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.
Mick says
Im thankful for friends, family and summer finds.
The Jenny says
I am thankful for amazing family and friends, fuzzy cats (indoors and out) and my turquoise and black tiled bathroom.
denised says
I am thankful that I am in good health, that I continue to have work, a home that’s paid for, a man that is devoted to me, a wood stove and plenty of wood to fill it, loving friends….the list goes on.
linda stuelke says
Besides the usual friends and family, also my sweet dog and cat. I’m thankful to be content in my life. I get to do what I love to do each and every day! Best of all my imagination it gets me through everything.
Mary V. Thompson says
I am thankful for my husband Tony, Geordie the Westie, and Xander, Jerusha, and Nathina (the kitties); my wonderful dad, who is still going strong at 82, and my 2 siblings and their spouses. I also have a job–and colleagues–I love (most days) and a supportive church family. Regarding the subject of retro-renovation, I am really thankful for our wonderful 1948 rambler in the most incredible neighborhood, which was named an historic district in both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places (and if Virginia is beginning to recognize that mid-century modern is worth preserving, can other states be far behind!).
Jen says
Space heaters
Sara Paul says
God, country, family, and friends. and of course the dog Jerry and cat Bubba! and I’m thankful to not live in a cookie cutter house.
Olga Plant says
Life is so precious. I am thankful every day to wake up and have the opportunity to love those around me and to experience love. That may sound trite but I have experienced the loss of a child and loved ones and now my only son has a degenerative disease. It isn’t about what happens but how you choose to live through it. I choose love, it is all I know.
Zoocrewmom says
I’m thankful for my two little boys. DangerTot and Captain Handfull had rough starts, but they have plenty of curiousity and energy now. So I’m thankful for their health and vitality.
I’m also thankful for groovy table lamps and Christian Bale.
Suzanne says
I’m thankful for every day that I wake up. Each day is an opportunity to do something wonderful, something that erases the mistakes of the past, something that enhances the lives of others tomorrow. Each day is a gift, and I strive very hard to always remember that.