Cola's Cottage

Hi there ~ as I sit here, I am trying to draw some inspiration to write and I am struggling with how to begin. It may have something to do with an active, restless mind the last few nights. I am so excited about some new projects that I dream about creating it all night long! This desire is so strong I feel like it is bubbling up inside of me ready to explode if I cannot do it. What a blessing from God to have this passion, I am so grateful. It is not always easy, and it is long hard work sometimes, but it is very gratifying. I find it hard to tear myself away and I get lost in the process.

When I began my business, I was painting roses on vintage pieces. I love roses and making an old treasured everyday item beautiful with paint. I still love to do that but my passion for vintage has broadened. I have found a new love in altered art. It started by finding a Somerset magazine. I love all of there publications. Creating with mixed media, papers, ephemera, jewelry bits and baubles, vintage textiles, words and art....I am in love!! The fact that I can infuse my own art into these pieces is what fulfills my desire. I can express myself in so many ways, with different media.

Below are some tags that I created using my art and vintage jewelry, buttons, lace, and glass glitter etc. The possibilities are endless and no two pieces are the same.


I love this piece of altered art that I created with a print of my daughter that I painted. I could create like this all day long. I love old keys with the rust and tarnish, and to add pretty vintage lace, the juxtaposition is beautiful.

This piece is a vintage jewelry box that I embellished. I love the saying and the picture I drew of my sister as a baby with angel wings is befitting. I then painted roses to tie the image together.

I have so many plans to paint more signs like the one below. I love to paint roses. Words are beautiful too and they are inspiration and a reflection of oneself. It evokes feelings and brings joy. I am excited to get back to making more soon. With the kids in school again and my summer sales behind me I hope to have more time to devote to painting signs again.

Another new love I have found is embellishing vintage jars! These are so much fun to do!!

Lastly I wanted to share two pictures I took. The one below is a rose that I wanted to take for reference. I was trying to take a picture of the petals with the light shining through and I was happy to see how it turned out.

This is the view from my back yard. I love this time of year when the air getts cooler and the river bed behind our place has a beautiful mist every morning. The picture does not do justice for the beauty of it. One day we will build our dream house (we live in our garage) and this will be our view from our back porch.

Thanks for visiting, and I look forward to hearing from you! It brings me much joy to share and hear your comments.

Many blessings! ~ Nichole