Sissie's Shabby Cottage

Pretty Pinks for Pink Saturday....

2012-01-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

This little chest of drawers was an ugly little thing. All brown and dirty and needing some serious love. I painted it a color called sour dough and a mocha glaze. Now she stands proudly in my booth waiting for a new home....

I placed a little ballerina display on the top. Furry pink hooded jacket, pretty pink tutu, little lamb totebag, ballet slippers and paper dolls.

And the pink brings me to the best part. It's Pink Saturday at How Sweet The Sound. Head on over there for some pretty pink stuff and leave some bloggy love.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

Mercury Glass

2012-01-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to show all of you my new mercury glass lamp! If somebody doesn't stop me pretty soon we are gonna have to wear sunglasses in the house due to all the bling!!!

Very beach inspired....

It's hard to see in the photo but the shade is the exact same color as the paris gray bombay chest. {oooh. I. Love. It.}

I bought it at Home Goods at a great price.

So I will never forget my ABC's I needed this....

Perfect for my kitchen.

It came from dailydeals@wuslu.com

Okay, that's it for today.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway.

~~big hugs~~

Sissie

I'm joining the party Potpourri Friday at 2805!

Pink tulips

2012-01-24T04:22:00.000-08:00

I'm admiring these lovely pink tulips that I picked up yesterday. I couldn't resist. They are so happy looking in this ironstone pitcher.
Even the sunlight is casting a happy glow on the diningroom bench.

Still playing with the blue/gray....

and trying to decide if if will stay or go....

A pretty teacup in shades of blue placed on the garden seat...

Made some paper cones for Valentine decorations in my booth.

Plopped in a glass vase they look kinda pretty...

Okay...it's time to get out this week and make, create, write, photograph, draw, paint or find something wonderful and share it with all of us.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway.

~~hugs!~~

Sissie

Showing some bloggy love with a giveaway!

2012-01-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

Okay all you sweeties.....it's time for a giveaway. It's just my way of showing you how much you mean to me and how much I appreciate you hanging in there and caring enough to read my posts.

"Mommie's blog has made me famous." ~ Gizzy~

Whenever I am asked, "what is a blog" and "why do you blog?" I have to smile because I know a secret. We have something to share and we can't hold it inside, we've got to get it out and if someone just happens to care enough and has the same interests then we become like minds. Like minds that openly share our loves, our passions, our art, our sadness, our happiness and our compassion.

Blogging is our creative outlet, a form of expression that we do through written words and photos. We give and we get. And what is the secret? Why is it a secret? It's unknown, unseen and a mystery because it can't be explained. It can only be heart felt. We get each other, we let one another be who we are....we are bloggers.

I also want to acknowledge my regular followers who do not have blogs but share the same spirit. There are many of you who visit me and comment on a regular basis and I thank you.

So my humble giveaway to you is a little french crown tray and two vintage pillow slips with monsieur and madame images.

All you have to do to enter is just leave me a comment.

If you want to follow along then I'd love that too.

I'll announce the winner February 1st.

~~big smooches and hugs~~

Sissie

One thing just might lead to another....

2012-01-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

Does this ever happen to y'all.....don't know why I'm asking because I know it does.
I spied this on my recent shopping spree.....
I love these garden seats. The price was right and the color is what I call a Paris Gray....and one thing led to another.

I do not have this color in my home, but I so love it. I can make it work I told myself, oh yes I can.

So this led to this....

Soft creamy ivory pillows with a silky paris gray long pillow with a bit of bling....

Paris Gray, soft creams and yellows go together, right?

I remembered I had these little beads. They look great with Ness's tags.

And, of course, another paris gray pillow....

Oh yeah, things are starting to look up....

just another pillow will do...

What do you think, is the paris gray working or not?

These items are on standby until you approve, that is if I haven't changed my mind by tomorrow!

So now you see how one thing can lead to another....and another....and another....

Don't worry, Mr. Sissie never notices until several months down the road, sometimes years!

I also placed my new found vintage mirror against the shelf.

I'm not sure how long it will stay there....

I submitted photos of my livingroom to Betsy Speert's Tuesday design questions.

If you missed her post you can catch up on it here.

She reviewed my room and gave suggestions on what she would do to improve the room. One thing she suggested was to add more stuff to the bookshelves and to include some artwork. I'm workin on it! I'll be sharing some of her ideas soon.

Later gators...

~~hugs~~

Sissie

Booth Fluffin....again.....

