yesterday was my birthday, and I awoke to my oldest son making pancakes, decorations my two daughters put up the night before... and the day only got better
my husband gave me a kiss goodbye for work, and when he returned, family came over to enjoy dinner at the farm... and lots of laughter...
my 9year old son crafted this wreath for me!! i love it!
and then came my 11 yr. old daughter's gift... a work of art...
all the details she put into it, all on her own, were so incredible... a treasure...
when my husband returned home from his long day, he blessed me with a strong hug and a tender kiss, and the most beautiful bouquet of white roses...
there was one pink one he said "for you are my one true love"
yup i lost it... i let the moment go and let me totally feel his love
where did my 9yr. old get this wreath idea? for Thanksgiving, I made a paper wreath for my sister-in-law as a hostess gift, and she hung it in her kitchen:
I hope she liked it! This post is part of White Wednesday, and for more white inspiration, go here. ~a very merry december to you all!~ xo+blessings,
another year with my beautiful daughter serving us the traditional Santa Lucia buns she made herself... my little saint
we all were told to get back into bed... we used the bed in the sunroom... and she served us in bed with fresh coffee... homemade apple jelly, butter, and the biggest heart...
she has the kindest heart to anyone I have ever met... I love her so very much words cannot describe the joy I feel when I am with her... like an angel on earth... she always takes care of others, and this tradition on this feast day of Saint Lucy (santa lucia) is a blessed way for any daughter to express their love towards their family
Whatever the fact to the legends surrounding Lucy, the truth is that her courage to stand up and be counted a Christian in spite of torture and death is the light that should lead us on our own journeys through life.
whether you believe in His Saints or not, one thing is for certain, we could all learn a valuable lesson from Santa Lucia: bear light against the darkness, as Lucia did find the strength within you this Advent Season to become the very best person you can possibly become peace and blessings,
if you are interested in seeing last year's Santa Lucia Day here at the farm, you can go HERE there's a paper doll you can print out for your little ones
THANK YOU FOR YOUR IQUIRIES: NO, I did't purchase the dress, but I made it for her a few years ago... but thank you for those who inquiried if it's a "Santa Lucia Dress"... you are all so nice... but it will be passed down to her little sister, who is anxiously waiting to wear it
the sweet Zaira posted this today, and I had to share it with you too... (she has such a beautiful blog too!!)
I'm a huge fan of Loretta's work because of Zaira, (and a blog follower as well), and this photo shoot has my mind into a whole other world right now... everything about this photograph styling is conjuring up a great story...
click on picture to see more of Loretta's photography: this is my favorite one... I have spent many a morning with my babushka on making pastry of some kind (not this beautiful to look at, but I "feel" this picture)
AND I HAD TO SHARE WITH YOU A VERY GOOD FRIEND IN ITALY: FRA AND HER ABSOLUTELY WARMING LIVING ROOM!! (click on image to visit her fireside!)
isn't it lovely??? she's expecting in Febuary, and I would love nothing more than to be by the fire with her and drink our hot cocoa together!!!
There was a "want" of a double hung wreath in this corner of the dining room, but then my mother gave me this antique crystal lamp that was my grandmother's... made in Romania... so I took a lampshade frame that was in the barn, and wove some blue juniper branches on both the top and the bottom... part of a small collection of religious prayer books and a few of Jason's cameras came to the table top along with a great little gold tray found at Christmas in the Alley
Jason had time between working in his workshop to hang my new chandelier in the dining room it's so beautiful not even lit...
