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The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

April 24, 2025

No.915: Small Biz Showcase // Tea Time

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

One of the highlights of my month is perusing the handmade market for cool things to share.  With Mother’s Day and wedding season and baby showers galore coming up, I thought I would go with a tea theme this time and woo!  Etsy did not disappoint!  Check out what I found below:


+ This mini teacup pouch from Y and B’s Creations comes in a variety of colors and is the perfect size for a coin purse.  Tuck in a few of your favorite tea bags for an easy gift.

+ How beautiful is this “tea time” tea towel from Christine De Carvalho?  It’s almost too pretty to use!

+ This teacup bookmark from Ellie Bug Makes is so creative.  Each is hand stitched with felt and cotton floral prints.  A super cute idea for tucking into a penpal letter.

+ If you’re seeking a candle unlike most options commonly found in stores, look into these teacup candles from Lohalee Candle Co.  They are made with natural soy wax and feature a wooden wick for a cozy, crackling ambiance.  Love that!  I think they’d make lovely favors for a baby or bridal shower.

+ Every gift needs a coordinating greeting card, right?  This afternoon tea card from allie illustrated is perfect and be sure to check out the stickers in her shop too.  Lots of adorable options!

+ NovelTea Tins are a shop featuring tea blends with a literary theme.  The loose leaf tea comes in a lovely tin, which can be saved and reused when the tea is gone.  So cool.

+ Every cup of tea needs a little honey and these honey stirring spoons from Do T Do Candy do the trick.  Made with local Kansas honey, they come individually packed and in sets of five or ten.  A great addition to a tea-themed gift basket.

+ I love a good pun and this tea shirt is just too cute.  Lots of colors to choose from.

+ And last but not least: poetry tea time is a staple in a lot of homeschools.  If you’re just starting out, the guides provided by Tea Time Together are a great help.  “Each month focuses on one artist, one poet, and one music composer. Each week focuses on a specific painting, poem, and classical music piece by that month’s featured artists. Over the month, you’ll explore four paintings from the same artist; four poems from the same poet; and four songs from the same composer. By the end of the month, you and your students will feel like you know these artists and their works!”

March 21, 2025

No.906: Small Biz Showcase // Spring Organization

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

Springtime is just around the corner and that gets my fingers itching for some cleaning and organization!  Check out these great organizational options from some talented artisans on etsy:


+ I love the green and white fabrics on this small fabric cup from Sea Pinks.  At only 3″x3.5″, it’s perfect for holding little bits and bobs on your desk, supplies next to the sewing machine, or hair bows in a baby girl’s room.

+ This black walnut/oak hardwood tray from Red Oak Road comes in a ton of sizes to accommodate a variety of needs: it can be used as a “centerpiece, catch all, organizer, desk companion, nightstand tray, dresser caddy, groom’s gift, house warming gift or wedding gift.”  Handcrafted in Texas!

+ I wish I had a preschool bedroom to organize so I could use these gingham hanging pods from Feeding Pickle.  So cute and useful too!  The seller has a ton of non-kiddo ideas for this handy bag: “Dog toy bag by the door, school supplies, mail organizer, mitten and hat keeper, office desk decor and organizer, diaper and wipe holder, and keep your make-up corralled.”  Be sure to check out all of the sizes, from mini all the way to giant!

+ Admittedly, this little bunny basket from My Alpaca Studio seems more adorable than actually functional, but look how sweet!  Just the right size to hold change or keys.  I also like the idea of making it a “plant cozy” – that would be such a great spring gift for someone special.

+ I love the look of this chunky crochet basket from Our Little Crochet Shop.  It is crocheted with 9mm Bobbiny braided cotton cord and has a hardboard base, making it soft yet sturdy.  And bonus!  If you happen to crochet and want to try this project yourself, this shop has a ton of materials available so you can make one of your own!

+ Lastly, everybody can use a zippered pouch, right?  I thought this project bag from Salmon Brook Studio was unique and the Rifle Paper Co. fabric was gorgeous.  Be sure to take a look through all of her offerings – she also has totes, pencil cases and even holders for your double pointed knitting needles!

