What's at the cottage?

Winter Friends

2012-01-18T05:53:00.000-08:00

Ready For Christmas

2011-12-17T06:12:00.000-08:00

Chair Makeover

2011-09-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

I just finished recovering this little chair and ottoman for my
grandson. The piping was not difficult at all.
He finds it very comfortable when he's watching T.V.

Happy Easter

2011-04-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a very "Happy Easter"

A Rose is a Rose, Is a Rose

2011-02-21T06:45:00.000-08:00

I had to photograph these stunning roses. Isn't the color delicious?

I love the color orange and it shows beautifully in these roses!

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Sugar cookie hearts for my valentine!

Necessary Room

2011-02-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

A cute little sign to paint for the powder room door.

Backyard Visitor

2011-02-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Wooden gingerbread men

2010-12-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

A little ornament for the tree. I cut these gingerbread men out on my scroll saw, and then decorated them. They will be used on top of the wrapped up presents, and then they can be hung on the tree and enjoyed for years to come.

Vintage Barbie

2010-12-03T07:10:00.000-08:00

Barbie has been stored away for 49 years, and I take her out every now and then, just to look at all the beautiful hand knitted clothes that were made for her by a great Aunt. The detailing in the clothes is so unique. Each purse, and dress has a different vintage style, and no two hats are the same.

The Barbie case used to be used as my lunch box, that I carried to school.

Xmas Planters

2010-11-20T05:18:00.000-08:00

Picked up all my foliage a few days ago.. out in the country, and finished arranging my flower boxes and planters for christmas.

Scroll Saw Bunnies

2010-11-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine built a sleigh, and asked if I could make some bunnies to put on the sides of it.
I cut these bunnies out on my sroll saw, and then painted them.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-10-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a little idea for place cards at your Thanksgiving table.

I used mini pie pumpkins and wrote each guests name on card stock, and
added a sticker. Then I put a slit in the stem and inserted the card.

Your can decorate the card with stickers, or what ever you like.

Each guest can take the pumpkin home and bake a pumpkin pie.

Hope everyone has a "Happy Thanksgiving"

Fall Is Upon Us

2010-10-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Looks like my dog Bill, is deep in thought. Wonder what he's thinking.

Could it be that he doesn't like the fact that the leaves are changing and that
we have to leave the cottage soon, and won't be back until spring?

Is he thinking about the great summer he had?

Or is he thinking, wow, I can't believe those impatiens are blooming like that and
it's so cold at night now, with hardly any leaves left on the trees.

When is a window not a window?

2010-09-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

This may look like a window, but it is actually a picture with a window frame in front of it. I just finished the curtains, and added a rope light to brighten it up.

You can look out the window and see a little cafe across the street, with two waiters (actually a wine bottle holder) enjoying themselves out front.

Our little bar area in the family room is almost complete.

Indoor Canopy

2010-09-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Back to the basement reno. Here is my finished canopy for my cafe in paris look.

This reno is long and slow, but fun to do. I am onto the window treatment now, finally, I want to put window boxes with flowers in them, under these
windows. Stay tuned.

Grandson's First Birthday

2010-09-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my grandson celebrated his 1st birthday.

I have been keeping this little rocking chair for years, in hopes that I could

pass it on to my grandchild someday. It used to belong to my daughter who

is now 28. My husband and I started working on it in July. It was difficult to

scrape the white paint from some of the areas like the spindles, but with a

wire brush and alot of elbow grease, we stripped off the white paint and

stained it in a red mahogony color. Then we put on two coats of polyurethane.

Hope he likes it!

Nova Scotia Canada

2010-08-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

Just returned from vacation in beautiful Nova Scotia Canada.

This is the lighthouse in Peggy's Cove. The views were breath taking.

Where the ocean meets the sky.

A Hint Of Lime

2010-07-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

I love the deep lime color of this foliage. Not sure what the name of this plant is (does anyone know)?

It is such a striking lime green.

The ferns are also a very vibrant green, such a statement.

Tiger By The Tail

2010-07-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

The tiger lillies are just beautiful this year at the cottage!
Just love the color orange, don't you?

New Table Creation

2010-07-09T14:45:00.002-07:00

Here is my latest table creation. I used nylon webbing and weaved two colors together, in a checker board patten, on wood. Then I painted the base, which was grey metal, in black. It will be great on my deck at the cottage.