2012-01-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

I hope you are all staying nice and warm and cozy and working on your favorite projects.
I've been busy fluffin the booth and getting ready for the weekend. Last week's auction left me empty handed but never-the-less I've managed to find a few good things.

It's pretty much jam packed full from merging all the things from my booth that I closed....

I found this vintage record cabinet and it wasn't very pretty in its natural state. So a little antique white paint and she's pretty as a picture.

The mannequin is all dressed in her party clothes complete with angel wings....

Love these little bedside steps. I found these at a thrift and gave them the same antique white treatment.

I really love my little booth...it's so me!

Okay, that's it. I'm off to look at your blog and see what you been up to.

Now get out there and make, create, bake, sew, write, paint, repurpose, photograph and find something wonderful and share it with all of us.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

Dreaming of a playroom....

2012-01-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! You guys sure know how to make a girl feel better. You are all so encouraging and sweet. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. (smooch!)

You know ever since I was a little girl I've always wanted a playroom where I could create and be surrounded by all the things that I love. And now I finally have one. If you will remember I mentioned that my son had moved out of the bonus room and into the guest bedroom downstairs. This gave me the gigantic 500 square foot bonus room to use however I wanted. So, why not make it a combination guest room and play room for moi! Yes!

It's a work in progress. Right now only the basics are there. The beds, the rug, a few tables. No pictures or accessories. I'm still working on it. Things are kinda piled up everywhere!

It's a great place for me to hang and display all my pretty wedding gowns and party dresses....I love collecting these pretties....

I bought a metal clothes rack and hung a few on there and decided it looked pretty darn good.

The twin sleigh bed from one of the guest rooms has been set up...

The queen size bed has been set up and fluffed....

It still needs a head board and I'm still searching for the right one. The big window sure could use something. I'm thinking of a bedcrown with flowing sheer fabric.

I pulled this vanity table and chair from my booth to use in the playroom.

I'll also be setting up my sewing and work space up here too.

Just think. We could have a pajama party sleepover and play dressup!

I'll keep you posted on the progress. It's going to be fun!

~~hugs~

Sissie

I'm linking with Beverly's How Sweet The Sounds, Pink Saturday!

Yes, I'm a blog "slugg"

2012-01-13T04:20:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! I am a blog slugg....I haven't had much to talk about or show you lately and I'm feeling like a big slugg. Please forgive me.
Here's a sweet photo taken by Dianne at Miss Minnie's. It's a wonderful shabby mirror reflecting the pretty things in my booth. I love it.

Also, it saddens me that Peggie and I closed our booth at Fancy Flea. We did a great deal of soul searching and decided it was best.

We both will still have our booths at Miss Minnie's, which is by the way, a wonderful place to be.

Without going into details and whinning about it I'll just say that

sometimes we venture out and find in the long run that it's just not meant to be. So, we are now concentrating on one location.

Sure makes life easier.

If you'd like more information on the do's and don'ts of opening an antique booth go check out Collected Treasures for the Heart and Soul. Jana wrote a series of articles about this and it's great advice.

Look at this adorable photo that my sister Kim sent me of her and her sweet granddaughter....

I'm still working on my giveaway. I haven't forgotten.

I'm planning on going to auction tonight and hope to share some good stuff with you soon.

In the meantime, please forgive me for being a "slugg." This booth thing has really zapped me and I'm trying to recover. I know you understand.

~~hugs~

Sissie

Another mirror! Oh yeah!!

2012-01-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! I've come to the conclusion that no matter how hard I try, I cannot resist "just one more mirror!"
It's not that I like looking at myself, it's just that I love the way they open up a room, reflect light and take the place of artwork.
This is my newest love....

Very old, very ornate and already painted white...

I'm still trying to decide where I'll hang it.

Okay, that' it for now. Get out there this week and create, make, sew, write, photograph, cook, bake, repurpose or find something wonderful and share it with all of us.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

I'm joining the party at Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays! and Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday!

Kitties and Projects....

2012-01-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! Everyone around the household here lately seems a little sluggish. After Christmas blahs I think or it could be because it's colder here than usual.
Gabby's acting kinda strange....

Here kittie kittie, let me make you pretty...

She didn't like the idea of being adorned with a bow....

Gizzy didn't either....darn cats!

I decided a project would be a good idea. So I took two vintage tea towels and added some Graphic's Fairy Images.

This is an easy project.

Buy some iron on transfer paper by Avery. Found mine at Walmart. Buy the package that says for light fabric. Print your image and then iron it on. This is where it gets tricky. You have to iron and iron using quite a bit of pressure. When you think you've done it enough, do it some more. I didn't apply enough pressure on the bottom of the egg beater image and you can see it's a little muddled.

I redid the cover on this bench using drop cloth and another image from Graphics Fairy. I used the same method with the iron on image.

It's 100% kitty approved....

I hope I can get them to give it up.

Okay, I'm off to blog hop. I know you all have some wonderful projects and good stuff to be seen and I can't wait to find out.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

Baby it's cold outside....

2012-01-03T18:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! It's unseasonably cold here on the coast. Burrrrrrrrrrrr! Hope you are staying toasty warm.

Which brings me to this spot in my livingroom by the fire. Cozy and warm and oh so white! Also I'm showing off a new ruffled pillow that I just finished.

Just grab a cup of tea, plop down in this cozy chair and wrap up in the snuggly throw. Prop your feet up and start blog hopping....pure bliss!

Dining room chairs have been painted white. Um, now I'm wondering about the table!

Here's a look at the chalkboard I created for my booth....

and a desk that I found and painted...

That's about it for now. I forgot to remind you to get out there and make, sew, paint, photograph, write, repupose or find something wonderful and share it with us. So be sure that you do.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

Gettin it together for 2012....

2012-01-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Bloggerettes! My new year's eve was a very quiet one with pizza on the menu and bedtime early. I did manage to wake up a few minutes before midnite just in time to see the ball drop. I then fell right back to sleep. Party animal I am!!!

The living room is looking rather sad without all the sparkle and glitz of Christmas. I'm thinking this room needs something. Not sure what cause I just can't seem to get it together.

My next project is what to do with these huge windows. See the rods up there.....I'm trying to decide what kind of panels to make.

Any suggestions?????

Found this "thingee" at HomeGoods. Not sure what to do with it either....

I'm in one of those moods where I want to start redoing things around the house. I'm blaming it on the new year but I think it's been an ongoing obsession all year long. And it's all y'all's fault!

The problem is....I just can't seem to pull it all together like you all seem to.

Take for instance this photo....nothing underneath the cloches, the glass knob wall thing looks kinda odd and what's with the key dangling down....I just can't seem to get it together. Maybe the new year will find me full of creative ideas and a sense of togetherness. I sure hope so.

How bout you? Are you feeling that you've got it all together or will be gettin it together or already have it all together?????

I never make resolutions but I do tell myself that I'm going to try and do better and be a better person than I was last year.

My biggest achievement was losing 42 pounds and managing to keep it off. I did gain three pounds during the holidays because I allowed myself too many sweets. I'm back on track and

I'm hoping to take off at least 20 more pounds by spring.

I want to be a kinder and nicer person. I want to be a better listener. I want to focus on others and to be more understanding, patient and have more emphathy.

These are just a few things on my list that I'll be working on for the new year.

Most of all I wish you all a very Happy New Year that is full of love, peace and prosperity.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

I'm joining the party at Betsy Speert's Tueday Answers! and Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays

Love this one....and this one.....

2011-12-30T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! It won't be long til we tell this year goodbye and ring in the new. And, I can tell you that I'm looking forward to spending another wonderful and exciting year with you beautiful and talented bloggers. Oh how you have enriched my life and have kept me inspired!! You are a loveable bunch!!!

I'm still reminiscing about some of my favorite projects. I love this one...

And this one.....

And this one....

Oh, and this one....

Love this one....

Almost forgot....love this one too....

Okay, I know you've had enough, so I'll stop at this one.

Isn't it great to have all your projects documented?   Just stop and think how wonderful it is that as a blogger we have a history of our creations and thoughts at our fingertips! Pretty amazing don't ya think!

I'm still trying to come up with my giveaway. I want it to be something that you bloggers will really want.  I want it to be special and I haven't forgotten my promise. I hope to announce it soon.

However you celebrate the New Year, please make it a safe and happy one!

                                                    ~~hugs~~
                                                     Sissie

One of my Favorite Projects for 2011

2011-12-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes. I'm joining the party at Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesdays and showing my favorite project for 2011.

It is without a doubt, hands down.....the redo of my entryway bombay chest.

It went from this.......

To this.....
Painted gray with a mocha glaze....

Then I added these shutters found for $5. each....

The finished look....

I have several favorite projects for 2011 but this one I think I can live with for awhile....well at least until I get another idea from you bloggers!