February 19, 2025

No.896: Small Biz Showcase // Pen Pal Supplies

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

One habit that I would like to reignite in 2025 is sending more snail mail.  For whatever reason, I have been terrible about sending regular correspondence and I’d really like to get back into the practice.  (Thank you to all of my friends and relatives who have been patient with my radio silence the past year.)  With those thoughts in mind, I decided to browse etsy for pen pal supplies!  Obviously, none of these things are necessary – you can write a note on the back of just about anything – but it sure is fun to look at all of the inspiration.

Be sure to check out my other Snail Mail posts for lots of greeting card recommendations too!


+ This Snail Mail Letter Writing Kit from The Paxton Press is so creative!  I love the idea of passing game and recommendation cards back and forth – so fun.

+ Everybody loves a good sticker and this “Send More Snail Mail” sticker from Modern Printed Matter perfectly fits the theme.

+ Have a kid who is interested in starting their own snail mail pastime?  This penpal kit for kids from CC Paper Designs has everything you need to get started: I miss you postcards, three different penpal games, a pre-filled note to help you start the conversation and even a few envelopes!

+ Stop hand-writing your address and invest in an address label from Seas the Day Labels.  This shop has over two hundred options, so be sure to browse the entire store!

+ This medieval flower stationery set from Arte of the Booke is absolutely beautiful.  The set comes with ten sheets of 40gsm paper with matching envelopes.  Made in Italy!

+ I liked this collection of airmail-themed papergoods from Maggieful Designs.  The notebook would be perfect for logging addresses or even using as a traveling journal between penpals.  The memo pad, sticky notes and washi tape are all adorable and would be fun to tuck into letters too.

+ This ephemera pack from The Cloaked Fox is perfect for creatives.  I love the vintage stamps and postcards, but all of the pieces would be great for making unique cards or letters.

+ Last but not least, how about another beautiful letting writing kit, this time from Peach and Poppy Co?  This one is winter bird themed and includes paper, envelopes, a sticker sheet and even some washi tape samples.  You can even add stamps to your order!

January 16, 2025

No.886: Small Biz Showcase // Winter Treasures

You know how much I love small artisans and I found a new website to share!  The website is called Go Imagine and it’s like etsy, but better.  From their website: “goimagine is dedicated to showcasing handmade goods from sellers who truly love the art of making something with their hands. Building a new handmade marketplace won’t be easy, but the world is ready for a platform that truly celebrates the beauty of handcrafted products.”  They even donate 2% of every purchase to charities focused on helping children in need!  So great.  Check out these winter-related goodies I found:


+ This “Winter Bear” candle from Bear Family Candles smells like strolling through a pine forest on a sunny winter’s day.  Comes in an 8oz. tin, but they also sell wax melts.

+ I love warm socks and this pair from Minnesota Custom Woolens looks super comfy.  The seller says that each pair is one-of-a-kind and made on an antique circular knitting machine.  So cool!

+ If you’re in the market for a new winter hat, be sure to check out the offerings from Milli’s Hook Nook.  Tons of beautiful options for both youth and adults – I love this mountain range one.

+ For another candle option, look no further than the Desert Sun Candle Co!  The description of this Woodland Snow candle sounds intriguing: “Light our candle and breathe in the fragrance of snow-laden branches, ozone, mint, and eucalyptus. Be enchanted by the blend of camphor, cypress, cedar, and sage plus subtle incense and spice.”

+ Add a little winter fun to your refrigerator with these mini snowflake magnets from WeeCraftyCreations.  They come in a set of eight and are only about 1″x1″x1″ – so cute!  (These might also be a fun addition to tuck into snail mail letters.)

+ Coffee, cocoa or tea will taste even better in this salt-fired stoneware mug from Linda Moeser Ceramics.  I love the blue color, but she also has many unique color combinations in the shop.

