As you all know... I LOVE COTTAGE STYLE! There are so many ways to achieve this charming, vintage look. My Gramma is my inspiration. No matter where she lived her home was a haven...a place of love and a gentle sweetness. She was not a woman of means but her home was always enchanting...a little piece of heaven!
This charming shelf has been in my home for over twenty years. It was originally brown, then red and now creamy white. My Gramma crocheted the beautiful white lace. She lovingly stitched it to my wedding pillowcases many years ago. After the pillowcases wore thin I carefully removed the lace and saved her lovely handiwork. Nearly all the items...dishes, cups, the candlestand, creamers and sugar bowl were thrifted. The only things I purchased new were the three candles and the "Cottage" sign.
Crocheted cotton lace made by my Gramma. Hasn't it made a perfect edging on this pretty white shelf?
This darling cream and sugar is one of my favorite thrift shop treasures. I paid a total of five dollars for them.
My sweet Mom-in-Love gave me this feminine little rocking chair when we left Tennessee to move to Oregon. I recovered the seat and fashioned a new cushion out of discounted home decorating fabrics. The country french scene is a fabric sample that I purchased for two dollars. I added soft pink pompoms to add a bit of whimsy.
Not very pretty with books and baskets in view...
"SOLUTION" A soft and pretty skirt. I made a waist band and added a skirt... Just like I was making a wrap skirt for myself.
Would you believe I found this beautiful lamp at my local thrift shop? It was on sale for sixteen dollars. It had no shade and a very tattered cloth electric cord. My hubby rewired it for me and I purchased a new shade. I found the crystal trim on clearance and added it to give it a touch of elegance.
Oh, the things one can do with a can of spray paint! The little chair and powder blue tray are items that I repainted. They were originally brown. The linens... clock... candle votif and baby shoes were all thrifted finds.
My sweet little Zoey loves sitting by the fire. She is one of my three housekitties. The blue and white nine patch quilt is something I made to disguise the large opening above the fireplace. There are various items stored discreetly behind the quilt. I made the white wicker chair cushions from discounted home decorator fabric. I shopped at Joanns and waited to use my 50% coupon to purchase the fabric.
Yes...I spray painted the little thrifted blue basket. It provided the perfect place to display some of my handmade pillows. I perched it atop a trio of hatboxes that provide storage for odds and ends. My cats love napping in this chair in the late afternoon.
I love having special quiet times in my blue plaid chair. The big chair and the matching loveseat used to be in our living room. The ottoman is cushy and my kitties love curling up at my feet. The quilt lying on the ottoman is one that I found thrifting. I only paid ten dollars for it. It is snuggly, soft and in perfect condition.
Thank you, my dear friends, for your kind visit to my Cottage Nest. I hope you'll come back... I have more to share... and, lots of helpful and inexpensive tips.
Blessings, Carolynn xoxo
"The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."Galatians 5:22
Join me as I sit down with local artist Shannon Smith and have a lil' chat...
So how did you get started painting? I was born and raised into a family of artists. My Mom, my twin sister, and I are all oil painters and my triplet brother is a photographer.
How has growing up in a family of artists shaped you as an artist?Life as a triplet and an artist have made to be a fun and interesting one! How unique to be able to share a close sibling bond as well as all sharing the same artistic talents. My Mom was a full time mother of three, but she started painting once we got out of the house and started going to school. I was exposed to art at a young age through her works, attending art shows, and our family travels almost always included visits to art museums. I have fond memories of dabbling in watercolors in Mom's studio. 1979, Age 7
So did you always know that you wanted to be an artist? Wanted to be an artist, yes. I always had a love of drawing and painting and grew up wishing to be an artist like my mom but didn't believe I could do it professionally. So I did not become serious about painting until college. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Clemson University with my focus on oil painting. After graduating I was unsure about being able to support myself and making a career out of my art. While at Clemson, I broke my leg skiing and had to undergo knee surgery and months of physical therapy. That unfortunate experience sparked my interest in the field of health therapies, mostly physical and occupational therapy. I moved back to Charleston and went back to school for a year to fulfill the health and science prerequisites needed to apply to MUSC's graduate program of Occupational Therapy. However, I was not accepted and although disappointed at the time, I quickly realized it was a blessing in disguise!
Had you ever shown your work before? I had exhibited in Spoleto's outdoor art show in the past with my college art and decided to paint for that year's upcoming festival in May. I painted 25 oils for the show and sold over half! I was thrilled beyond words at my success. It was the boost of confidence that I needed to follow my passion as an artist! I also give tremendous credit to my mom and her artist friends, watching them achieve established roles in the art community, both locally and nationally, truly gave me the courage to follow my passion and follow in their footsteps! I am now a full time professional artist of 15 years, showing in galleries and museums, and have not looked back since that May of 1996!
