Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
American Made Furniture: It's Not Just A Slogan In Vermont
In the furniture world, High Point, North Carolina is the place to be in October. All the big, multi-national furniture wholesalers are there at the Annual Furniture Market selling to retailers from across America.For the past 30-40 years these companies have been manufacturing their furniture in China, Vietnam and other third world countries. They moved there from places like North Carolina and Virginia in the 70s and 80s to take advantage of cheap labor, illegally harvested wood and lax safety and health regulations.
Well, now that wages and safety are both on the rise in China, the furniture companies are moving back to the USA. This year they are pushing two new over-arching sales themes at the High Point Market: American Made Furniture and Eco-Friendly, Green Furniture.
Hmmm. That sounds familiar, doesn't it? In Vermont our furniture makers have embodied these themes throughout our history. Vermont furniture has always been true to its American heritage, American quality and American jobs. And our states' furniture craftspeople have consistently used eco-friendly, sustainably harvested wood and non-toxic finishes for their work.
From the small custom shops that make one of a kind studio furniture to our medium and large scale furniture makers like Lyndon Furniture, Copeland Furniture, Pompanoosuc Mills, New England Woodcraft, Vermont Furniture Designs and Maple Corner Woodworks, Vermont craftsmen have been authentically American and eco-friendly throughout our history. It's not just a passing fad in Vermont and you can rest assured that we will be providing heirloom quality, natural, handmade furniture for generations to come.
US Made Fine Furniture Sale - 15% Off Vermont Made Bedroom, Dining, Office Furniture
Just a quick note to let you know we've got a great sale going on today through Halloween, October 31. The American Made Fine Wooden Furniture Sale gives you 15% off just about everything store-wide including bedroom furniture, dining room furniture, home office furniture and living room furniture.Celebrate the renaissance of American craftsmanship by acquiring a piece or a room full of handmade, heirloom quality, fine wooden furniture!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Custom Made to Order Furniture - Tips and Advice for Buying Handmade, Fine Wooden Furniture at the Best Price, http://ping.fm/bsvCy
American Made Fine Furniture Sale - 15% Off Store Wide
http://vermontwoodsstudios.typepad.com/vermont_woods_studios_peg/2011/10/american-made-fine-furniture-sale-15-off-store-wide.html
http://vermontwoodsstudios.typepad.com/vermont_woods_studios_peg/2011/10/american-made-fine-furniture-sale-15-off-store-wide.html
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Will Hogback Mountain in Marlboro VT Be A Furniture Showroom?
If you're local to Southeastern Vermont, you no-doubt remember eating a delicious, hearty breakfast at the Skyline Restaurant on Hogback Mountain in Marlboro VT, while enjoying the incredible 100 Mile view. It was the kind of place you thought would always be there for you, the next time you were in the neighborhood. I'm not sure why the restaurant shut down (about 4 years ago?) but it's in pretty bad shape at the moment.
At Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture Store, we've been working with J Coleman & Company Architects on evalutaing the condition of Skyline's heating, air conditioning, plumbing and structure these past couple weeks to see which systems will have to be totally gutted and replaced and which, if any may be partially salvaged. It looks to me like there will be a lot of replacement.
If you're in the area or you're interested in green building or the story of Skyline, keep an eye on our project through this blog and Facebook. If Skyline is a feasible location for a Vermont made furniture showroom and we do end up purchasing the property, we'll be looking for local help to transform it. Contact us if you interested in getting involved.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Eco Friendly Sustainable Wood Furniture - Is FSC Certification Good Enough? http://ping.fm/vAUR5?&id=5083806
Tigers and Other Exotic Wildlife Animals - Help Avoid Another Ohio-Style Tragedy
Tigers are my favorite animals. We've done a few promotions trying to raise awareness about the fact that they are critically endangered due to habitat loss. Tiger conservation is linked to the wood furniture industry: much of the wood that is being used in imported furniture is clear cut from the rapidly disappearing habitats of Siberian, Bengal and other species of tiger.Anyway I was really upset to see the massacre of tigers, lions, bears, monkeys and other exotic animals in Zanesville OH yesterday. ABC News featured a story about the importance of states passing laws prohibiting the purchase and sale of exotic animals, citing Born Free USA as a good place to learn more about the issue and take action.
