white flower farmhouse

Congratulations!

2012-02-29T20:56:00.002-05:00

Dreamy Whites

Our winner for the driftwood sail boat give- away is Melissa! Thank you to everyone for entering!

Another Fabulous Give-away!

2012-02-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

I love doing a give-away....certainly more than entering one. Don't ask me why. Maybe it's reading all the wonderful posts or knowing that the winner will be thrilled! Today is an exclusive custom made driftwood sail boat from Whiteflower Farmhouse. You get to pick the fabric..how fun is that?

We like it keep things simple around here. To enter, first, you MUST leave a comment (that's how we chose our winner at random). Second, we ask you pick ONE of the following, Like us on Facebook, follow us on this blog or leave a comment on your blog about the give-away. That's it! The winner will be chosen Wednesday. Have a great weekend!

Love
Lori

Last Call..

2012-02-21T12:52:00.001-05:00

Hey friends...Starting March 1st will be launching our new sponsor section. I am really excited about this, there will some fabulous shops joining us! There are a few spots still available if you are still interested. You will get your 125x125 advertising button on BOTH blogs (White Flower Farmhouse and Frugal Farmhouse Design) for $30.00 a month! The deadline to be featured March 1st is February 27th. Contact us at Whiteflowershop@aol.com

Much Success!

Lori

Spring is in the air...

2012-02-17T14:32:00.003-05:00

Maybe it's too soon to say the word "Spring" but if today is any indicator of what's to come then bring it on! It hit 52 degrees here in New York, for February...awesome.

Please keep checking in with us as we are going to have a FABULOUS give-away quite soon. I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend.

Think Spring!
Lori

The Ships Have Sailed...

2012-02-15T11:55:00.001-05:00

From White Flower Farmhouse to you!

The unusually warm weather on the Island has been calling me to the beach foraging for driftwood. Since most of the time it was just myself combing, I have collected quite the windfall! Not every stroll on the beach lends it self to such an abundance of driftwood! So I'm thrilled to be able to offer White Flower fans our custom sail boats once again.

A sailboat will be custom made just for you. The size of your boat will range between 15" and 18" long & tall (med) or 9" and 12" long &tall (small). You get to choose from a selection of vintage fabrics for your sails. Classic blue ticking, natural cream linen, or a crisp pure white linen. All the driftwood used for the boats is found along the beaches here on eastern Long Island. Each one will be unique and a one of a kind.
Please allow up to two weeks for your boat to be custom made and shipped to you. Please specify your fabric choice with your order.

All The Best!
Lori

I'm In The Mood For Love....

2012-02-14T09:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Inquire Within....

2012-02-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

Here is some great news for your small online shop or blog.. White Flower Farmhouse along with Frugal Farmhouse Design are now offering sponsorship space on BOTH blogs!

Starting March 1st…30.00 monthly will provide your 125x125 button with double the advertising. Two blogs for one price. If this sounds like an opportunity for your business to grow, please contact us at whiteflowershop@aol.com. We will be happy to get you started. Don't have an advertising button? No worries...contact Flax and Spindle. Darlene would be thrilled to make a personalized advertising button for you for only $15.00. This price is an exclusive offer just for White flower customers...Looking forward to hearing from you.

warmly,

Lori

Here we are....

2012-02-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

There has been quite a bit going on in the world of Whiteflower farmhouse so please accept my apologies for the temporary absence. The new web site is up and running and has been met with many wonderful compliments and praises...Thank you so much! For those of you who shop mobile or do not have a system that supports flash, no worries, our site will have those capabilities very soon. With that being said, Valentines day is around the corner and it's not too late to have one of these precious fabric hearts! Each one is handmade and one of a kind.

till next time...

up and running

2012-01-18T09:11:00.000-05:00

finally ....

Our new website is up and running. We still have a few little kinks to work out and lots more fresh items to add.

