Category Archives: Artwork & Projects

Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks

{Our Cottage} ::: Cottage Living Room

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This is THAT room that I have the hardest time getting good photographs. But, I just realized that I have never shared our cottage living room here on the blog.

It’s a room that definitely gets lived in……actually, ALL of our rooms get lived in—daily! We enjoy movie nights, Bible studies, great fellowship, and fun in this room.  Our cottage is an Acadian cottage…or French cottage. It has a very open floor plan downstairs….the entryway and living room are all one big space. So, this is the room that you walk into when you walk through our front door. I love the high, cathedral ceilings and the openness of this area {hard to see in these pictures}. It is great for parties and get-togethers. Our stairs are in the center of this area and you can walk around them in a circle….creating a great flow for parties.

Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks

In the spring and summer when the fireplace is not in use, we fill it with vintage book bundles…so we aren’t left with a big, black hole all season.

Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks Cottage Living Room ::: Cottage in the Oaks

Here are the links to some of the projects that have been shared from this room over the past couple of years:

Living Room Redo

Photo Tree

French Linen Table

Mantels Through the Year

Cottage Front Door {Interior Redo}

Curtains As Doors

DIY Faux Grain Sack Pillows

Burlap Curtains

Trouser Hangers

Blessing Tree

Family Mission Statement Banner

I hope you are having a wonderful week……what have you been up to this week?

Blessings~

daune

Sharing with:  Between Naps on the Porch, Thrifty Decor Chick, Funky Junk Interiors, DIY Showoff, Home Stories A to Z,  Serenity Now, Savvy Southern Style, My Romantic Home, Jennifer Rizzo, Uncommon Designs, The Shabby Creek Cottage

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Kids’ Summer Questionnaire….

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It’s hard to believe that summer is almost here!  I’m not quite sure who is more ready….me or our three kids! {We homeschool….and I think it’s me!} heehee

Over the years we have given our kids this simple questionnaire each May…..it’s always been fun to see what they would like to do with us; as well as, something new that they would like to learn how to do.  Summer is a great time to learn something new, or have a new experience…….

When they were young…..they would get so excited to get the Summer Questionnaire!  I think one our daughters started planning her answers months in advance. ha!

In case you have children….or grandchildren….here it is…….

Cottage in the Oaks_Kids Summer Questionnaire

Kids Summer Questionnaire

Just click on the title for the pdf that you can print.

Over the years it has been so neat to get insight into what each child wanted to do with each one of us…and hear why.  I think we looked forward to getting them as much as they looked forward to filling them out. It’s just three simple questions…..but opened the window to so many special times.

Is there something fun that your family does each year to plan some summer fun…other than vacations and cookouts? {Boy! I love vacations and cookouts! They’re my favorite!}

Have a great Tuesday~

daune

Sharing with:  Tip Junkie, Between Naps on the Porch, Thrifty Decor Chick, Funky Junk Interiors, DIY Showoff, Home Stories A to Z,  Serenity Now, Savvy Southern Style, My Romantic Home, Jennifer Rizzo, Uncommon Designs, The Shabby Creek Cottage

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Chicken Feeder Planters

Thinking Outside the Pot ::: Ideas for Creative Planters Recap

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I hope all of you wonderful mothers had a fabulous day yesterday!  It was beautiful here and I had a great day with my family. We spent most of the day outside in the garden…..one of my favorite places to be.

Last Tuesday I shared with you guys that I did a show/webinar for HomeTalk with three other lovely ladies about using unique items as planters. It was called “Think Outside the Pot – Creative Planter Ideas”. We had so much fun….and if you missed it, you can go here and view it anytime you wish.

Here at our cottage our philosophy is ‘if it will hold dirt…it can be a planter’! We use all kinds of things to plant flowers, herbs, etc.  In fact…..for this upcoming weekend’s graduation party for No. 1 Son I planted some of his favorite plants in his very first pair of rain boots. They are so fun…and teeny! {I’ll share more about that later……}

I thought I would share some of the fun ideas that were a part of the show…..there were many more, so be sure to check out the show form even more ideas.

Kelly at Eclectically Vintage shared her wonderful Dresser Planter. I just love this…this speaks my garden language…….it’s even my favorite French blue.

Dresser Planter

Jane at Cottage at the Crossroads shared her fun Topsy Turvy Planter How-To. She did a great tutorial of how to put this together!

Topsy Turvy Planter

Tammy at Deja Vue Designs shared her Tricycle Planter…this was her husband’s tricycle when he was little….isn’t that neat?