Have you ever seen a bear in his underwear?

2010-06-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

How about a deer drinking wine? I couldn't resist getting this wine holder for my hubby for "Fathers Day." Isn't it a hoot? "Happy Fathers Day" to all the fathers out there!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2010-06-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

Peonies, one of my favorite flowers, and I have a lot.

The garden is doing very well so far, but it is going to get much hotter.

I just love how the peonies did so well this year, and the hostas'
are huge and its only June!

Nothing like growing your own herbs too, like rosemary and parsley.
Don"t you agree?

New Cushions For The Patio Furniture

2010-06-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

I found this great outdoor fabric on sale, It was buy one meter and get two free. So I decided to make new cushions for my patio chairs. I re-used the piping from around the old cushion and just covered it with the new fabric.

They had a kit at the fabric store to make covered buttons. (So easy) and it takes very little fabric.

I have a set of 6 chairs and so far, I have 3 seat cushions and 1 back cushion finished.

Hopefully they will all be done soon!

The chairs did not originally have back cushions, but I think it will be more comfortable.

Magnolia's

2010-04-29T05:18:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung.
Just look at these beautiful magnolia trees
Can't you almost smell them?
Such a sweet fragrance.

Home Tweet Home

2010-04-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

Three more bird houses have been completed.

What color do you like? They are all ready to go, just in time for spring nesting.

Easter Table Centerpiece

2010-03-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air!!! Birds are singing, and the tulips are poking their heads through the earth. Nests are being built and eggs are being laid.

Thought I would go with birds and nests for my Easter table centerpiece.

A CAFE IN PARIS

2010-03-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a little update on the basement reno.
We finished the window frame in the bar area, but it still needs to be painted.

I was thinking of installing a rope lite to illuminate between the window and the picture.
Don't you think the two waiters look like they are actually serving at the restaurant?

My next project, is to make canvas awnings for the two basement windows, and they will be red and white stripes, like the ones you see in the picture.

A little escape to Paris, non?

Click the butterfly at right to visit Between Naps On The Porch Blog, and more Met Monday Projects.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

A gift from my sweetheart. Happy Valentines Day to all my blogging buddies.
Have a wonderful weekend.

It was prettier in the Catologue

2010-02-05T05:35:00.000-08:00

Be sure to visit Tootsie's blog for Fertilizer Friday. Her blog is listed on the right hand side.

These are some impatiens that we plant in the summer time at the cottage.

Out Of Africa

2010-02-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt at Tablescape Thursday, hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. To visit her blog and view several beautiful table scapes, just click on the Tablescape button at right.

Kitchen Towels

2010-02-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law showed me how to make these cute little towels to hang on your stove.

You just need a pot holder and a kitchen terry towel folded in half and gathered to fit the width of the pot holder.

Stitch the towel to the middle of the pot holder.

Fold in half and add a button to the top.

The pot holder loop goes around the button to hang from the handle of your stove.

They make great little hostess gifts.

Renovations

2010-01-28T15:01:00.000-08:00

Remember a while back, I showed you our basement and the renovations we had started.

Well , we have been busy with the continuation of our reno.

In the empty cubby behind the bar, we added a counter and overhead cupboards. We tiled the counter, walls and part of the ceiling. I had painted a scene on the walls, similar to the painting you see, and on this painting, we are going to add a window frame around the picture, so that it will look like you are looking out the window, across the street.

Hope you stay tuned to see the continuing project.

Finished Sock Monkies

2010-01-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

Here are the finished sock monkeys, I couldn't show them before, because they were gifts for Christmas.

I embroidered faces on them, but for older children, you could sew on buttons for eyes.

Wouldn't it be fun to make clothes for them?