You can check it out here

www.whiteflowerfarmhouse.com

latest buzz

2012-01-10T10:28:00.001-05:00

Big news over here at the farmhouse. We will be launching a brand new website very shortly. This one will be easier to navigate, have more categories, lots of new merchandise, and all in all will make your browsing MUCH easier.

Other news... since our brick and mortar shop is located in a very tourist driven area of eastern Long Island - things ~~die~~ quite down here quite a bit during the off season. We do stay open for most of the winter for our wonderful local and loyal customers.

Our hours of operation for the winter are

Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am till 4:00 pm.

Until then, we are working diligently to launch our new website...

not too much longer!

Thanks you so much for your loyalty and patience, I hope you will like

what I have been working on...

Lori

Simple Christmas Traditions

2011-12-15T15:55:00.000-05:00

Today was perfect for

collecting pine cones

and greens

from the yard.

My mother has a flair for making

floral arrangements.

I do not.

So, I keep it simple.

I like to use branches and pine cones,

as well as fresh greens.

After decorating,

I light a candle that

smells like a fresh cut Christmas tree:

My tree is (shame) fake!

Sunny kept me company,

while I collected.

She's sporting her Christmas scarf!

(Thanks, Granny!)

holiday centerpiece class

2011-12-10T08:09:00.000-05:00

The White Flower Farmhouse Shop

is presenting a floral class

on making your own

Holiday Table Centerpiece

We are honored to have designer Richard Corbin from our favorite local flower shop CLAWFLOWERS

Richard will be at the shop on Saturday, December 17th at 10:00 am

He will guide and help you to design a unique holiday centerpiece for you home

of course we had to give it a little White Flower Farmhouse touch, so your container choices are

an old zinc metal pail or a vintage piece of white milk glass

a small sample of what is available to use in your personal arrangement

assorted fresh greens, holly, boxwood, white tea roses, red roses, tulips,

and assorted berries & pinecones

The cost for the class is only $35

and your will leave with your custom holiday centerpiece

registration is limited - please call the shop to reserve your place 631-765-2353

2845 Peconic Lane, Peconic

Hope to see you there, Lori

The Spirit of Giving ~ A Giveaway!

2011-12-06T10:05:00.000-05:00

Tis' better to give than to receive.

At this time of year,

we give to children,

family, friends, acquaintances,

strangers,

even our pets.

In this spirit,

a fellow "blogger" - Judy - is hosting

A GIVEAWAY!

Judy writes

A Meek Perspective.

Today, she's written about

White Flower Farmhouse!

And, She's giving away

this:

Click

Here

to visit Judy at

A Meek Perspective,

and enter the giveaway!

Oh, Christmas Tree! With Vintage Finds!

2011-12-02T14:12:00.000-05:00

Advent is Here.

Though there are leaves still to rake

and scraps of Thanksgiving turkey

that remain for my dog,

my Christmas Tree is up!

Time to count my blessings,

and give, give, give!

My first gift was

the time I spent decorating this tree.

(I love my three boys,

but they last about 2 minutes

at the task of tree-trimming, and leave me

with a few less ornaments each year).

I love vintage glass ornaments!

This bird is one of my favorites.

It reminds me of my granny's "bird tree"

(which even made "tweeting" sounds!)

This deer is from the holiday collection

at the White Flower Farmhouse Shop!

While it lacks sentimental value,

it's still a favorite with my kids,

who watch for Rudolph

every Christmas Eve.

There's my little "devil dog, Sunny"

enjoying the tree.

That dog makes me nuts,

but, well... it's Christmas time...

and

for her & for all,

I'm grateful.

it's holiday time

2011-11-25T09:27:00.000-05:00

The holiday shop is up and running for the next four weeks. We have lots of new and very unique stuff. Keep checking for new items that will be added periodically thought out the month.

Our theme this year is

simple farmhouse holiday

Our Christmas Shop inspiration came from the old farms on eastern Long Island and the charming, simple farmhouses that have been on theses properties for the last 75 years or more.

we wanted to go back in time to a simple farmhouse holiday

for a limited time you can find the collection

here

In Preparation!

