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Local Artisans: Honey Bee Gourds

October 15, 2011 by Amanda Formaro

Gourd art is around 365 days of the year, but in the fall is when we see them the most. Farmer’s markets, craft fairs and art shows. We had a beautiful weekend here in southeast Wisconsin about a week ago. So hubby and I hopped in the car and took the short 15 minute drive into McHenry, Illinois to buy some delicious home grown tomatoes and other produce from Stade’s Farm & Market. It’s one of our favorite autumn jaunts, I’m especially fond of their cinnamon sugar covered apple cider doughnuts. Yum! It’s a favorite of ours and we’ve been visiting for ages. See some of the beautiful fall foliage I see every year and check out the amazing giant pumpkins from one of our visits to Stade’s on my poor neglected family blog. haha

Anyway, while visiting Stade’s, sipping apple cider and digesting a delicious doughnut, I decided to check out the vendor tents out behind the produce market. I have to admit, being a crafter myself and loving handmade items the way that I do, I have grown quite disappointed in how the “made in China” products, Avon booths and other non-crafty booths have taken over these spots. As I perused the the shirts made in Indonesia and the Yankee candle collection, I turned and spotted some handmade gourds. Now that’s more like it!

As I wandered over, the first gourd creation that caught my eye was the Jack O’Lantern you see pictured at the top of this post. There were several designs, all hand carved and created by the husband and wife team of Lynn and Diane Abbott. While I didn’t stay long, they were kind enough to let me snap a few pictures (with my cell phone no less) and grab their business card so I could share their fun wares with you.

Their work was top notch and really quite beautiful. But you don’t have to live in southeast Wisconsin or even northern Illinois to get a hold of these whimsical pieces. Lynn and Diane have a website and will ship orders to you. They will even ship internationally, so be sure to add them to your Christmas gift radar.

Check out Honey Bee Gourds to see even more of what this talented couple has to offer.

Have you seen some talented local artisans lately?

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Have you read?

Homesteading is Trending! Here’s Why The Practical Guide to Homesteading is the Ultimate Step-by-Step Blueprint for Beginners Looking to Live Off-Grid

If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the urban grind and living a more sustainable, self-reliant life, The Practical Guide to Homesteading is the book you’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re looking to grow your own food, raise livestock, or become energy independent, this comprehensive guide is the perfect starting point for beginners.

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One of the standout features of this book is its versatility. The author doesn’t just focus on rural living—there are tailored solutions for urban and suburban spaces too. Even if you’re working a full-time job, you’ll find easy-to-follow advice for fitting homesteading into your daily routine without feeling overwhelmed.

What I appreciated most were the in-depth sections on food preservation, water management, and energy solutions. The book dives into various ways to preserve food without relying on electricity, such as dehydration and canning, as well as simple but effective methods of rainwater harvesting. For those interested in growing food, the gardening strategies outlined can be adapted to any space, from a small urban garden to larger rural plots.

Another highlight is the section on livestock. The book provides valuable insights on choosing the right animals for your resources and goals, ensuring that you can start small and scale up gradually. It also covers zero-waste living, financial planning, emergency preparedness, and DIY sustainable construction, giving readers the tools they need to build a homestead from the ground up.

This book is not just for dreamers; it’s for doers. The practical advice, combined with the author’s straightforward writing style, makes it easy for anyone to begin their homesteading journey. Whether you’re taking your first step toward self-sufficiency or expanding an existing homestead, The Practical Guide to Homesteading is an invaluable resource.

In short, this guide is an essential read for anyone seeking to live a more sustainable, fulfilling life, no matter where they are. With its clear instructions, approachable advice, and emphasis on practicality, it’s the perfect blueprint for building a homestead and embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle. Highly recommended!

 

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