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Saturday, December 12, 2009

A Cottage Christmas


Welcome. I am so glad that you stopped by. Come in and sit down and relax for a few minutes and I will make you a cup of hot coco to warm you up. We are having lots of much needed rain in Southern California as well as snow in our local mountains. It is cold outside and the perfect time to take a little break from the holiday rush.



I found these adorable Christmas cups with Scottie dogs at Ross Department store for $2.98



Finding inspiration . . . . .




Here . . .

The Scottie plate was $3.98.


There and Everywhere . . . . .

I could not resist painting a little Scottie dog painting for my friend, who owns two adorable Scotties, for Christmas.



A Santa cookie jar is filled with sugar cookies. Would you like one to go with your hot coco?

Vintage and new stockings are hung here and there

This one is very special and made by my dear friend and artist Jane Elliott. She used old lace and denim fabric.










Snowmen came in from out of the cold and are happy standing guard over the fireplace.








My studio assistant, Bentley, is anxious to take you into the garden to show you his new Christmas stocking. He is wearing his new raincoat and does not mind the rain.






Since we are in the garden in the rain we will show some gifts I have been growing to give to family and friends for Christmas.

The little red birdhouse planter holds a Rosemary topiary.







I purchased the garden signs at a local craft show - they make great gifts for gardeners.




The little JOY sign was made from salvaged tin.



The Ivy topiary looks festive with the addition of a red check bow and red berries.





The wreath is a mixture of real and artificial greens.


Paper whites are so fragrant and make a wonderful gift which can be used indoors as well as outdoors.






The addition of ivy to a potted Poinsettia adds a very nice touch.






Fragrant paper whites.




I start growing paper whites in early November so they will bloom by Christmas.




I plant a new batch of paper whites each week and that way I have them blooming through the end of January and into February. They make wonderful inexpensive and thoughtful gifts.





The rain has stopped and our beautiful California sun is shining.







Bentley was glad to take off his raincoat and put on his new Holiday collar. Looks like he is still looking for his Christmas stocking to show you.





Looks like he found it.










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Thank you for stopping by to visit. I love hearing from you and sincerely appreciate your visit, comments and those who follow my blog. Please let me know if you would like to see me paint something special or have any questions.
Have a lovely week. Blessings, Erin

11 comments:

Phyllis said...

Hey Erin,

Your place looks so cute and all ready for a visit from Santa.

I was at Homegoods this evening and picked up an adorable teapot with a scottie on it. I wanted it so badly but put it back. I'm kicking myself now.

I love paperwhites too but didn't plant any this year.

Kathi said...

What a wonderful post! So many beautiful photos filled with JOY!
Your home is so pretty all decorated for Christmas. I love the snowmen on the mantle. So cute!

Anonymous said...

Bentley's definitely a "ham". He steals the show! What a cutie!
Everything looks festive, Erin!

Diane

Lallee said...

Erin, this post just has oodles of things I love. Of course the Scotties are at the top of the list. I adore your little painting! Your friend will be so thrilled. I added that same Scottie mug to my collection last week. All the reds and gingham--I could look all day long! I love it all.
Hugs,
Lallee

Ruth Welter said...

I love your beautiful decorations Erin and those mugs were a great and adorable find. : )

Ruth

Julie said...

Oh I must say that it all looks so cute but the scottie dog plates and mugs are my favorites. I had a scottie dog katie that passed away several years ago and now Paisley are Westie is my baby. And we have been waiting tell spring to get two more scotties!

Marilyn Miller said...

Love paper whites throughout the house too. Bentley is so cute. What a cute tea set sitting on the ottoman. Love all the color.

Simply Debbie said...