2011-11-19T21:16:00.000-05:00

With Thanksgiving

just around the corner,

I'm making my home ready

for a traditional feast

and twenty three guests.

I'm hoping I can do it right,

leaving my family

full, and feeling fortunate.

Reminding myself

of all I have to be thankful for

is what keeps me relaxed this week.

It's also the best preparation

for a happy Thanksgiving.

Inspired to Get Outside!

2011-11-12T06:37:00.000-05:00

As a kid, My best

buddy, Evie and I would

Rake.

$20 per lawn!

In my 10 years as a homeowner,

no kid ever came looking for work

raking leaves.

Now, My three boys help,

but the bulk of the job

falls to me.

Fortunately, I love it!

It's my exercise

less the Gym

(no sweaty barbells).

It smells better, too!

Happy Veterans Day!

2011-11-11T10:19:00.000-05:00

We at White Flower Farmhouse

are thankful

for the brave people who

have served to

protect our freedom!

Daylight Savings Time

2011-11-08T10:47:00.000-05:00

With less daylight,
I want to enjoy the outdoors
as much as I can.

Indian Summer is here,
but not for long.

To help me feel less
claustrophobic, I try to bring the
outdoors inside.
Time to pull back those curtains.

I clean my windows to
clear the view,
and collect from the yard:
pine cones and dried hydrangea
in baskets. Free of charge.

Even my walls reflect the outdoors.

I love the Ralph Lauren Naturals.

with colors called

Raffia, Muslin, Sisal or Parchment.

Bye-bye blues!

Dumpster Diving

2011-11-03T18:24:00.002-04:00

My sister, Lori, is

The Dumpster Diva.

She gained this title some years ago

when she came across an old farmhouse

that was being cleaned out.

A large dumpster sat on the front lawn.

Lori, and her "partner in crime"

(a good friend, Allison)

could not pass-by that dumpster.

They dove in;

finding Great Stuff.

As the two ladies were deep "in-dumpster"

the men from the clean-out company arrived.

BUSTED!

Dumpster Diva.

Well, I learned my lesson.

Now I, too, peruse the curbs on trash day.

Here is my most recent "garbage grab!"

It was very dirty.

I sprayed in with Tilex

to remove all the mildew.

I'm painting it today!

No shame, no gain!.

Return from Hiatus

2011-11-01T13:20:00.000-04:00

I'm back...

Lisa, that is!

I was away for a while

"recovering & recouping."

Lori (Owner of

White Flower Farmhouse,

AND My Sister)

has been kind enough to

respect my privacy,

keep my blog going,

and load me up with lots of this:

And, my all time favorite,

this:

Thanks Lori!

I do appreciate good bon-bons;

and am even more appreciative

of good health,

and the work it allows me to do!

So, it's back to work!

farmhouse tables

2011-10-27T10:53:00.000-04:00

turning this...

into these

the simple farm house table

linking up today to a very fun party

hosted by Laurie Anna of Vintage Home

Farmhouse-Friday

White Flower Monday...

2011-10-24T13:00:00.007-04:00

Spacesmag.com

Hi friends,
I'm at the shop today enjoying this beautiful fall weather! Also meditating on one of Lori's yummy handmade candles and gazing at the piles of dried maize, bales of hay and gourds that are decorating the shop. Add some mellow background music and it's hard not to get lost in a trance!.....Must focus....must focus...Ok..

I'm working on our email list. If you would like to receive our news letter please feel free to drop a line with your email address at Info@whiteflowerfarmhouse.com. Stay in the loop with shop updates, promotions and local event information. This list is ever growing so it's never too late to add your name!

