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Personalized Reversible Sequin Pillow - Custom Mermaid Sequins

Custom Photo Blanket - Personalized Photo Collage

Printable Artwork & Framed Prints & a Startup Business Venture by Two Moms

Antique Purple Crocus Flower Print

So it has been quite a balancing act the past few weeks setting up the new Etsy shop and website, and trying to balance my day job, my online sewing and and pattern collections, and take care of the kids (my youngest turned 1 year old two days ago!)

My best friend (Angie) and I rarely get to see each other anymore because we both are married and raising families.  She is on one side of town, and I am on the other.  We both have had our respective etsy shops and would talk about art, design, and sewing.

The funny thing is, we actually learned to sew together at her house many many years ago, when she got a sewing machine and we went to the fabric store together and each picked out a simple pattern to try and make.  I remember it so well because it was the middle of winter, snowing, and freezing.  All I could think of in the store is that I needed something warm.  So I picked up a pattern for a cape, and tried to think of the warmest fabrics I could to make it with - fleece and flannel.  I still have that cape and still cover up with it when I go outside.  I live within walking distance to a market, and I will throw it on when I walk there.  I've worn it on movie sets where I knew I would be sitting outside in the cold for long periods of time.  I took it to an overnight boy scout campout that I, well reluctantly went on, because I love the kids (and well, because my husband agreed to get me an air mattress to sleep on inside the tent).  In all cases, I have been so happy that I have had that cape.  People may think you look funny, but in my experience I have been the one gloating when they are freezing their butts off and I'm the only one wearing a warm, ankle length blanket, with oversized hood, that ties around my neck.  There's a reason people wore those things when they were riding around on horse drawn carriages.  Likely, the only reason people aren't wearing them anymore is because of the invention of the car).  Anyway, let me get off this tangent (though I will be more than happy to talk about the benefits of the cape more if anyone asks, lol!)

Angie and I used to talk about how great it would be to work together someday, and finally we decided to stop talking about it and actually do it!  It has been a wonderful venture, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished so far.  The new store is called The Woodland Cottage Co., and we are specializing in home decor and design.  This is a start up business, so we are still in the beginning stages and we have a ton to do yet.

So far, we have a selection of printable wall art as well as pre-printed and framed artwork for sale. We will be adding additional home decor items in the coming weeks.  I have linked both our Etsy store and our main website on this blog in the tabs along the top. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces that we have listed:

Botanical Succulent Sage Blue Minimalist Plant Print Wall Art

I really love the color of this succulent print, not to mention I have succulents all over my front porch in pots.  I bring them in every winter, but some of them don't make it through the winter.  I love that I can hang this picture in my house and I don't have to worry about watering it, lol!

Blueberry Kids Vintage Book Art Print

This one is just fun! I love the whimsical nature of it, as well as the fact that I could hang it in my kitchen or the kids room and it would work equally in either spot.  The poem at the bottom is so darned cute as well! This is part of a collection, and there are other "fruit & veggie" kids that would group well with this print so that they could hang as a set!

I will keep updating this blog with our newest designs and items as the go in the shop!

The Woodland Cottage Co.

We have just opened a new design and decor site called The Woodland Cottage Co.  Currently, we have listed wall art - framed, printed or instant download available.  More is going to be listed asap.  Visit our website at www.woodlandcottageco.com or or etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWoodlandCottageCo.  This has been a new and wonderful venture!

Vintage 1910s Paper Doll Childrens Shoebox Theater - Printable Sir Lancelot King Arthur Cut Outs Kids Play Box

I love finding things like these in my old magazines - I opened my 1919 copy of The Delineator (published by Butterick Magazine), and found a really neat paper theatre toy for kids to put together with a shoebox.

This little piece has a full sheet of color graphics to cut out, and the second page contains the setup instructions and dialog for the play which is meant to go with it. This is meant to be put together by pasting the set pieces to a cut out shoebox and mounting the characters to long pieces of cardboard.

I have uploaded this item for sale on my etsy page... check it out for more detailed information!

Butterick Patterns Metropolitan Fashions Catalog of the 1800s - Victorian Clothing

I was reading more in depth in my 1888 Butterick Delineator Magazine and looking at ads, I found the following ad, for their "Metropolitan Fashions Catalogue"

Of course, now I really want this catalog.  I've searched and none to be found.  However, I was led to these reproduction books of the originals (different years), which tickled me:

This Image Links to the Actual Book at Amazon

This Image Links to the Actual Book at Amazon

If they are being reprinted, I have to believe they are pretty cool.  Gonna add these to my "want" list!

A Victorian Advertisement from the 1880s which Makes Me Happy I'm Not a Victorian Woman...

Sometimes you just need to blog... to blog... and overshare...

I came across this advertisement today from my copy of Butterick's "The Delineator" of August 1888:

This ad is from Canfield Goods, who apparently made things for ladies to go under their skirts... all kinds.

Item #1:  This seems pretty straight forward.  It is the Langtry Bustle.  It is only 60 cents (by mail mind you) and it folds when you sit or lie down.  I can see why the modern Victorian woman would want this. Nobody wants their skirts to fly up in the air when they sit.  Lying down... I guess that would depend on the woman.  But notice it comes in two colors... white or DRAB.  I will take white thank you.

Item #2:  The Canfield Dress Shield.  It's waterproof.  Okay, good.  It comes in pairs.  Why do I need a pair?  And what is it shielding?  It looks like a toilet seat cover... 

Item #3:  Sanitary Towels and cheaper than washing.  I will agree and I understand the need.  Note, they are easily destroyed by burning.  WOW.  

Item #4:  Belt Hose Supporter - "Prevents pain in hips and back."  Apparently, there was a need for this because whatever women were supporting their hose with before was causing some serious pain. Obviously, the pain couldn't be coming from wearing a bustle, dress, waterproof toilet seat shaped dress shield and sanitary towels which required burning for disposal...

Item #5:  Stockinet Diaper:  Fair enough.  You don't want your kid peeing on you when you are carrying him and wearing all the aforementioned items (and your electric corset - but they don't sell those).

Item #6:  Corset Hose Supporter:  It swings! Sweet!

Sold and manufactured by the Canfield Rubber Company. Wait, what?!!!!

Victorian Edwardian 1900s Shawl Wrap Crochet Pattern in Ice Wool and Silk

This is a beautiful 1903 Antique Crochet Shawl Pattern which I came across which was designed to be made with ice wool and silk.

Ice Wool Shawl Pattern

The edging on this wrap is so delicate and feminine. Per the pattern, "A PRETTY SHAWL -Lightweight wraps that can be readily slipped about the shoulders are always in demand. This very pretty one is simple and easily made and provides just the warmth required on a cool evening or when one is suffering from a slight indisposition."  The instructions indicate that this is not difficult to make.

Materials needed:

The material is white ice wool for the center.  For the border use one strand of the white ice wool and one of colored silk.  The needle should be large in order that the stitches may be loose.

I have just uploaded a copy of the pattern for purchase in my Etsy Store - follow this link!  I am working on adding new items each day, so check back for more!!!