How and Why We Love Historic Homes

A Little History

One of the things we love about this area of the country, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is the availability of historic homes and properties. Bucks County boasts 12 original covered bridges and there are gorgeous barns and farms all over the place.

The first home we bought when we moved to this area was this 18th-century Stone Colonial. It was so unique, very well maintained, and quintessentially Early American. It had very uneven measurements, only 2 full bedrooms, and a little walk-through space off the master (which we quickly crafted into a nursery), a woodburning stove, a classic pie staircase, beautiful deep windowsills, a nice brick courtyard with a farm bell and climbing roses, a garden-filled yard, and a sweet little cottage (which became my studio).

Side view of stone colonial home.

Why our homes are sentimental

We lived in this home from 1998-2007 and it was our first so of course, it’s sentimental. Our young family loved and used every square inch of it because it was not very big. It was built from beautiful fieldstone and because it was well taken care of previously it did not require a lot of work or renovation which was perfect for that time of our lives. The only problem was that the home became a little too small for our growing family over time and it also sat on a busy road. This position near the road made sense when it was built in 1780 because it was built on a main road leading straight to Philadelphia, but in 2007 it was no longer a workable feature with our three young children, so we decided we needed to find something a little different. Not an easy decision as we had grown to love this little beauty.

Farm bell with climbing roses and two dancing queens.

Our family portrait in front of the Stone Colonial Home. Photo Courtesy: Catherine Byvelds

A Victorian Farmhouse up the hill

We searched for a new home for quite a while, always looking for another historic gem that we could easily call home. Eventually, we actually found a white Victorian Clapboard Farmhouse with 3 outbuildings that were literally up the hill (foreshadowing Windy Hill) from our original Stone Colonial. This worked out well because purchasing this Victorian would mean we wouldn't have to pull our children out of the primary school they were attending and could essentially stay connected to our neighborhood friends. It also had 4 massive bedrooms and a cottage apartment on the property so to us it seemed just like the Taj Mahal!!!

Windy Hill Farm in spring.

Learning about our home

Once we were certain this place was for us - but before the purchase, I made it my personal mission to befriend the current owner so that I could really get to know her, the house, and its history because I knew she had loved it for a very long time and that she felt the same way about historic properties. She told me she was searching for the perfect family to love her home. If you haven’t picked this up already, what you must know about owners of historic properties is that they are obsessed. They may be obsessed with history, architecture, farming, antiques, or ghosts, but trust me, they are in love with something like that and that is why they are drawn to care for a piece of history in the first place.

Windy Hill Farm in winter.

research with tea

So, because I am one of the obsessive types, I set up “tea dates” with the lovely woman who had owned this home for over 30 years so we could discuss all the little nuances that are so important to understand when buying an older home. She graciously filled me in on details about the gardens and the herds of yard deer (yes, that’s a thing), the neighbors, the well and water pipes, the paint colors she used and why she used them, the utility schedules, the septic system, and important details about the rental income the farm provided and how and why it would be in our best interest to keep that going.

Kids greet from the balcony.

how Rental Income sealed the deal

When purchasing a historic farm, don't underestimate the power of passive rental income. One of the reasons we chose this farm was because it came with established rental income derived from an outbuilding at the back of the property. The large outbuilding had been previously renovated and divided into 4 distinct storage-only garages: one to be used by the owner as a garage for the lawn mower, bikes, tools, and such, and the other 3 to be used for a home business or rented out if desired. There is a private driveway to this building and all access is in the back, so tenants never have to disturb the family in the main house.

Out building provides rental income.

Plant, don’t demolish

Full disclosure, at first I just wanted to demolish the building completely (I was strongly “persuaded” to plant pine trees instead) but today I’m glad we didn't demolish after all because, over the last 16 years, the building has provided a very nice passive income which took care of half of our monthly mortgage, and it has allowed us to do the many renovations and updates we've wanted to do on the original farmhouse and cottage. It also paid for exciting family vacations, and currently, it's helping to pay 3 simultaneous college tuitions. I now have more of an open mind and if you are searching for a historic property, I recommend finding a way to generate some passive income.