The monkey with the long eye lashes, reminds me of my grandson, when he opens his eyes up wide in amazement. I made that one for him.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-12-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of my friends in blog land a very "Merry Christmas" and a "Happy & prosperous New Year".
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and visit my blog. It has been a very busy year, with my new grandson arriving in September. He is such a joy!
Hope to do a lot more posts in the New Year.
Thanks again for following along with me.
See you in 2010.
Deb

Sock Monkey

2009-12-04T06:40:00.000-08:00

In one of my earlier posts in September, I mentioned that we became first time grandparents. Our little grandson Jackson is such a sweetie.
His nursery is decorated with monkeys, so for Christmas, I wanted to make him, his very own sock monkey.
I went on the inter-net and found a site that teaches you how to make a sock monkey.
They are so easy and fun to make.
You just need a new pair of men's work socks and some batting.
There is some machine stitching, and the body parts are stitched by hand.
He just needs some eyes and a mouth. You can use buttons for eyes, for older children, but because he is still young, I think I will embroider them on along with a mouth.
The site also directs you to other sites for different embroidery how-to's, which I haven't done in years, but will give it my best shot.
Hope he likes it.

Pine Cone Topiary

2009-11-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

Just finished my pine cone topiary trees .
I glued pine cones to a white styro foam ball, and added a stick, then I mixed a plaster compound and filled the metal pots with the plaster.
I then pushed the sticks into the compound and allowed it to dry for 6 hours.
You have to support them as they dry.
Then I filled in the spaces between the gaps , around the pine cones, with faux berries and ivy.
I sprayed it with clear coat gloss, to make it shine.

Toy Soldier

2009-11-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

Found this old piece of plywood kicking around in the garage and thought it wood make a cool toy soldier to stand guard by the garden gate for Christmas.

Its that time of year again, to start decorating for the holidays. I always try to make one decoration each year for the holidays. Here is this years creation.

Busy Building Birdhouses

2009-11-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

I'm back to building birdhouses again. Hopefully we will have enough ready for christmas time as gifts. Isn't this little retro travel trailer the cutest thing?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

2009-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating Thanksgiving this coming weekend. We are driving to the cottage tomorrow, and then to our daughters and son-in-laws house on Sunday for dinner. The thing that will be so special this year on Thanksgiving is that our new little grandson is here to share it with. He is such a delight.

My daughter made this delicious pumpkin cheesecake to have with dinner, she is such a good cook!

Sign, Sign, Everywhere A Sign, Or (Pardon My Language)

2009-09-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a few signs I have hanging at the cottage. The little frying pan was given to me many years ago by my mother-in-law.

Canister and Tin Collectibles

2009-09-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

I picked up this canister set yesterday for $5.00 at a garage sale. I can't wait to see how it will look in my kitchen at the cottage.
It is definitely a vintage set, with matching Salt & Pepper Shakers.
I love these tin pieces, some vintage and some new. The large pitcher I have had for about 33 years, and there is a funny story behind, to long to write about here, but it holds a lot of memories. The smaller pitcher, and double handled jug are said to have come from Nova Scotia, and are quite old.
Do you know what this was used for? Bet you do. I use it as a trash can.

Window Boxes Before and After

2009-09-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a post I did earlier. Just wanted to show how a can of black spray paint can make planter boxes look new again. I added diamond shapes in cream and caramel colors to break up the solid black, and to add some color to the front of the boxes. Great for holding fall mums.

Thanks Susan from Between Naps On The Porch for hosting Met Monday.
Be sure and visit her blog. Just click the butterfly on the right.

Cloud 9

2009-09-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition to our family. Isn't he beautiful? Our first grandchild was born September 5th and his name is Jackson John. I have been on cloud 9 all week and I won't been down anytime soon. Everyone is doing very well.

Country Home

2009-09-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about this house, but I just love it.

We have been driving past this house for years on our way to the cottage, and I just had to stop this time and take pictures so I could show you how magnificent it is.

That wrap around porch just beckons you to come sit for a while. I love the gingerbread trim on its peak. Our cottage resembles this place a little, but of course its made of logs. Maybe unconsciously, I tried designing the cottage to resemble this place, do you think?

Before and After

2009-08-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a before and after shot of my breakfast room.
I like the color orange, can you tell?

Oh Those Summer Days

2009-08-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

It has been very hot this past week, with humidity reaching 41 C .
Here are pictures taken of the cottage and the landscape.
Don't you just love how the sun dances on the river?

Sunflowers Everywhere

2009-08-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures that I took on our drive home from the cottage. Don't the sunflowers look lovely, all standing at attention and soaking up the sun? The sun ,( something we haven't seen much of this summer) is hot and glorious and I guess they are taking it all in.

