Emily Kent - The Little Book of Cottagecore: Traditional Skills for a Simpler Life

Adams Media

An Imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

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Avon, Massachusetts 02322

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Copyright 2021 by Simon & Schuster, Inc.

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First Adams Media hardcover edition January 2021

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Interior design by Stephanie Hannus and Frank Rivera

Interior illustrations by Kathie Kelleher

Cover design and illustrations by Alaya Howard

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Kent, Emily, author.

Title: The little book of cottagecore / Emily Kent.

Description: Avon, Massachusetts: Adams Media, 2021. | Includes index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2020035026 | ISBN 9781507214633 (hc) | ISBN 9781507214640 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Home economics.

Classification: LCC TX145 .K426 2021 | DDC 640--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020035026

ISBN 978-1-5072-1463-3

ISBN 978-1-5072-1464-0 (ebook)

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Simon & Schuster, Inc., was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

Always follow safety and commonsense cooking protocols while using kitchen utensils, operating ovens and stoves, and handling uncooked food. If children are assisting in the preparation of any recipe, they should always be supervised by an adult.

This book is intended as general information only, and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. In light of the complex, individual, and specific nature of health problems, this book is not intended to replace professional medical advice. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this book are intended to supplement, not replace, the advice of a trained medical professional. Consult your physician before adopting any of the suggestions in this book, as well as about any condition that may require diagnosis or medical attention. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book.

Contains material adapted from the following titles published by Adams Media, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.: The Modern-Day Pioneer by Charlotte Denholtz, copyright 2012, ISBN 978-1-4405-5179-6; The EverythingSmall-Space Gardening Book by Catherine Abbott, copyright 2012, ISBN 978-1-4405-3060-9; The EverythingHealthy Tea Book by Babette Donaldson, copyright 2014, ISBN 978-1-4405-7459-7; The EverythingSewing Book by Sandra Detrixhe, copyright 2004, ISBN 978-1-59337-052-7; The EverythingPie Cookbook by Kelly Jaggers, copyright 2011, ISBN 978-1-4405-2726-5; The EverythingCookies & Brownies Cookbook by Marye Audet, copyright 2009, ISBN 978-1-60550-125-3.

Going to your garden to pick your own fruits and vegetables.

Filling your kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked bread.

Curling up under a quilt you crafted yourself.

If youve ever yearned for an idyllic life in the country, then cottagecore is for you.

Cottagecore is a movement centered around the simple existence of pastoral life. It focuses on unplugging from the stresses of modern life and instead embracing the wholesomeness and authenticity of nature. Its about experiencing the wistful and the whimsical, doing things that make you feel happy, and living a life of calm relaxation instead of an anxiety-ridden one.

The Little Book of Cottagecore will help you make this tranquil way of living a reality regardless of where you live. From container gardening and baking breads from scratch to sewing and cross-stitching and making your own candles and soap, this book is filled with fun hands-on activities that help you unplug from modern life and find solace in the simple things.

Inside youll find ideas on:

1. The easiest plants and herbs for container gardening
2. How to bake picture-perfect breads and piesand the recipes to help!
3. Brewing an impeccable cup of tea
4. Making your own simple herbal remedies for a variety of ailments
5. Crafting unique candles for yourself (or as homemade gifts for others!)
6. The ins and outs of making curtains and quilts for your home
7. Safely making your own soap

Filled with step-by-step instructions and recipes, this accessible guide will lead you through all the ways you can get back to basics, find calm and comfort, and start living simply and joyfully.

C ottagecore is all about nature and there is no better way to experience the wonders of nature than by growing your own fruits and vegetables. Whether you have a garden of your own, space in a community garden, or space on your patio or balcony, anyone can experience the joys of gardening. This chapter will take you through the best ways to garden in containers and small spaces, but the material can also translate to people who are lucky enough to have a large patch of earth to use as a garden. No matter where you live, you can experience the joys of planting and harvesting your own crops. In addition, this chapter will go over some basic beekeeping skills. Though it is a labor-intensive hobby, there is something so rewarding about gathering your own pure, natural honey for use in both cooking and crafting.

If you live in an urban area and the only outdoor space you have is a balcony or porch, growing your vegetables in containers is a great solution. When space is tight, its best to concentrate on growing small quantities of several different crops and choosing smaller or dwarf varieties of larger plants. Planting in pots is probably the easiest and most common way to grow food on a balcony or patio.