our daughter has gathered some adorable items, like tiny porcelain vintage deer and little vintage porcelain elves and tiny evergreen bottle brush trees in the local thrift stores & antiques shops, to make these adorable snow globes... some are tiny glass jars, and others are vintage blue mason jars
they will be available at A Ruffled Nest's Christmas show tomorrow, Friday, November 30th from 5-8pm as well as Saturday December 1st 10-3pm
116 South California Street, Sycamore, IL.
Many other local artisans + vintage sellers will be next door too! Along with some dealers selling re-purposed and painted items...
Me? I'll be there helping out, selling some gingerbread men and other organic cookies + cupcakes (chocolate with peppermint frosting!) while enjoying the complimentary wine and candy bar:)
Hope to see you there! This show will be a great way to buy local/supporting these women while buying Christmas gifts!!
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,
Out of the generosity of their hearts... for the love of creating... the passion for teaching... and because you all deserve a little time away... Jeanne, Jen and Jill are giving away a package worth $500!!!
This is in conjuction with the October 7th and 8th Barn Sale/Event(45 min. West of Geneva, IL)
Can you believe it???
To make it a little more special, Jason and I are giving the winner VIP parking up by all the fun + some homemade goodness... we're putting extra care into your winnings! (a little hint: it'll be so sweet...)
The winner will receive 2 SPOTS FOR EACH OF THE 2 DAYS OF ART classes... AND You will also get a FREE HOTEL ROOM courtesy of the three of them at the 4 star hotel: Holiday Inn Express! To enter the giveaway all you have to do is: 1. Blog about the Art on the Farm classes at the NaDa Farm Sale and the Girls Weekend Giveaway. Once you have blogged about it come here to my blog and let us know. or 2. Talk about the art classes and giveaway on Twitter for a second entry! Once you have talked about it let us know here on my blog. or 3. Talk about the art classes and giveaway on Facebook for a third entry. Once you have talked about it on Facebook come back and let us know here on my blog. or 4. Pin it to Pinterest! Once you have pinned it, come back and let us know here on my blog.
All entries to be entered here (on Anne Marie's blog) only make sure you leave a comment for each entry you do DRAWING WILL END THIS FRIDAY! (Sept 23rd... at midnight)
Classes are filling up quickly as the NaDa Farm Sale date is getting closer.
If you want to sign up for the art of business, vintage journal or vintage mixed media class you can email Jeanne at Jeanneoli@hotmail.com to register.
If you want to sign up for Jennifer Rizzo's Reflections of the Prairie class you can email her at thecraftyhome@comcast.net.
To sign up for Jill Harris' Salvaged Treasures class you go can directly HERE to sign up.
***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*** WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY!
We know how hard it is to get to the store... or want to go to the store
let alone find something unique... hand crafted... USA made...
so starting now, Jason and I have decided to host a big sale in the shop!!!!
here's a peek at what you'll find on sale... as well as other items we still have available
If you would like your items shipped and arrived before Christmas... you have to order by Monday...
**click on images to see them in the shop **
journals the sacred prairie collection...
the cutest little vintage candy canes (limited quantity left!!)
the sweet life...
spoons (hand carved from start to finish)
the ebook: simply Christmas... with farm is able to be emailed to anywhere!! so make sure when you purchase the ebook, you ignore the shop's policy of only orders in USA... Fra in Italy has enjoyed it as much as my friend Julia in USA...
it is only $2.99... and makes a great virtual stocking stuffer!!!
available by clicking the cover here...
and again... and huge thank you to all of you emailing me and telling me you like the book... thank you so much!!! we are SO glad! and it was so much fun doing... that I am in the works on another...
on a decorating note... (fun fun) I totally redid the house today, no money spent — just lots of muscles!! am up late in so much excitement that Christmas is coming so soon... I can hardly wait! the kids and I have some really fun things to share with you...
(and I'm sure I'll pop back in here to journal some more thoughts... no doubt about that)
this weekend I took down the bird pictures and crucifix, and moved some furniture around as well - (please click on images to be taken to their sources) and thoughts are turning towards Christmas... but first, before anything, there is Advent
As eager as I am to spend another winter here, there are some changes going on with my decorating (surprise surprise) some key elements I am focusing on: — Christ — simple — organic/natural — comfortable
and for the girls' room! color + vintage + farmhouse
the feeling of Christmas has started early here...
it started as soon as that wonderful smell of gingerbread was baking in my oven
what is it about these little guys that makes me chuckle? they are funny to me... little gingerbread people
i adapted an old recipe i had and am super happy with the way they came out... fluffy/thick/delicious!
i will be selling them all bagged up and ready for you at Christmas in the Alley this weekend in Sycamore
If you haven't been to Sherrie's store, A Ruffled Nest, it is completely all decked out for Christmas... as I have been over there helping her get things ready... all I can say is it is SO fun in there and having other dealers participate next door amongst the twinkly lights and live sounds of Christmas... going in and out of the old brick buildings while meandering through all the Christmas decorations... well... it's going to be so much fun I cannot wait!
