Wednesday, July 13, 2011

A Pret-Tea Cosey Space "Where Bloggers Create 2011"

"Where I create in my Home!"

This is the room that inspires me to create. It's still under renovation ~

My thoughts when making over this room recently were three things.
1. French influence throughout
2. Tiffany Jewelry box to match for wall color~Love it~ (S.Williams did great job of matching exactly)
3. De-clutter and keep it organized so it's a room that I "long" to come into and create.

Where I create ~ In no particular order....
Lighting #1 - A vintage find in a local antique shop for $20. This floor lamp...the shade will be covered in the B/W fabric that you'll see later on in the post.
Lighting #2 - Beautiful Lamp with Detailed stitching on it - totally a French feel that I snatched up for $20 at a GOB sale in AL.Accent Fabric being used throughout the room in small ways... I have yet to make the pillow covers that will be tossed on the sofa... On my to do list for today.. It's also being used for cuffs on baskets on my shelves...and the shade for the lamp stand.
Storage baskets to hide items beautifully that I use in my creations...


The desk and shelving unit where I hide much of my materials behind "closed doors". Keeping the clutter in sight to a pretty minimum.

Cuffed white wooden basket that I use for my note-cards.
I'm holding out for the "PERFECT" picture of Audrey Hepburn below for behind my butter cream matelasse covered sofa. Someone had custom ordered it with the matelasse fabric and then didn't want it when it came in. It was Perfect for my office!

I gave my office another theme, "Strong Women who God's used in my life to INSPIRE me".
Audrey Hepburn is one of those women...
Here's the sofa that Audrey will sweetly grace above it. The oil painting sitting on the sofa now will be hung in the room at one point, still deciding the "where".
I love the wall brackets I found for $10, they are soooo heavy. I also love the rod that I picked up for just $5. Together, they are a great pair~ still outstanding are the free flowing white curtains I need to pick up...as the window treatments.

On my shelf...
A Good Reminder to Focus ON staying IN the day!
As I walk through my French door into my office, this is what I see ~ I love my sweet old fashioned reproduction of a phonograph player. I love to play French music on this.
First on my list of women that personally inspire me is my Mother...she is a talented seamstress and taught me much of what I know in that arena. She is a woman who stood by her man in tough times... and always made lemonade out of the lemons dealt in her lifetime.

Another lady that has inspired me, my Mother-in-Love. She's been a great example of a wife, friend, and mother. I'm glad to be surrounded by women of such character!

I have other pictures to display of other women that have done the same in my life and am in the process of getting the pics framed and placed on the shelves to further remind me of how God uses these women in my life.

Centered on the top of the shelving unit are my favorite books, and underneath are the great heavy magazine binder holders. They keep dozens of my Romantic Home magazines that I love to be inspired by in a nice neat package!
Last, but certainly not least -Lighting #3 ~ the Chandie that reminds me that even an office can be graced by the presence of soft lighting, sparkles, and beauty...and "inspiring" it is!
My view from my sofa...
Another view....
Secondly, What I create ~

You'll quickly learn there are three things I love...
Tea Parties, Making Custom Tea Cosies, and Photography.

I created the name, Pret-Tea Cosey, because it sounds British when you say it in a British accent. And, it describes how adorable each one of them are, Pret-Tea! Each are designed with their own personality. When I can, I create them with the recipient in mind.

This first one was a gift I made for my girlfriend, Kathleen, when she celebrated a Special Birthday! I wanted her to feel like ROYAL-Tea, so I used a deep wine velvet material and then hand sewed vintage buttons on each side. I overstuffed the cosey and near the top where I attached the handle I hand sewed two crystal earrings that would serve as clips to hold her Tea Party fishnet gloves I purchased from the infamous Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

When Kathleen wants to wear her gloves, she simply snaps the earrings open and slips each of the gloves out to slide them on. When not holding the gloves, the earrings sparkle near the neck of the cosey.

On an earlier summer mid-morning, I decided spontaneously to take an "unannounced" traveling tea party to a local widow that has her own potting shed gardening center in the country. I baked my scones, packed up the trimmings and off I went...
Upon my arrival I emptied my basket and began setting up the table.
The Pre-Tea Cosey in this basket was the first one I ever made. The style of this Tea Cosey is considered a Dome shape and was made with Vintage fabric.
Nestled within a quiet and shaded area, the Tea Table began to take shape.

