The Come Home Cottage

Hands to Work, Hearts to God

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:55:00 +0000

I am eagerly anticipating the blossoms this year! It will feel so wonderful when the fresh blossom filled air hits my face. Share your favorite spring photo with your friends today. It just might warm you both.

Kitchen Makeover Before & After Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:58:00 +0000

After much time, I've decided to give in and post on my kitchen makeover progress. I successfully painted the kitchen cabinetry, Tim installed the flooring, we painted the walls, and purchased bead-board. We have yet to complete the bead-board and trim installation, but our progress is satisfying and enjoyable to see. So, please enjoy!

The details of my kitchen makeover materials can be found by following my Kitchen Makeover Link

Before & After:

Waiting for the makeover:

Cleaning and Prepping:

Original flooring, and my broken oven (it's still waiting for retirement).

Ready to be primed:

A few coats of Primer:

A few coats of Butter Yellow Inside:

Future work includes replacing these panels with white Bead-Board

I lightly spray painted the hardware 'antique white' to allude a distressed look:

Original hardware, with a new look.

I hadn't noticed before the makeover, but the handles are Fleur de Lis.

Butter Yellow walls

Cabinet makeover Complete!

Since the painting of the cabinetry, the flooring has been layed, and the existing trim painted white. We will be mounting base board as soon as the weather permits our working outside with the saw's.

The countertops will be replaced completely. I like butcher block, Tim prefers stone. Once again, to be continued...

Come home soon!

~Ambrea

Cutting the Ribbon

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Glister Glass

Stained Glass You Love and Can Afford!

Glister Glass is now open!

Please come by to join me as I celebrate my Grand Opening!

www.LolliShops.com/GlisterGlass

Hands to Work, Hearts to God

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:08:00 +0000

A Shabby Little Pumpkin Patch

These are the cutest idea I've come across all season! I found the free pattern at Schlosser Design and could hardly wait to pick out some Shabby Sweet fabric.

I chose some adorable pink polka dot fabric that was on sale at Jo-Anne's.

Just to prove how easy this is:

I don't sew.

I don't know how to sew.

I sewed these.

They turned out cute.

Point stated.

I was so inspired by the sense of accomplishment I gained from these cute little punkins that I tried my hand at the ruffled pillow you see in the background (also polka dotted).

I just love these and can hardly wait to get to work on expanding my very own

Shabby Little Pumpkin Patch.

Make some of your own,

and as always,

I recommend giving some away!

Come Home Soon,

~Ambrea

The View from Come Home Cottage

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:56:00 +0000

This is an early morning view from the front steps of Come Home Cottage.

Peacefully sleeping under that foggy blanket lies the quaint little village of New Glarus.

Andalusian Dreaming

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:55:00 +0000

Today I am just sharing what has been on my mind and in my dreams of late.

There is no other creature on earth that elicits the wonderment that does an Andalusian stallion.

Hands to Work, Hearts to God

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:09:00 +0000

A girl should never shop alone! Call up your close friends and set a recurrent date to get together for a monthly day of Antique Shopping. You will come home with your heart and hands full of treasures!

Twice is nice, if at half price!

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:16:00 +0000

The nightmare is coming to an end! After Four Seasons discontinued my order just days from the ETA, I have been a bit 'gun-shy' and worn out on the sofa issue, but, finally, I bit the bullet for the second time! I have now ordered a second sofa group! This one is from the Taylor Scott Collection and is fittingly called Emma. I might have ordered it just for the name!

It's actually a group I have had photos of for the last year or so and frequently drooled over them never imagining that I would be able own the collection myself. Again, the order is done in beautiful white; this time a higher grade that is much nicer! I also tested this fabric and did remove Mustard and Rust (sorry no before or after pictures)! The fabric is beautiful Italian White.

Italian white

Italian White Closeup

The pieces will be finished in a ruffled skirt and include a

Sofa, Love Seat, Ottoman 1/2, and swivel/Gliding Chair. I'll post photos of the set in my home as soon as it arrives ( in about 6 weeks)! I am so excited! For now, enjoy this cottage confection from Not Too Shabby:

If only in London...

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:27:00 +0000

The Chic Shack is perfectly my style; Take a peek at some cottage confection:

Don't get too attatched; They are in London!

What have THEY done?

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:28:00 +0000

Bad News! I got the call yesterday from my sweetie telling me that the furniture company called and...they can NOT produce my furniture order!

I guess they changed their patterns and discontinued the Zoe collection. We cancelled the order!

I am so surprised and disappointed because I received an e-mail last week saying that the order was in production and would be shipped out the 1'st week of September--NEXT week. I have been cleaning and arranging in anticipation of the coming delivery. So, It's back to square one. We had a big party planned too for mid-September just so we could have our family & friends over to see what we've been doing to the house! Now, there's no where to sit!

