Heart grain.

by the Artist

Today I remembered a small wood heart box the Carpenter made for me when we were dating many years ago for Valentine's Day. I have had it out of sight for a long time. And to be truthful.. at the time I didn't think much about it. I was young and wasn't wise enough to appreciate sweet simple "heartfelt gifts" that were handmade. I was more impressed with getting a diamond, flowers and or something really impressive. Gosh I was shallow. 

I now value life differently then when I was young. Well I guess that just goes with the territory. I used to want a large home, I wanted to live in downtown White Bear Lake, I wanted a screened porch (well I still would like that). I wanted new cars and an abundance of in style clothes. A boat and later a nice camper. I could go on as I'm sure you could too.

Today I am valuing my little heart box. I'm thinking about the care and thought that a high school kid put into it. And now looking back.. if I had looked hard enough I would have seen the man the Carpenter was going to be. His good heart, his creativty, his integrity, his values and thoughtfulness. It was all for display in that little wooden heart box.

I found the box and opened it today. I didn't remember I had stored so many memories of my childhood there. My childhood dog Schultzie's tag, my 8th Grade Good Citizenship Award, my Girl Scout ring and pins, a wooden nickel, my childhood heart locket, my first pair of pieced earrings that look like lady bugs, a miniature bottle with sailboat in it from my Grandfather and a New Jersey state charm. I am not a sentimental person but looking through the contents made me positively mushy.

I realized it's never too late to start valuing the simple things in life. That homemade gift. A modest little home. Maybe it isn't the grandest nor does it have the latest sought after features.. it does hold your life and your memories. It does have value. And it does show its potential if you look hard enough. 

So heres to a little wooden heart box, and the little treasures its been keeping for me all these years. And to that high school carpenter who created from his heart. 

I do appreciate you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mazie.

by the Artist

We have finally filled our Snack Manager position! Introducing Amazing Grace. We are calling her Mazie. She has big paws to fill. Our Grace was a sweetheart in all ways. And she did her job well! So it has taken some time to find the right candidate for the position. Our standards are high. 

This past Saturday we drove into the country (where all dog breeders seem to live) and picked her out of a squirming loud box of white! It wasn't easy. Another buyer was there picking up his pup and we were left to fend for ourselves. We knew we only had two female pups to choose from... and it was a challenge picking out a female that was not already chosen from the wiggly loud group.

I picked Gracie 13 years ago. This time the Carpenter picked Mazie. He just knew. I didn't know. I was actually kind of overwhelmed. How to pick another docile dog? And I knew the work ahead and the lifestyle change, and that shadowed my day.

And really how on earth do you know what temperament you are getting?

We thought she was docile and quiet. Well she was docile and quiet (probably terrified!) and sick on the way home. Yep.. twice.

And did I say she was quiet? Well.. that was for the car ride only. She is loud, knows her bark, uses her bark. She is sassy, spunky, smart, fearless and adorable. She is not docile. gulp. The Carpenter has already given this 7 week old pup two nick names. "Dora the Explorer" and "Mazie-a-go-go". The first night home she crawled under one of the work trailers and came out with a black smudge of grease on her face! Yep she's gonna fit right in.

It's a new day around here. We look forward to happy years with this pup. And proper snack management!

Creative blues.

by the Artist

We are deep smack in the middle of winter. We haven't seen the sun for days. No exaggeration. Even for me who usually can handle the gloomies.. I'm feeling... just a bit gloomy. No matter how you slice it. Winter will be around for at least 6 more weeks here in Minnesota! The hard core stuff anyway. 

I thought I'd share a little of what has caught my eye and inspired me.. to chase away the winter blues. Come along with me!

I love tiny houses! I love the cool interior designs and the creative use of space. This tiny house features copper details, and an excellently designed loft. Perfect. I think you will agree! http://www.today.com/home/tiny-farmhouse-t107247

Green it is! https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2017 I chose this color for my Mother -in-law's kitchen. It is a very small kitchen and was very blah. She loves green. Picked up a beautiful print as a focal point for over her sink. It's just darn cheery to hang out in there now! 

Check out this video from the Today Show. Pops of color and organic elements are being added to the modern look! http://www.today.com/home/home-trends-2017-t107381

I love navy! I have to give a shout out to my "design mecca" Target! Passed by a lovely navy and white home decor display today. So clean and fresh after the holidays! 

