the Inspiration Gallery you will find Cindy has created our first tutorial, Crinkled Seam Binding! You know we have lots of pretty colors of seam binding in the store, now here is something fun to do with it!

Why all this activity you ask? Ok, maybe you didn't ask but you know I'm going to tell you. :-)

TOMORROW IS OUR 3rd BIRTHDAY at SHABBY COTTAGE STUDIO!

And my oh my so much has happened in the past three years!!!

So we wanted to get tidied up and ready for our guests so I could invite you to our PARTY!

Yep, we're going to party ALL WEEK LONG! From Oct 2 thru Oct 8 everything in the store (except for gift certificates and classes) will be 25% OFF! And it will be easy, no codes, no coupons, just put the items in your shopping cart and all the work will be done when you check out!

And that's not all!

I am putting up a post tomorrow (Sat. Oct 2) for a GIVEAWAY of my new class

Fabric and Lace Composition Journal.

But you will have to come back tomorrow to get in on it. I just thought I 'd tease you a bit!

So mark your calenders so you can take advantage of the Party Savings this week and stop by tomorrow to toss you name in the ring if you are interested in a chance to win a free class!

Happy Friday my wonderful Blogging Friends!!!!!!!

Free Image for You

2010-09-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

From me to you. A free tag image to use if you like it. You can use it for anything you want except to add to a collage sheet or image CD you are selling. Right click on the image and then save to your computer.

Happy Thursday my wonderful blogging friends!

Chandelier and Lace

2010-09-28T16:37:00.000-04:00

Some of you may have seen this earlier post about the black garbage bag full of lace and doilies and such that I purchased from a retiring antique dealer friend of mine.

For those of you who left comments and sent emails, interested in purchasing some of these goodies I wanted to let you know I haven't forgot.

We have finally managed, in between everything else going on around here, to at least get most of them cleaned.

And I'm trying to figure out some kind of system in sorting them.

These are ones I still have left to clean.

Then once I get that all processed through my brain, I will figure out the best way to package and price them. So don't give up hope on me...I just don't seem as fast these days as I used to be. :-)

This baby has been hanging in my basement and travelled around with us in several moves waiting to be transformed. And finally, finally I have brought it to the light of day and Mr. Shabby has determined that it is all in working condition and just needs a face lift.

So out came some ideas I'm still processing. Hopefully she will be done before to long.

Keep your eyes peeled for my announcement later in the week about our Annual Anniversary Sale and Giveaway coming soon to a computer near you!

Last I heard, it was Tuesday, so Happy Tuesday dear blogging friends, I hope yours is being wonderful for you!

Passion

2010-09-23T15:29:00.001-04:00

I am a lover of things that hold a secret, a story, once loved and then discarded, in other words, things that are vintage. I love them all the more for their showing of age...just like me.

Happy Thursday My Beautiful Blogging Friends!

Meeting the Challenge

2010-09-22T07:00:00.012-04:00

I belong to a Ning digital group called Digital Whispers and there is a lot of fun going on over there all the time with different kind of challenges. I don't always get to participate but so enjoy myself when I can. Because this is work I do strictly for me and I only have to think about what pleases me.

DW also has a blog where a challenge is issued every week. This is my first week of actually being able to join in one of the blog challenges.

This was our challenge image.

The image at the top of this post is my interpretation.

This was our challenge image for the weekly Sunday challenge.

Image courtesy of mizz-d stock at Deviant Art

We had to do a long and skinny 4"x8".

Here is my interpretation of this wonderful image I had to work with.

We have a Photoshop Elements group at Digital Whisper and this was a "tool" challenge, using the provided background from which we had to create something with it using the dodge and burn tool which is a very fun tool.

This was something a bit different for me. Our challenge was to take the image of this young lady

and create something a'la Teesha Moore. I admit I know of Teesha Moore but am not all that familiar with her work.

I certainly wouldn't insult Miss Teesha by saying this was anything like her work, but I do know she is usually colorful and so color was what I used for my interpretation.

So see, sometimes I DO get to play. Just to play. :-)

Happy Wednesday Beautiful Bloggers!

Catching UP

2010-09-19T15:45:00.002-04:00

There has been a lot going on here this past week that has kept me away from the blog. But things are now calming down and resuming a sense of normalcy. We had to rush my dad to the hospital early in the week after a mix of low oxygen level, high temperature and a sugar level to high for someone who has no diabetes. But dad came home Thursday with a diagnosis of pneumonia on top of an incurable lung disease (which we knew about) and he is now most likely locked into wearing oxygen 24/7, which does not a happy poppa make. I do want to say that the men and women who work as EMT's are heroes in my eyes. Thank you! Dad isn't tops but he is much better and for that we feel blessed and are very thankful.

And I have been working on a new online class! And it's not digital! LOL Come play with me!

Fabric and Lace
Composition Journal

Starts Oct. 18, 2010

This workshop is all about options and a blend of mixing process and project.

Keep the composition journal for yourself or present it as a fabulous gift to someone special!

Love fabric? Love lace? Now is the time to indulge that passion! Use up pieces and scraps you already have or use this class as an excuse to buy even more fabric or to take that trip to the flea market you've been putting off!

Modern and contemporary or vintage and antique...it's your choice.

