Lavender Cottage Renovation

 Hello! 

I may have been away but I have been busy continuing with a well over due update of Evergreen Hollow. 

I have been going through my blog and there are so many aspects I want to change! all the way from the houses to what the villager's names and occupations are. 

I have been redecorating Lavender Cottage, which is actually the cosy cottage. I have had this set for over 10 years I believe. I decided to call it lavender as I love the subtle purple paint I have used. 

After lots of thinking, I decided the cottage would belong to the hedgehogs. I sadly do not have all the homes I need for my village. However, the hedgehogs just seem to suit this building. Admittedly, its a squeeze for a family of 5 but I don't think any of the houses are big enough for the actual size of the families. Maybe the house on the hill but I don't own that house (yet ;)) 

So I went about painting the outside to make the little cottage come alive. I really don't like the sickly yellow the houses, its better than white but its still not the best. so I painted it a less offensive cream. I was bolder than with my other house I have decorated (beechwood, update coming soon) with a dark grey. I just love how it looks, much more like a little cottage now. 

I'm so happy with how it looks, it looks cosier like a proper little family lives there!

Here is a view of the inside:

Now to the downstairs: 

Winter lighting was a real struggle but I have tried to maintain some consistency with my camera. 

I believe Ruth (mother) is a seamstress, she is a literal pin cushion with her prickles. I have the original sewing machine set which I love and set that in the corner. she can make all the other homes their curtains. I wish she could because the amount of fabric I need is disgusting. 

Next I made them a little pantry to the side of the kitchen. On the bottom shelf if her hand sewing kit. Lots of needles and threads that I adore. 

The upstairs is one big shared bedroom between the whole family. I was particular with the bedding to really give it a cosy feel. As you can tell I love floral patterns too. 

Oscar has the tiny nook at the end for his room as well as his little basket of toys. 

I also took some extra images of the beds. I made the bedding for the children's bed except the mattress on the sister's bed. The mattress is the one that originally came with the set. The frilly pillow was a handmade gift.

I also took an image of Oscar's bed as it is so cute, also a gift.

Now it's time to be introduced to the family!

Meet Mortimer, Ruth, Ivy, Maxwell and Oscar. Mortimer is the village baker. he often brings home fresh bread for his family. 

Ruth is the village seamstress. Ivy is 12, Max is 9 and Oscar is 4. They are a very adventurous family, often enjoying camping holidays and days out. 

I honestly think the hedgehogs are one of the most beautiful figures. I couldn't not give them a home. I love all my figures but little Oscar is one of the sweetest. 

It's a late Sunday afternoon in the Bramble household. Maxwell has returned from playing football in the park. Ruth is finishing up Oscar's new cushion. Mortimer has cooked a lasagne for the family. He often cooks as he is a talented one, as well as a baker. This gives Ruth ample time to finish her projects while Mortimer keeps Oscar entertained. He loves helping his father but likes to eat raw ingredients and make a mess. 

The sewing machine is an original from the 1980's. You can see in this image that I also panelled the room. It's hard to see as the hedgehogs take up so much space however I'm still glad that I did it. It's made the room feel tighter and closer. The house is small but only compromised of two rooms so they needed to look cosy. 

Upstairs Ivy is reading her book for her next class. She's got important exams over the next few years, she really wants to study literature one day! So she chooses the peace of the upstairs room.

It wasn't long before Oscar was 'bored'. There were no more raw ingredients to eat and his dad had to concentrate on not burning dinner. He decided he wanted his sister to read to him. She promised she would to help him sleep later this evening. Oscar loves how his sister reads, she makes funny voices and makes the story come alive. He can't wait to learn to read at nursery like his big sister. 

It truly is a blessing to have this hobby, its so calming. you can connect to your inner child but in a healthy and rewarding way. I've enjoyed every part of creating this home. 

Be back soon,

best wishes 

Helly :)