GET IN THE MILK CRATE!

Rebecca's Furniture Pick of the Week - Modern American TV-Media Console

2011-03-01T14:42:00.001-05:00

There are a few reasons that I just love this Modern American TV-Media Console. First of all it doesnt JUST have to be used as a TV console, as you can plainly see from the above photo. This item would fit wonderfully in your home for a multitude of purposes. As you can see it is really beautiful as a contemporary modern sideboard. I can also see this as a hallway or foyer table.

Just a few things about this gorgeous piece:

It is made from SOLID WOOD
The wood is from sustainable forests that are managed
Eco friendly finish - similar to your grandmother's furniture
Has impeccable craftsmanship - is made to last your lifetime
REALLY IS MADE IN AMERICA
This craftsman will alter to your specifications and customize where you need it

Please visit us at Vermont Woods Studios and see the finest solid-wood furniture made in New England.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Yep, Made Out Of Milk Jugs! Perfect and Eco Friendly!

2011-03-01T14:16:00.002-05:00

Vermont Woods Studios now offers OUTDOOR FURNITURE as part of it's website. AND it's made from plastic milk jugs....sounds strange but it helps the environment and fits into our mission here at VWS, and is really beautiful! The picture shown above is from our South Beach Collection.

We call it the LAZY ENVIRONMENTALIST'S DREAM because it is helping the environment and there is practically no maintainence to it at all. Just throw it on or in the nearest patio, garden, balcony or poolside and just use it to your heart's content. For you Northerners you DONT have to bring it in in the winter! I know, hard to believe but it's true! For you Southerners just leave it in the sun and it STAYS the color you bought it. Dont worry about the mold on the fabrics because they are made to resist fading as well as mold.

Club Mission Collection

South Beach Adirondack Collection

I have shown you just a few of my favorites above but there is sooo much more!

So just visit us and take a look and order some today!

Enjoy!

Rebecca

New Office and Showroom For Vermont Woods Studios!!

2011-03-01T13:23:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! We are so excited that we have moved into our new office slash showroom! We have been working out of Peggy's house since the fire took out our little showroom at the farm and have had a "kinda" showroom there, but it just didnt work the way we wanted it too. So! We found a small space nearby that worked perfectly until we can find a more permanant location. It's not pretty yet, but we have working on it! We have ordered more furniture and are awaiting it's arrival. Now I know how our customers feel! But in the next month or so we should look a little more "professional".

Here is a picture of the front....we need a sign. I'm working on it.

Inside looking at the front door. Yes, a little sparse.....

More pics of inside......

So, we should be able to have visiters in the next few weeks, but if you still want to stop by please do so!

Enjoy!

Rebecca

NEW Bedroom PLUS Sale at Vermont Woods Studios

2011-02-11T16:37:00.000-05:00

Hey just wanted to let everyone know that we are having a fabulous bedroom sale that ends February 22nd. Everyone can save up to 15% if they buy two or more bedroom items. Check it out!

Rebecca

VermontWoodsStudios.com

I Just LOVE Our New Modern American Furniture Collection! Super HOT!!!

2011-01-20T12:41:00.001-05:00

So, we have been working our tails off getting this new Modern American Furniture collection out for everyone to see! It is handcrafted by a VERY talented craftsman in Vermont that really has a handle on making beautiful traditional furniture, but with a very cool modern flair.

Now, the piece shown here as the sideboard, is actually a television console....that is what is so great about this collection. There are items that will fit ANYWHERE in your home and can work in different ways.

We still have lots to do, so keep an eye out for new pieces that are being added daily.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Our NEW Bare Naked Business! Really Funny Introduction!

2011-01-17T13:07:00.001-05:00

Peggy has started a new website called Bare Naked Business that shows what it takes to have a small business. She refers it to "drawing back the curtain" and showing people what it takes, or what it can take to start up a small business on your own. It is a lot of hard work but lots of fun too. It is all video and she introduces me and the office manager Bongo. Check it out!

Enjoy!

Rebecca

New Products At Vermont Woods Studios! Whew!

2011-01-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a loooooonnnnnggg time since I have blogged but I am commited to doing it more frequently now!

We have been so busy here at VWS getting through the holiday sales season and getting two NEW vendors up on the website. We have about 30 new products from a new fabulous craftsman that is in the Burlington area and we are also starting a NEW OUTDOOR LINE called EVERWOOD! So exciting! I will talk about Everwood later but want to tell you guys what is up with our new craftsman's collections starting with our new Modern Shaker Collection. Gorgeous is the first word that comes to mind! This furniture collection is from a craftsman with 30 years in the business and his designs are simple and modern. Little differences between his collections make them interchangeable too. Keep an eye out for more collections and more blogs very soon!

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Beautiful Solid Wood Walnut Furniture

2010-09-06T21:17:00.000-04:00

I have blogged about walnut furniture before and how the wood is so rare and beautiful. But, until recently I had never really seen a lot of the finished product. Last week I traveled to two of our craftamen's workshops and saw some of their walnut items and I fell in love with walnut wood furniture. Solid wood walnut furniture is just so gorgeous! I saw the item pictured here and just gasped. It was so beautiful and the picture here does not do it justice. This is our Classic Shaker Large Buffet and Hutch done in walnut and it is breathtaking. The walnut wood that made this piece was harvested from a sustainable forest so as to not destroy what walnut trees we have left. Most walnut trees were destroyed in the early American years almost depleting the supply hence the premium price for the wood. The craftsmen who make this hutch and buffet live and work here in Vermont and practice eco-friendly practices in their workshop. So, now that I am such a fan of walnut furniture you will be seeing more pieces here in this blog.

Sorry, but if you dont like walnut....why not tell me what is your favorite wood?

Enjoy!

Rebecca
Vermont Woods Studios Furniture

It's All About Great Customer Service From Our Online Furniture Store!

2010-09-06T20:14:00.000-04:00

Check out Vermont Woods Studios Eco Blog. Having a furniture store online is not always easy. But, our motto here at Vermont Woods Studios is to make sure we give the best customer service possible and make sure your customers are happy with their beautiful eco-friendly furniture. Read Peggy's blog and see a Jessica's story about her furniture delivery gone slightly awry.

Enjoy!