The Master Bedroom Design Q(uestions) & A(nswers) was a BLAST! Wouldn't being a decorating reporter be so fun? I think so So many of you wonderful readers haven't asked me "why" I am re-decorating my bedroom with Jo and Lulu as design stylists... because it's obvious why! They both have great talent... What's my decorating motto for this bedroom: "un-decorate" Today's Q&A is with Jo, from the Secret Garden Cottage. Her and I have talked back and forth, because of the blogs, for quite some time, and as soon I saw her kitchen/dining area, even though it's a kitchen, it inspired me for my bedroom... and here's why:
All of Jo's Answers are in italicized print, and all pictures in this post are from Jo's beautifully inspiring blog. Here's the Q&A with one of the nicest women, Jo:
1) When you design your rooms, do you have a focal point? something that anchors the room? If so, it is usually art or architecture
A: Yes. I definitely always try to have a focal point in each of my rooms, usually architectural pieces. I don't use much art in my home, mostly because I have a hard time finding something I like 100%.
2) How do you achieve an understated feminine approach to your style? A: Well... I try to keep in mind that this is my husband's home, too, and wouldn't want to overwhelm him with too many floral prints, ruffles, or super feminine colors. I try to add a feminine touch to my decor with some of the furniture pieces I use, such as the table I recently bought and placed in my kitchen. It has some decorative scroll work and pretty, curvy legs. I also use flowers and herbs from the garden to add a little bit of romance to my home, as well as the slipcovered furniture and accessories, such as glass cloches, white ironstone pitchers, and candles.
3) what would you classify your style as? A: I think my style is very eclectic. I love French farmhouse, Scandinavian, and American country cottage styles, and I think I have a little bit of each style in my home.
4) how do you achieve an overall cohesive look to your home? A: Sometimes I fell like I struggle with this myself. I try to give my home an overall cohesive feeling by using the same color scheme throughout my home. I generally only use different shades of white in my decor, including my wall paint. I also try to purchase furniture pieces that work well together... have similar architectural lines and so forth.
5) If you were to design my bedroom, by knowing me personally, and seeing my style on my blog, while incorporating your style techniques, how would design my bedroom? what elements would you include in your design plan? A: Keeping in mind your personal style... I think that the one thing you like about mine and Lulu's style is the use of white in our decor, so I would give you an all white bedroom. I would use an architectural piece with white, chippy paint such as a vintage door(s) or fireplace mantle for your headboard. I've also noticed that you like warm wood tones in your home, so I would incorporate warm wood pieces of furniture, such as your night stands and maybe a vintage chest or bench (if room allows) at the foot of your bed. The bed linens you have would look beautiful in the room, but I would add a bed skirt to make it a bit more femine. I also noticed that you love vintage silver, which I think would look gorgeous in the bedroom in the use of accessories. I would dress the windows with sheer linen or cotton curtain panels that puddle on the floor just slightly and use tree branches for the curtain rods. Since your room is small, you would want to keep accessories to a minimum to give it a serene, peaceful feeling.
Anything else you would like to say?? I just want to thank you again for including me in your bedroom makeover, Anne Marie. I feel so honored that you would consider my ideas alongside Lulu's to inspire a room makeover in your beautiful home. You have such an amazingly beautiful style and creative mind, so I know this room will turn out to be the beautiful haven you desire, and I can't wait to see it when it's done!
Isn't she the sweetest?? I wish she lived closer to actually help me! How much fun we'd have... After I saw THIS POST she did, and she had quite a few of the same inspiration photos that I have in my design collection, I knew I would beg her to do this for me:) Tomorrow is my friend Lulu's Q&A with me... stay tuned! Hope you are all enjoying your week thus far!! peace and blessings,
For the May 2010 Sale at the farm here, I sold bundles of 'raw books'... old books that my daughter and I removed the binding from (this was hard to do to books I must say) What was left, was these beautiful old binders, and being that they were red, they inspired me to use them for the "Farm Menu" for our recent dinner party (see here)
Everything was made from scratch... the food and the decorations the best advice I can give anyone attempting a dinner party "from scratch" is to plan, organize, and make ahead some of the food!