My daughter has made the most delicious homemade hot cocoa mixes she has nestled inside vintage mugs that will be there for sale at Christmas in the Alley...
each mug with 2 generous helpings of cocoa for those chilly evenings (with mini marshmallows and a candy cane:) are $10 each
she has also made some snow globes from vintage mason jars! (I'll be sharing that tomorrow)
Jason has also been working on some terrific handmade/ hand carved gifts...
there are knives, baby spoons, honey dippers, serving spoons, buttons, lunch boards, cutting boards, rolling pins... We are so very excited to share these with you!!
more information on all of Jason's hand carved items and the other items, will be all up this week...
everyone is feeling creative... and getting back to crocheting and knitting in the early mornings before we start school...
there is always a hearty breakfast... and to see the kids work together like this every morning warms my heart more than any cup of coffee...
on a personal note, a new fitness regime has started... and it's due to how baby Daniel isn't snuggling up to his Mama to nurse any longer... it's always such a sad time for me... I already miss him warm in my arms... his independence is surfacing... as is his personality!! He has this laugh that is hilarious... like a sneaky laugh "hah hah"... if I can catch him, I'll record it, because it cracks me up...
he'll sit there in my bedroom and hide from me... I'll say "where's Daniel... I don't see him anywhere??" and I hear in the closet a slight "hah hah"...
I don't know what is going to be more time consuming for me this week; preparing for Advent or baking for Christmas in the Alley
I have been changing up the decorating around here too... it's been a lot of fun putting up new curtains... moving furniture... totally changing up my bedroom too...
sharing all of it in good time...
hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving weekend... we all needed that break around here!!!!
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!!
when I recently switched the dining and living rooms, the 'new' dining room had been sorely forgotten with creating a space to reflect the season/farm/us
friends of ours were having a garage sale... a nearby farm... and this little $35 table was just what this room needed
she even gave the kids and me free pumpkins... thanks Mary! {{ a bit of country
{{ nests and gathered feathers from years on the farm
(here's a funny tidbit of a story involving the non-coincidence of our "campers": our friends John and Mary came by about a week ago to drop off the flyer of their garage sale they were having because Jason forgot to tell me the details — and that very day, the male "camper" that is here found out that he needed to get a new crankshaft... their engine is literally out of their truck... the whole thing... and John is a mechanist... he has a barn dedicated to this purpose... he fixes up vintage cars for a living... a shop to make any car lover drool... so their engine is now residing on another farm while they live in our barn in their camper — where it is warm and he can clean his tools and parts of the engine... basically... if John and Mary hadn't come over to give me that flyer, we might have totally forgot that he would be able to re-work the engine for the campers and order the necessary parts... isn't that just so amazing??)
truth be told... it's been a rough few weeks... (nothing to do with our new camper friends here)
gone are the warm sunny mornings with busy hands in the garden... I am running on this lonely habit of preparing... preparing meals and more food in the potager... putting up swags and hay couches
having the 'campers' here from Colorado for the past few weeks, with her being a spry 26 year old, I understand even more these miles and years that have separated me from my youth... oh good gravy... like I'm old or something? no, i know that i am not old... but i can't help but feel my bones more... the shape of my hands — the wrinkles on my face — the heart hurting from a recent blow of betrayal... all of these things have shaped the last two weeks since the sale and by gosh did i need to decorate and make things fresh
here's two of my pumpkins now...
changing up my surroundings makes me forget second guessing myself + my strength + my loves
family... friends... feathers... finds from the farm (that's a lot of 'f''s)
here's to a fabulous fall weekend... and enjoying that hot cup of coffee in the chilly mornings and another big thank you to all of you who have given me your sentiments about the farms through emails, letters in the mail and sharing your photographs... we had such a great time with you all here!!
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
never before have I given a whole area to a dealer "in the shop" at the event... but this time I did to Jennifer Rizzo... this has been her third sale here... and her most successful!! She had the space with the vintage tea cups hanging from branches... that created this whimsical perspective on vintage tea... her new line is a reflection of vintage iron stone... patinae silver trays... funky coffee mugs... she had this throw for sale that was a crocheted afghan with hand crocheted flowers bunched and adorned everywhere (sold right away)
actually, most of what she had for sale sold... she had THE COOLEST funky orange tufted couch (with sold right away)... like an antrho catalog it was... she had hats, fingerless gloves, these super cute tea towels with pom pom fringe and hand embellished prints of birds... let's just say she's a busy girl trying to re-stock her shop right now... she has some new items listed and will be doing so all week and I for one, cannot wait to get my hands on a hat and some jewelry... if you know Jen, you know her funky vintage side and creative soul and how they come together on this new line... oh! she has a giveaway... I almost forgot!! Go here to enter... thank you to you all who have taken the time out to email me about your experiences here on the farm at the sale... I have had such a good time this week reading them... it means so much to me!!! peace + blessings,
my heart is completely strong and beating within me for you all visiting this weekend
if i could show you my heart, it would be cracking my rib bones from the swelling of love for this event
i love it
i love the excitement, the stress, the organization, the emails, the phone calls...
