HUGE Christmas Sale, 50% OFF Storewide....

Hi everyone, I'm going to have a 50% off Sale in my shop starting at 7pm tonight (26th November).

It will run all week and finish this Sunday at midnight.

There are some great stocking fillers and lovely gifts for everyone! Grab a unique handmade bargain while you can.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyShabbyCottage?ref=si_shop

Please use coupon code HAPPYCHRISTMAS in the checkout in paypal for your discount.

Happy Christmas!

Kathryn. xx



Happy Christmas

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas. See you in 2012!

Kathryn. XX

Kylie's Angels....and...Pay it Forward time......

Yesterday my little boys and I set off for Kylie's place for a Christmas catch up. It was great to see her and her lovely family. Our boys play so well together and my two came home very tired! Kylie gifted me with these two BEAUTIFUL Shabby Christmas Angels that she slaved over making especially for me.

 Aren't they gorgeous!

I love them, thank you Kylie! You can see a full round up of our visit here if you like.

Now, as it is the end of the year, I would like to say a really big

'Thank You'

 to all of my readers.

 Whilst I cannot possibly send a gift out to everyone that follows or reads, I am going to randomly select 4 lucky bloggers to receive a 'Pay-It-Forward' gift from me.

I have handmade items, fabric, embellishment packs, patterns and a whole array of goodies to share!

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post.

There are conditions of course! To be a part of the 'Pay-It-Forward' you must have a blog, be prepared to share the love and 'Pay-It-Forward' on your blog and link back here when you post about your 'Pay-It-Forward'. Pretty simple really.

I will leave this post open to everyone until New Years Day.

I am going to sign off now until 2011 and would like to wish everyone a very

'Happy and Safe Holiday Season' where ever you are in the world!

Lots of bloggy love, Kathryn. XX

Sebastian, Grandma's Fox.....

Ok, so I couldn't make my Dad his favourite animal and not make my Mum hers now could I?

So, I'd like you to meet 'Sebastian', he is a little stunned about being put forth into the public domain.

 He is a Sagittarius and likes to have his tummy rubbed non stop.......

 And he likes to be told that he is handsome fox!

 Turn around, don't be shy.......

That's better, now I hope you two get along because you are going to be spending a lot of time together from now on!

Pay it forward tomorrow....

Kathryn. XX

Seymor, Grandpa's owl....

Meet 'Seymor', he doesn't like being photograped. Can you tell?

He looks like a little school boy who does not want to do as he is told.

 Seymor was made for my Dad for Christmas.

Dad loves owls, so I hope he likes this one, even if he is on the grumpy side.....

 I know, you've had enough........

 Oh really, toe stomping now? OK, I get it.

Back on your perch Mr. Grumpy.

Insipration from One Red Robin here (amazing or what) and lots of images of the Great Horned Owl on Google!

Next week I will be having a "Pay it Forward" surprise to sign off for Christmas. Come back then!

Have a wonderful weekend, Kathryn. XX

Show us your Christmas Home......

I am playing along with Kerryanne's Simply Christmas idea "Show us your Christmas Home".

Welcome to 'Our Shabby Cottage' please come in!

 I made this wreath last year using a bamboo wreath with tinsle, small rope baubles, ribbon and fake poinsettias.

 Master 8 did most of the decorating this year. I think he did a really great job. These paper chains were made by him last Christmas and have lasted pretty well!

As you can see we still haven't finished painting!

 My Mum has made us all a beautiful Christmas Stocking over the years and I must say I love the traditional colours of Christmas. She also made our Advent Calendar which we fill with lollies and each one has a special trinket to put up after the box has been opened.

 Each stocking is personalised with things we love!

I love Bumble Bees so mine has a bumble bee button on it!

 I do love home made decorations, mostly made by our two boys at school! 

The Santa candle, I have had since I was a child and, it lovingly, comes out every year. 

 I really think Master 8 did a great job of the tree, don't you?

It looks wonderful at night with the lights on too.

Hubs bought the two little houses (top left) a few months ago, he never does anything like that! He was going to buy just one, when I said, 'If you are going to buy one you may as well buy two!" I think we will add to the collection every year.

And, most importantly, the Nativity.

We have two at our place, a really great Playmobile one which the kids love and a very special wooden one my Dad made for us.

I am looking forward to having a look around other people's homes today, I hope you will play along with us!

Stay tuned for a little suprise too......

Kathryn. XX

Christmas Angels....and something to crack you up!

I've been finishing off making a few more bits and pieces for the 'Buninyong (Christmas) Makers Market,

(which is on this Saturday, the 4th December).

I know, I wanted to finish last week, but I just can't help myself!

I wanted something cheap enough for children to buy with their pocket money.

I thought these little peg Christmas Angels might do the trick. I am yet to put their mouths on.

 $6 each or 3 for $15.

And, here is a little something to have a laugh at.

I bought something on ebay, from Hong Kong, and this was the little message tucked inside!

I hope you 'may happy every day too'!

