Raised In Cotton

Happy New Year Dear Friends!

There is a wonderful status update on Facebook that speaks volumes to me and it goes something like this;

"I've enjoyed the blessing of meeting people online that I never would have met any other way. This is my end of the year shout out to the many "friends" I have never been in the same room with but who have inspired, amused, comforted, encouraged, and touched me in so many ways. I love you Dear Friends~Here's to another year together!"

Thank You to each and every one of you who take the time out of your busy days to stop by and visit. Your friendship and support mean the world to me! I'm taking the rest of the week off to spend time with my family but will be back in a few days to share with you what I have in store for 2011.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR DEAR FRIENDS:) The Red Heart in the middle is for you!

Looking Back and Thank You

*Thank You at the bottom of the page~

Reflecting on the past, I found a few photos to share with you~ These first few are from the Miss Frenchie's Event in Kansas City I helped promote with friends. 

 

 My vintage "angel dress form tree" with feathered wings, pearls and net crinoline. I placed a wire umbrella frame adorned with snowflakes out of the top and lit the whole thing from underneath the skirt adding tiny white lights. Inside the large wire birdhouse is a white feather tree and crystal chandelier to echo the softness of the Winter vignette.

Vintage ladies high topped boots and French emphera paper cones.

 

Ice skates, handmade French Market Sign and tarnished silver candelabra.

 

Handmade vintage card holder and numbered candle tags all embellished with German glass glitter. 

And one more photo to share with you~ This is from Curious Sofa 2008 and probably one of my most favorite that I have ever taken of Deb's store. In case you have not heard, Deb is closing Curious Sofa. You can read more details here.

All photos by Carol Spinski

And finally, I must offer a huge Thank You to Interior Designer Scot Meacham Wood and his incredible panel of judges, Grant Gibson, Michael Devine, Ronda Carman, Tobi Fairley, Anne Sage (Rue Magazine) and Megan Arquette for selecting my dining room as one of the winners of his Holiday Decorating Contest. To say I am honored would be a complete understatement!

This Holiday Season

Carol Spinski Photography

Vintage Holiday Shine

 Need a little vintage shine for your Holiday tabletop this season? Take an old mirror and use it as a charger for a pretty place setting~ 

Add some candles, ribbon, fresh greens~

Handmade snowflake ornament~

Happy Winter Solstice!

Tips For Taking Photos Of Christmas Lights

What a beautiful time of the year for us picture snapping loving folks! Just so many photo ops especially with all the spectacular Christmas lights around. Here are a few tips that I use when taking photos of Christmas lights. 

The Country Club Plaza Kansas City, Missouri

* Use a Tripod or steady yourself against a wall when shooting. Avoiding camera shake will greatly improve all of your photos.

* Change your Auto White Balance to the Tungsten setting. Most Christmas lights are incandescent and setting your White Balance to Tungsten will help produce a more true look.

* Turn Your FLASH OFF. Since there is already lots of ambient light with the Christmas lights you don't need the extra and un natural flash. Try bumping up your ISO until you find a setting that looks great to you. 

* Be creative! This is the same photo as above but I used a Star Filter over my lens so the lights would really stand out. Also, try changing your angle of the shot~ I was on top of a parking garage when I took this photo. 

The Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri

I have another photo opportunity today~ My youngest is graduating from College this afternoon! I will let you know if he decides to wear his cowboy boots with his graduation robe;)

Candy Cane Twine and Star Gifts

I've had a long time fascination with good old fashioned bakers twine ever sense my Mama would use it to tie up her wrapped parcels for the post office to deliver at Christmas. The "candy cane" or red and white colored twine is my favorite. Have you ever tried writing with twine?  I took a bit and wrote out the word "Joy" then tacked it to a piece of linen for a small gift. 

Another fascination I have is with anything star shaped. So much so that I named one of our dogs "Star" a few years ago.

 

So when I came across this darling star and twine garland tutorial on the lovely Creature Comforts Blog, I had to make one to hang on a small white feather tree for another gift.  So fun and handmade!

Next up, Holiday Wrapping Ideas:)

Follow Up Answers To Some Of Your Questions

I thought I would share with you some of the questions that I have received since the farmhouse was featured as December's Cottage Of The Month over at The Old Painted Cottage.

What is the paint technique used on the entry floor?  

A square block in (light cream shade) was stenciled on top of a butterscotch base color in a checkerboard design. Tobacco glaze was added as the top coat for a subtle antique treatment. The very last thing you add is a Bichon for Smiles:)

 

What is the fabric your dining room chairs are covered in? 

  Belgium linen in sand from Restoration Hardware.

 

Is the chandelier over your farm table antique? Yes, I think the crystals offer a romantic contrast to the weathered farm table. 

 

Ok, where in the world did you find those darling snowflake pedestals?

Those are just mercury styled candlesticks that I topped with a big glass glittered snowflake. I purchased the snowflakes a couple of years ago at Target. 

 

 Where do you find all of your salvage pieces that you decorate with?

 Auctions are one of my favorite places to find all kinds of salvage pieces. You can find lots of hidden gems at Midwest farm auctions. 

 Do you mind sharing where you purchased the white crystal tree and bottles shown in one of your bedrooms?

I found the iced white tree at a Christmas Warehouse Sale about four years ago. The bottles I embellished several years ago with spare jewelry pieces,glass glitter and lace.

 Before I leave you today I must say "Thank You" for the wonderful response to the Raised In Cotton Online Store. We are adding more products and as always, your continued support is much appreciated:)

 

Back next week with some Christmas ideas~ Blessings

 

 

 

 

Raised In Cotton News

I am happy to announce that the RAISED IN COTTON ONLINE STORE is RESTOCKED and OPEN! After a few months (well most of the year) hiatus, we have new and vintage inventory to share with you just in time for the Holiday Season.

Love these Covered Cupcake Stands

Many French graphic pillow designs to choose from including this one .

Set of 3 Jeweled Votives~

Still adding inventory including some great vintage products~

Sweet Lamp~

While in Missouri, visit us at our shop location.

Raised In Cotton

200 N Madison, Raymore, Missouri

The shop is decorated simply using vintage black lantern's, fresh greens, paper and mercury glass.

 

More exciting business news to share with you in the next few weeks!

 

Merry Farmhouse

Merry, Merry December! I am honored that Jennifer selected the farmhouse as the featured Cottage Of The Month for December.

 

Head over to her site, The Old Painted Cottage for more photos of how I decorated the farmhouse for Christmas. Thank You Jennifer:) 

Belle, always curious as to what the heck I am doing:)