Preparing the Nursery for Master John Rivers Oliver

"...Know you what it is to be a child? It is to believe in love, to be so little that the elves can reach to whisper in your ear; to turn pumpkins into coaches...And nothing into everything. For each child has its fairy godmother in its soul." This small excerpt from a poem by Francis Thompson, an English poet...is my favorite. It truly speaks the sweetness of children-the innocence, the wonder, the simpleness of their spirit. I have had the honor to be inducted into the "grandmother" society...and, I will admit, there is nothing quite so grand!
And, now...it is time to share this society with my sweet sister-in-law, Vicki...well, almost time.
Preparations are underway now for the new nursery. We are super excited that the parents-to-be, Beth and Bryan, have moved a little closer to home-that part makes everybody happier, really :)
Bobby and I made a visit and nursery bedding delivery to their new home in Montgomery just yesterday. You know, there is always something special about custom nursery bedding...first of all, mom-to-be always loves the design since she designed it herself...and, when you place it in the new crib... the fabrics and colors add a completeness to the space.
Beth and Bryan are still adding pieces to the nursery...the rocker and ottoman are being reupholstered...and I think the hunt is on for a dresser...and some artwork.
But for now, anyway, the nursery is precious in its soft grey-blue paint color and window treatments made by "Sister". Hey, I want to know-can this be your "grandmother name"???
And, let me tell you-the window treatments are wonderful-full floor length panels hung from rings showcasing the main print -a nursery rhyme toile "Over the Moon"- with a band of seersucker sewn down the lead edges. Details of the blue and white seersucker bows are placed at the top of the panels at the rings. The panels are interlined with a blackout lining-great idea for baby's naptime- and finished with drapery lining. Absolutely perfect, Vicki!!
The crib, a beautiful iron baby bed in bronze, is the focal point...what a beauty! Beth has planned some artwork to hang over the crib-maybe she will send me photos...
One other great find is the tiny chest of drawers-to hold all the tiny clothes for baby.
Now, back to the crib...I had the honor of making the crib bumper and bedskirt. Beth requested a pillow style bumper with a darling mixture of cottage style nursery fabrics. The inside of the bumper features the nursery rhyme toile, the outside is a blue diamond matelasse, a soft green cotton was chosen for the cording and the ties are made with the blue and white seersucker stripe.
The gathered floor length bedskirt in the blue and white seersucker finishes the bedding, except for the coverlet. It is being quilted and should arrive soon.
I love your nursery, Beth and Bryan...and we are all so excited and look forward to the arrival of this new baby. Much Love to you-Beth, Bryan and John Rivers!!! Hugs~ Aunt "Honey"

Ready-to-Hang Drapery Panels

As a routine, I make window treatments for clients from fabrics they have selected and bought....then, Bobby and I deliver and install the hardware and treatment....but,
if you have existing drapery rods or plan to install the drapery hardware yourself...I will be happy to make your new treatments. Some simple measurements are all that I need to give you the fabric yardage required. As for fabrics...where to look and buy....there are lots of on-line resources as well as great shops in Dothan, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Atlanta.
These panels were made from a faux silk in antique gold with a diamond pattern and embroidered small dots of gold, cinnamon, and brick red. They are lined with a napped cotton-interlining and lining in one fabric-giving the drapery fabric: 1) protection from the sun, and 2)extra fullness and body.
I made four panels that the client will use to hang on 2 decorative rods over single windows. These panels feature Euro pleats...there are other pleat styles available, but this style has been very popular and showcased in current decorating magazines.
Please call or email me with questions about details and pricing. I will be happy to give you as much assistance as you wish.

Not your Everyday "Cottage" or "Cabin"

I wanted to post a few pictures from a "grand new home"....just to let you know that although my name "Cottage and Cabin" might make you think "simple"...I do occasionally create interiors for some of this area's grandest of houses. And, I am truly honored to be able to work with the homeowners to bring the sophisticated elegance they wish for their interiors.
These photographs include: master bedroom draperies-silk wide stripes, lined with blackout for light control and interlining to add softness-these draperies showcase inverted pleats, and are mounted on a contemporary traverse rod; natural linen drapery panels mounted on a small iron rod for a guest room; a child's room with a board mounted shaped valance and lined drapes along with a matching shower curtain and large upholstered valance for the adjoining bath; and, roman shades made of a brown plaid for a little boy's room.

I also made assorted bedding (duvets, pillows, and bedskirts) to compliment these rooms.

It is certainly a joy to be able to create these interior furnishings, and I am blessed to have such wonderful clients. I truly feel that I have been given the "opportunity of a lifetime" with each and every home- be it cottage, cabin, or castle!