On the bright side, it's nice to know that this is the biggest disappointment in my life right now! The Lord has his hand in everything- even my couch order!

Elegant Whimsical Playtime

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:13:00 +0000

Today I have joined the challenge to write about a newly 'invented' style called Elegant Whimsy. I didn't think I was whimsical AT ALL, until I joined up with Lolli Shops and was introduced to ELEGANT Whimsy. Here is how Laura Bray, guest blogger at Lollis Shops Blog, describes the beautiful style:

"It’s sparkle and whimsy on the least expected item. It’s using old teacups as curtain tie backs and salt & pepper shakers as tassels. It’s having peanut butter & jelly sandwiches on your wedding china."

I'm kind of a chicken when it comes to decorating. My whole house is decorated in the same soft, smooth yellow, bisque, and sage colors repetitively with accents that match. I have always loved Elegant touches, but failed miserably when I tried to blend them with my cottage side...Until now! I am very inspired by the artists I have met at the Lolli Shops Guild and have renewed hope for an Elegant Whimsical Cottage! So, I have allot of work (and shopping- yah!) to do adding some of these touches to my home, but for now I'll just settle for a little Elegant Whimsical Playtime with the little ones I love most.

My children and I are having a Lego party today; Elegant Whimsy style, complete with a crystal cup of milk!

Lolli Shops Photo Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:15:00 +0000

If your dying for a sneak peak at the fabulous Lolli Shops here you go! These are products from the Fou Fou Fantastic Vendors

Lolli Shops Shocks The World!

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:27:00 +0000

I am so excited! I was accepted as a Lolli Shops Vendor of Fanciful Creations!
Thank you Kim at the Twice Remembered Cottage for posting about it.

It is my first time selling within a marketplace and I have a million twinkling ideas swirling around in my head!

If you appreciate high quality and beauty you are not going to need to shop anywhere else! I'm constantly gasping when I look at the PHOTOS of the items my fellow artisans have created! Sadie Lou Who is pure genious and leaves nothing to want in her website and designs. You will be just as impressed as I if not more! See you at the Grand Opening and ENJOY!

Ribbon Dirveways

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:51:00 +0000

I have a taste for a style that is so far from the typical 'Ranch' it's humorous! One of my favorite styles on driveways is the ribbon driveway. They remind me of a well worn path taken by carriages. It's not often that I drive past a home that has one and I like them all the more for how rare they seem to be.

I am working my magic on Tim to try and convince him of the curb appeal one will bring to our home's plain and simple facade. I have a small collection of photos and particularly love the ones that are constructed of cobblestone! Please leave a comment with a link to your pictures on this topic!

I know this first one is not a 'ribbon', but it's beautiful!

Carriage Style

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:29:00 +0000

When we really put our noses to the grindstone last fall, we decided to concentrate on the interior . Of course the 109+ inches of snow through the winter helped to seal the deal. But now, it's taking so long that we have to turn our attention back to the exterior for much needed repairs before winter strikes again!

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that when the garage door starts falling to pieces on your head when you pull it closed, ITS TIME to go.

So, here we go...I have dreamed about a carriage door for my little 'cottage' with real swing out doors like this one here:

The problems here are of course #1, cost, and #2 our winters. Even with an electric opener, we would have to shovel and chip away ice and snow every time it flurried to keep the area in front of the doors open and clear. 'A picture's worth one thousand words':

So, as bittersweet as it is, we have ordered an overhead carriage door. I really am so excited. I looked and looked for the best price on a door that will give our house character, at an affordable cost. Thank you Tim for being such a likable guy! He managed to negotiate and got us the door we loved for over 25% less than the normal price. You've seen ads from Home Depot and Lowe's for what? A big whopping 10% off? Yeah, not too exciting. So, you can see why were so happy to have gotten a deal like this.

Here's the door we ordered:

We will have spade hinges on the doors to give the appearance of carriage swing out style.

We have a standard 16'x7' door so there will actually

be a set of doors together as one panel like shown on the right here:

Our door is coming finished all white, but we may paint it later on to coordinate with the color trim and siding we choose.

Tim & I plan to add an arbor like these pictured below.

Isn't this beautiful?!

What a great way to add character!

WHAT HAVE I DONE?!

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:51:00 +0000

Okay, I am totally insane. For the record, I agree with all of you who are going to gasp and criticize... you are completly justified. Here's why:

I JUST ORDERED A SOFA SET---IN WHITE!

