Sean is drawing some interesting analogies between himself, Liz and natural cherry wood furniture today. 

Guest blogger:  Sean Henry

Editors note: Sean Henry and Liz Francese are our front line, crackerjack, Vermont-made furniture sales people.  If you’ve purchased from us before you’ve probably talked to them on the phone (and you’ve definitely received emails from them) so you’ll totally “get” Sean’s tongue-in-cheek essay on how people and cherry wood change over time.  If not, I guess you’ll just have to visit us at Stonehurst and see for yourself.

Let me explain something. When Liz and I were youngsters, we were adorable. No seriously, we were absolutely adorable. We were cute, blond, loveable, patriotic (me) and verbally expressive (Liz).  As I am sure you can see from the pictures we were the kind of kids that parents would love to pull pictures out of their wallets to show off to all their friends. But as you can also see, things change.  Well, maybe not all things change (this is where I tell you to look at both of the pictures of my favorite co-worker and see if you can find the similarities between the two pics).

Okay, so now that I have that part out of the way…  The one thing I wanted to point out — and yes I am finally getting to the point­­ — is that we both used to be blond or perhaps I should say dirty blond.  We both had a nice, light head of hair and over time it has become a darker shade of brown.  You may say to yourself, “what does any of this have to do with Cherry wood furniture?”  Well let me tell you.

Natural Cherry wood is a lot like Liz and I.  When it first arrives, it will be a light, almost dirty blond color.  The light color of new Natural Cherry wood may not be what you expect to see after looking at all the beautiful images of cherry wood furniture on our website.  Don’t worry, this will change.  Over time, Cherry wood darkens or “ripens” as it ages and as it is exposed to light.  As the Natural Cherry ripens, you will see the beauty of the wood and all its amazing characteristics come through.  You will start to see a noticeable change after just a few months. After six months to a year it will have that rich, ripe auburn color.  After that the color of the Cherry wood will change more gradually.  You can see the difference in the pictures above.

One last thing I want to point out before I stop writing this long-winded blog (I am new at this).  You have probably noticed my baby picture with the American flag and my very American red white and blue sailor suit.  I thought it would be a good reminder to everyone that our Memorial Day Sale is coming up soon.  So it might be the perfect time for some change and the perfect time to think about how our Vermont-Made, Handcrafted, ever-changing, beautiful, Natural Cherry wood furniture will look in your home!

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Welcoming Martin Corbin (at the end of the table in between Ken and Martin’s girlfriend, Stephanie) and Kelsey Eaton (3rd from right) into the The Woods and celebrating American Craft Beer Week at The Whetstone Brewery in Brattleboro, Vermont.  That’s Loryn on the far left clinking with Michelle.  Nice photoshop work connecting Michelle’s arm to the rest of her, eh?

We’re always looking for an excuse to celebrate at Vermont Woods Studios and– lucky us– this week we had several good reasons.  So last night we gathered at the Whetstone Brewery in Brattleboro to welcome Martin Corbin and Kelsey Eaton into the Woods and also… to observe American Craft Beer Week (yes, there is such such a thing).

I’ll post a couple short bios about Martin and Kelsey in the coming weeks but today I thought I should talk up Vermont’s fabulous craft beers so you’ll be able to get out and try them during Craft Beer Weekend.

According to the Vermont Brewers Association there are over 30 brewers in the Green Mountain State, from small specialty brewers like Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Warren,Vermont to nationally recognized brands like Long Trail in Bridgewater Corners, Vermont.  “Maybe there’s something in the water. Maybe there’s something in the air. Maybe….. there’s something up here in the mountains. Vermont’s brewers are making magic with it.”

In Brattleboro we’re lucky to have several fine breweries including McNeills on Elliot Street and Whetstone Station next to the bridge (and overlooking the Connecticut River).

Let us know what your favorite Vermont beer is in the comments section below or on our Facebook!

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Our newest arrival, the Vermont Tavern Table is handcrafted in Vermont of solid cherry wood (table top) and a solid maple base that’s painted black.

We are excited to introduce our newest furniture item, the Vermont Tavern Table.  This is a little different from our signature Shaker Style tables.  It’s an Early American design, crafted with a thick, solid cherry top and a maple wood base that’s painted black.  The base is traditionally crafted with large, William & Mary style turned legs.  Our craftsmen were careful to remain true to the original designs and proportions of the tavern tables that first became popular in Vermont and throughout New England over 200 years ago.

