A Summer Garden Party: Rustic Charm and Culinary Delights

A Summer Garden Party: Rustic Charm and Culinary Delights

We hosted a summer garden party in our backyard, making the most of the delightful weather and the natural beauty of our surroundings. With detailed planning and a touch of creativity, the event turned into an unforgettable gathering of friends and family, filled with laughter, delectable treats, and rustic charm.

Garden party - bike with flowers

Setting the Scene

Our backyard and garden house, adorned with blossoming flowers and greenery, provided the ideal backdrop for our summer garden party. The weather was perfect, with a clear sky and a gentle breeze, creating a comfortable atmosphere for all our guests. We set up extra tables and chairs outside but served the main meal inside the garden house.

Garden party - bistro table with chairs

 

The Rustic Drink Station

At the entrance of the garden party, I crafted a unique rustic drink station using an old wooden ladder. With its weathered appearance and repurposed charm, the ladder perfectly complemented the theme. Mason jars filled with colorful paper straws quickly became a focal point for our guests. 

The drink station offered an array of refreshing beverages to quench everyone's thirst, including a pineapple spritzer and mint-infused iced tea. Guests loved the interactive experience of serving themselves, and the ladder's rustic elegance was a conversation starter throughout the evening.

Garden party - drink station with ladderGarden party drink dispenser
The Photo Op
We created a photo backdrop using a canvas dropcloth that we tied to a tree branch using twine. We then used clear glass bottles filled with greens and hung them in varying lengths in front of the drop cloth.
.
We also displayed an old bicycle that I decorated with fresh flowers using floral foam that I soaked with water and put into the spokes of the wheel, then stuck the stems of the flowers and greens into the foam.
Garden partyGarden party - bike with flowersGarden partyGarden party door
We started the meal with wood nibble boards on each place setting holding skewers of blackberry caprese as an appetizer (recipe). I love using our nibble boards (available in our shop) for appetizers or name card holders. They add a rustic touch to the table. Each place setting also included a menu printed onto watercolor paper, so the guests knew what to expect.
Garden party table settingGarden party menuGarden party in garden houseGarden partyGarden party
Our next course was a strawberry mixed green salad that we placed in jam jars. We served them in rustic galvanized trays with a glass salad dressing dispenser in the middle. 
Garden party saladGarden party strawberry salad
Next, we served creamy tomato basil soup with a homemade crouton on the side of the jar. To add an element of elegance and charm to the presentation, we opted to serve the soup in mini glass jars. These dainty vessels provided a touch of whimsy and sophistication, making the soup feel like a gourmet delight.
Garden party tomato soupGarden party
For the main course, we served two different types of sandwiches: a prosciutto crostini with burrata (recipe) and a chicken bacon artisan sandwich (recipe). They were delicious! I highly recommend the recipes. We wrapped the chicken sandwiches with a French-style parchment paper (available here) and tied with baker's twine.
Garden party sandwichesGarden party sandwiches
Garden party sandwiches
To balance the savory with the sweet, we served individual vanilla layer cakes with buttercream frosting topped with fresh white roses. We set them out on tables in the backyard, so the guests could mingle and grab a cake. 
Individual vanilla cake with roseGarden party individual cakes with roses
I created a vintage-style ice cream cart using one of our old tables, some antique wheels I picked up at a barn sale, and a pretty white umbrella (available here). We served honeyed lavender ice cream cones from Fox Meadows Creamery. It was such a lovely flavor and went perfectly with the cakes.
Garden party ice cream cartGarden party ice cream cartGarden party ice cream cart
To elevate the enchanting ambiance of the garden party, we had the pleasure of having a talented local musician gracing us with her heavenly harp melodies throughout the night. Positioned near the garden house, she strummed the strings of her harp, filling the air with a melodic symphony that resonated with the serene surroundings.
Garden party musicGarden party harpist

As the night drew to a close, we wanted to express our gratitude to our guests for sharing this magical garden party with us. To show our appreciation and to continue the spirit of rustic charm, we prepared delightful party favors for them to take home.

Each guest received a mini French market basket, adorned with a dainty ribbon. Inside these charming baskets, we placed freshly baked croissants, ready to be enjoyed the next morning. The aroma of the croissants was irresistible, promising a delightful breakfast and a reminder of the sweet memories made during the evening.

In addition to the croissants, we included a small jar of honey. The golden-hued honey was a symbol of the sweetness shared during the garden party and served as a reminder of the sweetness of life and the bonds formed that day.

To quench their thirst on the way home, we also placed a glass bottle of a sweet drink in each basket. It was the perfect way to end the evening and provided a refreshing treat for guests to enjoy during their journey home.

