​We're so blessed to be welcoming back Samara McMillen of It's All Grace to Farmgirl Outfitters Fall Barn Sale Event, Sept. 24th-25th!!  You just HAVE to love a girl who can use a scroll saw with such precision and style!!  Every item in Samara's booth will inspire you with it's positive messages.  Come "Gather Up" some goodness at Sam's booth.  You'll find a great selection of items that are perfect for the fast approaching gift-giving season and don't forget to pick up a little something special for your own home.  Get to know Samara a bit by reading her mission statement...

My name is Sam; I’m a believer in Jesus, saved by grace, wife, soccer mom of 2 teenage boys and teacher. I’ve always loved inspiring words and finally found a way to share my passion with others. ​I make inspiring handmade decor and gifts with repurposed wood. 
My newest endeavor are my His truth hats!  I wanted to share the meaning behind them  As I read God’s word there are certain verses that really seem to speak to my heart, depending on what season of life I’m in. Let’s face it, we all go through battles throughout life, whether they are related to relationships, illnesses or strongholds, just to name a few. In order to overcome, we have to be brave, fearless warriors! In God’s word he tells... us, that is what we are. I pray that these hats are reminders of God’s truths and that they will empower us, no matter what season of life were in, to fight the good fight, with strength and dignity because we are His daughters. 
These hats make great end of year teacher gifts.
They are available in "BRAVE," "FEARLESS," and "WARRIOR" versions and feature the related verse on the back. With postcard included these make a great gift for friends battling cancer, teachers, graduates, anyone who needs encouragement or even someone you admire.
Please "LIKE" our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/itsallgraceshop/

You can also "FOLLOW" us on Instagram
its.all.grace
 

Be sure to visit Sam's booth this September 24th-25th at Farmgirl Outfitters Fall Barn Sale Event!

How cute is Sew Cute!!!  Farmgirl Outfitters is oh-so-tickled to present yet another new vendor in our upcoming Fall Barn Sale Event, September 24th-25th!  Wina Gazaille hand sews every sweet stitch in these heartwarming vintage chenille creations.  Just look at those adorable faces!  They are sure to win your heart, so make sure you stop by Wina's booth and pick up a few of these cuties!!  In Wina's own words, here is her story....

Born in MA, mother of 3 girls, married for 22 years, in NC for 10 years.  
A lifetime of up-cycling before it was cool...it was necessary.  Our first home was 800' feet and it came with a barn that was probably bigger!  I remember going out there when I needed something...what can I use to hold this, store this, hang this...etc.  always creative out of need and happy with the results!  Always had fun.  Love the hunt, love to "see" what some people can't. My husband is the same way and after 21 years married, we still operate the same way... because its fun!!  Some of the crafts I am making currently, are made from an old bedspread!  I love being creative and seeing what other's create!  Being part of a group of crafters like this group, makes me feel right at home! 

Come visit Sew Cute here at Farmgirl Outfitters Fall Barn Sale, September 24th-25th, 2016. You're guaranteed to leave with a smile....

Farmgirl Outfitters is SOOOO pleased to welcome back Frankensteen Furniture to our September 24th-25th barn sale event!  Kat Nolan is an amazingly creative force and she creates one-of-a-kind art in so many forms!  You'll find everything from furniture to copper sculptures in her booth.  She keeps an eye on current style trends and that is reflected in her work.  Do yourself a favor and stop in this vivacious redhead's booth and you're sure to find something you just can't live without!!!

Only 12 more days until Farmgirl Outfitters Fall Barn Sale Event September 24th-25th!!  We are so honored to present to you Elmwood's!  Tammy Butcher Wilcox, Dr. Mary and Melissa Neader are the amazing artists behind these gorgeous barn quilts and there is a very unique cause that all the proceeds from the sale of each quilt goes to support.  100% of the profit from the sale of each quilt goes to support the environmental conservation efforts of Elmwood Strong, a community of people interested in preserving local farmlands and blocking heavy industry from the destruction of these pristine lands.  To read more about this non-profit group, please check out their Facebook page Elmwood Strong. Please read why they support this very important cause....