Be sure and stop by Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesdays and check out all the good stuff.   I'm also joining the parties at Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays ! Lots of good stuff going over there too. And, Ivy and Elephants What's It Wednesdays!
                                                   ~~hugs~~
                                                    Sissie

Gettin back in the groove.....

2011-12-26T14:44:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! What did I do Christmas eve....why painted my dining room chairs of course!!! With all the holiday shopping, decorating and cooking out of the way, I managed to have a little down time. So, what better to do than paint something!!

These chairs have been dark mahogany too long. So, a little heirloom white and I'm loving them.

Two down and two to go!

Okay, time to get ourselves back in the groove. So get out there and create, sew, photograph, paint, craft, write, repurpose or find something wonderful and share it with all of us.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2011-12-23T04:09:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! It's winding down time and time to relax, enjoy and have fun with family and friends. I have been so wowed by all of your Christmas and holiday decor. You are the most talented bunch. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such nice comments and for sharing your beautiful life. I'll now leave you with one final find... then I'm taking a little holiday break and will be back soon.

I thought I'd show you this very sweet vanity stool that I bought from another dealer, (thank you Dianne)! I just love it and I'm not sure I'll be parting with it anytime soon.

If she had wings, she'd be an angel.....so I gave her some.....

I'll be back next week with a giveaway, so be sure and stop by.

In the meantime....Merry Christmas from Gabby....

Hey Gizzy aren't you going to wake up to tell everyone Merry Christmas.....I know, too much eggnog and too much gift wrapping....

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Bi g Pu f f y H u gs...

Sissie

Angel Wings

2011-12-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! I hope you haven't totally exhausted yourselves and that you are saving room for some Christmas fun. Can you imagine how exausted that Santa Claus must be on Christmas morning! Poor guy sure works hard and just think how careful he has to be when he comes upon a blogger's livingroom! Whoa Nellie......better not mess up anything and walk lightly or else he just might find himself on somebody's post....

Meanwhile.....I have been playing around with my angel wings.

I've had them everywhere and now they are in the kitchen on the bar stools.....

This is a view looking back into the livingroom. Just shows you how open my home is and how hard it is to decorate.

I found these wonderful plates at Home Goods. I told y'all that I went on a shopping spree...

Sorry pics aren't so great. The light in the cabinet caused a glare but I think you get the idea.

Let's get out there and sew, paint, photograph, write, crochet, knit, repurpose, craft or find something wonderful and share it with all of us.

And......in between all of this remember to stop and enjoy the season.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

Joining the party at Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays! and Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesdays!

2011-12-16T17:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! My Christmas tree is really small this year, but never-the-less it's kinda sweet.

I like how it sparkles at night....

I added a little glitter and bling to the dining room chandelier....

Spent some time at Home Goods for some retail therapy.

Had to have this mercury glass jar...

And, this pretty french image canvas print that's blending beautifully with the french crown...

Had to have these cute french trays too. Just love the crowns.

I hope that all of you are enjoying the Christmas and holiday festivities. It's such a special time of year for giving and sharing and for enjoying time with family and friends. So, no matter how you celebrate I hope that your heart is flooded with happiness and love.
~~hugs~~
Sissie

Some Little Birdies told me.....

2011-12-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! These little birdies told me that you are really busy. Oh really! I said. Imagine that! The same little birdies didn't run fast enough so I glittered them up!

This is the breakfast room area where I just threw together a quick arrangement. I found the little birds, painted them white and gave them some Christmas cheer. I told you nothing was safe around here these days.

I've also been working on some things for my booth.

I just finished adding french images to these vintage pillow slips.

I repurposed a wooden mirror into a fabulous shabby vintage chalkboard. Hard to part with this one.

Gizzy has been busy writing her Christmas Cards...

Okay that's it for now.

Remember to slow down a little and enjoy the season.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

Decorating for the Holidays

2011-12-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! Are you having fun decorating for the Holidays?

I am in awe of the beautiful trees and decorations that I'm seeing here on the blogs. Y'all rock!!!

Nothing in my home is safe from a little adornment this time of year.

I've noticed the kitties have been hiding too. Here kittie kittie....don't you want to wear a bow for Mommie.....

I love putting wreaths on different things....like this pillow. Looks pretty cute, don't ya think!

I've collected Lenox Christmas pieces for several years and here are a few of my favorites....

I can't help showing off my pink vintage ornaments. The pink is getting harder to find.

That's it for now.

Stay tuned for a giveaway coming up soon.

Now get out there and create, make, sew, craft, photograph, write, crochet, knit, paint and find something wonderful and share with all of us.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

Believe Jars....

