A Little Venting!

    Please allow me to vent a little. I am not complaining, just sharing! I have been discouraged before, but now as much as right now. For the past 2 weeks and more I have been planning for this Open House and sale for today. I advertised, made a facebook event and sent it to many of my friends, I cleaned the shop, laid out the products and priced the items for sale, made signs and posted them on the road that leads to our house and much more. I even mowed the lawn and cleaned the garage. Then today we waited for people to show up and waited and waited and waited. NOT EVEN ONE PERSON OR CAR showed up.

   As I said I may be discouraged, but I am not willing to give up yet. God has a plan for me and the things I have made. I take pride in the things that I have made over the years. Most of them are quality products. I know my 3 biggest problems are LOCATION, LOCATION and LOCATION! I also need help in knowing how to market these products, especially the Barn Wood furniture and items. I am open to advice and wisdom. Above all I am open to your prayers for God's timing and leading and that in all of this He will be glorified - not me.  

   Thanks for letting me vent a little and bend your ear. Also thanks for your prayers and encouragement! 

   The Doghouse is still open and feel free to stop by when you are in the area. Or just stop by to say "HEY"!!! 715-939-0601 

 

Barnwood Candle Holders

    A few months ago I stared to use a new logo: "Beauty for Ashes". The phrase comes from Isaiah 61 when God told Israel that He would give them "Beauty in place of Ashes". The city of Jerusalem, its walls and the Temple had been burned and turned into ashes. God was going to send some Godly leaders to restore the city and its wall and buildings. Instead of ashes they would have beauty. 

   Working with barn wood is much like that. It is taking 100 year old wood from a barn that had collapsed and left in shambles and turning that old, dirty, nail ridden and sometimes decayed wood and making something of beauty out of it. The process starts with harvesting the wood, bringing it home, pulling nail after nail, and saving the nails. Then it is selecting just the right pieces of wood, cutting it to size, sanding, sanding and sanding, but not too much. We try to leave some of the character in the wood. Then it is designing and assembling time and last of all putting a finish on the wood to bring out more beauty and character. 

   Some of the the things I have enjoyed making are candle holders and clocks. Below is a few of the items made. 

The Candle Holders are $25.00 each

Wall Clocks are $35.00

The Desktop Clock is $45.00

Doghouse Barn Wood

    In the past few months I have been making Barn Wood products: Shelves, Tables, Frames and more. The process for working with Barn Wood is a lot for involved. It is a lot of harvesting from an old fallen barn, pulling nails, cleaning, sanding and cutting to size. BUT the outcome can be amazing and worth the trip! 

   Below are some of the items that I have been working on. I have included the size, description and the cost, if you are interested in purchasing one or more of them. 

26" x 18" x 20" tall. Barn Wood Coffee Table with framed edge

  $130.00

30" X 15" X 20" tall Barn Wood Coffee Table with solid wood top. $130.00

24" X 14" X 18" Tall Barn Wood Coffee Table Solid Top  $75.00

45" X 16" X 19" tall  Live Edge Barn Wood Coffee Table   $145.00

25" X 15" X 19" tall Top made of 2" Barn Wood oak Coffee Table   $130.00

Barn Wood Frames  for 8.5" X 11" photos. (Glass included)  $25.00 each. ($35.00 with photo...)

Barn Wood Small cupboard with door.   $35.00

22" X 15 Barn Wood Knickknack Selves  $30.00 each

28" X 15"  Barn Wood Live Edge Shelf  $45.00

Barn Wood Shelves made from old window frames  and barn wood. $75.00 each

Signs of the Time

   I may not have "signs of the time" but I do have signs for your yard and house for sale. It is simply amazing what you can do with a plain old board and turn it into a thing of beauty. These wooden signs are perfect to put on your porch, entry way or in your house to welcome guest and family. They are made right here at Frank's Doghouse Workshop in Trego, Wi.

   Below are the signs that are in my inventory at this time. I can always make one to meet your special needs. Below each sign is the size and priced. Spring is just around the corner, so order today. 

 

Call 715-939-0601  or Fdistad@Gmail.com

Love sign 40" X 9"    $45.00

Fear Not sign with red truck   30" X 9"  $45.00

Tall Welcome sign with bear  40" X 7"  $50.00

Tall Home sign with deer  41" X 7"  $50.00

Welcome sign with eagle Flag  45" X 7"  $50.00

Barn Wood Welcome sign  28" X 9"  $50.00

Welcome sign  35" X 9"  $40.00