Gazebo

2009-08-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

Friends at the cottage built this beautiful gazebo and asked if I could do some maple leaves on the bottom half of it, using my scroll saw.
Here is the before and after picture.

Easy Summer Dessert

2009-06-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here is an easy dessert recipe that I found in Kraft's "What's Cooking" magazine. It was a big hit, and it looks like I slaved for hours. L.O.L.
Here is the recipe:
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 pkg. Light Philly Cream Cheese (250g each)softened
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 pkg vanilla instant pudding
2 cups thawed cool whip
2 cups frozen pound cake, cubed
1 square semi sweet chocolate melted

To Prepare:
Combine strawberries and sugar and refrigerate.
Beat cream cheese spread until creamy.
Prepare pudding mix with milk and add to cream cheese mixture.
Blend in 1 1/2 cups cool whip and place half of this mixture into a 2 1/2 litre bowl.
Cut pound cake into cubes and place on top, along with strawberries and remaining cream cheese. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
Just before serving, melt the chocolate square and drizzle over top and add remaining cool whip.

Lilacs, One of My Many Favoite Flowers

2009-05-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

This painting was purchased about 30 years ago. I love lilacs and you can almost smell them, they look so real.

I decided to paint them on my next table project.

I don't think it turned out too badly, although they aren't as vibrant as the original. The reason for this is the different colored backgrounds, dark and light, I think.

Hummingbirds Are Back

2009-05-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

Our little friends are back at the cottage this year.
It is amazing to watch these tiny birds in action.

They don't like to share too much, because every time one of them showed up, another one would push them away.

We have three of them around this year. There names are Henry, Harriet and Harvey Hummingbird. L.O.L.

The male is the more attractive of the two, with his ruby red throat that is really noticeable when the sun shines on him.

I was surprised he let me take a picture of him up close, but I guess he is used to us now.

Inside the cottage

2009-05-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

Garden Table

2009-04-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a table that I decided to put in the screened in porch at the cottage.
I painted it a cream color and then just decided to do some hydrangeas on top.
I'm thinking of adding some blue to the legs, what do you think?
I still have some touching up to do, then I will clear coat it to protect the finish.

Time To Open The Cottage

2009-04-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again.

Time to open the cottage after a long winter.

This Bird House is Taken

2009-04-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Looks like someone has moved in.
She is busy preparing for her family's arrival.
The house has only been up for about a week and already we have occupants.
It is so cute to watch her flying back and forth with twigs and branches to feather her nest.

Happy Easter Everyone

2009-04-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a great Easter!

Latest Birdhouse

2009-03-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest birdhouse that was just made for a friend who is retiring.

He said he always wanted to travel when he retires. L.O.L.

Wedding Centerpieces

2009-03-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

When we decided on the color for the wedding (sage green) then came the task of deciding what we would make for centerpieces.

We found these beautiful fruit bowls on stems at a kitchen shop called Stokes.
They resembled an over sized wine glass, but were actually for putting your fruit into.

We also found (after Christmas) last year all of the ball ornaments ( some with glitter on them) and decided that they looked like bubbles in the glass. We painted chop sticks in the sage green and glued them together to look like straws. Then in the middle of the bowl we added a frosted glass with a battery operated candle. It gave a nice glow to the centerpiece. We also painted round wooden circles to look like fruit for the rim of the glass.

The final touch was a silk gerbera daisy, in the matching sage green, wrapped around the stem. The bowls were placed on a square mirror tile at each table and sprinkles with faux rose petals.

Wedding Invitations

2009-03-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

Last year we saved a lot of money making our own wedding invitations for our daughters wedding.

We purchased the actual invitations at Wal-Mart. They come with the blank invitations, reply cards and all the envelopes in a kit.
They also tell you how to print the invitations right from your computer.

To dress them up, I purchased the green velum paper, (you could use co-ordinating velum to match your wedding theme). Then we made the jackets to cover the invitations, just by wrapping the velum around the invitation so that it met in the middle and creased it firmly. Then we folded back the corners, and punched 4 holes ( 2 on each side) at the middle of the velum and tied swiss dot ribbon in a bow on each side. I also added a daisy ( to match the border of the card) in the center of the invitation, so that it peeked through just above the jacket.