Kids planting first pines which will help to pay for their college!

Creative home inspirations

When we moved into the Victorian Farmhouse in the summer of 2007 we were very content with the state of the home. It had great bones, lovely updates, and many classic features. There is a main farmhouse, a big, green 4-story bank barn, a little studio cottage (perfect for my designing), and that long outbuilding above that we soon rented out. Bonus! Sure, this home would eventually need some updates, but we had three kids to raise, a lot of time, and much more energy then, so we were not in a hurry. Nevertheless, creative renovations did eventually happen everywhere (and sometimes twice) so sign up to receive alerts about the entire project and the way we did "creative home inspirations" here at Windy Hill. Below is a sampling of what is to come. If you enjoy this blog please comment below and share it with your friends. And you can subscribe here. Thank you, Kim

Side view of Windy Hill Farm.

Creative Home Inspirations….Sign up so you don’t miss them!

• A Cute Courtyard & A Scary Tree

• Weedy, Old Heirloom Gardens

• The Cottage Becomes a Studio

• A Yard Sale-Inspired Kitchen

• A Wisteria-Covered Outdoor Entertainment Space

• Our Peek-a-Boo Pantry

• A Floral Workshop

• An inviting Mudroom

• The Under-the-Stair Secret Hideaway

• A Lite & Bright Family Room

• An Arhaus-Inspired Dining Room

• A Fun & Foral Laundry Room

• Our Simple and Fresh Bathrooms

• The Transformable Bedrooms (Kid-to-Teen)

• A Classic Living Room, Game Room & Home Office

• The Marriage Marked Bank Barn

Shop the look at Windy Hill Farm! If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here.

10 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Event or Wedding

Boutonniere design by Studio Sprig. Flower Farm Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm. Photography by Karmapants

There is so much that goes into planning any event large or small, and remembering to keep things simple and reduce your carbon footprint may be your most difficult challenge. Did you know that the average wedding produces a massive 400 pounds of garbage and 63 tons of CO2? It's not surprising to me, having worked in the industry for over 25 years, but it is disappointing.

The good news is that there are many eco-friendly ideas you can implement when planning your next event if you don’t want to contribute to that excessive waste. Whether it's your wedding day, or just a big day celebration, always considering your environment and your carbon footprint is very important.

First, try breaking your event down into manageable bites by making two lists: "must-haves" and "can live without". You'll quickly find that it's not as difficult as you may have thought and sorting now helps to simplify everything later. Here are ten things to closely consider when planning your day.

1. Consider a Micro event

When creating your guest list, remember it's quality, not quantity that matters. Good news, some of the most special events are very intimate affairs. Although the word micro doesn't only have to describe your guest list, there are plenty of ways to "Go Micro" for the environment, and still have a sizable guest list.

2. Hire an event Planner

At first, an event planner, 'day of', or coordinator might seem like an extravagance that you can't afford, but hiring an event or wedding planner may prove to be your best decision overall, and here's why. Planners plan all day, every day. They know the venues, the entertainment, and all of the little idiosyncracies that might trip you up along the way. They can save you a lot of time, wedding waste, aggravation, money, and especially all that running around. So don't rule them out before you begin. Consider your location, time availability, and energy level. Where are your efforts best allocated?

Venue Hotel Du Village. Flower design by Studio Sprig. Flower Farm Cultivating Joy Flowers. Photography by Elle Studios

3. find A Beautiful Venue

When hunting for a venue, it's a good idea to open your eyes wide and focus on everything, not just capacity and catering options. Look in every corner of the interior, entryways, hallways, bathrooms, and outside in the gardens, parking lots, and all around the grounds where your guests may wander. Take it all in, because this is one area you can really save a bundle.