Where do you show your work? This year we celebrate the 10 year Anniversary of the opening of our family gallery, Smith Killian Fine Art on 9 Queen St downtown Charleston. [Shannon also show's her work at the following galleries: The Well's Gallery at Kiawah Island, South Carolina; Anne Irwin Fine Art in Atlanta, Georgia; Parker Gallery in St. Simons Island, Georgia and the City Art Gallery in Greenville, North Carolina.
Where do you paint?My painting studio is in the upstairs of my home in Mount Pleasant, but I also take my "studio" outside and paint en plein-air when nice weather and great travel opportunities permit.
Shannon in her home studio.
Shannon plein-air painting in the misty rain on Shem Creek.
Also she is a Signature Member of the Plein-Air Painters of the Southeast.
How would you describe your paintings? My subject matter varies between landscape, still life, and figures while all sharing the common theme of dramatic use of light. I consider my style to be somewhat impressionistic and representational, with strong emphasis on color and light.
Here are some examples of her latest work.
"Cortona Light" 40x30 Oil on Linen
"Lowcountry Roots" 36x60 Oil on Linen
"Summer House II" 30x30 Oil on Linen
"The Waiter" 30x40 Oil on Linen
"Pink and Pewter" 16x20 Oil on Linen
Shannon has a wall in her studio she calls her "Travel Wall" where she creates paintings from all the places she travels. In the photo, you can see one of her two Himalayan cats, Ollie (other is Rufus). Ollie likes to sit on the sofa and watch Shannon paint. In fact, sometimes Ollie gets a little too close as he had green paint all over his beautiful white fur! Just one of the hazards of being the cat of an artist I suppose.
Shannon will be teaching a painting workshop along with fellow artist Laurie Meyer in Italy in April of 2012.
Since I am an interior designer, you know I am going to ask you about your home!
Your house is adorable! How long have you lived here? It will be 6 years this Thanksgiving. I bought it during the construction phase so I was able to customize some of the elements to my particular taste. What really drew me to it was the Nantucket cottage feel it had.
What is your favorite spot in your home and why? My back screened in porch without a doubt! I grew up always having a porch where our family shared meals and time together. It is my "happy place" where I unwind and truly relax, whether it be with my morning coffee or evening glass of wine. I just love being outside close to nature... watching the birds at my bird feeders and enjoying the critters that frequent the pond behind my backyard, ie. ducks, herons, egrets, turtles, snakes, and the occasional visiting gator! All while listening to water trickle from my fountain, I also take in the fast changing colors and clouds of evening light which soon become a beautiful night sky of moon and stars. I am also fortunate to have a front porch...now that is where I go to rock in my rockers and be more social with the close-by neighbors!
Name one item in your home that you are most proud of? I am most proud of my art collection...mostly oils and a few etchings and photographs. Of course they are all original pieces! While some are my own works, several pieces were traded with my family and artist friends, and some I have purchased through art galleries. I treasure each and every one for their meaning and inspiration to me and my life as an artist. I am out of wall space...time for a bigger house to continue my art collection!!
What is the first item you bought for your home? Afghan and Turkish hand made rugs from Zinn Rug Gallery. Most of my wall colors and furniture are shades of white and neutrals, therefore the rugs and artwork are a chance for a pop of color.
If you could update one aspect of your home what would it be and why? My light fixtures. When completing this house, I chose things that fit in with the traditional coastal cottage style. I now wish I had meshed more contemporary modern with the current cottage theme. I like the idea of new and modern mixed with antique and cottage...keeps it interesting! I am not at all a fan of "matching" decorating, color wise or furniture wise! I think changing out light fixtures, ie. my pendants over the kitchen bar and chandelier over the breakfast table, would be an easy way to update my home, giving it more of a modern twist without a lot of fuss.
It has been great getting to know you better, thanks for taking the time to sit with me Shannon!
[From The Front Porch Of ___ will become a regular post I will be doing for all of us to get to know local artists, business owners and craftsman in the Charleston area that are in some way "home" related. I hope you enjoy getting to know these folks as much I do!]
Pink, lilac, sky blue, sunny yellow & minty green... Yes... Spring is almost here!