To enhance the envelopes I purchased a stamp and ink pad in the co-ordinating sage green to stamp initials onto the envelopes. I used an embossing powder to sprinkle over the ink, and with a heat gun ( used with embossing powder)I heated the powder, and it gave a nice shine to the letters. If we had ordered the invitations from a company, the price quote was $500. but by making them, It only cost under $100. Quite a savings.

Just click on photo to enlarge.

Greetings

2009-03-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired by the Vintage Moth with her beautiful vintage clip art to start making my own greeting cards, it is so much fun.

The first set of cards was a kit from the Martha Stewart Line available at Walmart. Very easy to create. I also purchased one of Martha's punches to make the scalloped edges on borders.

The last 2 cards are some of the clip art from The Vintage Moth's blog.
Do check her out.

HOT CHOCOLATE CONES FOR EASTER

2009-03-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

These hot chocolate cones are great to give for Easter.
Here is the recipe:

3/4 cup hot chocolate
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
2-10" clear icing bags

Place hot chocolate in bag and tie with clear elastic, cut off excess bag.
Put this bag inside of second bag.
Layer the chocolate chips on top and then the marshmallows.
Tie with elastic and ribbon.

Can't Wait For Spring

2009-02-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

Nothing says spring like tulips. Can't wait for mine to come up, but I guess it will be a while. For now I just purchased a bunch at the grocery store. They bring spring into the house even with 3 feet of snow on the ground. Can't you just smell those lilacs? These are pictures from last years harvest from my lilac tree. I also grew the hydrangea's and gladiola's.

President Obama buys cookies in Ottawa Canada

2009-02-21T18:06:00.000-08:00

It was so exciting last Thursday to have President Obama visit my home town of Canada's Capital, Ottawa.
Our city prepared for his arrival with great anticipation. It was not a long visit, (only a few hours) but I think a very eventful one.
He is such an out going President, so friendly and personable. You are all so lucky to have him as your leader.
While he was here, he took a little side trip to a bakery, down in the heart of our city. It is called Le Moulin De Provence in the Byward Market. He bought some cookies to take back to his daughters and yesterday I was down town and picked some up. Apparently the owner of the bakery has sold 5000 cookies since the Presidents visit and he has had calls from all over the world
ordering these cookies.
They are a type of sugar cookie with red icing, not too sweet and oh so delicious. When I bought the cookies, they were made, but didn't have the white icing on yet, but I bought them anyway and put the white letting on to show you how they are supposed to look.
He also enjoyed a Beavertail (pastry) with whipped cream on top.Yummie
President Obama said he will return when Canada warms up L.O.L.

Scroll Saw

2009-02-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

Thought some of you might be interested in seeing what a scroll saw looks like.
It is a lot like using a sewing machine, but without the foot peddle, as I mentioned before.
Not scarey at all.

Wood Scraps

2009-02-17T05:47:00.000-08:00

I am still busy building bird houses.
Seems everyone wants one.
I found I had a lot of wood scraps left over, so I decided to make napkin rings out of the small pieces

Ottawa Winter Carnival

2009-02-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

We are celebrating "winterlude" ( our winter carnival ) here in Canada's capital of Ottawa.
Here are some of the ice sculptures that were made from different people around the world that come to this sculpting competition. As you can see, there were some pretty amazing pieces.

Busy Building Bird Houses

2009-02-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

I have been very busy building bird houses. I ordered the pattern for these bird houses a couple of weeks ago and last Saturday, I started cutting them out on my scroll saw.

Just last night I finished painting them and putting them together.

I still have to fill in the nail holes where they were attached and then coat them with an outdoor varathane.

I can't wait to hang them at the cottage!

Butterflies, Dragonflies, Ladybugs

2009-01-30T06:11:00.000-08:00

I came across this butterfly picture in a little curio shop near our cottage last year. I was very happy at how well it matched my wallpaper.
I also found an old window frame (without the glass) and decided to make it into a cabinet for the bathroom at the cottage.

The frame had to be sanded and primed, then painted. We made a box from 2x4's , the size of the window and used bead board in behind.

We then made three shelves and added hinges to the window frame, and attached it to the box.