Have a beautiful week....

updating

2011-10-18T10:52:00.000-04:00

Just a little notice that I am starting to get some

fresh stuff available for sale on the website

check it out here

look what the pickers brought in

2011-10-14T08:13:00.000-04:00

one of our wonderful "shop pickers" just returned from rural Pennsylvania

on one of his excursions he stopped at an old farm

this wonderful old cupboard was tucked in the corner of one of the barns on the property

It is all original in creamy white washed paint

with tons of storage

available at the shop now

I would love to keep her - but she is a big one

7 feet tall by 5 feet wide - alas my home is too small

oh well - I am sure she will find a great new home

LINKING UP HERE

at Furniture Feature Friday

hosted by Miss Mustard Seed

Have a happy weekend, Lori

Autumn Farmers Market

2011-10-04T15:04:00.001-04:00

The little shops on Peconic Lane

are hosting an

Autumn Farmers Market

Sunday October 9th

10:00 am till 5: 00 pm

There will be vendors selling vintage treasures, unique crafts, fall harvest plants & flowers, fresh baked breads, cakes and other goodies plus there will be wine tastings from our local vineyards.

Participating businesses

The Taste of the North Fork

The Wine Maker Studio

White Flower Farmhouse

Hope to see you there!
2845 Peconic Lane, in the town of Peconic

have a restful weekend

2011-09-30T08:09:00.000-04:00

my darling clementine

this is my 12 year old Clementine - I love her like crazy even though she has severe separation anxiety. She is getting old and all she wants to do is lay down wherever I may be in the house.

Here she is under the desk in the office while I am on the computer in that chair.

Hope everyone has a restful and relaxing weekend, Lori

A Fabulous Giveaway

2011-09-23T20:30:00.001-04:00

It's a B.L.O.G – meaning

Barn Light’s Online Giveaway!

Barn Light Electric is giving away

one $1,000 Grand Prize and one $500 2nd Place Prize

to two lucky winners who enter.

The two winners will each receive a

Barn Light Electric Gift Certificate

to purchase new lighting for their homes

or to finish off that lingering renovation project.

THE DIRECTIONS

to enter the contest

First, look around online at Barn Light Electric

and pick lights you’d love to own.

To view their lighting products

click

HERE

Secondly, Feature your lighting picks on your personal blog,

and link to the lights if you can!

To see my pick, click

here

I would love, love, love a few of these in my kitchen!

Copy/Paste "Giveaway Rules" at the bottom of your blog article

Here are the rules, in an easy to copy form

1. Look around online at Barn Light Electric and pick lights you’d love to own

2. Feature your lighting picks on your personal blog, and link to the lights if you can!

3. Copy/Paste these rules at the bottom of your blog article

4. Once your personal article is up, you must email your blog link to:

contest@barnlightelectric.com to be qualified to win. The contest ends October 12th,2011.

5. Don’t have a blog? Find out how you can enter by visiting our website

Lastly, once your personal article is up,

you must email your blog link to:

contest@barnlightelectric.com

to be qualified to win.

The contest ends October 12th, 2011.

Don’t have a blog?

Find out how you can enter by visiting Barn Light Electric website

here

Good Luck to You!

online shop update started

2011-09-16T18:27:00.000-04:00

We made a little update to the online shop, we just got started

...much more to come.

vintage white ironstone

old film reels

some unusual finds

plus fresh vintage linens arriving soon

check it out

HERE

the latest...

2011-09-08T20:42:00.000-04:00

four foot round pine farm table on vintage cast iron base $450

baby blue beach cottage three foot farm table $350

local grown lavender sachets

down pillows

adjustable height industrial base cafe farm table $375

old original white washed wooden cabinet $500

These are just a few of the latest finds in the brick and mortar shop. Now that our busy season is coming to an end, we are getting ready for our big online shop update. Can't wait for you to see all the great finds Lori has been stashing away all summer!

Restored Power

2011-09-03T15:22:00.000-04:00

At long last, the power is back on!

Our online store is up and running,

and it's business as usual.

Your patience while we waited

for the damage from Irene to be cleaned-up

is sincerely appreciated.

Thanks!

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-30T09:44:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene blasted over Long Island.

I'm sorry to say that it knocked out electric

at the owner's home, as well as many others.

The bad news is that any online orders

will be delayed, until the power is back on!

