Sometimes blogging feels as though I have just thrown open the front door and invited the whole world in. Into my creative life, my family life, my wandering thoughts. I try to keep the steps swept clean, have the tea kettle simmering, some crafty project on the worktable, news about the neighborhood and the kids. And hopefully, I'm not still in my pajamas when you arrive. (Who has time to get dressed?) Come on in, pour yourself a cup and have a seat- some news to gab about:
:: Sweet Mountain Holiday should be on the shelves soon. Look in your local gift shop, department store or online store for the vintagey holiday collection I designed for Midwest/Seasons of Cannon Falls. 
I discovered that my favorite pieces- the mouse, bear and bunny ornaments are already sold out at the wholesale level, so don't wait. And it's going to be featured in the next issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion- the holiday issue!
:: I'm teaching a series of Saturday crafting classes at Tinsel Trading in October, November and December. The first workshop is on making a vintage inspired candy container for Halloween and the design is so darned cute I could hardly let it go off to the store. If you are in the neighborhood of 38th and Sixth in midtown, stop in and see it on the counter early next week. Workshop is on October 13th, 12-3. I'll be signing my Midwest collection too. So love that place- like a chocolate shop for crafters.
:: A party favor. To celebrate my birthday week, I'm going to sign and give away something from the Sweet Mountain Holiday collection. Not sure which one yet. Just leave a comment here on this post and I'll pick a name on Sunday. Not too soon to be thinking holidays and gifts, right?
:: And- I'm finally adding some new pieces to my Etsy shop. I know- took long enough, didn't it? Hope to be adding more things soon. xoC
p.s. I'm so glad you came over! More tea?
We share the same birthday Charlotte! I can't wait to learn from you at Silver Bella -- your Etsy additions are so charming. . .
Posted by: Kim Caldwell | September 20, 2007 at 01:32 AM
Huge congrats on the new Christmas line, Charlotte. And in ME to boot. FAB!! That really is so cool! Love your new collages. Tres sweet.
Posted by: jen | September 20, 2007 at 01:41 AM
Ohh wish I could be a Tinsel Trading for the event! And wish I lived in the neighborhood!
Posted by: pam | September 20, 2007 at 01:46 AM
I ordered the peace bird from Bayberry Cove already. I can't wait for her to arrive.
It's never to early to start planning for Christmas. I've started my sewing already.
Posted by: Tinkerblue | September 20, 2007 at 03:11 AM
Your blog is always so lovely...I can feel the tea kettle singing.
Can't wait to enjoy your class at Silver Bella!!!
Posted by: Tami Bowman | September 20, 2007 at 06:30 AM
It's good to hear your enthusiasm. Tinsel Trading is a bus ride away. Hmmm
Posted by: Debbie Jones | September 20, 2007 at 08:07 AM
You are so busy! Looking forward to Silver Bella class.Carolr
Posted by: Carolr | September 20, 2007 at 08:56 AM
Oopsy, looks like I missed your birthday but still timely as you are celebrating your birthday W E E K!! Hope it was and continues to be a joyfilled one. All the best. LindaSonia
Posted by: LindaSonia | September 20, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Uh oh missed the big day, hope it was a great one!
You are really going to be busy this season, lots going on! I'll watch for the Sweet Mt. Holiday line. Any ideas in my neck of the woods?
Posted by: Lisa | September 20, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Congrats on all the wonderful goings-ons! What fun!! I will be on the look out for your new line. I am sure it is just precious. I can't wait to see your work in ME Home Companion as well - have you heard about the cover yet?
Posted by: jerusalem | September 20, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Oh! I so want to go to Tinsel Trading!!! I so wish we had something like it in Los Angeles boo hoo. Pretty please, will you post a photo of your Halloween project if you're able Charlotte, it sounds charming.
Looking forward to seeing you in ME. Any word on the cover yet? I'm still doing my whirly twirly magical mojo chant for you. :)
I'm going to run over to Bayberry Cove right now so I don't miss out on your adorable ornaments. Thanks for the cuteness heads up!
