Fishtail Cottage

February Second Saturdayz Find…

2012-02-22T18:59:00.000-08:00

I love visiting the local Second Saturdayz flea market ~ sometimes when I arrive, I am overwhelmed by the amount of items I want to bring home. However, this past month, this was the only treasure I brought home. A sweet vintage frame that holds a darling piece of Ephemera to set out with the Valentine Décor here at Fishtail Cottage. I am so happy I didn’t miss this fantastic keepsake!!!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Follow Fishtail Cottage on Facebook / Pinterest

Easter Goodies in the Etsy Store…

2012-02-20T21:49:00.001-08:00

Click on any photo to be taken to the Etsy listing…Happy Shopping!!!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Follow Fishtail Cottage on Facebook / Pinterest

All-Tea-Towels Review….

2012-02-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

So happy when I was contacted by Al at All Tea Towels last week! He asked that I go through his website and choose a couple towels to try out in my home and give honest feedback. So hard to chose just two ~ there are so many really cute ones that made the decision really difficult!
Go take a peek and see for yourself at All Tea Towels website ~ I’ll bet you’ll agree with me! Here are a couple of my favorites: click on the photo to be taken to the listing.

I wanted to order two floral inspired towels, but, I figured I should order different towels with different features since I needed to share my thoughts of these towels. So with my style somewhat in mind, I chose two that caught my eye immediately. Happy to share that they arrived nicely packaged in less than a week from when I placed my order! The feel of both of the towels are amazing.
One of my two choices was this gorgeous floral print. (click on the photo to be taken to the listing).

Top quality 100% cotton tea towel.
Size: 49cm x 68cm - 19 inch x 27 inch.
Machine washable.
Absorbent and durable.

And the second one was this fun “You wash & I’ll dry” towel is a cute addition to remind everyone in the house to help out! wink wink (click on the photo to be taken to the listing).

Top quality 100% cotton tea towel.
Lovely soft and unbleached organic cotton.
Screen printed in purple.
Size: 49cm x 77cm - 19 inch x 30 inch.
Machine washable.
Absorbent and durable.

The stitching looks tight and solid and durable. I love it that there is a sewn in strip of material on each of the towels to hang on a hook as well. That extra feature will come in handy.

Look how cute they are in my kitchen! I think I may need to order more when these are in the wash!

If your like me, the true curiosity I had with the towels was how absorbent the are when we have a spill and need to wipe something up…and how it comes out of the washer and dryer…
The towel that absorbed beautifully was the “You Wash, I’ll Dry”…unfortunately, the floral print towel beaded the water off back onto the countertop.
After washing the “You Wash, I’ll Dry” towel ~ it was wrinkly and not as beautiful before I washed it. However, the print is perfectly in tact and still absorbs beautifully. This one I will definitely keep handy for spills and drying dishes!
The Floral print towel looks very nice after washing. I would still happily display this towel in my kitchen for drying hands after washing. I love just how pretty the colors and the look of this towel.

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Follow Fishtail Cottage on Facebook / Pinterest

Happy Valentine’s Day…

2012-02-14T10:57:00.001-08:00

Last night we crafted all of our Valentines for the classrooms.

My daughter decided to try this darling idea that we found on Pinterest…it took us a few tries to figure it out ~ but they turned out super cute!

My ‘lil man’ hurt his arm the other day ~ so we tried to keep his crafting easy since he’s one handed (for a few days)…We used permanent ink for the stamps and filled each paper sack with a cola soda candy and tied a festive tag into a hole punch at the top.

You may remember my post from last year sharing with you about the Valentine Fairy visiting our home? You can read about it here…2011 Valentine Post. Well, ‘she’ came again last night and did a little more decorating and gifting than I shared with you last week~ if you missed that post, you can go back to it here…2012 Valentine Post.

I made these sweet “crackers” with empty toilet paper rolls and adorned them with tissue paper, heart doily’s and ribbon. They were filled with little trinkets for each of the kids to wake up to this am.

Pink milk of course filled vintage milk jars with a polka dot straw, the cracker box and a box of chocolates. (still have these for sale in the etsy store)

This petite glass vase was found at Michaels this past week. I filled it with one of my very few blooming roses from the garden.

While my girls received initialed necklaces ~ I found this adorable pillow for my son saying “I love you more”…we have arguments weekly about who love who more…I think this means I got the last word…? at least for this week that is!

I hope that you all have a sweet day with your friends and family ~ I appreciate you coming by to take a peek at my blog today.

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

FYI ~Today is the last day of Etsy sale in my store using coupon code VAL12.

PS – Follow Fishtail Cottage on Facebook / Pinterest

Pie Cabinet in the Hallway…

2012-02-12T17:37:00.000-08:00

Between the kitchen and the Master Suite, is a hallway. It was a fantastic place for the pie cabinet to find it’s place here at Fishtail Cottage ~ it hosts cook books and my collection of scales that I started a few years ago…

The cabinet was found in a local boutique here in Washington, but the story that was told about the cabinet was just too cool to walk away from. In a little village in Guatemala, this piece was made by hand by one of the locals. During the staining process a dog walked across the wood – leaving a paw print in the stain (so cute)! and on one of the inside doors, an outline of what looks like a person with a bird flying above …I really am wondering what it is; any thoughts?

The Cabinet was hauled all the way back here to Washington State to be sold along with several other pieces ~ but this one truly has the character and charm I love seeing every single day in my home!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Heather’s Story…Guest Post

2012-02-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

If you ask anyone who knows me well, they would tell you that I am an optimist. I've been optimistic throughout my life. Whether I was having a good day or a terrible day, I could almost always find a way to keep smiling and make others around me smile as well. However, my optimism would be severely tested when I turned 36. The year started out to be the happiest year of my life, thanks to the birth of my beautiful baby girl. Three and a half months after her birth, I received my shocking cancer diagnosis.

On November 21, 2005, I found out that I had a deadly form of cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma. Hearing the phrase "You have cancer" was truly surreal. No one can ever be prepared for cancer, and my diagnosis was unexpected and shocking. At first, my body froze and I felt numb. However, I soon realized that I had a choice to make in this process. Was I going to blame God and become bitter, or could I make the decision to fight with courage and optimism? I looked into my baby girl's face and instantly knew that I had to fight this disease with everything that I had. I summoned my inner strength and proceeded with hope.
It probably sounds like a strange thing to say, but so many good things have happened as a result of my cancer. There have been dark days in this journey, but the down times have given me valuable life lessons that have changed me as a person. I met other patients who seemed to have no hope, so I determined that I would find a way to encourage and uplift other patients. This goal gave me a sense of purpose on my hardest days. My incredible physician contributed to my positive attitude. Since he was the world's leading mesothelioma doctor was confident that my treatment would be successful. My surgeon scheduled my tumor removal operation for Groundhog's Day in 2006. My tumor quickly became known as Punxsutawney Phil thanks to my surgery date! In fact, we also renamed Groundhog's Day, and now call it Lungleavin Day, since that was the day my lung was removed. My family celebrates Lungleavin Day every year. During this special party, we remember all the gifts we have been given through this cancer journey. It reminds us to choose hope and believe in the power of optimism.
My greatest gifts throughout this cancer process are the wonderful friends that I have made. I cannot imagine my life without these incredible people. We have laughed together and cried together, and now we work together to spread awareness for the disease that has affected each of us and our families. ~ Heather

Thank you so much for coming over to read Heathers Inspirational Story…She is a pretty amazing woman! Please visit Heathers Blog by clicking here. I’m sure she would love to hear from you as well! xoox, tracie

Valentine Romance…

2012-02-08T11:14:00.001-08:00

It’s funny that when I was putting up the Valentine Décor this year, I wanted to keep in mind that you saw most of my Valentine décor last year in a post…So for that reason ~ I tried to mix things up a bit so that I could share it all again with you!

Yes, you can still find all of these in my Etsy Store, I just figured I might as well enjoy them as they are awaiting a new home.

