The new Spring 2011 issue (the one on stands now) of Romantic Country Magazine, features the Farm Barn Sale from this past October!!! Actually, this issue is really great! So much so, I'd like to giveaway a copy to you! (along with a few other surprise goodies) Just leave me a comment on this post. DEADLINE WAS DECEMBER 22nd, midnight
* GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED* WINNER!!! from Random.org is... comment #34:
Laurie said... Congratulations! I'll have to get a copy if I don't win:) 12/19/2010
CONGRATS LAURIE!! email me your address!! Merry Christmas!!
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...
i am sure most of you can relate to striving for that 'hold on' moment... that moment when you can sink into a pillow with a good book, or take that cup of iced tea and stir the honey slowly and watch it blend and think of nothing but where to sit and enjoy the shade on a sunny day
it's a wonder
this time... this last bit of time before summer's heat is all but gone, and that sun tea is no longer... those lazy days outdoors watching the children play... this time is so short...
it's a wonder
it is as though i am feeling just now settled into summer, when it's being taken away by the cooler nights and less hot days...
there are so many times when i can correlate myself to my surroundings... the lightness in my step when spring comes... the sauntering flip flops during summer... the shuffle of leaves in autumn and the crunch during winter... but i do have to admit, that lately, i am being drawn into a connection i cannot explain with our oldest son...
it's a wonder
his piano compilations make me stop in my tracks and almost drink the sound into my soul... the heartache of childhood leaving while the maturity of his heart growing
it's a wonder at all that anything gets done during the summer...
so much to organize and plan for school, the upcoming sale as well
the importance of being with my family supersedes anything right now... our bond is growing daily the more time we spend together, and I thank the Lord for allowing me to teach them at home... so very blessed to not have to shuffle them off every morning after packing their lunches... a lot of our peace comes from a schedule and routine of sorts... even if the routine for the day is them sleepy eyed coming down the stairs to greet me for the first time of the day with a hug and groggy "good morning"... I love those times and savor every hug... it never gets old
it's a wonder... these kids... this place... this life...
like my cup of coffee losing it's steaming hotness, the summer is fading, and though I cannot go fill my cup back up with more summer time, I can take what I have learned this summer and and a bit more just to keep me going
trying to marry the two ideas was getting so complicated... when, as life, it shouldn't be
I stuck to that good ol' advice "buy what you love"
the pink satin throw is vintage... bought at one of my most favorite stores: Cracker Jax, in DeKalb, IL. I was the recipient to a most generous gift certificate from a very good friend, so with that gift, I bought the satin throw and the bark cloth
The barkcloth is a vintage piece — and when I purchased it, it was a wide valance. With a quick cut of the scissors, I sewed up the side I cut, and because it was lined, all I had to do is slip my king size pillows in it and walla: 2 pillow covers for our king size bed!
I am not sure yet what to do over the bed... I have oil paintings... an old sign... a shelf... and old window... I just don't know yet... time will tell! The blue French desk and love seat was purchased at another great little shop with tremendously inexpensive prices on furniture: Sweet Blessings in Rochelle, IL. I am not one to divulge pricing... but let me just tell you that both pieces together were under $150 the desk's flip down front was already off, but I propped it up in back, and added a collection of icons that Jason's sister has given to us over the years...
the couch is (I'm guessing) from the 1920's and in very good shape — with vintage blue chenille fabric and heavy springs... the small little round table was just given to me by my mom and dad... it was my grandmother's... just perfect to hold an ironstone platter with two cordial glasses and a bottle of locally made brandy:)
the mirror was bartered years ago for work Jason did at someone's house, and the dresser was bought just before Daniel was born — and had been in the girl's room up until a few days ago... the vintage satin bright blue little organizer was previously used in "it's day" for holding stockings, but now holds my jewelry I love to see and use daily...