You can customize the Vermont Tavern Table online in 6 sizes to fit perfectly into your dining room or kitchen.  And we’ve added a new cherry ladder back chair that goes perfectly with the table to round out the Early American design.

Let us know what you think of this new handmade dining room furniture in the comments section below or on our Facebook.  Give Liz and Sean a call if you have any questions.  We’ll have this table in our new showroom at Stonehurst if you’d like to see it in person.

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Happy Mother’s Day to my wonderful mother and all of the mothers in our lives. Today is your day to do whatever you want– except work.  Thanks to Jacquie Lawson for her beautiful Mother’s Day cards.

Wishing all of the mothers in our lives a very Happy Mother’s Day!  Take time to relax and enjoy the special people in your life today.  No work.  All play.  Enjoy!

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Need to round out your Frank Lloyd Wright Furniture collection?  Better give Liz or Sean a call today as Copeland Furniture will be discontinuing this line as of June 30, 2013.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings but we were informed by Copeland Furniture yesterday that the following collections of their Frank Lloyd Wright furniture line are being discontinued as of June 30, 2013:

• FLW Usonian Furniture
• FLW Living Room Furniture
• FLW Dining Room Furniture

We are sorry to see these pieces go as they were a big hit with our customers.  If you currently have Frank Lloyd Wright furniture and think you may want to round out your collection, now is the time to do it.  Give Sean or Liz and call with any questions or to place an order.

On the upside, because of the limited nature of the pieces they are sure to gain value over time as they become collectors items.  The Dana Thomas Grand Dining Collection, FLW Barrel chairs, the Boynton chairs, the Usonian Collection, the Heurtley House chairs and all of the Copeland Frank Lloyd Wright furniture pieces would certainly be a good investment at this time.

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This Natural Wood Furniture set is part of our 100% American made Modern Shaker collection.  The wood is sustainably harvested in local and regional forests that are managed by professional foresters.  Furniture finishes are non toxic and eco friendly.

American Made Furniture vs Imports

While we’ve watched the price of most home decor items skyrocket over the last 30 years, have you noticed that the price of furniture has actually tumbled?  It’s true. For a couple centuries we Americans prided ourselves on making high quality, natural wood furniture that was coveted around the world.  North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Vermont and other New England states were leaders in the fine furniture industry.

But in the 1960′s  and 70′s many of America’s big furniture makers (like Ethan Allen, Broyhill, Thomasville and Lane) started to move their operations overseas and superior quality became a thing of the past (along with hundreds of thousands of American jobs).  Prices fell dramatically.  Instead of preserving our grandparents heirloom quality wooden furniture for our homes, we began buying cheap, trendy furniture imports and replacing them frequently as breakage occured.

Natural Furniture for the Healthy Home

Fast forward to 2013 when home owners are getting tired of cheap imported furniture that ends up on the curbside in 5 years.  And they’re worried about the health effects of toxic flame retardants and formaldehyde that come standard with imports. Especially in households with children, it is simply not worth the risk.

Families are coming back to American made natural wood furniture with non-toxic finishes.  Yes the furniture is more expensive up front, primarily because the American worker is paid a livable wage (as compared to wages that often amount to just a few dollars/day in Asia).  But the high quality and environmental integrity of American made furniture is winning customers over.  In fact, many brands  are offered with a lifetime guarantee, indicative of the superior value of American made furniture over time.

What kind of furniture is in your home?  Where was it made?  Is it time to rediscover the real thing?  Learn more about American made, natural wood furniture on the sustainability section of our website.

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These Polywood Rockers were our best sellers last week.  Shown here in white frames with Cahaba black woven wicker seats, these comfy, high end Jefferson rockers are available in 6 different recycled plastic frame colors and 4 different wicker colors.

Isn’t Springtime great for relaxing in your rocking chair on the front porch?  You can grab a drink and a friend and watch the world go by.  I know Douglas is chomping at the bit to do this at Stonehurst as he’s got 6 of Polywood Jefferson Rockers all assembled and ready to put on the porch.  We’re hoping we’ll all be able to sit out there by the end of the month or so, as renovations are scheduled to wind down by then.

Since Polywood Rockers were our best sellers last week, we must not be the only ones longing to get outside and enjoy the Spring air.  If you’re one of those people and need a sturdy, high end, all weather chair you can leave on the porch throughout the year, give the Jefferson Rocker a look.  It can be ordered with or without wicker in your choice of 6 traditional colors: white, black, teak, mahogany, sand and green.