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Follow Fishtail Cottage on Facebook / Pinterest

Junkin’ Treasure…

2012-02-06T19:09:00.001-08:00

This ‘treasure’ chest is on of my favorite pieces of furniture I own! I purchased it to use as a coffee table when I was a single momma about eighteen years ago. At that time in my life, I couldn’t afford anything new and fabulous ~ so I settled on this old trunk. Well even when I grew up a little and was able afford something new ~ I couldn't part with it. Not only because it’s a humbling reminder of where I’ve been, but also because over time I've realized that this is just an amazing find!

The locks are solid and in perfect working condition!

The leather carrying straps on both sides of the trunk are in fantastic and usable condition!

The inside of this beautiful piece of history, has five drawers lined with vintage floral paper and still hosts the original hangers inside.

There are a couple travel stickers noted on the sides which give it character and show that it’s traveled at least somewhere.

I did a little research on it because the original trademark tag is nailed to the side, which states “The Beals & Selkirk Trunk Co. Wayandotte. Mich.”

By no means do I think it has any sort of value outside of my home ~ what I have learned about the company “The Beals & Selkirk” is this… The company was founded in 1889 in Detroit before relocating to Wyandotte, Michigan a few years later. The trunks produced by Beals and Selkirk were considered to be amongst the finest of their time. These trunks were built to withstand the toughest of handling. They were reinforced with leather or metal corners, straps, bumpers. handles, hinges, and locks . After a fire and rebuild in 1902, these trunks were shipped nationwide. After the San Francisco earthquake in 1906 left thousands of people homeless, Beals and Selkirk sent 6 carloads of trunks. By the 1920's, the Beals and Selkirk company shifted from trunks to handbags, appliance covers, and doctors' bags.

I adore this sweet ‘treasure’ chest! Today, it sits at the end of my bed in the master suite, I can promise you that it will always find a place in my home as it’s such a significant part of my past, present & future!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Follow Fishtail Cottage on Facebook / Pinterest

Fishtail Cottage Valentine Giveaway Winner…

2012-02-06T08:52:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Jane! Please connect with me ASAP to let me know what you selected, and I will get it out to you immediately!!!!

As for the rest of you, Not to worry! If there is something you were dreaming of owning ~ There is still time to receive any orders in time for Valentines Day!!! And did you hear that there is a sale going on in the store? Everything is 20% off in Fishtail Cottage’s Etsy Store if you use coupon code VAL12 when checking out!

Thank you everyone for entering! xoxo, tracie

Design Shuffle ~ Guest Post…

2012-02-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hi all! It's Mari from Design Shuffle, a social networking site for interior designers and design enthusiasts to upload their work and receive lots of exposure. With thousands of photos to look through each day, this website is your one stop shop for decorating ideas! As a writer for Design Shuffle, I get to visit design and decorating blogs like Fishtail Cottage to share some of my favorite rooms.

Today's guest post is all about adding garden touches to cottage bedrooms. Cottage style rooms are cozy and appealing, but add flowers and garden elements and they become irresistible. With so many beautiful cottage bedrooms out there, it's hard to choose just eight, but here are choices. Enjoy!

This slightly formal cottage bedroom takes on a garden feel with lovely pink and green flowers strewn across the bed and at the window. It's easy to bring a garden touch to any room with a vase or two of fresh flowers. Here a small bouquet adds more garden style on the bedside table.

A lovely drape of floral fabric is lined with brilliant rosy red to form this simple canopy. A Chinese garden stool and framed painting add more garden touches to this cottage bedroom.

Pretty in pink garden-inspired fabrics and wallpaper, this cottage bedroom takes on even more appealing cottage style with a French garden chair.

Not all coastal decorating ideas focus of seashells and drift wood. In the attic of a seaside cottage, this pretty bedroom space shows that garden touches find their place and look lovely even at the beach.

Sunny florals surround the bed in this inviting cottage bedroom. More garden touches are seen in a quilt, art and fresh flowers. What a lovely place to enjoy breakfast in bed on lazy weekend mornings!

Utterly appealing, this bedroom is filled with French garden style. We love the metal bed and tiered table. The vintage birdhouse and wooden architectural elements are also welcome garden additions.

A more contemporary take on a cottage bedroom design, the oversize flowers and bright colors make for an irresistible combination. Top that off with two bouquets fresh from the garden and it's an updated cottage style that we think is here to stay.

This is a lovely example of the many choices of scale when adding garden touches to a cottage bedroom. These quilts and pillows go from tiny pink rose to a matching mid-range pattern to beautiful large-scale florals in a bouquet of yummy colors. Choices! Choices! Choices!

What do you think about cottage bedroom design? Check out Design Shuffle where you can find fantastic inspiration from Boston interior designers, San Francisco interior designers and many others!

Thanks so much for coming over and taking the time to read this fabulous guest post! xoox, tracie

1,000 Followers and a Sale in the shop!!!

2012-02-01T19:49:00.001-08:00

Fishtail Cottage has officially reached 1,000 followers! I am just beside myself about it!

Thanks so much to everyone of you that visit and support Fishtail Cottage! I just celebrated one year of blogging in November of 2011. Since then I have opened an Etsy Shop and cannot tell you how exciting it is when something sells in the store!

To celebrate 1,000 followers I want to offer all 1,000 of you ~ 20% off anything in Fishtail Cottage’s Etsy Store by using the coupon code of VAL12 when checking out.

This coupon code (VAL12) is good until February 14th in the Fishtail Cottage’s Etsy Store.

I have also (finally) joined Pinterest and appreciate being credited with any photo’s you upload from my blog. I love when I see that I have inspired someone else out there!

If you haven’t already done so, make sure you enter the giveaway this week as well (posted on my side bar). …best of luck to everyone!

Thank you again for joining me in my journey here at Fishtail Cottage! I hope to see you take advantage of my special offer in Fishtail Cottage’s Etsy store! xoox, tracie

Valentine Giveaway!!!!

2012-01-30T13:40:00.001-08:00

I’ve hosted a few giveaways over here at Fishtail Cottage ~ today I am excited to share a Giveaway that is a special Valentine handmade by me from Fishtail Cottage’s Etsy Shop. Click on the photo’s below to be taken strait to the listing below to see more photo’s!

If you win…would you choose a Valentine Adorned Candle?

Would you choose one of these sweet valentine Journals?

Or maybe one of these adorable Corked jars that you can whisper your Valentine wish inside?

or maybe one of these Vintage Jars, that has stood the test of time?

The Winner will be chosen next Monday February 6th.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you have participated in.

1. Be a follower of Fishtail Cottage
2. Place an order in Fishtail Cottage’s Etsy Shop.
3. Place this Giveaway on your sidebar.
4. Share this giveaway post on Facebook.

Best of luck to everyone!, xoxo tracie

In the kitchen…

2012-01-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

I’m always so excited to see and be inspired by other bloggers! There are so many fabulous creations that you share, but some just seem to catch my eye. I usually print and put them on my “Inspiration Boards” until I can figure out how to replicate how to work it into my home. Please forgive me if I don’t mention you here & this is similar to something you have done…Thinking more & more that ‘pin interest’ is the way to go (so that I don’t forget)! But then what would I do with my inspiration board???

Well, I am just excited to share a “nook” in my kitchen! I just love the way it looks in here! I found the jars at Target & used my silver platters that I picked up at a garage sale & the chalkboard signs I found at Sur la table. Just simple & sweet with a little bit of charm!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Do you love Cottage Gardening?

