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Welcome to the Cottage.

The Tiny Canal Cottage is a resource for helping folks mindfully conceptualize, decorate and enjoy versatile + smaller home spaces. Founded by designer, consultant, stylist, creative director and author, Whitney Leigh Morris, this family-owned small business recently finished the construction of a new, compact cottage and greenhouse-office in the southeastern US, and are also restoring a little 1800s French farmhouse and its outbuildings with co-stewards. Morris’ focus is crafting flexible, sustainable, and more community-focused home spaces. Explore Whitney’s book, blog, and social channels for years of tips and tales from living and working in — and with — a smaller footprint.

Simple, low-waste homewares for fall

Simple, low-waste homewares for fall

Gifting is a low frills affair here. We rarely wrap things, and we almost always opt for simple designs. But that doesn’t mean we don’t give the process a good deal of thought— on the contrary, actually.

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We typically give bundles containing beverages or edible goods, along with local floral bunches. On special occasions, we add handmade or vintage artful homewares that hopefully support beautiful and less wasteful living.

I discovered this handmade loose leaf tea caddy (made in the USA with sustainable walnut) on Etsy, which has long been my go-to source for vintage and handmade goods. The caddy is such a lovely and functional item that can encourage the recipient to slow down and enjoy a quiet moment, particularly during this fast-paced time of year.

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I also found a nesting set of stainless steel cups (perfect for little ones) that are bound together with a lid and strap for easy toting. Other items I’ve gathered for gifts this fall include a handmade baby spoon (the same one we got for West when he was 6 months old), some color twig pencils, and locally-made olive oil and bread.

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(Not pictured: My trusty bike basket bungee net, which is an absolute necessity but killed the vibe of the photos. 😜)

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Note: While this blog entry was not sponsored, the tea caddy and stainless steel cups (which I selected based on our home and gifting style,) were provided to us by Etsy in conjunction with a sponsored Instagram post.

Tiny Adventures: Montecito

Tiny Adventures: Montecito

Minimalism Fail: My Daily Bag

Minimalism Fail: My Daily Bag