The good news is that, just today,

power was restored in Peconic.

The shop will be open,

as usual, this Thursday!

Thank you for your patience

while we wait for our

computer system to

be fully functioning!

Inspiring IPhone Photos

2011-08-23T09:38:00.007-04:00

As someone completely reliant on editing tools,

I am impressed by a good picture.

This photo was taken

by Danielle Muller

with a phone.

I took a minute to check out

her other photos at

THE VINTAGE DRAGONFLY

and was truly inspired.

If you get a chance to look at her pics

feel free to let me know what you think.

A Craig's List Find

2011-08-18T17:49:00.000-04:00

Recently, while online shopping,

I bounced over to Craig's List.

I found this, originally from a pricey

Sag Harbor store; now mine

for a fraction of the cost.

I love the simple style of this piece.

Plus, the beeswax pine warms up the room,

which has mostly white painted furniture.

I paid a student to deliver it,

making more time for this:

Totally worth it!

Cabbages & Roses Giveaway Winner!

2011-08-08T14:45:00.001-04:00

Thank You

to all who took a moment

to share your great ideas about

how you would use a Fat 1/4 Bundle

of beautiful vintage fabric, from Cabbages & Roses.

Just a few suggestions included

pillows, sachets, curtains,

bedskirts, children's clothing, quilts,

and table linens.

The winner of the Cabbages & Roses Giveaway,

as chosen randomly by my son, Coltrane,

Stacey@A Sort of Fairytale

from Illinois!

Congrats' Stacey!

Vintage Fabrics and a Giveaway!

2011-07-28T07:37:00.008-04:00

I am excited to report that

Cabbages & Roses,

a fashion and housewares brand out of England,

has recently opened shop in America.

Their new collection,

Cabbages & Roses Northcote Range,

offers vintage style fabrics in stripes and florals.

I love the muted colors of this pillow fabric.

The Fat Quarter Shop is taking reservations

for the Cabbages & Roses Northcote Range.

If you click on over and let them know

which fabrics you would like,

they will email you on the day that

your reserved items arrive!

Then you can order!

How easy and wonderful is that?

Furthermore,

Cabbages & Roses is offering

my readers a Fat 1/4 Bundle!

Just leave a comment telling

what you would do with it,

for a chance to win!

Giveaway Ends August 5th!

Check out

Cabbages & Roses Blog

for updates on happenings!

Visit Moda for more info on fabrics,

and look for great project ideas in

Homemade Vintage Book!

Thanks for your readership!

I can't wait to read all your creative ideas!

Chair Project

2011-07-22T11:14:00.000-04:00

White Flower Farmhouse Shop

is now carrying

Vintage Russian Military Bags.

I appreciate the textured linen of this material,

so, for $35 per bag, I used two bags

to reupholster the chairs I purchased on Craig's List

for $10 each.

These are the chair seats, before:

dirty and a bit dated.

I procured the help of my mother,

who has the right tools for the project.

Two sets of hands made the job much easier.

Thanks mom!

Clean and current!

New Linens!

2011-07-15T09:57:00.000-04:00

A weekend visit from out of town friends

inspired me to purchase fine quality cotton sheets.

Since they left, I am the beneficiary

of this bedding:

I must say,

good linens are a great investment!

So, I'm excited to see what new linens

White Flower Farmhouse Shop

will be getting in the near future.

New Grain Sacks, with blue stripes

and (now) with RED stripes.

As well as creamy white sheets

in new larger sizes.

Have a restful weekend!

2011-07-08T08:42:00.000-04:00

White Flower Farmhouse

Owner and Artist

is out of town for a wedding.

When she returns, look for lots

of new items on the website.

Until then,

Thank you for your Patience.

Also, thanks to Sweet Peas & Seashells

for the beautiful work you do.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetpeasseashells

Have a Great Weekend!

Inspiration!

2011-07-06T12:27:00.001-04:00

On a outing to find flowers,

I stumbled across an old farmhouse

occupied by a young carpenter

and his family.

There was a true craftsman;

And it was like finding treasure.

Tools of the trade were scattered

throughout the barn.

I was impressed at once

with the skill and work

involved to make a single piece of furniture.

These cattails are dried to

use later, for a chair.

The man at work.

I was charmed with the endeavors

of this quiet workshop.

Impressed, too, with the final results.

M.Javidi & Son Furniture Maker

Independence Day!

2011-07-02T19:20:00.001-04:00

Happy Fourth of July!

Have a wonderful weekend!

A Gifted Alchemist

2011-06-26T09:51:00.001-04:00

Darlene is not only charming herself,

but she possesses a superb talent

for enchantment and allure.

She is a gifted alchemist, whose

scents have the great effect of

snaring and keeping

my interest.

I recently had a opportunity to learn

what inspires her, and a little about her life:

My inspiration came back in 1993.

Mother Earth Magazine.

I read an article on how

to make your own soap From there it was a natural

evolution to essential oils with Valerie Ann Worward

"The Complete Book of Essential oils and Aromatherapy."

I was hooked. Darlene's Herbal Delights was born

and for almost ten years I created all natural soaps,

essential oil lotions and sprays that I sold locally and online.

I put it all on hold to raise my children.

Now that they are in school, I am focusing on

THE ALCHEMISTS HEART, where I create

all natural perfumes from essential oils, organic herbs

and botanical goods. I love anything that brings me closer

towards nature and the original way of doing things.

A challenge for me is knowing when to stop working.

I really love what I do and often have to make sure

every day things don't get tossed to way side.

Taking moments in stride is important, too;

like the time I was creating a new fragrance and

my clumsy hand knocked over a $120. bottle of Tuberose.

I've made a point of paying better attention

and not having such expensive accidents.

My top priority is spending time with my children.

I LOVE tag sales, yard sales, thrift shops,

and look forward to my annual trip to

Brimfield Antiques Show with my girlfriends.

We try to make a week stint of it if we can,

where we shop till we drop and

laugh ourselves into fits of agony!!!

View Darlene's Hand-mixed Scents at

Etsy Shop: The Alchemists Heart

Her blog is The Alchemists Heart.blogspot

Her facebook, LIKE, for fun updates

and beautiful giveaways!

Facebook: The-Alchemists-Heart

Garden Ornaments to Inspire

2011-06-23T11:26:00.002-04:00

My gardens have great potential.

I work on them constantly.

My husband says, "They're getting there!"

I know what he means: Fertile, but no "flavor!"

While I love to dig and plant and mulch,

I am on the prowl for the "perfect"

something to add personality to my plot.

I recently stopped by Small Holdings Farm

in Aquebogue, for inspiration.

I found traditional garden pieces,

as well as some surprises.

This one was hard to find,

peeping out as he was

from behind the greenery.

My kids & I agree: We love this sign!

I like the way this bowling ball

is repurposed.

My husband would say, "Very flavorful!"

Thank You Clientele!

2011-06-16T07:20:00.000-04:00

It's always nice to hear positive feedback;

so, in the hopes of not sounding

too immodest,

I want to thank all our clientele

for their kind words, and their patronage!

Here's what some people have said:

I just received my order of the pewter cups, starfish,

and beach baby candle-all wonderful, as expected;

and how sweet of you to include the soap and sachet!

I love doing business with you. You are the best - Dorothy of Minnesota

Just letting you know that my darling sailboat arrived safely!!!

It brightened up an otherwise dreary day here in Wisconsin.

YAY!!! I LOVE it!!Thank you so much for this wonderful gift.

Following your blog is gift enough, but now I have

my own little piece of the White Flower Farmhouse....

I truly do appreciate it. - Robin of Wisconsin

Thanks again, I landed my boat!

Can't wait to return the next pay periods for more wonderful finds : ) - Andrea

I purchased one of the driftwood sailboats and it arrived today.

Just wanted to say how much I love love love it!!