November 29, 2024

No.872: Small Biz Showcase // Beautiful Ornaments for the Tree

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

Many of us are pinching our pennies this holiday season, so how about starting a new tradition?  Instead of buying gifts that most people don’t want or need, what if we supported small business artisans and picked out a unique ornament for our recipient’s tree?  Choose an ornament that has a special meaning between you – an inside joke, a special milestone, a favorite memory!  If none of those apply, I’ve picked a handful of generic choices below.

Be sure to check out etsy’s Holiday Hub for more great gifts too.


+ This gingerbread clay ornament from Stone Lotus Pottery is precious and perfect for someone known for their gingerbread houses.  The ceramic clay is glazed in cream and comes strung with a red ribbon.

+ This set of six wooden snowflakes from Werner Creative is made from birch wood and is colored with different stains.  Give the entire set to your favorite woodworker or split them up among various family members.  For just $2 extra, they will even engrave a short message on the backs.

+ I love this miniature hand blown glass ornament from bluejays & bumblebees!  So unique and comes in a variety of colors.

+ For a home with little ones, these felt star ornaments from Everything in Stitches would be a great choice.  The stars are about five inches in diameter and come in many color combinations.  (Look at these adorable cookie ones too!)  Perfect for little hands that love to touch the Christmas tree.

+ Do you or your recipient live by the water?  This hand-painted Santa shell ornament from Petite Prints Studio is so cute and perfect for something who loves the beach.  The ornaments come in three sizes and can also be personalized for an additional fee.

+ I love the simplicity of this “let every heart prepare Him room” leather hand-stamped ornament from The Adopt Shoppe.  Made from raw, full grain leather, making each one unique.

+ No time to cross-stitch your own soft ornament?  No problem!  Avery and Hayes has a ton of great options, including this Santa Claus finished cross stitch ornament.  You can even personalize with a name and year.  Each ornament is made to order, so order fast.  The last day to guarantee holiday delivery is December 5.

+ If you have a friend who loves nostalgic/vintage decor, these crochet Christmas ornaments are for you!  Comes in a set of three.  They are wonderful for the tree but would be equally cute displayed in a bowl.  Fun!

October 4, 2024

No.860: Small Biz Showcase // Autumn Themed Crafts

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission of any sale made at no extra cost to you.

It’s been a long time since I’ve browsed etsy for a “Small Biz Showcase” post.  This time, I thought I would focus on fun autumn-themed activities for kids and adults alike.  Anything that can get us off of our screens and into the real and tangible!

Be sure to check out etsy’s Fall Decor Essentials for more autumn inspiration too.


+ A really cute idea for kids is this turkey suncatcher kit from Punch of Color.  Simple and mess free, the kit comes with everything you need to complete the project.  The shop has a ton of adorable options, including everything from fall leaves and pumpkins to hearts, butterflies and Christmas trees!

+ Another craft project perfect for little kids is this autumn leaf bracelet kit from NoPixieNo.  Again, everything you need is included in the package; the shop even includes a tiny clothespin to stop the beads from sliding off as you string them!  So smart.  Be sure to check out the rest of the shop for more bracelet and keychain options.  I think they’d make great stocking stuffers.

+ When I saw these felt ornaments from wild olive, I immediately pictured them as a sweet gift topper.  How cute would it be tucked into the ribbon surrounding a baked good for a neighbor or friend?  The listing is a 17-page PDF file that includes all the instructions you need to make nine felt ornaments.  You’ll have to purchase your own materials but the shop owner shares her sources so you can get just the right products.

+ Do you crochet?  I really liked this simple and understated pumpkin pillow pattern from Seacliffe Cottage.  This is a digital pattern, so you’ll have the ability to choose your favorite yarn and color.  The customer photos are very inspirational – I love the cream, but another buyer made one in a dark forest green and it is lovely.

+ Look at this sunflower mosaic kit from Mosaics at the Farm!  The kit includes just about everything you need – you only need to provide the water and a throwaway container to mix the grout.  I love the idea of using it as a coaster.  So unique.  This is the kind of project that would be fun to do with a friend.

+ I’ve been fascinated by punch needle art, but have never tried it.  This “Autumn Leaves” kit from Sweet Autumn Studio is beautiful!