2012-01-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

The true Cottage garden can be viewed as messy and overgrown. But for those of us that love this look in our gardens – we just cannot have enough flowers for every nook and cranny possible in our garden beds. You will love reading this post to find out how you can take just one of those blooms and harvest the seeds for many more garden blooms for next year.
Now that fall has arrived ~ I see my garden still full of life. Well next years life that is…You can’t imagine what an amazing (& free) garden you can have if you carefully collect. harvest and plant your own seedlings. Years ago I learned to save the packets that came in shoe boxes to place in a paper bag along with my seeds I am harvesting to keep the moisture away – many shoe stores will give you some by the handfuls if you just ask…

Let’s first take this gorgeous Delphinium. Now wouldn’t you just love to have these gorgeous blooms pop up in your garden. The price of these beautiful plants can range from $5.99 – $19.99 in the nurseries – but if you collect your own seeds – they would be free! Let the flowers go to seed by awaiting for the blooms to fall off and then allowing the seed pods to develop! You can see in this one pod below there are almost seven to ten plants that could possibly develop from each one.You can leave them in the garden to fall and plant themselves or you can take the pods and put them in a paper bag to complete the drying process. I usually opt for the pod to dry in a paper bag. Once the seed has dried, place the seeds in the gardens about an inch under the soil. I usually place two or three seeds in the same hole to ensure that the plant will come up next summer. Sometimes the birdies scratch the dirt & then fly away with the seeds they can find in your garden beds

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Next are the Coneflowers – coneflowers are so important for the wildlife in the gardens because they bloom at a time when much of the garden cannot tolerate the hot and dry temperatures. They attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and all types of birds. They come in all sorts of gorgeous colors now – but these too can be very expensive in your local nursery – I purchased one this summer for almost $24.00 because of it’s unique bloom. I knew I only needed to buy one plant because I could harvest the seeds and replant throughout my garden for next year!

If you let this sweet bloom go to seed – be sure to watch it closely – in the past I have not cut the dried bloom back and had a mess of blooms the following year – yes, there is such thing as too much of a good thing! a garden can quickly become “out of control” if you allow everything to go to seed.

Can you see in the photo above that ever spike is actually a seed? If you pull off all of those spikes and put them in them about a quarter inch below the soil – they too will become gorgeous blooms for next years garden. Again, it’s okay to put a couple seedlings in the spot where you want a new plant, because the birds will sometimes carry them away!
Similar to the coneflower – the Scabiosa seeds can be collected the same way as the coneflower. Although – these gorgeous blooms can be carried by the wind or birds or by you by just scattering on the soil. No need to burry them. The seeds are found in the center of the flower which you will see after the blooms have faded by just bending the center in half – the seeds will just fall into your hands.
Scabiosa blooms are such a whimsical plant in the cottage garden!
Marigolds again, are a fabulous fall flower. In bloom when there is not much going on in the garden beds – a happy surprise for natures little miracles to see while scouting for food and nectar.
You can see the photo below that by just bending the spent flowers remains – the seeds will just fall apart – allowing you to spread in the garden where you hope to see a bloom next year.
Just scratch these seedlings into the soil allowing just a small amount of soil to cover them.

Commonly named as “Breadseed poppy”, but correctly named the “Opium Poppy” is one of my most favorite garden plants one could possibly have in a cottage garden. The color above is the only color I have – they are difficult to find – so if anyone out there wants to share seeds – please don’t hesitate to ask! I would love to introduce another color of this gorgeous plant into my garden! Allowing the flowers to fall off – and leaving the pods in the ground to develop from the gorgeous green to the fall colored brown will allow the top of the pod to eventually show the holes where the the seeds will eventually fall out by the wind. There are thousands of seeds in each pod – I love spreading these seeds everywhere in the garden because they are gorgeous in numbers. They only need to be spread on top of the soil – which allows a number of reasons why they fail to appear the following year. Reasons are the birds and wind will carry them off. I have many times come out to the garden to find the pods have been gone missing – culprits being people (yes people steal these), rats, mice, squirrels, deer and anything else looking for the full meal deal!

A few annual favorites that are necessary in the cottage gardens are petunia's – most people don’t know that they can collect these seeds for next planting in the spring next year and just throw the leggy plants out at the end of the season with all the other annuals. Not me, I love trying to start these garden gems in small pots in the spring and watch them develop into fantastic plants that I move to the gardens when ready!

Alyssum seed packets may range from $1.49 – $1.99, but why spend the money when you can spread your own? either collect the seeds and scatter in the fall or spring – up to you, it doesn’t matter! They are such a fabulous filler wherever they pop up! Scatter above ground and let the flower appear where they may. This gorgeous bloom – one can never have too many! I pull them out (root & all) at the end of the bloom season & just lay the plants all over the gardens for the seeds to replant themselves – once it looks like the seeds have all fallen off – I pick up an dispose of the remains.

Pansies and Johnny jump ups are all the same the way I collect and respread their seeds. After the bloom have fallen off, a pod will form – I usually only take the larger pods that have formed and spread them in the garden beds by just pinching them and letting them fall where they want. Some come up and some are taken away & so easy to pull out & move if I want to naturalize another area with these sweet little plants. When they grow leggy cut them back to the ground or just pull them out root & all – with in a few weeks of spreading the seed – another 100 or so plants will appear! Many of these little plants will bloom throughout the year! slugs will devour the pods if able – but there are usually so many pods to choose from – it’s fine to share!

Lavender is another cottage favorite for most gardens! Actually almost any garden adore the lavender in their garden beds. These too will spread by seed on their own. but I want to show you how to collect their seeds if you’d like. The gorgeous blooms will disappear – once they have disappeared you will see what to me looks like a skeleton of the bloom. If you catch them early enough right after the holes appear – you will be able to collect their seeds as well.

The gaillardia is exactly like the coneflower family – only difference I have found is you must allow it to loose it’s flowers and turn brown – if you peel the seeds off to early they will not work – These too should be scratched into the soil to help establish a root system.

My absolute favorite cottage flower is the snapdragon. These can come up individually, or in masses in my garden – regardless of the color – I love them all and cannot have enough. Very much like the delphinium – allowing the blooms to fall off and collect the pods is all you need to do – spread them atop of the soil is the only difference here! they can be put out in the fall or spring, but find spreading them in the spring is the better way to go in my area!

As you can see – most flowers can be started from seed. Although it takes time and energy and sometimes saving the seeds in a paper bag till next spring – it is definitely worth the time to do so come the following summer. Not only do you save money, but you can enjoy what becomes of the creation you have allowed because of your hard work and dedication.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post & hope you will become a follower of Fishtail Cottage! To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS ~ Cottage Flora Thursday’s Garden Party will be returning May 1st!

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Wayside Treasures Wish List…

2012-01-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

My Christmas wish list included one of the angel wings that Sandi over at Wayside Treasures donated to Fishtail Cottage’s One Year Anniversary Celebration. You see, Sandi had sent me her gift to forward when the winner was drawn. And when I peeked at her items she donated I was in awe of how beautiful her angel wing was.

So I sent her shop’s link to a few family members in hopes I would receive one of these beautiful wings for Christmas.

Needless to say, opening packages on Christmas morning, I was disappointed not to have received one …So after Christmas I was happy to see there were still a few left in her Etsy shop! Immediately placing my order myself!

When the package arrived on my doorstep, the fun part was unveiling my order by unwrapping the beautiful packaging. Take a peek at the layers of beauty!

These will be…oh, so pretty on the tree next year!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

Mirror in the bathroom…

2012-01-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

Found this gorgeous mirror for the Master Bathroom! I am so in love with the character of what it has to offer this room. It looks like it may be a plaster base with black paint over it! I’d really like to learn how to age the mirror portion - so that the image seen in the reflection is more forgiving than the one I am currently seeing in while standing in the shower! But honestly I am scared to try! Afraid I might ruin this piece or worse, physically harm myself in the process!

So for now, it’s just finally hanging on the wall! Thinking It would be cool to find a few more black ornate mirrors to hang above this one! So if you see any cool ones out there, please do think of me!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

My Week with Snow & Gorgeous Bracelet Winner

2012-01-20T12:40:00.001-08:00

So one snow day was fine, but five was a little over-doing it for me! The kids loved it & of course loved not having school for the entire week ~ me, I am like the Disney story book “The Penguin who hated the cold”. I layer myself with sweat pants, tee’s, sweatshirts blankets & any other means of staying warm. I of course peek out the window at all the fun everyone is having…but I have more fun indoors!

I shared with you a photo’s earlier this week of the beauty of the snow on the ground. However, the snow did not stop for days ~ in all I believe we had approximately a foot of snow…which for some doesn’t’ sound like much, but for this part of Washington State is far more than the couple inches now and then that we are used to. Because of the moisture – the base of the snow turns wet, which means under what seems like powdery snow is ice underneath. Which also means ice on our trees and shrubs under the snow that makes very large trees snap in half – which wipes out power lines & many families are have been without power for days.