We all know what it can cost to decorate an empty social hall, school, or ill-styled restaurant. Sure, the price may be fine and they may provide you with tables and chairs, but is that enough? Chances are you'll need to provide all of your own linens, centerpieces, flower embellishments, arches, favors, candles, and sometimes even food. The list can go on forever. But some more inclusive venues provide most of those things and provide you with the proper ambiance that wipes all of the other items off of your list.

Take this gorgeous barn, for instance. It belongs to a good friend of mine and requires minimal embellishment to make it really pop for a small-medium event.

A micro-event at Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm.

Beautiful venues really focus on visual impact. When touring, take a good look around outside because so many venues have beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens that need no embellishment at all. The decore is built-in. In fact, adding decor can actually take away from the natural beauty that is already there. In some cases, you can host your entire event in a garden space and not need to purchase anything to enhance the event. The flowers and greenery are already all around you! And be inquisitive, many venues today offer a room full of rentable decor, candle votives, large flower planters, and other items for your tables Some even offer these items to customers free of charge. Always ask the venue coordinator, you may be surprised by what they already have and are willing to provide. This is always a better option than buying everything new if you are only intending on using it for one day.

---

Flower design by Studio Sprig. Flower Farm Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm. Photography by Littlewing Studios

Here is a peek into Cassia & Justin's green wedding on a beautiful farm property in East Greenville, PA. The wedding took place during covid and the couple did a wonderful job creating a micro event that mimicked an old country wedding. After a couple’s photo session next to the barn and in the fields, everyone walked from the outdoor ceremony up the small hill to the reception which was inside a glass-enclosed mini barn. Most guests stayed overnight on the property at the Inn, just a few steps away. The reception decor was simple and consisted of buckets of fresh flowers and herbs which the bride and maids placed onto three unique micro cakes and into small glass bottles. Photography courtesy of Littlewing Studios.

Herbs grown by Studio Sprig. Flower Farm Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm. Photography by Littlewing Studios

---

4. beg, borrow or thrift

If your event is repeated and let's say you host annually, then I'd suggest just purchasing the linens and other necessary items once, and using them as much as possible, but if renting or borrowing is available to you and that makes more sense, then do it.

Flower Farm Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm. Photography by Littlewing Studios

When searching for vases, candle holders, or other tableware, I suggest always starting at consignment or thrift shops. Antiques are always nicer than new and giving these items a second look is commendable and very green.

I also always encourage my clients to borrow. It’s likely a friend or family member has just the thing you are looking for. Over the years I’ve created many centerpiece arrangements using cherished family heirlooms as the vessel. Delicate teacups, a vintage bottle collection, you name it. Added bonus: there’s often a sentimental story attached to these pieces and guests enjoy hearing it.

5. Host an event At Home

Don't underestimate the space you have right under your nose. This idea always scares people, but using your own home is an easy way to reduce your costs tremendously if cost is a concern. You do not need large furniture or vast spaces to entertain at home. Honestly, I've hosted many events here on our farm both outside in the yard, and inside in our four small lower-level rooms. Our home is not big because it's 172 years old and the rooms were designed to keep people warm and close. But because we always knew we loved to entertain, we made a few good renovation choices over the years and they have helped us achieve this goal successfully.

Many of us have incorporated a patio or deck into our outdoor landscapes. These areas are always great choices for hosting a warm-weather event. I've hosted many events on our very small deck with a round iron table that only seats 4! Truth be told I bought that table at a yard sale, 23 years ago. No matter, because it still works great and when I need more seating, I just add smaller cafe tables, benches, and bars made from old barn doors (all purchased on the Facebook marketplace) to accommodate guests. Miscellaneous ensembles can make our deck look like an eclectic cafe and I'm okay with that vibe.

As for the lawn space, I try to use most of that too. If our event is larger and I need lots more seating, I just rent long tables and chairs from our local rental store. They rent for the entire weekend so I can sometimes squeeze two parties out of one rental. It's relatively inexpensive to rent and very easy because I do not have to worry about storing anything.