To finish it off we added a handle and latch now we have a place for all the bathroom stuff.
This is a towel bar made from copper plumbing pipe and curtain rod mounts.
Great for hanging all the bath towels after your bath, or a dip in the river.

Doll House Project

2009-01-23T05:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a doll house that I built years ago, when my daughter was small. She is 26 now.
It was a kit that had to be assembled. The wood was unfinished and each individual piece had to be painted, then glued.
First the walls went up, then the roof. Windows were installed and then each piece of trim had to be painted. The shingled roof had about 500 pieces, that were glued individually.
It took a few months to complete, but I enjoyed watching it take shape.

Operator? Information?

2009-01-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

This Telephone Booth was purchased at a yard sale a couple of years ago for $50.00

It needed a lot of work to restore it to this state, but was well worth the effort.

Apparently the woman that owned it, used it to store her pool noodles in, next to her in-
ground swimming pool. A lot of the windows were cracked and had to be replaced also.

Much of the dental molding had to be replaced around the top frame.
We dismantled most of it and took a small piece of the wood to the hardware store and they matched the paint perfectly for us.

When my husband was replacing the windows, he noticed that between the panes of glass
( they are double paned) there were pock marks on the glass, he suspected that some sort of large vibration that caused friction between the panes to grind together produced dust between them. The wood is made of white oak and was hand assembled some time ago. My husband thinks this particular booth was made in England and had been exposed to bomb blasts of the second world war. The booth could have been protected from the actual blasts but some of the concussions of the bombs going off could have sent the vibrations through it. The need for metal was great during the war years and this could be why the booth was made of wood, or it was an interior design and would give credit to the theory that it wasn't exposed directly to the elements or bomb blasts, just the concussions.

The floor of the booth is made of red and black 2 1/2 sq." ceramic tiles.
It is completely wired for electricity and is just waiting for a payphone.

The start of the wall painting project.
You can see the final results below.

Finishing The Family Room

2009-01-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

I found this print a couple of years back, and it reminded me of being in Paris.
I love the little cafe, and the buildings are so detailed.
I thought to myself, wouldn't it be nice to duplicate those buildings onto the wall.
So I took out my pencil and started drawing on the wall.
I started with the brick arches because I thought how hard can it be to paint
bricks?
I have taken a few painting courses over the years, like tole painting, where you just paint small objects, but I have never painted an entire wall.
I thought, what if I don't like it?
Well, the great thing is you can just paint over it.
I used chalkboard paint on the door and wallpaper for the brick, on the wall with the doorway. I painted the window over the doorway and added the exit sign for a bit of whimsy.
The white empty space will eventually house a small bar fridge, cupboard and counter.
The telephone booth is a whole other post. Stay tuned.
I am pleased with the end result, but I will probably add some white fluffy clouds and maybe a few more buildings behind the phone booth!

My Favorite Miniature Chair

2009-01-11T19:33:00.000-08:00

Miniature Chair collection

2009-01-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

Here are a few miniature chairs that I collect. I keep them at the cottage on my fireplace mantal.
I have about 15 in the collection.

Bird Hotel

2009-01-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

Here is another table I have been working on. It used to be a telephone table that belonged to my Mom. It was painted brown with a rusty drawer handle. So I sanded and primed it. Then paintd it white. I used a birdhouse stencil and traced it with carbon paper. For the handle I used a black rustproof paint.
Then I started to paint the house itself. Just a few more touch ups and it will be done. Great in the gazebo at the cottage, along with my other painted tables.

What's at the cottage?: Bird House Gift Basket#links

2009-01-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

What's at the cottage?: Bird House Gift Basket#links

Bird House Gift Basket

2009-01-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

I found these adorable bird houses at Walmart. Of course I had to have one for the cottage.
We are going away this weekend, to visit a friend, so I thought I would do up a gift basket to take along.
I just found a box and wrapped it with paper.
Then I added a bird seed bell with some shredded paper.
I then popped it into a cellophane gift basket bag and tied it with ribbon.
Hope they like it!
I can't wait to hang my bird house up in the spring, I have a few bird houses at the cottage and they are very well used.
There is one that a red squirrel occupies every year, it looks like a log cabin.
I also have one that looks like a train station and is very well used in the spring, when the birds lay there eggs.