Yesterday when I woke up I looked out the window to find my neighbors large cedar tree had fallen into our back yard nearly missing my chicken coop.

My sweet husband went out and was trying to shake all of the snow off of the trees that he could reach to prevent any more trees from falling on our side.

Thankful that no damage to the coop was done, but the garden space that I worked so hard on behind the coop is now crushed by the tree. I’m mostly disappointed in losing my newly planted pink snowbell tree. So I took photo’s to share with you Summer 2011 garden photo’s and what those areas look like today…

Okay ~ now to Congratulate Amy over at Maison Décor … you are the lucky winner to choose a bracelet of your choice that was graciously donated by “From Our Hands to Your Home”. Looking forward Amy to seeing what you choose!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Snow day!!!

2012-01-17T15:06:00.001-08:00

Today we are enjoying the beauty around us ~ no school, no driving, no worries! My kids love to play outside in this weather & come in to leave wet clothes all over the floor of the laundry room…drink half of the hot chocolate in their cup and then head back outside to do it all over again. Me…? I’m inside peeking through the window watching them have a good time! brrrr…..don’t know how they do it.

I will admit it’s all just so lovely out there, so I bundled up to snap a few photo’s for you to enjoy too!

My heart smiled when I saw a little life left out there in the garden! I had to remind the gardener in me how fabulous this weather is for the upcoming spring/summer blooms for my tulips and peonies!

The prettiest are the birdhouses scattered around the back yard gardens of Fishtail Cottage…

Although this little guy is the little birdie I’ve seen the most of! So glad he has found food this time of year!

Millie and Sophie are loving the snow too – I haven’t shared a photo of them in a while, look how big they’ve grown! & of course, we can’t forget to share Charlie!

I think my chickens are a little chilled ~ they’ve stopped laying eggs for me! but the coop is sure pretty!

Thanks so much for coming by this snowy day here at Fishtail Cottage! Be sure to enter the bracelet giveaway by clicking here if you haven’t already done so! With Valentines Day less than a month away ~ I created some fabulous goodies to add to your Valentine Décor by ordering from Fishtail Cottage’s Etsy Store ~ click here to see the post about what’s new!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Valentine ‘Candy’ in my Etsy Shop….

2012-01-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful weekend it was ~ we saw snow here at Fishtail Cottage…the family was busy with friends over and football on television. With everyone busy, this gave me time to get out all my crafts and create some fabulous items for Fishtail Cottage’s Etsy Shop! Please browse at the shared photo’s and if you find anything that interests you ~ just click on the picture to be taken directly to the shop listing.

Thanks so much for coming over to peek at my creations ~ With Valentines Day just a month away, I am hoping you might just find the perfect item to add to your Valentine Décor!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Touch of Vintage…

2012-01-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Love what a little vintage touch of vintage can do to a room. Somehow it just brings warmth into a room without even trying to hard. Is it the history of a piece that has been loved by someone once before? Whatever it is – I can’t get enough of it!

This oval silver piece was found at the Monroe 1st Annual Main street Flea Market! It called to me just as I was leaving a booth – buried under other treasures! You know one of those booths you have to just stand in the middle of and turn in circles because there is so much too see and you missed it the first time around?

I was excited when I found it because it looked to be large enough to set on my counter in the Master Suite bathroom in-between the sinks. I recently emptied my apothecary jars of bath salts and replaced those with bathroom necessities i.e. soaps, cotton swabs and pads. Figured the apothecary jars could sit on top of the oval silver tray to bring a little charm into the room.

The tray fit perfectly on the countertop and even has room for a few candles or something small. So very exciting & so pretty!

Thanks for peeking over at this little addition to my Master Suite! To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

A nice surprise....

2012-01-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Kim Laws ‘Art Joy Stuff’ shares the most adorable creations she comes up with on her blog. Kim recently participated in Fishtail Cottage’s One Year anniversary by donating a beautiful ornament to one lucky winner! But to my surprise, I too received a handcrafted treasure in the mail and was ecstatic to receive such a warm and thoughtful gift!

Part of the fun of receiving such a gift is the lovely wrapping details that went into this unexpected gesture! The wrapping was done in a McCall’s sewing pattern paper and adorned with a lace ribbon. A handmade Christmas Card with a vintage touch was so pretty.

And the knitted mitten was the cutest addition to our family Christmas Tree

So much thought and detail went into this gift from Kim ~ it almost made me cry!

I hope you take a minute to visit Kim’s Blog and her Etsy Store

Kim’s Etsy Store is offering some of her newest and festive creations just in time for Valentines Day ~ …click on the photo’s below to be taken directly to her listing!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

‘Nesting’ from 2 Bags Full….

2012-01-12T10:54:00.001-08:00

Over a year ago, I saw a post (forgive me that I can’t remember where) about a lady who creates and sells gorgeous nests for your home. I immediately contacted her hoping to place an order. Victoria graciously wrote me back and said she would place me on a waiting list. And just before Christmas I received an email that the creation of my nest was about to begin. I asked her to add as much white ribbon as possible so that my nest could match the great room décor ~ it couldn’t have turned out more perfect! The package arrived in the mail just the other day and I am ecstatic to finally share these photo’s with you!

It now sits in the great room vignette behind the cottage couch! Isn’t it just lovely?

Please visit Victoria Etsy Shop and see her beautiful listings ~ and perhaps you’d like to get on the waiting list for a nest of your own! I’ve shared her business card below as well! I do encourage you to peek over at her blog to read more about the creations of her hand created nests.

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Vignette in the Master Bathroom…

2012-01-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

Sigh, my bathroom is becoming the sanctuary that I have dreamed of creating! I love taking baths after gardening and on blistery nights! Which here in Seattle, happen more than not during the winter months.

Bound lavender from the garden rests on this table!

Found a place that already existed in our bathroom to hang my necklaces (for now) – but still looking for the right piece – I guess I’ll know it when I see it!

The overflow of extra towels have found a place in this thrifty wire basket find! This basket sits just in front of the heat register which will warm the towels!

This half moon table is another junkin’ find that I have had on Craigslist for quite some time that is now off the market! So fun to shop in your own house to find just the right items for just the right place! So glad it didn’t sell!

To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Gorgeous Bracelet Giveaway…

2012-01-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

“From Our Hands to Your Home” has offered to give away one of Fishtail Cottage’s followers a bracelet of your choice! Which one would you choose if you were the lucky winner? There are just way to many to choose from ~ I narrowed my choices down to a few – just click to be taken strait to the Etsy shop listing!

From Our Hands to Your Home is family of artisans and have an accumulation of 60 years experience in creating a unique assortment of artsy items. Adoring what they do, and dedicating themselves to uniquely create each and every item! They have another Etsy site completely worth checking out called The Fashion Edge.

The family of artisans consists of Laura, Burgundy, Ashley and Cassady:
Laura is our glass artisan….she’ll make anything out of glass. Specializing in wind chimes, kaleidoscopes, jewelry boxes, mosaics and “Beach by the Inch” sand globes.

Burgundy and Ashley are the jewelry Queens! Passionate to make beautiful bracelets and tussie mussies out of lovely antique silver plated silverware.

Burgundy also makes jewelry out of fused glass, natural stones, gems and pearls...only nature's items...with a bit of a twist.

Ashley also loves to work with textiles. Being the mother of 5, her work is geared toward children. She loves making tutus, hats, head wreaths and hair pretties and other "girly" items.

Cassady specializes in wood working. Her line of wood burned, hand painted wall décor and furniture is phenomenal! Each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art. She is the mother of 3 and also works with children, so much of her creation is whimsical, thoughtful, innocent and child-like.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you have participated in. (giveaway will end January 20th 2012).

1. Be a follower of Fishtail Cottage
2. Place an order in either store; From Our Hands to Your Home or The Fashion Edge.
3. Place this Giveaway on your sidebar.
4. Share this giveaway post on Facebook.

Best of luck to everyone on this fantastic giveaway & if you’d like to do a giveaway or be a sponsor on my blog please contact me via email. xoxo, tracie

Fishtail Cottage ETSY Shop is open!