+ How about a little cross stitch?  I loved this “Hare in Autumn Wreath” cross stitch pattern from Needle Treasures Nook.  Looks simple enough to start and finish quickly and it’s an instant download so you can get right to work.

+ Another activity I would love to learn someday is needle felting.  This mini pumpkin needle felting kit from Felted Sky is perfect for the season and a small enough project to not be overwhelming.  With three pumpkins in the kit, this would be another fun project to do with some friends.

March 18, 2022

No.633: Small Biz Showcase // Easter Basket Ideas

This post contains affiliate links.

It’s been a long time since I’ve scoured etsy for a “Small Biz Showcase” post!  Since Easter is about a month away, I decided to look for quality, non junky items to put in Easter baskets.  I found three items each for babies, little kids and bigger kids.  Check out what I found:

FOR THE BABIES

+ I love the simplicity of this bunny ear teether from Ribbons and Buttons Co.  Lots of colors and prints to choose from.

+ This bunny lovey from Bunny Lulu Handmade is truly heirloom worthy.  It’s made with organic cotton terry and look at that beautiful Liberty of London floral fabric in the ears!

+ How sweet is this wooden bunny lacing toy from Red Barn Toys?  Designed to last, the maker of these toys hopes that they “help children with their fine motor skills, hand eye coordination and help build longer attention spans.”

FOR THE LITTLE KIDS

+ This picnic themed play dough kit from Happy Life Magic Shop is perfect for the kid who loves sensory things.  The shop has everything from dinosaurs to unicorns, so something for everybody.  I especially love that it comes with a little box to keep all the pieces together.

+ Sidewalk chalk is always a favorite springtime activity around here.  These Easter egg shaped chalks are packaged so nicely and are the perfect size for little hands.

+ How cool are these bubbles wands from The Bubble Connection?  Perfect for the littlest kids, it says that you don’t even have to blow – just dip and wave the wand for bubbles!  Comes in a variety of colors and shapes and they even carry their own bubble solution.

FOR THE BIG KIDS

+ Who doesn’t love s’mores?  1927 S’Mores Company makes beautifully packed gourmet s’mores kits in a bunch of different flavor combinations, including Cocoa Espresso, Whisky Salted Caramel and Moose Tracks!  All of the graham crackers and marshmallows are locally made from scratch and there are no preservatives or artificial flavoring.  So fun!

+ Sawyer & Scout is a great shop for nail wraps.  The reviews are fantastic and they have a color and design for everyone!  The shop also offers a flat rate of $3.99 for shipping, no matter how many you buy, which is nice for stocking up.

+ Have a tween/teen who loves to write?  These leather journals from Mad Tree Woodcrafts are gorgeous and you can personalize them any way you like.


P.S. Another great place to find gifts for kids is at Fat Brain Toys!  They currently have a promotion going where you can get a free Eggventure gift with orders of $65 or more, no code necessary.  Check out the details here.

 

July 16, 2021

No.543: Three Months Without Amazon Prime // How It’s Going So Far

Back in April, I canceled the Amazon Prime subscription I have had for over ten years.  I don’t think I could come up with a more first world problem, but I’ll be honest and admit that I was a little nervous!  When we’d mention our plan to friends, they would gasp and whisper, Oh, I could never do that.  Their comments gave me pause: would I miss the convenience?  Would my kids miss the streaming service?  Would I miss the little perks included?  Three months later, I can happily answer with an emphatic NO.

I always like to read books where people do something extreme and then share what they learned.  Cancelling a store subscription is most definitely not extreme, but in today’s world, it is unpopular!  Here are a few of my thoughts:

THERE ARE OTHER AWESOME BUSINESSES OUT THERE

Like it or not, my knee-jerk reaction to buying anything online was always Amazon.  I believed that they were the only company to ship quickly and that trying to find what I needed elsewhere was just too much work.  Three months in and I can confidently tell you that those excuses have all been proven false.  An example: my family likes the electrolyte tablets from the company, Nuun.  I used to pop a box into my cart on Amazon without a second thought, but this time I asked the groundbreaking question: Do they ship from their own website?  Yes, yes they do.  This search took all of two minutes!  Once on their website, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were having a sale (#frugalaccomplishment) and I received my order within two days.

