21
Feb

A Little Change: Giveaway Day

So I'm making a few little changes around here on the blog and one of them is in regards to giveaways.  While I absolutely love sharing new businesses and products with you all, I feel like my blog content has had too many giveaways over the last several months.  Promoting and growing small businesses is very important to me, as I am a small business owner myself, but I'm going to start doing things a little differently.The main reason I started this blog was to share my love for creating and hopefully inspire you all to want to create in your everyday life.  I … continue reading

19
Feb

On the Cutting Table: New Fabric, New Designs, Ect.

It's been a busy week over here.  Lots of things going on and trying to juggle my family, the kids, the blog and the business is always a challenge. This past week I finally decided it was time for me to bring in a little help so that I can prioritize some things in regards to my work-life balance.  The only people that have ever watched our kids since our oldest Savannah was born are family members.....mainly my in-laws.  But I decided to ask the high school girl from next door to come over two afternoons a week (for three hours each day) to play with the kids … continue reading

17
Feb

Inexpensive Wall Art ~ Decorating with Paper

I love when I find a great print that can bring an entire room together.  Usually I'm looking for it in the form of fabric, but when I can't find exactly what I want, sometimes I have to turn to other sources ~ like paper.Several months back I was shopping at my local Home Goods store and as I was going to check out this fabulous wrapping paper caught my eye.  You know how much I love patterned fabric so it was no surprise that I was drawn into this bold wrapping paper.  I needed some wrapping paper for a wedding shower gift, so I picked it up and it said $3.99 … continue reading

15
Feb

Guest Blogging at Project Run and Play: Creating a Signature Style

Today I'm guest blogging over at Project Run and Play discussing how to 'Create a Signature Style'.  If you've never checked out Project Run and Play, you must!  Think Project Runway for children's clothing.  I was lucky enough to compete in Season 1 and I'm so excited to be back.  The blog has under-gone quite the transformation since the amazing Elizabeth and Liz of Simple Simon & Co. have taken it over this last season.If you get a moment, come on over and say hello.(Click HERE)Have a great day! … continue reading

13
Feb

Savannah’s Orange Birthday Party ~ The Invitation

Miss Savannah has a real thing for orange at the moment.  It's her absolute favorite color.  Who knew she would be so en-vogue with her color selection? Seeing as though 'Tangerine Tango' is one of the Pantone Colors of the Year she is staying right ahead of the current trends.  Just kidding......she obviously doesn't have a clue about that, but I just thought it was kind of funny.Anyway, Miss S. is crazy for orange, so she decided she wanted an orange birthday party this year.  What does that mean?  It means that everything is going to be orange ~ the food, … continue reading

9
Feb

Happy Day Big Bow Dress ~ Pattern and Tutorial

Today I'm excited to share my tutorial for the 'Happy Day Big Bow Dress' with all of you.  I created two coordinating sister looks from this gorgeous fabric (see previous post here) - 'Sunny Happy Skies' by Riley Blake Designs.  The big bow dress is an easy, beginner sewing project that makes a big statement with the over-sized pocket and bow.  Yes, there are two button holes, but trust me, you can handle it! Make this dress for any holiday by changing up the fabric.  The dress can also be layered with long-sleeves and tights for the colder weather months.  … continue reading

8
Feb

Sponsored BabyLegs Giveaway: FiFi Ruffles

We've got another great new blog sponsor that has joined the crew here at The Cottage Home, please welcome the children's apparel website, FiFi Ruffles!A little bit from the owner of FiFi Ruffles......Hi, I am Kim Woitkowski, owner and founder of FIFi Ruffles. I am a mother of four and recently welcomed our first daughter 11 short months ago. Our first three children are “grown boys”, ages 18 thru 24. Growing up I was never a “girly girl”, however in my adulthood I began to adore little girls clothing and would find myself browsing those sections in the … continue reading

7
Feb

Guest Blogging ~ Riley Blake Designs ~ Tulip Petal Sun Hat Pattern and Tutorial

Today I am guest blogging over on Riley Blake Designs 'Cutting Corners' blog.I'm sharing a free pattern and tutorial for this hat:  This post is actually non-design team related as we had already scheduled this before the design team came about.  So I will have another tutorial up for the design team next month too!If you want to make your very own 'Tulip Petal Sun Hat' click over and visit Riley Blake Designs 'Cutting Corners'.  Click HERE to view the tutorial and print your pattern! … continue reading

6
Feb

‘Sunny Happy Skies’ ~ Coordinating Sister Dresses

So, as I mentioned about a month ago, I'm currently working with Riley Blake Designs on their Project Design Team.  And what is really fun about this new adventure is getting to work with lots of pretty new fabric to come up with projects for their blog.  Well, I happened to receive quite a bit more yardage of 'Sunny Happy Skies', so I decided to create two coordinating looks for my girls.The hat will be a free pattern and tutorial that I will have posted on the Riley Blake Designs 'Cutting Corners' blog tomorrow and the big bow dress will be a free pattern and … continue reading

4
Feb

Winner, Winner!

And the winner of the Heartsong Quilts Fabric Bundle is...........Congratulations, Cheryl!  If you could please email me at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com with your contact information, we will get your fabric out to you as soon as possible.Thank you so much to everyone who entered!If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of The Cottage Home blog, please email Lindsay at thecottagemama[at]gmail[dot]com for rates and additional information. … continue reading