Feeling Rustic

As many of you have heard me talk about I grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere. We had over 2,000 acres of land and open spaces. Sounds like the ideal running grounds for a kid right. Well, unfortunately this kid was allergic to just about everything outside and was far too focused inward to appreciate the great outdoors. I spent much of my childhood with my head in a book. I had my share of summer adventures with my siblings on the farm but I have developed into an adult who really doesn't like being outside.

Mike and I have a screened in porch that is primarily used to take my pictures for the shop and for Mike to grill. I talked about fixing it up this Spring and Mike said why bother it was being utilized as fully as it ever would for us. We don't like eating outside and are both very attached to our air conditioner.





But there is something really soothing to me about bringing pieces of nature indoors. I love the art of woodworking and often turn to it when I am overly stimulated by other distractions. I had another post planned for today but when I went to my favorites I noticed two things hearted on the same day that really spoke to me. One was the Handmade rustic picture frames above by

2 Dogs Wood Working. They have such a rugged and natural feel to them and would look perfect with some shots I need framed of the farm. The other was this gorgeous planter or candle holder by Erde Designs. They can sit on your office desk to bring a touch of nature to your day.

When I did a search for woodworking I found this amazing artist from right here in central Missouri, A Walk in the Woods with Steve Massman. He uses all found wood from Missouri and makes some of the most gorgeous handmade bowls, pens, and all kinds of other useful and decorative items. I particularly adore this Natural Edge Cherry bowl. This is a quote from his website Artist Statement that I love:

"Woodturning is addictive to me largely because I can literally save a log from being turned into wood chips or firewood and give it new life as a unique piece of art. I love to take a raw piece of wood and make something functional or artistic out of it."

I love working with wood buttons and beads and try to incorporate organic and natural elements into my knitting as much as possible. I think this Bamboo lace scarf photographed with a rustic wood chair on my porch nicely captures that feel.