english tin from goodwill — hair pick from Cracker Jax
yellow and full of happy memories, the vintage travel case sitting atop my dresser was purchased on that recent road trip to Indiana to a fantastic! shop: Hot House Market... Carrie is one of my favorite display artists, and she had this idea of using the travel case as a jewelry box... as do i... and now it holds my summer jewelry as well as my most treasured vintage scarves I grab to throw on my head during the summer (small bowtie necklace also from Hot House Market)... earrings on far left, the ones with the little bees in middle and far right are from Tracy... i love her jewelry!! — and her:)
even for breakfast with some scrambled eggs inside a tortilla this is a very easy dish, and would be great to bring to your next gathering at your friend's house
avocados are in season right now and so delicious, and was my inspiration for this layered dip
appropriately named "supper" because we have this on very hot days
it is nothing fancy, but on a hot day, it is more than enough
bean & avocado layered supper here's an easy recipe for refried beans and then all you need is to start layering... like this... refried beans (you can use store bought of course) one avocado mashed + 2 T. of sour cream mixed together grated cheese (I used cheddar) 2 spring onions finely chopped drizzle lime juice (optional) finely diced tomatoes some finely chopped cilantro and parsley serve with organic corn chips (or tortillas for a heartier meal) shred some more cheese on top of dish
we have been experimenting with cooking over an open flame outdoors and am so stoked to share those recipes and photographs with you have a beautiful weekend xo+fired up blessings,
trying to avoid bananas is hard for this mother of six... it's so easy to keep a few on hand in the cooler in the car for a quick snack for baby Daniel or the other kids (or me)... but it is not a local fruit
if I was to eat local fruits that are available at my farmer's market it would be mostly berries in the late spring — summer and then apples, peaches, and the possible plum
not complaining, but pretty much just whining that I wouldn't be able to eat bananas again if I go with that idea of only eating seasonal and local with no waste
with all that being said, I did recently have a few bananas on hand, and some ripe strawberries
for this food styling, I brought it into one of my favorite pieces of furniture that rests off of our living room... it's an old cabinet, and Jason replaced the back boards with a wide tongue and groove... a recently favorite place for me to take photographs of my last food styling job for Jo Packham's new book which I had the honor and priviledge to work on (more on that later)
even makes a great dessert if served with ice cream or freshly whipped cream
in blueberry season, add whole blueberries as a substitute for strawberries
and if they love it so much, i started thinking maybe i would too after all, they bloom prolifically, come from an herb, and are grown organically (at least here on our farm)
really, sage is a fantastic addition to any flower bed
the benefits from sage blossoms 'stem' back (pun intended) from Medieval Europe where they used to eat them to strengthen memory and promote wisdom there are essential oils in those sage blossoms: thujone and borneol when should you cut them? in the morning after the dew has evaporated you can harvest the blossoms, and dry them like this for later use:
it was so delicious and fresh, and stretched my small basil plants and oregano as well... if you do not like pecans, you can use walnuts or pine nuts as a substitution
you can also add in two chopped up spring onions, which I did the second time making this dish, and really enjoyed that flavor as well (please note: the onion is not listed in the following original recipe)
there you have it
as a side note, the studio opening was more than amazing a steady stream of people all evening supporting breast cancer and sherrie's new shop as well a great time downtown sycamore i'm so proud of her and i had so much fun with my daughter too hope you all have a fantastic weekend xo+blessings,
please note: sage flowers are safe, but anyone can have an allergic reaction to a new food
wild spring asparagus with ham farm fresh eggs scrambeled & goat cheese
lace tablecloths for the sale... for 'pretty picnic' line of products
clematis in bloom on the kitchen garden fence
dirty farm boys all clean in the bath and ready for bed
a glorious day full of blessings nothing to prove or assume just being me and living my life the best way I know how with my family, hands in the dirt, and a thankful heart to My Creator
recently moved up from North Carolina, his hands have been busy all his life outdoors...
he lived in a one bedroom cabin in the mountains of Colorado for almost 10 years
he was a river rafter guide down the Colorado river
he was a chef
he hiked the Colorado trail... the whole thing
he is close to the Earth
he is close to God
I know!! doesn't he sound like the coolest guy?? we think so... we love him...
I only had sisters growing up, so having a brother is awesome... he is my brother by marriage... such an amazing person... he teaches me a lot about life (I've told him many times I can't wait to read the book he will write about his life... hee)
brothers he's done so much in his life... & that character comes out in his hand carved spoons he's been doing with Jason
they sit out there in the barn and carve, talk, and mold a log into a utilitarian beautiful creation
he made this baby spoon...
