Zinc Place Cards

We are happy to announce our Zinc Place Cards are back in stock. Sold in sets of six, these little cuties have so many uses. They offer a unique way to let your guests know where they'll be seated. The Zinc Place Cards can also be used to mark and identify cheeses and desserts around the buffet. Make entertaining easy with our Zinc Place Cards. Simply write your message in chalk and wipe away for future use.

a quiet place

I'm in the mood to find a quiet a place to sew or knit, read a magazine, or to simply daydream for a little while. I feel like I'm always moving so fast. I have so many details that need to be remembered and endless lists of things to be done. And then there are those moments when I forget one crucial thing: a permission form for my daughter's field trip, a friend's birthday, or to return my mother's phone call. That's when I know I'm on overload and it's time to allow myself to slow down, breathe and find a quiet place to recharge.

White Pedestal Bowl new at Farmhouse Wares.

Spring Accents

This is the perfect time of year to fill your home with fresh flowers. After all, studies show that a vase of flowers can boost your mood and fill you with a sunny attitude. This sure beats moping around, waiting for the gardens to bloom. I'm also a big fan of lighting candles to warm up the house as the evening light fades later and later. Our new Woven Willow Candle Holder and Vase fits both those needs and makes the perfect spring accent for any home.

Time to have fun

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend. I'll be taking some time off from blogging this week to play with my daughter while she's on school break. I'll miss you, but enjoy your week!

Heartfelt

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart"-Confucius

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo, Betsy

Oh So Adorable Cupcake Stands

Just when we thought our Cupcake Stands (shown in yesterday's post) couldn't get any cuter, my friend Melanie, of the gorgeous Reverie-Daydream Boutique, sent me this picture from her little girl Gaia's second birthday party. And if you think this is sweet, stop by Melanie's blog to read the poem about her "little crumb" Gaia. Melanie, I just love this idea of spelling her name out in candles. She must have beamed when they were all lit up, and I'm sure, at least during the party, she became your little "cupcake" crumb. Happy Birthday Gaia.

A Valentine for You

XOXOXO

from
FARMHOUSE WARES!

PLEASE ENJOY 15% OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER AS OUR VALENTINE'S GIFT TO YOU!

JUST ENTER COUPON CODE "21410" AT CHECKOUT. OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT FEBRUARY 14, 2010.

(valid while supplies last. not valid on previous purchases.)

CLICK HERE TO GET THESE CUPCAKE STANDS

Wicker Market Baskets

I'm obsessed with these new Wicker Market Baskets. The fabric lining, made of 100% linen with a natural oatmeal color, is easily removed and machine washable, making them even more lovable. I use them for everything. They're great for magazines, knitting supplies or for transporting my daughter's toys back to her room (They won't stay in there for long.) I especially love taking the larger one to the Millstone Farm Market--a specialty market where I buy local meats and cheeses. It makes me feel like I'm in Paris.

mountain climbing

I don't know about you, but I've been an absolute sloth lately. I always find February a challenge-- the cold weather and brownish landscape can seem downright dreary. My energy level has been at an all-time low; close to say...sleep walking. I'm surprised I haven't been caught drooling on myself. Anyway, yesterday I decided to get off my patooty and do something invigorating. My daughter and I donned our snow-gear and headed for the mountain. We hiked up a vigorous 652ft. The breathtaking views and blast of cool fresh air did us good. We felt energized and strong. Then we came home and promptly cuddled up on the couch under a pile of blankies. It was exhausting being that energized.

Fresh Picks For Spring

click here to visit the shop

Jam Pots

Like a lot of people nowadays, I try save money by buying in bulk: butter, jams and jellies, ketchup and mustard, grains and cereals—stuff we use frequently or that keeps well.

Trouble is, big tubs of butter and jam—things we use nearly every day—are hard to use around the kitchen, hog too much space on the breakfast table, and look just awful.

Adorable glass jam pots to the rescue.

A stalwart of the traditional farmhouse kitchen—when every staple of the family diet came in bulk—the jam pot is essentially a modified serving bowl with a fitted cover. The idea is as simple as the uses are endless.

The Glass Jam Pots I’m using—new at Farmhouse Wares—are the perfect size for butter, jam, jelly, honey, condiments, relish, chutney or just about anything you want to keep on hand, ready to use, in the cupboard, fridge or on the kitchen counter. The vintage style glass jar is solid and practical. The cloth lid fits snug, has a waterproof inner lining and is machine washable. A touch of nostalgia along with a heap of function is just what every modern farmhouse needs.

My Room

It's so gratifying to receive all your nice comments about my slipcover. Here's a closer look at the complete room--new sofa and all. The sofa is soooo comfortable. The feather blend cushions are plump and cozy, which is heaven compared to my last foam-filled sofa. You can also see the grain sack picture that I was working on last year over the sofa along with a picture of Joan Didion (one of my favorite writers) that I painted. I'm sure I'll keep fussing with this room until garden season begins. Once the warmer weather comes I won't go near this room. I'll be outside as much as possible. Thanks again for your comments.

Here are a few details as to how I accomplished the slip cover project:

I made the pattern by tracing the shape of the chair onto big sheets of paper.

I made templates of the back, the side, and the seat cushion. I actually played with the paper templates, pinning them to the chair to figure out how each piece would need to connect. Then I pinned each template to the drop cloth and traced the pattern onto the fabric, adding an inch all around.

I sewed the outer back and sides together first. Then I added the inner back, followed by the inner arms, and the front skirt was attached last.

I'm pretty sure that the drop cloth I mentioned yesterday should still be available at Home Depot.

Hope I've inspired you to give it a try.

The Slipcover Project

I made a lot of progress on my slipcover this past weekend. I just need to hem the bottom and make a few small adjustments. I'm really amazed with myself, especially since I haven't touched a sewing machine in 29 years. I found it a lot easier than I imagined. Of course I made it extra easy by using a solid fabric. Prints can be complicated. I'll let you in on a little secret about the fabric too. This oatmeal colored canvas, which looks just like a beautiful linen is really just a painter's drop cloth from Home Depot. I think I paid $9.99 for it. Unfortunately, I don't remember the actual product name. I washed it several times to soften it up. Now, our cat Jenny Marie is happy to have her chair back, and I'm happy that the fabric is super durable and machine washable. Tomorrow I'll post some pictures of the new sofa, which looks quite nice with my chair.