Helena c studios

A Cottagey Creation

Hello,

I know I have been MIA lately, life has been so crazy.

So crazy in fact that I wrapped this baby shower gift before I took the photo, unwrapped it with seconds to spare before leaving , and took the pic with the sun glaring in my eyes. It didn't come out that great but you can get the gist of it.

My neighbor had a shower for a sweet Marine wife who just moved here and doesn't know many people but is about to have a baby boy. She was so excited that Allison did this for her, and this is what I made her.

I am off to have white pizza that Matt and Michael made but will post on my Snow Pond blog in a bit.

Have a happy Mother's day eve:)

Hugs,

Helena

A Little Nudge

Hello,

I have just spent the past hour covering my vines and plants and bringing in everything that I could. we aren't expecting a frost here in the low country, but it's supposed to get down to 43!!

What is going on? It was 74 at 5am yesterday morning. If this is global warming my toes wouldn't be cold right now!

Some of my friends here are so funny and will refuse to wear jackets past April 1st.

me? bring on the Alaskan parka and fluffy boots, I just want to be warm.

This hand painted sign with Lupines that I created, is the

perfect addition to your cottage garden or porch with the crazy spring weather. Especially if you know someone with a brown thumb.

Drop me an email if you would like to call it yours.

Have a great night and stay warm.

Hugs

Helena

Determination While Almost Commited

Hey everyone,

I am so sorry that I have been neglecting this blog.

I was at a complete loss for words on that medicine but I am back and raring to go!!

Check out my latest hummer pictures that may have the neighbors calling the men in white coats.

Miss Izzy wanted to be held as I was standing on a chair to get these photos out the kitchen window. If that wasn't enough of a show, the sweet neighbor kids came over and looked a little shocked to see me balancing on a chair, kitten over my shoulder and camera in hand.

They found it quite fun to yell whenever a hummer would appear and see me jump into action only to miss the shot time and time again.

Finally although it was almost dark outside, I captured this little fellow, on film anyway.

Do you see the second photo? That is him at the window feeder with his head down as he drinks, so cute!!!

I told Matt it would be fun to make a hummer habitat in the screen porch with flowers everywhere and little holes in the screen for them to come and go as they please. Yes, he is afraid that he will come home to this.

Time to read with Hope, and then "John And Kate Plus Eight", have you seen it?

Eight kids all under age 7~amazing is all I can say!

Night~

Helena

Vintage Linen Love

Hey everyone,

For some strange reason I have been having trouble posting photos on this blog but not This one, weird huh?

Anyway, next week after my deadline and box of birdies to mail to Denise, I will be making window treatments for my great room and kitchen.

I already have some up in the kitchen that I made, but they won't go with what I have planned for the dining area and also they are a tad crooked. Yes, I measured twice but it always just turns out that way, and all of the tugging on whatever side needed doesn't help. LOL

Here are some of my favorite vintage linens with our sweet 14 year old Ashes just wanting to get involved. I took this photo a few months before she became sick last July, snuck out of the house and vanished. poor girl:(

Here  is the valence that I made for the master bathroom. I love this old vintage tablecloth/runner. I try not to cut the fabric when making my window treatments unless they are pretty much destroyed.

I am off to bed,

Good night

Helena

Cottage Decorating

Hello,

There was talk today on one of the forums regarding the definition of cottage decorating, and since people have been asking me to show inside pictures of our house I thought I would snap some shots of my take on cottage decorating.

I had never wanted a new, open floor plan home, thinking my style wouldn't go, but I think I have pulled it off okay. I have since made a window treatment and redecorated the kitchen a bit. I would love to have white cabinets and mentioned painting them, but Matt Matt's face went pale and I heard something about a lawyer (just kidding) so I keep my mouth shut, for now:)

Have a great night,

Hugs

Helena

My Edible Creation

Hello,

As much as I adore living in South Carolina we have yet to find a pizza place that leaves us drooling for more.

In MA it was Papa Ginos, NC  Luigies was the place to go, in Buffalo who cares about the pizza when you were eating Buffalo wings with it. Michael even worked at a pizza and wings place and the benefits that we discovered. Not for our health or waistline though.

After trying some places here Michael and Matt have been making it themselves (although it isnt the same without the wings, which I do make once in awhile)

Last night, since neither of them were home the task was mine, and I must say it was quite good, even Michael himself (who doesn't give out compliments unless they are well deserved) had good things to say.

Here is the super simple recipe below for your basic cheese, you add toppings of your choice.

Chutjian's Famous Pizza

Makes a 10x15" pizza (using small cookie sheet)

2 pkgs pizza crust mix (Walmart brand)

1 jar pizza sauce (Walmart brand)

1/2 large bag of mozzerella cheese

parmesan cheese to sprinkle ontop

topppings of choice (Michael the expert says if you use too much veggies/pineapple it gets too wet ontop)

Follow directions on package be sure to let rise long enough~I am impatient and voila!!!

It's fun to make with the kids.

Any questions ask away:) and btw, the little dark colored bits are pieces of fresh basil on the tomatoes so don't be scared:)

Time to get Hope, we have 2 days off from school so will be doing the Wednesday dance instead of our usual Friday dance...yippeee~~

My Favorite Bowl......And Kitten

Hello,

Look at what Izzy decided to take a nap in.

My favorite antique bowl that I bought in Hamburg, NY.

I fell in love because it is my favorite color and had to have it.

I'm happy that Michael's college books and income tax forms don't show in the photo.

I didnt even have to photo shop.lol

Have a great afternoon, time to get my Hope~

Helena

While I was Supposed To Be Working~

Hello,

A quick post tonight because I am supposed to be sitting and Matt is getting mad at his stubborn patient. (see my Snow Pond blog and learn of my stupidity).

Earlier today, I sat on the porch with every intention of making jewelry, but the hummingbirds were visiting, the lizards were running around and I was so distracted I started taking photos instead. Does anyone need a nature photographer?lol 

So for my quickie Friday post some nature shots instead of completed jewelry photos.

Have a great night!

Helena

Beach Glass Jewelry

Hello,

I am about to work on some more beach glass jewelry as I wait up for Matt to return from Seattle, and I came across this custom order that I thought I would share.

This piece was commissioned for a woman who spent her summers at a beach cottage on Lake Erie in NY.

She collected these large chunky pieces of glass washed up on the beach, and I designed the necklace around them.

This was very much out of my comfort zone but actually quite fun to create.

Just thought that I would share part of my beach obsession.

G'night ,

Helena

Our First Garden Salad

Hello,

While picking our first "crop" of lettuce yesterday, Hope and I noticed a little friend hiding amongst the leaves.

Ofcourse we (I) had to catch him and add him to the growing managerie in my ...kitchen??? Who wants to come for supper?

We will observe dear Forrest Gump for just another day and then let him go.

Isn't he the prettiest green?

I think I will frame this picture for Hope's room, he'll go well with her soon to come yellow walls.

Have a great Monday

Helena