Favorite Fall Through Winter Dishes

For several years now, I have been switching my dishes to Fall and Christmas

favorites beginning on Halloween.  The change is fun and festive.  It adds another

layer of excitement to the season.

I am a big fan of blue and white dishes and will through in some red too, but

I never have been a big fan of brown.  My Mama loved brown and tan.  Her

whole house was done in those colors, but I often found it to be depressing, so

I stayed away.  Yet I have always liked the Friendly Village pattern from

Johnson Bros.  Maybe it's the pop of red that shows up in the different scenes the

sets it apart.

The red in the covered bridge makes me want to step inside and to go beyond

it to see whatever other pops of red will turn up,

It's a cheerful pattern too.

The colors in my centerpiece refer back to the colors in the

tablescape.

The Friendly Village will be around until the day after Thanksgiving.  For

Christmas I plan a little something different, yet with that same homey feel.

Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!

Tablescape Thursday

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Dollhouse Miniature Resources Guide, Part1

Before starting a big project like my English Country Cottage Kitchen,

I knew the I would need some statement, quality pieces that would anchor

my room.  Two miniaturists immediately came to mind, both of whom have Etsy 

Shops.  The photo above, shows a big stove surround and an Aga stove. 

These were both created by Rebecca of Tiny Dwelling.  She sells original

hand rafted designs that are unique and memorable. All of the pieces can

be purchased in various color ways, which makes it quite easy to stay within

your own design needs.  I also purchased the Aga stove from her.

This vintage looking standing sink is one of Rebecca's designs too.  Both 

pieces were investments, but the results are so worth the means.  If you

would like to see more of Rebeccca's creations, look here:

Tiny Dwelling 

Another one of my favorite artisans on Etsy, in Matthew Weston of

Weston Miniature.  He created this lovely arm chair in the photo

above.  Matthew sells splendid furniture, but also fine and one of a kind

accessories too. 

This little porcelain hen sitting on a basket is one of his.  A piece like this,

gives charm to a room and adds character.  I have more of Matthew's 

porcelain pieces that I will share with you later.

Here is an example of a find quality piece of furniture at a very affordable

price.   Don't overlook craft shops like Hobby Lobby where you can find

some nice unfinished pieces that you may paint and make your ow.

This is another favorite miniaturists, Cynthia Lauren Sperin.  I met Cynthia

through blogging and we have been friends for years now.  She enjoys creating

mostly food items and her work is beautiful.  Here she created the

jars of jelly, the dessert, the coordinating towel and book. Everyone wants to

see food on the table, and here items are so yummy looking!  Cynthia's son was

just married, so her shop is empty at the moment, but will fill up again soon.

Stop by and see her at

Miniologie Cottage

In the days ahead, I will have more vendors to share with you.  Stay tuned!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

I'm Saving Myself for Christmas

As much as I love Fall, despite the fact it has not arrived in South Texas

YET,  I'm not that crazy about decorating for the season.  The season I 

really love to decorate for is Christmas!  Little lights strung everywhere,

beloved Christmas tunes, Hallmark movies, etc.  All of it is magic to me.

I long to put it all up, and when the season is over, I am sad to see it go.

Below are just of a few of the reasons I am saving myself for Christmas:

Between now and Thanksgiving, I may sneak in a few Fall season pics,

but mostly I will wait for the real fun to begin.

Have a happy Monday everyone!

Big Texas Hugs, 

Susan and Bentley

Tablescape on a Porch Swing

Having a porch swing is so much fun.  It's a great place for a cup of coffee

or tea.  I can just put everything on a tray and bring it out to serve as we

gently swing away.  Ideal for a tablescape!

I adore a vintage thermos and have a hard time passing one up when

I see one!

Don't let this Fall scene fool you.  The sun is still high in that big old

Texas sky, and while the calendar may show that it's Fall, it sure does

feel like summer.  Oh well, give it time.

Tablescape Thursday

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Two Super Easy and Cheap Projects

I love those little inexpensive pocket size ruled notebooks.  I have them

for keeping track of a variety of things, passwords, etc.  I'm not always

crazy about the covers, but buy them anyway.  

I had some left over scrapbook paper, and it was just enough to cover the

notebook's front and back.  Cheap, super easy and fun!

I have always loved little things.  You must already know that because

of my love of miniature dollhouses.  I also love little sketches and small

graphics.  If I come across one in a magazine, I will cut it out and save it.

I found these little images in a "save it" box and wanted to display them.

I found an inexpensive frame at a thrift shop, painted it white, used

scrapbook paper for a backdrop, and there you have it.  It's sitting on my

office deck next to my iMac.  It makes me smile and smiling is healthy!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley