Wednesday, April 18, 2018

The Ever Changing Farmhouse Bath



Over the past seven years, our vintage bathroom has taken on so many styles it's hard to imagine. . .I've shared them all with you and you can revisit those posts with links at the end. . .I have gone from rustic to cottage and back again, but one theme has remained. . .It's been FARMHOUSE all the way.
There's a reason for this. . .and it's simple. . .We live in a 1930s cottage farmhouse. . .and I believe in matching the decor to the era in which the house was built. . .It is not a new home with a farmhouse flair. . .It is not perfect in all ways either. . .The walls have cracks. . .The floors creak. . .The furniture speaks of a time past. . .The decor has evolved with REAL farmhouse items. . .and few reproductions. . .There is certainly plenty to choose from in our barns. . .


So many times I have looked at those older posts in which I proudly displayed our collections  and thought, 'In reality, did they live with this much stuff'?'. . .My answer has always been, 'I think not.'. .For years I've thought it was probably because they had little money. . .which was often true but I think there were other reasons, too. . .


Most of our tenants and managers had large families. . .There was little room to spare. . .They didn't always have separate bedrooms either. . .Space was at a minimum and filled with the necessities. . .They utilized every room in the house daily. . These families were not trying to make a decorating statement. . .They were living the life and hard work of a farm family. . ..The farmhouses themselves were busy 'bee hives' of activity.


With that thought in mind, I have scaled down a lot. . .I have begun to look at each room with the actual use of it in mind. . .For example, the bath. . .filled with the necessities and not much more. . .A chair to sit in while changing clothes. . .A wooden tub filled with towels. . .and maybe for soaking tired feet. . .A bowl and pitcher for quick sponge baths. . .Soap and toiletries at the tub. . .Bags hung on the wall for dirty clothes. . .


There was only one more thing I decided I should add that isn't necessary but sure pleases the eye. . .No matter how basic the farmhouse was decorated. . .I remember flowers from the garden beds. . .or the wild ones from the ditch bank. . .brightening rooms. . .These memories come from my Grandmother who had a green thumb like few others. . .Outside and indoors,  her home had color everywhere from her flowers. . .


I think I love this look more than any other. . .
There's another plus, too. . .Without the clutter, the bath is so easy to clean and quickly dust each day. . .That's a big plus in my book, because living on a working farm brings lots of dust and dirt our way. . .Each morning, a quick lick-and-a-promise is often all the house gets. . .as we head out to other chores. . .
I suppose you could say I'm still learning about living a simple life on our cotton farm. . .thanks to those who came before me. . .

BATHROOM POSTS THROUGH THE YEARS:







Monday, April 16, 2018

Important Update About John's Rag Rug Looms


Big News!!!! For us anyway. . .
John is soon retiring from ONLINE LOOM SALES. . .
so. . .GET YOUR ORDERS IN. . .
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE. . .

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Make Your Own Leather Crock Tops and Spots


This is a quick but impressive way to top crocks with smaller openings. . .So many have noticed my leather crock toppers over the years and wanted to know where I bought them. . .The only thing we buy is leather at the thrift stores. . .skirts. . .jackets. . .anything with leather will do. . .It's much cheaper than buying leather pieces from a craft store or you local hide trader. . .(grin). . .Then we make our own tops to fit each crock individually. . .
It is such a simple technique. . .but the results are fantastic. . .We used this method many times at Colonial Williamsburg. . .

 

1. Materials: Leather or Suede, Scissors, Pliers, Heavy Rubber Band
2. Use a plate, bowl or other round object to draw a circle, adding at least 1 1/2" for the skirt.
3. Cut out the circle.
4-5. Soak circle thoroughly. Squeeze out excess water.
6. Place on top of crock. Hold with a rubber band.
7. Band must be tight. Double it if possible.
8. With pliers, pull skirt down evenly to tighten top. 
Leather should be pulled tight like a drum.


8. Let dry. Depending on the leather, this could take 24 hours.
9. When dry, remove bands.


That's all there is to it. . .SIMPLE. . . 


If at some point the top becomes limp from too much dampness, wet it and follow the steps again. . .They will last 'forever'. . .


'SPOTS' are another item from Colonial Williamsburg that we still utilize in our home. . .Spots are just what they seem. . .Circles of leather, placed under crocks to  spare our countertops from scratches. . .or under candlesticks to catch drops of wax. . .


Cut leather circles whatever size you'll need. . .I often cut spots the exact size as the crock bottom but it isn't necessary. . .Letting a little edge peek out adds to the charm. . .


Two simple projects that will add so much to your FARMHOUSE KITCHEN. . .
Time to visit the Thrift Store. . .




For WOODEN CROCK TOPS, CLICK HERE AND READ MORE





Tuesday, April 3, 2018

A LITTLE HOMESPUN. . .A LITTLE PRIMITIVE. . .LOVE IT



There is nothing I love more than HOMESPUN. . .HANDMADE. . .items for our FARMHOUSE HOME. . .and John has sure come up with a couple of winners in my book. . .He was working in his shop again several weeks ago. . .but this time, instead of making looms,  he surprised me with two items I have wanted for a very long time. . .Junking trip after junking trip I have coveted the candle boxes and wooden washboards in prim booths at the antique malls. . .and every time I do, John said, 'That would be easy to make. . .' Then it's forgotten. . .until our next picking journey. . .


I didn't need a real antique. . .I only wanted that PRIM look. . .I knew John was right. . .He could carve it. . .but when?

Well, I guess he got bored with all the rain and bad weather we've been having. . .sat down one day. . .and began to make my wishes come true. . .


 A beautiful hanging CANDLE BOX. . .



and. . .two. . .count them. . .two WASHBOARDS. . .
He said he couldn't decide which one to give me. . .so I got both. . .
LOVE it when that happens. . .


Yes. . .They are primitive. . .and Yes. . .It took him a while to get his technique 'in the groove'. . .(pun intended). . .but. . .He sure mastered it in the end. . .didn't he? . .I am so blessed to have such a talented guy. . .


A LITTLE HOMESPUN. . .A LITTLE PRIMITIVE. . .LOVE IT. . .
and. . .
It's just in time for SPRING CLEANING. . .ugh. . .






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