Here's what you'll need: ~ old book covers (front, back, and binding still in tack) ~ a glue stick ~ old sheet music ~ and some bits of old lace and feathers (if desired) ~ some hemp twine for the tie ~ an awl and hammer ~ and of course, the printed image for your cover First off, take the awl and hammer and make holes in your (now) menu covers
This is the image I used courtesy of The Graphics Fairy (feel free to use any of these print outs for your own use)
for the cover, I just added text and sized it to a 5"x7" to fit my book cover
then took it into my little computer arts program and just erased the deer to get this:
then flipped it, added text and came up with this: (this is the finished inside of the Menu)
With that same scroll design, I flipped it once again, and added text to the inside top:
Paste the papers (cut to fit for the inside so as not to be in front of the hole)
to cover the rather ugly inside of the binding, I adhered old lace with glue and on the outside of the Menu, a sprig of rosemary and a small pheasant feather (which was also used in the buffet decorations) tied with another piece of vintage black lace
I cut some small strips of old sheet music (a whole page of music also took the place of a "placemat" on the table) under and above the front of the Menu with the glue stick
Of course, now looking at them, I probably wouldn't have used the black lace, but rather the vintage ticking, but the great thing about these, is that you can reuse them time and time again!!
Here's to enjoying your holiday season! ~Have a fantastic weekend~ xo+blessings,
Hi! I hope this Christmas house walk finds you all well!! come on in to our little farm house on the prairie...
more than half my day is spent in this little corner of the world... the kitchen my kitchen = my expression = my love for my family = and oh such good and tasty dishes... we ALL get involved in the kitchen! it's my favorite room of the house
these little candy canes are being bagged up for sale in the shop today! check back later!!!
collecting those little tins, I have made a lot of little treats for the kids cakes and tiny pies one of the things I really have enjoyed, is collecting small things like that — after all... I AM surrounded by six little sets of feet scampering about the farmhouse all day:) totally not complaining
thos candy canes are vintage wire ones and the coolest quick decorating thus far this year
this may not look like a Christmas kitchen... but simmering on the stove is some raw milk I'm heating up for baby Daniel, with my cup of tea steaping in the background, and the chalkboard proclaiming I need to slow down and enjoy these last few days of Advent
nature inspires this family of mine... this farmhouse... this soul
yes, that is the mini-conservatory Jason made for me to use in the potager... it's sitting next to and apple ladder... which is all resting peacefully on top of a table Jason also made using reclaimed barn wood
we've "freaked" out a few people with letting our Percheron horse Jordan roam the property free and eat the cool grass... and this picture simbolizes so much to me freedom
instead of taking all the pine trimmings and making thick swags, I am leaving them raw extending their life from outdoors right into our home unpolluted
a bunch of lavender grens as well as pine branches surround Mary especially since it's the feast day of the Immaculate Conception! Dear blessed Mother... so gentle and kind... may I always give my all to others through sacrificeMary... help me to be closer to your Son
the girl's room... all vintagey turquoise + red and simply so fun & cute!
this house most certainly is never 'totally tidy'... especially when you give your daughter the freedom to create in her 'vintage horse room'
back downstairs, in our once dining room (now turned living room) pinecones, dried oranges and an eskewed lamp;)... things are not perfect here
Daniel even got some new stuffed toys I hand stitched this holiday season... I couldn't resist letting him have them before Christmas day! he also loves playing with my yarn balls like a little kitty
he sure does love his sister... what a blessing a big family is!!
that's the end of the house tour for me... in case you missed stop #8, it is my very good personal friend, who literally lives just 30 minutes from the farm: Traci Thorson... she's our official photographer for the farm events and certain other publications... as well as stop #10: blondienc who has a great blog! --------------------------------- I'm so excited to present to you the very special project all of us here on the farm have been working on together... especially Jason and I
We've compiled some simple and traditional holiday recipes and easy to make gifts in this E-BOOK
AVAILABLE THIS FRIDAY!December 9th!! it is an online e-book!!! We are so very excited to share this with you! (more on the book tomorrow) We also have something else to share!!
the winter 2011 collection of hand carved spoons from NA.DA.FARM Jason has been hand carving spoons they are so beautiful and special each spoon is one of a kind made from his own two hands truly beautiful 100% made by hand from reclaimed timber from the farm and other local wood organic in nature... organically finish each piece is sealed with organic olive oil... the safest sealant for wood used in the kitchen
We are opening up shop once again for some very wonderful hand crafted items from both Jason and myself... tomorrow!!!