Love jewel tones or muted aged colors...it's your choice.

Use the images I provide or your own...it's your choice.

Print on fabric? I show you how but you don't have to...again...I give you choices.

Your journal will not be a replica of mine but truly your own as you weigh your options and make your choices throughout the workshop. I will give you things to think about as I discuss the thought processes and inspiration behind the creation of this journal. You will accompany me every step of the way as I travel from those thought processes to the finished journal.

If you have never created a journal like this before, or even never created anything before, I will hold your hand and take you through each and every step. I'd rather give you to much information than not enough. My video camera looks right down on my worktable, with just a couple exceptions where I have to move the camera. It will be like you are sitting in my chair with lots and lots of close up views.

Since the workshop is an ongoing class with no take down date, some of you might prefer to watch the videos before you decide on supplies since I stress options. You probably have most of the supplies already in your studio stash.

We are going to learn to print on fabric and some sewing is used in this workshop but they are truly options. If you don't sew, or prefer not to print on fabric I offer alternatives and everything, with the exception of the decorative stitching, can be accomplished with glue.

Come join me on a fun journey where we are going to rip, cut, stitch, burn, age, print and glue our way to the very end and create something beautiful and fabulous!

Class is $45.00

REMEMBER

2010-09-10T16:40:00.000-04:00

Don't ever forget.

God Bless America

September 11, 2001

Before and Afters from the Worktable

2010-09-08T13:08:00.001-04:00

A few projects I've been working on.

A perfectly cute little kids chair, not a thing wrong with it.

But I wanted it fit for a princess. A fairy princess.

Then there was this sad little vintage telephone table.

We weren't even sure if that was actual paint on the piece as it had some strange qualities.

Now it's no longer sad.

When I was finished with photos and came back outside to bring in the table here is what I found.

Never let a good spot go to waste!

Happy Wednesday my lovely bloggettes!

My siggy is acting wonky today but I still can say

Sweet southern smoochies!

A Little Kitty Love

2010-09-05T16:35:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago this young, long legged cat appeared on our porch. A starving cat. So thin you could see the (for now) knobs on her backbone and the outline of her ribs. I'm guessing she might be 6 months but I am only guessing. We are animal lovers and neither Mr Shabby nor I won't not feed one who is starving. But we knew that by feeding her she might not leave. But it really was a no choice decision for us.

She is so sweet and when she opens her mouth to meow her voice is so soft you can barely hear her. I kept thinking, oh she will leave one day and not come back but she is still with us and so next came a name. After a lot of thought she was dubbed Minny. As in skinny minny.

We've discussed Minny's living quarters for winter...nothing has satisfied Mr Shabby. Now you have to understand Mr Shabby doesn't really like cats. But he will take care of an animal and protect it from harm. Five years ago we had two baby kittens show up in our barn. We fed them, we named them Gracie and Scout and Scout got run over by a car. I was so distraught worrying about Gracie. Mr Shabby said the only thing we could do was bring her in the house. Mr. "I don't like cats" now became owned by a cat.

After our disucssions about what we could do to keep Minny safe and warm through the winter, today Mr Shabby said to me...I wonder how Gracie would react to Minny. Bingo! I now know that it is only a matter of time before Minny will be coming inside soon to become part of our family. :-) First she will have to go to the vet to see if she has any disease before exposing her to Gracie.

Here is how laid back Minny seems to be. You have to think stop action pictures as you view these. Because between each move she would stop as though she had to think about the next move she might make.

Minny was asleep in this pot on the porch and when I walked outsideI apparently disturbed her sleep. But I dont' think to much. Here she lifts her head and puts one paw out.

Stop. Think.

Oh, okay one paw down. Stop. Think.

Oh dear I guess I should put both paws on the floor.

Stop. Think.

Well where do I go from here?

Stop. Think.

Hmmm, a littel roll of the shoulder and I can slither!

Stop. Think.

Okay last two legs and then I'll be out.

Stop. Think.

Ahhh, life is good. All that thinking wore me out...back to sleep.

(sorry about the blur, my camera started acting strange here)

So that's Minny! Who I think Gracie the diva might have to end up learning to tolerate. ;-)

Happy Sunday blogging peeps. I hope you're having a FANtastic day and if you're in the states, enjoying the long holiday!

From the Worktable

2010-09-01T14:20:00.000-04:00

I took some pictures of my worktable after I finished the first part of the class I'm taking with Sharon Tomlinson and Deryn Mentock, Of Towers & Turrets. I think it is safe to say from what I've gathered of all the conversations going on over there that I'm not the only one having fun.

So we've used some fun colored card stock and scrounged around in our images

carved some primitive stamps...I say primitive in regards to me and MY skills...there are some talented stamp carvers over there!

dug through more images

played with some stencils I had

made a deliciously fun mess on the paint table

spent lots of time auditioning elements and gluing the finalists

for the first finished piece (oh yes more are planned)

The large face was an image I actually over painted

as I was a tad hesitant about my very rusty face painting skills.

Some of my new metal tools for the next part of the class which starts Friday. I hope I don't burn down this old shabby cottage! :-)

So it's mid week and I have bunches of projects in different stages. Some are still in my head and just waiting for the time they can escape. Back to work for me and wishing everyone a Happy Wednesday!