I also was at Caribou Coffee recently. Snapped a pic of this very organic end table! Fits the organic trend! (and gave me a super idea. We have a bunch of large cottonwood logs that would make some nice tables... "hey Mr Carpenter.. are you doing anything??"

And last I love all things Joanna Gaines! I don't even need to say anything more. If you haven't been to her website lately... take a peek! https://magnoliamarket.com

Well I had an entirely different post idea but look where I landed! I think I will continue posting home design in all it's forms as I run across it. 

At least for now. My "gloomies" are gone!

Mixed just right.

by the Artist

The Carpenter stopped back at the shop mid morning. There are days like yesterday where he leaves at 7:30 and doesn't reappear until 7:30 or later pm. So it was worth stopping what I was doing to make the most of this unexpected appearance.

I walked into the shop and asked what he was home for. He said.. "mix stain". I ran and got my phone to capture the moment (I'm always on the look out anything interesting to share).

I have never paid much attention to how he mixes stain. He's been doing it for 30+ years. He can match any existing stain or create a custom color. It's just instinct for him now. 

As I held my phone steady it hit me that he is really a stain "mixologist". A stain "bartender". He had those confident movements all the way down to the "shake". Pretty impressive. And as you will see he didn't waste a single bit of stain. Head to Facebook to see the January 18, 2017 video! https://www.facebook.com/ApplewoodINC/

So here's to our resident "stain master", "mixologist" and "bartender".

He'd be happy to mix up just the right color for you!

Full.

by the Artist

Another week is upon us. Every Sunday the Carpenter and I sit down after brunch and plan the crew's schedule. Well the Carpenter lays it out, I write and email. It's a practice I initiated after leaving my office job. All those Monday AM kick off the week meetings! Even though we don't sit in cubbies and work in different locations.. it's been a good thing. The crew knows the work load, goals and expectations for the week. It gives the Carpenter an opportunity to pause and gather his thoughts. Even though the plans always change as the week progresses.. at least we all start out on the same page. Or should I say.. the same side of a 2 X 4!

We have pretty much completed our Jay St Project which was a rather large interior remodel- bath, new floor warming system, heating system etc. It was the project of technical details.

The crew is bouncing between our Wacouta Condo Project and our Lecuyer Project. I'm particularly excited to see the finished Lecuyer Project (you can see this project photos by clicking here https://www.applewoodremodelers.com/in-progress/) because we are collaborating with Fluidesign Studio http://www.fluidesignstudio.com/on this kitchen remodel. 

I've been enjoying some side design projects. Just completed a dear friend's wedding decor. She and her husband were married at the Scandia GammelGarden http://www.gammelgardenmuseum.org/ in a historic vintage church by candlelight! It was so beautiful but very cold as the church did not have heat! I have a new appreciation for the early settlers of Minnesota!

I've also been continuing to sell our "Painted Apples" which has been surprisingly enjoyable as each piece goes home with someone who is excited to have it!

So we're off to a full 2017. Hopefully we will be too busy to notice the cold!

 

Egg bake and skating.

by the Artist

We had a whirlwind Christmas. Highs, lows, and in between. I'm sure like most people if you were to admit it. We decided to have a relaxing day today, build a fire in the wood stove, have brunch and open a few gifts from my family and friends from out east.

So much for plans! The Carpenter woke up to an email this morning that our fresh excavation for a garage addition had nicely filled up with water, following a day of unusual Christmas rain. And now it was turning into a skating rink. Albeit a skating rink you'd have to climb down a ladder to use.

I was busy preparing an "Egg Bake" for our relaxing day. (I have heard that egg bakes are a Minnesota deal.. and I'd never successfully made one... or a hot dish either! Not in this New Jersey girl's genes I guess). Anyway.. I know the Carpenter and I know he would not be able to enjoy my lovely egg bake (fingers crossed) knowing he had work to do. So I said.. "hey just go. We will eat when you get home." Along with... "do you have hip waders"... no he said. I have some rubber boots that go below my knees. I said... well what if the water is higher then your boots?. He said.. well then the water will go in my boots". sigh. (my sigh)

Off he drove with ladder and pump and I placed the raw egg bake in the frig.