Eggs are everyday reminders of new life. Little Baby Chicks Even our gardens are showing new signs of life... Sunny yellow daffodils Purple Crocus Golden Forsythia
The sweet little girl is my husband's Mother, Anne . The photo was taken in the 1930s. She is such a loving and wonderful Mother-in-love. My bedroom is a peaceful respite decorated in powder blue, soft pink and buttery yellow.
I love sewing. One of my favorite things to make are Heirloom baby garments. I, especially, love Christening Gowns. Soft white batiste, dainty pin tucks and embroidery. What treasured keepsakes they make.
"Desert Rose " from my sweet Gramma. I have many fond memories of family gathered around Gramma and Grampa's table on Easter Sunday. She always served us on her beautiful Franciscan Ware.
A pretty little Rose teacup and saucer from my Mother.
Vintage touches... Lace that my Gramma crocheted Vintage plates from my thrifting adventures.
This pretty little cream and sugar are thrifted. I love the feminine touch they give my cottage shelf.
A tiny little tea cup Yes...Anotherthrifted treasure!
And now for a SNEAK PEEK!
I've been having fun working on something special for the Easter Swap. Can you guess what I'm making?
"Ask, and it shall be given you; Seek, and ye shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Matthew 7:7
Blessings, Carolynn xoxo This week I'm linking with my favorite blog parties. Come join me! *Sunday: Sunny Simple Life www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com *Monday: The Dedicate House www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com The Little Red House www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com Boogie Board Cottage www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com Etsy Cottage Style www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com *Tuesday: Lavender Garden Cottage www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com Rose Chintz Cottage www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com Tuesdays at Our Home www.mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com Friends Sharing Tea www.bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com A Stroll Thru Life www.astrollthrulife.net Cozy Little House www.cozylittlehouse.com Knick Of Time www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com *Wednesday: Lavender Garden Cottage www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com Rose Chintz Cottage www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com Sue Loves Cherries www.suelovescherries.blogspot.com Blissful Whites Wednesday www.timewashed.com Open House Party www.nominimalisthere.blogspot.com A Sheltering Tree www.ourshelteringtree.blogspot.com Wow Us Wednesday www.savysouthernstyle.net Whatever You Want Wednesday www.freeprettythingsforyou.com *Thursday: Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson www.jannolson.blogspot.com A Delightsome Life www.blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com The Thrift Groove www.thethriftygroove.blogspot.com Bernideen's Open House www.bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com Faith Grace Crafts www.faithgracecrafts.blogspot.com Little Homestead On The Hill www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com *Friday: Country Whites Weekend www.thecountryfarmhome.blogspot.com Lady Bird Ln www.ladybirdln.com Find A Friend Friday www.sewmanyways.blogspot.com The Charm of Home www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com My Turn For Us www.myturnforus.com Rooted In Thyme www.rootedinthyme.blogspot.com Homemaking Link Up Weekend www.bloggingwhilewaiting.blogspot.com Common Ground www.debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com I Gotta Create www.igottacreate.blogspot.com Meet and Greet Blog Hop by Laurie www.createdbylaurie.blogspot.com *Saturday: Mockingbird Hill Cottage www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com Show-Licious Saturday's www.sew-licious.blogspot.com
Welcome Friends... Being an avid thrifter I love bringing things back to life by adding fresh new details. Paint, a bit of discounted fabric or even scraps from a thrifted garment can add so much personality...Magically, turning something old into something new again.
I was happy to find this soft pink cabbage rose home dec fabric for just two dollars a yard. I purchased all they had and have incorporated it throughout my master bedroom.
"Tweaking is so much fun!" 1. I added a fabric matte to this sweet picture of my husband's Mother. 2. I recovered the seat of the feminine little rocking chair given to me by my Mother-in-Love. 3. Then, I stitched up a matching pillow. 4. I added a ruffled skirt to a small table allowing room for hidden storage. 5. Lastly, I softened the look of a thrifted wicker lamp electrical cord and chain.
I hope you'll enjoy this "TUTORIAL" showing how to add a softfabric slipcover to hide the chain and electrical cord on a hanging lamp.
This wicker lamp cost me five dollars at my local thrift store. First, it received a new coat of white paint.
"HOW TO MAKE THE SLIPCOVER"
1. Measure the length of the chain. 2. Cut 6 inch by 44 inch strips and sew them together making one very long strip. (example...If your chain is 60" long you will need a strip that is 180" long... It will need to be three times longer than the chain.) 3. Press. 4. Fold in half lengthwise. 5. Stitch with right side of fabric on the inside of folded strip. This will make a long tube. 6. Turn right side out. This next step requires some patience... 7. Thread the pronged end of your electric cord into the opening at one end of the tube. 8. Start working the fabric tube onto the chain. 9. You will be "scrunching" the slipcover on until it is gathered snuggly and hides the entire length of the chain.