6. Stay Local

Choose your event space or wedding venue wisely. The environment is always impacted by where you chose to host. If you want your guests to fly to a destination wedding, for instance, this will undoubtedly affect the sustainability of your event. But driving long distances may as well. There are creative ways you can keep everyone local so they almost don't need to travel at all.

Source: The Knot

Take for example the New Orleans Second Line Wedding Parade, a brass band processional tradition that predates the Civil War. Modern couples incorporate this historic custom into their wedding to give homage to their New Orleans roots. In this tradition, the brass band leads guests on foot from the wedding venue to the reception venue. Now, you'd need for your venues to be near enough, but even if you don't hire an escort band, you could incorporate an eco-friendly l between-venue walk, also popular with rural weddings long ago. And if you have a family member with limited mobility, come up with a cherished way to honor them in your foot parade.

7. eco-conscious sourcing

Casual Biodegrading

If your event calls for more casual, disposable serving products like plates, utensils, and napkins it's best to always choose biodegradable materials instead of plastic. Not only will you have less waste, but you won't contribute to the pounds of trash that most events do.

But don't worry going green does not mean you are not limited to paper goods. There are so many sustainable options today. Below I’ve compiled a list of natural sources with links to compostable dinnerware you can order for your next event. I hope you find a sustainable alternative that fits your style.

• Palm Leaves

• Compostable Wheat

• Bamboo

• Sugarcane

Photo courtesy of Maggpie Rentals

Glamorous Renting
Consider renting fancy dishware and glassware instead of buying everything. This opens up the door to an extra level of glam, while still impacting the environment in a positive way.

And did you know you can easily rent almost anything you need? For instance, the seating ensemble above, and many others can be rented from Maggpie in Boyertown, PA. If you have an empty space to fill or just need an interesting backdrop, shop the exact look you want and rent it! Here is a list of other beautiful and off-beat rental options you may not have known about.

• Love and a Truck Co.

• Fox and Finch

• Lovebirds Vintage Rentals

Design by Studio Sprig. Handmade Paper Porridge Papers. Eco-Conscious Printer Bucks Digital. Twig from backyard.

Sustainable Stationery

When considering your event stationery needs, it's best to always use recycled or handmade paper and nontoxic inks - or search for sustainable or eco-friendly graphic designers and printers like Bucks Digital, in your area if you are not the DIY type. And if you love to DIY, a great paper source is Greenfield Paper Co. from California. They have reinvented the age-old tradition of creating fine paper without cutting down trees. Green Field Paper Company offers three lines of recycled papers that integrate post-consumer pulp with non-traditional additives such as seeds, hemp, coffee chaff, denim, junk mail, and garlic skins! All of their products are made in the USA and they do not use any dyes or bleach. Earth pigments are used to color the papers and all of their seed paper contains non-GMO non-invasive seeds. Or Porridge Papers, my source in the design above, whose owner Christopher once produced a single custom sheet that was sent to Martha Stewart and another order of  2.2 million pieces embedded with lettuce seeds for Kraft Foods. Using seeded and plantable paper is really cool, good for the environment, and a way to save the “memory” of your event.

8. Stay in Season

Flowers

If you choose to incorporate beautiful flowers or plants into your event design, always try to stay in season. Seasonal blooms have always been the goal of Studio Sprig for many reasons. First of all, they are much fresher and much more beautiful, in my opinion. Many times they are harvested one or maybe only two days before your event. This means they not only look their best, but they will hold up longer if you want to repurpose them afterward. Staying in season is so good for the environment because you are using what nature is already providing instead of forcing growth in greenhouses far away in climates more suitable. Here is a nice guide for choosing flowers by season.