Rebecca
Vermont Woods Studios

Solid Wood American Made Bed On Sale! Full Size Natural Cherry 20% OFF

2010-09-06T19:54:00.001-04:00

You can take advantage of our misfortune. This bed was ordered by a customer and she ordered the wrong size. So we have placed it on sale for 20% off! Brand new bed that doesn't have a home. Want to give it a home? This full size Cherry Moon Platform bed is ready for shipment and can be in your home ready for you to enjoy!

Call if you have questions, but this bed will not last long at this price.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Great Father's Day Gift or Christmas Stocking Stuffer For Him

2010-09-06T19:36:00.001-04:00

Yes, I know, not quite as exciting as a tie or socks or whatever it is that you give to the guy who has everything. How about wooden drink coasters? They make a great stocking stuffer and are that unique eco-friendly gift that will catch his attention and he will appreciate, even at Father's Day. And, how about protecting all your table tops during those game day get togethers? So make it that great Father's Day gift, or a unique men's gift for that masculine birthday or that Christmas or holiday stocking stuffer.

Enjoy!

Rebecca
Vermont Woods Studios

The Perfect Beach House or Summer Home Furniture

2010-06-02T20:56:00.004-04:00

You might even call it Country Cottage chic.....we do!!!

Now is the time that we are all thinking of warm sunny days, tropical breezes and days spent near or on the water. Some of you might even be thinking that the summer home needs a little brightening up and redecorating. If you are, then Vermont Woods Studios Furniture has a line that was made to fit into your summer home decorating dreams.

Even if your home looks like this....

Like this.....

Or even this.....

You might like this.....our Country Cottage 6 Drawer Dresser...

Or this.....our Country Cottage Armoire....

Or maybe this beautiful Country Cottage Night Stand or Side Table....

All of our Country Cottage furniture collection comes in an array of colors that will be sure to fit your elegant warm weather taste and style. If you are looking for that great piece of bedroom or living room furniture that fits in with that beachy, summery, country chic, shabby chic, look and feel then check us out at Vermont Woods Studios Furniture. All our furniture is handcrafted in Vermont by Vermont furniture maker artisans. And all our wood is harvested from forests that are sustainable, meaning that we harvest from "managed" forests, and our finishes are non-toxic. New England quality goes into every piece of furniture, so that your family will be enjoying them for endless summers to come.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Spring/Summer at Vermont Woods Studios

2010-05-29T16:29:00.001-04:00

It is FINALLY warm and beautiful here in Vernon, Vermont and here at Vermont Woods Studios Furniture. This girl has been wishing and hoping for the warm weather...oh since about last August! So, it's finally here and it's green and gorgeous. Here are some pics that I took around the house where we work and a few from the horse farm where we have our showroom. What was I doing outside when I was supposed to be inside working? Hey! I was at lunch! It is hard to stay inside when outside is so sunny and warm after a cold winter. We have been so busy selling our furniture on the internet that we hadn't realized it was spring! It kind of snuck up on us but we are very happy it is here.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Vermont Woods Studio Corporate Office Spring 2010

Beautiful tree in the front yard of VWS Corporate Office

Spring flowers in front of the VWS Corporate Office

Dennis, Peggy, Manjula and Brian at the farm where they help

with chores to barter for rent....notice I didn't say we!

Brian, Peggy and Manjula at the farm.

The newest addition to the farm and his Mama.

These were just so pretty, just had to take a picture.

Beautiful patch of little violet flowers in front of the office.

And in that patch of the flowers in the above picture...

this lone little dandelion! I thought he was so cute there

all by his lonesome.

Watch Us On FOX News

2010-05-11T12:46:00.003-04:00

Friday will be a big day for Vermont Woods Studios. Our owner, Peggy, will be featured on the popular show Strategy Room on FOX News. The program is filmed live in New York City, and so it will air this Friday, 5/14/2010. Tune in to see our fearless leader on live television promoting our green mission and showing our lovely, high-end furniture. I know that I, personally, can't wait to see it. If you are unable to catch it live, you can view the episode on their website for a week after the show airs.

HAPPY EARTH DAY

2010-04-22T15:19:00.002-04:00

Welcome back to the Milk Crate, and Happy Earth Day. I'm not going to make this a long entry, but just wanted to remind everyone what Earth Day is all about. Earth Day is a day to remind everyone what their responsibility is to the planet. The Earth has given us everything that we have, and will give us everything that we will have. The only problem is, it's been a one way street as far as most are concerned. We have done nothing to give back to the Earth all that we have taken from it, and Earth Day is a day to remember that. If you see a piece of trash on the ground today, pick it up. If you see someone about to throw a glass or plastic bottle away, remind them to recycle it. Don't squander the gifts that Mother Nature has provided for us all. Instead of picking a flower today, plant one. Instead of take out food sold in non-biodegradable containers, buy yourself some fresh fruits and vegetables. Instead of driving around wasting gas today, take a stroll and enjoy the Spring air.
Earth Day only comes once a year, folks, but Vermont Woods Studios is committed to making every day one where we fulfill our commitment to the planet's continued health. All of our furniture is made from wood harvested here in the United States, using sustainable forestry practices. Going "green" is something that all companies seem to be working towards nowadays. We started as a "green" company, and are proud to continue to offer only "green" products, made by local craftspeople.
Enjoy Earth Day, everyone, from all of us here at VWS. Until next time, this is Brian M. signing off. Time for our corporate wellness walk around lovely Vernon, Vermont. I wonder what great discounts we'll dream up on this walk. Check back to find out !

Vermont-Made Furniture Sets .... Matches Made In Heaven

2010-04-15T09:30:00.004-04:00

Greetings from Vermont, and welcome back to the Milk Crate. One look at the beautiful picture above, and you can see where our artisans get their inspiration from. Our woodworkers all have their small shops, tucked away in the depths of the mountains here in Vermont. These breathtaking views are something that they get to enjoy on a daily basis and it provides them with the inspiration to create these magnificent, heirloom quality furniture pieces that we offer at Vermont Woods Studios.