From all of us here at the farm... peace + blessings,
The whole concept behind my master bedroom is to "un-decorate"...
like I told Lulu over the phone ******* (which was so hilarious, because she literally took me out to a healthy breakfast, a ride across part of California all while taking care of her precious son while on the phone... I loved it Lu!) ******* that my great admiration for so many beautiful fabrics tempts me so often to buy these sumptuous fabrics, but I do NOT desire to have a bedroom that is 'decorated', but nicely put together with good design elements in mind.
Which is why I also thought of Lulu, from Dusty Lu Interiors her and her husband have their own design business, but beyond that, I have seen what Lulu does on the inside of her own home (as you will see in the pictures in this post... they are all of her home) *her answers are also in italics* 1) When you design your rooms, do you have a focal point? Yes, I look for a focal point every room, or I make one, with a large piece of furniture, architecture like a fireplace mantel, artwork, etc. and center it.
2) How do you achieve an understated feminine approach to your style? Easy, simplicity with detail.
3) what would you classify your style as? I really don't like to nail down one specific style I like, because my taste evolves all the time. One thing I know is certain I love and try to incorporate white into my designs.
4) how do you achieve an overall cohesive look to your home? I buy what I love, and when you do that it all comes together and you can never go wrong.
5) If you were to design my bedroom, by knowing me personally, and seeing my style on my blog, while incorporating your style techniques, how would design my bedroom? First, I would like to say I enjoyed our conversation very much the other day on the phone. It gave me a chance to get to know you better, you are very genuine and so nice. When I spoke to you we suggested using a silver or silver blue paint color, I recently used both colors in two homes I helped design and decorate. When I design spaces I try to make it both masculine and feminine. When designing a bedroom, I believe it is a very personal space, and you need to consider both parties. I suggested keeping your gorgeous dark walnut sleigh bed to add that masculine touch and adding pretty fabrics for a feminine touch. The paint colors can go both ways, and when you accessories you can bring in natural elements to anchor the room and that can add both a feminine and masculine feel.
6)what elements would you include in your design plan? I love the use of symmetry especially in a bedroom, it gives an overall calming affect.
Lulu and I are digging a little deeper into the design now and actually picking out paint colors and furniture placement... and this could not be more fun! If you haven't visited Lulu's online journal, then you may not know some really cool things about her! Like her constant zeal for learning — she's always taking these awesome classes that she shares with her readers (the last one being photography which was so interesting to me)... her home has been featured in magazines and on the Internet why is there a picture of Rachel here?
because Lulu has also has been Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture photographer for many projects... the great things about having a job like that, is that it keeps her at home (where she wants to be) with her son. She's expecting her second baby and I couldn't be more thrilled (and somewhat disappointed she won't be making the trip here to Illinois in May — lol) Her schedule sounds so busy, seriously, and for her to take the time to help me like this, is just so amazing to me... thank you Lulu... it really means a lot... xo+blessings,
Wishing you all a beautiful White Wednesday and a peaceful 2011...
the front and rear entrances to my potager (kitchen garden)
and no, none of these pictures were altered... this was a gift one morning... and this is why I chose that spot for the Cake:
I turned the bend, and saw footsteps (of whose I don't know, because they stopped where I wanted the table set up) and in case you didn't get to see my cake and setting, you can just scroll down my blog to the previous post and see more of what I did in our woods for Christmas...