Especially charmed by the grains of sand

still present in the crevices of the wood...

little bits of heaven for this landlocked girl :) - Laura

Your items are truly unique and lovely.

I can't wait to purchase! - Eleanor

The Great Seamstress

2011-06-13T10:07:00.001-04:00

I'm awed by the art of sewing.

I love what a good seamstress can make.

My own Nanny - a seamstress -

sewed zippers on pants,

earning her 1 cent per zipper.

For herself, she would sew the same dress,

year after year, for every family occasion,

changing a bow or neckline or ribbon:

One way to save her pennies.

Meet Tricia Rose, a very talented seamstress.

I had the pleasure of talking with her

about her art and business.

I fell in love with her

simple, beautiful linens.

And, I fell in love with her story.

Here is a part of her story:

I left Scotland when I was five, but I clearly remember how in the evenings my grandfather sat in the big chair, my granny in the small chair by the fire, with my aunts in the middle, and my grandfather would read while the women knitted and sewed (except Fridays, when everyone would decamp to the front room to play music and sing). To me it was the essence of cosy domesticity, and I have always associated domestic skills with my grandmother's tiny stone cottage, with its coal range and traditional cupboard bed in the main room.

My glamorous mum was a rotten needlewoman so she sent me on a Singer Sewing Machine course the summer of my thirteenth birthday. I loved it, and I have sewed ever since, now with my table positioned so I can look out over the bay. Often I sing, and I truly love to study, so I love the amount of thinking time I have while I sew.

I have a degree in history and anthropology, and a further degree in ethics and comparative religion. Real career moves! I sewed rough linen bedding just for myself, but other people wanted it too so Stefan made me a little website and it took off. My children are grown, and I am immensely tickled that at an age when many women can feel they need to find a interest (or an obsession!), mine found me. It delights me, not just the sewing and working with beautiful fabric, but the correspondence with my customers, taking the photos, making the tags and finally tying it up with a neat bow and sending it out into the world. The folding is itself a Zen exercise - did you know linen is traditionally folded in thirds?

One of my greatest pleasures is that my customers connect with it, they understand exactly what this simple, elemental material means next to the skin in an era of polyester and disposables. And since isn't meant to be ironed - who has time to iron bed linens? - it is a luxury which looks after you, you don't have to look after it. Strong, simple and rustic, and exactly itself, timeless continuity with our earliest roots.

Links to her Store & Blog:

http://www.roughlinen.com/

Cabin on The Water

A Fruitful Excursion

2011-06-07T13:27:00.000-04:00

This weekend I took a leisurely walk

to a local tag sale.

Two of my boys

dog

made for a memorable time.

Though I drive past this horse farm

all the time,

the field was far more remarkable on foot.

I convinced my boys to stop at a local

farm, where they offer organic produce

(as well as sugary candies).

We were delighted by this farm dog,

who found shade in a curious place.

Then, at last, we reached our destination.

After digging through a variety of wares...

I was thrilled with my find:

four vintage jars - $10

I'll fill them with the candy I bought

at the organic farm.

The boys, too, were quite pleased

with their "Dough Boys."

What a rewarding day!

Clear Glass

2011-06-02T10:10:00.000-04:00

When I go "Yard Sale-ing"

I look for

clear glass pieces.

I use them for various things...

The glass brings brightness to some

dim spots

inside my home.

I collect serving pieces

that my "picker"

(mom)

has found at thrift stores,

and sometimes I have luck

finding a odd "treasure" piece,

like this 50 cent

ship in a bottle.

This vintage wine bottle

is one of my favorites.

It was found in

the basement of an old man

who immigrated from Italy years ago,

and always made his own wine.

Now, for $15,

I have a piece of his story

in my foyer.

A Feature in Romantic Homes Magazine

2011-06-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

I'm so thrilled and thankful:

White Flower Farmhouse

is featured in the June issue

of Romantic Homes Magazine

http://romantichomes.com/current.html

Justine Lopez shares her bright observations

of the shop and its owner

(my sister, Lori)

in a properly titled article,

"Treasure Hunting"

Lori is a master treasure hunter.