I cannot tell you how excited I was to see he had done that!! If you have a baby that is starting to eat solids, or a toddler using a utensil for the first time, you understand how it just doesn't seem right to use plastic!! I have been using silver spoons — which I like — but they are hard... metal... so this soft yet hard wooden spoon is perfect... in every way If you are coming to the barn sale, not only is he going to be grilling some local meats for your supper or lunch, he'll be selling a few of his spoons too he also hand carved this amazing spoon... "the serving scoop" scoop anything you like... ice cream... risotto... fresh cobbler...
it's so interesting to see the different shapes and finishes the spoons get turned into... it really does mimic their personalities... just like any artistic endeavor
whenever you create something by hand, the character comes out
hope you are all enjoying this beautiful spring day... I have more planting to do, and I can't wait to share with you all the improvements to my kitchen garden...
there is nothing better than a bright sunny day and a clean kitchen to get me baking my special organic chocolate filled cupcakes coming right up! (have to practice before I sell them at the sale right??) I had a fantastic time with my two daughters and the baby at Kane County Flea Market Saturday... it was so great to see the dealers who were invited to sell here at the farm. It's so important to Jason and I to make personal contact with them... besides, a day out shopping is just what I wanted/needed. Meeting up with two friends I haven't seen since before the baby was born was great too! I don't know about you, but spring is awesome isn't it?? I LOVE the feeling of spring!! A HUGE thanks to all you other super duper dealers at Kane setting out our fliers... I love all the support you give one another... and we appreciate you spreading the word of our sale (yes... I said super duper) I saw some awesome booth setups and great stuff to buy there — but didn't buy anything this time — my hands were kind of full:) can you believe he's a month old??
& a very special thank you to Lauren for such a sweet girft!
Here's one of those possibilities I mentioned this morning...
SUPER excited to convert the old horse barn (where the sale used to be) into an ART studio the skylights and views are so great in there
and we are so honored by our good friend Jeanne for not only coming here to join the sale and sell her new Spring Line of goods, but to also teach a mixed media art class! LIMITED PLACES!! Sign up by emailing Jeanne: JEANNEOLI@HOTMAIL.COM & you can isit Jeanne's blog HERE
this past weekend we had a gathering at our home after the baby's baptism and with the weather still in the 30's it's just what we needed roses in old blue mason jars and the scent of hyacinths in small silver vessels...
to make this flower napkin shape: fold the napkin in a triangle, then roll it up from the pointed end & then from one of the ends, start rolling into a rose shape
(make sure you cover the stem inserted into cake with plastic wrap)
I had this whimsical idea of making paper flowers within the mix... and added them to this simple spray wreath and to the table
Another "on the cheap" way to decorate this gathering was with handmade paper doves:
to make these: simply sketch out a dove shape, and paste two together & bend the wings down slightly — use clear thread (or fishing line) and thread through the wings and tie to branches (or in our case pussy willow branches and our chandelier)
slow cooked lamb shanks... asparagus with Hollandaise sauce... white bean ragout... homemade fettuccine... warm rhubarb-Bourbon compote with vanilla ice cream
That is what I served for Fifi O'Neill and Mark Lohman (a friend and the wonderful photographer of this book), and our other guests that filled the long farmhouse table outdoors, at a farm to table style dinner late last spring. All those recipes are now in Fifi's new book, The Romantic Prairie Cookbook It was a pleasure having Fifi over for dinner again, and though there were some mishaps (like my oven breaking down) it all was meant to be that way. The recipes in the oven had to be changed quickly, and a quick trip to the garden inspired me, and from the reaction from our guests, they were more than happy with the results. I'm honored to have been in this book. Like Fifi's description of the book: "Field-fresh recipes and homespun settings"
here are a few shots from the rhubarb-bourbon compote...
this will be my 'go to' cookbook this 2012... there are some really great recipes and beautiful settings in here...
thank you so much Fifi for asking me to be in this cookbook it was such a pleasure preparing the food... and bringing it all to table xo+blessings,
because I think some of us need some pretty... some of us need to stop harping on one another and just be thankful for what we have
no matter where you are in life, there is always room for pretty!
and the other day, while making a cake, I added pink frosting... what better way to add some pretty into my life
I found the Blessed Mother statue at an estate sale of a neighbor down the road... and she's so beautiful not to add to this spring look
I think she looks just perfect under the blooms and welcoming guests She brings such peace to any decor I used vintage hankies for little napkins... wouldn't that be the cutest to do the next time you have cocktails or a birthday party? or just a few friends over??
the ruffled frosting technique is something that I have been wanting to try no matter how much I try to get my frosting decorations to be perfect... they just aren't... I'm okay with that...
oh yes... and the shoes make me happy too:)
a thrift store buy I plan on making mini cakes with this ruffle frosting for the May sale, in the bakery yes... those are my colors lately... loving every step of the way xo + pretty blessings,
So how did you all do editing your homes over the weekend?? If you started making progress... that's good... but don't let it stay that way... seriously... get rid of anything that doesn't mean something to you... the thing about styling your own home, is to have it reflect you... how do you achieve this??