Our craftsman do such great work, that we are diligently working each day to think up new and inventive ways to present them to our customers and also ways to make purchasing easier. A recent hiking trip that our owner took provided her with some "divine" inspiration. While looking at this heavenly landscape where thousands of trees seem to be one grassy knoll, where hundreds of hills and valleys become part of one giant mountain, the idea dawned on her. Why not offer entire sets of furniture, rather than one piece at a time, and offer the entire set at a discounted price.

You are probably saying to yourself, this is not a new concept. That much is true, but we are not your typical furniture retailer. We don't sell mass-produced, or assembly line products. Our goods don't come out of a container that was shipped in from overseas. Each piece of our furniture is made to order, meticulously crafted by hand, right here in Vermont. To offer an entire set of this quality of furniture at the discounts that we are now offering is completely unheard of, until now.

Our pieces typically take approximately eight weeks to craft. Our customers are more than willing to wait for their furniture, because they know that their piece is being worked on by skilled professionals and is being given the utmost amount of tender loving care. With these new furniture sets, one might ask, would I now have to wait even longer to receive this order due to the number of pieces involved? The answer is no, and as a matter of fact, you'll actually be able to get the furniture faster than ever.

In our constant monitoring of trends in our business, we see what pieces are the most popular, and compare those figures to the statistics of the craftspeople we represent. We've taken this information and worked out a system that allows the most popular and frequently ordered pieces to be available on a faster turnaround. This means that you get the same hand-crafted, custom-made furniture in half the time, and at the same time you are able to take advantage of deeper discounts then ever before offered by Vermont Woods Studios.

These discounts are truly a godsend, and will certainly have you hoping that our owner goes hiking more frequently. Check out the Dining Room Furniture Sets page on our site today, and check back regularly, as we plan to expand this page in the immediate future. We will also look to put together a Bedroom Furniture Sets page as soon as we have adequate time to review the applicable data. There are also plenty of other pieces on sale at our Furniture On Sale page. Until next time, this is Brian M. signing off from the Milk Crate, wishing you all a heavenly day.

We Don't Make Mistakes....We Make Bargains

2010-04-12T09:58:00.010-04:00

As I sit down to write my first entry here on the Milk Crate I feel compelled to tell you that contrary to popular belief, we here at Vermont Woods Studios are not perfect. Like most people, we are susceptible to making a mistake here and there. The difference between our staff and the rest of the mistake making world is simple. Typically, when somebody makes a mistake, it means that rectifying said mistake is going to take a great deal of effort to do. We take a completely different approach here at VWS. Instead of trying to fix mistakes, we let our customer's fix them for us. This may sound like us simply passing the buck, but in actuality, it's hundreds of bucks that we're passing. Let me give you an example.

A natural cherry bed gets ordered in the wrong size from one of our local craftspeople. Rather then going through any issues with returns or credits or anything along those lines, we simply order a new bed in the correct size. This "mistake" is now ready to ship, but to who? This is where our customers come in to play, and how our passing the buck makes problem solving a simple task.

John Q. Customer is browsing our site, and decides to check out the Furniture On Sale page of our website. He is looking for a new bed made from sustainably harvested wood, and was wondering if he could get a great bed, handmade in Vermont, at a discounted price. Call it luck, call it a mistake, call it destiny, call it what you will, but the bed we ordered in the incorrect size is just the right size for him. This new customer now not only gets a beautiful bed, made right here in the Green Mountain State, at a discounted price AND gets to circumvent the 7-10 week crafting time on an heirloom quality piece of this nature. He doesn't get to customize the piece, but he doesn't need to. He doesn't want to wait 9-14 weeks for delivery, and guess what, he doesn't have to. In addition to all these benefits, he also gets to save a few hundred dollars off the retail price. Boy, don't you wish we made more mistakes !?!?!?

The fact is, these types of errors do not happen very often. We take our ordering process very seriously here at Vermont Woods Studios because our customers are entrusting us with their dreams. You visualize your home and the way you'd like it to look, and then you call us to make those dreams into a reality with custom built, hardwood furniture, that is built to last a lifetime. We pride ourselves on being able to perform this service for our customers, but the fact remains, we're only human. We urge you to take advantage of our mistakes and capitalize on the discounts that our mistakes bring about. Bookmark the Furniture On Sale page of our site and check it regularly. Not only do these "mistakes" wind up there, but we're constantly offering selections from our catalog of hand-crafted hardwood furniture at discounted prices. All of our prices include white-glove shipping and setup in your home, something you will not find from other furniture retailers.

Look for more posts here on the Milk Crate in the future from me, Brian M, regarding any and all new developments on the Vermont Woods Studios horizon. We're constantly evolving and changing the way we service our customers and I will be sharing these changes with you through this blog, so stay tuned.

Handmade Furniture: Top Ten Reasons To Buy It

2010-02-15T19:34:00.001-05:00

Why should you purchase handmade/handcrafted furniture? I asked myself that same question after having just moved from Florida and moved into my new place in Vermont, and having NO furniture since I had sold it all before the move. After all, I hadn't purchased nice furniture in the last few years because I knew I was moving. So nothing I had would be what I would call....worth keeping. So, now I have a whole new outlook on buying nice furniture instead of running around to yardsales, not that there are any here this time of year, but now I want pieces that are going to last me for a long time. That may mean spending more but in the long run I will be saving money since the nicer pieces will last longer. I cannot tell you how many bookshelves I have bought from Walmart and they fall apart in the next year! Ugh! No more cheap stuff.

Handcrafted does not always mean expensive. I have seen some furniture pieces that are mass produced and they are not that much less then the handcrafted!
A lot of handcrafted/handmade furniture can be adjusted/custom made to fit YOUR specifications. Try asking Ikea to make your dining table the size you want.
Most classic furniture makers use "REAL" wood for their furniture. Tons of mass produced furniture is made from different types of particle boards.
When you are talking about handcrafting furniture, there are quality standards that tend to be upheld with the furniture artisan. Meaning they take tons of pride in their craft.
So, when talking quality furniture - one of those things is the mortise and tennon joinery used in making the furniture.
Also, when talking quality furniture - the furniture makers use true dovetails when making their drawers - this is a sign of quality.
Using high end hardware, for drawers and pulls.
Using real wood, preferably sustainable wood, instead of particle boards.
I think using natural, non-toxic furniture finishes are also a mark of quality.
And, I think the most important thing, these pieces last FOREVER if taken care of. These are furniture desks, beds, chests, hutches that you pass down to your children....or if you dont have children your family members fight over once you are gone. :)

So, when you are in need of a new piece of furniture, think of what I've said above and buy a true piece of handcrafted furniture. You won't regret it.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Heart Shaped Valentine Chairs | Rebecca's Pick

2010-02-12T15:31:00.000-05:00

Check out Vermont Woods Studio's red Heart Shaped Valentine Chairs just in time for Valentine's Day! Give your honey his/her hearts desire with something unique and eclectic for your home. Great conversation pieces to be placed in a foyer, hallway or as an accent to any room. Handcrafted of figured maple hardwood with vervety red upholstery with painted red accents. You can pick your choice of wood and the color of your upholstery. Created by Vermont furniture maker Steve Holman.