**new in the shop** are these beautifully hand carved buttons
made from ancient yew wood
when my mother gave me this hand crocheted shawl (shown here as an infinity scarf) Jason made me this beautiful button to make the perfect compliment for such a hand-made piece of clothing great stocking stuffer or special gift for that knitter or crocheter in your family
Hand Crocheted Organic Cotton Neck Cowl with vintage buttons... $20
I only have made 3 so far with this yellow USA grown, organic cotton, but I am working on soft white ones with some really cool vintage buttons as well, and will be listing those later this week... A bit of time went into these, but baby Daniel seems to really enjoy the comfy flannel and soft cotton (now to only make about 2 dozen more and we're good) we've named them: "na.da.farm bunz"
in the garden we pulled out a few sweet potatoes... "Anne Marie's pointers": — make sure you do not feed your children candy before harvest — if you treat harvest like a game, getting the 'biggest one yet!!' is more fun than anything!!
i am cleaning out the house, rearranging furniture, helping a friend with her computer 'stuff', hosting a young man's get together and creating a simple pot of chili today
the sun rose beautiful, all your prayers are so welcomed for my dad
he's doing so much better...
thank you so so much
i was listening to someone speak about our connection with each other... how when Christ said 'love they neighbor' what did he mean besides smiling at them, helping them out when they need it, donating to a good cause, helping in a disaster... it went deeper than that
isn't it beautiful how when Christ was preaching he rarely 'said it like it is' but rather made us think... a deeper sense of neighbor for example
this speaker was explaining how our souls are connected to one another because of Him, and because of this, we have the ability to embrace them even after they pass from this world...
so last night, i laid in bed, read some soulful inspirations, closed my eyes and imagined something i have never imagined...
that God is here with me, my Dad, and all that I see... but it's like having it completely dark, and when someone turned on a strong light you'd see God... that the veil was lifted from this life... that heaven is not up in the clouds, but rather, all around us... we just aren't able to see it because our souls are not completely to Him...
well, mine isn't
i unfortunately hold myself back from completeness into 'that realm of heaven'... i love my kids, my husband, my farm, my life, and all these material possessions...
slowly, He is making me realize this and I am able to embrace this life in joys and sorrows while at the same time (trying to be) completely His
when the sun comes up so strong and brilliant and the day is filled with so much, i am completely thankful i can still help others and enjoy this life... and learn more each day or night about who i am... who He made me
After you have harvested your herbs -dry them in a very dark place — hang them or put them in a paper bag — top open — until brittle
grab your most cheerful child at that moment...
crumple crumple crumple
(just sit back with your fresh cup of tea and take your cheerful child's photograph... encouraging them along the way with tales of adventure)
we have so much sage that we use large plastic bags to preserve them
the more delicate (and not as abundant here on the farm) herbs get to reside over winter in beautiful blue mason jars... respectively...
To confess: autumn is my absolute favorite in the garden... we are organically growing our vegetables, so at this time of year I can gloriously pull off a slug here and there on the pepper plants and throw them to the chickens since we have had a frost already, there aren't any other bugs (hallelujah) but it's now time for cleanup and more garlic to plant I'm hoping to find some time today to sew a pair of booties for Daniel and even my own cloth diapers (from an old sweater:) peace + blessings,
I put this together so that if you are coming to the sale, you'll know where everyone is:)
(Feel free to print it out)
Farm Barn Sale Vendor Map
Oct.19th 5-8pm & Oct.20th 9-noon
INDOOR VENDOR MAP
Farm Indoor Vendor Map Friday, October 19th 5-8pm... Saturday, October 20th 9-noon
Anne Marie (of Farm) is in the Bakery (by the musician “J”) A –Eclectique Boutique (Amy Haines) B – A Sort of Fairy Tale C – Red Bird Vintage D – A Ruffled Nest E – Rachel Polly F – Carter’s Cottage G – Cracker Jax H – Counting Your Blessings I – Whimsy
J – Greg Wheaton – musician
K – Francie Skoflanc L – Lis Dunn Desings M – Nikki (cake pedestals) N – Fine Line Antiques O – Gray Graniteware Farmhouse
P – Penelli Belle, Inc.