2012-01-05T12:36:00.001-08:00

Last month I opened up Fishtail Cottage’s own Etsy Shop. I haven’t advertised it too much as I am trying to get the hang of how it all works, but I am finding it will be a learn as I go!

For months I have been shopping around for items that I would use in my home to sell in my new store and excited to share with you that it is finally open! You can click here to be taken directly to the entire shop…or click on the photo to be taken to the link of item in the picture.

Below are just a few items that are in Fishtail Cottage’s Etsy Shop~

A few silver pieces to thin out my ever growing collection….

Galvanized watering can, bucket, colander are listed too!

This authentic burlap “Starbucks Coffee Company” sack is marked on both sides and is in perfect condition…wouldn’t it make fantastic pillows for us Starbucks coffee lovers? If I could sew, I know that is what I would do with it!

Several zinc scoops and milk bottles are available in the store.

From my mother I was given several vintage purses, scarfs and gloves and Peignoir sets from the 50’s and 60’s to sell in the store…it’s truly amazing how she kept all of these gorgeous pieces in such pristine condition!

Eventually I would like to try out some handmade items ~ but until then I hope to sell some of the goodies listed! A very exciting adventure for me! xoox, tracie

Could it be a Jewelry Holder?

2012-01-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

Repurposing something old to hold my necklaces is what I was after when I found this old vent. I love the chippy paint and thought it just might be the perfect idea!

It has a great bottom that helps hold it upright – which I thought would be perfect!

However, when I began hanging my necklaces on them & realized that this idea may not be quite right – due to the length of these necklaces…& these are the shorter sized ones!

So I decided to hang my bracelets on it instead! – loving it!!!

I don’t have any “real jewelry” it’s just fun to have all my, guess you could say “Costume jewels” displayed in a pretty way!

I’m loving this little section of my closet makeover! I love using the vintage tiered stand to hold my “bobbles” and the vintage tray for perfume! ooh la la To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Gift of Vision…

2011-12-28T13:47:00.001-08:00

I truly hope everyone is having an amazing week between Celebrating Christmas with your loved ones and gearing up for New Years! I pray for a happy, safe and joyous holiday for all of you!

A year ago I shared a story of a special gift for someone very dear to me. If you missed it and want to visit the post ~ click here. The gift I give my niece to remember her mother is always my most favorite gift to watch her open. I search all year long for ideas and inspiration as to what would be endearing to her.

This year my sweet friend Michelle over at Petite Michelle Louise created a beautiful ‘photo holder’ especially for this occasion.

I’ve been obsessed with ordering Michelle's Photo Holders over this past year from Petite Michelle Louise Etsy Store ~ with full intentions of purchasing them to give as gifts, but when they arrived in the mail, they seem to sneak their way upon my shelf in my bedroom & in other places throughout my home. So the fact that she created one of these for my niece was more than just appropriate!

With a pearl in the center of the glittered angel wings was the perfect touch with thoughts of my nieces mother. Most of all the delicate adornment of the beading around the knob with the charm dangling below with the word…“Vision”.

I wrapped it up and put it under the tree with no tag, but my sweet niece knew this was the “one” that would make us both cry when she saw it under there.

I love that she will cherish the gift for years to come. and I love the idea that Michelle has touched us all in a way that words cannot describe with the creation of something beautiful!

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

Our Christmas Tree…

2011-12-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

I’ve seen so many gorgeous trees on many of your blogs and at one point in the beginning of my marriage ~ we had three different Christmas trees throughout the house. Yet, we’ve come to realize it doesn’t feel as necessary to have more than one.

When thinning out our ornaments ~ we of course kept the special ones that we have accumulated over the years…

This sweet tea cup represents my daughters tea party she had when she turned three.

This is the Christopher Radko ornament that was released in 2001 remembering those that died on September 11th.

My grandmother gave me this ornament that she made along with a note asking me to hang it on my tree every year! She has since passed away, making it that more special to me.

An ornament from Christmas’s past. Every year my Aunt would have Santa come “ho ho ho’ing” into the room as we all sat listening to her read the night before Christmas…a tradition that was started when I was a little girl and has now been shared with my children – one of the holiday favorite traditions. This ornament is of one of my children during the festivities!

When visiting Disneyland we’ve had a few of these silhouettes ornaments made there to make the memory extra special ~ such a fun and sweet ornament for them to put on the tree.

This ice skate was given to me several years ago by a special person in my life. I dreamed of having a Victorian tree only decorated with Victorian themed ornaments for my tea room…She gave this ornament to me with a note inside saying “for your someday tree”…

This sweet shining star was brought to the family tree when I married my husband. This ornament is in remembrance of his brother who died 15 years ago. Every year the kids watch their daddy hang this ornament on the tree…every year it continues to be a truly touching moment for all of us.

Yes, I’ve added new ornaments, but want to share with you just some of the ones that are special and the memory that accompanies it. I look forward to seeing what treasures we will remember to hang on our tree in the future!

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

Another Christmas Crafting Day…

2011-12-23T23:49:00.001-08:00

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

"Sing the Wondrous Story"…

2011-12-22T22:36:00.001-08:00

With her love of music, the color blue and all things glitter, I especially created this Christmas piece with my daughter in my heart this evening.

I started with a small sized peat pot and painted it white. then mixed in a little blue paint to bring the colors together making it a soft blue.

After allowing the paint to dry ~ I then cut a paper doily to adorn the front of the front of the pot. Shredded some music paper and found the perfect tree that already had the glitz and glamour needed. Assembled a mixture of ribbon and a pretty brad.

Once I put everything into place the way I had envisioned it, it still needed something! something special…but, what?

As I stared for a bit, I thought of what talent she has at writing songs and singing as she wonders through our home…I than began to flip through the hymnal that lay before me, and the words at the top of the page read

“SING THE WONDEROUS STORY”

…what a fabulous addition to this creation made especially for her!

I hope she loves it!

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

Christmas Houses…

2011-12-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

Julie Marie over at Idyllhours introduced me to ‘Putz Houses’ last Christmas time. Hers of course are authentically vintage handed down from earlier generations. Julie Marie’s sentimental stories about her collection inspired me to find some of my own. However, after searching several local antique stores and not being able to find any vintage ones, I ended up with some “new” models that are much larger than the original ones (but still beautiful).
Pictured below are the ones I purchased last year and still love, love, love! Wouldn’t it be fun to add another every year to create a village. There are so many that I have seen in stores this year ~ but I steered clear of buying any more! I was afraid that I might develop a new collection that was not needed.

I know that I shared this little collection in an earlier post. Next year I plan to decorate it with snow and more bottle brush trees…so sweet isn’t it?

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

White Holiday Cheer….

2011-12-21T08:54:00.000-08:00

Most of our holidays décor is focused on the Cottage Kitchen and Great room area ~ but wanted to make sure that you get to see some of the other spaces here at Fishtail Cottage.

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

Cheers for the Birdies!

2011-12-20T17:19:00.001-08:00

As most of you know ~ I love love love birdies! And at Christmas time they are so much more fun because we get to add the glitter!

A few more Christmas decorations I’ve added this year with glitter are these darling snowmen… I purchased them last year at the end of the season sale at Glitter and Ivy in Monroe. It’s been fun to have them out to enjoy this holiday season! (click on the photo to enlarge!).

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

My Cottage Link Parties…

2011-12-20T15:04:00.001-08:00

You may find me linking to these parties each week…

Sunday...

Silver Sunday @ Gypsy Fish

Sunday’s Best Link Party @ My 1929 Charmer

Monday...

Amaze me Monday @ Dittle Dattle

Craftastic Monday @ Sew Can Do

Making the World Cuter Monday @ Making the World Cuter Monday

Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage

Mod Mix Monday @ Mod Vintage Life

Mosaic Monday @ Little Red House

Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House in the Roses

Tuesday...

