Souvenirs:
Farm Events

  • ART on the farm

    ART on the farm

    The October event is right around the corner...
    Jason and I are working hard to make the event special and unique for everyone visiting
    (October 7th and 8th)
    Part of the uniqueness to this past spring's event was hosting an art class with teacher/artist Jeanne Oliver. The class filled up quickly and a creative fun time was had by all who attended. (you can visit here to see photos of the past art class)
    Creating... within an atmosphere of farm life... sharing... inspiration... memories together... on the prairie
    under the skylights in the horse barn, and the sounds of the horses and chickens in the background, you will be able to learn from her artistic abilities with
    and these lovely ladies will be here on the farm to guide you in this process... teach you how to create

    ~Jeanne Oliver ~
    if you have met Jeanne, you will automatically have a smile on your face... Jeanne is not only creative, but such a peaceful soul — so joyful — and it's one of the qualities I admire and aspire to be myself...
    and having her back to the farm to teach 3 classes this October 7th and 8th is so exciting...

    Vintage Art Journal Class (12-2:30pm) Saturday, October 8th

    You will take a variety of vintage elements and create a beautiful and usable art/writing journal. You will start with a vintage book and alter it to include vintage elements that make it reflect your own personal style. Each journal will be full of vintage papers and watercolor paper. All supplies will be provided but you are free to bring anything personal you would like to add. You will learn how to stamp onto metals and leathers, different photo transfer processes and mixed media techniques. You will also learn beginning art journaling techniques so you can start filling your journal with your own art. All of my classes give clear step by step directions. Even if you have never created art before you will leave with not only a new piece of art but the knowledge to continue your own art at home.
    $58 ($50 if taken with the vintage mixed media art class)

    Vintage Mixed Media Art Class (3-5pm) Saturday, October 8th
    You will take a canvas and vintage elements to create a finished mixed media art piece. Each piece will include vintage papers, charcoal, pencil, paint and vintage hardware. You will learn different photo transfer processes, mixed media techniques and how to use water soluble pencils to create beautiful art. All supplies will be provided. You will leave with a completed vintage mixed media art piece on a door plate (escutcheon) stand. All of my classes give clear step by step directions. Even if you have never created art before you will leave with not only a new piece of art but the knowledge to continue your own art at home.

    $58 ($50 if taken with the vintage art journal class)

    To sign up for any of Jeanne's classes, send her an email at jeanneoli@hotmail.com with subject line: NaDa Farm Art Class

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    ~ Jennifer Rizzo ~
    Most of you already know that I love this girl... and how much she has been a part of the last events...

    I'm so excited to have her coming to teach 2 very unique classes!

    Reflections of the prairie mixed media art class (9-11am) Saturday, October 8th

    Bring your coffee and join in on a two hour class where we will create a mixed media mirrored art piece made from a magnifying glass using paper, decoupage medium and the inspiration of the peaceful surroundings. It starts with the 15 minute prairie walk/meditation to gather inspiration. Suitable for all skill levels, Each student will leave with a completed, unique art piece.

    $38.00

    To sign up for any of Jenifer's classes, send her an email at thecraftyhome@comcast.net with subject line: NaDa Farm Art Class

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    ~ Jeanne and Jen are teaching another class together ~
    (1.5 hours 7:30 — 9 pm Friday, October 7th) There is such joy in simply creating, but there is something so fulfilling about being able share it with others as well. Have you always wanted to find ways to let your artwork shine or create paths to promote your unique creations?
    This mini-class will cover ways to: -Remove the fear and take the steps you need towards being published in national magazines -Learn about the ease and tricks for opening an on-line Etsy or Web store -Get hints and information about what you need to open a booth in a co-op space or antique store -Sell or consign your items wholesale to retailers And more…..
    $18 It includes 1 hour of pure information and ½ hour of Q and A time. Hosted by Jeanne Oliver and Jennifer Rizzo to sign up for this class, you can contact either Jennifer or Jeanne
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    ~ Jill Harris ~
    Traveling from the shorses of Jersey to the farm!! This super talented lady is coming back to the farm to not only sell her one of a kind wares, but also teaching a jewelry class
    

    Jill's class will be Friday, October 7th from 4-7pm

    To sign up for Jill's class, you can contact her at: gypsyfleamarket@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -Hotel discount information is coming soon!-

    Can't wait to see you all again!!! and meeting some new people too...