OUTDOOR VENDOR MAP
Farm Outdoor Vendor Map Friday, October 19th 5-8pm... Saturday, October 20th 9-noon $5 entry fee (part of proceeds benefits local charity) 1 – A Beautiful Party 2 – Rick Hundt 4 – Lis Daun – Lemon Grass Designs
i don't know the day or life you have had we are seperated by many miles and a few years
while i was wearing leg warmers you were swaddled in your mother's arms
would it matter if i knew your name + background + the shoe size you wear?
i didn't know you you might be a passerby... your on your way while i am on mine
the nest you have woven amongst the golden hues and gray skies will never be forgotten
i stitched it for them, and they hung it in their window... so sweet... if you were here this past weekend, you would have noticed a turquoise truck + camper on the old barn foundation
on Thursday of last week, my oldest son and I were headed to our neighbor's farm to get some straw to lay down in the prairie lounge... we passed this turquoise truck... hood open... one with his head in the engine, the other behind the wheel... I stopped to see if help was needed... no was the answer I received...
again, we passed them, now with our truck filled with the straw
I thought to myself how they looked familiar without knowing them... how I needed to get home and get to work... how if they really needed my help they would have said so right??
Jason left for work when I came home... but called me 45 minutes later telling me he was towing a couple to the farm who were stranded... not surprised, I put on my shoes to greet them onto the farm
She recognized me
We started talking... and talking... and talking... not knowing how our paths are so very similar in life... deep within our souls, our experiences...
If you saw a naturally beautiful soul behind the bakery counter at the sale this past weekend, it was her... moving to their new home
passing by the farm but never leaving my heart
we are close enough in this world to see with our hearts and not our minds, or pre-conceived ideas
it's quite simple to realize that in this world help is always there for me... I am the one who needs to accept it
acceptance is love
no matter what — trust — love -
no matter what the age difference or demographics are no matter if we both love baking and biking no matter if we love the nature that surrounds us no matter if both of the men in our lives are carpenters
there is much more in common with each and every person if you just stop to notice it...
age, tattoos, color of skin... it really doesn't matter when it comes to the human experience does it...
I feel so very blessed beyond measure that I met them... and that God had our paths cross... they have been for more than one reason... they were there for me and I hope I have been there for her... for them both...
that is our hope for all of you at the upcoming show we are hosting for all of these fabulous people
HERE'S A LIST OF OUR INSPIRING VENDORS that will be joining us for October 2012 Barn Sale/Flea Market in no particular order... ANTIQUES, VINTAGE, RE PURPOSED, RUSTY AND COOL... Cracker Jax Counting your Blessings Eclectique Boutique A Sort of Fairytale A Beautiful Party Gray Graniteware Farmhouse Lis Dunn Designs Simple but Different Lemon Grass Designs Whimsical Perspective Red Bird Vintage Rachel Polly 'bags by Margaret' Carter's Cottage Nikki Sisk and Nancy Bratcher A Ruffled Nest Fabbychic All My Musings Fine Line Antiques Francie Skoflanc Peg Feltes FOOD LIST:
Steve from Farm Food (serving locally raised all beef hot dogs)
Anne Marie from Farm (serving coffee, hot cider, gluten free cupcakes, regular cupcakes, cakes, pies, pie pops, etc)
Christina from Simple but Different (working along side Anne Marie... because she's my sister and we love her baking!!)
there will also be warm apple cider and coffee
I'll be sharing pictures here and on this blog for the next 2 weeks
Greg Wheaton is gracing us with his soulful music for both days this October!! you can check him out here (his CD's will be for sale... but they do sell out quickly)
when Jordan came into our life, she was a rescue horse
the previous owner had passed on due to cancer... we weren't expecting a nearly 16 hand Percheron-Thouroughbred cross
Jordan couldn't be more gentle... you can see it in her big beautiful eyes and softness of her being... her bond is with our oldest daughter, but loved by us all
The event this year is coming together so nicely... meant to be on so many levels...
totally random photo... he's just too cute not to post today...