MY DEAR ERIN AND ADORABLE BENTLEY,
I HAVE ALOT OF THINGS TO SAY...ALL WONDERFUL.
FIRST, I DIDN'T REALIZE YOU HAD A FOLLOWER BUTTON OR YOU KNOW I WOULD BE AT THE HEAD OF THE LIST. YOU ARE "THE LADY" IN MY EYES.
SECOND, IF YOU WOULD CREATE A BUTTON FOR YOUR BLOG/AND OR WEBSITE OR MAYBE YOU HAVE ONE ALREADY AND MY EYES JUST ARE NOT SEEING IT....I WILL WITH HONOR POST IT ON THE SIDE BAR OF MY BLOG.
THIRD, BENTLEY LOOKS VERY FESTIVE IN HIS NEW COLLAR AND I LOVE HIS RAIN SLICKER.
I HAVE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME CATCHING UP ON THE POSTS I AM BEHIND AND WATCHING HIM OUT LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION.
THAT YELLOW VICTORIAN COTTAGE IS REALLY DECKED OUT COMPLETE WITH THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE....THAT WAS AWESOME TO SEE AND I DON'T BELIEVE I HAVE SEEN THAT MANY BIRDHOUSES IN ONE TREE....THEY HAVE TO HOLD THE RECORD...I AM SOOOOO VERY GLAD YOU SHOWED US THOSE PICTURES.
I LOVE THE NEW HOUSE COLOR AND IT MAKES THE SHUTTERS AND ALL YOUR BEAUTIFUL TRIMS JUST POP. IT HAD TO BE A BIG ADJUSTMENT TO NOT HAVE YOUR RED DOOR.....BUT YOU HAVE SUCH BEAUTIFUL REDS IN YOUR DECORATING.
EVERYTHING INSIDE THE COTTAGE IS SO PRETTY AND WARM AND INVITING.
I ENJOYED THE HOT CHOCOLATE IN POLKA-A-DOT MUG AS I LOOKED AT THE DECORATIONS ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL STAIRCASE.
YOU JUST HAVE THE PERFECT TOUCH, RIGHT DOWN TO THE BOWS. I LOVE THE RED AND WHITE CHECK STOCKINGS WITH THE TOILE TOE AND BAND AT THE TOP....AND THE ANGEL BETWEEN THEM ON YOUR BLUE CABINET....JUST PRECIOUS.
EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN IS SO PRETTY...ALL YOUR FLOWERS....THE BICYCLE PLANTER, YOUR SIGNS, EVERYTHING.
I LOVED THE PAINTING LESSON YOU SHARED ON MAKING THE SNOWLADY. THAT JUST SPEAKS OF YOUR GENEROUS HEART.
I LOVE THAT YOU PLANT PAPERWHITES EVERY WEEK SO YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE SOME IN BLOOM FOR GIFTS AND TO ENJOY.
I THANK GOD EVERY DAY YOU FIRST CAME TO AMY AND ME THROUGH YOUR PAINTING THE PINK BICYCLE. THERE ARE DAYS THAT ALL I CAN DO IS STARE AT AMY IN PARIS AND CRY....SUCH A BEAUTIFUL GIFT AND I MISS HER SO VERY MUCH EVERY DAY.
I GUESS YOU ARE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO LET ME ADOPT YOU...LOL
ANGEL HUGS TO YOU AND BENTLEY
LOVE
DEBBIE

Unknown said...

Wow Erin there your blog is awesome, and so full of great ideas for those who aren't all that creative. I love the goodies you found at one of our Specialty shops!! heheh!!! I have found so many great things too this year. Thanks so much for sharing your precious Bentley with us too!!!
hugs
http://dreamsofpurelove.blogspot.com

Stacey said...

Hi Erin. :) It always does my heart good to visit you. It looks so bright and pretty there in Southern California...it's very cold here right now! Your decorations are all just perfect. Your friend will be so excited to receive the adorable painting.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Bentley is of course the star of any post! What a sweetie and such a ham! Of course I love all of the bright reds and whites in your decor! The snowmen are all so beautiful! I love everything about your decorating touches! And I want to wish you are VERY Merry Christmas! You bring such joy to all of us all year long!