Gooseberry Patch

Let It Snow!

Whether you're decorating for Christmas this weekend or still gathering ideas and will start soon, we know you'll love this easy idea. It's from our Cookbook of the Week, Homemade Christmas!

 

Sparkly Snow Scene

3 assorted-size glass jars
    with lids
1 yd. 1-inch ribbon
scissors
hot-glue gun
2 to 4 c. sea salt or
    Epsom salt
small pine branches
    and pine cones
small ornaments or
    figures

Remove jar lids and set aside. Measure and cut a length of ribbon to fit around each jar, one inch below rims. Hot-glue ribbon in place. Fill each jar 1/4 full of salt. Arrange branches, pine cones and small ornaments inside jars; don’t overcrowd. Replace jar lids. Arrange the jars in the center of the table or on a cake stand. Arrange more branches around jars, if desired.

---

Share this easy idea any way you like!

Frame Your Favorite Buttons!

The more the merrier…especially when it comes to buttons! Add your favorites to this Framed Button Tree, a fun project for everyone from school-age kids to adults. It's from Gooseberry Patch Christmas, Book 13...the newest in the series!

Framed Button Tree

You’ll need:

• Steam iron
• Paper-backed
  fusible web
• 12” x 14” piece of
  felted wool
• Scissors
• Frame with a 12” x 16”
  back opening
• 16” x 20” piece of fabric
  for background
• Assorted vintage buttons
• 12” x 16” piece of foam
  core board
• Craft glue
• Vintage Christmas pin (we used a jumping-jack Santa)
• Ribbon to decorate the frame (optional)

1. Fuse the web to the wrong side of the felted wool.

2. Click on the tree template at right to view it at full size. Right-click to save the image to your desktop, print it out and enlarge on a photocopier to fit your frame.

3. Using the enlarged pattern, cut the tree from the felted wool. Center and fuse the tree on the background fabric.

4. Sew the buttons on the tree.

5. Center the foam core board on the wrong side of the background fabric. Wrap and glue the excess fabric to the board back.

6. Insert the board into the frame. Add a vintage Christmas pin and enhance the frame molding with ribbon, if desired.

---

 

 

Ready to add
Gooseberry Patch Christmas,
Book 13, to your collection?
Click the button below!

 

---

Share this easy holiday idea with all your friends!

Crafty Fall Fun!

Do you love decorating with pumpkins but don't want the mess of carving? We like to leave 'em natural but we recently ran across another crafty idea that we may just have to try!

 

Yarn-Wrapped Gourds & Pumpkins!

Shared by Jessica of Two Shades of Pink, this clever tutorial uses artifical pumpkins (so you can keep 'em for longer) but you could use your fresh-picked pumpkins too. As easy as it is fun, this idea is so simple, even the older kids could help!

Visit her blog for step-by-step instructions!

Thanks for sharing, Jessica...we can't wait
to see what you come up with next!

---

Let's Get Crafty for Harvest!

Welcome to another Friday Let's Get Crafty feature! Today, our celebration of our Cookbook of the Week continues...between the Home Sweet Homemade chapter and the clever tips sprinkled on every page, Homemade Harvest is stuffed FULL of crafty inspiration for this time of year.

 We're featuring 3 ideas from
this must-have book...enjoy!

Tin-Can Luminaries

You'll need:
tracing paper
clean, empty tin cans
    of various sizes
permanent marker
hammer and large nail
ruler
Optional: 16" craft wire
spray paint for metal
    surfaces in color of
    your choice
tealight candles

Trace fall patterns such as bats, leaves or pumpkin faces onto tracing paper that will fit tin cans. Cut out patterns and arrange on the cans; outline with a permanent marker. Fill each can with water and place in the freezer until water is completely frozen. Remove from freezer and punch dotted lines along designs using a hammer and nail. If hanging lanterns are desired, punch 2 holes in the rim of the can on opposite sides. Let ice melt and cans dry completely. For the optional handle, insert wire into the holes along the rim; twist ends to secure. Spray paint the outside of the cans and let dry. Place a candle in each can.