Food & Drink

Building your menu around the seasons is such a smart idea. Tomatoes always taste better in summer. We all know this. Staying in season and trying to use local farms eliminates the need to transport food long distances at great cost. Most chefs would jump at the chance to create a menu with only seasonal ingredients, and if you are preparing the food and drink yourself, here are two helpful books.

9. Grow Your Own flowers

When it comes to your event or wedding flowers, there are plenty of sustainable flower farmers you can choose from. Some of them have designers on the premises while others contract the service.

Another good option might be to plan ahead and grow your own. This is much easier if you're planning a micro event or a larger event with less need for custom flowers and greens. But if you or someone you know is an avid gardener, this endeavor could be very rewarding. If you do decide to do this, however, I’d recommend a backup plan just in case. Weather and pests are obstacles to be aware of. This book by Floret’s Erin Benzakein is a well-organized guide to growing your own.

Ann Hayes of Southern Pines at Cornerstone Farm gives a tour of her dahlia fields.

And did you know you can also hire local farmers to grow flowers for you? I work with several growers willing to do this if they have enough lead time and can grow what the event requires in the correct season. And when local farmers grow your flowers you have the peace of mind that the job will get done right and if they do run into a problem on your special day, they are most likely to have a surplus of other varieties for you to choose from and/or the connections to get what you need.

Cool idea: Hosting a tour of the flower farm growing your event flowers is a unique way to bring a small group from your event together. It’s a fabulous setting for an outdoor bridal shower or with this tour you can create an educational precursor for an eco-friendly fundraising event.

10. Donate whenever possible

Food
One great way to avoid a lot of food waste after your catered event is to donate your leftover food to a local church, animal shelter, food bank, or homeless shelter. You'd need to follow food safety guidelines of course and ask your caterer if they have a process in place for this already, but if they do not here are some links that may help you find what you are looking for.

• Feeding America: Looking for a Food Bank near you

• Great Nonprofits: Looking for a Homeless Shelter near you

• Humane Society: Looking for an Animal Shelter near you

Decor & Flowers
Donations of decor are also appreciated greatly. Perhaps you know you'll never use 200 votive candle holders again or you just don't have space for the 25 vases you accumulated. There's probably a bride out there somewhere who would love to recycle your glass jars for you. Or maybe some local hospitals could use a few fresh floral arrangements for their lobby this week. One of the easiest ways to resell your lightly used decor is on the Facebook marketplace.

---

Flower design by Studio Sprig. Flower Farm Detweiler Homestead. Photography by Taylor Cotilla

Enjoy this glimpse of Lindsay & Jordan's late summer wedding. Lindsay requested a pure white, sustainable bridal bouquet so I chose to work with one of my local favorites, white lisianthus. These focal flowers were grown on the reputable Detweiler Homestead Farm originally in Telford, PA, and they were accented with greens harvested from Bloom Flower Farm, originally from Hilltown, PA. A bridal, one bridesmaid bouquet, several boutonnieres, and cake flowers were the complete floral order for this beautiful, micro event.

---

Thank you for reading this blog, Please comment below and share your thoughts and suggestions. I’ve included some great resources below. Just click the image for your convenience. If you enjoyed this blog and would like to sign up please join our subscriber list here.

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact  Kim@kimbensingdesign.com. If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you. This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

Eliminate Sneaky Sugars

Did you ever take a hard look at the ingredients in some of your favorite products?

I did. I took a close look at my go-to salad dressing. The one I drizzle over my special homemade plantwiches. This dressing is commonly known as Good Season’s Italian and it’s pretty popular because it’s fresh and light and…not creamy. In years past I vigorously purchased these little boxes, ripped open the mini packages inside, and mixed up my light and perfectly tangy dressings so that I’d have a continuous supply on hand. Today I mix up my own homemade, and here is why.

The sneaky Ingredient in this box

Sugar, Salt, Sodium Citrate, Garlic (Dried), Onions (Dried), Spice, Red Bell Peppers (Dried), Carrots (Dried), Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Parsley (Dried), Guar Gum, Natural Flavor, Soy Sauce (Dried) (Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Citric Acid.