Tricycle Planter

A few of things that I shared were the Chicken Feeder Planters…..

Chicken Feeder Planters

Wheelbarrow Gardens…..

Wheelbarrow Gardens

Milk Crate Herb Garden……

Milk Crate Herb Garden

and there were many more fun ideas that we shared.  Be sure to head on over to these great blogs and find out the how-to’s…..they have wonderful gardening ideas! Love ‘em!

I hope your week is off to a wonderful start….we’re having fun here getting ready for a big weekend! Can’t wait!

Blessings~

daune

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HomeTalk Show

Think Outside the Pot – Creative Planter Ideas

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I want to invite you guys to some fun! I have the honor of joining three other lovely ladies to host a special show for HomeTalk……and I want you guys to join us! I’ll be joining Kelly of Eclectically Vintage, Jane of Cottage at the Crossroads, and Tammy of Deja Vue Designs.

We are going to be sharing some fun ideas on using unconventional items as planters….we’ll show you how to ‘Think Outside the Pot’!  Check out Kelly’s HomeTalk board here to see some of the great ideas.

Unique Planter Ideas

AND…..after you RSVP you can enter to win a great set of 6 blue Ball jars! Woohoo!

Be sure to click the the graphic below to RSVP and enter the giveaway…..

The show is Tuesday, May 7 at 2:00 EST…..and should be about 30 minutes!

HomeTalk Show

 Hope to see you guys there!

Happy Weekend~

daune

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Summer Projects 2013

12 Fun Summer Projects…..

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Can you believe it is May? I thought it would be fun to do a roundup of some fun summer projects for your home and garden…..ones we’ve done in the past and are still really enjoying.

Summer Projects 2013

1. Frappuccino Bottle Mementos

2. How to Dry Hydrangeas

3. Outdoor Chalkboards

4. Decorating with Seashells

5. Sea Glass Mirror

6.  Mosaic Birdbath

7.  Beach Blanket Art {great for graduations!}

8.  Outdoor Chalkboard Tables

9. Bible Garden Part 1 and Part 2

10.  Seashell Covered Frame

11. Homemade Strawberry Jam

12.  Volleyball Post Flowers

What are some fun  projects you have in the works?

Blessings~

daune

Sharing with:  Tip Junkie, Between Naps on the Porch, Thrifty Decor Chick, Funky Junk Interiors, DIY Showoff, Home Stories A to Z,  Serenity Now, Savvy Southern Style, My Romantic Home, Jennifer Rizzo, Uncommon Designs, The Shabby Creek Cottage

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Sock Neck Warmers

Sock Neck Warmers…….

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OK…they may look a little goofy, but I think you will fall in love with these Sock Neck Warmers.  We gave them for neighbor Christmas gifts one year…and we still have people asking for them. One of our neighbors is a midwife, and she came to our garden to gather all the needed lavender and made them for some of her patients and coworkers.

Sock Neck Warmers

Ever have a tight neck? Tension?  These are the bomb!  You heat them in the microwave and then lay them around your neck….the heat and the weight of them feel wonderful!

Here’s what you need:

knee socks…any pattern

white rice

lavender

twine or ribbon to tie them up

big bowl

Here’s how you make them:

1.  In a big bowl mix lots of lavender with the white rice

2.  Fill each sock with your yummy-smelling mixture

3.  Tightly tie the open end closed with twine or ribbon

Heat in the microwave to your desired heat…..I like 2-3 minutes. {And I like to use two at a time. ;) }

These make great gifts….you can match the socks to the person’s personality. I like to use dark-colored socks because they don’t show dirt, etc.

I should have shared these during tax season. ha!

What’s something fun you’ve been up to lately?

Blessings~

daune

Sharing with:  Tip Junkie, Between Naps on the Porch, Thrifty Decor Chick, Funky Junk Interiors, DIY Showoff, Home Stories A to Z,  Serenity Now, Savvy Southern Style, My Romantic Home, Jennifer Rizzo, Uncommon Designs, The Shabby Creek Cottage

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Chicken Feeder Planters

Chicken Feeder Planters {Unique Flower Pots}

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Instead of only using conventional flower pots for our plantings each year, we like to use unique vessels as plant pots.  These are two of my favorite this year….our Chicken Feeder Planters.

You can use just about anything to plant in…..just think outside the norm.  If it doesn’t have holes in the bottom, be sure to either drill holes or put a layer of pebbles in the bottom of the container you’ve chosen.  You don’t want your plants or flowers to get waterlogged.

