Tree Stump End Table

Another oak tree down, it's the third one in the past year.  The trees are all over 120 years old and are hollow on the inside and are falling over with the Summer storms.

We cleared away all the limbs and the smaller part of the top of the tree which left the base which is 3' in diameter and about 14' in length.

Dan managed to get the tree cut into large stumps for me.  They are wonderful and just the right size to make coffee tables, plant stands and end tables out of.  I might even paint a checkerboard on one of them for the kids. 

I also plan to put casters on the bottom of one of the stumps for my studio with my anvil bolted to the top for metalworking.  It will be perfect and easy to move with wheels attached to the bottom.
An end table in progress that will need to be sanded and sealed.  Casters added to the bottom will make it easy to move about from room to room.  The block is 24" x 18" x 30" and really heavy - about 150 pounds of solid oak.

Kitchen Renovations at the Farm

Whenever I design a new space - I look for inspiration and often find it on the Country Living website. My cabinetry at the farm was honey oak which Martin Towe refinished to a antiqued black finish that I love.

I also love the wooden pot rack over the island. I won't have room for one of those at the farm, but I do love it.

I like the idea of combining the black cabinetry with the vintage glass front cabinet - so much so that I will be removing a section of the cabinetry at the farm and hanging a French inspired camel top glass front cabinet for my china pieces in its place.

This is the section of cabinetry to be removed so that the new cabinet can go in its place. This cabinet is visible from the front entry so I think it will make a nice focal point to pull the eye forward into the house.

This is similar to the type of china cabinet I have in mind for the space. If I cannot find one, I know that Martin can build one for me, but hopefully I can find one to refinish in a light oak color or whitewash.

This will be my color palette for the kitchen at the farm. Black cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, mushroom tinted walls, and slate tile backsplash. The countertops will also be a neutral in a slate tone formica top. I like the durability of the formica top and it can be changed out easily if I ever want to change the appearance of the kitchen a very little cost.My cooktop in in the island so I will need a vent hood, additional lighting and possible a pot rack. The island is approximately 10' in length and about 3' in width. A range vent will break up the space and add another interesting focal point to the kitchen.
This is the shape of vent hood I am thinking of for the island. I would like to fabricate my own design using hammered and etched metal. The ceilings are only 8 feet high so it would not be a large piece to fabricate. I will leave the lights out of the vent hood and place them on either side instead to showcase the hammered and etched metal.

I would also love to have this arts and crafts style clock in my kitchen area. I can fabricate the clock face and Martin can build the clock from Black Walnut. Isnt' is gorgeous?

Chris is a tall guy at 6'2", but the stilts really speed the mudding process up with no ladders or scaffold to deal with and he is so proficient with mudding the walls that they hardly need any sanding at all which is such a plus when you are pushing the schedule to get the renovation complete.
Here's hubby, Dan looking at all of the wires he will have to relocate that were hidden in the soffit - oops I didn't count on that little wrinkle when I insisted they be removed.

There is a pantry in between the cabinets (in the photo above). The door to the pantry is small at only 24" in width. I had considered using a vintage door with a glass window, but 24" is really small and a door that size with a glass window has proven difficult to find. A couple of different options would be a screen door, but again finding a vintage door in 24" will be difficult.

A door like this could be fabricated, but too expensive. So, I may have to settle for a small door with a chalk board like the one below. I like this idea, but would really like to find a door that lets the light from the pantry shine into the kitchen.

The soffits are gone and the sheet rock is up and mudded - this was a time consuming project due to relocating the wiring and moving the can lights toward the middle of the room. I am so happy with the results and like the open feel of the kitchen now that the soffits gone.

A few other ideas I really like and will try to find a place for in the house....

I like the look of the old general store shadow boxes on the wall. I have loads of small items that I have collected over the years and this shadow box cabinet would be perfect to display them.

This kitchen has the feel of the mud room I would like to have in the galley style room between the house and the garage. I have an old vintage sink and the cabinets would be nice to store odds and ends. I also want a crystal chandelier in the space - which I already have on hand. It's a nice dicotomy - a chandelier in a mudroom.

I also love these primitive looking lights over this table. They remind me of galvanized metal funnels - wouldn't they make great lights? Maybe in a bathroom over the sink......

Native Wood Artist Journals

My wooden artist journals are made of native wood harvested from my father's farm in Missouri. I grew up with woodworkers. My father is a cabinet and furniture maker, his older brother is a wood turner who makes the most beautiful wooden bowls.

I grew up hearing the sound of the saws as my father worked and the smell of fresh cut wood. This is why my favorite scents are woody Sandlewood and Cedar.

Some of the wooden journals I personalize with a hammered copper or brass plate with the couples names or whatever sentiment they choose for their cover.

