Hi! My name is Angela, and I refuse to let my 50's ranch home keep me from cottage style!Top Ten Projects for 2007
The very talented (and sweet) Manuela from The Feathered Nest has posted her Top Ten Projects For the Past Year, and she has invited us all to follow suit. What a great idea and a great way to welcome new readers! Here are mine:
1. Hazelnut Toffee Brownies
I know this isn't strictly a "home" project, but I invented this recipe when I was invited to share a recipe for Holly Holderman's Dazzling Dozen Delicious Dessert series. So I'm very proud of them. Plus, seriously, they are goooooood.
2. Halloween Boo Garland with Free Clip-Art Letters
Again, not strictly a home project, but this was my first attempt at paper crafting. I kept seeing these adorable paper medallion banner letters everywhere and thought I would try making some myself. They were so cute and it was so easy that I decided to share them in a format you could all use!
3. Creative Storage Containers
The moment I turned this crummy old silverware tray into a thread rack for my studio was one of total revelation: I, too, could come up with new and inventive ways to use containers! Since I'm not naturally gifted, this was a proud moment for me.
4. Plates for Master Bedroom
I loved finding these thrifted plates to hang over the bed in the master bedroom. Somehow, they made the bed make sense, and they made me feel like a princess!
5. New Studio Shelves
Putting up these shelves in my new studio, and creating a wall of color and inspiration to see while I work really helped me feel at home in my new house.
6. English Cottage Garden
I love this garden. I think this is one of the prettiest gardens I've ever designed, and I did it at the last minute before putting the house on the market, which, as you know, means I have had to leave this garden behind, but I am looking forward to replicating it (in feel, at least), in the newly planned cottage garden at the new house.
7. Crisp Autumn Bedroom
Like so many of the projects in the English-style cottage, this one was done at the last minute. But it involved painting a pine bed from natural wood to black and I though I was unsure at first, it look so sharp, now I can't imagine it any other way.
8. Living Dining Complete
Another staging project from the English-style cottage, the living and dining room were put together on a shoestring and designed to be warm and welcoming yet urban and upscale. With clearance and discount-house items and some resourceful tricks (cheap canvas slipcovers on beat-up dining room chairs), I'm, frankly, surprised this room came together at all. But I am proud of how it turned out.
9. Clean Cottage Kitchen
Of course, when recapping the projects from the English-style cottage, we can't forget the cottage-style kitchen makeover. Aside from the cottage-style garden, this is the project that had the most impact on the functionality and feel of the old house, and also the project I most regret not doing sooner. If I have learned anything from this experience, it's to do the projects early so you can enjoy them!
10A. The New House
And finally, the best of all projects of 2007 is the one we've just begun. The conversion of a lackluster 1950's house....
10B. The New Garden
....and lackluster 1950's garden into the cottage-style home and garden in my dreams. It's not going to be easy, but I know I can do it.
I hope!
What about you? What were your Top Ten for 2007?
Comments (29)
Hi Angela, thank you so much for the Award, we REALLY mean it when we say YOU make US smile :) Thank you from our hearts :) Manuela has issued a very interesting challenge...and we can see you have achieved so much!! It's just great you gave us the links back to the original post too:) And your new home looks lovely, and once you weave your magic it will be adorable :) Love the English Cottage Garden theme, and pass those Brownies please, they look seriously good. Beautiful photos too BTW! Always enjoy visiting you Angela! Have a wonderful day :) Jenn and Jacqui
Posted by Jenn and Jacqui | January 14, 2008 1:07 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 01:07
Hi Angela, oh forgot to say hubby helped figure out the time difference between us. The formula got me confused LOL well I am blonde!! Nom we now know for sure, Melbourne is 19 hours AHEAD of Oregon (we used Salem aa a point of reference) so just add 19 hours to your time and there you have it, easy! Jenn and Jacqui
Posted by Jenn and Jacqui | January 14, 2008 2:28 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 02:28
Those are great! I hope to join in later this week with my top 10.
Posted by cindy ~ my romantic home | January 14, 2008 3:45 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 03:45
Lovely and inspirational photos! Good for you! I enjoy your blog.
Posted by Connie W | January 14, 2008 5:35 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 05:35
Those brownies look so decadent they must be out of this world delish! I find leaving a garden the hardest part of moving! Especially when you know people are either not going to take care of it or rip it all out. I see you're lucky with your buyers that they will keep your garden!
Thank you for the You Make My Day Award! You are always so sweet and I appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog!
xo,
Manuela
Posted by The Feathered Nest (Manuela's) | January 14, 2008 5:48 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 05:48
Thanks you Angela for the award. I love coming here and seeing what amazing things you are up to. Your top ten list is a hefty set of accomplishments, indeed!
Did you ever decide what you are going to do about your bed? Paint or au naturel?
What are you working on now? I can't wait to see more updates!
Linda
xoxo
Posted by linda | January 14, 2008 6:10 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 06:10
Hi, Angela! Thanks for the award! I will wear it proudly...you're so thoughtful.
Oh, I loved all of your Top 10! I can't wait to see all that you come up with for this year. And I may have to pick your brain for some landscaping ideas. Did you get my email about that?? I have an area I want to work on in the next few months..patio area. You, dear...have done a great job on your gardens! I'd say that is one of your strongest talents.