There it is. Sugar. We’ve all heard that if the very first, or even second, ingredient on the label is Sugar back away and return it to the shelf. According to Rutger’s Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Study, sugar addiction is more dangerous than you think. They report that The World Health Organization (WHO) states that an adult living on a standard 2,000-calorie diet should aim to consume about 25 grams of sugar per day.

Let’s face it, if you’re not intentionally picking up a candy bar you may be eating more sugar than you’d like because sugar is constantly sneaking into food products and beverages where it really doesn’t belong. The same study tells us that “just one cup of Dannon Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt, for example, contains a soul-crushing 34 grams of sugar. Meanwhile, VitaminWater contains 17 grams.” Vitamin Water! This Rutger’s study and many others suggest that some food companies include little bits of addictive sugar in their recipes, just to keep you coming back, not actually to enhance the taste.

Because this has been on my radar for quite a while, I’ve thought long and hard about why a fresh, herbal, olive oil-based salad dressing would need sugar at all. I can’t come up with a solid reason except for the addiction factor. This is why I first attempted to create this dressing without sugar. I am happy to share how easy it is, so you can quickly make your own.

Gather a few herbs & spices

I grow a lot of organic herbs here at Windy Hill, however, I also buy many of my spices and herbs at the grocery like everyone else. Either way, gather up what you’ve been able to dry or take this list to the store and buy the following bottles.

• Parsley (2TBSP)

• Onion powder (2TBSP)

• Garlic powder (2TBSP)

• Salt (2TBSP)

• Oregano (2TBSP)

• Basil (2 tsp)

• Black pepper (2 tsp)

• Paprika (2 tsp)

• Ped pepper flakes (optional for zesty) (1 tsp)

• Thyme (1/2 tsp)

• Celery seed (1/2 tsp)

Of course feel free to eliminate something you don’t care for, and replace it with something you like as long as it’s not sugar. I usually add a dash of Turmeric and Cayenne pepper for health but if you love onions, add chives and if you like lemon, add dried lemon verbena. Just keep in mind, if you already like the GS Italian mix flavor, this precise list will get you there.

the best Containers

For Liquids: Years ago I purchased the standard cruet that is sold alongside the Good Season packages and I do like it for proper mixing because it has marks telling you how much extra virgin olive oil, water, and vinegar to add. I find this helpful for a consistent taste every time.

For Seasoning Mix: After you’ve combined the measured dry herbs & spices pour them into a medium mason jar. (I like to use the mason jars with glass lids - these come with air-tight seals) Then shake well so the contents are evenly distributed. When mixed scoop out 2 tablespoons and add it to the cruet which should already contain the oil, water & vinegar. Lock the cap and shake vigorously.

The dry seasoning mix will last a pretty long time in your pantry as long as there is no moisture inside the jar. I keep the cruet filled with dressing in my panty because I use it pretty quickly.

I hope this quick and easy recipe helps you eliminate those sneaky sugars that top your salads or plantwiches. There are many other processed items out there with sugar hiding somewhere. Seek, and you shall find them. If you see unwanted sugars in some of your favorite foods, google a sugar-free alternative recipe to find healthier options, or just try creating it yourself. Be sure to check out the Garden Gift Idea below in the inspire section of this blog. And I’d love to hear your comments and places you’ve found unwanted sugars lurking. Thank you for reading, Kim

---

Learn: NY Times: “How to stop eating sugar”
Create: Double your batch of freshly made salad dressing mix, and place about 4 tablespoons into tiny jars with little corks. Give as gifts.
Inspire: Garden Gift Idea / Place some preserved moss inside a galvanized bucket. Fill with 1 cruet, a tiny jar with your homemade seasoning mix. Be sure to label the seasoning mix with these stylish labels and also include 1 small bottle of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 small bottle of specialty vinegar.

