Souvenirs [Search results for vintage] 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

$38.00

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

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


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

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

-Hotel discount information is coming soon!-

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

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)

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:)

xo+blessings,

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,

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!!

xo + snow globe and gingerbread blessings,

within the rhythm of this hectic life, a walk in the woods for me is always a magical place...

divinely beautiful, rugged with rocks, soft and flowing like the water... foreshadowing life's enlightenment with it's dappled shade as my soul walks off the beaten path...

the branches are reaching for enlightenment... just as I am...

there is a whole world we have never seen come to light when we embrace our time outdoors...

chocolate cake, champagne, vintage crochet and pom poms... fun by itself, but enjoyed more with friends

"meet me in the woods"
all photography by Traci Thorson

here's some of the shots I want to share with you...

• appliqued banners
• vintage pom pom garland
• crocheted afghans
• beautiful champagne flutes
• funky paper straws
• dessert plates from Germany and England
• vintage pyrex
• hand cross-stitched napkins

there are so many more pictures!! I'll share all of that with you guys later...

xo + woodland blessings,

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,

the fancy pomp and aire isn't "us"


picture courtesy of the boys... and Jason's vintage G.I. Joe collection from childhood I have tried wearing silky type clothes, but end up wearing the cotton and linen... the more handmade the better... and I generally do not wear purple with black combat boots

Looking back at this post, I'm so glad I had the lace hanging by hemp twine (now I can take it down with no problems)

heck, I didn't even want a diamond ring for our wedding... just a simple turquoise on silver...
my husband's wedding band was something I had a artisan jeweler create with silver and white gold blended to create a one of a kind artistic sentiment of my love (which fell off his blessed finger while skiing the Illinois river... so if anyone ever finds it, let me know)... I would have settled with him tying a piece of hemp twine around my finger...

~Those "things" just aren't important to us~

we don't get caught up or over anxious about being self-sustainable... but strive to be (it is HARD work)... what is more important right now is that we focus on raising our children with us... not separate... they are an intregal part of who we are (there is a saying that 'you are who your kids are')

Our marriage is sometimes rough, but mostly smooth... and I truly attest that to Jason's patience... and though I chose an understated white gold band with a tiny diamond (it wasn't about the money) for my wedding ring (a vintage 1927 Vintage ring we both found the week before the wedding), we are pretty simplistic people.

no tv... we have one to watch the occasional movie... the kids (and there are 6 of them) only watch a movie maybe once a week if that...

no video games... which includes hand held objects of complete wastes of time

we work... we work alot... but to us, work is prayer

We are entering into our 16th year of marriage and only just beginning to get to know each other...

but we both have always been nature lovers... outdoors hiking and mountain biking (Jason used to race mountain bikes — but that is a whole other story in itself)... I used to repel and introduced him to the sport as well... (going to college for a degree in Environmental Science back when only two schools even offered it helped finding the best outdoor spots)

Our love has grown from nature... with nature... and now we raise our children that way... a seasonal way of raising our children...

Our meals are based on the seasons for the most part... Our lives are definitely shaped by the seasons with chores changing monthly by the change in climates here in the midwest (and they sure do change here in the midwest)

unplug yourself... just for a day

There are no princesses here... or princes for that matter...

no pomp... no aires... just a bit of dirt, sunshine, rain and always a breeze
Life is dirty... but the bright light of faith shines upon us every day regardless if it's hidden behind an obstacle... there even are tears somedays but they cleanse us and keep us honest... and the breeze seems to always blow something else into our lives here on the farm

Our two girls' are precious to us, just as much as the boys are... but there is no way we are raising them to believe that they aren't going to be getting their hands dirty in life... that work is the way to grace... that working hard at whatever you want to achieve in life is THE only way you reach your goals

Sewing dresses and skirt with them... even embroidering details upon their clothing... this is my opportunity to comfort them with something I have worked at just for them... from my hands to them...

It's the same with cooking... we comfort those around us by preparing a good healthy meal that will help support them through the day... as is for anything we do with our children...
life is messy, and we certainly aren't raising any princesses here

all the love and support for this day, xo+blessings,

i used vintage blue string, glued it on like a script font (i used modgepodge)
leaving the ball of string was my idea, but then jason suggested I put it on a branch with a bird's nest resting in it's crook... he's brilliant!

the metal letters aren't exactly what i wanted on it — i wanted vintage metal letters — (still on the hunt!)