Each Kitty Cat took their prospective seat and began sipping their tea...
The Potting Shed owner enjoyed her surprise Tea & so did her Kitty Cats.

More of my custom Pret-Tea Cosies...

This custom Vintage Retro style Cosey below was designed for a young lady in her 20's. It was so fun to create & give to her as a gift! Notice I used pearls for the Cosey holder at the top? I also gave this Dome Cosey an overstuffed affect.

One of my favorite things to do is use contrasting fabric to line the Pret-Tea Cosies. In this case, I used what I call a "French influenced design" black/white fabric...and it turned out beautifully.

Next, is a British themed Cosey. I actually created this using fabric I cut from a blazer. The trim as you see it on the Cosey is exactly where it was located on the blazer. I really like the way this turned out and it certainly is for someone that is more conservative and less about the frills.

Since the British Tea Cosey is more conservative in design, I decided to use a simple small check out of Navy/yellow for the lining. It worked perfectly.

All this sewing makes me tired...so, sit with me for a quick cuppa~ This is the Verandah porch that exits my office on the second story of our home.
There's nothing like a relaxing Tea for One on a hot summer afternoon...

Okay, I'm ready to whip up another Pret-Tea Cosey™ for you!
This Cosey turned out beautifully!
Tiffany Blue & Brown Paisley.
The brown gimp trim worked perfectly in matching the brown in the fabric.
I decided to angle the design of the fabric when cutting the pattern out for more interest in the flow of the design. The Tea Cosey fits comfortably over the Teapot in the picture below:
With painting my office Tiffany Blue recently, you can tell that this Cosey works perfectly in my color scheme.
Another signature look for some of the Cosey's I design is the little sash at the bottom left of the Cosey made with the gimp. The lining of this Tea Cosey has a coordinating small green print fabric that matches the green on the outer design of the fabric.

And what would a Pre-Tea Cosey be without a Pot of Tea?
Lonely, that's what... :)

Thanks for dropping by!
I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about me, my love for having Tea Parties & baking scones, Photography, and creating my custom Tea Cosies.

Please enjoy visiting Karen Valentine at My Desert Cottage so you can enjoy all the other special posts in celebration of "Where Bloggers Create 2011"

NOTE: The Tiffany Blue/Brown Pret-Tea Cosey will be auctioned off in my next post as a fundraiser. Become a follower of mine so you can participate in the auction. Maybe it's suppose to be living at YOUR home!

I'm also joining in with Beverly for Pink Saturday...so be sure you drop by her place on Saturday to see all the pInKs.

~Ciao
~CC Catherine

56 comments:

Lya Sorano said...

Thanks for telling me about "Where Bloggers Create", Catherine. I've signed up. Great idea!

C'est moi Claudette said...

I have one of your very special PRET-TEA Cosey. Especially made for moi. I so can't wait to see your office in Tiffany blue. I can just see you sitting sipping your tea and having one of your wonderful scones. Are you bringing some to Canada??? We could have them with Randy's eggs benedict. YUMMY.
Love the kitty's at your tea party too. So so sweet CC.
Good for you to participate in the auction. You are so talented and creative. Woman like you inspire me. Not that I can sew, but give me a can of spray paint and I can get pretty darn creative, lol.
I'll see you in 12 sleeps my dear friend. I just can't stand the wait anymore. Just a few more things to do around here and you'll all be here YAHOOOOOOO
LYTTMABA
xoxoxoxo

wendy said...

How cute are all of those. I am in awe of people who are crafty, or talented in that way.
I can barely sew on a button.
My mother is AMAZINGLY talented in those areas. She used to enter her quilts in fairs (I think I told you that already)
She has sold paintings that she has done of mountain scenery here in Canada.
I. Did. Not. inherit one single gene of hers in that way.

Tea partys look so fancy I think. You deck is just lovely.

I am so looking forward to meeting you and all the gals. You all seem so lovely in body and spirit.
I know I will be enriched from this experience.
Lucky Me.
soon my new friend.......

Char said...