For the luxury home with fabulous, funky style!

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Modern Shaker Style Furniture | Beautiful In It's Simplicity

2010-02-12T12:32:00.000-05:00

If you like curves and ornate decoration on your furniture then the Shaker style is not for you. Known for it's clean, straight lines and simplistic functionality, modest yet beautiful, Shaker furniture is unlike other furniture styles.

Shaker Furniture: History

The Shakers were a Christian denomination that came to America from Europe in the 1700's to practice religious freedom. They are called shakers because of the way they would "shake" during religious services. Practicing modesty simplicity and efficiency. The Shaker community has actually almost died out. There are only four Shakers left in the country since the Shakers practiced celibacy. Their numbers only increased due to taking in and adopting children, which was declaired unlawful in the 60's, making their numbers dwindle. But, because of their celibate lifestyle, the Shakers kept their hands and minds free from sin by practicing manual skills like carpentry. This led to a high degree of craft and dexterity, and it shows in their furniture. They are especially known for their simplistic furniture style.

Shaker Furniture: Modern Styling

Shaker furniture has had a huge impact on the modern furniture movement, and it's influences can be seen through many contemporary designers today. Keeping in the Shaker tradition and the modern furniture look, the furniture is simple, straight lines, minimalistic style. Modern furniture makers are keeping up the tradition of the Shakers with handmade, fine furniture made with hardwoods.

Like other fine wood furniture, shaker furniture uses the traditional tenon and mortise joinery, dovetailing, and fitting pieces of wood together. There will not find screws, nails, or braces anywhere on a well built piece of Shaker furniture. Actually, shaker chairs are not known for their wood frames, but for their carefully woven seats. It's a unique trait that sets Shaker style chairs and Shaker dining sets apart from many other custom furniture building styles.

Vermont Woods Studios keeps up the Shaker tradition with wonderful handmade Shaker Style Furniture. With four Shaker furniture collections to choose from you are sure to find the perfect furniture addition to your home.

Choose from:

American Shaker Furniture
Vermont Shaker Furniture
Classic Shaker Furniture
New England Shaker Furniture

Shaker Style furniture is considered by many a the only American Style furniture. Our furniture is made from sustainable hardwoods in and from Vermont by Vermont fine furniture makers, keeping with the Shaker furniture making tradition, everything made by hand and made to exacting detail and standards. Which just happens to be a New England standard as well.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Reasons To Buy American Made Furniture From Vermont

2010-01-13T19:39:00.003-05:00

In this day and age, as Americans we really all need to take a look at what we are doing when it comes to how and where we spend our money! A lot of us are struggling to make ends meet, and we are picky where we spend our money, and usually it's whatever is cheapest. But, we all need to take a look at that! Now look, I'm all for saving money, but we have millions of people out of work in this country and families are ending up on the streets. What kind of America is that? So, I know I am starting to sound like one of those wacko people who spouts "down" with everyone else and "up" with us, but it's not like that. I just want to make you think of a few things the next time you reach for your wallet to purchase something, for example furniture:

You are buying a quality piece of furniture that will last generations. Imagine purchasing your last dresser in your lifetime, and then being able to pass it along to a family member, and it lasting for their lifetime.
If you purchase from Vermont Woods Studios, you are purchasing a piece of furniture that is custom handmade in Vermont by artisan furniture makers in small studios, usually just one person with maybe an apprentice or family member helping them.
Our furniture makers only use non-toxic finishes.
If you have a problem with an imported piece of furniture, just try calling them to get help. There is sometimes a language barrier that makes these things more difficult.
All the furniture our artisans produce is from either reclaimed wood or wood from sustainable wood from managed forests.
We have a community of eco- friendly artisan furniture makers and environmentalists dedicated not only to beauty and quality in our craft, but also to the preservation of our natural environment, which is Vermont Woods Studios Mission.
Our furniture is amazingly affordable considering the high quality.
Once a job goes overseas it rarely comes back, so you are keeping more jobs local then sending them out of the country.
The more US manufacturing fades, future generations of Americans will not be able to find jobs at a livable wage.
So just remember...when you are purchasing from a family in America and not China, it means that this family in America might just be supporting where you work, or a product you produce....making it possible for you to keep your job.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Top Ten History And Facts About Cherry Wood Furniture

2010-01-12T19:33:00.004-05:00

When I started working here at Vermont Woods Studios, I really had not put much thought into fine wood furniture. I was into fashion and shoes more than the cherry wood bed I slept in. So, as time went on, and I started listening to Peggy and learned more about the Vermont Woods Studios' Mission, I got hooked! So, I will be talking about the sustainably harvested wood that our Vermont fine furniture makers use, and the things I find interesting about them, and what makes what we do here so special. Today is about cherry wood furniture. All I can hope for is that you find them interesting too. Feel free to add what you like for a comment!

Cherry wood has been used for furniture as early as 400 BC by the Greeks and Romans.
Early Colonial furniture makers called cherry "New England Mohogany" due to it's darkening color with age, similar to mahogany.
The heartwood of the cherry tree varies in color from pinkish, when first cut, to rich red to reddish brown and darkens with age.
The sapwood of the cherry tree, in contrast, is creamy white in color.
Black cherry is called a variety of names - rum cherry, choke cherry, whiskey cherry and wild cherry.
Small natural mineral deposits in cherry furniture can often be desirable, giving each piece it's uniqueness.
The grain of the cherry tree is desired by furniture makers because it has unique ripple figures, is straight and satiny, it takes a finish well and is easy to work with.
Cherry wood furniture has a beautiful, lustrous finish and is actually satiny to the touch.
Cherry has characteristics that make it perfect for fine furniture, it's strong, moderately hard and has excellent shock resistance. Early printmakers even used cherry wood for their printing blocks!
Black cherry trees grow throughout the Midwest to Eastern U.S. - average tree height is 60-80 feet and extreme ages of trees can reach 150 to 200 years.