Sherrie loved it — and that's all that matters!!!

and I can't wait to have her grand opening!! music & eats & vintage & industrial & painted furniture & (hopefully) even a sip of wine in the mix

here's some shots of her place at the 'soft opening' earlier this month... 

entrance in the south alley behind main street

i want that screen door

a lot of her items sold so she is working practically every day to paint some more items (she uses Annie Sloan paint)

I put together her new flyer

which was so fun to do:

front...

and back...

see you there!

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,

now a young lady with so much warmth and humility and Godly virtues
the light that she shines upon others always warms my heart... and it does seem that light is shown down upon her as well... casting a soft glow within her for others to see and admire
her love for horses, and all the work involved in that could take a lot out of a young lady... but not this one
she is full of strength, determination, obedience and extraordinary faith

during this past Christmas season, she realized... we all realized her on our farm... that the bales of hay looked slim... and the cost of the hay at this time of year, and due to the high drought we had, makes it around $8 a bale... our Percheron/Thoroughbred horse eats more than our pony, but together it adds up
we let her know we had to find a way to buy more hay... to keep our beloved horses...
she worked tirelessly making cute little snow globes using some of baby Daniel's food jars and vintage mementos we had picked up along the way... sold them at various shops
she made homemade dog treats and sold them
she put together some of her earnings to purchase vintage mugs at the thrift store and nestled cocoa mixes she made inside and sold them
she even hand stitched a few bunnies and cats for some very dear women
all proceeds benefited the purchase of hay
there are no worries now... her Jordan and Lady never were going anywhere, but her love for them showed through all her products... her lovely way about her
what a lovely young lady the Lord has given to us...

the decoration for her birthday celebration (which was just us in our dining room) were homemade eclairs on a large ironstone platter with a single candle... and a few of her treasured horse figurines came into the scene, by me, to create a snow globe tribute to her

her birthday stars from when she turned one, still able to hold in my arms
she has shown me how important it is to keep nurturing a girls values within the gifts of life that you cannot see
it is a unique time in her life growing into a young lady... and though it was hard at times to be her mama and teacher to not only her but to the others as well... there is still so much more to grow within her soul
so here's to seeing the beauty of life!
xo + blessings,

vintage leather is THE best... already softened and the quality... you can't beat it (for the most part)
I have had this jacket for years — and when I saw these cowboy boots made in Kansas at the local thrift store, I couldn't believe they were only $4 and matched my coat perfect. (looks like it matches the congas in the background too)

I think I am finally done with preparation for the May event...
These mini-journals have been so fun to create and hand sew... I love sitting in this old farmhouse, and listening to an old record, with my feet up and a cup of tea and creating these for you, at the sale...

hope you had a great weekend... our son liked his gift... the survival kit... he came down this morning with it all decked out, filled, and slung over his shoulder... ready for the day
— are YOU ready for the day? -

I am!
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 sacrifice Mary... 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!
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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,

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

8 – Bags by Margaret
9 – Vintage Farmhouse

10 & 11 –All My Musings
12 – Crazy Acres
13 – Peg Feltes

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!!!!

xo+ a bit of Christmas blessings,

Here's just a few places you can see some photography of this past weekend... 

1) Click on image to see Traci Thorson's beautiful photography

2) click ibn boots to see Jeanne Oliver's photographs

3) click on birdcage to see Tracey from French Larkspur's photographs

4) click on the "paparazzi" to see Jennifer Rizzo's photographs of the event

5) click on bags to see Polly Hood of Counting your Blessings photographs


click on Jordan and Lady the pony to see the lovely Suzanne's photographs + read a beautiful story of friendship that they celebrated here at the farm

click on vintage bottles to see Rebecca's pictures... from Vintage Living  
MARK YOUR CALENDARS...
NEXT EVENT Oct. 7th & 8th, 2011

xo!

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)

we hope to see you here...

when my older sister went to NIU, nearly 20 years ago, she found (what I thought was) the coolest apartment... above this amazing store
CRACKER JAX
and it's still there and it keeps getting more fabulous!

it actually was what peeked my interest in vintage clothes... (so thank you Lauren)

Lauren, the super talented & sweet owner, is generously giving anyone shopping at her shop
20% OFF any vintage clothing!! make sure you mention you are going to the BOHO-BALL 

i want those boots

some bling anyone??

you could even make your own Boho-gown!

really... everywhere you turn there are some amazing things...

BOHO-LOVELY!

here's where they are at...

you can visit their blog
OR
go say "hi" from me to their FACEBOOK page

For those of you coming to the May event: I highly recommend stopping by this shop
ALSO... the rooms are getting full at the hotel, go HERE to book your room

(A HUGE thanks to Jenn for taking all these great pictures)
xo+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,

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

peace + blessings,