Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Inspiration From Blogs…. (and Another Giveaway!)

One of my favorite things about blogs is the endless supply of creative talent in the blogging community.  Even more wonderful is the fact that all this inspiration is absolutely free. 
Think about how many times you  have read an idea or saw a photo of something on a blog that you incorporated into your own life or home.  In the past two years, so many of the decorating changes I have made in my home were inspired by things I saw on blogs.
A few months ago, I was visiting  Cynthia’s Cottage Design.  Cynthia had posted this photo below.  If my memory serves me correctly, she intended  for it to illustrate her post about the little table.  I thought the table was really cute but it was actually something on the table that I immediately focused on.  That  basket tied up with ribbon  and filled with hydrangeas and other flowers is what gave me my “light bulb moment” and sparked my creativity. 

204j photo source:  Cynthia’s Cottage Design

It just so happens that I have a similar demilune table that had been needing  a little “something” but until I saw Cynthia’s photo, I had not been able to come up with anything that made me happy.
Once I saw her basket, I almost couldn’t get to my local Michael’s craft store fast enough to buy the supplies to make a similar basket of my own. 
Here’s my version…

IMG_1751 CR&E 

IMG_1755 E

Thank you Cynthia!
If I had room for an island in my kitchen, I would also “steal” another one of her ideas. She converted her childhood desk into a charming kitchen workspace.  A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.!

Cynthia's Cottage Design kitchen island photo source:  Cynthia’s Cottage Design

Now it just so happens that Cynthia is having a giveaway to celebrate her 1 year anniversary of blogging and she is giving away quite a lovely assortment of things in her gift basket.
The giveaway consists of a beautiful basket with an image of art work by Diane Knotts. A pink toile china plate,  a Cynthia's Cottage handmade Country Living image sign, a blue and white plate with red gingham bow for hanging, a vintage apron from the 50's, and a handmade tablecloth made of linen ( or table scarf ) embroidered in  red. Size: 33" x 33”

Cynthia's Cottage Design Giveaway (4) Photo source:  Cynthia’s Cottage Design

I would suggest you hurry over to Cynthia’s to sign up for her giveaway because you only have until June 5th.
While you are at Cynthia’s, or visiting any of your other favorite bloggers, be sure to soak up all the wonderful, creative  (and FREE) ideas you can!


10 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I so agree with you about all the wonderful creativity there is out there for us to soak up. I have been so inspired to change things by all the beautiful rooms I have seen and all the wonderful crafts everyone does. I love your basket. It is just perfect. Thanks for sharing some great inspiration. Hugs, Marty

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM I could not agree more with you about the wonderful world of blogging...I see something and the bulbs just start my head spining..next thing you know I am rdoing and making it...your basket turned out just darling my friend...May you have a great day...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Debbie from NJ said...

Hi Shari!

Oh, Cynthia's blog is one of my very favorites! I was just over there yesterday looking at all of her pretty pictures! My head is spinning too, with all the ideas.

Hugs,
Debbie

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

I agree! I feel so compelled each day to find time and visit all my new aquaintances through blogging -and I am only on since late March! I still need to find more time to post and comment!
Your table with basket is so sweet, that I an now looking around here ...hmmmmm! Thanks for your nice ideas and heads-up!
~Nancy

Cindy said...

Isn't that the truth...so much inspiration out there in blogland and it's all free!!! I love it!

Your basket turned out great! I love the colors!!

Shirl said...

Hello Shari, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment. I just love your take on the basket. THe pink and green is so pretty together. I love Cynthia's also and I'm gonna have to go look at her blog. Jasmine is a twin to the two Shepherd's that we had. Gretchen and Patches. I just loved those two dogs! Patch had three strokes before she died, she did not want to leave us and just kept hanging in there. She walked a little crocked but was fine otherwise. She was a wonderful dog, if we were sitting in the couch she just walked right into you for a hug! She was part human! Loved her!
Have a great day, going to check out your porch party!
Bless you, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love visiting Cynthias blog. Your basket turned out wonderful!

Cindy said...

Shari, Thank you for coming over to my blog and leaving a comment. I am so amazed at the sweet ladies out there in blogland. And I am also always amazed at the free creative ideas just waiting to be picked up! I adore Cynthia's style and from what I have seen yours is somewhat like hers. It is so pretty! hugs ~cindy s~ PS I will put you on my favorites list, too!

Anonymous said...

I too have a table like that one in my bedroom.

I change what is on it every season. Love what you have done.

Willow

Shellbelle said...

Hi Shari, I am so glad you found my blog. Neighbors, both born in Georgia, close in age, started our blogs the same day…we certainly have a lot in common!

Your cottage is beautiful, wish I had the time to do mine. One day…

I enjoyed the pictures of your home, your daughter and the animals. I have a big dog and one cat also (more in common).

I see you do Foodie Friday, I'm going to start that tomorrow. I did Outdoor Wednesday yesterday for the first time and had a great time.

Well neighbor, I put you on my blogroll and will be back tomorrow to see what you post for FF.