Kathryn. XX

Nursery rhyme Christmas wreath......

After seeing the fabulous wreaths here last week, I had a bee in my bonnet to make one for myself!

This seems to be flavour of the month, this year, particularlly making them from old sheet music.

 I went on the hunt for old sheet music but came up empty handed so I decided a vintage nursery rhyme book would do the trick!

 It turned out to be a little on the big side as you can see with a comparison shot of the space around it!!!

And I found 'The twelve days of Christmas' within the pages so I used that as the fan circle in the middle.

Master 8 came home after school one night last week and exclaimed "Mummy, that is awesome!"

("Awesome" is his favourite word at the moment.)

It didn't take long to make either, very rewarding for not much effort. I used sticky tape to hold most of it together as well as a few staples. I'm sure there is a tutorial out there in blog land somewhere. If not, let me know and I'll do a quick and easy tutorial on how I did mine.

Kathryn. XX

Happy Holidays folks!!!

Just popping in quickly to say "Happy Christmas" to you all and may 2010 be a wonderful year for everyone.

We are spending our first Christmas in our new home with my parents and my Grandmother. It will be the first time my Grandmother, or Granky as we call her, will have seen the house. She turned 89 last Sunday and she still drives, lives at home and has a bigger social life than we do!

I've been "checking the list" off gradually today - the silver is polished, the crockery washed and ready, and the ham has been cooked. I really wish I could tuck into it today it smells so YUMMY!!!
I shall leave you with some pics from around the house.
The boys did the paper chains and most of the decorating.
My Dad made the Nativity scene a few years ago and it takes pride of place.
I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year.
See you all again soon.
Love, Kathryn. XX

Getting Stoned......

Now, that I have your attention.....it isn't us....

No, it's the fireplace!

Finally the stone was delivered and Hubs had some spare time....gasp!

Did you say "Spare time"?

This is some of what he did over the weekend......

That, of course was in between, tennis, a soccer semi final (Master 7's team did a fantastic job but lost) and Hubs' Mum's birthday - what is it with December birthdays? We have 7 in total - perhaps it was the onset of the colder weather in March? Mmmmm...
I did some sewing for the family room....

And I got stuck into doing some more painting. I do have an incentive - we have some curtains ready to hang.......and waiting....
And we said "goodbye" to friends who are returning to Namibia.

They have been here for 4 years and we befriended the family through school - they have children the same age as our two boys.

It is very sad to see them go, when we thought they would be here for good.

They have been wonderful friends.

Thank goodness for internet!

Few! I bet everyone else has been just as busy as we have.

It so hard to enjoy the festive season when everything is so frantic.

Stop, smell the roses - if you have any!

Kathryn. XX

Haywire.....

Some of you may have noticed that the website has gone a little haywire, ie. photos not appearing where they should be, text not in the right place etc...

I spent a good few hours yesterday trying to upload a stack of Rachel Ashwell and Cath Kidston buntings (see pic below) only to find it did not work after about 10 attempts. Frustration.

Anyway, as soon as hubs walked in the front door, last night, I pounced! He is pretty techno savvy but even he could not figure it out! End result, he deleted everything from the website and uploaded everything again, only to find that some things were fixed, whilst others were not.

So, if you are looking at the Home Decor or Newly listed items pages, the little pictures are not what they should be, but if you click on the images, you will be in the right place.

This pic was taken at the end of our wonderful dinner last night for our craft group.

It was a really wonderful night with lots of laughter, yummy food, Kris Kringle presents and great company. Thanks girls!

L-R Rachel, Annie, Janine (blogless), Alison (blogless) , and missing from the photo - Christine (blogless), Jeanette, Sue (blogless) and, absent Jodie.

After readng yesterday's post again, I realised that I have, in fact, made a few Christmas gifts this year.

Using Amy Butler's "Nigella" fabric, I made a few zippy purses/wristlets and a notebook cover for a few teachers at school.

It's blowing hot north wind (I should say gale) here today. I wonder if the kids will come home, from school, a little crazy this afternnon?

Kathryn. XX

More ticked off the list....

Last year, I stupidly decided to make something for everyone for their Christmas gifts. I nearly drove myself mad at the sewing machine and consequently didn't go near the thing for a month!

This year, however, I have bought everything.

And, I am well under budget and stress free!

I popped into Spoils (a local discount variety store) the other day, just to see what they had, and I found these cute little Kokeshi dolls. They were only $4.50 each! So, I bought 10!

Lots ticked off the list now - only two more to go.

I am off to my craft Christmas dinner tonight which will be fun. I have missed the last few catch up's with the girls. I must remember to take the camera!

Kathryn. XX

A total split.....

We discovered this had happened to the kitchen island bench a few days ago.

I know, how bad is that!

The Kitchen people were supposed to come and have a look at it today...it's nearly 3pm...do you think they will come? After a few "stuff-up's" with said Kitchen people, I would not recommend them to anyone. 'Nuff said.

