Raised In Cotton

Stylized Photo Shoot

You know I love finding and using just the right props for a photo shoot~ Always a good excuse when out vintage hunting:) The following props came in handy for Renee Nannemen's newest book, Farmhouse Retreat I recently collaborated on: The concept- a stylized shoot featuring one of her lovely quilts centered around a "wash day" theme. Props-weathered blue porch chair, flax pillow,porcelain pitcher and bowl, a bar of Ivory soap, calico hand towel, homespun clothespin bag and fresh daisies.

Carol Spinski Photography & Styling

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200 N Madison

Raymore, Missouri

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The Chair

Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), SOB (shortness of breath), Diaphoretic (sweating) and Hypertension (increased blood pressure) My self Nursing diagnosis of the physical reaction that overcame me when I found THE CHAIR~

The wingback with gorgeous vintage fabric was found at the Bottoms Up Market last weekend in Gwen and Teri's French By Design space. The muted colors of taupe and pink with a hint of green and soft velvet material that graces this chair is simply beautiful. I've been looking for the right wingback to put at the end of my farm table at home and felt lucky to find this one. I hastily snapped the photo with my cellphone but will post a better pic at a later date for you to really see the chair.

What vintage find has made your vital signs fluctuate? I would love to know:)

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Good Stella Community-Take A Leap Of Faith Toward Your Dreams

Carol Spinski  Photography and Styling

 

Tula Pink Quilt Book

Had to share this with you! I wrote a blog post about the above photos and how Dreams Did Come True for my friend Elizabeth Maxson:) For the rest of the story click here:)

Tips For Making Your Small Business Shine

"There is so much competition, what can I do to stand out and make a living doing what I love?"  

Recently I received the above question over on the Good Stella site and thought I would also share with you the philosophy we use:

No matter what type of business you’re thinking about doing (or already doing) from brick, booth space, online, event or pop up, always do it up terrific. In other words, make it memorable. Start from day one to distinguish your brand (and yes you are a brand) as special. Paying attention to the smallest of details while understanding your particular audience is key to success. Use your specific talents to build a WOW factor that differentiates you from the pack. Don’t dwell on what everyone else is doing but spend your energy on what YOU can do to Stand Out. It’s not enough just to offer products or services any longer, but much more about the experience. Creating a lasting impression in every aspect of your business will always help you shine.  

 

 

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Simply Raised In Cotton

 

Like many of you, I enjoy sharing inspiration through blogging, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Starting this year, I'm adding video blogging or "vlogging" to the list of ways I can better connect with you. I know the video blogging format is not new but I've never really got into the whole Youtube craze until just recently. Man have I been missing a ton of cool stuff! But honestly most of my Youtube searches are things like, "Middle Age Beauty Tips" or "Belly Buster Exercises." It hit me that you all might like to see an occasional video on antiquing, crafting, decorating, photography and the shop. Trust me, no belly busting tips:)

 To start, I've put together a short slide video to music (believe it or not) with a few decorating ideas called Simply Raised In Cotton. I know I still have lots to learn but hopefully you will enjoy it and any future ones I attempt. Please let me know what you think.

Blessings, Carol

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Romantic Country Spring 2012 Feature

Last Summer while in Texas I photographed LaurieAnna's Vintage Home in Canton for the Spring 2012 Issue of Romantic Country Magazine. Meeting LaurieAnna and being able to photograph her lovely store was certainly a highlight of the trip. I thought you might like to see a few of the photos that did not make the issue~

The Spring issue also features gorgeous homes and photography from sweet friends Anne, Rebecca and Tracie among many others including Rachel Ashwell!

Raised In Cotton News

A warm Hello to 2012 and an even warmer Hello to all of you Dear Friends! I wanted to start the New Year off by expressing my sincere gratitude to those of you who continue to support Raised In Cotton. Since 2005 when we opened the doors and I started this blog, your friendship and kind words have meant the world to me. Without a doubt my life has certainly changed for the better and I have many of you to Thank for that. To be able to do what I love and share inspiration with all of you is certainly a joy and one I will never take for granted.  

Over Christmas my shop partner Denise's husband suffered a health crisis. Without going into too much detail, he is home but does have a long recovery ahead. The amazing thing is that he himself is a brilliant surgeon and was just a few days away from retiring from his practice. If you could send up a few prayers for the both of them that would be lovely and most appreciated. 

Life of course is way too short so I hope you always do what makes your heart sing:)

In other news, I'm taking Raised In Cotton on the road again and will be doing the Bottoms Up Antique Market in downtown Kansas City, Missouri this weekend! Oh and Gwen of French By Design and the owner of Bottoms Up is just back from France~She brought back some amazing treasures to sell:) 

Lastly I have new postings over on the Good Stella and Carol Spinski sites.

Blessings,

Carol

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Merry Christmas

Jeanne d' Arc Living Gift Giveaway

A few years ago I found the gorgeous Danish Company Jeanne d' Arc Living and introduced them to the US selling they're line through our shop and online. Within weeks the word spread and the JDL Nordic French Style became hugely popular and we found ourselves filling orders as quickly as we could.

 One of my all time favorite books (and a hot seller) that they published was the Christmas book; "JUL~ i den fransk inspirered bolig" Christmas in the French Inspired Home.  The book would constantly sell out even before we would get our next shipment in. Because of the demand, JDL reprinted the JUL book offering a special edition magazine format a few months later~

To celebrate Christmas and how much your continued support means to us, we are offering a giveaway of one of the Jeanne d' Arc Living Special Edition Jul issues we have in our saved stock. Leave a comment here on the blog or on our Facebook Page.  On Thursday, I will draw a name and contact you;)

Many Blessings,

Carol

Simple Ideas To Decorate A Holiday Table

 

#1 Keep it SIMPLE but select a lovely contrast of colors.

Cranberry red and pale green was this years primary shades.

#2 Use plants and fruit to decorate with.

Tiny evergreen trees, poinsettias and pomegranates were used to lend a natural element.

#3 Use Vintage in unexpected ways.

Line a collection of unframed mirrors down the center for a table runner. Bring out the tarnished silver and fill with plants.

#4 Add some candle sparkle.

#5 Use what you already have.

Shop your house! I bet you have some beautiful things to use for your Holiday table.

My farmhouse is featured in the December issue of Kansas City Home & Gardens Magazine-here is the online link.

www.CarolSpinski.com~ Using Vintage Mirrors As Plate Chargers

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