: The MMP CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA is almost here.......

Well the Make Mine Pink Christmas Extravaganza is set to start Dec. 3 and run through Dec. 9. Such a wonderful time to shop all the boutiques, who all have extra special promotions and discounts going on that week ONLY!! For a list of participating boutiques click here: http://www.makeminepink.com/dynamic/?page=21

Here at The Cottage Gate, I will be offering 20% off your entire order at my site www.cottagegatedesigns.com, and a free handcrafted ornament with each purchase of $25.00 or more. I have just added one of a kind Victorian postcard Christmas pillows, handcrafted ornaments and charming pink Christmas stockings!

For holiday gift giving, I also have lovely cottage pillows, new purses & purse sets, pincushions (perfect gift for the stitcher in your life), and hanging pocket pillows (perfect as gift certificate holders, or other keepsakes)

A little about my textile art.....

My vintage fabric collages combine my love of vintage textiles and my love of words. Words are powerful and a beautiful phrase can evoke such emotion. My collage designs are built around the wise words of an old poet or author, which I handstitch in a simple lettering. I use vintage fabrics, laces, buttons, etc...all handstitched in a unique way to mirror the words - there is always a little mystery with the finished product, but if you look closely you will see the simple beauty of the words reflected in the design. I collect old vintage frames throughout the year to frame each collage in. Below is a sampling of some of my pieces....

A Little About Me....

I was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, but have lived in Texas most of my life. My home is in a small Northeast Texas town and has been for most of the last 18 years. I am an avid reader, gardener and "Junk Queen", always trying to find new life for old things. It is a joke in my family that everything in our house is a little "wobbly"! I have always loved all things old, especially early (19th century) pieces, whether they be linens, quilts, lace, embroidery, or furniture.I am a former teacher, who took a leap of faith 2 years ago to pursue my creative dream....I design with vintage pieces, as well as new fabric with always lots of pink roses!! I have loved shabby cottage style since way before it was "chic", and most of my work reflects that. I am truly inspired by the old handcrafted works of women, the amount of time put into old handwork like tatting and embroidery, lacemaking, quilting, spinning and weaving is amazing.My creative endeavors have included writing, photography, painting and now fabric creations & textile art. Alas, the urge to create always whispers at the edges of my mind.....