Here's another way you can help protect exotic wildlife, right now and it only takes one minute and doesn't cost a penny. Go to Big Cat Rescue and click over to the US Government comment form regarding pending legislation from the US Fish and Wildlife Service about illegal trade in tiger parts. Enter your contact information on the form, then copy this phrase into the comment form: End the Trade in Generic Tigers! Please Rescind the Generic Tiger Exemption. So often we see these tragic stories in the news but we feel helpless to do anything about it. Here's a way you can make a difference.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Vermont Made Handblown Glass from Simon Pearce
As you know, when Hurricane Irene blew through Vermont, hundreds of our roads, bridges, homes and businesses were severely damaged or destroyed. Being on the banks (being THE banks, actually) of the Ottauquechee River, the Simon Pearce flagship store in Quechee Vermont suffered major flooding and sustained serious damage to its glassblowing, pottery and hydroelectric facilities. Luckily their restaurant and retail store suffered much less damage and they recently re-opened.
We, at Vermont Woods Studios love to visit the Simon Pearce Mill and Restaurant, especially during these colorful weeks of Fall (that's Arn and Cathy in the photo which was taken just before the hurricane). The Pearce family and their staff are an inspiration to us and a role model for sustainable operations and good corporate citizenship. Their business is a benchmark for the kind of destination we want to offer at our next location.Check out the Simon Pearce website and Facebook to see the kind of principled company they have created. And definitely stop by for lunch or dinner at the Simon Pearce restuarant-- one of the finest in the Northeast.
There are a few weeks of leaf peeping left in Vermont, so we hope you'll wander through our state this weekend or next. You'll find that almost all of our businesses have managed to dry out, dig out and clean-up in time for your visit. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated by all the Vermont business owners who are working around the clock to recover from the worst catastrophe the state has ever seen.
Enjoy your travels!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Vermont Furniture Design Contest: Congrats to the 2011 Winners!
Vermont is home to some of the best fine furniture makers in America, and indeed the world. Last month Vermont Woods Studios attended the annual Fine Furniture Festival and Design Contest in Woodstock, Vermont and it was bigger and better than ever. I wanted to recognize the winners and share a few photos of their work with you.Brent Karner of Clear Lake Furniture was awarded First Place in the Production Furniture category for his beautiful custom wall unit with bookcases, media storage and a fireplace mantle.
Johns Congdon took First Place in the Custom and Studio Furniture category for his Alienor Writing Desk.
Mario Messina's Abacus Table took Second Place in the Custom and Studio Furniture category.
David Hurwitz's State of Craft Table took tThird Place in the Custom and Studio Furniture Category.
Congratulations to everyone on your impressive achievements! See more photos on our Facebook.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Fall Foliage Tour In VT Green Mountains
This past weekend was the most beautiful Columbus Day I can remember. After suffering through the wake of Hurricane Irene, Vermonters really deserved a break. And we got one. Temperatures were around 80F and the sun shined all weekend.Ken and I ventured out to leaf peep and give his new hip a whirl. He's still a bit wobbly, but he generally gets where he wants to go.
This photo was taken at the property we're researching to buy for Vermont Woods Studios. It's the old Skyline Restaurant on Hogback Mountain in Marlboro VT on Route 9 between Wilmington and Brattleboro.
After a morning of traipsing around Skyline looking at heating, ventillation, air conditioning and plumbing systems we headed into Brattleboro, stopped at Grafton Cheese and landed at The Marina for lunch. Can't think of a better place to be on a day like that.More pictures of our leaf peeping adventure on Facebook.
Kringle Candle: A Benchmark for Vermont Made Furniture
We were coming home from Greenfield MA on Sunday after Riley's basketball game and decided to travel home along Route 5, through Bernardston. I was surprised to see how much progress they've made on the new Kringle Candle Company-- where the old Harley Davidson shop used to be.It is beautiful! We had been through the candle shop last year but now there are several additional shops across the street-- it's like a little village.
The old farmhouse that sits south of the Harley shop has been transformed into an elegant Farm Table Restaurant that extends to outdoor eating areas decorated with colorful Fall mums and pumpkins-- everywhere.In their brochures they note that Mike and Mick Kittredge founded the company on green principles:
- The restaurant serves all local organic foods
- The candle containers are designed for re-use
- Product packaging is environmentally friendly and recycled when possible
That's where there is some commonality between the Kringle Candle Company and Vermont Woods Studios-- in our shared green philosophy. Our vision for our new location (be it Skyline or elsewhere) is one that honors our natural world and serves to raise awareness about the green causes we have always been passionate about: forest conservation and wildlife protection. I think Kringle Candle is an appropriate benchmark for us. We could learn a lot from these folks.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Drinking On The Job
Can you believe this? I leave the office for a few hours and Douglas and Manjula immediately break out the booze. Pretty sad state of affairs at Vermont Woods Studios, isn't it?
You'll notice Rebecca and Dennis aren't too impressed.