Happy Birthday Week!
Posted by: Sally | September 20, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Congratulations on your new holiday line--sounds so cute. I love ME magazine and will be especially looking for your feature. I'd love to win some of your art, so please count me in. Thanks.
Posted by: Teri | September 20, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Never too soon for Christmas in my house! (Well, perhaps December 26th.....)
Looking forward to my next edition of MEHC!
Posted by: Angel Jem | September 20, 2007 at 11:40 AM
I enjoy your blog. Wish I were close to 'midtown' for your class but Spokane WA is a tad far from there ;).
Arlene
Posted by: arlene | September 20, 2007 at 11:54 AM
I enjoy your blog. Wish I were close to 'midtown' for your class but Spokane WA is a tad far from there ;).
Arlene
Posted by: arlene | September 20, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Happy Belated Birthday. I wish NY was closer to CA so I could take your class at Tinsel Trading!!! Looking forward to seeing your work in ME! I know it will be splendid!! :-)
Susan
Posted by: Susan Shintaku | September 20, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Hi Charlotte,
Your art is so inspiring! I love what you do and hope to get to take a class from you someday!
Posted by: Donna | September 20, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Your stuff is darling. Such talent!
Posted by: michelle | September 20, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Happy belated birthday to you! Your collages are just gorgeous. And good luck with your class. I wish I was lucky enough be close by.
Posted by: Tracy | September 20, 2007 at 01:28 PM
Our neighbor celebrates her birthday "month". Wishing you much success on your holiday line, I look forward to adding to my holiday collection with your new pieces. I celebrated my birthday yesterday the Charlotte way - thrifting and crafting! Cheers
Posted by: Jeannie | September 20, 2007 at 02:23 PM
That makes two of us with birthdays this week! Happy Birthday Dear Lady! Congratulations too, on being the Typepad feature blog. I was so excited when I saw that, but even more so over the new holiday crafts and The Book (i'm so getting that book of yours!)
My goodness you're busy with things over here, no wonder you're still in your PJ's!(wink)
Posted by: ~Vicki | September 20, 2007 at 02:23 PM
Charlotte, everything you touch turns to gold. Your blog is so beautiful, and your work so inspiring. Thank you for putting so much of yourself into everything!
Posted by: Wylie Hunt | September 20, 2007 at 02:25 PM
Hope you had a wonderful birthday!
Oooo, the Christmas issue of ME! I will definitely look for it!
:)
Posted by: Becca | September 20, 2007 at 02:32 PM
I love the mousie! So cute.....Can't wait to meet you at SIlver Bella!!
Posted by: natalie | September 20, 2007 at 02:39 PM
Charlotte,
Congratulations on being selected as a Typepad featured blog! (I received that honor a couple of months ago. It's so nice to be noticed!!!)
Warm regards,
Susan
Posted by: Susan | September 20, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Happiest of Birthdays to you! Perhaps some day I'll find myself in New York...until then, I have Omaha to look forward to!
Michele :)
Posted by: michele | September 20, 2007 at 03:17 PM
What a lovely post -- as always, but I love the open door/cuppa tea metaphor! Happy happiest birthday and how kind of you to be giving the gift!
Posted by: Jennifer | September 20, 2007 at 03:20 PM
just saw House Wren Studio as Typepad's featured blog...so I came over to comment and look what I found...a party favor I'd love to have!
Posted by: julie (jane's apron) | September 20, 2007 at 03:32 PM
Hi There,
Found you through the typepad featured blog of the day. :) What a lovely blog you have, filled with so many lovely images. Looking forward to checking back often. :)
sheree
Posted by: Sheree | September 20, 2007 at 04:04 PM
Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Posted by: Sheree | September 20, 2007 at 04:04 PM
I wish I could attend your class at Tinsel Trading Co. I have been in the store and would LOOOOOOOve to go back...I have also followed and loved your work for a long time.. ME etc. just keep working and making special things.. thank you Karen
Posted by: K Winch | September 20, 2007 at 04:18 PM
what a fabulous, fabulous line....i've plans for the 13th or i would have been there....maybe next time!!!
