UPDATE: Comments closed; time to pick a winner! Mary Ellen, a regular reader and commenter, was the winner of last month’s Love the House You’re In collage. That’s her house, above, as interpreted by Mel Bushner, our collage artist laureate. You must admit, Mel’s collages just keep getting better and better! Click on through to learn how Mel created this wonderful little study of mid century modest luv… and for instructions on how to win this month’s contest for a custom collage of your very own — it’s easy.
Here’s what Mel writes about this month’s collage:
After I had studied Mary Ellen’s house for a while, I knew what I wanted to do – embroidery! I used to do petit point about a million years ago, and I still have all my flosses and threads and needles. That flower box below the picture window seemed perfect for it! The roses on the right were done with silk ribbon as well. I used a tiny metal mesh for the screen door – another new addition. I love finding new “building materials” for these wonderful houses!
To win our November contest, all you have to do is: Leave a Comment answering the question, “What are you thankful for?” I know it’s cheesy, but it’s Thanksgiving around the corner. How could I not? Please read all the rules here before entering, they all apply. I’ll pick a reader the day after Thanksgiving. 
Meanwhile — thanks to Mel for another fabulous collage. You can find Mel’s collage works on flickr and her blog, Much Ado About Stuff.
Thomas Rabins says
I am thankful for many things. Each day I wake up in the morning I am thankful. I am thankful for having a loving partner in life, wonderful friends and family, and I am thankful I have a roof over my head (and its paid for). I am thankful for the best advise on earth from my 101 year old great grandmother who thinks that gay guys are sooo fabulous. Finally I am thankful that I get to serve Thanksgiving dinner at my home, to the ones that I love most. Hope you have a fabulous glamorous and bizarre Thanksgiving all !
Laurie Bilyea says
I am terribly thankful for my family, the abundance & many freedoms we have in North America. I am thankful that grace is show to me everyday on this journey called life!
Mary says
It’s been a fairly difficult and complicated year in my household with health issues, a layoff, and losing our beloved 12 year old cocker spaniel Annie. Through it all, however, I’ve been thankful for 2 things: my partner’s and my continued ability (most days!) to be able laugh through it and optimism that it will get better. Bottom line – we’re still far more fortunate than most people on this planet! Here’s to 2011!
Shannon says
I am thankful that I had a wonderful dog in my life that I lost this year. I’m thankful that I had the means to rescue her and give her a full life and that I had the strength to ease her pain when it was time. I’m also thankful to my friends and family who always there.
I’m also thankful for George Clooney. Just because I think we all should be.
Maryanna says
I am thankful for my friends! With my family living so far away, my friends have become a surrogate family for me, and I cherish their companionship, their advice, and all the laughs they bring to my life. <3
Natalie @ Chadwell Chronicles says
I am thankful for my wonderful husband. He is one of the most thoughtful, hard-working people I know. He is more perfect for me than I could have ever imagined. =)
Marcella Termini says
I am very thankful that I have a house to live in, but more so that I have been able to spend the past two years raising my twin boys in this fabulous 1954 cape style home, with a husband who works his tail-feather off for us. I am also thankful for the black plastic tile that lines my kitchen and hallway walls-it is just darling!
Gwende says
I am thankful for my family and our abundant life!
MaryE says
Since it’s my beloved home that is honored with Mel’s artistry, I am proud to be the first to comment. First of all, I am THRILLED beyond words at the finished collage and second–I’m excited to be a winner of anything! Yeah, I know–it’s a random drawing, but still! My ‘girl’ is almost 59 years old, and on a rainy summer Saturday I went to the library and recorded the names of all the people who have owned her over the years. As is common amongst all us retro renovators, she had some questionable decorating choices inside and out and my process of ‘loving the house I’m in’ has involved a lot of removing ‘updates’. I call her my June Cleaver house.
Mel says
MaryE, you are so very welcome for this house! I had a wonderful time making it and finding new ways to make it special for you. It’s a beautiful house and you should be so proud of it! 😀
Annie B. says
Brilliant, Mel, just brilliant! Another treasure from your skillful hands. I just adore my house-I’m-in collage. I know MaryE will adore hers, too.
PS (Not an entry, but I am thankful for my amazing mother who turns 86 years young today! Happy Birthday, Madge!!!
Kelly Cornacchia says
Above all else, I am thankful for the very fortunate life that I lead.