The journal above features a labradorite stone that I imported from South Africa. It took three months to receive my stones once they were ordered. But, when they arrived it was a special day for me as I unwrapped each one and thought it was even more beautiful than the one before. They are perfect for the journals the natural gemstones seem to go well with the wood.

The metalwork plates are secured in place with tiny artisan nails. A screw seemed to finished some how - too uniform. Each nail is slightly different giving them character and interest.

I am working on another batch of journals that will feature metalwork plates with JOURNEY, DREAM, BLESSINGS, etc. for the covers.
This oak journal with a labradorite in the cover sparks blues and greens in the light. The honey color of the oak seems to bring out more green in the labradorite stones.

Most of the journals I have sold lately will be used to contain wedding photos. One such couple will be using their journal for polaroid photos that will be taken of the guests as they arrive for the wedding where they will sign in under their photo creating a very unique guest book. What a great idea! Now, this guest book will be kept and treasure for generations, unlike traditional guest books with handwritten names.

Another couple from California will be using their wooden journal for wedding photos that they will secure in place with photo corners - like vintage photo albums. I love this idea, as I have never liked the photo albums from Hallmark, etc. They are too boring and just not special enough for wedding photos.

I think the journals would also be nice for 25th and 50th Wedding Anniversaries to hold photos of the couple together over the years or to just hold the photos from their special day. A nice gift for a graduate to commemorate their special day, etc.

I always use handcrafted papers for each section of the books adding a nice organic feel to the pages that are bound in individual little booklets. Can you tell that I am in to details?
The books are bound using the Ethiopean coping method with waxed linen from Belfast, Ireland in natural tones of brown, black, rust and green. Each section contains 10-12 pages each, making the final count around 75 - 100 pages.

A finished group of artist journals that have all found new homes and are lovingly cared for by their new owners.

It's nice to know that my journals will be around for a very long time for future generations to enjoy and beautiful enough for your coffee table. It's also nice to know the wood from the trees have become something very special.
Another type of handcrafted paper for the journals in chocolate and metallic gold.
A rough cut piece of red cedar just before sliding into the planer.

The whole process begins with a trip to my Dad's wood shed where we select pieces of wood for the journal. Then they are planed in my work shop, run through the table saw to trim the edges square. My Dad has an entire barn filled with various types of wood that he has harvested over the years from the family farm. Whenever we need wood for a project, Dad takes us out to the barn to select the pieces. I think he is pleased that his children enjoy woodworking, too.

Once the wood is selected, I then look at the wood and maximize every possible inch of the wood so that there is as little waste as possible. I just can't bear to throw pieces of wood away, it's so beautiful and has taken years to grow into a tree large enough for boards to be made from the wood.

Once they are marked for cutting, they are cut to size with the chop saw. Then it is off to the router where the edges are made smooth and rounded. The holes are drilled down the side with a drill and then they are sanded smooth.

The wood is sealed and protected with a natural stain so that the true color of the wood shines through - it's like magic how the wood glows after being hand rubbed and sealed.
More journals in process made from red oak, oak, maple, red cedar, and black walnut - this is my latest batch of journals.

They are now ready for acid free artist grade paper that I hand cut to fit each journal individually. My husband often says that it would be easier to cut the journals to fit the paper. Even though he is right, I just can't do it. I just can't bear to waste the wood and I like the varying shapes and sizes that result from cutting the wood in a conservation method.

It's a long, painstaking process that I enjoy. It's a labor of love for certain and I am already thinking of the next batch of journals that I am dreaming of creating.

First Anniversary - The Journal

"This is my wish for you:

Comfort on difficult days, 

Smiles when sadness intrudes, 

Rainbows to follow the clouds, 

Laughter to kiss your lips, 

Sunsets to warm your heart, 

Hugs when spirits sag, 

Beauty for your eyes to see, 

Friendships to brighten your being, 

Confidence for when you doubt, 

Courage to know yourself, 

Patience to accept the truth, 

Love to complete your life."

The most wonderful couple from Florida now own this hand bound, Black Walnut journal they purchased for their first anniversary.  They will complete one page each year to journal the events of the past year of their lives together.   Isn't that a wonderful idea?

An instant heirloom for their families and future generations to enjoy.  It will be so nice for future anniversary celebrations - especially their 25th & 50th celebrations.

The Black Walnut wood was harvested from my father's farm in Missouri and I planed the raw cut lumber, and then put a buttery finish on the wood.  Black Walnut is extremely hard and a lovely wood with lots of dark grains running through it, making it perfect for furniture.

I love the character of wood and adore it when it has lots of knots, and grooves via Mother Nature.  I added the Labradorite stone in the front cover that looks so nice with the dark tones of the Black Walnut wood.  Labradorite flashes blues, greens, golds and grays in the sunlight.

Knowing that one of your creations has gone to a happy couple is so rewarding - it's heartwarming when you know that your creation will be enjoyed and loved for years to come.  It's good karma, don't you think?  It's why I do what I do and it makes me happy.