All the cherry wood used by Vermont Woods Studios artisan furniture makers is harvested from forests that use sustainable practices, so we are not contributing to decimating forests for our furniture.

I had so much fun writing this post! I found so many fascinating facts about cherry wood that I will have to do another posting soon to include all the cool cherry wood facts I didn't include in this post.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Funky Modern Furniture Made in Vermont? YES!

2009-12-02T20:11:00.001-05:00

Who would have ever thought that chic, hip, modern, funky, new wave furniture and Vermont would be used in the same sentence?! Now, dont get me wrong. I was raised in Vermont and love a ton of things about this beautiful state. But, having lived outside of the state for over 9 years and having just moved back gives me a little different perspective. Let's face it, Vermont is known for a quite a few things, like....cows, Ben and Jerry's, snow, apples, maple syrup, farming, down home quaint small beautiful town commons, and that is just naming a few. Feel free to add to this list by the way all you Vermonters. :) But, Vermont is NOT known for chic, modern, funky furniture until now! Take a look at us now all you New Yorkers!!!

Mahogany and Stainless Steel Boat Table

Modern Horizon Dining Table

Modern Artisan Entertainment Center

Luxury Whimsical Hutch

Funky Modern Rocket Stools

So....now that you have seen what the cool furniture makers in Vermont have been doing during those long cold winters. Now you know!

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Luxury Gift Idea | Modern Artisan Console Table

2009-12-02T19:42:00.000-05:00

This table is just too cool....I just love the modern look with the look and feel of natural wood that is the top of this beautiful table. This table is exclusive to Vermont Woods Studios and can be customized to fit any space you want to place it. So give us a call if you have any questions!

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Unique Artisan Furniture | Coming Soon To Vermont Woods Studios!

2009-11-19T19:30:00.000-05:00

Keep an eye out for the newest additions to our furniture gallery here at Vermont Woods Studios! These artisan furniture pieces are fun, eclectic, unique and quite amazing and all made here in Vermont! Here is a sample of the items we will have available soon.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Top Ten Eco Friendly Star Couples | Even Reese Gets Down On The Farm!

2009-11-11T17:58:00.002-05:00

I was surfing the Internet today wondering what to post next and this posting on InStyle caught my eye. It talks about eco-friendly star couples and the "little" every day ways they are living a "green" lifestyle. Check it out:

1. Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal ~ Jake joined the Global Green Initiative and Reese gardens at her family farm outside of Los Angeles.

2. Jessica Alba and Cash Warren ~ Have been doing "green" renovations to their home and Jessica has been seen buying organic-cotton onesies for their daughter.

3. Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry ~ Have spent about $60k on environmentally friendly nurseries and only buys organic cotton baby clothes.

4. Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen ~ Christensen has bought an organic farm in Canada and Bilson line-drys her vintage clothes and has incorporated little eco-friendly ways into her daily routine, like recycling and driving her hybrid car.

5. Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell ~ Drive a Prius and have a purified water system in their home as well as solar panels.

6. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie ~ Brad has his green building efforts in helping to rebuild New Orleans and both are dedicated to building green communities.

7. Bono and Ali Hewson ~ Both are involved in green fashion with their organic Edun line, and they are very green around the house with a recycler, and an ethanol car.

8. Toby Maguire and Jennifer Meyer ~ Both are living the vegetarian lifestyle.

9. Keira Knightley and Rupert Friend ~ Shop at their local farmers market and use reusable bags to carry their organic purchases.

10. Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey ~ Recently rallied Capitol Hill to have toxins removed from children's vaccines (which have been alleged to cause autism).

Enjoy!

Rebecca

*Photo courtesy of InStyle.com

Vermont Woods Studios Furniture Featured in New England Home Magazine

2009-11-10T17:34:00.002-05:00

Vermont Woods Studios was featured in New England Home Magazine this last month (November/December 2009)! Page 223 Item #12 features our Custom made Modern Equinox Table which is a very cool and contemporary table shown here. This table is exclusive to Vermont Woods Studios and is handmade in Vermont with sustainable wood. Check it out!

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Furniture Sales at Vermont Woods Studios

2009-11-09T18:49:00.002-05:00

Check out the furniture on sale at Vermont Woods Studios! Peggy always has great specials running and there are times that you can get a "floor model" at super low prices. Vermont Woods Studios collaborates with small artisan furniture makers in Vermont to market their items on her website. Making it so they can focus on their craft and still sell their beautiful furniture. Because of Peggy's commitment to the environment all furniture from Vermont Woods Studios is made from certified sustainable wood or recycled wood. Check out Peggy's commitment on the "about us" page.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Great Holiday Gift Idea | Customized Round Shaker Dining Table

2009-11-09T18:32:00.002-05:00

This beautiful Round Shaker Dining Table caught my eye recently when we had a customer order it from us. The finish on the table was impecable and I just loved running my hands over the table top. This table makes a great kitchen table since it can be customized to fit any space you wish. It can also make a great dining room table since it can come with extension leaves to make it large when you need it for those holiday times or when you are entertaining. This table is available at Vermont Woods Studios exclusively.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Green Living By Example. Eco-Snobbery?

2009-11-07T14:11:00.002-05:00

I found this really interesting blog on Treehugger.com that talks about "green living" and if sometimes when we are trying to live a better eco lifestyle does it offend others that maybe don't make the same decisions. If you have been following this blog you will know that I am far from being what I consider a "greenie" but in my own way make little differences here and there. But, I have to admit that when you hear the diehard eco's talk it can sometimes get a little...blah, blah, blah. LOL! So, if you are like me, take a look at what is said on this posting called Green Living: Leading by Example or Passive Aggressive Preaching, and decide for yourself.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Top Ten Items That Do Not Count As Christmas Gifts!