 

Sparkly Pumpkins

You'll need:
2 paintbrushes
craft glue
3 pumpkins
orange, red and clear
    craft glitter
brown acrylic paint
cake pedestals

Use a paintbrush to evenly apply glue over the surface of one pumpkin. Choose one glitter and sprinkle glitter over the glue, covering it completely. Repeat, using a different color of glitter for remaining pumpkins. Let dry for one hour; shake off excess glitter. Paint the stems with the brown acrylic paint and let dry. Arrange the pumpkins on cake pedestals for a festive centerpiece. 

 

Haunted House

You'll need:
pint-size paper
    milk carton
cardboard square
vanilla frosting
graham crackers
candy corn
black licorice
mini chocolate bars
candy pumpkins
ghost-shaped
    marshmallows

Clean out the milk carton with soapy water, rinse and let dry. Attach the milk carton to the cardboard square with a dollop of frosting; hold in place for 30 seconds. Use frosting to attach graham crackers to carton, breaking the crackers as needed to fit. To form the roof, turn 2 graham cracker rectangles on their sides and lean toward each other; secure to the carton with frosting. Cut a cracker square diagonally and attach each piece to the front and back of the roof. Use frosting to attach the remaining candy. Use candy corn as shingles and mini chocolate bars as doors and windows. Use black licorice to fill in the seams of the house and attach pumpkins and ghost-shaped marshmallows.

---

Ready to add Homemade Harvest to your collection?
Click the button below!

 

---

Craft Some Pretty Pots!

We were so inspired by today's Link We Love, we knew we just had to share it with you! Part crafty idea, part simple tutorial, the link to these pretty pots is one you'll definitely want to keep handy.  

Pretty Pots

Dreamed up by super-creative blogger, Christine Chitnis, they're just so darn cheery! With some terra cotta pots from the garden store, some of your favorite fabric scraps and a little Mod Podge, you'll be on your way. Click over to visit Christine for more complete instructions.

Wouldn't these be sweet for gift-giving or as a bridal shower favor?
You could even cover a few and use them to keep your desk organized!

It's just one of the lovely ideas you'll find at Christine's blog...click HERE and HERE to see a few more of our favorites. Where she REALLY shines is her photography. We really felt like we were visiting the lake along with her in this recent post...here's a sneak peek.

Beautiful...and from the coast of Michigan, not a tropical island!

 

 

 

We were so excited to see that she's published a book filled with even more inspiration!

Click here to get a sneak peek
on her blog.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

 

 

Next time you have some time to dream, be sure to
pay Christine a visit...we know you'll enjoy your stay.

---

To Market, To Market This Week!

This week's Cookbook of the Week couldn't be more perfect for this time of year! Filled with fresh recipes you can whip up after a trip to the market plus year 'round favorites, it also includes tips for summertime fun, flea-market ideas and so much more.

Let's take a peek inside...

Farmers' Market Favorites!

With chapters ranging from breakfast and snacks to mains, sides, salads and more, there's something here for any time of day!

Here's a recipe from our friend Wendy Lee Paffenroth - another one! - that's just a sample of the kinds of yummy summer recipes you'll find inside.

Market Veggie Triangles

2 to 3 cucumbers, chopped
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1 T. lemon juice
1/8 t. hot pepper sauce
1/2 c. red pepper, chopped
1/4 c. onion, finely chopped
1/4 c. green olives with pimentos, finely chopped
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
12 slices wheat or pumpernickel bread, crusts trimmed
Garnish: green olive or cucumber slices

Place cucumbers in a strainer for 15 to 20 minutes to allow liquid to drain. Combine remaining ingredients except bread and garnish in a bowl. Stir until well blended. Add drained cucumbers; stir again. Refrigerate, covered, for 2 to 3 hours. Slice bread into triangles. Spread with cucumber mixture. Garnish as desired. Makes 4 dozen.

Sounds so tasty, doesn't it? If you're in the mood for something warmer, check out Susan's Vegatable Lasagna...it's another winner from Farmers' Market Favorites!

This week's Cookbook of the Week not only features market-fresh family favorites, it also includes over 200 tips for everything from shopping for the best of the season and tending your own garden to whipping up little touches to make meals extra special.

You'll also find ideas like these for making something fun
from your flea-market finds! Click any image to view larger.

Keep fruit dip chilled in a vintage pie plate filled
with crushed ice. Nestle a bowl into the ice to
keep the dip chilled…country style!