I keep laughing out loud at how rediculous I am and keep repeating "what did I do". Here's the thing, I love white shabby cottage. My Mamma taught me "never buy something you don't love"...this is your fault, MAMMA! (I never call her mamma-it just sounds funny!)

I tried to find a fabric, out of hundreds, that I loved that would also stand up to my 4, yes I said F-O-U-R, dirty, precious, little children. I just keep going back to white or almost all white or white with green toile. But you get the point, white is white.

I was just about to order the sofa I love in a fabric that was okay, when I decided to test some household products on the white sample I was given to keep. I had noticed that it was 100% acrylic, stain resistant and could be used indoor or out while still giving the look and feel of soft white cotton.

So, I went to the fridge and pulled out the 'gunk'. I cut a strip of fabric and began to dirty it up. I added the following yummy ingredients:

~Worcestershire Sauce

~Soy Sauce

~Mustard

~Tomato

~Blueberry

~Green Food Coloring

~Peanut Butter

~Kool-Aid

~Chocolate

~Pen

~Red Marker

~Blue Marker

~Black Marker

~Tea

~Coca Cola

~Barbeque sauce

~Pomegranate juice

~A couple other things I can't remember

I let it air dry over night and my husband thought I was crazy!

Next morning I jumped right out of bed and headed straight for the kitchen sink. My beautiful multicolored fabric, which by the way smelled just, ah, lovely, was nice and dry with a little stickyness near the soda and PB.

You would have been amazed to watch as I turned the faucet cold and ran the swatch under the tap. All the gunk just seemed to flow right out. I rubbed

a bit to get the peanut butter residue off and added a drop of dishsoap to get the smell out. I rinsed it and not more than 1 minute had passed from start to finish.

Viola my white fabric was beautiful! Oh, the marker spots: the pen came out almost completely. The red marker came out, the blue marker faded allot as did the black. I'm assuming that with results like this from 1 minute of cold water and a drip of dish soap, that there is hope for a dry cleaner or washing machine (yes it's machine washable too!).

So, I'm in heaven but still very nervous.

Here's the specs:

This is the Zoe Tight Back that I ordered in White

It will have a full ruffled skirt that touches the floor.

I purchased the Zoe Slipcovered Sofa group by Four Seasons Furniture which includes the following pieces:

Sofa, Loveseat & Ottoman 1/2, Chair & Chair Ottoman

(All these pieces will be finished with a Tightback pillow, ruffled skirt and ruffled pillows)

I am so nervous. It is the biggest single purchase (outside a house and car) that I have made, so it took me a long time to finally decide. I went with what I love, and I'm banking on love to cover a multitude of stains!

Incline White 'Outdura' fabric

100% Acrylic

Cottage Style Stained Glass Store

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:05:00 +0000

The Pink Peony

Cottage Greetings! I am very excited to report that my Cottage Charm Giveaway has been completed and shipped to this years winner! Because of the great response to the giveaway and due to the many requests, I have completed a duplicate panel to offer up for sale!

This handcrafted stained glass panel is a beautiful, cottage style, Pink Peony. Here is the stained glass panel which is available for purchase:

This hand made stained glass panel is constructed using the traditional Tiffany Style copper foil method. Each piece was hand cut with the exception of the four corner bevels and the center round bevel. The outer 6 pieces are hand cut using a beautiful creamy green glass. The pink peony petals were cut using a soft peony colored iridized glass that has a very soft shimmer. The petals are surrounded by a clear textured glass. The dimensions are approximately 16" wide by 10"tall. There is a chain attached at the horizontal corners for immediate hanging. (Do Not Hang The Chain by Suction Cups! One humid day and down she'll come!) Hanging is recommended by screwing 1-2 small hook's into the desired location; usually the casing of a window.

The piece has been treated with an antique patina giving the panel an 'antique' feel and was then finished with a soft wax to give the solder lines a rich luster.

Price: Contact me for the current cost for the hand made panel. My pricing includes standard UPS insured shipping to the 48 continental United States (Additional shipping is available at an extra charge for other locations). OUT OF STOCK. All orders will be accepted with a two week construction and shipping period anticipated.

No sales tax is charged. I am more than happy to ship to other locations and countries at the buyers expense.

To Order, Simply email me or post an order request under the comments for this piece being sure to leave a method of contact.

Payment:

To ensure security and efficiency, I accept payment via Pay-Pal and will e-mail a secured invoice once an order is requested. If you prefer other payment methods, I am willing to discuss those once your order is placed; just let me know.

As with all handcrafted items, some imperfections are normal and add character to the craft.

Hands to Work, Hearts to God

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:42:00 +0000

Are your spring flowers blossoming? Why not take a moment to clip a fresh bouquet as a gift for your mail carrier?