2009-11-07T13:45:00.000-05:00

My boyfriend and I are having that classic discussion about what constitutes a gift for the holidays. Christmas is right around the corner and I am having a hard time buying for him. So I "subtly" have asked him what the heck he wants for Christmas. Subtle right? So he starts naming off stuff that I would consider "household" items. Must be a guy thing. So I guess it's okay to buy that stuff for your guy but us girls aren't that simple. Here are the top ten items you do NOT buy for your girlfriend, wife, or mother unless she specifically asks for it:

1. Lawnmower
2. Blender
3. Weedwacker
4. Tool Shed
5. Clothes Washer & Dryer
6. Vacuum Cleaner
7. Ultra Sonic Toothbrush
8. Rake or Hoe or Wheelbarrow
9. Dishwasher (Peggy and I are arguing about this one)
10. Leaf Blower
11. Armorall and Shammies
12. Gun Rack for the family van
13. Gardon Hose
14. Singing toilet seat
15. Subscription to hunting magazine
16. Snuggie
17. Toaster Coazie
18. Gift certificate to the hardware store

Okay, so we got a little carried away! Peggy and I have been laughing the whole time while making this list! So, we have started discussing if furniture should go on this list or not and we decided no. Women like to have nice furniture and getting high end furniture as a gift for their home is a great idea. Especially furniture that lasts and will be handed down for generations. Our furniture is like that here at Vermont Woods Studios and makes great holiday gifts. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas, luxury furniture makes a great holiday gift. We have made it simple for you to find great luxury Christmas and holiday gift ideas. Okay girls, please add to our list above and tell us what "interesting" gifts you have received from your man. Let's see who comes up with the best (or should I say worst) one.

Enjoy!

Rebecca :)

Chic Modern Furniture Made in Vermont? No Way!

2009-11-03T19:29:00.002-05:00

Being what Peggy calls a chi-chi South Florida girl, I had a preconcieved notion that artisans from Vermont only do "country" furniture. Yes, I was raised in Vermont but have been "citified" and hadn't really seen the proof for myself. Well, here it is. I have seen a lot of these pieces myself and fell in love with the artistry and the extreme details with this furniture. Literally, when I walk up to this furniture I cannot help but run my hands along the wood surfaces. The wood is finished so finely that it feels so amazingly wonderful under the fingertips. The only way for me to describe it is the wood "comes to life" under your touch and feels like "skin", smooth and velvety. Here are some examples of fine Vermont furnishings:

So, if you think that all Vermont is just good for is colorful leaves and maple syrup, think again. This furniture is chic, modern and totally hip!

Enjoy!

Rebecca

Custom Made Heavenly Sleigh Bed | Celestial Sleigh Bed

2009-11-03T18:36:00.000-05:00

For the person who has it all....or just thinks they do. Take a look at this gorgeous, ultra-luxurious bed. It's called the Celestial Sleigh Bed because it has hand-carved angels sitting among the clouds on the headboard, and the foot of the bed features a whimsical moon and stars theme. Shush...don't tell, there is a secret compartment hidden in the footboard to keep extra bedding and pillows. The "key" to opening the footboard is hidden in the chin of the moon. This bed was designed and created by a Vermont artisan that is willing to customize this beautiful bed. YOU choose the theme and work with the artisan to create your "one-of-a-kind" bed with the headboard made to your specifications. This artisan is exclusive to Vermont Woods Studios. Check out more Artisan and Custom Wood furniture.

Enjoy!

Rebecca

There Was Global Warming BEFORE Humans? Gasp!

2009-11-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

Okay, I am going to say it. I do not believe that we humans are the source of global warming. I just have taken all this propoganda with a grain of salt and do not believe that we can affect our world as much as we think. I think it's similar to the notion of years ago when our ancestors thought that the earth was the center of the universe. Everybody said so! The notion that we can affect our planet this greatly makes me think of that attitude...that we are larger and more important than we actually are. Can we stop or affect hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons or just something as simple as the rain....no, so why do we think we can heat or cool the entire planet?

I definitely believe that we are affecting our planet in horrible ways but that we are the cause of the earth warming up, to actually alter the entire atmosphere, I think is ridiculous. I think that all the things that we do to help the planet are GOOD, and I dont think that it should stop. But, there were thousands of years without trees, no polar ice caps, ocean levels hundreds of feet higher than they are now and these were all things that happened a long time before there were humans (see chart above). There seem to be so many things that effect the atmosphere, how can the scientists really know that it is us. The minute a scientist gets all his facts something has changed...hello, any New Englander will tell you that if you dont like the weather, wait a minute, it will change. So, I fully expect to have tons of facts thrown at me from this posting and relish the thought....but just think about what I have said.

Have eco fun!

Rebecca

Madonna Plants a Moringa Tree at Her Girls School in Malawi

2009-10-26T18:14:00.002-04:00

Who would have ever thought that a crazy singer who rolled all over the stage in '84 at the MTV Music Awards in a wedding dress would have opened a school for orphaned girls in South Africa years later. But, Madonna has done just that.

According to Ecorazzi.com, she has been talking about it since May of last year. She planted a tree at the construction site of the new academy for girls at Chinkhota village, the tree is called a Moringa tree known as the "miracle tree" for its cure of many diseases. Hundreds of kids will be helped from various orphanages. Way to go Madonna!

Rebecca

*Photo by MTV

Ten Easy Every Day Ways to Save the Planet From an Eco Dummie

2009-10-17T12:02:00.000-04:00

Okay guys, I am not what you would call a "Greenie", but I would like to be! Now working with Peggy from Vermont Woods Studios, it has made me more aware of my responsibility to the planet. I have just always felt a little overwhelmed by all the ways to "save the planet". I know that I cannot be the only ECO DUMMY out there. ( At least I hope not). So, here are ten EASY every day ways to save the planet, that even us eco dummies can do.

Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. (My favorite)
Buy your veggies locally from farms or farmers markets. (Others are shipped from all over).
Buy and use energy efficient light bulbs. (I saw a statistic from GE that said that if every household in the US replaced one light bulb with one of their energy efficient ones, it would save over $600 million in energy costs a year!)
Recycle. (Ugh!) This is my hardest one! But, instead of trying to recycle everything....just try one or two. Aluminum cans are REALLY easy to identify and is a great start. Peggy says it makes a huge difference to recycle aluminum cans too. There are obviously more things to recycle but it's good to start small when you are an eco dummie!
Drink tap water instead of bottled water. Yes, it is more convenient, but think of all those bottles that you are saving from a landfill. Use a reusable bottle for your water or drinks. Just use the PBA free ones...not the bad plastic ones.
Wash your clothes in cold water. Hey! I have been doing this one for years too! My clothes last longer and look better longer, and it is a total myth that hot water gets them cleaner!
Turn off or unplug appliances/chargers/electronics/computers as much as possible. Even though some of these items are turned off they are STILL RUNNING and using electricity! I think this would be a pain unless I got those long power strips and shut down stuff all at once. That would work. This saves tons on your electric bill too!
Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room or house.
Use eco friendly household cleaners. Keeps those nasty chemicals out of the environment.
Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Don't worry about looking like a "bag" lady!

These things are much easier then, lets say, buying a Prius, or planting a "green" roof on your garage, or even installing solar panels on your house. These are wonderful things to do, if you can do them, but not all of us are able to. So, try out these every day ways we can save the planet.

Let me know what you think, or if you have even better ideas that I couldn't think of.

Have eco fun!

Rebecca

Deforestation Up Close | 250 Year Old Tree Cut Down Illegally

2009-10-17T10:26:00.002-04:00

They say that pictures speak louder than words. This tree was cut down illegally in Brazil and was left where it fell. The chestnut tree will now be at an environmental exhibit in the country's capital in November. Weighing 15 tons and being 40 meters tall (about 122 feet) this 250 year old tree is on the country's endangered plants list and it's forbidden to cut them down.
A lot of families in the region rely on the fruits of these trees for income and the fruits are also used in the production of some cosmetics. It is just amazing to me that someone would go through the process of cutting down this tree then just leave it. What a waste! Go to Treehugger.com for more.

Rebecca

PS. Take a look at what was going on 250 years ago in the world when this tree was a sapling.

Great Holiday Gift Idea | Modern Equinox Table

2009-10-17T10:04:00.002-04:00

This Modern Equinox Table is just gorgeous and one of my favorite pieces that we sell. With a clean, modern, chic look this would make a wonderful addition to your contemporary home. This table is handmade in Vermont and done in maple with an espresso stain but can be custom made in natural cherry, walnut or oak. Go to Vermont Woods Studios for more information on this beautiful table and to order in time for the holidays.

Rebecca

Fall Foliage From Vernon, Vermont

2009-10-15T18:55:00.003-04:00

Hey guys, take a look at the pics that Peggy took from the neighborhood! Really great fall foliage pictures! Here is one and the rest are on our Flickr.com photostream.

Check it out! We have to find the other ones on her computer. She lost them. Shhhhh...dont tell her I told you.

Rebecca :)

Why is Walnut Furniture More Expensive?

2009-10-10T14:08:00.003-04:00

Since starting with Vermont Woods Studios, I had been asking Peggy, "why do we have an increase in prices for the walnut furniture?" So Peggy sent me on a mission. Find out why walnut wood is more expensive than other woods for furniture. This is what I found out.

Walnut wood often has a curved curly grain that most people find more desirable in furniture then a straight grain.
Walnut is so hard, strong and durable that furniture makers find it more desirable for their furniture. It can also be easily carved making it a great choice for ornate furniture that requires intricate woodworking.
In pre-colonial days the walnut tree was plentiful, but specimans were used recklessly for solid walnut furniture and exported to Europe. The wood was also used for railroad ties, and fence rails because of it's durability when in contact with soil. This started the depletion of good walnut tree specimans. Northernwoodlands.org speaks about this more.
In the mid-1700's black walnut was used and favored for gunstocks in the Connecticut River valley so much that the high-quality black walnut tree population was wiped out by 1795. It is no longer found in New England. (Too bad they didn't have sustainable forestry practices back then.)
Gun manufacturers had to start getting their hardwood walnut from as far away as the Ohio Valley, west of the Alleghenies. Making good specimans of walnut rather rare.

The rare good specimans of walnut are so desirable that they are used as a veneer for furniture. The process brings out the best of the grain and allows for more to be used. Using the veneer also makes the furniture more affordable.

Those are the reasons why walnut is a premium priced wood for furniture. We have depleted the good speciman trees in our past and they have not ever recovered. When I first started this post, I never knew that I would also be talking about a reason for good forestry and sustainable practices for trees. This definitely shows a good reason for us to make sure these practices are followed in the future.

Rebecca

PS. The walnut slabs pictured here are from one of our Vermont artisans. For more, take a look at this artisans Large Live Edge Table. To view more of our talented furniture makers, visit our Custom Walnut Furniture section.

Treehugger.com | Send Them Your Fall Foliage Pics!

2009-10-10T13:40:00.001-04:00

To all you Leaf Peepers out there! You know who you are. Treehugger.com is asking their readers to send it some great fall foliage pics. Since this is my first foliage in 9 years I have been enjoying the scenery immensly. So I asked Peggy to take some pics and send them in to see if they will get on the Treehugger website. They have some really great foliage pictures on the site already. So we will see if Peggy's pictures get to be published and I will blog about it to let you know how she does. We love trees here at Vermont Woods Studios....we need to change our motto to "Trees Are Us". What do you think? :)

Have Eco Fun!

Rebecca

What is Sustainable Wood Furniture?

2009-10-10T13:39:00.000-04:00

Since we are in the furniture business "sustainable wood" is a very important term for us. Vermont Woods Studios was created under the premis that we wanted to make an eco friendly difference, but we wanted to make it locally too. According to Peggy Farabaugh...

"Together we have created a community of eco friendly luxury furniture makers and environmentalists dedicated not only to beauty and quality in our craft, but also to the preservation of our natural environment."

So, with this in mind we only use wood that are from forests that use management principles supported and regulated by the FSC, the Forest Stewardship Council. Sustainable wood is wood that is harvested from carefull managed forests or reclaimed from old buildings or furniture. We also have furniture makers that use reclaimed wood or barnwood for their furniture pieces. One of them is pictured above. These are beautiful high-end furniture pieces where the attention to detail is amazing. If you want to see more of these types of furniture visit our Barnwood Furniture section on our website. You will not be disappointed.