 

 

A wire basket once used for canning jars is easily
turned into a silverware caddy. Mason jars can be
filled with silverware, while a thermos of blooms
sits nicely in the middle.

 

 

Transform a vintage vent cover into a terrific
recipe sorter. Find a vent with a back flap that
can become a stand when it’s pulled out. Then,
with a little cleaning and a fresh coat of paint,
it’s ready to hold your favorite recipe cards. 

Stay tuned all this week for more goodies from Farmers' Market Favorites. Feel free to share this post with a friend...the buttons below make it easy!

Top Your Table this Friday!

This week's Link We Love is just ONE of the amazing ideas you can find on Dana's blog...we had to go back and check our archives because we were SURE that we'd already shared her blog with you. You're going to want to add this one to your regularly visited spots to be inspired...we have!

Say hello to...

made!

The writer/photographer/maker behind this blog is Dana, a mom of two little cuties. She makes all sorts of goodies for them - adorable! - but her handmade gift ideas are what really hooked us. So much goodness!

She's also clued us in on some sewing techniques that have come in handy...make your own bias tape anyone? Pick up her patterns or follow her easy tutorials to make something yourself!

Today we're sharing a link to an easy sewing project that we think is perfect for summertime...it's picnic weather out there and everyone loves a cute table, even when you're gathering in the backyard!

Check out these Table Toppers!

Created with just four simple seams and your favorite fabric, if you can cut and sew a straight line, you're in business! We love layering a colorful fabric over a white or solid color one...one of our favorite table-topping trick is to layer a quilt over a tablecloth but Dana's idea is a fun (and easy!) summertime twist.

We couldn't resist linking to one more project that you'll see in the Table Topper post above...

Wallflowers!


These tissue paper flowers are easy to make and, whether you hang them on the wall or use them as a whimsical centerpiece, you'll love 'em. Click here to see how to make your own.

We know you'll find no shortage of creative inspiration at made. Thanks for all you provide, Dana...we'll certainly be back for more!

---

Share this link with a friend...they'll LOVE it!

Using Vintage Goodness This Friday!

Remember those wooden spools from Grandma's sewing basket? If you're anything like us, you probably still have some rolling around your own sewing room...this week's Link We Love is a great project to get them out where you can see them!

Vintage Wooden Spool Cork Board

In this tutorial, you can see how easy it is to turn a ho-hum corkboard into a fun addition to your sewing or craft room...
what a thoughtful gift for a creative soul too!

Thanks so much to The Silly Pearl for this fun tutorial!

Steph is the mom behind this crafty blog, where you'll find great tutorials on everything from handmade jewelry to goodies she made for her adorable twin girls and even some decorating ideas for all year round.

Once you're there, you'll probably want to pick up her button...

Find The Silly Pearl on Facebook too!

 

Thanks for sharing such great ideas, Steph...
we can't wait to see what you come up with next!

---

Share this easy idea and super-crafty blog with a friend!

Stitch Some Fun this Friday!

 

 

 

 

Crafting to welcome Spring is way more fun than cleaning, right?

We thought so!

In today's Let's Get Crafty post, we're sharing a project from our booklet Creative Memory Keeping. You can use up all those fabric scraps too pretty to throw away and it's done in an afternoon...instant gratification! 

 

 

Framed Patchwork Sampler

Here's what you'll need:

wooden frame with cardboard insert and glass front
spray primer
cream spray paint
muslin
fabric scraps
assorted buttons
assorted trims, lace & ribbon
appliques
lightweight batting
fabric glue
masking tape

1. Remove cardboard insert and glass from frame. Prime, then paint frame. You could also use a frame that's already painted, so long as it has a cardboard insert.

2. Cut a piece of muslin 1" larger on all sides than the frame's insert.

3. Pin a 5-sided piece of fabric to center of muslin. Matching right sides and raw edges and using a 1/4" seam allowance, start at 5-sided piece and sew various size and shape fabric pieces to muslin until muslin is covered.

4. Trim fabric to fit muslin. Glue trim, lace and ribbon to pieced fabric along seams. Randomly glue or sew buttons and appliques to pieced fabric.

5. Cut a piece of batting to fit insert. Layer batting then completed patchwork on insert, wrapping ends to back. Secure with tape or fabric glue. Set glass in frame and then add covered insert in place.