buy what you loveput odd characteristics together I don't shop at Home Goods or Hobby Lobby for decor items... that just isn't me I just sort of do whatever feels organic... like when Gilberta started laying her eggs this past month, it seemed only right to put them out for display...
but it doesn't have that 'punch' maybe it's because I have five kids and STILL expecting the sixth but whatever the reason... the eggs under the cloches just isn't what I'm thinking...
this is more of what I'm thinking:
via: trine thorson
via: Andres Schonnemann I'm no professional... and my idea of 'style' is evolving it seems into an area that I didn't know existed!
via: living inside I used to be all about antiques, but now, it seems, that I would like to add more eclecticism into the decor... some bold colors... just pops — keeping the background neutral — in white and tan... just as life evolves, so can your style LET IT HAPPEN! the worst thing you can do is get in a rut... and not try adding a new look if you like that large glass turquoise vase at the thrift store for $5 — buy it - if you want to add an old school blackboard to your living room wall — do it if you like all your kitchen utensils packed away for a change and nothing on your counters — super! TRY a NEW style... by just editing what you have...
though my hands may be calloused from working around this farm in the summer, winter time they are inside tending more towards the interior once spring really comes, that fresh bouquet of flowers are just the right accent (like in this photo — with the peonies on the coffee table)
via: amelia1 let's see where this will go... xo+blessings,
vintage fabrics are stirring my creative energy lately... and when a friend and I went shopping the other day at Salvation Army, a vintage pinched pleat taffeta floral drape was the first step to what became this:
it wasn't like that in the store... oh no... but with a good friend with me, and our minds working together, we picked out the polka dot fabric that matched the vintage fabric at the fabric shop, and of course, pom-pom trim was a must(it was so weird how everything came together like it did) here's the $10 before...
"eeew to the double eeew" everything is better with pom pom fringe!!
when I got home, I started immediately on this project and was done in no time... (I couldn't stand looking at that 3' in diameter 'ew' much more than 10 minutes after I got home) I just stuck to the pattern that was on the original — with 8 triangles adjoined like a quilt top, cut the sides of the vintage drape to make the bottom (there was no measuring involved... and believe me when I tell you that it all worked out because of the grace of God)... added what I had left of the polka dot fabric and then the pom-pom fringe
I kept the top of the drape as is... I have plans to set that up for the sale in May in the bakery... to tell you that I am excited is an understatement the other bits of scraps I used for a super cute scalloped bunting...
HOW TO MAKE:large scallop bunting (as seen in top of above photo) 1) use an embroidery hoop to make a desired shape of half circle, cut it out of paper for template (I used a small bunting piece on each end as well) 2) cut out as many as you can from your fabric using that template 3) along your now half-circle fabric pieces, sew a zig zag stitch around the raw edges 4) using a 1" or more seam binding, pin your scalloped edged pieces into seam binding, meeting edge up to the inside of the binding 5) using a decorative stitch (or a zig zag), sew the scalloped edges onto seam binding 6) add a button hole on each end for easy hanging 7) press and enjoy!! small scallop bunting the small one (as seen in the middle of above photo) is made like this: 1) use a small circle to make desired half circle shape, cut it out of paper for template 2) along raw edge of semi-circle, use a zig zag stitch around raw edges 3) press + press down a 1/4" on straight edge 4) nestle string inside that folded edge of the scallops, and sew a zig zag stitch as you go along (I used a contrasted stitching — top thread green, bottom thread teal — fun) make sure you leave enough string on both ends to hand your new garland! I am seeing vintage sheets used in such creative ways... I love it!!! Jennifer Rizzo used vintage sheets in some really cool ways in her new look book too. I love this one:
the flower pin was hand crocheted by Jenn... so super cute she made these journals that I am thinking would be perfect for a personal garden journal (or maybe an inspiration journal for how to use vintage sheets in creative ways!!)
go HERE to see the whole lookbook & a chance to win $500 worth of merchandise from her new Spring line!! That is so generous I think... very very! If you live near Rockford, Illinois, Jennifer and so many other talented women will be at Polly Hood's house this weekend... To find our more about Polly's sale that she is clearing her whole 1st floor out for, go here.
(I am listed to sell, but unexpectant hazards may be preventing me from doing it)
