As we were carrying a tarp full of leaves to the woods yesterday, I spotted this perfect little nest on the ground. No doubt it was blown out of a tree during our recent windy weather. Both Don and I stopped to admire it’s perfection. How do birds construct such an intricate home for their babies? I think they are amazing little miracles. We have quite a few nests around the cottage. Each one has been lovingly added to our home after being discovered somewhere on our property. (I added the teacup to the photo to indicate how small this little nest is.)
I’ve been nesting a bit myself. Because of the new addition of the cabinet to my little upstairs studio, things are being rearranged. The bookcase has been moved to a new position on the opposite wall.
I added the lamp – actually I stole it from the bedside table in the guest room. One of the chairs from the kitchen has now taken the bookcase’s former position and I’ve added a jar full of seaglass, which catches the light from the window.
If I tried to tell you how hard it is to get a photo of the cabinet, you wouldn’t believe me. If I had a trapeze which hung from the ceiling and I was dumb enough to get on it, then I might get a good photo. So, that being said, here’s another attempt:
I moved the banner because, cute as it was on the cabinet, it fell off every time I needed to open the glass doors. If you remember, this wall used to be a design wall. I had 3 long flannel-covered panels attached to the wall. Two of them are gone. I kept the other and nailed it to the wall length-wise. Right now, my two embroidery pieces are pinned to it. And photos of Don and I when we were little kids.
Between the panel and the cabinet is my chalkboard. That may move eventually. I’m still filling up the shelves inside the glass doors. My wedding cake toppers have moved upstairs to their new home. I have a jar full of lace and trims, one full of ribbons, some vintage glove boxes and other little treasures. As I accumulate more, I know all of this will change.
The top of the cabinet: a photo of a rose taken by my late brother, a puff made by Lori Karla, my sheep from another Lori (of Vignettes) in it’s Boite de Vignette, a sachet from Lizzie, my bunny from Rosemary, and my wire egg basket full of fabric hearts and crocheted pieces and a vintage headband.
I’ve had this three-tiered basket for years, since back in our San Diego days. It’s been hanging around downstairs because I had no idea where to put it.
Now, it has new home upstairs and is in the process of being spray-painted. Don’t judge too harshly. Only one coat has been applied.
I ran out of paint. By the way, I don’t spray paint often. Does anyone else get frustrated by the nozzle clogging up? I stuck a straight pin in that hole so many times, I lost count. And the smell! It still lingers in my nostrils.
One would think there can’t possibly be room for anything else in this hall-turned-studio. But I tell you this: when I find my vintage dress form, room will be made.
Through it all, one thing never changes.
Lambchop sleeps through it all.
Dogwood says
the little tiny bird nest is precious. i have such a love for bird nests. they are all over our home in grass valley.
you little loft area is so so sweet. it have such a dreamy look to it. i am really now falling in love with everything about that cabinet…even the blue hardward.
enjoy your days.
Caseymini says
Claudia, it is amazing to me how much you can get into that small space and still keep it neat and beautiful besides. Love the tiny birdnest.Do you know what kind of bird it is from? Just curious.
I miss Lambchop and friends. Nice to see her.
Home and Heart says
What a DARLING little creative nook you have!! The nest is darling, and so is Lambchop. Thanks so much for a peak!
Annesphamily says
The bird nest is priceless. It is so sweet and they are such intricate little creatures creating such miracles. Thanks for sharing and your update to your sweet cottage is terrific. Good luck with the basket, it will turn out beautifully. Hugs Anne
Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage says
Hello Claudia! I love your sweet area and all the love you have put into it! A very special space, indeed! Ahhh, little Lambchop! Memories!
Love,
Maryjane
xox
I love the picture Don took of you!
Linda says
I love your sweet studio…so nice to have your own creative space!
Ellen says
What a beautiful little birds nest. You’re right – it’s amazing how the birds can build such intricate and perfect nests. Your upstairs studio is wonderful!
Susy says
I especially love the nest; so sweet. Any idea what kind of bird would have made it.
Your redecorating is looking good; cozy and cute!
Bunny says
Love that little nest and yes they are a work of art. Your little area is adorable. Yes I have spray painted but it is important to wear a mask and make sure the car is out of the way ;)
Olive Cooper says
The tiny nest is darling. Are you going to treat it for mites?
BeautifulDees says
I love your post, so beautiful.
I have missed you so……I am back, come and visit me sometime.
Love ya,Debbie
The Quintessential Magpie says
Lamb Chop! Oh, how adorable, and that little nest, too. Looks like you are having lots of fun nesting, Claudia.
XO,
Sheila :-)
June says
I love your studio Claudia. And now the cabinet is a lovely addition to an already beautiful space at the top of the stairs. I have loved that nook ever since the first time you showed it to us. Have I ever told you how much I love nooks? Ever since I was a child I would seek them out no matters who home we visited.