Simply:

~ Tie the bouquet together and attach a quick note saying something as simple as:

"Have a lovely day".

~Wrap the stems first with damp paper towel and follow by wrapping the wetted towels with cling wrap. (If you have any leftover ribbon, wrap it around the cling wrap and finish it off with a bow)

~Place the lovely bouquet in the mailbox, leaving the lid open. Flip the flag up and you have just left a lovely surprise sure to make a difference in any ones day.

You never know what someone may be going through today. If you ever feel compelled to do a kind deed, follow through. The smallest gesture may have a lasting impact.

A Dream Victorian

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:02:00 +0000

I find myself never being able to decide on a definite decorating style. Here's my interpretation of my favorites:

~Shabby Cottage: Slipcovers and white linens. Pink roses and teacups.

~French Country Cottage: Fleur de Lis and arched doorways. Split rail fences covered in overgrown rose shrubs. Cobblestone paths and ribbon driveways.

~Equestrian Cottage: Like living far away in a fancy, girlie barn with lots of chandeliers, white washed timbers and a beautiful white Arabian Stallion. In this fascination I'm blond and thin and my cotton dress flows with the wind as I gallop away on the back of my magnificent steed...a girl can dream!

~Cape Cod: Living on the beach covered in sand and the smell of salt-water. I love the look of glossy sea weed that was just carried to the shore. It's a memory I took with me from my childhood near the coast in California. Oh, and Bogenvia consuming a tall white trellis.

and then there's

~Victorian...ah how beautiful. I guess because I find Cottage more live-able, I always steer away from the fineness of Victorian style. But it's a style that I love every time I see it.

No Victorian home has ever captured my attention like the one that follows. It's muted (no dark old colors) and so functional. "I'll take two please!". I hope you enjoy this beautiful home built by Zeigler & Company.

Click Here for more photos and the floor plan.

Hands to Work, Hearts to God

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:50:00 +0000

Make a wonderful little cottage garden box from an old dresser drawer. Simply drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and paint it a beautiful cottage color with outdoor paint. To finish off, fill it with some fertilized garden soil, split some large flowers from your garden and viola! A beautiful gift that was homemade with love!

Daisy's 'New' Rocker

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000

To kick off the summer, I finally went out thrift shopping this past Saturday. I hit a cottage & bungalow neighborhood garage sale (lots of junk, but gorgeous old homes) and then the most beautiful little store called The Cottage Goddess, in Paoli WI. I drive by it nearly every time I go into town, but never stopped before. I am so glad I did. She sells (excellent prices) all things refinished, refurbished & reconditioned. This gal does all the work herself and look what she did to this little old rocker I bought for my sweet little Daisy:

Oh how I wish she had one in my size so I could rock and kiss my little babies too!

AND THE WINNER IS......

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:04:00 +0000

JALAL

Your comment: "I dream of a tub like this!" was drawn from my basket!

Thank you to all who visited and left comments at The Come Home Cottage! I have enjoyed reading each and every one as well as following you back to your blogs!

Please, Come Home again Soon!

Hands to Work, Hearts to God

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:36:00 +0000

If you have much, give of your wealth; If you have little, give of your heart.

Next time your in the mood for a little hand stitching, use this uplifting saying on an old piece of fabric you have hidden in your linen closet. What a sweet gift for a parent who has always been there for you!

'Old' Clawfoot Tubs

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:29:00 +0000

This is such an idyllic photo

Beautiful clean lines

The ledge is so practical, and look where they hid the throne!

This one is great for a cottage/cabin compromise. I'm cottage, my sweetie is cabin.

What a useful bathroom

This one is great use of a small space- I love the corner placement!

Here is a very formal use for a classic tub

Beautiful and easy to clean around

Close your eyes and you can almost feel the hot bubbly water creeping up to your neck!

There is beautiful character in these great tubs.

My wishful plan is to gut the whole entire main bath and re-plan the layout with one of these gorgeous double soaker tubs sitting as the focal point of the room.

The best practical feature of these tubs would be the length. Most are a good depth too.

Hands to Work, Hearts to God

noreply@blogger.com (Ambrea @ Come Home Cottage) — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:38:00 +0000

Summer is upon us! Make up a delicious pitcher of this old fashioned lemonade to brighten your day! It's a great opportunity to spring out your favorite old pitcher!

Old Fashioned Lemonade

~4 lemons, thinly sliced ~ice cubes

~3/4 c. sugar ~ 4 c. cold water

Garnish: additional lemon slices

Place lemons in a large non-metal bowl;

sprinkle with sugar and let stand for 10 minutes.

Add water, stirring and pressing lemons.

Discard lemon slices and serve lemonade over ice.

Garnish with additional lemon slices.

Makes 4 servings