Garden party favors
August 02, 2023 — Aimee Weaver
Ocean Paintings on Reclaimed Barn Wood: A Journey of Art and Sustainability

Ocean Paintings on Reclaimed Barn Wood: A Journey of Art and Sustainability

In the realm of artistic expression, there are countless mediums and techniques to explore. One of my favorites ways to fuse together artistry and sustainability is the creation of ocean paintings on reclaimed barn wood. This unique combination not only produces visually stunning artwork but also contributes to the preservation of our environment. 

The Beauty of Reclaimed Barn Wood: Reclaimed barn wood possesses a rustic charm and a story to tell. Salvaging wood from old barns not only gives the material a new purpose but also helps reduce the demand for new timber, thereby promoting sustainability. The weathered texture, rich patina, and unique grain patterns make it an ideal canvas for creating ocean-inspired artwork.

Inspiration from the Ocean: The ocean has long been an inspiration for me, evoking a sense of awe, tranquility, and boundless beauty. From the gentle ebb and flow of waves to the vibrant colors of marine life, the ocean provides a wealth of inspiration for creating stunning paintings. 

 Ocean painting

We hand select wood boards that work perfectly as the sky, water, and sand. The texture of the wood simulates the ever changing nature of the sea. The artwork is then handpainted to create a gorgeous painting that captures the unique qualities of the ocean.

The ocean has an extraordinary power to captivate our hearts and inspire a sense of tranquility, wonder, and serenity. Imagine bringing the beauty and magic of the ocean into your home, allowing its essence to permeate your living space. Ocean paintings serve as windows to the sea, invoking a deep connection with nature and infusing your surroundings with a touch of coastal charm. 

  1. Creating an Oasis of Calm: The ocean has a soothing effect on the human mind, and incorporating ocean-inspired paintings in your home can create a tranquil atmosphere. Hang a large-scale ocean painting in your living room or bedroom to serve as a focal point, instantly transporting you to a serene coastal paradise. The gentle hues and rhythmic waves depicted in the artwork will infuse your space with a calming ambiance.

  2. Evoking a Sense of Wonder and Adventure: Our ocean paintings not only bring a sense of peace but also spark a spirit of adventure and exploration. Imagine stepping into your home office or study adorned with an ocean painting that depicts vast horizons and infinite possibilities. It serves as a reminder to embrace curiosity, embrace new horizons, and embark on exciting journeys, both figuratively and literally.

  3. Infusing Vibrant Coastal Vibes: If you're seeking to infuse your home with vibrant coastal vibes, ocean paintings are the perfect choice. These vibrant hues can be echoed in your choice of decor, such as throw pillows, curtains, or rugs, to create a cohesive coastal aesthetic that breathes life into your space.

  4. Stimulating Conversation and Connection: Art has the power to elicit emotions and serve as a catalyst for conversation. Our ocean paintings can become the centerpiece of your living room or dining area, drawing the attention of guests and igniting discussions about the beauty of the sea, travel experiences, or shared love for coastal destinations. It provides a common ground for connecting with friends and family, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere.

  5. Versatility and Adaptability: Ocean paintings come in various color hues and sizes. This versatility allows you to find artwork that aligns with your personal taste and complements your existing home decor.

  6. Inviting Serenity into Bathrooms and Spas: Bathrooms and spa-like spaces offer an excellent opportunity to create a tranquil retreat within your home. Enhance the spa-like atmosphere with our ocean paintings featuring tranquil seascapes, gentle waves, or serene coastal scenes. These artworks can transform your bathroom into a personal sanctuary, allowing you to relax and unwind amidst the soothing vibes of the ocean.

Bringing the love of the ocean into your home through our captivating ocean paintings elevates the ambiance and brings a sense of peace, wonder, and coastal charm. By carefully selecting artwork that resonate with you, you can infuse each room with the essence of the sea, creating a serene oasis or a vibrant coastal haven. Embrace the beauty of the ocean and let its allure fill your home with tranquility, inspiration, and a deep connection to nature.

 

 

June 12, 2023 — Aimee Weaver

Mother's Day Brunch

Last Saturday we hosted our annual Mother's Day brunch at the garden house, and we had a lovely time! The weather was a bit rainy, but the garden house felt especially cozy because of the weather. 

Each attendee took home a fresh flower bouquet that we placed by the entrance.

I decorated the garden house with lilacs from a bush in our backyard. I also used Iris and Sage to decorate the tables.

I filled small clear glass bottles with water and inserted small ferns, then put candles into them to create a candle holder.

We served sourdough bread on our nibble boards. We paired the bread with herb whipped butter that we piped into mini terra cotta pots.