Opening Soon

2008-12-29T14:40:00.000-08:00

Took a drive today to downtown Ottawa and thought you might enjoy these pictures of the Rideau Canal.

It is said to be one of the longest skating rinks in the world. Unfortunately it isn't opened for skating yet because the weather has been mild for the last little while, but come January, it will be bustling with people.

The building in the background is the Chateau Laurier, one of the famous Fairmont Hotels.

Views Of The Canal From The Bridge

2008-12-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

This is the walking bridge over the canal.
I took a few pics looking down over the canal.

Baked Apple French Toast

2008-12-28T15:27:00.000-08:00

Here is a recipe that serves 8-10 people.
Perfect for breakfast on New Years Day.
I served it for breakfast on Christmas Day and its great because you can prepare it the night before, and just pop it in the oven in the morning when you get up. Here is the recipe for Baked Apple French Toast.

12 eggs
2 cups milk
2 tblsps. vanilla
1/2 cup butter melted
3-4 medium green apples
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tblsp. water
6-10 slices of white, whole wheat, or french bread
cinnamon and sugar

Preheat oven to 350o and grease a 9 x 13 pan
Melt butter and mix in brown sugar and water. Set aside.
Thinly slice apples and evenly place in bottom of pan. Pour the butter and sugar mixture evenly over apples.
Cut the bread slices ( I used french bread) in half and place them over the apples, over lapping slightly, covering the entire dish.
In separate bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
Pour in the milk and vanilla, mixing until no yokes are showing.
Pour the mixture over the bread, making sure that all is saturated.
Refridgerate overnite and just before baking, sprinkle with a few teaspoons sugar, mixed with cinnamon.
Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes, or until golden.
Serve dusted with icing sugar and warm maple syrop.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas Table

2008-12-22T17:28:00.000-08:00

Mirrors always give such a nice reflection.

Tea Towel Creations

2008-12-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

I found these cute tea towels for a great price, a few months ago and I have been busy making placemats, napkins, and grocery or gift bags with them.

The napkins were made by cutting the tea towel in half and sewing the four edges, with a 1/4" then a 5/8 "seam.

The bags were made by folding the towel in half and sewing the two sides to-gether. Then I did a box pleat to square off the sides, and it defines the bag.I added handles by cutting 2 straps of purchased 2 inch webbing, which can be bought by the yard or meter. You have to sew them very securely , I used an x pattern at the end of each strap on the towel and sewed above and below the x.

For the placemats, I cut the tea towel in half again and ironed on a 1/8" fusible web onto the wrong side of one half of the towel, then with right sides together, I sewed around the edges leaving a 2 -3 inch opening and turned them inside out. You have to stitch the opening by hand and then press.The fusible web gives them a bit of stiffness.

My Dog Billy

2008-12-16T05:42:00.000-08:00

Our dog "Billy" is all set for Christmas.

HOT CHOCOLATE CONES

2008-12-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

Hot Chocolate Cones

Just filled clear icing or pastry bags with hot chocolate then tied the bag with a clear elastic, and put it inside a second bag. Then added the chocolate chips and topped with the mini marshmallows.
Yum! Makes great gifts for teachers, neighbors, and children of all ages.

Chocolate Chip Date Cake

2008-12-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Chip Date Cake
Another recipe passed down from my mother-in-law. Delicious and easy to make. Here is the recipe:
1 cup chopped dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup boiling water
Pour water over dates and soda and cool.
1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tblsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
Cream butter and sugar well and add eggs, vanilla and date mixture. Mix together. Add dry ingredients and half the pkg. of chocolate chips. Put in 8x8 greased pan. Cover top with remaining chocolate chips and walnuts. Bake 325F for 40-50 min or until nicely browned.

Melt in your mouth shortbread cookies

2008-12-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a recipe for shortbread cookies that my mother in law past down to me years ago and it is a tradition to make them every year in our family.
Just wouldn't be christmas without them!

Shortbread Cookies

1 lb. butter
1 cup icing sugar
1 cup cornstarch
3 cups flour
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Bake at 300 F for 15-20 min.
Combine all ingredients and use a cookie press to press cookies out on pan.
The dough is very soft, that is why a cookie press is needed.
Decorate each with chopped marachino cherry before baking.