OUR KIDS DO NOT NEED FREE REIN TO ALL.THE.SHOWS

One of our issues with streaming shows, even within the “Kids” area, was that my children would inevitably stumble on something questionable.  Sometime last year, my then three-year-old clicked on a (seemingly innocent) animated monster truck show about counting.  Within minutes, I heard the creepy voice of one of the characters and came into the living room to see a demon truck telling the others how bad he was.  I mean, what?!  It was a wakeup call.

With the removal of Prime, we are without cable and any streaming services (not even Netflix!), but my kids don’t seem to feel deprived.  Here’s what we’re doing instead: I’ve been joking with Mark that we’re bringing our kids back to the ’90s.  The kids made a big wishlist and then every payday, I purchase a brand new DVD from the list.  It’s always a big surprise!  And here’s the ’90s childhood part: we watch the heck out of that movie for the next two weeks!  I like that they are losing the constant need for something brand new, the obsession with instant gratification.  Less choices also means less of a desire to stare at the screen all day too.

WE’RE SAVING MONEY

I wouldn’t consider myself an impulse shopper, but I always felt like it was just too easy to buy a little bit here and there on Amazon.  Those purchases add up!  Without Prime, you have to spend a minimum of $25 to qualify for free shipping, so it’s made me more intentional about what I’m actually buying.

In summary, we aren’t anti-Amazon and have actually used their website a few times since.  (Ironically for books, which was the Amazon’s OG product line.)  But there is life outside of Prime and I don’t miss it one bit!

January 27, 2021

No.481: Where I Buy Books

My last task on this year’s 100 Little Things list is “Use Amazon as little as possible.”  This wasn’t necessarily a “holier than thou” statement about big business, but more of a shorthand way to remind me to look toward other retail places first.  Today I wanted to share six places I look for books before heading to the “Big A” – let me know your favorite little spots too!

1 // Better World Books

When I’m in the market for books, Better World Books is the first place I turn.  Their used book selection is incredible and the prices are generally pretty great.  I can often get hardcovers for less than $4!  They have sales frequently and also have a rewards program for even more savings.  Standard shipping is always free.  In the off chance that my order got lost in the mail, they’ve quickly refunded my money.  I’m a big, big fan of BWB.

Use my link to get $5 off your order of $30 or more!

2 // Ebay

If I can’t find the book I’m looking for at BWB or the price isn’t great, I head over to Ebay.  This is a little hit or miss, but it never hurts to look!  Since larger retailers often use ebay too, I especially like to search out the books that look like a regular person is selling them.  (Typically, a retailer will just use a stock photo, where a “regular person” takes their own photo.)  It means a lot when someone buys my used books and I like to share the love that way too.

3 // Book Outlet

Book Outlet is an awesome source of lower-cost new books.  These are returns or overstock from publishers, discounted only because they usually have a small dot or marking on the edge.  They also have sticker books, puzzles and other bookstore-type things for the kids.  I love browsing their selection and it updates frequently.  Shipping is free on orders over $35.

Use my link for a $10 coupon to use on your first purchase of $25 or more!

4 // Bookshop

A new for me option for book buying is through Bookshop.  I became an affiliate last year and was excited to see some of my blogging friends do the same.  When the price is right, I like to shop through their links  A win/win situation: money is sent to small, independent bookshops and bloggers can get a little kickback too.

Check out some of my favorite books in a variety of topics in my shop!

5 // Directly From the Publishers

Another source I just started using was to shop directly through the publisher.  Often, I’ll hear about a kind-of obscure book that isn’t readily available.  And when I can find it, it costs a fortune!  An example of this is a book I found on Pinterest that I thought would be perfect for my homemaking course called Home Economics.  Checking across websites, I could only find it around $30, which is pretty steep for such a little book.  On a whim, I checked directly on the publisher’s website and found it at a more reasonable price.  I also like to do this with Catholic publishing companies – they sometimes have really great sales and they ship fast.