     You can visit our online homestead anytime

    xo+blessings,

  • Cupcakes & Cocktails...

    Cupcakes & Cocktails...

    I recently had some girl friends over... I encourage them to bring a friend... and I'm so glad some of them did... it's so nice to meet new people...

    the night of Cupcakes & Cocktails was so nice...

    I got to showcase some new recipes for some cupcakes I want to sell in October here at the event...
    = lemon and lavendar with a white chocolate/buttercream frosting
    = apple pie cupcake with buttercream frosting
    = gluten free chocolate cupcake with whipped cream mint frosting (the total favorite with the ladies)
    = carrot cupcake with classic cream cheese frosting
    = my classic (favorite) chocolate cupcake with white buttercream frosting (the other favorite)

    i made these simple flags and inserted them into the cupcakes to let the ladies know what was what

    I rearranged the rooms (more on this new look later this week) which was so fun to decorate for the get together

    the table Jason made is perfect in the corner of the room for a buffet...

    and of course... the cocktail...

    when I have the 'hub' in the kitchen, I put my large cutting board on top of my stove, and use it for extra counter space... it works out great...
    here's the cocktail I made up (yumoramma... but after 4 o'clock only:) -for one drink — 2 oz. gin 2 T. na.da.farm pure prairie honey 4 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice 4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
    -put all together in your cocktail shaker and shake it up good... serve over ice-

    A hit with old and new friends alike!
    I would like to thank Midwest Living Magazine for such a nice article on me and the event/barn sale my husband and I do twice a year... thank you!! (there was a 'typo'... we are 80 miles WEST of Chicago, not East:)

    The article is in the Out and About Section...
    

    there really was no need for my picture!! 
    for more information on the upcoming events, you can follow our homestead website: na.da.farm
    What to expect this October here? -ART on the Farm is back again... so very excited about the diversity we are presenting to you — BARN SALE... theme this October?? Prairie Holiday Jason and I are presenting a new area to the event... I'm working hard in the kitchen to offer my very best cupcakes and baked items for sale...
    enjoy the day!
    xo+blessings,

  • Polly Hood at the farm...

    Polly Hood at the farm...

    Farmstyle can be romantic, and Polly Hood has shown us just that

    she also joined us here at the farm when she participated in the event last October... 

    these were the coolest tags she made just for the saleshe brought some amazing architectural pieces... hand made items... even a light made out of an antique pinafore... all the while looking stunning in her Magnolia Pearl dress her husband Steve bought for her (what a great guy he is!)
    We are the ones Counting Our Blessings... because we are just so excited to have her back this May... with her Romantic Farmstyle
    here's some of the items she's planning on bringing...

    I love the touch of gypsy love with the feathers...

    (I also think she takes wonderful photographs)

    She and her husband own and operate French Cupboard... an online shop featuring many wonderfully talented people (kind of like Etsy) AND In her spare time, she travels around the country searching out treasures to sell online, and now, for the farm here, all the while taking photographs and gathering some great information and compiles them into PORCH magazine:

    Visit/shop French Cupboard HERE
    Follow along with Polly's romantic farmstyle HERE
    and order her PORCH magazine, go HERE
    If you missed meeting all the dealers joining me in the barn this May... or just want some great shopping... just scroll down my blog... I featured a dealer every day...
    The Farm Family is growing isn't it???
    *no baby yet* but my midwife says any day
    My husband and I wish you all the best of weekends

    xo+blessings,

  • Jennifer Rizzo at the farm...

