Nanniepannie's Blog: February 2011

Sunday, February 27, 2011

LET THE SUN SHINE IN!

This was my bedroom through out the winter months.
Now that Spring is almost here,
I'm making a few changes.

I have been craving the sunshine, so I decided to open up my
windows a bit and let some shine in.
I have replaced my thick cotton drapes
with a sheerer cotton set.
Both pairs came from Ikea and I love them both.

I needed some whimsy so
I made some white and brown paper cranes to
hang in the tops of the windows.

Mixing soft and rough
is a big deal to me,
I ran a burlap ribbon through the openings
made for the rod, adding
texture and movement.

I like the look...for now.
It will hold me over until it is time
to get serious about
Spring and Easter.

Had a few cranes left over.

*
I will be linking with some friends this week,
Southern Savvy Style
The Shabby Chic Cottage
My Romantic Home
French Country Cottage
be different...act normal

Monday, February 21, 2011

FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING

The first signs of Spring are starting to emerge here at

Buttermilk Cottage.

I saw my first yellow on the Forsythia bush today and

noticed buds on the Dogwood.

Some of my early daffodils are already showing their color.

Tiny crocus are up in full force.

A few years ago I bought a bag of bulbs,

threw them up in the air

and planted them where the landed.

Blue Hyacinth
showing color.

Tulips are just starting to come up.

I absolutely love the Spring.

In the Fall I try to plant a few more bulbs every year.

Springtime comes, and its a brand new garden.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

KISSES FOR HICKORY

Foxclift Hickory Wind

better known as just plain Hickory to her friends,

was named Best In Show

at the 135th. Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Tuesday Febuary 15th. at Madison Square Garden.

Hickory is a five year old and the first

Scottish Deerhound to ever win at

Westminster.

It was all hugs and kisses when Hickory was named

"Best In Show"

by renowned judge Paolo Dondina

of Monterchi, Italy.

Angela Lloyd, Hickory's trainer, was brought to tears at the

announcement Tuesday night. She also spoke of the

rich bond she has with the lovable Deerhound.

Hickory's owner and breeder, Cecilia Dove.

This past week was a whirl wind week for the champion
with lots of appearances and events.
For a dog that likes the quiet life,
she has truly handled the fame
with style and grace.

Hickory was even treated to a steak at the famous

Sardi's Restaurant in

New York City.

Now that the excitement is over

Hickory is ready for some, much deserved

rest and relaxation.

She is retiring to her owner's fifty acre farm in

Virginia.

Congratulations Hickory,

and kisses to you!
*

Linking with Angela at

West Virginia Treasures'

Show and Tail party

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Origami Cranes

I have been fascinated by origami cranes for about two years now.

Ever since I saw a tree decorated with red and white

polk-a -dot cranes in the Pottery Barn catalog two years ago,

I've wanted to learn how.

This past Christmas my brother and sister-in-law

gave me a book on Origami.

I've been practicing.

This is one of my projects. These cranes are made from the

smallest size paper. They are very light weight and look so

whimsical on the tree branches.

I used an assortment of paper.

Some are made with traditional origami paper, others with

scrapbook paper and lastly I used scented

drawer liner paper on some.

The hangers are fashioned using embroidery thread.

My second project is a couple of garlands. This time
I used different size paper for contrast.

This is not going to be the permanent home for these,
I plan on hanging them in a window, but the
lighting was a little better here.

Brown craft paper works very well for Origami.
I've also experimented with pages
from an old book.
I really like the look of those.

My last project.
Again, I used different size paper
as well as different type paper.
The others I strung on embroidery thread,
here I used raffia which I really like.