6 // Usborne

When I’m in the market for books for the kids or school, I often check out Usborne.  Their books are colorful, educational and fun.  Some of the beginner chapter books have been really helpful in getting my elementary kids sucked into independent reading.  And bonus: you can financially help a consultant, who is often a mom.

Two of my favorite consultants are Rosie and Sarah!

** Honorable mentions are thrift stores and my local independent bookstore, although in-person shopping has been greatly reduced these days! **

January 13, 2021

No.475: #StandWithSmall: A Wintertime Wishlist

This post contains affiliate links.

Over the years, I’ve come to really love winter.  I’ve been going full speed ahead since September, powering through the fall with school and birthdays and extracurriculars and Christmas.  When January finally comes around, I feel like I can finally collapse into my reading chair and relax.  This is the time to reenergize, to get some extra sleep and to catch up on things I put off when there just wasn’t time. 

Winter evokes a lot of feelings for me: coziness, warmth and a general sense of slowing down.  I was recently browsing through etsy with those goals in mind and found so many awesome products from small artisans that I thought I’d share them here.


HOME

+ Daylight is so short these days, so I use candles more often during the winter months.  I have purchased beeswax tapers from Beeswax Candle Company (the same shop I get our Advent candles) and really need to buy some more.  (Also on my wishlist is this candle holder from Stuck in the Mud Pottery.)  This “warm and cozy” candle from Sweet Water Decor sounds interesting too.  
+ Some of my favorite quilts to cuddle up in are the ones my grandmother made.  Not only are they unique and beautiful, but I love knowing that she carried them in her hands.  There are so many vintage quilts online – I love this beautiful blue and white version and this hexagon one is incredible!  (Can you even imagine the time that went into sewing it?)  This pinwheel one is fun and bright too.
+ An easy way to change things up in the winter months is to include a few velvet pillows on the couch!  I found lots of great colors from Pillow Time Girls.
+ This is the time of year for a constant supply of warm beverages!  Since I probably shouldn’t be chugging coffee all day, I return to tea drinking.   This hand-thrown mug is completely my style and this spoon is perfect for me too.

COZY CLOSETS

+ Have you ever heard of cold weather gear made from alpaca fibers?  Me neither!  I’d definitely love to try the socks from Foggy Bottom Alpacas.
+ There’s nothing like a warm, broken-in chunky sweater.  I love all of the vintage pieces that Lisa curates at Betty’s Heart Co. and this wool sweater looks especially cozy.  This camel-colored one is cute too!
+ Look at these vintage knit gloves!  So feminine.
+ Borden Acres is my go-to shop for goat’s milk soap and I’m anxious to try her body lotion next.

HOBBIES AND HANDIWORK

+ I’m just about done with my current cross-stitch project and am looking for something new.  Lilli Violette Cross Stitch Design has a ton of great pieces – I especially love this Anne of Green Gables one.
+ How fun is this keychain painting kit from Jill Makes?  This would be a nice Easter basket gift too.
+ Nature study has come to a complete halt around here, but this printable journal could help us get out of the funk.
+ One of these days, I’m going to learn how to knit, but for now, I’ll just look at all the beautiful skeins!  Three shops I found with beautiful options are Treehouse Knits LLC (she has a yarn of the month club!), Black Sheep Dye Works, and Holly Press Fibers.

April 15, 2020

No.381: #StandWithSmall: A Gardening Wishlist

This post contains affiliate links.

There are so many people hurting financially right now and small artisan businesses are no exception.  Today I wanted to join Etsy and their #StandWithSmall campaign and share with you a handful of beautiful items that get me so excited for spring and my new garden.  Be sure to also check out Etsy’s Editors’ Picks Page for more cool things!