Posted by: gebah | September 20, 2007 at 04:49 PM
Congrats on your featured blog :)
Posted by: Heather | September 20, 2007 at 05:04 PM
Hi Charlotte. Best wishes for a Happy Birthday! Much exciting news in this recent post, congrats are in order. Well done.
I also popped in to see if I could convince you to visit my blog as my friends and I are having a giveaway this week. All you need to do is leave a comment on our contest posts and you're entered to win such goodies as yarn, fabric and chocolate!!! We've got three separate boxes to giveaway internationally,as well as one local and the contest closes at 12noon Fri. Sept. 21st PST . So hurry over and say hello!
Posted by: Katherine | September 20, 2007 at 05:12 PM
Just found your blog through the Typepad "Featured Blog" - so very lovely!! I'll definately be stopping back for a visit again soon!
Posted by: Green Chair Studio | September 20, 2007 at 06:03 PM
Charlotte I missed your birthday I'm soo sorry - belated birthday greetiings to you and congrats on being featured by Typepad.
Posted by: carolyn | September 20, 2007 at 06:16 PM
Can't wait to see the Christmas stuff!
love your blog--it's cozy--like sipping tea in a big comfy chair!
Posted by: Leigh Ann | September 20, 2007 at 06:27 PM
You do beautiful work Charlotte...you are a very talented artist.
Smiles...
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | September 20, 2007 at 06:58 PM
Hi Charlotte! I just saw you on the typepad featured blogs! Oh, are you ever deserving. Your blog is a slice of heaven! you are my Martha of the blog world! I love the way you write and share things! Thank you for being such a huge inspiration. I'm finally going to get around to doing Maria's book this fall! I also checked out your book about crafts with kids at home and I collected a bunch of shells at the beach to make a frame or something crafty with them. :) Lia
Posted by: lia | September 20, 2007 at 07:19 PM
My sister and I celebrate birthday weeks. It's a nice excuse if we don't get to the post office with each other's present on time, too!
I can't wait to get my next MEHC and see your feature!
Posted by: Vicki | September 20, 2007 at 08:36 PM
Enjoyed my visit to your blog! I do think I heard the tea kettle whistle!
Posted by: Robin | September 20, 2007 at 09:23 PM
many congrats on the typepad feature!
Posted by: andrea | September 20, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Charlotte,
Best wishes for a wonderful year! Looking forward to the ME issue, and would love to make a visit to Tinsel Trading next time I head to NYC from here in PA.
Carol
Posted by: Carol | September 20, 2007 at 11:07 PM
I can't wait to see the new Christmas things! Enjoy your birthday week!
Posted by: Kary | September 21, 2007 at 12:13 AM
Yes! I would love more tea! Two lumps of sugar please!
Posted by: lovie | September 21, 2007 at 12:24 AM
I am very thankful for your open door.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | September 21, 2007 at 03:26 AM
Count me in - Your collection is lovely.
Darlene
Posted by: Darlene | September 21, 2007 at 07:33 AM
oh how i love tinsel trading! it's just so far away from me. i know everyone will have so much fun and be inspired by you!!
Posted by: suesue | September 21, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Happy Birthday Charlotte! Great blog--you inspire me!
Susan W.
Posted by: Susan | September 21, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Goodness, Charlotte, I keep missing your posts, coming a day late to everything. Of course, if it isn't too late, I would love to be included in your drawing.
Anything from you would be a real treat to treasure!
I relate to your concept of opening your door and the whole world is invited in. You never know who will show up when, and super creative folks usually show up on the days I've rambled on about driving a mini-van and not getting manicures. But, that's me. And that's blogging if you are a real person. :-)
Thanks for being so gracious and welcoming everyone! PJ's and all! Wish I could come to your class...sounds delightful.
Melissa
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | September 21, 2007 at 12:35 PM