Have eco fun!

Rebecca

PS. For more great eco friendly information and advice...check out Peggy's Blog.

Brad Pitt Unveils a Floating House | Make It Right Foundation

2009-10-06T19:11:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know, I am blogging about Brad Pitt again but you have GOT to read this story. Brad Pitt's Make is Right Foundation has built a floating house, YES, you heard me right, a floating house in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. This is all according to a great blog about it on Inhabitat.com. The house will float on two posts up to 12 feet to ensure it doesnt get flooded. The floating house also has a battery supply that will help the family within to survive for up to three days. It really is a cool idea. I went through Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma while living in South Florida and was wondering what would happen if the storm surge ever reached the status of what happened in New Orleans. This is a great answer to the issue in New Orleans. Good job again Brad! Hey, now how about using sustainable furniture from Vermont Woods Studio (shamless plug, yes, I know) inside these houses? I really need Brads phone number to have a talk with him about this. :)

Have Eco Fun!

Rebecca

Great Holiday Gift Idea | Drip Groove Cutting Board

2009-10-05T18:09:00.001-04:00

I have been wondering what to send my parents for a Christmas gift and here it is. They are not computer people so I am safe blogging about this. Both of my parents are "cooks" and this makes it a great gift for both of them. Vermont Woods Studios has gorgeous cutting boards that are handmade from sustainably harvested wood...so I am doing something good for the environment too. They will both use it too! A perfect idea! Vermont Woods Studios has great wooden kitchen accessories that would also make great gifts for that kitchen connoisseur. So if you have a cook on your holiday list, (or someone who thinks they are a cook), get them one of these gorgeous colorful cutting boards.

Have Eco fun!

Rebecca

Blog Pick | Brad Pitt Receives Honor from US Green Council

2009-10-03T11:28:00.004-04:00

Now a lot of us love Brad Pitt for other reasons other than his charitable work in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Lucky Angie! But, he really does seem like the "nice" guy! You hear of other celebrities who sound like they are doing the "right" thing but you can just tell that it is a PR stunt and you never hear from them again. Not so with Brad. According to Ecorazzi.com Brad received an honor at the Clinton's Global Initiative for his work with his Make It Right foundation. This foundation centers around sustainable building - and improving the lives of people in New Orleans. 15 out of 150 homes have already been built and one of the homes only used $35 a month in electricity! The sustainable homes also must be storm resilient and have safety in mind for the families that live there. Way to go Brad! Now how about adding sustainable furniture to those homes....just another thing to add to your list! :)

Have Eco fun!

Rebecca

PS - Hey they are talking about making him Mayor down there....He has our vote!

BLOG PICK | Natural Furniture and America's Best Idea

2009-10-03T11:25:00.000-04:00

I found a great blog about a special I saw on tv about Americas National Parks. Peggy from Vermont Woods Studios blogged about it and I thought her blog was very cool and informative. She talks about 3,000 year old trees in the Sequoia National Forest (WOW!) and tells you how you can help protect the forests at Save America's Forests. Take a look for yourself!

Rebecca

Super Price! Modern Dining Table

2009-09-29T18:28:00.001-04:00

Check out this gorgeous modern cherry dining table! Vermont Woods Studios does not usually stock furniture but this dining table was ordered by a client and she wanted it BIGGER then what she initially ordered. So we got this one back. (There is NOTHING wrong with this table, she just wanted bigger). This table is 42" by 72" so it is a great size, but oh well.....what can you do? The customer is always right! Natural cherry dining tables are a great seller for us and they go QUICK! So, this makes a great opportunity for YOU to get in on a great price for this handmade natural cherry table as well as getting it in your home right away. Can't you just picture your family around this table for the holidays? I can!
Rebecca

Rebecca's Pick | Cherry Moon Gent's Chest

2009-09-21T19:04:00.000-04:00

I have fallen in LOVE with this Cherry Moon Gent's Chest! My boyfriend and I went out to enjoy the wonderful New England weather....rare, yes I know, but the weather was fabulous, sunny and warm.

We happened upon a furniture store that carried some great pieces and one of them was this Gent's Chest, that we sell at Vermont Woods Studios also. I am always amazed when I see these items in person. I was raised in Vermont but had made my home in South Florida for the last 9 years, so the "city girl" in me tends to classify these pieces as too "country" when looking at pictures. But when you see them in person they are NOT! The pictures that I have seen do not do them justice at all. The detail and finish are so truly wonderful and smooth to the touch that the wood seems to come to life under your fingertips. I cannot stop touching them when I see them, and this Gent's Chest was so big, beautiful and solid that I was amazed and fell in love. Guess I will just have to get it!

Rebecca

What's in a name?

2009-09-19T15:03:00.000-04:00

I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to name this blog. Then it was shouted across the room at me and "get in the milk crate" worked! It is an old Vermont term about a mother, a milk crate and a bike, that means "okay kids, lets get going"! So we feel that it's a perfect name for this blog.

We want to be a part of the education and discussion of sustainable wood furniture and what it all means. We also want as many people as possible to join us in that discussion. This all started with Peggy.

Peggy is an owner of Vermont Woods Studios in Vernon, Vermont. For the majority of her life Peggy participated in various efforts to limit her own "footprint" and to participate in the education of young people about environmental issues. She decided to use Vermont's beautiful, handmade custom artisan wood furniture as a way to grab attention for her cause: stewardship of the earth's forests.

Her company is Vermont-based and specializes in providing eco-friendly luxury furniture designed and built to exacting quality standards by independent Vermont furniture makers. Each piece is created from sustainably-harvested hardwood from well managed forests. The furniture is designed to last for at least as long as it took to grow the tree it was built from, in other words, generations. For more information about Vermont Woods Studios check out their about us page.

So there you have it. I want to be a part of the discussion about sustainable forests, eco-friendly furniture and how that affects us all in the long run. The ideas, myths and what it's all about.

There will be multiple writers to this blog and I welcome all comments and ideas. Like I said, let's all get in the milkcrate!

Rebecca