Oh CC Catherine, your tea cosey's are the best, and each one has it's own story. Yep, right from the heart.
I just have to say that the kitty's at the tea are the cutest and they are certainly enjoying their afternoon tea. : ) I am sure you friend loved what she saw and was it was heartfelt too.
You have a wonderful, creative gift and I am so happy to meet you. I am off to follow your lovely blog.
Thank you so much for sharing it all with me, Char

Holly Loves Art said...

What an adorable post you have here! Your felines are just darling and I love seeing them enjoy the tea party. Just precious.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Holly

Anonymous said...

I love how you came up with the name "pret-tea" and your cozies are so cute. Thank you for sharing!

~Alli

Kathleen Ellis said...

Oh, Cath...I LOVE LOVE LOVE your office color...and the details you've added...Magnifique! Can't wait to see it in person!
You Pret-tea cozy's are so pret-tea!!!
I love the combinations you've used!
Your porch looks soooo pretty with the white wicker...one suggestion from your beloved designer friend...hang some billowy sheer white curtains out there to blow in the breeze...that would look sooooo romantic!
Love you bunches!
xoxo Kathleen
PS...is that a new hairstyle I spied on the side bar????? Oooh la la!

Celestina Marie said...

Hello my friend. Oh I love your creative space and all the gorgeous touches that are so you. Elegant and functional at the same time. The wall color just pops with bright inspiration.
Love your tea cozies and the kitties enjoying tea.
You are so talented and God has blessed you greatly.
Big Texas Hugs to you CC.
Love, Celestina Marie

Pretty Things said...

Lovely chandelier!

I hope you'll have time to visit my creative spaces!

Karen Valentine said...

Love your wall color!! It's fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing your creative space with us! I enjoyed visiting with your kitties too!
xo,
Karen

Terri said...

What a lovely creative space!

Cheryl said...

Ohhh tea coseys, I love them. Yours are stunning and I love your space too.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

CC DEAREST! Listen, I would have come sooner but I was out all day and night on Friday. OH DEAR...well first of all, thank you for coming to visit me dearest. The French word for WOW??? THEY SAY WOW! Too!!! Or MON DIEU, Oh là là! AND I MUST SAY THAT to express the BEAUTY here in your space. I don't think you saw my home that I shared last week, (I have had to remove the post) but I HAVE A LOVE FOR CHANDIES TOO! I adore your BLUE theme and of course, AUDREY. This is a fabulous space here my friend, and I hope you get a chance to visit my dear friend, VIOLET SKILES from CREATING BEAUTY. She is participating and her and I and YOU...US, we love the same things.NOW.....that KITTY TEA PARTY. That is way cute! How wonderful to see your world my friend, just LOVELY!!! Anita

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi CC,
What a pretty post! I love all of the eye candy, you've have such an eye for creating and making it all come together!
Miss Ya and would love to hear from you!
Grandbaby number 2 is due in 9 days!
Big Hugs,
Cindy

Kaye Swain - SandwichINK for Grandparents and Caregivers said...

Oh how lovely! Your office is divine - gorgeous and full of sweet family memories. I love that floor lamp. And what sweet photos you have. My senior dad would have LOVED your love of Audrey Hepburn as he shared it. He thought she walked so regally!

And what sweet tea cosies. I especially loved the gift for your friend with the lace gloves. Woudn't my granddaughters and I have a lovely time with a little girls tea party using those after we've finished one of the many easy crafts for the kids and us seniors who love them! :)

Thanks, too, for stopping by SandwichINK. What a SMART suggestion you left. It's one I actually thought of and did for a loved one who went to Europe alone, but never thought to write about. So thank you double and have a delightful time. :)

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Catherine,
Oh what loveliness abounds here!! Ohh-la-la! Love those chandeliers and all your beautiful creations!!!
XO
Cindy

Rebecca Nelson said...

I'm working my way down the list...

Love your Pret-Tea Cosey Space! :) You are truly an amazing artisan and I loved my visit.

Blessings to you~

Rebecca

C'est moi Claudette said...

