I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Sunday 13 December 2015

In a cottage, in a wood...

Hello all!  What a week... it's been busy almost daily here at Words and Pictures - from blustery candle jars to garlanded doors to a peek through Father Christmas's window before wandering off into the sparkling woodlands!  And finally we're here on Sunday with a very festive celebration...

We've been playing Secret Santa again this year at A Vintage Journey - swapping cards and/or gifts with one another, with a mystery sender/recipient pairing selected by a random drawing.  Not such a mystery when it arrives, of course!  If you make your way over there, you'll see all the amazing creations which have been winging their way around the world.  But before you go, let me invite you to visit my little cottage in a wood.


I was drawn as the Secret Santa for the lovely Julie of Juliz Design Post (and you can see who my Secret Santa was at the end of the post).  We were both at the Andy Skinner Mixology workshop in Coventry recently, and it was lovely to be creating for someone I'd met in real life!  I hope she likes what I came up with.


I know Julie has a dollshouse and has done a lot of miniatures crafting in her time, so with that in mind I thought one of Tim Holtz's little houses would make the perfect Secret Santa gift for her.






I glued some patterned paper onto card so that it would make slightly sturdier walls and cut the roof out of double-thickness kraft card.

My brainwave for the roof was to use the Torn Notebook On the Edge die to create my wooden "planks".












I stamped the kraft card with the Kaisercraft woodgrain stamp which I always use for dollshouse flooring before cutting the pieces, and inked them afterwards.  I love the rustic look of it.











I used the same woodgrain stamp for the porch step, but for the door I glued the kraft down in narrow strips to create my wooden look.  The door knob is one of the Idea-ology Mini-Fasteners.












You probably saw how I used a picture frame to create the base for my musical window box... well, this was the original inspiration for that move.









I've done my usual DecoArt chalk paint crackle to zhuzh up what was a pretty cheap frame, and added washes of paint over the crackle to grunge it.









The crazy paving (do you call it that anywhere else but the UK?) is very simply done - I just inked through the Crocodile Layering Stencil.

I can't remember now whether it's Walnut Stain or Ground Espresso going on to the kraft card - it's probably a bit of both, with some Vintage Photo thrown in for good measure.










And now I have a yard, I need a fence...















Happily the lovely Picket Fence On the Edge die turned out to be just about the right height for the job when tucked down into the frame.













And in the yard stand a couple of fir trees - I think the cottage is probably in a clearing in a fir forest, and these two have just encroached a little too far!














I thought about decorating them as I did the ones standing outside Father Christmas's window, but I decided I preferred the natural, snowy look for this particular creation.














And of course there's a little LED candle to go inside, so that there's a warm welcoming glow after dark.











I love the angled views, especially against the ivy, which delightfully give you that sense of catching a glimpse of light through the trees... such a welcome sight for a weary traveller.











I've always had my doubts about the fate of the rabbit in the rhyme at the end of today's post, though - the old man is a little too eager to welcome him inside, I feel.

I suspect that it's the little old man who's going to have the best of the happily ever after.






So that's my little rustic cottage - I hope you like it, and I especially hope Julie likes it!







And what of my gift?  Well, I was thrilled when my parcel arrived, beautifully addressed (even the postman commented on the lovely handwriting!), and I opened it to find this amazing hanging from the brilliant Brenda.













It's full of fantastic rusty effects and crackled delights and cool finishes - a real treat for the eyes and for the fingers - so tactile.












You'll see more of all the amazing details over at Bumblebees and Butterflies, but I had to share just a couple of my favourite parts.












There was also this stunning card in my favourite blues and greens...

Both the gift and the card are just fantastic - and clearly so carefully thought out for the happy recipient.  How well she knows me!





I hope you'll have time to visit A Vintage Journey and hop around to see all the wonders created by and for my lovely team-mates.  There are plenty of treats in store, I promise, and we all need a break from the hectic Christmas preparations occasionally!  For now, after this ridiculously busy week, I'll leave you in peace for a little while.  Happy crafting all!

In a cottage, in a wood
Little old man by the window stood
Saw a rabbit running by
Knocking at the door

"Help me, help me!", rabbit said
Before the huntsman shoots me dead
"Come little rabbit, come with me
Happy we will be!"
Traditional nursery rhyme

In a simple and a peaceful cottage with a beautiful view, you will not be dreaming about the palaces or the heaven, because you already have a perfect thing.
Mehmet Murat İldan

40 comments:

maj. said...