And now I wait. And have time to share this story. And why am I sharing it other then because I have the time to... and I need to distract myself because I'm so hungry... is because this is the guy that would be in charge of your project. He's there. For whatever happens. Even the morning after Christmas on a now blustery cold winter day. In his short boots, with a pump and one ladder. Oh and also because we keep it real here.

Hurry home Mr Carpenter... the coffees hot and hopefully the egg bake is edible.

 

 

Snow and then some.

by the Artist

We've settled into winter here at Applewood. A fresh snow came over the weekend sprinkling 5" of white on the lawn and trees. The first snow is very pretty. And now we look like we are living in a snow globe and it feels all "Christmasy". That's nice for December! We can start looking forward to spring come January!

We are just wrapping up two inside projects. Have gotten a good start on the third and fourth. And the fifth project waiting to start will find our crew outside during the winter bitter. We've got good timing!

The Carpenter still has too big of a hat collection. :) And we continue to search for craftsman carpenters to add to our crew. I've been busy preparing for an annual insurance audit and working on my usual social media and design projects. 

We've also been busy interviewing for the "snack manager" position which has been open since last March. We have found a possible candidate and are anticipating meeting her in mid February if all goes according to plan!

We hope you are able to enjoy this busy season. I always say.. just take it one day at a time!

 

 

Greens anyone?

by the Artist

The Carpenter gave up his shop this past weekend for my sister-in-law's 10th Annual Holiday Greens Party. This is the second year it's been held in the shop. For eight years she held it in her home. That doesn't sound too bad. And it isn't if you don't mind evergreens of all sorts everywhere, ribbons, novelties, lots of debris and sap all over. I don't know how she managed. What a mess. But she loved doing it.

Now I'm helping. We take over the shop for one weekend. It's a ton of work but worth it in the end to see how much fun everyone has making their own arrangements. You get to be a florist, stretch your creative wings, have some laughs with friends, and head home with a custom arrangement you made... just in time for the holidays.

One of our current homeowners and her daughter came this year. I have helped her with design decisions and it was so nice that she came. She had a great time too.

Last week I walked into the shop when we were getting ready and I saw what the Carpenter had contributed to the party. He painted some festive art on two of our exterior work stations (old steel entry doors) that were propped up to hide shelves. What a guy. He never ceases to surprise me! He always supports whatever I take on.. even if it disrupts his work space. And that is how loyal he is to his customers. He's there for them. 

And he'd probably be happy to paint a Christmas scene on your door if you ask!

Click on photos to see larger!

Andrew

by the Artist

Today is a sad day here at Applewood. But a happy day for Andrew. Today is his last day. After spending the last couple years with us while he transitioned from college to career he has found a career position in Construction Management in Arizona.

Andrew will be missed. He always has a smile on his face and has a cheerful and helpful spirit. He took on whatever task was set before him with a great attitude.. no matter how messy or boring or tiring the task was. He spent these past two years learning the construction trade from the ground up. 

We wish you all the best Andrew as you begin this new chapter in your life. 

 

 

Click on photos to see larger.

Lofty goals.

by the Artist

Well here we are on the downside to the holidays. Are you ready? I'm not. I have really enjoyed our long fall this year. The Carpenter has too. But as usually happens projects have been inside since spring and now as we head towards cold and snow, the crew will be heading outside! Do you remember when we started the Modern Farmhouse Project http://www.applewoodremodelers.com/modern-farmhouse-by-the-lake/ in the dead of winter last year? Not only was it bitter cold but also bitterly windy as the crew faced the winds off the lake. Here we go again. Makes me want to curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book.

We continue to look for carpenters to add to our crew. One thing that has struck me... over the years we've heard comments... "you guys have high standards." I used to almost feel bad about that. Then I had this thought... not once has a homeowner complained that our work is too excellent for their home. Our standards are too high. Most of our homeowners are so pleased to find a company that strives for excellence. We don't only strive... we meet that goal. And we will continue to meet that goal. In this world of mediocrity and compromise we stand out. 

If you are a carpenter and value excellent workmanship please give us a shout. We would love to meet you! There aren't enough carpenters who really care about the details, about not hiding mistakes, about giving their best effort every single day, and who believe in the art of the craft.

We know you are out there...