WOW
I LOVE IT CC. The Tiffany colour is spectacular.
Love everything you have chosen to make it special.
HEY.. I see on your profile pic, your new doo!!! LOVE IT.
I hope you are taking it easy on this beautiful Sat.
I had a wee accident yesterday. Just about cut 3 of my fingers off. I was trimming the trees with one of those hedge things. Electric one. Never used one before and BANG and BLOOD. OMG CC it could have been a really really bad thing. I could have cut all my fingers off. God was looking down on me for sure. I just took the bandages off. It's going to take a long time to heal, but I'm ok.
Have a great weekend my lovely and bestest gf.
oxoxoxoxoxo

"Create Beauty" said...

Catherine,
PRETTY!!!!!! everything!!!!

I love your Tiffany Blue, and your chandelier is gorgeous!!!

And a kitty tea party, too cute!

It is impossible to not end every sentence with an exclamation mark after seein your creative space! (see? : ) and what beautiful tea cozies. Anita told me about you, and I'm so glad she did.....

Nice to meet you!
~Violet

Claudia said...

What a pretty space - love the Tiffany Blue. The kitties at the tea party are adorable. Thanks for sharing your space.

Robyn said...

quite a lovely room, the color palette is so soothing. Wonderful cosey's you've created! Thanks for sharing, hope you have a fun pink weekend!

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Thanks so much for inviting me! I especially enjoyed the kitties drinking from the tea cups:) Have a nice weekend! Twyla

Rebecca Nelson said...

I just had to come back and tell you that I do believe of all the comments left for me yours has been one of my top five favorites. How precious you are my friend. Truly. Your encouragement means MORE to me than you can even know... I mean it.

Today God put you into my path for a reason. I'm sure of it.

Blessings and love~

Rebecca

Unknown said...

I am so enjoying visiting all the wonderfully creative spaces like yours!

Just inspiring...

Thistle Cove Farm said...

your space is beautiful and love the name...

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

I love your creative space and I especially love your traveling tea party. I to love to make scones and drink tea as well. Have you changed your blog background lately or has it just been a long time since I've visited. Going back to work put a real crimp in my blog time, that's for sure. Thanks for coming by and leaving me a comment today,always appreciated. Looks like we have a lot in common. Have a great week!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Your cozy's are beautiful! Cute kittys too!!

The French Bear said...

My Dear, you make the art of tea soooo special, I adore your tea cosies, they are so unique and beautiful....love them!
Your creative space is perfect...lovely blue walls. What a delightful post with such sweet little kitties, he hee, loved the way they sipped their tea!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
xxxx

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Such a lovely creative space. I'm in love with the chandelier, the cats, and the color of your walls.

Rose Garden Malevik said...

Hi Catherine
LOVELY Blog :_)
an do not miss

S
A
T
U
R
D
A
Y

S
H
O
W

O
F
F

WELCOME
Håkan ( The Roseman)

Anonymous said...

Hi Catherine! OH, honey, what a gorgeous space! I love your colors and you listen to French music! :) Your tea cozies are so sweet! Love your tea and your little guest is darling.
I know, I'm going to miss you gals too! Last month we paid for my daughter and little grand to come down from New York for a visit and it was a toss up - daughter and grand or Summer Breeze Gals. I guess you know who won! :) I'll be thinking of you all and will enjoy your posts and snaps when you get back.
I love your picture - you're just so beautiful!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

The Artful Diva said...

Your work space is lovely and very spacious! You are lucky!

Kit said...

What a great space and so very pretty! Love love the color of your wall. Kit

Unknown said...

I am amazed......this post took me quite a while to get thru with all of the wonerful writing and photos.....your room is a breath of fresh air,and that
chandelier...oh my......having photos of the women who inspire you is such a beautiful idea.....and I love the name of your company.....I will have to see about one of your cozies! Thanks for coming by to see my creative space! Sandy @ 52 Lake Street

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hey there pretty girl!

I LOVE YOUR NEW HAIRDO!! I wore my hair like this for a while..hmmmm...I think I might try it again!!! LOVE TO YOU, Anita

Vicki Boster said...

Hi Catherine - Oh my goodness - you have a wonderful space for making your magical creations.(I love your tea cozies!) That gorgeous blue wall and the chandelier - wow - you are all decked out. Totally enthralled with your french influence designs - this room is going to be fabulous when you are finsihed.