What a sensationally lovely artwork! Looks wonderful!

experiments in paper said...

What a splendid cottage you've created. I love how you've situated it in the "yard" with the lovely trees.... and all of the details on the cottage itself, including the fabulous lighting! Your roof tiles are brilliant - I would never have guessed the origin. Fabulous inspiration all round! And lovely to see your views of what Brenda gave you- I really love seeing all this Secret Santa exchange of the DT here. xxx Lynn

Neet said...

Going to have to visit your link to see them all but in the meantime - WOW, love your little cottage. The frame is gorgeous, the roof is amazing and I love the choice of paper you used - love it all!
Your SS gift too was lovely.
Have a great Christmas and all the Best for the New Year.
Hugs, Neet xx

brenda said...

I think the Mehmet Murat İldan quote say's it all really Alison, apart from your wonderful imagination and creativity it does indeed look the prefect retreat in the woods.

B x

Helen said...

What a stunning creation Alison, it will make a beautiful display. Love your hanging from Brenda, too.xx

Astrid Maclean said...

Your little cabin in the wood is just perfect Alison, and such a creative setting for it!! Beautifully put together! The way you did the roof is inspired. Gosh, I would just love to move into a cottage like that, the perfect retreat....
Your gift from Brenda was amazing too, and that card is just wonderful!
Have a fantastic Christmas and roll on 2016, - I really hope we'll have a chance to catch up again in person! xxx

Redanne said...

Alison, your cottage is a delight to behold! I love the whole display with the frosty trees and the crazy paved yard/garden too. Your idea for the roof is inspired and one I may have to 'borrow', it looks incredible. This is sure to be treasured by Julie.

The hanging from Brenda is stunning and so perfect for you with the wonderful blues and greens, not to mention the crackles. A wonderful treasure.

I do love the quote by Mehmet Murat Ildan, it reminds me how happy I am to live where I do. However, I share your concern over the poor little rabbit... Anne xx

Amanda said...

What a lovely hideaway you've created. I could do to retreat to it now to escape to. Close the door, light the fire and relax. Fabulous attention to detail as always, love it.
Love
Amanda x

Shirley said...

Such a magical looking cottage Alison it reminds me of a Grimm's fairy tale - Hansel and Gretel. The gift you received is totally beautiful.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

Pamellia said...

Wow, what an amazing project Alison!! I would totally love to visit your cottage in the woods, it's so quaint and serene! Jules will love it! Beautiful hanging from Brenda too! hugs :)

Hazel Agnew said...

A magical house in the enchanted forest! Totes amaze balls! You will be off with the fairies next, no doubt! X

Dorthe said...

Alison, I love your little cabin in the woods, and you made me at once think of the wonderful Laura Ingalls Wilder, books, and the one of The little Cabin in the Woods : ) I was not quite like yours ,but a lovely reminder. Your house is so very lovely, and with the wonderful roof planks and the fantastic detail all around.
The gift to you is a gorgeous collage, and so is the card, love both, and so much your house !!
xxxo Dorthe

suzyb said...

I saw a fairie coming to check it out, housing is at a premium these days :) Great work Alison, loved it and I wish it were here. Thanks for sharing with us! The piece your friend sent you is amazing too. Both such talented folk!
Victoria, BC

Jenny Marples said...

What a truly beautiful way to decorate this wonderful Winter House Alison. Your choice of rustic colours and textures for the house itself and its clever framed garden are so very you and testament to your skill as a miniaturist. I'm sure Julie will be thrilled with this. Jenny x

Terry said...

Alison, I adore you little cottage in the woodlands! All the texture and details are stunning! Love the frame base, what a great idea! Brenda's hanging gift to you is lovely and I know you will enjoy it! Merry Christmas!

chrissie said...

Great makes from both of you very talented ladies

Love Chrissie xx

craftytrog said...

Wonderful!!! xxx

Julia said...

A sensational Christmas piece, it is absolutely stunning. The gift and card are fabulous too. So much talent.
I have so many blog posts to catch up on, sorry I have gone missing for a while. Your latest entries are a feast for the eyes. x

Jennie Atkinson said...