2nd Time Around @ A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words

Anything Goes @ Type A

It’s Bloomin’ Tuesday @ Ms. Green Thumb Jean

Knick of Time Tuesdy @ Knick of Time Interiors

Martha's Favorites @ Martha's Favorites

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday Garden Party @ An Oregon Cottage

Tuesday Tea for Two @ The Plumed Pen / SilkenPurse

Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Tuesday’s Treasures @ Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage

Teacup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations

Teatime Tuesday @ Lady Katherine Tea Parlor

Three or More Tuesday @ The Gypsy's Corner

Victoria Party - A Return to Loveliness @ A Delightsome Life

Wednesday...

Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer

Primp your stuff Wednesday @ Primp

Under $100. Party @ Beyond the Picket Fence

Share the Love @ Very Merry Vintage Style
Whatever Wednesday @ Momma Hen

White Wednesday @ Faded Charm

Thursday...

Cottage Flora Thursday @ Fishtail Cottage (May 1st – Oct 1st)

Thrifty Thursday @ Tales From Bloggeritaville

Time Travel Thursday @ Brambleberry Cottage

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage

Friday...

Farmhouse Friday @ LaurieAnna’s Vintage Home
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Inspiration Friday @ The Picket Fence

Potpourri Party @ 2805

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Spring Craft @ Décor to Adore

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

Saturday...

French Inspiration @ The French Cupboard

Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Saturday Nite Special @ Funk Junk Interiors

Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different / Act Normal

Please share with me if there are more you know of that I should link to:

2011 Christmas in the Cottage Kitchen

2011-12-20T12:41:00.001-08:00

Good Afternoon everyone ~ I am a bit behind in sharing my Festive Cottage Décor with all of you ~ so I am going to quickly share what I can within the next couple days! In this post I will share with you my festive kitchen area. This is the place where we gather together with friends and family.

Over the past year, I have been collecting white pitchers to put on the hutch in the dining area. I am adoring how they look mixed in with the holiday decorations. Excited to share with you my newest paper houses ~ next year I hope to add snow and some bottle brush trees to their area.

The simple centerpiece on our family table is this sweet nest filled with shredded paper and glittered white birdies.

Here are the Anthropologie inspired shaker jars that I recently created and shared with you. These two are the ones I decided to keep for myself and the others were given as teacher’s gifts.

Sitting on the butcher block island of the kitchen is the bottle display that now holds Christmas mugs for the family to fill with Hot Chocolate and apple cider… also a wired Christmas Tree is tied with The Porcelain Rose gift tags “12 Days of Christmas”.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and festive week! To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

Gift tag…

2011-12-17T22:20:00.000-08:00

Just so excited how this sweet Gift Tag turned out & how easy it was for me!

I found this fabulous snowflake ornaments at Target last year, but I see they have them again this year in several colors!

I then punched out a small circle using festive holiday paper & then cut the edges of the circle using scissors with fun edging. Then glued the circle onto the glittered ornament and allowed it to dry!

I then printed out names and messages and weathered the paper by crumpling it and stamping it with vintage colored ink.

And cut it into a flag shape and glued it onto the circle cut out…cute huh? I’m really enjoying trying out all these ideas this year!

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

Practically Perfect…

2011-12-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite of my crafts I’ve recently created! So I’m really excited to share it with you ~

I stopped by my local dollar store & picked up a bunch of candles in glass jars.

The other supplies were found in my stash of craft goodies that I have shared with you before! (hymnal, glitter, ribbon & glue) I did however add something new to the mix! A gorgeous tag that I ordered from The Porcelain Rose Etsy Store…

I first glued a plain white sheet of paper around the glass of the jar. While it was drying, I glued The Porcelain Rose tag to the hymnal paper and glittered the edges.

Once everything was dry I glued the hymnal paper onto the white paper already on the jar and put rubber bands around the paper to keep everything in place while it dried.

Adorned the top with ribbons and an accessory & a new lovely Holiday Gift was ready to give! I will be definitely making a lot more of these, and could do so for so many holidays…It’s practically perfect in every way!

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

A little shaker twist…

2011-12-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

I was in a crafty mood today & thought I’d make more Shaker Jars with a fun twist! Something a little different than I’ve seen. I tried paining a couple of the lids & added crinkled ribbons and embellishments ~ click on the photo’s below to see larger versions! I can’t tell if they are “cute” because I made them, or because they really are “cute”!

If you missed the post from before, Click here to be taken to the original post about my salt shaker inspired post…

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

Second Saturdayz 12/10/11…

2011-12-11T13:17:00.001-08:00

Such a fabulous day yesterday meeting up with Rachel from French Farmhouse 425 just before 8am to have our second experience together at Second Saturdayz. Beautiful show with beautiful smiles and friends! We visited and browsed the show for a few hours I just about came home with nothing…but at last minute I spotted a gorgeous chippy white framed window in the booth of Whimsical Whites. Then the wheels in my head began to turn. Just then, I remembered another gorgeous rustic door I saw that was filled with rustic charm (wishing I could remember the name of the booth)…anyway – I began to wonder if I could layer the two? hummmm!?! Without any more thought ~ I made my two purchases and stuffed them into both mine and Rachel’s car and brought them home! We (with the help of my amazing husband) brought them in and started to play with where they should go ~ but still something was missing…

Together (just Rachel and I) found ourselves driving to Snohomish to have breakfast at the Cabbage Patch Restaurant and to do a little more browsing around town…I came across a beautiful canvas rose paining in Annie’s on First that again got the wheels spinning in my mind – purchasing this beautiful picture in hopes of finding the missing piece of what my layering pieces at home were missing! Once home ~ I put it all together & this is what is now featured in the Master Suite.

Pictures just don’t do the character of these pieces justice, but here are a couple photo’s to see the amazing patina and verdigris of the charm they bring into my home.

I’m thinking I am liking it a lot! It has brought the room together a little more balance than before with the chippy white and the warm colors. What do you think?

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

Birdie in a nest….

2011-12-08T17:09:00.001-08:00

Today I was one crafty momma! This sweet birdie in a nest is something I’ve thought about creating since last Christmas season!

I hit the “after Christmas sales” last year and set aside my crafty finds. When we pulled out our Holiday storage bins from storage last weekend, I was excited to find the bin full of crafts to play with!

These glitter birdies were picked up on clearance at Pottery Barn! The nest is from Ben Franklin. The marked down glitter is from Molbacks Nursery. The vintage hymnal was found recently local second hand store & the spray paint & glue, is just always on hand here at Fishtail Cottage.

So to get this project started, I spray painted the nests…and then glittered the nest while they were still wet with paint.

I then used my shredder to shred some of the pages to the hymnal for the birds nesting.

Glued the birdie into place & allowed it to dry…

…and the final outcome is below, isn’t he just the cutest? I’m in love with this having another little birdie here at Fishtail Cottage!

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS – Join Fishtail Cottage on Facebook

First Day of Frost…

2011-12-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

A double take was necessary when we saw white out our windows this morning! It was twenty six degrees outside when we woke up and what a perfect day to wake up to frost now that our home is decorated for the holidays!

With a light dusting of ice coating my roses, I had to snap a few photo’s to share with you!

and what looks like a sugar coating on my crabapples…

…and what may be the last of the greenery and color in the garden.

Just so grateful for the beauty we can find ~ if we just take the time to look!

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Holiday Salt Shaker…

2011-12-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

On a recent visit to Anthropologie, I came upon a fabulous craft idea, that I had to bring home with me to try out! A festive Salt Shaker piece was easily thrown together for less than $5.00 ~ however being sold at Anthropologie for $25. (& they are sold out online)!

I managed to find all the supplies I needed quite easily! I found a set of shakers at Tuesday Morning for $2.99.; At Michaels I found the the tiny wrapped gifts for $1.99 (set of 8) and the bottle brush trees on clearance for .50 cent’s…

…and a huge bottle of Martha Stewarts glitter for $4. (w/coupon).
I squeezed Elmer's glue on the bottom of the jar and used tweezers to put the bottle brush tree and small packaged gift in place.

After allowing the tree and gift to dry, I sprinkled a fair amount of the glitter into the jar using a funnel so that I didn’t create a mess!

Because there are holes in the top of the shaker, I needed a barrier for the top of the jar to keep the glitter from coming out of the top. So I just used a simple hole punch and glued the paper to the top of the lid.