These two chicken feeders came from the lovely family from this wonderful place. For many years they were in the hen house on this beautiful farm and helped to feed and water their chickens. They were perfect for a fun planter!

I love succulents….so, I decided to fill both of them up with succulents this year.  Succulents like shallow soil, and can thrive in hot, dry climates.  They are super easy to care for….BUT, you need to shop around, because they can be very expensive.  Here in our area you can find them from 99 cents each to $7.50 each.  Same size and condition. {Guess which ones we went with? Yep….the 99 cent ones.}  So, if you decide to fill a planter with succulents, just be sure to shop around.  Garden centers usually have the best prices….over specialty stores, etc.

Here’s a look at our fun Chicken Feeder Planters……..

You can plant succulents in soil or sand.

Chicken Feeder Plant Pots Chicken Feeder Plant Pots

You’ll want to really pack them in and not have a lot of space left..they make a better impact that way.

Chicken Feeder Planters Chicken Feeder Planters Chicken Feeder Planters Chicken Feeder Flower Pots Chicken Feeder Flower Pots Chicken Feeder Plant Pots Chicken Feeder Plant Pots

Here’s the larger chicken feeder…..

Chicken Feeder Flower Pots

I like to use many different kinds of succulents planted all together; but it would also be fun to fill a container with all the same kind.

Chicken Feeder Flower Pots Chicken Feeder Flower Pots Chicken Feeder Plant Pots Chicken Feeder Planters

What are some fun planters you have used?

Check out some of our other unique planters:

Milk Crate Herb Garden

Chicken Feeder Salad Garden

I hope your weekend is full of fun and magical moments!

daune

Sharing with:  Tip Junkie, Between Naps on the Porch, Thrifty Decor Chick, Funky Junk Interiors, DIY Showoff, Home Stories A to Z,  Serenity Now, Savvy Southern Style, My Romantic Home, Jennifer Rizzo, Uncommon Designs, The Shabby Creek Cottage

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Inspiration for Home

Some Things That Inspire Me Today……

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Some things that inspire me today? I thought I would share them……

Linens..especially throws, blankets, pillows…..oh! I just love them stacked everywhere. It makes me happy just looking at them.

Home inspiration

{source}

This floor is great…I’ve painted one similar, but I love the green and white…..

Home inspiration

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Love. this. Grain sack used as a stair runner. It’s really tough material and can handle it.  I love this idea. {Hey, Handsome…how hard would it be to tear up the carpet on the stairs……?}

Home inspiration

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If I could have this pantry I would do a happy dance. I would even record it and post it here just for you guys.  I love the organization, ease-of-use, accessibility of everything. This is pantry fabulousness. {When you open our pantry…things fall on your head. It was definitely not built by someone that enjoyed cooking at home.}

Inspire

{source}

Made out of reclaimed wood….love the rustic and oversizeness of it. {In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, I do like to create my own words.}

Inspiration for Home

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Little cubbies. With numbers. Enough said.

Inspiration for Home

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This is Maria’s bedroom from Dreamy Whites…I’ve always loved it. The headboard and the chandelier are my favorites.

Inspiration for Home

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This tablecloth is the bomb! Tailored around the table…how cool is that. I think I need to make one. This would add so much character to any table…any size. Love this idea.

Inspiration for Home

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Shutters. Fun colors. Perfect. This is literally just shutters nailed to the wall. I am considering doing something similar in our bedroom…in lieu of a headboard.

Inspire

{source}

Sleep in a boat bed? Why, I’d love to!

Inspiration for Home

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Another great floor….I love the ‘non-pattern’ of it. And the mix of colors.

Inspiration for Home

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Same as the shutter wall…just with doors. This is so me. Wait! I have some doors in storage…… {Haaaaaannnnnnnddddddssoooooooooooommmmmmmeeeee……..!}

Inspiration for Home

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Such a simple paint job on this chest….but what a great impact! {This piece if the creation of one of our lovely readers!  Be sure to click the source and visit her blog!}

Inspiration for Home

{source}

A floor made out of reclaimed wine crates. I. Love. This.

Inspires Me....

{source}

What’s inspiring you today?

daune

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Rope Curtain Tie Backs

Rope Curtain Tie Backs ……

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I really want chickens. I’ve been studying up….and planning. Tell me what you know about chickens……everything. Tell me everything you know……

OK..that has nothing to do with today’s post. I just needed to share. Thanks for reading my random thoughts and ramblings.