LOVE the tea party for the kitties - absolutely precious. We have a kitty that looks just like your yellow one~~

I am a big tea lover too -

Thanks for your vist - (fingers crossed that you might win the Vera bag!) Have a great week~~

Vicki

Unknown said...

your tea cozies are amazing....quite talented. YOu have a beautiful place to create these wonderful treasures!

Creative Grammie said...

What a beautiful space! I love that Tiffany blue, the chandelier, the lamps and most definitely your tea cozies.
Glad I stopped by for a visit, I did indeed enjoy myself. Thank you for sharing.

Sara said...

my nan used to knit tea coses. Yours are lovely. Hugs Sara

Anonymous said...

Kitties at a tea party....how divine and so is your fabulous "creating space". Love the Tiffany Blue~ Miles of Smiles

Patti -Truly Tattered said...

Beautiful Space, great ideas about display. I just love those binders that hold your magazines. I have never seen anything like them. Love your creations too....
Kim

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

How could anything be better? Audrey and Tiffany blue.... :-)

Warm blessings,
Spencer

Fran. said...

Oh such beauty and I too love Audey Hepburn who I think is a very strong woman also!! Thanks for sharing!! XO Fran.

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for your support and voting for my little cupcake!! I can't wait to see your dessert creation! Sounds yum...thanks again.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oooh...I love your new hair cut, CC! So sophisticated and chic! And your office color is fabulous! Love your cozies, too! You are so creative! Thanks so much for posting my button! The staff is looking forward to seeing Abbie at the party! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

Tammy said...

That was a fun tour of your plans for the room. I love decorating and the planning is the best part! I'm a tea lover too and love that you have devoted yourself to making tea cozies. Thanks for the tour and for visiting my blog. I really appreciated your comments!
Tamatha

jeanne said...

Hi CC, surprise, I am enjoying your post so very much. I love a pretty tea cosey. Your tea party with the cats just made me smile.

Your craft room is beautiful in that Tiffany blue. A lovely space to be creative. I admit I am not the creative type. I do like to sew and I just don't have a space for my own. I am thinking about how I can change that. Smile.

Thank you for the darling card. It is the Summer Breeze girls for sure. They just have to grow up.I can't wait to meet you in Atlanta.
Love, Jeanne xoxoxo

Jo said...

What a lovely room! The tiffany blue colour is gorgeous.

Valery Klassen said...

I thoroughly enjoyed your amazing photographs. Your tea coseys are beautiful.

Sherry said...

I love the color of your room! Your lighting is great, especially the Chandie. Your tea cosies are awesome, I am a tea lover too. It is great that each one has a story and that they are made with someone special in mind. Thanks for sharing.

A Miraculous Meliss said...

First of all, I love the color of the walls. It's the same as my bedroom! :) Your studio is Gorg, darling, absolutely fabulous! And that chandie is to die for! Perfection!

Thanks for your La-boratory Love!

~magick~
Meliss

Terry said...

Wow! Your tea cozies are gorgeous! I love the photos of the cats drinking their "tea." So creative! I love the idea of have the photos around of the women whom God sent to inspire you. I will have to go and make a list of the women God blessed me with who have inspired my journey. I also love the term "mother-in-love." What a beautiful expression! Certainly changes the entire emotion around the relationship. Thank you!

Dawn @ alteredartists said...

Thanx for dropping by my place and I enjoyed my visit to yours. I love all the tea cups.

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

You have very nice room to call your own creative space, its bright and very organized. Your sewing work is really nice.

EVERYTHING ANASTACIA said...

What a lovely studio you have! I love your porch too. You are so talented. Thanks for sharing your creative world! I'm still playing catch up visiting awesome studios like yours. Have a beautiful day.
Regards,
Reina

Donna said...

Love the blue in your craft space!!!! I love your tea cosey's!!
I collect tea cups and tea pots. My mother was from England and when she died, a friend of my invited me over to her house for a cup of tea. I packed up some tea items and we had a very sweet party. So I sometimes do a traveling tea party for women who need some incouraging, I feel like it's ministry. I also have tea parties for the little girls I teach art to. They love it!!!

Thank you for sharing!!!