She has a great eye.

A close friend of hers said,

"I pick up a stick, and it's a stick. Lori

grabs a different stick, and it's art!"

She sees small details

in simple things

that are beautiful.

Hence, her unique selection of wares.

Lori is a great treasure hunter;

but what this article wisely

reminds me is

that

not all treasure is gold.

Because, while Lori does discover,

refurbish and restore,

she has, principally,

found and created a

beautiful life;

and what better treasure is there?

An Easy "to Live With" Refinishing Project

2011-05-26T10:39:00.000-04:00

My recent Craigslist find:

a solid wood table

and 6 chairs

for $150

However, there were some "issues."

The finials on the chairs made them look dated,

so I sawed them off.

The table top had major signs of wear,

so, in about one hour,

I sanded-down the old finish.

I picked a stain to match the legs,

then applied 3 coats of urethane.

For $150 + $20 in materials,

I have a "like new" solid wood dining set.

I love "low stress" furniture

that doesn't need to be

"protected"

from the people who use it.

So, for my three sons & friends, it's

Bon Apetite.

An Interview with a fellow Blogger & A Giveaway

2011-05-20T11:10:00.005-04:00

Meet Theresa

The Old White House

What Inspires Her?

Art has always been my passion,

but my family is my life.

My children are an inspiration for me...

I want them to know that if you have a dream

and believe in yourself ,then you have to

put yourself out there and go for it.

I put a lot of myself into everything I do.

I can get caught up in the process of making something;

and when I take a moment to look up at the clock,

and find that my day is up and the kids are getting out of school,

I am always surprised!

Her Home:

I love finding what many would think of as junk

and giving it a new life,

My home is a reflection of that passion.

I have recreated things for many years.

My favorite materials are the items that show the most age!

I see something rusty, chippy and beat-up, maybe missing pieces and I think...

that has to become something beautiful again!

I can't remember when I wasn't trying out a new idea.

I love to try many different types of media and ... I am still finding my niche.

I have so many varied interests that I play with many different mediums

Who Helps?

My 19 year old son, Cam, is many times my postal runner.

He will pick up our 8 year old son, Max, from school.

Then they do my shipping for me.

I really appreciate that

because when I am working,

I may not be presentable to the outside world...

At my age, make-up is a must!

My husband, Duane, has been very encouraging in making all of this happen.

He is always showing someone my work

On Old Photos:

Theresa says, "I love, love, love them!

I am drawn to people of all ages. I try to come up with a story about them

and then create a piece from the life I imagined that they lived.

Some of my favorites are of older couples

who look like life was hard

but in all of the hardness that they experienced,

they still have a softness to their eyes.

If you look closely enough they show a life of struggles and hardships,

a life lived with strength and determination.

I want to honor them when I create a collage with them.

Sometimes I find a photo that I think needs a bit of laughter and lightheartedness

and then they may don party hats and tiaras...

I think when you have lived a life of hardship, a tiara is definitely a must!

As working mother, how do you do it all?

I have been working on a schedule for myself: It;s important for my family and I

to understand the demands of running a shop.

All of my children are now either in school or off on their own;

so in the quiet of the day when they are away,

I am either creating new items to add to the shop,

or taking pictures and listing them.

Her Etsy Shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/theoldwhitehouse

I absolutely love etsy and what it offers someone like me,

who loves creating and finding treasures to sell,

but lives in a rural area where otherwise

I would just end up with a house full of my own creations!

My fluffy flower brooches are my most popular item right now.

I have made them as special custom gifts.

It's nice to think that my creation is being worn to accent

someone's jacket or purse.

I have made them for bridal parties!

I am honored

they are able to be part of such an important occasion.

On Blogging:

When I started blogging,

I was thrilled to meet others who do the same thing!

You can visit Theresa at her blogspot

(She's having a fabulous giveaway)

http://www.612riverside.blogspot.com/