Up to my ears ...

... in coasters.

Still.




And probably will be for a few more weeks. Sigh... I'm really glad that they were so popular, but I would like to make something else for a while.

After I have completed all the map coaster orders, I will be cutting back on "makin' stuff". I need to spend more time with the kids and my waistline could use a little attention, too.

You Sunk My Battleship!

You Sunk My Battleship!
Originally uploaded by CarolinaCottage

Ahhhh.... vacation... time to play games, read on the front porch, watch movies....
I'm on vacation from my "real job" for 10 days and am lovin' it! We will be heading off to one of our favorite destinations, St. Augustine, on Wednesday. We can only afford to stay overnight, but a short trip is better than no trip.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

These little guys were featured in Etsy Finds on Sunday and I got loads of orders during the afternoon and evening. I haven't finished orders from the last feature a few weeks ago. Nice problem to have, some would say, but a bit overwhelming.

Thanks Etsy!

Photos I Love Today

Blue

I love all shades of blue; from the palest pastel to midnight blue. Some blue inspiration. From Desire To Inspire

The Back Yard

Our back yard is a boring disaster. I'd love to put down some pavers and maybe a shaded sitting area a little bit away from the house. Here are just a few images of yards I like.

Bench Idea For Patio

Bench Idea For Patio
Originally uploaded by CarolinaCottage

I love this bench idea for our patio. One under the dining room window and another near the grill.

Looks like it wouldn't be too terribly expensive to do.

Whatcha think, honey?

Covered In Fabric

Love these! I have bunch of old fabric from my mother-in-law. I could so do this!

The Poppies

I am so honored to have been nominated for the Poppies over at Poppytalk, one of my very favorite blogs. I was nominated in 2 categories: Favorite Handmade Crafter and Affordable Art. If you are so inclined, you can vote for me here

Scored some Pyrex

I FINALLY went to the flea market near our house. It's not one of the icky ones that resell sunglasses and purses. They mostly had old houseware - furniture, china, etc.

I was amazed to see that they had LOADS of lighting fixtures. I saw several chandeliers that I want. And some nice globes. But hubby talked me out of getting a globe for my collection.

I just need to find the red one...

Missing My Computer

Nikki
Originally uploaded by CarolinaCottage

Our home computer has contracted a very insidious virus. We can kinda work on the computer, but not without constantly moving windows that keep popping up.
I didn't realize how much I depended on that hunk of metal. I need to upload photos and list new items. I'll try to do that tonight and see how far I get before the "blue screen of death" takes the system down.
I wish hackers would use their talents for good instead of evil.

Sewing Pattern Tea Light Holders

Country Living magazine contacted me yesterday, asking for a sample of these tea lights:





Fingers crossed really hard that they make it into the Feb. 2010 issue.

Love these!

by Oscar Nunez

Map Trays As Gifts

For some reason, maps seem to resonate with people. I make quite a few map trays for birthdays, anniversaries and as wedding gifts. Visual reminders of places we've been, maps also offer us the opportunity to dream of where we would like to go.






Before I moved to Florida, I would pore over maps of the east coast, dreaming of which coastal town I would like to live in. The decision was made for me when I got a job offer in Clearwater, FL. Of course, I consulted the map I had to see how close to the coast I would be and what little towns were nearby.

Set Sail Tea Lights

Set Sail Tea Lights
Originally uploaded by CarolinaCottage

Newest in my line of decoupaged tea light holders.

$15.00 in my Etsy shop.

Before & After House Photos

House before we bought it last May.





House this May. We've done a lot, but still have more to do.

Dress Pattern Tea Lights

Dress Pattern Tea Lights
Originally uploaded by CarolinaCottage

The latest entry in my collection of decoupaged tea lights. I used vintage dress pattern to cover these. I think they turned out pretty good!

$15.00 for a set of 4

Dictionary Tea Lights

Dictionary2
Originally uploaded by CarolinaCottage

Brought to you by the letter M...

I really enjoy making these - it's fun to flip through the old books looking for cool images. This book is really fragile and the pages brittle. I kept tearing the paper, especially when removing some of the back. I decided to sell them anyway, because the images are really cool.

What letter shall I do next?

New At The Cottage

These started life as shadow boxes. There are two styles. One that is freestanding, one that is meant to hang on the wall. The hanging style will stand up if you tilt it a little and lean it against a wall.
Oh, and the bottom part of the frame makes a great place to display small pretties.



I think they turned out really well and are quite pretty.

$30 and $35, respectively, in my shop. Right now. As always, custom orders are welcome.

Computer Down!

Yikes! Our computer contracted a virus last night. I am almost to the point of panicking. I'm in the middle of stuff. Seriously, there is no good time for this to happen. Hubby is trying to fix it and I'm trying to figure out how to work around it. I guess I will have to bring my camera into to work to upload photos. Don't like doing that....

Please, oh, please...god of computers - come fix my machine!!