    Jennifer Rizzo at the farm...

    passionate about organics... art... making connections... Jennifer Rizzo is a very unique and treasured friend
    

    photo taken by Tracey from French Larkspurshe's so pretty as a farmgirl... don't you think?  she lives over an hour from the farm, has three little kids, yet, took time out of her busy schedule... went out of her way, to help me decorate for the October sale

    and made me smile
    what I received in return was a genuine friend
    not caring of the hours of drive time and hustle and bustle...
    the most astounding thing is that I come up with an 'idea' and the next time we talk, she has either done it already or had just thought of it too
    I have seen her creativity organically blossom
    her new art, and the collection she is bringing to the farm is really... well... awesome...
    She, of course, is coming to the sale... and bringing one of a kind art with her
    How great is that??

    HANDMADE
    ONE OF A KIND
    MADE RIGHT HERE... IN THE USA...

    you cannot find items like this anywhere else... except for at my Farm Event... and I so appreciate... beyond words... Jenn and her constant support

    I can't forget to mention that she never... and I seriously mean NEVER stops decorating... painting... creating... inspiring us all with her understated organic elegance

    for constant inspiration, you can read her blog HERE to shop for Jenn's items, you can go HERE

    xo+blessings,

  • Jeanne Oliver at the Farm...

    Jeanne Oliver at the Farm...

    I followed Jeanne's blog for awhile... and thought her art and perspective on life co-existed and were portrayed beautifully on her blog
    we started talking through the e-mails once and awhile
    I sent her a link to a farm just West of mine... (I am always looking for a replacement farm with an old barn)... and lo and behold it was her Dad's listing!!
    No idea she grew up nearly 20 minutes from Farm until that day
    We were able to meet last summer... our daughters are pen pals... our sons are pen pals too...

    and I'm so blessed to call her my friend
    she really is that special... always listening... never needing anything... so very caring... when my son had a severe accident this past summer, Jeanne and her son were more caring than even most of our family members
    sending books and prayers, calling to see how he was doing... (it really meant so much to my son and I... she is truly a genuine person!!) and THAT is the reason her art and items she creates are so special... because she is a true artist... letting her life and self be expressed through her art 

    her original art work
    I'm just so amazed she wants to be a part of my sale here... but she is!
    SHE'S COMING HERE TO THE FARM EVENT!!

    She's debuting her NEW product line in my barn... I can. not. wait.
    Her and I are totally doing karaoke that night... laughing... dancing... laughing at ourselves... she cracks me up
    Jeanne will also be TEACHING a class on mixed media art in our summer house, the second day of the Farm Event... May 21st
    What a great vacation with your girlfriends!!!! Come to the Event... shop... drink champagne at the Boho-Ball... meet other bloggers... get inspired... eat... laugh... (swim at the hotel pool!)... and take Jeanne's Mixed Media Art Class!!
    Seats will be limited for this... and details will be given out soon

    and I really hope she understands how special I think she is and how I can't wait to see her again
    in the meantime...

    let's SHOP for her items HERE and read more about her life HERE

    xo+blessings,

  • Beth Quinn at the farm...

    Beth Quinn at the farm...

    I am so happy to tell you all that Beth Quinn, of Beth Quinn Designs is coming all the way from Arizona to be here on the farm to
    be with her friends
    meet new ones
    and sell her beautifully made jewelry... 

    her new children's line of jewelry... so darling

    I definitely think that my favorite pieces are these "happy" ones...

    yes, I bought these earrings and LOVE them...

    She has been featured in such publications as: *Belle Amour* *Somerset Magazine* *Artful Blogging* *Haute Handbags* and many many more... Beth is making a whole new line just for the Farm Event...
    one of a kind pieces! (it's a secret as of now... I haven't even seen any of her new line yet!!)
    

    Beth Quinn and her husband What a blessing it is to know that Beth will be here... I'm truly overwhelmed... she's quite the artist...
    you can shop for Beth's jewelry HERE
    and visit her blog HERE

    xo+blessings,

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