Raised In Cotton

Many Graces

Meeting creative women that understand or "Get You" is one of the many gifts from blogging. Even though my last few months have been hard, God has graced me with the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most talented women I have ever met and I would love to tell you about a few~Karla Nathan and I met last year at Silver Bella and began an immediate friendship. I finally found someone who understood my constant creative babbling enough so that the article we did together is now in the latest issue of Romantic Country~

Karla's talents have been published many times (over 25) so when I told her my idea's for using gutter screen to make crowns and sculpting clay pumpkin head bottles, she didn't even bat and eye. On behalf of our article, check out Karla's blog for the "Karla and Carol's Romantic Country Celebration Giveaway". The issue also gives you instructions on making your own garden statue crown out of screening.   Our article would not have been possible without Fifi's support and guidance-she is a doll and always makes me smile.

Also in this issue is the beautiful article by Heather Bullard on antiquing in Texas.  Last Spring, Heather and myself along with my niece Shelly, went to the antique shows in Texas. While Heather was photographing her gorgeous photo's for her article she was also helping me find "vintage purple" bottles for my article projects.

Another lovely blogger is Joy, who has a wonderful article also in the issue.  Sweet Kim has written an article that is shear delight and the photos are stunning.

I can't end my post without giving Thanks to the awesome Jenny Doh, editor of Somerset Life. In the current issue I have an article in honor of my Mom and "The Art of Laundry"

I hope you have a great weekend:)

The winner is and a little cabbage:)

Happy and beautiful morning to you all! The winner for the blog anniversary giveaway was Kim, I drew her lucky #8 comment:) I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who left such loving thoughts regarding my Mom and the blog. The last week was unusually hard for me but just reading your sweet comments was the best therapy I could have wished for~Thank You.

Speaking of therapy, the best kind for me is creating. So I have been keeping busy with Silver Bella and a future magazine project. But, I did find time to put this little fall bouquet together in an old sap bucket. I added a sprig of ornamental cabbage to the mix for a little rustic pop.   

Three Years!

Three years ago when I began the Raised In Cotton blog, I had no idea the profound impact it would have on my life.  It was my attempt to help introduce the shop that I had opened with two of my Nursing friends and hopefully attract customers to our new venture. What started as a few, "look what we have in the shop now" entries has evolved into a purposeful sharing of creative ideas. What a gift to connect with so many of you who are following your own blissful paths. The many beautiful friendships and opportunities that have come my way would not have been accessible if not for blogging. I always refer to you all as my "Dear Friends", because in my heart I truly believe that.  The last eleven months have been especially hard in dealing with the loss of two brothers and most recently my sweet Mom. Your support and sweet comments have helped me in these difficult times and I "Thank You, Dear Friends" so very much. 

As my Mom, "Stella Mae" always told me, "Carol Ann, live your life and always have fun." I am following her directions and celebrating my blogs three year anniversary with a giveaway.  You all were so gracious in my previous post "Bohemian Bling" in letting me know your favorite bracelet that I had made. The turquoise stone was a close winner over the vintage millinery flower bracelet. So along with the bracelet, I am adding a copy of the Danish decorating book, Franske Fornemmelser that was hugely popular on the website this summer and a wonderful Hand and Heart Soap from Gianna Rose Atelier . Just leave me a comment, any comment and I will pick a winner next week! Also, tons of new stuff to be added to the website, I promise:)

I love this book, even though the text is not in English, you get the idea.

Stella Mae

My Steel Magnolia sweet Mom Stella Mae passed away yesterday. So I will be taking a few days away from the blog to honor her memory. Thank You for all of the wonderful comments on the last post, I would hug you all if I could. I will return next week and have the blog anniversary giveaway as planned, until then I am sending blessings to you my Dear Friends~Carol