Winter... ~ Cottage Style ~

I love winter, not for the bitter cold days, or the endless "white out's" from snowstorms.. but for the sense of cozy I feel during these long months. It doesn't matter what the weather is outdoors if I feel warm, secure, and enveloped in "Winter Beauty" indoors.

If you feel that same urge for comfort, here are a few ideas to help you prepare for those long, cold months ahead. Prepare now, and you will find ~ Mama Bear's Den is " Cottage Cozy!"

There are so many ways to create the perfect "Den", by adding scented candles, warm "jammies & slippers, filling the cupboards with your favorite tea's, coffee's, hot chocolate mixes for you and your baby bears, your favorite biscotti's... mmm... already perfection!

Let's not forget colorful vases throughout the house look charming filled with twigs and branches, sprayed white, then covered with glitter. Even silk flowers such as hydrangeas, roses, and daisies, with a touch of mica has a magical icicle look.

Vintage fabrics might seem pricey, but consider design punch. Toss a Matelasse cover over your sofa, chairs, etc..

A curtain panel should yield enough fabric for three 20-inch-square pillows. Shop for damaged or stained pieces that can be cut to make a pillow top; add new coordinating fabric on the back , look for brocades, damask, heavier fabrics, using winter white, blue, pink, green in color. Add vintage buttons, bits and baubles to the pillows.

Winter, Cottage Style, wouldn't be complete without Creamy white, silver blue, or the palest sage green Velvet drapes. Keep your lovely sheer panels up from summer,add vintage door knobs, above the windows, sew ribbon strips on top of panels, and tie to door knobs~ Tie panels back with a bouquet of glittered roses, twigs and berries.

Please remember, feeding your soul is as important as feeding your body