Craft On! by Taylor

Just had to share my new craft room sign! I framed a crafty version of the increasingly popular Keep Calm and Carry On signs. It inspires me every time I enter the room!

Chevron tray by Taylor

I am a huge fan of the chevron pattern, but lately I have been seeing a lot of chevron done by hand and I love how it makes the pattern look slightly less perfect (you know us shabby chicers love the imperfect)! I tried it for myself on a wooden tray that I got at Hobby Lobby. First, I spray painted it gray. Then, I used yellow craft paint and a small sponge brush to paint zig zags onto the surface. It only took two coats of yellow paint and I was done! I have it in the guest bathroom now, and the yellow gives it a much needed pop of color. Now I can't wait to have someone come and visit so they can enjoy it too!

Check out a few items on etsy!

The cotton cottage has decided to sell online! Check out just a few handmade items that you can purchase without going to the antique mall!

The festival of tables by Hilary

Today I went to the table of festivals with my memaw,mom,aunt and cousin. We got to see so many ideas for table top decorations. I snapped a few pictures for everyone to see the great ideas that the women had. A special thanks for my Aunt San for inviting us all to go!
I hope you guys get some good ideas from the pictures! I'm dying to have my own table next year!

An Eclectic Mantle by Taylor

While at the Raleigh flea market with my good friend Katie a couple of weekends ago, I found some really interesting old frames. They were painted various shades of blue and the paint was chipped and peeling just like I like it! I decided to use them to make over my previously boring mantle (so boring that I didn't even bother to take a before pic- we r talking one picture and some old candlesticks). First, I looked online for some inspiration of what I could put with the frames so as not to overpower my mantle. Let me tell you, it is not easy to decorate a stone fireplace! After many trails and errors (and pix messages to Katie), this is what I came up with! I love how eclectic it looks! That's what's fun about decorating- putting unexpected things together and coming up with the perfect combination.

A trip to the flea market by Hilary

Despite the dreadful weather the hubby and I decided to spend our Saturday morning at two of the local flea markets (barnyard flea market and the hwy 161 flea market). One I didn't have much luck at, but the other two I found a few interesting and antique pieces! I haven't decided if I want to put them in The Cotton Cottage or paint and keep them for myself! I guess I will just have to wait and see! Here are my beautiful finds! Hope everyone has a fun & safe weekend!