Once you have covered the chain and are satisfied with it's gathers... Randomly, stitch by hand the slipcover here and there to prevent it from slipping down from the top of the chain once you have hung your lamp. (It's easy to hide the stitches due to the abundance of gathers.)
"ADDING A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA" Even with the new paint and slipcovered chain I felt something was missing. 1. I measured the tiny woven wicker openings. 2. Cut strips a little over twice the width of the wicker openings. 3. I stitched these strips into a long tube. (Just like I did making the slipcover for the chain.)
I wove the stitched fabric tube in and out and stitched it in place at the very end of the weaving process. The silk brocade fabric was from a two dollar remnant that I purchased at Joanns.
When I purchased the lamp it had no bulb. I bought an extra large white light bulb. To add a soft glow I spray painted it light pink. Then, I sprayed a tacky adhesive onto it. To add a touch of sparkle I sprinkled it generously with chunky clear glitter crystals.
AND THERE YOU HAVE IT... A brand new face for this thrifted hanging lamp!
I love the soft, pink light. It has created such a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Thank you for visiting, my dear friends. I hope you have been inspired to find ways to create something new out of something faded and old. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. "There's never a need to buy new when you can... "TWEAK IT!"
Blessings, Carolynn xoxo
Linking With
"Lavender Garden Cottage" Cottage Style Linky Party www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Hi to all my dear family and friends, Today I have three special people that I want to THANK. Cindy from "OLD TIME FARMHOUSE" BLOG surprised me by choosing my name to win her vintage apron Giveaway. I love aprons...and, especially, gingham ones!
Paula from "SUGAR SWEET AND PINK" BLOG created and lovingly stitched such sweet gifts for me. I'd like to share a few of them with you. I love each one! Mark...my hubby Thank you, Honey, for the cute as pie polka dot tea pot and the matching polka dot plates. You know just what I like. You are such a sweetheart
Polka Dots... Whiskers on Kittens... My favorite color...Red These are a few of my favorite things!
Paula, My darling adopted daughter created this adorable kitty cat. She designed the pattern and the hand stitched touches. Paula added the crowning touch...the tiny blue and white creamer and saucer. I adore it, Paula!
You guessed it... A few more of my favorite things! Gifts from my hubby...
More RED... and More pretty Polka Dots!
"My Little RED shoe Pincushion" It sits proudly in my sewing room.
"Raggedy Ann" Do you see the light blue gingham apron draped over the chair back? Can you guess WHO gave it to me?
Heart Shaped Pockets... Oh...How cute, Cindy! I love your darling giveaway!
Cindy sent me this sweet vintage apron. I don't have the heart or wear it and get it dirty... I think it will hang proudly in my kitchen.
My RED vintage kitchen chair with country tole painting. I found this at a Craft Faire in Tennessee. It has been used as a high chair for little visitors and has sat in my kitchen for many years.
Sweet Paula gave me this beautiful vintage linen table cloth. I love the fine stitching and RED crocheted edging. Thank you, dear.
Gifts from my sweet Paula Play Pals... Patti, Penny & Kitty
"When you wish upon a star Makes no difference who you are Anything your heart desires Will come to you.
If your heart is in your dream No request is too extreme When you wish upon a star As dreamers do.
Fate is kind She brings to those to love The sweet fulfillment of Their secret longing.
Like a bolt out of the blue Fate steps in and sees you through Your dreams come true."
(Disney Theme Song)
Special thanks to: Paula at www.sugarsweetandpink.blogspot.com and Cindy at www.oldtimefarmouse.blogspot.com
Each week I love joining in my favorite blog parties. I'm linking with: Boogie Board Cottage www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com Mockingbird Hill Cottage www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com Sunny Simple Life www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com The Dedicate House www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com The Little Red House www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com Etsy Cottage Style www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com Cozy Little House www.cozylittlehouse.com Knick Of Time www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com Lavender Cottage Dreams www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com Have A Daily Cup of Mrs Olson www.jannolson.blogspot.com My Rose Chintz www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com Common Ground www.debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com I Gotta Create www.igottacreate.blogspot.com Rooted In Thyme www.rootedinthyme.blogspot.com The Charm of Home www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com Meet and Greet Blog Hop by Laurie www.createdbylaurie.blogspot.com Show-Licious Saturday's www.sew-licious.blogspot.com
