15
Jan

Week 1 Project Run and Play – Winter Wonderland

Project Run and Play starts TODAY!Our first weeks challenge for Project Run and Play (the blogger version of Project Runway for kids) was "Winter Wonderland".  I have to admit, when I saw this theme, I was 100% stumped.  I just couldn't wrap my head around it.  I think part of it was the theme being so wide open and the other part was that I was insanely nervous about what my fellow bloggers would be bringing to the table.  Have you checked out the competition?  There are some seriously talented ladies!But luckily, I am married to a very creative husband who … continue reading

12
Jan

Blackberry and Mustard Glazed Ham

This ham was SO good (if I do say so myself)!  I served this for Christmas Eve dinner for my family, my in-laws and my two sister-in-laws.  And even my husband, who would much prefer some type of red meat, absolutely loved it.  This recipe was given to my mom by someone she works with (Miss Mary) and then was passed onto me.If you're looking for a great, crowd-pleasing ham, this recipe will do the trick!Blackberry and Mustard Glazed HamServes 8-10Ingredients:1 6-8lb. fully cooked, spiral sliced ham1 jar (12 oz.) blackberry preserves1 jar (7 oz.) whole grain … continue reading

10
Jan

The Party Dress – Printable Pattern and Tutorial

  In case you missed my guest blog post on U-Create, here is my pattern for The Party Dress.  I've updated a few of the steps and tried to clarify some things people had questions about. In thinking about my guest post for U-Create, there really was no question in my mind what I wanted to do.  It had to be a dress!  I am very excited to offer this free printable pattern!  The Party Dress (size 18-month through size 5) is the perfect outfit for any special occassion - it's a birthday dress, a holiday dress, a church dress or even a modern flower girl dress.  … continue reading

6
Jan

Vintage Inspired Craft Room Organization

My mother-in-law has a great art studio in her home.  It is large, gets lots of natural light and she has so many neat supplies such as buttons, vintage linens, lace, fabrics, glitter, glues, pens, paints and the list goes on and on.For this past Christmas I wanted to make her a few things for her studio.  Most of these items were for storing her large collection of different trinkets that she uses on her Art Dolls.  I found these great vintage labels HERE and had fun turning these into pretty organizational supplies.With the new year upon us, I bet a lot of us … continue reading

5
Jan

Project Runway for Kids: Blogger Edition

I'm excited to announce that I will be participating in the first ever Project Runway for Kids (the blogger edition) called Project Run and Play.  Some of my favorite bloggers are participating and there is going to be some serious talent going on during this competition.As far as I know, the competition is going to work pretty much like the Project Runway that you see on TV.  Each week there will be a theme for children's clothing and we will have to submit pictures of our completed garments by the end of the week.  Over the weekend there will be a reader poll … continue reading

3
Jan

Tile Coaster Tutorial

There's nothing better than a handmade gift and this Tile Coaster Tutorial will do the trick! What better way to celebrate than with some fun, festive coasters.  These coasters are made from inexpensive tiles from the hardware store and are embellished with fun, designer scrapbook paper. Make these coasters as a gift or make them for your home - either way, they are sure to get noticed! Supplies: 4 square tiles from your local hardware store (4.25" x 4.25") 4 pieces of scrapbook paper (3.75" x 3.75") 4 pieces of felt (3.75" x 3.75") Mod Podge Sponge … continue reading

30
Dec

Top Ten Tutorials for 2010

Since we are heading into 2011, I thought I would take this opportunity to recap the Top Ten Tutorials on The Cottage Home this past year. It's been a fun experience going back through the posts of my first full year blogging! 1. Turkey Shirt Tutorial 2. Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial 3. Reusable Coffee Sleeve Tutorial 4. Ruffled Pillowcase Tutorial 5. Laptop Sleeve Tutorial 6. Ruffle Bonnet Tutorial 7. Embellished Hooded Towel Tutorial  8. Fabric Lid Jar Tutorial 9. T-Shirt Shrug Tutorial  10. Mason Jar Pin Cushion … continue reading

28
Dec

Felted I-Pod Cozy Tutorial

I wanted to share this post with you last week, but seeing as though this was a Christmas gift for my hubby, I had to hold off.  This I-pod cozy is made from the end of the sleeve of a felted wool sweater.  You can alter this tutorial to fit any kid of small electronic device - I-pod, I-phone, or use the entire body of the sweater and make one for your I-pad or Kindle.This present was given to my husband from his two little girls - the gift tag said "Dad, you rock!"Felted I-Pod CozySupplies:1 felted wool sweater sleeve (click HERE to learn how to felt)1 button1 … continue reading

27
Dec

Christmas Joy 2010!

We have had a wonderful holiday season this year and I hope you have as well! We had an extended Christmas celebration starting the weekend before the official holiday with a visit from my mom and her husband, Allen for what we called "mini-Christmas".  We then spent the rest of the holiday with our immediate family and my in-laws. Here are some pictures taken over the last several weeks of our Christmas: Christmas Joy 2010Mom and the girls did some holiday baking.  They made our traditional breakfast pastry called Swedish Tea Logs.  We have had these every year … continue reading

27
Dec

BlogHer.com – { What’s it all about? }

This is a compensated review by BlogHer.If you've visited my blog, The Cottage Home (or many other blogs), I'm sure you've noticed the advertising in my side-bar.  I am part of the BlogHer Publishing Network and I thought I would take a minute to tell you a little bit more about BlogHer.com.Aside from being a wonderful publishing network, BlogHer.com is the web's leading guide to the hottest news and trends among women in social media.  There are 75 contributing editors posting about a variety of different topics such as food, family, life and many more, all … continue reading