Such a gorgeous little cottage in the woods Alison - fabulous details and such a gorgeous "yard". A fabulous Christmas gift x

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

Wow what an absolute stunner and all I can say is Julie is one very lucky lady!
Hugs
Donna xxx

Gio said...

Wow I am in awe! The cottage is to die for and to display proudly in every house. And it's so magical with the light on! Super beautiful. And the gifts from Brenda, no words needed!

rachel said...

absolutely gorgeous make Alison - I love the muted tones - gorgeous - will have to try something like this! Love your secret santa gift too! Hugs rachel x

Julia Aston said...

I love how you fit the house inside the frame - what a wonderful platform for it - the fence and trees complete the yard - the texture on your roof is super! What a lovely gift for Julie! Julia xx

Lynne Moncrieff said...

Alison,
Thank You for sharing so many views of the cottage in the woods, I absolutely adore this creation and how fabulous that this is created from a die-cut (and an abundance of creativity!). Love everything about this and how lovely that Julie will be receiving it.
Wishes
Lynne

SewPaperPaint said...

Your house is just wonderful. She will treasure it and your gifts are priceless. What a special holiday treat! Hugs, Autumn

Monika Gulyas said...

Beautifil little collage, it's like a woodland scene! I love the idea of using a picture frame for the base! Brilliant!

Adventures in Paperland said...

Clever base idea Alison. :) Your little house is awesome and I love the scene you created! Hope your holidays are merry and bright so far. xx

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

COMPLETELY LOVE!!! Pinned!

Paper Profusion said...

Oh wow - this is so very sweet! The poor rabbit tho'! Now I never associate the adjective 'cute' with you, but I have to say this is cute and adorable! I've no doubt that Julie LOVES it. Then you received back such a beautiful gift. Really stunning makes from Brenda and so very apt for you. Great draw for all. Nicola x

Kay Wallace said...

Oh Em Gee! You have certainly created a scene here Alison!! The thought and planning alone going into this great piece is certainly beyond my comprehension but I am so glad that you took the time and energy, and, of course, talent to create it. Definitely one of your finest pieces ever!

Margik said...

What a wonderful project, Alison! I love how you built this little cottage on a base frame... so clever. A beautiful scene with fabulous details and textures!
Mar xx

Juliz Design Post said...

Hi Alison, you know how much I love my little cottage......I feel so lucky to have received this stunning keepsake from you. I meant to also mention to you my family call me Jules at times, how apt and a pure coincidence to see this written below the window of my house. Thanks so much again.
Your gift from Brenda is stunning. Roll on next years Secret Santa !
Julie ️xx

Words and Pictures said...

Pure coincidence - but how lovely! Thank you for letting me know... that's tickled me no end xx

A Pink said...

I absolutely adore your little cottage in the wood Alison with its own little setting . I LOVE the earthy tones and the organic feel. So cleverly crafted and such an inspirational work of art . Julie I'm sure will treasure this for a longtime .
Thank you so much for sharing .
An equally fabulous gift from Brenda to you too full of all your faves
Hugs x

Cocofolies said...

Sorry to see and comment a bit late on this Alison... of course your little cottage is truly adorable!!!... I'm sure that Julie adore it to bits!
And Brenda's hanging and card (in your colours, yes I see) are totally exquisite too.. you really rock all at the Vintage Journey, great and fab artwork by everyone I know. I'm sorry because I don't follow the blog - it's just impossible to follow everyone - but I regret it..
Hugs Coco xx

Kirsten said...

Wow!! That little cottage is stunning, I'm not in the least bit surprised that Julie absolutely loved it, it is a work of art. And your gift from Brenda is gorgeous.

Nikki Acton said...

Is there no end to your genius! I am in awe - the tray, the roof (brilliant), the lights, the scene - I love every single element of this. Nikki xxx

Jackie PN said...

What a lovely house in the wood!! And you gift from Brenda is splendid! xoxo

Pawsitively Creative said...

Holy snicker doodle and pears! This little rustic house is stunningly stunning! Gorgeous design and details and textures and yumminess! Wowzers in so many levels. When I saw your post title that song came into my head and I was humming it while reading your lovely post. Haha! Awesome sauce! I bet Julie loves this! I call it paving as well. Merry Christmas! ~Niki

pearshapedcrafting said...

I adore this little cottage and I'm not surprised that Julie did too! Lucky you too to receive that lovely hanging from Brenda! Chrisx