Polywood furniture is eco friendly and made in America from recycled plastic milk jugs.  It’s ultra-durable, weather-resistant and can be left outside all year round.  At Vermont Woods Studios we guarantee our Polywood furniture for a lifetime of use and we offer a low price guarantee as well.

Find more buyer protection policies for Polywood furniture and learn why these Jefferson Rockers were our best sellers, by browsing our website — perhaps from your front porch.  Enjoy the Spring weather while you do.

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This is our American Shaker Bedroom Furniture set, handmade in a small workshop just north of Montpelier, VT.  It’s on sale this week until Thursday at midnight.  You can find hundreds of other handmade Shaker furniture pieces also on sale– all 100% American made, right here in Vermont.

Just a quick note today to let customers know that our Shaker Furniture Sale ends Thursday of this week. It’s a “buy more–save more” event where you can save up to 20% on Shaker bedroom, dining room, living room, or home office furniture. Plus, receive free shipping and a lifetime guarantee.

Have a look at our Online Shaker Furniture Gallery and shop securely, easily, and conveniently from your dining table, office or back yard.  Or give Liz or Sean a call at 888-390-5571 to order by phone or discuss your questions.

Our furniture is 100% American Made, solid wood furniture guaranteed for a lifetime of service to your family.  Why settle for anything less?

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The Brattleboro Farmers Market is located on Rte 9 in West Brattleboro.  It’s open rain or shine, every Saturday from 9am to 2pm.  Farmers will have maple syrup, fresh greens, herbs, rhubarb, eggs and meats, garden plants and flowers, apples, root crops, preserves and jams.  Artisans and bakers offer sourdough breads, pastries and treats, granola, fruit wines and sparkling juices, jewelry, pottery, fabric arts, and soaps.

Foodies throughout Vermont are celebrating this weekend because Saturday is opening day for many of our farmers markets, including our favorite one– in Brattleboro.  I tag along with Chef Annette who visits the market religiously every week to fill her fridge with fresh, organic fruits and veggies.  I haven’t been cooking much lately so I just go for the freshly baked breads, local gourmet cheeses and… oh yes… lunch!

Lunch is the best part of Bratt’s Farmers Market.  Take your pick:  Indian, Malian, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, wood-fired pizza– you name it.  Wash it down with steamy country coffee or a glass of the world’s best freshly squeezed lemonade.

The Brattleboro Farmers Market is located on Rte 9 in West Brattleboro.  It’s open rain or shine, every Saturday from 9am to 2pm.  Farmers will have “springtime harvests of new maple syrup, fresh greens, herbs, rhubarb, eggs and meats, garden plants and flowers, plus well-stored apples, root crops, preserves and jams.  Artisans and bakers offer sourdough breads, pastries and treats (many gluten-free choices), granola, fruit wines and sparkling juices, jewelry, pottery, fabric arts, and soaps.”

This Saturday on opening day, there will be music and Maypole dancing by  Andy Davis.  There’s something for everyone.  Call 802-254-8885 for more information.  Hope to see you there!

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The current issue of Vermont Nature, a publication of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science VINS is all about Citizen Scientists with ideas and links to projects all over the Green Mountain State.

Vermont Woods Studios was created with a mission of forest conservation.  By introducing customers to our sustainable wood furniture we are able to raise awareness about all kinds of forest-related issues, from rainforest preservation to global warming.

You don’t have to be a citizen scientist to make the connection between healthy, sustainable forests and wood furniture but it doesn’t hurt.  If you’re not already a CS, how about considering it?

The current issue of Vermont Nature, a publication of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science VINS is all about Citizen Scientists, with ideas and links to projects throughout the Green Mountain State.  Online websites make it really easy to participate so if you love nature and are going to be outdoors enjoying it anyway, why not give Citizen Science a try?

Here are a couple opportunities:

• If you’re a bird watcher, check out The Great Backyard Bird Count run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society.  Join bird lovers from 110 different countries by logging who’s flying around in your backyard, garden, farm or forest
• Love to hike?  Learn about the pests that may be invading and jeopardizing the trees you’re passing by.  The Vermont Forest Pest First Detector Program needs you to take a minute and report sightings of invasive pests online.  You’ll be helping conservationists stop the spread of invasives before it’s too late.

Check out VINS’ website for more ideas.  There’s something for everyone.  You can change the world.

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