Customize this project for any room or any season and
add a little sunshine wherever you place it!

---

Share this idea with a friend...it's easy with the buttons below!

Welcome Back, Links We Love!

You may remember the Links We Love series that started last summer. Well, we loved sharing these great finds so much, we're bringing it back for one Friday each month, starting today!

First up is one of our favorite sources of inspiration...

How About Orange!

Jessica Jones is the voice behind this super-creative blog. In her non-blogging hours, she works as a designer and makes really neat fabric and ribbon.

The link we're sharing today is just in time for Valentine's decorating...we LOVE this pretty heart garland!

 

Simply cut hearts from fabric in graduated sizes, spray with fabric stiffener and sew together to make your own sweet hearts. Jess features more complete instructions...so clever!

 

 

 

 

Jess recommends running thread through the back heart to make the garland...we think they'd look pretty strung on ribbon too, using a dab of fabric glue to secure.

 

Well, we have OUR weekend project! Want to make one too? Be sure to come back and share a link. We'd love to see 'em!

While you're at it, add How About Orange to your list of blogs to visit often. Jess always has something cute and clever going on!

---

Have a great link you've found - whether a blog or another website?
Send it our way or post it in the comments below.
We'd love to hear what strikes your fancy!

 

Pass on this Link We Love...it's too good not to share!

Crafty Christmas Links this Friday!

Looking for a little inspiration this Friday? We were too, so we turned to
our handy list of Links We Love to see what they had going on!

Little Birdie Secrets shows you how to make a wreath of stars
from scrapbook paper...so clever!

 

Over at the Purl Bee, they're sharing how to craft this pretty garland from felt...
wouldn't it be pretty in place of ribbon on a package?

 

Rachel of Small Notebook shows how the simplest decorations are just as festive!

Marie at Make & Takes hosted Little Birdie Secrets and they shared
another great idea...so pretty and keeps the cards from falling off the mantel too!

Jessica at Running with Scissors posted an amazing shortcut to make
those scrappy stockings we love.

A little felt, a few stitches...simple ornaments so easy, the kids can help.
Thanks, Sew Mama Sew!

Want to make something yummy to celebrate? Callie at Make It Do has
an easy treat that's just right for giving and snacking too!

 

With her Nana's recipe for Nuts and Bolts, Shannon at Luvin the Mommyhood
has a new spin on a traditional favorite.

 

Also from Make & Takes, Hot Chocolate on a Stick. We're not sure
they'd ever make it out of our kitchens to GIVE, but just in case
you have more willpower than we do, give 'em a try.

Vanessa of Little Big Girl Studio whipped up this little tote for giving...
any kiddo on your list would love it!

Make a more grown-up tote bag with this easy idea posted by Christy
of ...from gltter to gumdrops. Love it!

 

Still looking for inspiration?

Check out the entire handmade gift collection at
Skip to My Lou...Cindy is amazing.

 

Special thanks to ALL of our Links We Love. Whenever we're looking for
a little inspiration to spark our creativity, you're where we start!

Pass our crafty Christmas links on to a friend with the handy button below!

Breathing Creatively this Friday!

We met this week's Featured Friday blogger back before there even WERE such things as blogs!

Elizabeth was a member of our Gooseberry Patch family years ago and we were fortunate to have her as part of our sales team while we did. Not only does she posses a genuine friendliness that every customer deserves, her sunny personality makes her a joy to work with as well.

Did we mention that she also makes the most picture-perfect cookies? All this time later, they're still legendary around our office.

So, when we happened upon Elizabeth's blog, we were simply delighted. Not at all surprised by how darling everything was, we have had such fun following her crafty adventures. 

We're so happy to introduce you to...

Creative Breathing!
(Also known as Bluebird Papercrafts.)

We asked Elizabeth to share a little background with the readers of our blog...here's what she had to say.

Tell us a little about yourself, your family and where you live.

I live in the most charming college town of Delaware, nestled along a central river in the Heart of Ohio. I live here with my husband of 32 years and one very large white puppy who has come home to our previously empty nest with our youngest daughter. She has an older brother recently married who took his pets with him when he left home.

What originally inspired you to start blogging?

