cran·ber·ry
1. A mat-forming, evergreen shrub (Vaccinium macrocarpum) of eastern North America, having pink flowers and tart, red, edible berries.
2. The berries of this plant, used in sauces, jellies, relishes, and beverages.
cot·tage
1. A small, single-storied house, especially in the country.
2. A small vacation house.
cran·ber·ry cot·tage
1. A tiny house in the woods in the north of Holland.
2. Peace, quiet, paradise.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Pumpkins.....

The nice thing about my new quilt wall is that I have yet another space to bring in seasonal decorations. Back in August, I showed you this space (click to see the old lamp) with a lamp that was too large. I changed it to this candlestick lamp. What do you think?


The quilt is one of my doll quilts I made back in 2010 which I call Pumpkin Fields. It is so cheerful to see all the autumn shades in the evening when the lamp is on. Again I used another tiny quilt and a stitched pillow on the butler tray.


Our coffee corner in the garden has received an autumn touch with a Turkish turban gourd in my vase planter. Did you know that if you rub pumpkins and gourds with some salad (I used olive oil as that is all I have) oil that it will help it to stay fresh longer locking out moisture?

I am linking to French Country Cottage's Feathered Friday Nest.


"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion."

- Henry David Thoreau

Happy weekend!
Heidi

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

No mantle place?

We have a free standing wood stove in our living room which means I have not got a pretty mantle to be able to decorate. Instead, I used a side table to get this kind of look.


Pumpkins and berries in a vase always work so well.


This year, I have a new little stitched piece to add to my Halloween decorations with this witch's game board. For me, seasonal decorating is centered around my quilts and stitched pieces.


Heidi

Friday, September 21, 2012

Welcome autumn!!!

Autumn is officially here. The weather has already turned crisp here in Holland and plants are fading all around us. Yet they are being replaced with brightly colored pumpkins and gourds. Berries are appearing on bushes and soon the leaves will start their display. Autumn...my favorite season!


This is a calico wreath that I made 3 years ago. If you would like to give it a try making one of your own, I have a tutorial on my old handwork blog. Just click here and see the step by step photo instructions.

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."

- George Eliot

Heidi

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Enjoying the first signs of fall.....

We have been away enjoying the first signs of fall at Cranberry Cottage. We went up for a 10 day stay at the cottage...


It was wonderful and I really hated having to come back to the city. Everything has started smelling like autumn in the woods. There are signs of it starting like our white hydrangeas getting a tinge of pink to them. We enjoyed the cool evenings with the fireplace crackling. I spent many days with my crocheting and stitching. We treated ourselves to an evening out at our favorite restaurant but time passed all too quickly.


Jos needed time there as he had to get a start on painting as well as gardening. He is a master at trimming conifers and bushes. We have quite a few there that need yearly attention. And he does it all with hand trimmers too...no electric trimming for him! I am always in awe of how nicely he works.

Some people like to get away for vacation and be where they can do nothing. For us, it is most enjoyable in our second home. I don't mind still having my daily routine of cooking and cleaning. It is simply so peaceful to be at Cranberry Cottage.


Our little man Dagi was with us. He is showing his old age so much now and we are simply treasuring each moment we still have to enjoy his cuddles. He supervised my cleaning and decorating just a little for autumn.

I am now busy with my decorations in the house in the city. Come back soon for my autumn house tour.

Heidi