I don't think I have 10 things I did this year. With working part of the year, that took some of my creative time away. I know I did accomplish a few things, like the black/white peel & stick tile in my laundryroom & adding a few new light fixtures. I think that's all the major things I did. I too am lookin forward to more inspiration this year!
xo,
Rhoda
Posted by Rhoda | January 14, 2008 6:40 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 06:40
Super post as usual Angela. All your projects turned out beautifully and I can't wait to see what this year brings.
Janet
Posted by janet | January 14, 2008 7:15 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 07:15
Whew! You must be tired! I admire that in the midst of all the remodeling, and even shortly after it--you managed to take time for the small things like Boo banners and brownies. I was so insanely busy last year remodeling our home, that I just kind of took this year off for the most part. You've inspired me to get on some projects so I have something to show! Thanks!
Posted by Jennifer P. | January 14, 2008 8:17 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 08:17
Wonderful projects to proud of! Love the cottage kitchen.
Posted by Poppins | January 14, 2008 11:05 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 11:05
I love everything you've done here ~ especially your cottage gardens.
Posted by Lynda | January 14, 2008 11:42 AM
Posted on January 14, 2008 11:42
Good luck with your new house and garden. I'm sure you will make it beautiful.
Posted by Annie | January 14, 2008 12:02 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 12:02
angela, i'm totally confused! do you live in the ranch-ish house with the apricot door? or the one with the white trim? in oregon wine country? my 2008 list includes creating a lovely masterbedroom that might include a chandelier in the sink/dressing area of the bath. i'm so daring now that i read blogs! i'm also doing the upstairs hallway: i am putting all the photographs in an album or two and going the less is more school of decorating. thanks for sharing your ideas/projects. very helpful for my efforts!!
Posted by jkj | January 14, 2008 2:26 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 14:26
What a fun idea....your projects are so fabulous...from the brownies to the house...WOW!!!!
Have a blessed day!
smiles, kari & kijsa
Posted by kari & kijsa | January 14, 2008 3:19 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 15:19
Love your blog, just found it and can't wait to try the brownies. You seem to be very organized and ambitious and it looks like it paid off. Wonderful!!
Posted by Jackie | January 14, 2008 3:40 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 15:40
Yes, you really had some GREAT projects last year.
Hmmmm, I wonder if I even had 10 projects? LOL
Sounds like a fun post, I'll have to dig through my blog.
Oh, and Congratulations on selling the house!!!That's big, go celebrate!
Kimberly :)
Posted by Niesz Vintage Home | January 14, 2008 4:43 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 16:43
Angela
Know what i love best? The plates over the bed! I have a similar headboard and this seems to "ground" your room! Your projects are great, I know the new house will be a wonder--please give my new blog a visit!
Posted by Tara | January 14, 2008 6:09 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 18:09
Hi Angela! You've done a wonderful job in your home, and I'm anxious to see what you're going to do at the new house. Ok, the brownies are YUM, and my favorite picture was that of your sewing room, now I can imagine you sitting there creating your wonderful pillows I like to call "masterpieces" - ha! I may have to bug you to give me your professional opinion on how to decorate my front porch for summer....I always struggle with it.
Hugs,
Rose
Posted by Rose | January 14, 2008 6:33 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 18:33
Your projects are all fabulous! I don't have blog posts for 10 projects from 2007 but maybe I can take some new pics and join in the fun!
Posted by Emily | January 14, 2008 6:45 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 18:45
Amazing! You were a busy girl! I think that is a great idea (good thinking Manuela) to put your top projects together in one place. It really shows how much you've accomplished!
Love it!
Melissa
Posted by melissa @ the inspired room | January 14, 2008 9:13 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 21:13
What a visually delectable year. I really must think about my Top Ten! Too bad I've pulled apart my house in anticipation of having the floors re-finished!
Posted by Barbara Jacksier | January 15, 2008 11:42 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 11:42
Whew! You have been such a busy girl - and your talents are shining brightly with all of your beautiful projects! So inspiring - best of everything to you too with your new home! Exciting!!!
xo,
Kim
Posted by Daisy Cottage | January 15, 2008 5:00 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 17:00
I am SURE you'll succeed at your cottage-style home and garden! And the doing, the journey, is a big part of the fun.
~Elaine~
Posted by Elaine | January 15, 2008 5:37 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 17:37
I love all your great pictures. What a great way to wrap up the year. Wonderful mosiac too. I'll have to learn how to create one of those.
Fun recap and I look forward to seeing what's in store in 2008.
Posted by Lisa | January 16, 2008 12:21 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 12:21
Good golly, you're busy. You make me tired just reading this stuff. And I'm energetic!
Must try harder...
--Robin (Bumblebee)
Posted by Robin (Bumblebee) | January 17, 2008 6:13 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 18:13
Hi Angela,
This is so incredibly inspiring. Thanks for giving me the jumpstart I needed to get going on my own projects!
oxox
Jennifer
Posted by Jennifer Grey | January 18, 2008 6:49 PM
Posted on January 18, 2008 18:49
Oh. My. Gosh.
Angela? You are one talented chickie-doo. I just LOVED all of your makeovers! Especially your garden!
Now I'm going to finish stalking your site :)
xoxox,
martha
Posted by Martha | January 19, 2008 4:17 AM
Posted on January 19, 2008 04:17
What a fun way to remember all you've gotten accomplished this year!!
Posted by Michelle | January 23, 2008 7:57 AM
Posted on January 23, 2008 07:57
I love all your projects! The recipe you created sounds incredibly yummy!! Too bad I'm on a diet, but soon I will have to try it out.
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Posted by Michele | May 31, 2008 3:44 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 03:44