We have been wanting to put curtains on our front porch f.o.r.e.v.e.r. We’ve had them marked in catalogs and ‘on the list’. You know, The List. The one with all the wants and needs…the one that when you mark 2 things off, you add 4 more. Yeah. That one.

Outdoor curtains for our porch was going to cost around $300. {That’s why they’ve been on the list for a while…..too many other things that needed to come first!} BUT, a few weeks ago I went to an outlet sale. We live in the town that houses the factory for Hatteras Hammocks and Pawley’s Island Hammocks….and twice a year they have a great factory outlet sale.

I spotted them. My outdoor curtains. The exact ones I had marked in the catalog. For $10! SCORE! Needless to say, they came home with me.

Rope Curtain Tie Backs

I knew I wanted rope tie backs to hold them back when we weren’t using them. I had used rope tie backs on these curtains…and love them. I found them at some of my favorite places…..the cheapest being $89 each. ugh. I really wasn’t in the mood to make tie backs….but, alas, I did. And I’m glad. And they look just like the $89 Restoration Hardware ones. I spent around $8 and it took me all of 15 minutes. Here’s how to do it……..

Rope Curtain Tie Backs

You will need:

18″-24″ of large hemp rope for each tie back or whatever length you desire for each tie back

small hemp rope – usually sold in a package

thick twine

hot glue and glue gun

scissors

Rope Curtain Tie Backs

Rope Curtain Tie Backs

Here’s how ya do it:

When the store cuts your large hemp rope they will wrap the ends in masking tape to keep it from fraying….leave that in place.

1.  Cut a piece of twine about 8″…or desired length for your hanging loop

2. Glue the ends on each side of your large rope

Rope Curtain Tie Backs

3.  Begin at the bottom of the twine and hot glue the small hemp rope.

Rope Curtain Tie Backs

4. Put several lines of hot glue on the masking tape

5. Begin wrapping the small hemp rope around the larger one…covering up the end that you hot glued to get started. Keep wrapping until you reach the top of the rope, and secure with hot glue.

Rope Curtain Tie Backs

6. Repeat 1-6 for the end of each tie back.

Tah-dah!

I love rope. I love porch curtains. I love chickens. I love porches. I love having rope on my porch curtains on my porch. I love readers that read my crazy ramblings.

Blessings~

daune

Sharing with:  Tip Junkie, Between Naps on the Porch, Thrifty Decor Chick, Funky Junk Interiors, DIY Showoff, Home Stories A to Z,  Serenity Now, Savvy Southern Style, My Romantic Home, Jennifer Rizzo, Uncommon Designs, The Shabby Creek Cottage

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Teen Girl's Room

Teen Girl’s Room Redo {Sneak Peek}

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Quick Note….only two more days to enter the big Blogoversary Giveaway……be sure to head over to this post and enter!

We have a few ‘rites of passage’ for our family….and one of them is that you get to totally redo your room when you turn 13. Our youngest has been designing her new room for 2 years now…and the day has finally arrived! Over the past few weeks we have patched, painted, created, ordered, fluffed, shopped, and slowly, but surely we have checked off everything on her list.

This morning…possibly as you read this…the Pottery Barn truck is sitting in our driveway delivering her dream bed. She is about to come out of her skin! =)

When we began painting a few weeks ago I had never seen so many holes in a wall. Whoa. I think the spackling is holding the wall up now. Her room ‘before’ was painted a sage green and when she was little was a garden room. We painted clotheslines on the wall that held her artwork and fun creations; birdhouses with cats underneath, etc. It was the perfect little girl’s room for her.

There is an extra ‘space’ in her room that originally was a walk-in attic/storage area; but we finished it and made it an extension of her room.

She is moving on……and has gone in a fun, totally different direction. The walls are now painted a Caribbean Blue Water {Benjamin Moore}, her extra space is floored in a dark walnut wood floor {it was black and white checks}, and her extra space/room is painted a lovely Gleeful {Sherwin Williams}.

Caribbean Ocean Blue

Caribbean Ocean Blue – Benjamin Moore

GleefulGleefulGleeful

Gleeful – Sherwin Williams

Here’s a quick peek at the in-process redo. All painting is now done…a furrilicious couch sits in her sitting room beside her fridge, and the fun loft vanity bed is being delivered and set up this morning. She did all of her school work in advance for today because she can’t wait to get her room all set up and decorated.

Teen Girl's Room

She’s done a wonderful job…and I can’t wait to show you guys the finished project!

Blessings~

daune

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