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Holidays

Happy Valentine's Day!

Oh my goodness, I am completely overwhelmed (in a good way). There's so much bloggy love out there right now. I've even gotten a lovely Valentine's Day gift from the talented Ellen Crimi-Trent (pictured above). What a nice surprise, thank you Ellen! I had such a fantastic time with the pink post, too. Look for another color themed post... Continue reading "Happy Valentine's Day!..."

Posted on February 14, 2008 5:20 PM

Valentine's Day "Be Mine" Banner (Free Letter Templates)

So I've been moving things around here at Casa de Magpie, and the free china hutch I got on craigslist.org has migrated into the living room, which continues to evolve toward a finished design. More on that soon. But meanwhile, I was working on distressing the china hutch and suddenly had the overwhelming urge to make a Valentine's Day... Continue reading "Valentine's Day "Be Mine" Banner (Free Letter Templates)..."

Posted on February 12, 2008 8:41 PM

Happy New Year, 2008

I have so much to say and so much to thank all of you for, I don't know where to begin. So let me just say that for me, looking forward, 2008 is going to be an amazing, adventurous journey. A journey of learning, since I am not naturally gifted at creating beautiful spaces like so many of you.... Continue reading "Happy New Year, 2008..."

Posted on January 1, 2008 12:00 AM

Merry Christmas 2007

Dear friends, I hope you all have an absolutely beautiful day today. I am feeling more blessed than ever, thanks in part to all of you. And this is the icing on the cake. The ornament featured above was sent to me from Linda of Restyled Home along with a few other ornament goodies. Thank you so much, Linda!... Continue reading "Merry Christmas 2007..."

Posted on December 25, 2007 3:49 PM

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Final Day!

Whew! What a whirlwind giveaway this has been, and so much fun! This morning, we're giving away our last two pillows. We had a very special random drawing this morning by our Christmas tree, and.... .....the winners are.... ....drumroll.... Congratulations, Rose,this pillow is now yours! Rose from Classic Charm for the red floral oblong, and... Congratulations, Cheryl,this pillow is... Continue reading "Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Final Day!..."

Posted on December 25, 2007 3:37 PM

2007 Virtual Holiday Home Tour

Welcome to Cottage Magpie, one of many stops on the spectacular 2007 Virtual Holiday Home Tour organized by the amazingly talented Tracey from Notes From A Cottage Industry. I hope that after you visit my home, you'll make a point to visit everyone else on the tour. Red-and-white themed tree in the family room(Click any photo to enlarge) I... Continue reading "2007 Virtual Holiday Home Tour..."

Posted on December 19, 2007 1:39 PM

Dress Your Mantel With Evergreen Garden Foliage

I don't have a mantel (yet) in my current home, but in my previous home, I dressed the mantel every year with foliage I clipped from my or my neighbor's garden (with their kind permission, of course). I've found that even indoors without water, most of the foliage would last a week or two, just enough to add some... Continue reading "Dress Your Mantel With Evergreen Garden Foliage..."

Posted on December 18, 2007 11:24 PM

Christmas Ornament Ideas, 2007

The Scandinavian country look, with it's cheery red and bright white, is a great choice this season, giving a homespun yet light and cottagey look to the Christmas Tree. Using supplied I had on hand and inexpensive glass balls from the local thrift store, I was able to make several dozen new ornaments for my tree that hopefully give... Continue reading "Christmas Ornament Ideas, 2007..."

Posted on December 13, 2007 8:51 PM

Holiday Decorating Contest!

Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage is hosting a Holiday Decorating Contest on her website, and she's looking for the Best decorated Holiday Home! I'm not going to be able to enter because all my time is going to my reno, but I really want all you guys to enter so I can see your gorgeous decorations! The winner... Continue reading "Holiday Decorating Contest!..."

Posted on November 23, 2007 9:51 AM

Halloween Boo Garland With Free Clip-Art Letters

Adorable crafty banners are everywhere this Halloween, draped across mantles, skirting tables and strung across fences. Instead of purchasing letters or fiddling with tracing around water glasses, I created letters with circle templates on the computer. They worked so well, I decided to post them here for everyone to use. Now you, too, can easily print, cut, and tape... Continue reading "Halloween Boo Garland With Free Clip-Art Letters..."

Posted on October 30, 2007 11:00 PM

Pumpkin Carving Design Ideas, 2007

Carving pumpkins is one of the few Halloween crafts that I get really excited about. It's fun, it's family-friendly, and it's a great way to play with artistic ideas. I guess there's nothing like Halloween to bring out the sculptor in us all. Here's what I came up with this year. Give them a try, or create your own:... Continue reading "Pumpkin Carving Design Ideas, 2007..."

Posted on October 29, 2007 5:16 PM

Carve An Indian Medallion Pumpkin

Like many people, I'm a big fan of Indian hand-blocked prints, and I wanted to try a pumpkin inspired by those designs. The best thing about this particular pumpkin idea is that it looks complicated, but it's one of the easiest pumpkins to carve and requires no pattern. Like cutting paper snowflakes, this pumpkin unfolds its unique pattern by... Continue reading "Carve An Indian Medallion Pumpkin..."

Posted on October 29, 2007 12:27 PM

Carve A Monogrammed Pumpkin

Okay, I admit it. I love monograms. But for some reason I never take the time or money to have things monogrammed. I don't know why. So when I started carving pumpkins this year I thought a monogrammed pumpkin was a perfect idea. You don't need a pattern or fonts for this pumpkin. Just follow a few simple steps... Continue reading "Carve A Monogrammed Pumpkin..."

Posted on October 29, 2007 11:58 AM

How To Carve A Pumpkin

I have to admit that as a child I never really enjoyed carving pumpkins. Using big kitchen knives was difficult, clumsy and dangerous, and frankly I'm surprised no one lost a finger. But several years ago I discovered the amazing and very safe serrated pumpkins saw. My life has never been the same, and I have come to truly... Continue reading "How To Carve A Pumpkin..."

Posted on October 29, 2007 11:11 AM