Moving on.....

I made these today for the Christmas section of the website (which is still to be uploaded).

Time is running out, so I must get it together and do it, soon.

Thanks also to Katrina Chambers who passed on "The Splash" award to me some time ago. The Splash award is given to someone who is supposedly....

alluring,amusing,inspiring,bewitching and impressive!

Gosh, I've never been labelled those things in my life, so, how lovely!!!

Thanks Katrina!

Now to pass them on to 9 bloggers.....

You Sew Girl

The Pink Poodle

Itty-Bitty and Pretty - formally I can't sew

Vintage Mosaic Boutique

At Home with MelMel

Shabby Art Boutique

Tatting Chic

Flores as cores

Vintage Pretty and Shabby

Kids are back at school today. All is well.

Kathryn. XX

Updated....

The website has been updated this week with loads of new Dolls and finally some new Handbag Doorstops in great colours.

How many of you have started your Christmas shopping yet?

I have been slack in the blogging department this week with good reason, I promise. We have been mopping up vomit from two children for the last 5 days off and on - and in this incredible heat too - yuck.

Yes, we are a house full of sickos!

Anyway, all being well, tomorrow we are off to the beach for some fun and relaxation.

I really hope the sea air does us some good!!!!

I hope you have a great weekend, Kathryn. XX

They've kicked in.....

The antibiotics, that is!

I am feeling a lot better now and not coughing as much.

Thank you to all those kind bloggers who left me "get well" messages.

It's so nice to be loved!

So, feeling a little better, I managed to get stuck in to some sewing.

Having everything at my finger tips in the new sewing room makes life so much easier and, being away from the computer, a lot more productive! At the old house, the computer was in the same room as the sewing machine...not a good combination for productivity!!! But now, the computer is at the other end of the house and upstairs...need I say more!!!

I have finished off a stack of the simpler version Matryoshkas and they are on the website and etsy now.

And I have been trying to get a few things ready for the Christmas Section of the website too.

I think I am quickly running out of time though...only 6 weeks to go...but who's counting?

It was a revolting 38C yesterday and 32C today. Where did Spring go?

Hope you keep cool today...or warm...where ever you may be!

Kathryn. XX

My Creative Space.....

I'm joining in on "My Creative Space" today......

I have a lot of sorting to do, painting, shelving etc..... but this space is a dream come true!

Look, it's all contained in one room and not strewn all over the house like it was before!

I'm working on lot's of things to stock the shop for Christmas too so watch this space!

More "My Creative Space" fun over here.

The shower screen installers are here - yeah!

I know what I'll be having tomorrow morning!!!

Kathryn. XX

Back to it....

My task for today is painting our two downstairs bathrooms. We are finally having our shower screens installed on Thursday so it dawned on me last week that we had better finish painting the bathrooms before it is impossible to do so after the shower screens go in.

Having baths everyday was so great in the beginning, after not having many over our long and awful drought, but it really does wear off after a while and, now, I am longing for a shower!

So, this morning, I have puttied the nail holes and siliconed the gaps so that they are dry and ready for painting as soon as I have finished blogging this morning!

That's a pretty good use of time is it not?

Here are just a few little snippets of other happenings.

These were flowers from my parents' garden which Dad brought with him last time he was here helping us out. I say "were" because they are all dead now but they were beautiful while they lasted!

I cut out a stack of my Matryoshkas last week. These are a simpler version, to the others I have for sale, and will be a bit cheaper - perfect for Christmas presents or stocking fillers!

I will be adding the "Christmas" section to the website again very soon - as soon as I have finished a few more "Christmassy" flavoured goodies!

And, I will post a few photos of the house at a later date when we have actually finished something!!!

I hope you have all backed a winner in the "Melbourne Cup" today?
I think I like the sound of "Roman Emperor" trained by Bart Cummings.
Not because he is trained by one of the world's leading horse trainers but, just because I like the name. How girly is that!!!
I will have to remember to put the paint brush down at 2pm and watch it.
If you have the day off today, enjoy it!
Kathryn. XX

Hello Foxy....

About this time last year I decided to start my Christmas shopping. I wanted to get an early start as I knew I'd be busy and didn't want to have panic attacks at the last minute wondering what to buy/make people.

So where did I start shopping?

On Etsy, of course. "Woolpets" was one of the first shops on Etsy that I made a purchase from.

I purchased a few needle felting kits including the "Red Fox".

I gave my Mum the Red Fox kit as she loves foxes...

The last time Mum and Dad came to visit Mum presented me with her very first "Red Fox". Not bad for a first attempt. You can probably guess, by this first attempt, that my Mum is pretty clever with her hands too!

At first, I refused to accept it but then she said, "don't worry there's enough in the kit to make about 6 so I'll keep going until I get one perfect!!!"
I don't know about you, but I think this one is pretty perfect.
I haven't started my Christmas shopping for this year yet.
Have you?
Kathryn. XX

P.S. there is still time to enter my giveaway if you haven't already!