When my nest emptied, I found the need to fill the quietness that filled my home. An article read about Alicia Paulson and her blog Posy Gets Cozy led me to begin my own.

Empty or not, it looks like a cozy nest to us!

 What's the best thing to happen because of your blog?

A love of crafting always kept secret, I was so surprised to find a community of women just like myself. A place to say “cute” many times a day without a second glance. A chance to learn and be inspired and to give back in return. An opportunity to make new friends.

 

Your papercrafts are inspiring to say the least...what draws you to vintage art and patterns? Where do you find inspiration?

An old-fashioned person to the very core, I was immediately drawn to vintage greeting cards often shared. Memories called to mind of my own childhood, a perfect opportunity to use them to tell the stories of my life. Their simple images became the basis for designing and making my own patterns to create the most wonderful craft room creations ever!

Find Elizabeth's pattern for this sweet pennyrug here.

From your time working with us as Gooseberry Patch, we know that you're not only a gifted artist but a fantastic baker. Care to share a favorite recipe?

A favorite way to bring a smile to friends and family is to present them with cookies they have come to love. Gingerbread Men like none you have ever tasted, are my most favorite ones to bake. Soft and chewy, you will not be able to have just one.

GINGERBREAD MEN

CREAM: 1 c. shortening, 1 c. sugar, 1 egg
ADD: 1 c. light molasses, 2 T. vinegar
ADD: 4 c. flour, 1-1/2 t. baking soda, 1/2 t. salt, 2-1/2 t. ginger, 1 t. cinnamon
DIVIDE: dough into two equal portions, wrap in cellophane.
CHILL: 3 hours. Bring dough to nearly room temperature.
ROLL OUT: on well floured surface 1/8” thick.
DIP: Cookie cutters into flour, cut shapes. Place directly onto shiny aluminum baking sheet.
BAKE: at 375 degrees 6-8 minutes ONLY. Remove to counter surface to cool.
DECORATE: purchased tube icing, currants for eyes, red candies for buttons.
Sprinkle with additional sugar after each cookie made

Aside from family and friends, what are 5 things you just can't live without?
 
My crafting philosophy and the one I share on my blog is, “Use What’s on Hand”, but the five things I could not live without while breathing creatively are my trusty glue gun, pinking scissors, silver glitter, Pop Dots, and white paper flowers. White goes with everything when all else fails.

Follow along Elizabeth's tutorial and
make your own snowman like this!

Tell us something that no one would guess about you.

No one knows that I have a beautiful craft room and that I love to create vintage inspired art. The chance to share this on my blog, is very meaningful to my life. It is a most happy place to be!

Wow...what a fun place to spend your creative hours!
Click here to see more photos of Elizabeth's craft room.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Elizabeth. It's so good to be back in touch after all this time and to introduce our blog readers to such a wholly creative soul. All our best.

There's so much cuteness on Elizabeth's blog, we just have to share some more photos here...

Puppy Patrol!

Pom-pom friends!

Christmas crafts!

Pay Creative Breathing a visit today and find yourself filled with inspiration and happiness...we sure did.

Share a creative breath with a friend...use our button below!

Take a Tour this Friday!

 

We thought we'd share something a little different this Friday. Gotta keep you on your toes, right?

Join us as we take a tour of our previous Featured Friday bloggers. There's some really yummy-looking recipes, lovely decorations and crafty ideas out there...get your bookmarking finger ready!

 

 

 

First up...our buddy Cris at Goodeness Gracious! She's still cooking her way through our cookbook, Mom's Favorite recipes and she's up to 33 recipes now. You can find all the links on this page! Go, Cris, Go!

 

 

 

Linda of Prairie Flower Farm shared a link to a recipe for a Homemade Twix Bar...does that look yummy or what?

 

 

Michelle at Married/Single Parent whipped up these San Francisco Chops...click here for the recipe!

 

Check out Carmen's family-friendly Chocolatey Oat Bars over at Old House Kitchen...they sound easy and tasty too!

 

 

 

When Jodi posts about dinner at her house, we wish we lived closer to her neck of the woods...those purple potatoes are beautiful!

 

 

Cora of Heartfelt and Homemade shared her peachy recipe and it really sounds like a Piece of Heaven.

