About Me

Contact

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Biography

Welcome to the Opulent Cottage blog. It’s a place for ideas about decorating your home and nurturing your garden, crafting and sewing, shopping adventures of the fiscally-creative sort, and cooking, lots of it. You’ll hear about my love of all things rescued, reclaimed and remade, and anything that can be handcrafted. You’ll see people, pets and products that I adore. Some how-to’s and resources. And hopefully, inspiration for your own home and family.

About Andrea

It’s been a gift to love and work in every aspect of design since I was a teenager. I started sewing my own clothes in 8th grade, and then worked for a custom drapery showroom while also working in a retail fashion store. As a young bride I juggled designing wedding ensembles with seasonal markets at the Dallas World Trade Center and part-time help at the local Pfaff dealer. Later, in order to stay home with my baby daughter, I sewed for other designers while also freelancing for an ad agency. A brief involvement with an antique store in Canton, Texas, led to showcasing my handcrafted items at local art markets and holiday sales, as well as private events at my home. Currently my items are also sold online.

I’m fortunate to possess the ability to find creative inspiration everywhere I look. Our home has been decorated from fabric remnants, client barters, and vintage & thrifted treasures. In seeing the beauty and possibility of a castoff item, I challenged myself creatively and learned the value of repurposing and recycling. It’s a passion I continue today, more than ever. We employ a do-it-yourself approach for all home repairs and updates. Our family values the self-achievement earned from hard work and sharing the task together!

As an avid cook and gardener, and someone who loves entertaining, I’m never happier than when I have a houseful of people. We all share this sentiment, and often host many happy events at our home. We spend much of our time outside, enjoying nature and local wildlife, our garden, and each other.

Opulent Cottage, the shop…Luscious Accessories for You and Your Home

Where the product selection varies greatly and is subject to my whims of fancy! You’ll find the results of my latest impulsive, creative notion in my shop. Embellished items of every type. Unique handbags and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Decorative and embellished lamp shades and pillows, vintage lighting, vintage and handcrafted tabletop accessories, even pet accessories. And seasonally, gifts and holiday decorations. This is a shop where I aim to employ every creative medium, and the products always reflect my passion for my latest new discovery.

Interests

at the cottage, we love… fabric, fabric and more fabric, everything embellished, color everywhere, the beauty of nature, giving vintage items a new life, and all things handmade.

Comments

[Theresa Pohlman]

Hello Andrea,

I just emailed you and don't know if you'll get it due to spam filters and all so I thought I'd post here too. I don't know how often you check comments.

My name is Theresa Pohlman. I don't have a blog, but love to read the many great ones out there. This is my first time to yours and I already love it!

I'm commenting because I saw your comment over at Daisy Cottage about the special Country Sampler issue not being out in Dallas yet. I live in Arlington and found it at the Barnes and Noble at the Parks Mall. I don't know where you're located in this area, but I wanted to pass that on in case you might be close. It's a gorgeous issue. I hope you find one soon.

Blessings
Theresa Pohlman
Arlington, TX

[Vera Lauterbach]

Andrea, I just found your blog and love it. Do you have a shop? I live south of Dallas (Waxahachie) in the country and it is the best...my chickens and all (with the best eggs around). The girls are quite perlificat right now with the pretty green and brown eggs...Please let me know where to be able to buy from you..thanks..vera
veralauterbach@ebby.com

[Alycia Nichols]

Good morning, Andrea! Thank you so much for stopping by "my place." I appreciate your kind comments! I just read more of your blog and looked at additional photos. First, I had NO idea parrots hang out in TEXAS!!! I'm a Midwestern girl, and I suppose I should take shame in my ignorance, but I just thought they were in Florida. I hope the blackbirds disappeared and allowed the beautiful parrots to grace your space! You have some really fantastic articles on here with lots of fun photos. I'm super impressed!

[Jill Brown]

Hi Andrea, I came across your blog and I love it so much...what an inspiration you are? Are you in Texas? I am in Sherman, Texas...Do you have a facebook page? I too love cooking, decorating and just life in general..I am a voice and piano instructor and have a huge studio for children and adults...Merry Christmas to you!

[Nann from At Nann's Table]

PS. We lived in Austin nearly 22 years and raised our family there. All but one graduated from High School there. Love Texas, the people, the food...EVERYTHING Texan. Texas will always be our home although we now live far far away.

[Judy Hubbard]

Andrea:
It's my first time on your blog...love it!
I live in Scottsdale, Az. but have a home I term: eclectic, elegant cottage.
Question: am I able to get your posts auto-
matically sent to my email? or do i have to keep going on your website?
Judy

[Linda Sullivan]

I would love to buy a "Fall Greetings" Burlap pillow. Are they for sale? How much, if so.

[Lynda]

Love your plate rack/ towel rack. Can I buy one from you?
Thanks!

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