We served mini homemade ice cream cones in our propagation stands, and they turned out so cute!

We also served Lavender Lemon cookies that were topped with an edible flower.

May 19, 2023 — Aimee Weaver
Tags: Events
Reclaimed wood sconces

Decorating with our reclaimed wood sconces

We picked up a bundle of old fence posts from a barn sale a while ago, and I was inspired to turn them into something functional. They had a beautiful shape and so much potential. I asked for ideas on Instagram, and a few people suggested turning them into sconces. Brilliant!

Wood sconce

We now have the sconces available on the website in very limited supply. Find them here. I styled them two separate ways - as candle holders and as plant holders.

Here they are as candle holders styled next to our "It's so good to be home" framed canvas.

wood porch post sconcewood porch post sconcewood porch post sconce

And here it is as a plant holder:

wood porch post sconcewood porch post sconcewood porch post sconce

I decorate with a lot of plants in my home, and I love this unique way to display them! We created them in a distressed white finish and raw wood.

SHOP FOR SCONCES HERE

October 15, 2021 — Aimee Weaver
The Fall 2021 Collection is here!

The Fall 2021 Collection is here!

The new Fall 2021 Collection was inspired by warm colors, the great outdoors, and the crisp feeling in the air as the days get shorter. Our family took an extensive road trip this summer throughout the Western US, and I brought the memories of the trip into this collection. I hope you'll find something you love!
Fall Artwork
Fall pumpkin artwork
Fall candle
Feathers artworkRoses tapestry wall artFaith signMemo ClipboardOregon Forest CanvasSequoia ArtworkScripture Sign
September 01, 2021 — Aimee Weaver
New Summer Collection

New Summer Collection

The new Summer 2021 Collection is here! We have new wood signs, canvas wall hangings, printables, and a brand new set of wood risers that I'm so excited to share!

First up, the new wood signs:

And several new canvas wall hangings:

We created this set of three wood risers to be used as plant stands, drink dispenser holders, table centerpiece and the list goes on and on! They are made with chunky reclaimed Maple wood, and the legs are made from barn ladders, giving them beautiful, authentic character!

They are available in three sizes: 3" high, 4" high and 8" high. All of them have a 9" round diameter.

And we have three new printables that provide such easy and inexpensive art for your walls!

May 29, 2021 — Aimee Weaver
Mother's Day Brunch in the Garden House

Mother's Day Brunch in the Garden House

This past weekend I hosted a Mother & Daughter brunch in our garden house, and it was such a lovely time! I had my sister, sisters-in-law, mom, and two cousins help me to set up and to serve the food at the event, which was so special. Our menu was deep dish quiche, apple walnut salad, tomato basil bread, and mini Fraisier cakes. Here are some photos of the morning taken by Alyssa Bunton.

May 11, 2021 — Aimee Weaver
New tapestries are in the shop!

New tapestries are in the shop!

I'm so excited about the new tapestries we have available in the shop! These large-scale art pieces are perfect for big, empty walls that are begging for some love. The images are printed onto fabric, then we use a special hand-finishing process to give them a vintage look and feel. The reclaimed wood strips on the top and bottom complete the look.

SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE

April 12, 2021 — Aimee Weaver
Our new Spring Collection is here!

Our new Spring Collection is here!

It's March 1, which means there are only a few more weeks left until Spring is here! For this new collection, I was inspired by botanicals and the fresh feeling that Spring brings. You can see the whole collection here.

SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE

March 01, 2021 — Aimee Weaver
NEW Winter Collection!

NEW Winter Collection!

Our new collection launches today with a variety of new products that I'm very excited about! We've added new signs, printables, candle scents and hand soap. For a limited time, take 10% off the Winter Collection with code WINTER2021.

January 15, 2021 — Aimee Weaver
Tapestry Collection

Tapestry Collection

I've been working on a brand new collection featuring large, vintage-inspired tapestries for a while, and I'm so excited they are all ready and available for you! It was a pure joy to work on these. They are made from fabric that has been hand-finished with reclaimed barn wood strips on the top and bottom. These tapestries are perfect for a large wall that is begging for some attention. You can find the tapestries in the shop here.

January 08, 2021 — Aimee Weaver
NEW Fall Collection!

NEW Fall Collection!

I'm so excited to launch my Fall Collection inspired by the new garden house that we just finished building in our backyard! That is where I took most of the photos of the new products, and it's where I feel most inspired right now.

We have several new wood signs, as well as canvas wall hangings, wood bead garlands, and something brand new - candles! I learned how to make these candles and chose my favorite scents. I think you'll love them as much as I do!

Peach candle

Blackberry vanilla candle

 

August 21, 2020 — Aimee Weaver