i seriously (seriously) can say i do not care if it rains, snows, hails, or if the sun shines bright
all i care is that i make this a place for you to take time to enjoy
enjoy this gift of life that God has given you...
to hear the symphony of blessings amongst the prickly thorns
to look upon the land and see the glorious nature and feel the softness of the grass as it sways
that the time here you spend is not for you, but to glorify
glorify the One who gave it to you
a thankful embrace of the autumn splendor which our (oh so needs work) farmette has
you will never find grandeur here
don't expect a marvelously weeded bed with clean stalls and immaculately clean children
we live a real life and within that real life is a chorus of praise for what we have no matter how much work it is, or the amount of dirt that gets under our fingernails
no matter how much we try, it never (ever) is the way we dream it will be
not one thing in this life is perfect not one but it's ours... it's our home... a place we have settled down
all i care is that i make this a place for you to take time to enjoy... somewhere to come with friends or your mom...
to come say hi in the bakery where i will be with my sister, daughter, and dear friend...
to pick out something special i baked with you in mind
to get a cup of coffee and sit beneath the branches in my 'natural bakery' and listen to the live music and chat... dream... relax...
this takes a lot of work
a lot of effort on all our parts — all the dealers sitting in their creative spaces and making one of a kind creations that they love and want to share... the hours of painting and refinishing the furniture... the excitement of finding vintage flannels all around the Midwest to compliment your favorite tall boots and leggings...
work within the families coordinating time for their mom to go out with her friends
effort to save up money to enjoy some shopping to ruffle your nest
the drive out to our farm
it means more than you all know having you here and helping support those men and women who are amazing creators and artists
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)
you have heard me say this before, but a nice comfy vintage sofa in my kitchen would be perfect, if only i had the room...
thermos's at the ready (the small new one from Jen Rippenger's booth at Past & Present Shops)
a vintage clay mug from the Open Air Market... it's holding all of Jason's newly carved spoons, knives and honey dipper we'll be selling in the shop online soon
there's always room in my kitchen for Her
I also bought this little dust broom at Open Air Market hosted by Cheryl Hunt in Sycamore
a little treasure by a bird that once resided in my grandmother's home and a shelf from someplace along the flea market path from years ago... it is the simplest room of the house... and has to be... it's where all the baking happens... the baking nook i like to say
Here's the line up for this October 7th and 8th Barn Sale/Event! Ada Lilly ApronsCarter's CottageCounting Your Blessings Gypsy Brocante* Jeanne Oliver Designs*Jennifer Rizzo *Lucid Dream TeamMaggie Jane's Vintage nadafarm RoomsRoomsRoomsSimple but DifferentTattered Tiques and musical guest Friday, October 7th 5-8pm by: Greg Wheaton — in case you live around Chicago, Greg's next performance is Oct. 6th at Hard Rock Cafe - both Friday and Saturday are also ART on the farm classes with *Jeanne, *Jen, and *Jill as the instructors THIS IS THE LAST DAY to sign up for the fun+fantastic giveaway, so go here!! (2 seats to all art classes+a free night's stay at the hotel+yummy goodies from me:) Jason and I didn't want to forget to tell you more about a few special additions: ~ the prairie lounge ~ (where you can warm up to not only Greg's music but a homemade cup of soup and enjoy a sweet treat & coffee) three hours passed me like the swiftness of a cloud's shadow when I did this... peace + blessings,
Classes are filling up quickly!! Only a few left!!!!!!! OCTOBER 7th & 8th JEWELRY CLASS BY JILL HARRIS: (Friday night) To sign up for Jill's class email her at: gypsyfleamarket@gmail.com HOW TO CREATE AN ARTFUL BUSINESS (Friday night) & HER ART UNDER GLASS CLASS (Saturday morning): To sign up for Jen's class email her at: thecraftyhome@comcast.net VINTAGE ART JOURNAL & VINTAGE MIXED MEDIA ART (both on Saturday afternoon) To sign up for Jeanne's class(es) email her at: jeanneoli@hotmail.com peace + blessings,
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...
welcomed with hydrangeas cut from the garden in a vintage blue vase set upon a garage sale find nightstand that sits next to a lamp from my grandmother (an old marble one!)
nestled in the nook for whomever happens to stop by, eat a meal, and stay up late talking on the deck with wine, laughter, debates, opinions, and the summer breeze... they get to nestle into vintage sheets hung outdoors on the line, and if blessed by a cool breeze, a small collection of quilts neatly folded nearby to grab and snuggle under
a dream of mine is to open up the corn crib (restored of course) to have guests stay here and just 'be' on the farm with all it's sights, doings, peace and inspiration wouldn't that be grand? i think so like seeing a bee swarm just steps away from the hives (that means another hive is born!!) speaking of bees... we are soon to "spin out" the 2nd batch of 'pure prairie honey' (which in case you didn't see, was in the latest issue of Romantic Prairie Magazine — with Fifi O'Neill) she is so very sweet... as sweet as our honey I think... a good day and night to all xo+blessings,
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:)