There is so much more I wanted to include in the flyer, but there simply wasn't enough room!!
the entry fee on Friday night is waived when you bring your ticket (handed to you Friday night) back Saturday (if you plan on attending the event both days)
part of the proceeds both days benefit a local charity — Hope Haven -
there are more and more homeless individuals... but not enough room at their building... but we can help them (to make a more substantial donation, visit their website here)
Making a difference in other people's lives is so important on so many levels... and community needs to stick together
that's the primary reason why Jason and I host this event on our farm
to help support many different local artists, antique dealers, musicians, etc.
My focus for the sale is baking from scratch and selling those yummies in my little 'farm bakery' in the barn...
ART on the Farm classes have begun registration and you can see more about those classes here (or on my sidebar)... seats are limited, so please register soon
If coming from out of town, I am so thrilled that the Holiday Inn Express has created a room block and ALL rooms are the same price for you!! even the King Executive Suites!! to see more go here
This is a lot of information I know, but so much needs to be said when it comes to this event... there is much more to it than just stuff on tables or haystacks... it's all our creative efforts joined together to both inspire you and to give you the opportunity to purchase all HANDMADE and USA made items crafted by our hands — all of us involved...
Here's an idea: Gather a few of your friends that you haven't seen in awhile, or that you see all the time and love being around... create a closer connection to them by planning a trip to the farm... here's even a little something for you to send them in your e-mail...
If you gathered the "three of you"... split the hotel room ($97.50) three ways... it's only: $32.50 per person! This is an event I don't want you to miss! Take Jill's jewelry class Friday night, go shopping afterwards, go back to your plush hotel room, have a few cocktails, laugh and giggle, tell stories and eat some snacks while watching a movie... the next morning, grab a cup of coffee (and their famous cinnamon rolls at the hotel) and head back to the farm just after the sun rises to walk the prairie (rain or shine) to Jen's class to learn how to create a unique art under glass creation with the inspiration you will find on our farm and in the back 3 acre prairie... shop some more and enjoy a class by the famous artists Jeanne Oliver from Colorado... she is teaching two classes that are both unique and beautiful to create under the skylights in the horse barn... don't forget to grab a few cupcakes and sit under the trees and enjoy the farm!! (that sounds like a great weekend if you ask me) bringing your blankets to picnic or relax out in the prairie is highly encouraged:) xo+blessings,
amongst the trees, grasses, goldenrod, compass plants, and many others, the shadows...
the upcoming October Event is so much more than ever... for it's not only in the new events barn, but with the theme 'a very prairie holiday' we are showcasing some amazing dealers... art... classes... but inviting you to come be a part of the prairie to feel it's peace to hear the sounds of a rustic nature untouched by man (well, except for us cutting down the thistles and ragweed:) and mowing trails) the hum of the bees and the big sky... such a big sky out here, that it reminds you of how insignificant you are, but how much of an impact you can have I'm so looking forward to showing you the event bit by bit this time We are already decorating the barn... and with baby Daniel now 5 months (I know... crazy), I do have more time to devote to you and your time here because when I decorate and prepare for these events, I am not necessarily thinking of me, but how you will feel With a large % of the world in an absolute mess, one thing stands constant: my love for this land and how we are living and loving in it, and how I can share that with you when you come here, I hope you: ~ leave all those worries behind~accept who you are~love being and living where you live~have faith~understand you are here for eachother~it's okay to make mistakes~create with the gifts you have been given have a beautiful weekend and even though you might not be able to (for whatever reasons) vacation, that doesn't mean you should not seize that joy I put together this for you to print out if you wish... just for a pretty reminder:
I do hope to see you on the farm for the event... it's going to be so special...
— classes are starting to fill up so make sure you register for ART on the farm HERE -since a lot of emails came my way for staying near the farm... look Tuesday next week on the events website for more information on the hotel discount-
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
~ 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
~ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ 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...