Flower Pot Toy Soldier

2008-12-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

I finished my flower pot soldier last night. He now has all his buttons and trims.

Pretty Table Runner

2008-12-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

Here is an inexpensive way to dress up your table for Christmas.
Take some pretty gift wrap and role it down the center of your table, over a white linen table cloth. You can choose from lots of different patterns and colors.
Last year I used a red poinsettia print. This year I'm going with silver and white. If anything is spilled, you just through it away and roll out a new one.

I've Been tagged

2008-11-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

Deb from http://atthecottage.blogspot.com tagged me. Not sure how this works, I have only been blogging since September, but I will give it my best shot. Thanks Deb.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6)
3. Write 6 random things about yourself.
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

So here are my 10 random things:

1. The chair I am sitting in, in my profile picture, is huge. It is located outside a restaurant,
in Mont Tremblent , Quebec, Canada. This is quite a tourist area and is very popular for skiers.
Just had to get a photo of myself, in this chair. I would love to build one someday. It would be quite the conversation piece at the cottage.

2. I am 5 ft. 10 1/2" tall.

3. My daughter was married this past May. I spent most of last winter making bridesmaid dresses, invitations, centerpieces and everything else you need for a wedding. I will have to post some pics after christmas with some great ideas for weddings.

4. I come from a family of 7 children. My mom had 5 boys in a row and 5 years after the last boy,
I was born. My sister followed 3 years later.

5. When I was 19 I had the opportunity to live in Amsterdam, Holland. I was there for 3 months.

6. There are two places in the world that I dream of visiting , one is Paris France, and the second
is the vineyards and beautiful countryside of Italy.

Now I am tagging some favorite bloggers:

Sharon http://ameliarosecottage.blogspot.com
Melissa http://heartandhome.blogspot.com
Blossom http://interiorrooms.blogspot.com
Brenda http://countryromancefromtheheart
Carmen http://thriftycottage.blogspot.com
Laurie http://bargainhunting

at the cottage: I've Been Tagged!!

2008-11-30T11:25:00.000-08:00

at the cottage: I've Been Tagged!!

Great Christmas Gifts to Make

2008-11-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

Here is a great idea to make as christmas gifts. These pillows were made from placemats. They can be used every year and look very festive. I used a cotton fabric on the back. You just sew rights sides and leave an opening about 4 " in the seam, turn right side out and stuff with polyester fiber fill, then sew the open by hand.

Toy Soldier

2008-11-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

This toy soldier is made from clay flower pots.
He still needs all his buttons and trims, but I will show him again when he is completed. The pots I used are just regular clay pots, about 5 inches in diameter. The pots have holes in the bottom, so you can use a threaded rod, the type used for making lamps, to attach the pots together with a nut on either end. That way they are easy to take apart and store. Stay tuned, to see him finished.

Decorating for the Holidays

2008-11-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

Decorating Outside For Christmas

2008-11-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

All the decorating outside is finally done.
We just need some snow now, and I think we are getting that tonite.

Christmas Window Boxes

2008-11-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

Today I changed my window boxes and added greenery for Christmas. I used spruce and cedar and added mini lights. It was very cold outside.

Window Boxes

2008-11-20T12:45:00.000-08:00

Found these planter boxes at a garden center. It was an "end of season sale" and instead of paying $40.00 each, I got them for $10.00 each. Quite a sale! They were a bit rusty from being outdoors, so I spray painted them with a rust proof paint. Good as new. They looked great with my fall mums.

Poinsettia Arrangement

2008-11-19T19:36:00.000-08:00

I just finishes this arrangement for my cabinet.
It is an old metal sleigh, about 7 inches high and I put oasis in it, and added silk poinsettias, pine cones and velvet ribbon.

Santa' sleigh and reindeer

2008-11-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

,
I made these reindeer from a half inch sheet of plywood and
using a pattern, I traced them out and cut the plywood using a jig saw.
They are easy to take apart and store too. I found the wicker sleigh a few years back at an auction that was taking place for an old theater company and this was one of their props. I was really lucky to get it for $10.00.It was red so I spray painted it white. I am a big fan of spray paint!!
You can make anything old look new again, with a can of paint.

Santa

2008-11-15T08:33:00.000-08:00

The directions to make this Santa are found below.