 

 

 

In the mood for something savory instead? Over at Scraps of Life, Susie is sharing her Cheesy Super Bowl Dip!

 

 

 

Renae cooked up one of our recipes recently...you'll love her go-to recipe for Delicious Drumsticks!

 

 

Getting ready for the Thanksgiving?
These posts are right up your alley...

Tina at Mommy's Kitchen recently shared an entire meal plan for Thanksgiving...we think the sweet potato casserole looks oh-so yummy.

 

 

 

 

Kristin over at Delightful Country Cookin' is sharing this week's craving...Thanksgiving dinner!

 

 

Kim of A Well-Seasoned Life is all about the season's most popular berries...get her recipe for Cranberry Salad here!

 

Nancy always has something good cooking and she & Kim are thinking alike! Get the recipe for her Cranberry-Pecan Coffee Cake...it really looks scrumptious!

 

Lots of folks are using pumpkin these days.
It's one of our favorite ingredient for fall too!

 

Gail of Faithfulness Farm shared her recipe for Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins...we can't wait to try these!

 

 

 

Julie's blog Circle Cliff Views features TWO great recipes right on the front page today, both using pumpkin...we want to try out these muffins!

 

Looking ahead to Christmas? You're in luck...

 

Not Quite June Cleaver is sharing a step-by-step recipe for her yummy-looking Christmas Cakes...don't call them anything else!

 

 

 

 

Leah at Beyer Beware is sharing a recipe and gift idea in one...check out her Texas Two-Step Soup in a Jar!

 

 

At her blog A Vintage Chic, Julie's sharing an amazing recipe called Gingerbread Cinnamon Buns. Wouldn't these be perfect for Christmas morning?

 

 

It's not all recipes though...

 

 

Tracy over at Bassett's Bull is giving us a peek at her Thanksgiving decorations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Home is Where the Heart Is, you'll see some of the things that make Kim smile...this vase is one of our favorites.

 

 

 

 

You'll find some beautiful Autumn photos at Farmhouse Country Style, including some from her local Country Living Fair!

 

 

 

Super-crafterJen is showing off her nephew's new quilt and some darling bags we'd love to try...visit Jen's Fun Little Things for the goodies.

 

 

 

Thanks for taking the tour with us today!
We hope you found something yummy and a little inspiration too.

See someone here you didn't recognize?
Click here to view all of our Featured Friday posts!

 

Want to share some of these goodies? Click the button!

A Sweet Link for You!

Warning: this week's Link We Love could lead to spending more time blog-reading than you planned. Maybe it's just us, but we absolutely got LOST looking at all of Jessie's photos, projects, ideas and just plain ol' inspiration!

If you're not already acquainted, let us introduce you to...

Sweet Jessie!

We were drawn in by this post about turning scraps into tiny pennants and cupcake flags...

...but then, there were the printable goodies, the tutorials, the vintage embroidery transfers (like this one, this one and this one) and that doesn't even begin to cover the goodness!

There's a step-by-step project for making a clever inspiration board from some fabric, an embroidery hoop, cork and some well-placed glue...

 

...and her easy instructions for making a sweet scalloped garland like this one!

It's no wonder this work-at-home momma has been tapped to contribute to these awesome crafty books! If all these links don't convince you to visit ASAP, maybe her shop full of cuteness will do the trick.

Thanks, Jessie, for such a bright and playful place to visit...and stay awhile. Your love for what you do (besides the dishes) really shows!

Spend some time with Sweet Jessie...we know you'll enjoy it!

An Easy Craft for Fall!

Along with sweet memories of fall and a cornucopia of delicious recipes, our new cookbook, Homemade Harvest, features a chapter of crafts you can make for your home or give as gifts. Here's a great idea for decorating your table…you can even add extra personality with coordinating buttons and fabric yo-yo's! 

1 to 2 yds. burlap
fabric scraps
scissors
straight pins
double-sided fusible
    webbing
iron and ironing board

Place burlap on table, cutting so it covers the middle third of the table. If desired, fray the edges by gently pulling away 1/2 inch of burlap, one strand at a time. Pin fabric scraps to fusible webbing and cut into pumpkin or leaf shapes, or letters to create a monogram. Arrange shapes on the burlap, fusible webbing-side down. Carefully remove the pins, keeping the fabric and webbing together. Following the fusible webbing manufacturer's instructions, use a warm iron to adhere the webbing to the pieces of burlap.