So easy & fun to make ~ now didn’t this turn out cute?

No water ~ just shake!

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie
PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

Tis the Season…

2011-12-04T17:53:00.001-08:00

We finally decorated the house with our holiday treasures that have been in hiding all year. So, today the Holiday music was playing, cookies were baking and the colors of Green, Red and White were everywhere! Much to still do, & to share with you. But for today, here is a little snapshot of the excitement around here!

(The Stockings are hung)

(The garland is suspended)

(The tree is decorated)

(My childhood candle Santa now sits on the hutch)
While all of the festive fuss was happening, little Miss Sophie looked on…her eyes bewildered with the sudden change in the house!

Happy Holiday Season to you all ~ To see what I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label…xoxo, tracie

PS - Fishtail Cottage is now on Facebook

….and the winners are!

2011-12-02T11:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone that Celebrated Fishtail Cottage’s One Year Anniversary of Blogging. It has been a wonderful year getting to know so many of you, and truly appreciate many of the friendships that have developed over time.

I am very excited to see what the second year brings ~ I still have so much to learn and still so many new people to meet. I am looking forward to whatever comes my way! I should let you know that to kick off my Second Year of Blogging I launched “Fishtail Cottage Etsy Store” and it is filled with fabulous, vintage finds – I would very much like it if you could swing by to peek around!

Because of the fabulous success of Fishtail Cottage Blog – I have decided to look for sponsors for Fishtail Cottage’s Blog. I have really enjoyed promoting my friends shops over this past month and would enjoy spreading the love! So if you are interested, please email me a note! Or, if you are interested in being featured for a giveaway on my blog, please email me as well!

Now onto what you really came over for The Winners of the Fishtail Cottage One Year of Blogging Celebration!

~ Drumroll please ~

A Pinch of Prim gift goes to ~ Ginger Zuck

Art Joy Stuff gift goes to ~ Petite Michelle Louise

Castle and Cottage gift goes to ~ Shannon

Circle Creek Home gift goes to ~ Sandi

Common Ground gift goes to ~ The Cranky Queen

French Farmhouse 425 gift goes to ~ C'est Moi, Julie Marie

Garden Party gift goes to ~ Trisha

Heather Hanson Design gift goes to ~ pink-cherub-moon

Idyllhours gift goes to ~ Terry

Jennifer Rizzo gift goes to ~ Terri Gordon

Marie Maison gift goes to ~ pballard

Michelle Petite Louise gift goes to ~ Red Gate Farm

My Petite Maison gift goes to ~ SueBee

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia gift goes to ~ Dragonfly Treasure

Rustique Art gift goes to ~ Di

Shabby Chateau ~ Love of the Sea

The Porcelain Rose gift goes to ~ Katie Paxton

Ticking and Toile gift goes to ~ she dreams big!

Wayside Treasures gift goes to ~ Linda@Coastal Charm

Congratulations to all of the lucky winners! If you were listed as a winner…please email me with your mailing information so we can mail your gift right away!

xoxo, tracie

Have you entered the Celebration?

2011-11-30T21:06:00.001-08:00

Feel free to do a blog post about these giveaways (copy & paste this post if that is easier) & comment below that you have done a blog post for another chance to win!

Below is all of the gorgeous giveaways that have been offered over the past month…You must visit each post and follow the rules for each giveaway. Click on the picture below to enter!

Winners will be announced Friday December 2nd!

Art Joy Stuff	Wayside Treasures
Rustique Art	Jennifer Rizzo
Ticking and Toile	The Porcelain Rose
Heather Hanson Design	My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Idyllhours	Michelle Petite Louise
Garden Party	My Petite Maison
A Pinch of Prim	French Farmhouse 425
Common Ground	Castle and Cottage
Circle Creek Home	Shabby Chateau

Marie Maison

Best of luck to everyone! & thank you so much for such a wonderful year of Blogging! xoxo, tracie

Fishtail Cottage Giveaway #19–A Pinch of Prim

2011-11-30T00:02:00.000-08:00

I recently found Michelle over at A Pinch of Prim and fell instantly in love with her darling creations. Take a peek at these little darlings below and you’ll be “smitten” too!

Aren't these all just amazing? Michelle at A Pinch of Prim does not use molds for her creations…all are made by her lovely hands.
I bet you are dying to know what Michelle made for the giveaway celebrating Fishtail Cottage’s One Year Anniversary of Blogging…? Drum Roll Please, It is a “Vintage Style Glittered Paper Mache Christmas Bird with a Glittered Nest and Box” Ok, that’s a mouthful! But check this sweet birdie out!!!!

I already told Michelle that I thought this “Vintage Style Glittered Paper Mache Christmas Bird with a Glittered Nest and Box” should fly over here to Fishtail Cottage and rest it’s wings! Whoever wins this gift is so very lucky!
This piece is 5 1/4” tall and 4’ wide. It is signed and dated by Michelle. The bird is handmade of Paper Clay and has all been designed, assembled and put together by Michelle as well. The box does not open. The nest is glittered with silver glitter and the box is adorned with red velvet ribbon and vintage mica glitter on the top.
Michelle at A Pinch of Prim also does custom orders ~ but I wouldn’t wait…her work load will be filling up quickly after this post is shared and her talent is seen by so many! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you have participated in.

1. Be a follower of Fishtail Cottage
2. Become a follower of Michelle at A Pinch of Prim
3. Place this Giveaway on your sidebar!
4. Share this giveaway post on Facebook.

Winners will be chosen by Random.org on December 2nd…Best of luck! xoox, tracie

Fishtail Cottage Giveaway #18–Ticking & Toile

2011-11-29T07:58:00.000-08:00

I first met Shellagh when I came across her gorgeous Ticking and Toile Etsy Store. I immediately contacted her with photo’s of areas in my home that I wanted to concentrate on. But I needed her expert advise in deciding what to order from her store. She kindly offered to help me figure out the perfect pillows and ruffled seat covers to accent my home with in order to get the look I desired.

Take a peek at what we came up with!

I am still so very happy a year later with all of my purchases from Ticking and Toile. With lots of kids running through our house, I was a little nervous with ‘white’ – but Shellagh reassured me that I could throw it all in the wash and it will be just fine. Boy was she ever right, these have all been thrown in the wash a few times and are still as fabulous as the day they arrived.

Shellagh at Ticking and Toile was my second follower when I began blogging a year ago. Always coming by with kind words and an encouraging heart. Someday I plan to take a road trip to meet her in person!

I also, love returning the favor by peeking over at her inspirational blog where she shares her newest creations, an inspirational find, and many posts of gorgeous rooms that are full of eye candy! It’s all in the details isn’t it?

Shellagh is gifting one lucky winner this French Prairie Collection Ruffle Pillowcase for the One Year Anniversary of Fishtail Cottage’s blog. This sweet pillow is filled with big floppy ruffles and made only from yummy soft linen. Tons of texture and prairie loveliness await your romantic French Prairie Bed Collection.
The pillowcase is made to fit any size bed pillow. A king size pillow will fill it completely and a standard size more loosely. Measures approx. 37 in (including ruffle) x 19 in.

Each of the following entries will be a chance to win The French Prairie Collection Ruffle Pillowcase! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you have participated in.

1. Be a follower of Fishtail Cottage
2. Become a follower of Ticking and Toile
3. Visit Ticking and Toile’s Etsy store and tell me which item is your favorite.
4. Place an order in Ticking and Toile’s Etsy store, and if you do so, please let come back and me know)!
5. Post this giveaway on your blog side bar
6. Post this giveaway on your Facebook

Winners will be chosen by Random.org on December 2nd…Best of luck! xoox, tracie

Fishtail Cottage Giveaway #17–Rustique Art

2011-11-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

Cindi over at Rustique Art has kindly donated this “Rustique Mission Cross” to one lucky winner in Celebration of Fishtail Cottage’s One Year Anniversary! Can I just say I am envious of whomever wins this gorgeous cross! I love how unique and charming her art is. (click on the photo to see a larger photo of the details)…I am loving everything about this piece!!! Have you ever been to her Rustique Art blog before? She is always repurposing her fabulous finds into delicious works of art…you have to visit her, and please do leave a comment that you stopped by from Fishtail Cottage!