PLANTS

Lately I’ve been daydreaming about the day that I can go meander through our local garden center, smelling the flowers and reading all of the little care tags.  In the meantime, I’m excited to find some new plant varieties on Etsy!  Most are clippings and will take a bit more growing time, but that’s half the fun.  
  • This Pilea Plant from HorticultLLC has the prettiest, most delicate pink foliage.  I think it would be beautiful in Sophia’s room.
  • I have a Christmas Cactus that was propagated from my great-grandmother’s (my most treasured plant!) but I’m thinking about adding another variety to the family.  This Easter Cactus from s3succulents is gorgeous!  I love the orange blooms.
  • Have someone in your life who could use a little pick-me-up?  Send them this darling Sweetheart Hoya from The Little Jungle!  I may need one for myself.
  • I plan to grab a few of these Maidenhair Ferns from JLPfarmsTN when they come back from vacation.  I think they’ll work great in containers on my back deck.  

BEES AND BIRDHOUSES

  • I actually just bought this Mason Bee House from RV Designs Studio and hung it up by the garden last week!  I’m anxious to see how many pollinators it attracts.
  • This Cedar Nesting Box from Oh Avenue Gifts is for birds like robins, doves or phoebes and is so beautiful.
  • Need a fun springtime project for the kids?  John at Door County Woodworks has you covered!  His unfinished bird houses are affordable and ready to paint.  

GARDEN SUPPLIES

  • I am in love with this 100% Linen Gathering Apron from Four Peas in a Pod Design.
  • These English Rose Gardening Gloves by Gloves by Katherine are really unique and fun.  
  • These hand-stamped Garden Stakes from Yesterday’s November would make a nice gift for a fellow gardener.  Maybe add a few corresponding seed packets too?

PAPERGOODS

  • I feel like the “A Little Dirt Never Hurt” Sticker from Nature Supply Company is the motto my children live by!  
  • It wouldn’t be a Big White Farmhouse wishlist without a few notecards!  I love this illustrated one by Tori Tornado Creative.
  • This Flower Explosion letterpress card by Brown Parcel Press is worthy of framing!  So gorgeous.

September 17, 2019

No.294: Small Biz Showcase // What I Bought This Summer

The Small Biz Showcase series is my way to stay accountable to my new motto, “Less But Better.”  I share seasonally the small businesses I found and purchased from.   (You can find the spring post here.)  Sometimes half the issue is that we don’t know any other options, so I’ll share some with you and I hope you’ll share some hidden gems with me!  Here’s what I bought this summer:

1 // JEN OLSON ILLUSTRATION
Someone close to me sadly lost her baby to a miscarriage.  I bought this miscarried baby saint card for her and was really happy with the quality.  Jen’s artwork is absolutely beautiful and I have many more pieces on my wishlist, including these postcards and this print of one of my favorite saints.

2 // THE SPEECH ZONE
Teachers Pay Teachers is a treasure trove of resources for teachers and homeschoolers alike!  I found worksheets and smashmats from The Speech Zone to help TJ with final consonant deletion and they have quickly become his favorite part of the school day.  I love supporting creative teachers.

3 // STEVE SPANGLER SCIENCE
Have you ever watched DIY SCI with Steve Spangler?  My kids love his show, so I was thrilled to discover that he has a website filled with science products.  I bought the energy stick, a geyser tube, and a geodes kit and will use them throughout the year with our science curriculum.  I’m sure I’ll be back for the slime and the botany kit.

4 // JERRY’S ARTARAMA
I needed quite a few art supplies for school, so I was so excited to find this website!  The prices were competitive and they shipped quickly and securely.  I bought a ton of things, but my favorite buys were the DVD curriculum, these colored pencils (comparable to Prismacolors) and these little sketchbooks that we’re using for nature study.


5 // SOUPER CUBES
I like to make my own chicken broth but needed a better way of storing it in the freezer.  Enter this awesome invention: Souper Cubes!  They look like silicone ice cube trays and are separated into one cup portions.  Fill, freeze, and you’re done!  I think this will be perfect for broth, soups, even homemade tomato sauce.

6 // STUCK IN THE MUD POTTERY
Last but not least, I bought this little ceramic hanging pot to hang in my bathroom window.  It’s simple, but so well done and I was so pleased!  I’ll definitely be back soon for a coffee mug or a honey pot or one of these gorgeous plates.





P.S. The links to the etsy shops are affiliate.  Thank you so much for supporting this blog while shopping small.
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