We'd love to hear how you decorate your table when Autumn arrives!

Make a Photo Lantern!

This week's Link We Love comes from one of our favorite blogs ever...if you haven't visited decor8, today's the day to click over and take a peek! There's so much inspiration to be found, you'll find yourself clicking that little bookmark button in a hurry.

Be sure to check back weekly and see her blog & book recommendations for the week in the header!

The voice behind decor8 is Holly Becker and she provides a wealth of ideas, photos and links to fun products & services...a great place to stop by when you need to spark your creativity!

To just give you a peek at the goodness that can be found there, we're sharing a link to her super-clever tutorial on making photo lanterns...enjoy!

Feeling Fuzzy this Friday?

This Friday's Link We Love comes from a crafty blog called Feeling Fuzzy.

Always full of inspiration and creative links, what we love most about her blog is the video Emma made on making paper flowers!

Look how pretty they are hanging in a row...

For weddings, birthdays or to top a special package, we think they're really lovely...and with Emma's help, we're off to whip up a dozen or so!

Christmas in the Cabin

We finally got our first real snow of the season earlier this week...the kind that really sticks around for more than a day. It was the inspiration I needed to finally decorate the cabin for the holidays.

On the front door, I hung a simple swag of boxwood. I collected the branches from bushes we have around the house and barn and then just tied them with a little twine and ribbon. As you'll see, I like to keep things simple in the cabin...

This is a bucket bench that holds my salt-glazed crocks and other odds & ends. Believe it or not, that's an old pig trough on top...I found it years ago in an antique shop. I filled it with more boxwood, pine, apples and dried oranges and added a wooden bowl of cranberries for a pop of color.

The dried oranges are easy to make...just slice an orange, place the slices on a cookie sheet and put them in a 180-degree oven. I left mine in overnight and in the morning they were perfect! I've hung them in the windows of the cabin...you'll see them below.

Hung by the chimney with care, these stockings are all ready to be filled. Next to the fireplace, I have an old-fashioned settle bench. The sides are angled in to keep the heat in...they sort of hug you when you're sitting there. I stitched up a little chair pad out of linen & straw and it's the coziest spot in the cabin!

This old sawbuck table is one of my favorite vintage finds. It includes the initials PD carved into the top, probably for the original owner, and a pair of holes at one end where a meat grinder was once attached. The centerpiece is very simple...a wool penny rug topped with fresh pine branches and my favorite pewter candlesticks. Here's where you can see the little bundles of dried oranges hanging in the window to catch the light.

There's my little tree! Simply decorated with cinnamon-applesauce ornaments that are so easy to make...and so fragrant! The shelves and dry sink are filled with more favorites...pantry boxes, baskets, pitchers, painted bowls and even a sap bucket. I love their rich colors!

Make your own cinnamon-applesauce ornaments...there's still time before Christmas!

Just mix 1-1/2 c. cinnamon with 1 cup of applesauce to make the dough. Place it between two pieces of waxed paper and roll with your rolling pin to about 1/8" thickness. Peel off the top piece of wax paper and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Add a small hole at the top of each shape with a straw or skewer and let them dry overnight, or until completely hard. You can also put them in a 150-degree oven for about an hour. Remove, cool and thread a ribbon through the small hole to hang. 

They really couldn't be easier...and they'll keep their scent for years to come!

Thanks for visiting my cabin!

It's Official!

Thanksgiving is officially behind us and you know what that means...it's time to decorate for the holidays! Last year, I took some photos of the finished decorations to look back at this year. I thought I might find some inspiration or maybe even come up with new ideas this year based on what I still like about last year.

Okay, maybe no one else thinks about decorating this much (I know Vickie & I do!) but I thought I'd share some of those photos and maybe add some inspiration to your weekend!

Love this little fruit tree...and it fits just right in the corner
at the bottom of the stairs!

You really can't have too much greenery...and poinsettias
are a must at our house.

Nothing says Christmas like the warm glow of the fireplace
and the little tree next to it reminds me of the frosty weather outside!

We'd love to see how you're decorating too...post some photos on our Page on Facebook or link to your photos here in the comments!

Happy decorating!