Cindi also has an Etsy store where she sells her gorgeous creations. I’m so curious which is your favorite??? Mine has got to be the one she is giving away, but I also love the ones below…you can click on any photo to be taken to the listing.

Aren’t her creations amazingly unique?!?

Each of the following entries will be a chance to win the “Rustique Mission Cross”; Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you have participated in.

1. Be a follower of Fishtail Cottage
2. Become a follower of Rustique Art
3. Visit Rustique Art and tell me which item is your favorite.
4. Place an order in Rustique Art Etsy Shop, and if you do so, please let come back and me know!
5. Post this giveaway on your blog side bar
6. Post this giveaway on your Facebook

Winners will be chosen by Random.org on December 2nd…Best of luck! xoox, tracie

Fishtail Cottage Giveaway #16-Heather Hansen Designs

2011-11-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

Remember the post about the Junk Salvation show?

The one where I was lucky enough to meet Heather Hansen in person and see her fabulous jewelry up-close?

Well – I am so excited to share with you that she has donated something extra special for Fishtail Cottage’s One Year of Blogging Celebration! This 14” chained necklace with a pendent with a simple rhinestone inside of glass adorned with authentic vintage paper on both the front and back.

Heather’s designs are beautiful and so amazingly created with such detail. I hope you visit her Etsy Store; Heather Hansen Designs and see all the jewelry she now has available. She creates whimsical art from vintage tid bits that she finds. Each piece is made by hand and each is one of a kind, and I must say, I love the glitter that is often seen in her jewelry (Especially her seasonal creations!). Just a warning these pieces are very addicting!!! So don’t say you weren’t warned!

Each of the following entries will be a chance to win this darling rhinestone necklace from Heather Hansen Designs; Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you have participated in.

1. Be a follower of Fishtail Cottage
2. Visit Heather Hansen Designs and tell me which item is your favorite.
3. Place an order in Heather Hansen Designs Etsy Store, and if you do so, please let come back and me know!
4. Post this giveaway on your blog side bar
5. Post this giveaway on your Facebook

Winners will be chosen by Random.org on December 2nd…Best of luck! xoox, tracie

Fishtail Cottage Giveaway #15–The Porcelain Rose

2011-11-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth owns an Etsy shop called “The Porcelain Rose”. I placed an order several months ago and when they arrived in the mail – I was mesmerized by just how beautiful her items were. The tags were flawless and I loved every single set I ordered that I had to go back to order more (heaven for bid, I might run out!). She offered to do a giveaway through my blog early this spring and many of Fishtail Cottage’s followers placed an order and have felt the same as I do about her gorgeous work. If you have not checked her Etsy store, oh – you must! You will not be disappointed when they arrive in the mail…every time I embellish a gift with her tag, my family and friends are more excited about the tag than they are my gift.
The Porcelain Rose also has recently been introduced to blogging! I hope you take time to go visit & introduce yourself!
Elizabeth wants to help celebrate Fishtail Cottage’s One Year Anniversary of Blogging with gifting you with a set of “The 12 days of Christmas Tags” from The Porcelain Rose!

Each of the following entries will be a chance to win the 12 Days of Christmas Tags set!

1. Be a follower of Fishtail Cottage
2. Become a follower of the The Porcelain Rose blog!
3. Visit her Etsy store and tell me which item is your favorite.
4. Place an order in The Porcelain Rose shop, and if you do so, please let come back and me know)!
5. Post this giveaway on your blog side bar
6. Post this giveaway on your Facebook

Winners will be chosen by Random.org on December 2nd…Best of luck! xoox, tracie

Fishtail Cottage Giveaway #14~ArtJoyStuff

2011-11-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

I want to introduce to you today Kimberly over at ArtJoyStuff. Her blog is always so festive with her décor in her own home as well as what she creates for her store. I respect that Kimberly always shares where she finds her items that she decorates with – so the rest of us (me) can rush out to look for them and decorate similar to the way she does. I must say it makes it easy for me to look like I know what I am doing!
Kimberly has thoughtfully donated this festive Joyeaux Noel Christmas Snowball Ornament measuring 6 x 2.5 inches. I love that little bottle brush tree mixed with the vintage mercury glass beads, glitter & tinsel pipe cleaner! Isn’t this just darling?

If you can’t wait for the giveaway on December 2nd to be announced and need one of Kimberly’s designs NOW – please visit her A Joy to be Held Etsy Store. There are more ornaments like this in her store and so reasonably priced. Anything in her store would make a great gift for anyone on your list! Her creations are so unique and definitely one of a kind and seeing what is in her shop today…they won’t last long! Pretty much I have to admit, I am in love with everything in her Etsy Store!
Listing some of my favorites in A Joy to be Held Etsy Store below!

Each of the following entries will be a chance to win this Noel Christmas Snowball Ornament! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you have participated in.

1. Be a follower of Fishtail Cottage
2. Be a follower of Art Joy Stuff
3. Visit her Etsy store and tell me which item is your favorite.
4. Place an order in Kimberly’s shop, and if you do so, please let come back and me know!
5. Post this giveaway on your blog side bar
6. Post this giveaway on your Facebook

Winners will be chosen by Random.org on December 2nd…Best of luck! xoox, tracie

Fishtail Cottage Giveaway #13–My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

2011-11-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

Have you met Kirstin over at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia? If not, you must go introduce yourself and peek around her blog! She is always sharing inspirational posts that make you want bring out your own creative side. I met Kirstin when I first started “Cottage Flora Thursday’s” ~ I had an awful time figuring out how to get my party started using “linky tools”…I will never forget how sweet and kind she was about helping me!
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia blog hosts a linky party on Tuesday’s where we can all share a post about our “Treasures”. Whether it is something we made ourselves, recently purchased, or have had for a very long time ~ it’s all welcome! It is one of my favorite linky parties to browse through.
Kirstin also has an Etsy store “Uncommon Linens” filled with gorgeous goodies that she has created along with vintage finds! Kirstin has graciously donated a gorgeous large shabby blue and cream pillow with ticking and lots of ruffles. (Insert not included)

and two darling red ticking Holiday Sachets! These are Handmade with natural cotton fabric and tied with a satin or shear bow. Filled with a generous amounts of dried lavender and soft filling. The edges are frayed to give these a vintage feel. Hand stamped with the word “Hope” and “Believe”

Each of the following entries will be a chance to win those Ruffled pillow and lavender sachets; Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you have participated in.

1. Be a follower of Fishtail Cottage
2. Become a follower of My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
3. Visit Kristin’s Etsy store and tell me which item is your favorite.
4. Place an order in Uncommon Linens, and if you do so, please let come back and me know!
5. Post this giveaway on your blog side bar
6. Post this giveaway on your Facebook

Winners will be chosen by Random.org on December 2nd…Best of luck! xoox, tracie

Fishtail Cottage Giveaway #12–The Shabby Chateau

2011-11-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

I met Donna over at the – The Shabby Chateau months ago when we connected as neighbors in the State of Washington area. I love getting updates on her blog of what she is up to! She is always so clever with the way she repurposes something and makes it beautiful! Her sweet spirit comes through her in her words that she writes in her posts and she is always so kind at sharing how she creates her goodies! Making it even easy for someone like me to try to be crafty!
For the One Year Anniversary of Fishtail Cottage’s Blog, Donna has offered this gorgeous set of six gift cards to a follower of Fishtail Cottage! These ribbon and glitter embellished cards are so beautiful, I don’t know if the winner would really use them for anything other than decorating. They are honestly that beautiful!

Each of the following entries will be a chance to win this Set of Cards! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you have participated in.

1. Be a follower of Fishtail Cottage.
2. Be a follower of Shabby Chateau
3. Visit the Shabby Chateau Etsy Shop and tell me which item is your favorite.
4. Place an order in her shop, if so, please let me know!
5. Post this giveaway on your blog side bar
6. Post this giveaway on your Facebook

Winners will be chosen by Random.org on December 2nd…Best of luck! xoox, tracie