I added a hammered and stamped copper plate to the front to personalize the journal for the happy couple.  Congratulations on your first anniversary together - enjoy documenting your life together as the years go by and they will - much too quickly.

Other journals are available - HERE - custom orders are always welcome.

Black Walnut Artist Journal - SOLD

Black walnut artist journal with a labradorite gemstone embedded in the cover combines so well to make a OOAK (one of a kind) artist journal perfect for sketching, journaling, or photo album for the perfect day - like your wedding day or your new son's baby album or a  special anniversary gift.
Handcrafted art paper borders each section of the journal filled with acid free artist grade heavy weight paper.  Each section of the journal contains 12 pages or 24 pages front and back that are bound in the Ethiopian method of binding with waxed linen from Belfast, Ireland.
The back view of the journal in black walnut.
A closer view of the labradorite gemstone that was imported from South Africa.  It took three months for it to be shipped to me in the United States.
Look at the magnificent colors in the labradorite - blues, greens, gray, amber - it's my favorite gemstone for the color brillance.
This journal sold immediately.  If you would like a custom artist journal in black walnut, oak, cherry or maple email me with the size and number of pages you would like in your journal.

These journals can also be customized with a brass, copper or silver plate with your sentiments or the recipient's name or occasion.

Black Walnut Artist Journal

Now I know why woodworking is so addictive.  The smell of the wood, the feel of the satin finish, knowing that what you have made will be around for future generations to enjoy.  Cool.

It's all good.

Black Walnut Artist Journal - $95.00

I have been addicted to books and paper seemingly forever.  I have hundreds of books, journals for sketching, vintage papers, etc.  Sometimes I buy books just for the vintage covers.  They are beautiful, especially the art deco period.  

Making the artist journals with wooden covers just appeals to all of the things I love.
I try to leave the wood as it is instead of cutting around imperfections which allows the journal to have a personality all it's own.  I have embedded a piece of turquoise in the crevice of this journal.  The color of turquoise goes so well with black walnut.

This journal is available for sale in the shoppe.  A perfect gift for the man or woman who has everything.

Handcrafted Wood Journals

I mentioned in an earlier blog that I have been BIZZY - this is my latest and favorite project - Handcrafted Journals with Wood Covers.  

I grew up around wood working tools, my Dad being an avid woodworker.  He specializes in making making furniture and cabinetry.  I have always loved the smell of wood when it is being cut with a saw.  That smell of warm wood - brings memories of childhood.   My Dad has filled my mother's house with beautiful Highboys, China Cabinets, Dressers, Cedar Trunks,  and occassional tables made from Cherry, Oak, Black Walnut, Red Cedar, and Ash.  

One of my favorite things he has made for me is a simple cutting board that I use in the kitchen almost everyday.  It's made of Black Walnut and Cherry in alternating strips.

I love to watch Dan make things out of wood and Martin, our in house cabinetry maker make the beautiful fixtures for my shoppe.  I wanted to get in on the action and learn to use the tools myself.  Why should the boys have all the fun!?

Black Walnut Artist Journal - SOLD 

 Look at the wood grain of this Black Walnut Journal - isn't it beautiful?   I love journals, books, and sketching paper.  My love of handicrafts make this project right up my alley.

I have learned how to use a planer - my favorite so far.  I love the smell of the wood as it passes through the planer and I love to look at the wood as the rough cut is removed and the wood grain appears with each pass.  It's a time consuming process, but so well worth the effort.  Oh yeah, and my far the dirtiest as you get saw dust all over you.

Once the wood is planed to satisfaction, the wood boards are cut to size using a table saw.  The table saw is the scariest of the wood working tools for me.  Once the boards are trimmed to size, the miter saw is used to cut the board into the finished size pieces.  

Then I use a router to finish the edges of each board.  A sander is used to get the buttery finish and then a drill press is used to make the holes for the binding.  Another sanding and then a finish coat is applied.

Oak Artist Journal - SOLD

The paper is cut to fit the journal and the wood journals are hand bound using the Ethiopian binding method.  High quality, heavy weight sketching paper is the perfect weight for a field journal, photo album using photo corners, a sketch book, or a book for memoirs.  The pages could be decoupaged, dried flowers could be added, etc. for a wonderful art book.
Each wooden journal is made according to the nature of the wood.  Instead of cutting the wood to fit the pages, it's vice versa - cutting the paper to fit the wooden cover making each journal one of a kind.

Black Walnut Artist Journal - $45.00

This journal is made of black walnut, with 132 pages for sketching in 5"x6" size.  Easy to transport with you and the perfect size for art collages.
Beginning at the bottom left hand corner and then clockwise:  Oak Journal - 4"x8", Black Walnut Journal - 5"x6", Black Walnut Journal -  5"x6". 

These journals will be included in the shoppe soon and in the online store.