It always makes me sad to see a nest on the ground, knowing how much trouble it took for the birds to contruct it. I always try to put them back in the tree in hopes that the owner will come back and find it suitable for use again. I’m a sap that way.
hugs to you…
debi says
Claudia, I love your hallway studio!
You have everything so well organized…it’s beautiful and cozy. And your new cabinet looks like a perfect fit!
Jill says
I have always loved your studio~ everything is so special. It just seems like a little piece of heaven to me.
I love how that basket is turning out. I know that when you finish it, it will be gorgeous!
Little nests really are little miracles~ your tiny nest is so sweet, so perfect!
Hugs,
Jill
The French Bear says
What a sweet nest, they are just so wonderful to find…..it does make me think of how intelligent birds are to make up these creations!
I love the basket, it is a nasty job, spray painting…..you did really good for one coat!
Lambchops……..awww!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
Snappy Di says
I recall living in a small space some years ago. The trick in keeping it neat was always letting one piece go when I brought in another piece. Your small space looks well thought out.
Love Lambchops to the moon and back..
Di
Frog Hollow Farm Girl says
Good morning dear friend, thank you for stopping by my October conservatory post and leaving such a wonderful comment. Yes, I feel very lucky to have this special little room in our home. When we first moved in it wasn’t very functional, and would get full of mice and spiders. Over the years we’ve cleaned and painted it many times and have now created an all year room that is heated by a propane heater in the winter and kept cool by our air conditioning in the summer. Everything stays clean and fresh now!
We are so similar with our nesting qualities – you have created such a sweet space – I just love it! And you have a wonderful little story or memory for each item, which is really so important and much more meaningful than just filling a room with stuff!
I ask you, is there anyone cuter than Lambchops??
Thanks for sharing!
Beverly says
Claudia, I love your space. And, it was wonderful to see and read about so many things that are special to your heart.
Of course, Lambchop holds a special place in many of our hearts. Just like you do.♥
Privet and Holly says
I just love seeing
where other women
create ~ thank you
for the little peek
into your studio,
Claudia! Had to laugh
at Lamb Chop sleeping
on the job! Your
flannel boards are a
great idea. I just put
up a big bulletin
board above my sewing
table and I can’t wait
to fill it up with
inspiring images and
project ideas, too.
Happy Tuesday!
xx Suzanne
Brenda Kula says
Love little Lamb Chop! Looks so sweet there. I like that cabinet too. It’s really got a different look to it. Which is why I like it! Things are always a-changing. Such is life.
Brenda
Lynn@ The Vintage Nest says
Hi Claudia, How are you? Haven’t seen you in awhile. Your space looks so sweet! To keep spray cans from clogging: when you have finished all your spraying, turn the can upside down and spray until it won’t spray anymore. That should keep the nozzle from clogging. :) Hope you find your dress form! xoxo
Dorthe says
Claudia, I`m alwayes also looking for little nests, ,not in use any more, and love having them in my home, ,as a reminder of how fantastic nature is.
Love your own creative space, filled with beautifull collections from friends, and your private photoes, and little lampshop.
Hugs,Dorthe
Pam @ Frippery says
Claudia, your cozy nest is just perfect! What a wonderful place to dream along with Lambchop. The basket is great too. Take care, Pam
Elyse says
awww, look at little lambchop. so cute!
clogged nozzles ain’t no fun. when you’re finished spray painting, turn the can upside-down and spray until nothing comes out. that cleans the nozzle somehow for the next round. hope that helps.
lately, aside from painting clothespins, i’ve been using remnants of house paint. spray paint can be kind of drag. the weather has to be just right and the ol’ trigger finger can get sore. ramble ramble!
love the little nest and your cozy studio!
hugs to you!
xo
elyse
Marianne@Songbird says
I love your little studio!! You are able to cram so much in such a tiny space and still make it look good!
Congrats on the new dresser. I have no doubt that will be stuffed to the brim very soon (that always happens when new space opens up).
Good luck with the dressform hunt (of course you could always make on yourself….).
Betty Jo says
Your cabinet looks wonderful there! I adore that white basket, or white-basket-in-progress. Only one thing got broken in my move. A very old, two-tier, white basket that I love and use on my desk! I think I can glue it back together though.
Meri Wiley says
Dearest Claudia,
Please accept my apologies for not following the past few posts. I’ve been so busy, but I told myself I needed to visit a dear friend to let her know I haven’t abandoned her. As usual, you are up to your traveling around to new places, and letting us explore your lovely home. I’ve had some unsettling news lately. My oldest brother most likely has Lymphomatic Luekemia, and more should be known soon for sure, and my mom has to have a hip replacement, to which I will need to temporarily move in with her to help her. I’m trying to get her to plan it for next year, as the holidays are just a horrible time to do it. BTW, how is your mom doing? I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers.
God Bless,
Meri
Jen Kershner says
I really love this space. It is inspiring and creative!