I’m always here to help you with your creative journey. Please sign up to receive blog post notifications and follow Studio Sprig on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I look forward to connecting. If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here.

---

DIY Herb Drying Rack: Herb Drying at Home

Studio Sprig by Kimberly Herb Drying Baskets

Are you interested in drying your own herbs? I just love fresh herbs and I grow many on my farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. If you are interested in how I do that, please read this blog post: Herbs, and how to grow, harvest, and dry your own.

I use lots of fresh herbs in everything, my floral designs, my cooking, and even my baking. Having a large herb garden is great in the summer, but I soon realized I needed to dry much of my harvest because they were growing so fast and I just couldn’t eat them fast enough. Drying is a great way to have plenty of herbs throughout the winter.

Herb Drying Racks

As I began searching for herb drying racks I came to discover I did not care for the many options out there because they reminded me of large, round, mesh butterfly cages and I knew they would not fit well in my rectangular pantry -where I wanted to dry the herbs. So instead of buying one, I created my own.

How I Created My Own

First, I started with an existing peg rack that was already hanging in my pantry. If you don’t have one, you can easily find stylish pegs or hooks to add to any wall with this link.

I then hung simple curtain ring clips on four of the pegs and attached these simple metal baskets to the clips. You can find metal baskets in all shapes and sizes depending on what works best for you.

Next, I removed the rings from the clips and used just the clips to connect basket to basket, creating a cascading effect. I hung two columns of baskets, two deep, but you can create any configuration that works in your space.

Lastly, I lined the baskets with a small cutting of cheesecloth in case the herbs were damp from washing and needed to drip.

Now, the aroma in my pantry is always wonderful and it’s also a pleasant sight when I walk in -as it takes up the entire back wall. The great thing about this herb drying rack is that I can add to it and go all the way down the wall if I wish. If you have a large wall to cover, you can always intersperse framed herbal artwork or framed herbal photos taken from a calendar. You can also use your own custom photos or paintings and design a unique “Herbal Wall”. To help, I have included a list with links below where you will find some of the materials I used.

Supplies you’ll need:
1. Shaker Pegs
2. Large Metal Baskets
3. Small Metal Baskets
4. Curtain Clips
5. Cheesecloth
6. Herbal Artwork
7. Herbal Photos

I’m always here to help you with your creative journey. Please sign up to receive blog post notifications and follow Studio Sprig on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I look forward to connecting. If you’re a blogger, what’s your favorite SEO Tool? I’ve had much keyword success with RankIQ. Learn more here. Kim
This post contains affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I make a small commission at no further cost to you. Thank you.

Simplified Wedding Ceremony during Covid

Is it possible to design and flawlessly execute your dream wedding in late July 2020, during covid?

Yes. Cassia and Justin used this opportunity to simplify and scale down their ceremony and reception while still creating the day of their dreams.

To accommodate guests they rented this splendid Airbnb in Berks County, Pennsylvania for friends and family as their backdrop and gathering site. Friends congregated the night before and prepared in the well-appointed farmhouse. The next day, the couple’s socially-distanced outdoor wedding ceremony took place on the back lawn, while the reception dinner was a short skip up the hill in the small, but perfect, mini-event space - custom built just for events like this.

Cassia requested a simple, seasonal bouquet of fresh herbs, bold zinnia and glorious summer dahlia, loosely tied with a white dangly ribbon. It was the perfect accompaniment to her free-flowing, meadow dress. Justin’s funky floral tie looked great paired with his tiny “clustered wildflower” boutonniere.

The small-scale redesign of this wedding allowed the bride and her family the opportunity to design their own dinner tables and a trio of cakes with plentiful fresh-cut organic herbs, sprigs, and flowers, supplied the day of by Studio Sprig. I think the results are breathtaking. If you enjoyed this blog please subscribe here. Thank you.

Please enjoy more stunning event photos by Scott and Kristi of Littlewing Studio.