2011-12-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! Oh my, but have you noticed there is so much inspiration here in Blogland. Looking at all of the Christmas and holiday decor keeps me in a state of wanting to add and change everything in my home! Somebody help me.... my creative senses are on overload and my head is exploding from looking at all the wonderful stuff that you create. Sometimes I see an idea so wonderful that I have to leave my computer and check to see if I have what I need to create a similar look! LOL!

All this sensory overload led me to creating these.....little "believe" jars filled with snow and bottle brush trees.

These are so much fun to make. Just take a glass container, add some epsom salt, some Martha Stewart tinsel glitter and little trees and beads. I printed out the word "believe" and it seems like the perfect finishing touch!

This one was inspired by the mermaid ornament that I had.

A glittered shell and some shell garland is just what it needed.

This one is my favorite. It just sparkles and glistens...

Now, will y'all stop it with the creativity already.....I need a break!!!

Have a wonderful weekend.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

So glad you stopped by....

2011-12-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! I'm so glad that you stopped by. I'd love to show you what I've been up to lately. I just finished painting this cute little counter top cabinet. It's sort of shabby with a touch of rustic in all the right places. I think it was intended to be a jewelry cabinet, but I it could be used in so many different ways. It went to the shop today and I hope someone will love it enough to give it a home.

There's always time for ruffles.....so I've been making a few.

Long, flowy ruffles and burlap....lots and lots of burlap.....

And a little mannequin to hold my LuLu necklace!!!

I added some fresh greenery on the kitchen counter....smells so good!

So, whatcha been up to???

I'm coming around to see.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

I'm in the mood to link up with Primp Your Stuff Wednesday! and

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Getting a start on the Dining Room....

2011-12-04T15:33:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! I sure picked a bad time to get sick, but hopefully I'm on the mend. Gizzy did such a great job doing my last post and she sure appreciated all the sweet comments and so do I. You are all such a lovely bunch!

I did manage to get a start on my dining room decorating. Not finished yet, but a start.
I could not resist these angel wings. I ordered them from ustoy.com.
I only ordered two because I wanted to be sure of the quality. I'm now going to order two more because they are really pretty.

The angel wings inspired me to go with a soft white and silver look.

Even the snowy reindeer has angel wings. I found these small angel wing ornaments at Pier1. Instant love!

I gathered up my vintage pink ornaments and some of my newer pink ornaments and put them in a glass bowl.... Love it!

Every year I say that I'm not going to buy anymore Christmas decor....and what do I do....buy more of course. I just couldn't resist this cute Merry Christmas metal garland.

See the little angel wings hanging on the feather tree. Love it!

Okay, I'm off to a good start. I'll keep you posted as I progress.

It's amazing what some antibiotics, rest and chicken soup and tons of Puff tissues can do for a sick Sissie girl.

Get out there and create, make, sew, photograph, write, design, paint, craft, crochet, knit and find something wonderful and share it with all of us.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

I'm joining the party at Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays

It's Me Gizzy stepping in for Mom.

2011-12-02T15:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes....it's me, Gizzy. Mommie has not been feeling so good lately, which means that I am low on treats. She has been looking kind of like I do here, only not quite as pretty....

She's sneezing and coughing and whinning and to tell you the truth, I've never seen such a big baby.

So, me being nice and all I decided to write her blog so she will quit worrying.

Here's a Christmas pillow that she made. I'm not allowed to get any kitty hair on it. Personally I think it would give it some character.

I'm going in and check on her now and maybe give her a kitty kiss or two. She likes that. I'm sure hoping she feels better soon because like I said I've been low on treats....I'm feeling weak....I'm so sleepy.

She'll be back in a few days. The doctor gave her some ear and throat medicine, I hope it works. I'm fading fast.....

~~meow~~

Gizzy

Working on the Mantle....

2011-11-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggerettes! I worked on my mantle over the weekend. I'm still not sure if it's the look I want. Who knows, by next week it might look entirely different.

Just lovin my new mirror. I haven't hung it yet, it's just leaning and I might just leave it that way.

Just added a few more things to the mantle here. Beaded stands, bulbs.....

I love these sweet little houses. I just plopped them on a tray, added some fake snow and instant snow village.....

Okay, that's it for today.

Now get out there and create, write, sew, paint, photograph, craft, knit, crochet, repurpose or find something wonderful and share it with all of us.

~~hugs~~

Sissie

I'm linking with Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays at Coastal Charm! and Wow Us Wednesdays! and No Minimalist Here Open House Party