OK, actually we were celebrating meeting an impossible goal we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year, so we thought we would indulge in a little champagne that day. And some key lime pie that Dennis's wife, Susan kindly made for us (thank you Susan).
We even pulled Ken away from his post-surgery routine and sat him down to celebrate too. No arm twisting necessary.Now it's back to work and I have to say that for the most part, we have fun doing it. I'm so impressed with our team (Douglas, Manjula, Rebecca, Dennis, Shannon). They are brilliant and creative and determined -- so much so that I feel certain we'll have another reason to be drinking on the job again soon. Thanks, Everyone!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Going green? Modern contemporary bedroom furniture sets, handcrafted in VT from eco-friendly sustainably harvested solid wood. http://ping.fm/3Rpdr
Handcrafted, High Quality, American Made, Solid Wood Furniture: Shipping And Delivery http://ping.fm/9Ob9P
Handcrafted, High Quality, American Made, Solid Wood Furniture: Shipping And Delivery
But not to worry, there are still a number of high quality American furniture companies that combine modern, contemporary style with traditional old world quality and American authenticity. As North Carolina was once the hub of American furniture making 30 years ago, Vermont has now stepped up to be what I call the Fine Furniture Capital of America. There are over 2000 small furniture making companies in Vermont, focusing on high quality, solid wood furniture that's made to order and shipped all across the country and around the world.
Check out the best of these furniture makers at Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture, an online store offering a wide selection of authentic handmade, solid wood furniture collections from companies throughout Vermont.
Worried about shipping and delivery? These folks have it figured out. Each piece of furniture comes with free white glove shipping and delivery to anyplace in the continental USA. A uniformed, professional delivery crew will bring your new furniture into your home, set it up wherever you like, and help you inspect it. Whether you live in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, California, Texas or places in between you can once again purchase 100% American made, high quality wood furniture for your home. This is the furniture you'll be handing down to your children and grandchildren. Check out the lifetime guarantee and give them a call. Then order tomorrow's heirlooms today.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Buying Modern Shaker Furniture in The Washington DC Metro Area
Consumers looking for high end, solid wood furniture that is environmentally friendly with non-toxic, child-safe finishes have turned to Vermont for many years.
Vermont Woods Studios offers the time honored, traditional, high quality craftsmanship that VT is famous for and delivers furniture free of charge to the DC metro area. They even include a lifetime guarantee. Check out their current sale and community fundraiser initiative today.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Vermont Furniture: Reaching For The Sky... Line
Remember this photo? Well, I mentioned in the summer that Ken and I were looking to purchase a property that Vermont Woods Studios Furniture could call home.This week we signed an offer to purchase the old Skyline Restaurant property on Route 9 in Marlboro, Vermont (across from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum and Giftshop). It's just a first step and there are many hurdles to be jumped before a sale can happen but even so, we're pretty excited about it. And nervous.
We looked at dozens of properties throughout southern Vermont (courtesy of Suzanne King at Masiello Real Estate) and liked this one best because of its beautiful location in the foothills of the Green Mountain National Forest. We wanted a place where we could welcome customers and let them experience the link between Vermont's handmade wood furniture and the forest where it comes from.
Situated on Vermont's scenic Hogback Mountain Overlook with it's unbelievable 100 mile view, Skyline could provide that.So today starts our journey to take Vermont Woods Studios to the next level. We'll keep you posted as to how things go. We were lucky enough to persuade Brattleboro's best architect (J Coleman and Co) and engineer (Stevens and Associates PC) to help us out by doing some initial feasibility studies to see if the (distressed) Skyline property and existing building are up to the task of renovation and re-birth. We'll be immersed in that assessment for probably the next couple months. We'll be asking your opinion as we go-- either through the comment link below or on our Facebook or preferably over a glass of wine in our kitchen.
We're looking to make this a green project that produces a showroom worthy of the elegant handmade furniture inside and the incredible natural beauty of the Green Mountains outside. Check back in now and then and give us your thoughts and advice.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Vermont's Middlebury Solar Decathalon Team Takes Fourth
The 2011 Solar Decathalon final judging results are in and Vermont's own Middlebury College Team came in Fourth overall in a world-class line up of contestants.Congratulations from all of us at Vermont Woods Studios!
The team cam in FIRST place in the areas of Communications, Home Entertainment, and Market Appeal. Learn more about the brilliant, hardworking students who made it happen.
The sustainable, energy-efficient home Middlebury students designed and built was filled with Vermont made furniture and accessories, including the Cherry Moon Dovetail Bed we donated. Great job guys!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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