​Well I guess I better tell you that I am making these barn quilts and selling them for Elmwood Strong which is a non profit environmental and farmland preservation organization here in Statesville! It started by someone wanting to put a rock quarry out here by all the neighboring farms and the quarry would have destroyed the wells and creeks that the farmers use to water the chickens and cattle! So I am a hobby quilter and have been involved with the Barn Quilt movement since 2011 and thought it would fit in with our fundraising efforts to save these farms! All my time making these barn quilts are 100 percent donated to Elmwood, I don't charge one single cent for labor!

Please come out and support Elmwood's efforts to preserve our local farmlands by visiting her booth here at Farmgirl Outfitters Fall Barn Sale!  You'll be so blessed by her work!

September 24th-25th here at Farmgirl Outfitters, 345 Fairmount Road in Statesville.  See you there!!

Warmest welcome to one of our new vendors, Renae Burleson Harris of Frenchie's Vintage Finds.  Renae is a kindred spirit who loves to go "junkin" as much as I do!!  I'm so inspired by her upcycled treasures!  You won't want to pass by Renae's booth without checking out all her vintage goodies!  In her own words, here is Renae's story....

My name is Renae Harris. I was born and raised in North Carolina. I am a 15 year military veteran who loves camping, traveling, vintage, junk, flea markets, yard sales, dumpster diving (not ashamed!), photography, rescuing animals, and of course, my 2 French Bulldogs (hence the business name). I have been doing various crafts for many many years...mainly for birthday presents, Christmas presents, and decorations for my own home. I love coming up with new ideas and new designs with odd and old items, giving them new love and new life. It's become a huge passion of mine so I created this business to be able to share my ideas and creations with others. Creations that are unique, personal and add beauty to your home, landscaping, your wedding day, or that make a great gift for someone special.

For more eye candy, follow Frenchie's Vintage Finds on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/frenchiesvintagefinds/

Meet Todd Coleman of Banshee Metal Works!!  Todd and his lovely wife Michelle are another new addition to our vendors for our September 24th-25th Barn Sale Event!  Let me start by saying that once I saw Todd's work, I RELENTLESSLY pursued him as a vendor! Graciously he has agreed to join us for both of our fall barn sales!  His work is both flawless and inspiring and I'm certain you will find something that you love in his booth!  He makes everything from iron cooking pots to absolutely "luscious" handcrafted jewelry!!!  Make sure you stop by and see Todd and Michele here, September 24th-25th, and I can assure you, you will be blessed by the experience!

Let the countdown begin folks!!!  Only 17 more days until our September 24th-25th Barn Sale Event so make sure to mark your calendars!  Today we are kicking off our vendor spotlights with a brand new vendor and boy-howdy....you are going to love her handiwork!

Farmgirl Outfitters is "Over the Moon" to present to you one of our new vendors, Leanna of Pep & Pop.  I'm just in awe of her gorgeous hand-lettered signs and she does custom orders too!  She also teaches classes in hand-lettering so if you have an interest in taking one of her classes let her know and we'll convince her to hold one here at the "Magic Shack".  In her own words, here is Pep & Pop's mission....

I am so glad you decided to stop by! My name is Leanna and around here I try to keep everything simple, special, and southern. Pep & Pop’s mission is to produce top quality hand crafted items that spread love, cheer, and southern charm wherever they are present.

Make sure you visit Leanna's booth to see her gorgeous handiwork!  What perfect gifts her signs would make! You can see more on her website at http://www.pepnpop.com/.  And by the way....how cute is this girl!!!!  So thrilled to have her as one of our vendors!

No one loves fall more than I do.  Maybe just as much, but certainly not more... I'm not a North Carolina native so I'm ceaselessly amazed by the change in seasons here.  I think even the sky changes to a more vibrant blue in the fall.  I grew up in sunny Florida where it stays warm most of the year and there is certainly no changing of the leaves.  Shortly after moving to NC, I found that when the weather changes in September, I have an abundance of energy and my imagination catches fire.  Since one can never have too many hobbies, I also love to write poetry,  In honor of todays cooler weather I thought I would share one of my poems with you.  I hope it stirs you on the inside and makes you want to polish up those boots and pull out those sweaters we're all longing to wear.....

Autumn’s Call
 
Autumn swept in while I wasn’t looking,
I felt her breath cool on the back of my neck.
When I looked up I saw her.
She wore a coat of crimson and gold,
Her hair tumbling carelessly to the ground
Beneath the weeping trees.
In the morning she blew frost on the vines around my door,
Their petals falling like soft rain on my doorstep.
Autumn’s calling the birds to flight
and the animals to ready their homes for the coming snow.
She paints the sky a vibrant blue and turns the sun to gold.
Her days are bittersweet with the warmth of summer and the cold yet to come.
All the world is listening to her song so sweet and clear,
As Autumn comes calling.
 
                                  By Donna Weigel

​

Today’s blog is a far leap from the enthusiasm and joy of yesterday’s entry.  This blog post has lived inside my heart for almost eight years now and it’s finally time to release it out into the world.  The life events that shape us into who we become are often messy but I think it’s important to reflect on the life changes that have set our feet upon the path we are traveling.  There are deep lessons when we can learn to embrace the most painful moments we face.  September 4th, 2016 will mark the eighth year since losing my sweet son Jarod, age 20, in a tragic car accident.  It was horrible.  I’ve spent the years since learning how to breathe again.  

​The death of a child is also the death of a dream.  The dreams you had for the life you thought you’d share with them.  It’s the loss of the daughter-in-law you thought would one day come along…the grandchildren that will never be born.  And yes, the tears still flow daily.  But that’s not where the story has to end.  With the passing of time and the love and support of family and friends, we can forge new dreams.  The flames that threaten to consume us can be used to soften the hard truth so we can hammer out new plans for a different future.  We have the power to choose to do more than survive…..we can thrive.  It starts with a journey of self-discovery.  It’s about uncovering hidden talents and the passions we all possess deep inside.  What value can I bring to the world around me and what medium can I use to accomplish that?  The answer is different for everyone, but for me it is all about being creative.  

​I credit this sweet little cherry cabinet with saving my life that first season without my son.  I found it on Craigslist and it was covered in white latex paint that was peeling and bubbling all over.  I’m not even sure what possessed me, only one month after losing my son, to even think about buying and restoring a piece of furniture.  I suspect it had something to do with trying to get my house in order. In a world where I was powerless to undo what had been done, I could at least control the fate of this little cabinet. I sat on the cold floor of my garage that whole winter, crying, wiping snot and scraping, peeling and sanding away that unwanted white paint.  That little cabinet was doing its best to shed what was covering up its inner beauty.  With every stroke of the sandpaper, every scrape of my tools, the white paint fell away revealing the glowing nature of the cherry wood beneath. Until now, I did not recognize the symbolism in those actions.  

​Like a caterpillar in its dark, confined cocoon its beauty was waiting to unfold.  Can you see it now?  I can…..finally.  This little cabinet is just like me.  Waiting and wanting to shed what was concealing the beauty inside.  The pain and sadness I carry every day is also the impetus to change.  It’s the white paint I long to shed.  Daily I scrape away the layers to discover what lies beneath.  I’m an artist, I’m a writer, I’m a mother, a nurturer, I’m a well of love and compassion waiting to spill out on all the world around me.  

​You see the little bits of white left in the crevices?  Those are intentional.  They remind me of where I started in this journey of self-discovery and survival.  They are like the scars I carry inside.  Without that fathomless pain, I might never have had the need to dig down deep and find my true self.  As the layers fall away, I like what I’m seeing.  New dreams forged in the fire….