Week of September 27

Hours will be varied this week due to draperies and blinds to install and other appointments.
Wednesday  11 to 5, Thursday 12 to 3, Friday 12:30 to 3, and Saturday 10 to 4.  A few new items and a few more willow trellis made.  See you,

Willow Trellis

Brian is holding a willow trellis completed this week.  A few others have been built.  I've cut some curly willow and have it for sale in bundles of 10.  I will harvest more when the leaves drop.

Week of September 20

Hours this week will be Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 11 am to 5 pm.  Saturday to be announced.

Just got a nice set of 4 solid oak T-back chairs.  All rungs are present and tight.  Original finish with black leather seats.  $160 for set of 4.
Other odd (1-3) chairs.
Primitive workbench and office partitions are still available.
Especially when talking/teasing with the grandchildren--I've made up rhyming names to match their names.  Our daughter said that today at breakfast she simply asked Grace (age 2 1/2), "What is your name?"  She replied, "Grace."  "So, what is your middle name?"  She replied, "Ann."  "So, what is your last name?"  She replied, "Patta-Pan!"   Hmmm? 

New Sign/New Willow Chair

The sign posts in front of the Rustic Shop are on state highway right of way--so the permanent sign had to be removed.  Thanks to today's vinyl banners available--I'll have this sign up each day I am open.  (Removed each night, so not a permanent sign) 

The past week I have been concentrating on making willow furniture.  I hadn't made any for quite some time, so it was nice to be able to create some new pieces.  I made 6 chairs and one table in the past week--including the chair shown.  It's my own design to be used as an office chair.  Actually, quite sturdy and comfortable.  There is still more willow to harvest, so we'll keep building. 

 Farm Toys:  A few weeks ago I purchased an entire collection of approx 20 year old farm toys.  On days that I set them outside on tables--I watched as the boys (in big pickup trucks) stopped to look and buy.  This is what is left--but the John Deere pieces and some of the International were just priced and put out today in order to save of few of the nice pieces to sell. 

Hours this week

The Rustic Shop will be open this week:
Wednesday  11 to 5, Thursday 11 to 3, Friday 11 to 5, and Saturday 10 to 4. 

Primitive Oak Workbench

This is a primitive oak workbench from an 1880's farm.  It was used to make wooden wagon wheels.  There is a wood vise on one end.  It is 10' long, 32" high, and 25" deep.  It was fastened into the wall so is sitting on temporary back legs.  It was power washed and ready to use.  It would make a nice display piece in a shop or restaurant.  $200.  Contact 608-778-3523.

Office Partitions For Sale

This is a fabric/metal frame partition we had in our furniture store.  There is one panel 5' wide and 6' high, and 2 panels 4' wide and 6' high.  There are connecting brackets and there is a 5' shelf that hangs on the partition.  The 3 partition pieces and shelf are $200.  The desk is available for $50.  Contact Dan @ 608-778-3523.

This is a 4 piece partition with one section 5' wide and 5' high, and 3 pieces 3' wide and 5' high.  There is also a shelf included.  Price is $200. 

More Willow Chairs

2 chairs in 2 days!

Tall weed make tall straight willow

Willow chair #2

It has been nice weather to gather and work on willow projects.  I'm fortunate to have a good source of willow here in Livingston, although it is getting larger, and I knew it was do some cutting this year, or much of it would be too big for chairs.  So far I have 2 chairs finished and another frame assembled and ready to bend willow.  I've worked on sizing my chairs a little smaller--I like the results.  So, next week probably a few willow tables with the cut-offs.
Open Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.

Willow Chairs

With a little cooler weather, it was time to get out and cut some willow for a few chairs.  I haven't made any new willow pieces for some time, and I've had a request for a smaller size bent willow chair.  I have one done and 2 more to finish. 
A few new things in the shop--a nice 5 drawer oak chest and an oak commode with a mirror and towel bar. 

Hours:  Friday 11 to 4.  Open Saturday 10 to 4. 

September 10, 2006--Glacier Park Montana

History & Purpose

A little history:  In 2003 we closed Soman Furniture--a family business since 1959.  Since that time I have continued to make a living as owner of Soman Draperies & Blinds, and continuing to deal in antiques and used furniture.  In November of 2009 I purchased the building at 200 East Hwy 18 in Montfort.  With a good highway location, it is a great place for retail antiques and used furniture.  Soman Draperies & Blinds is mostly a 'shop-at-home' service, but there is space for my drapery parts, tools, and samples.  Another interest is making willow/rustic furniture.  I have hand made willow pieces for sale, and will keep updates on pieces I am making. 

So, why blog?  As you can see, my means of making a living is quite varied--and I am the sole owner and operator.  Since Soman Draperies & Blinds is a shop at home business--I travel to measure and install draperies and blinds.  If you are in need of window treatments, contact me or call and I will make an in-home appointment.  My website is www.somanblinds.com, and there is an email contact link. 
The Rustic Shop has been open since early spring of 2010, however, my biggest challenge is to be open on a regular basis.  The purpose of this blog is to make use today's information tools:  to let you know on a regular basis my intended hours for the week, including any special promotions or events; to make you aware of any
new or interesting items in the shop; to let you know of new willow pieces that I might be working on--or to get your input on something you might like; and to perhaps share a few things of interest regarding rustic, antiques, etc.

Intened Hours This Week:  Hours this week will be Wednesday, 11am to 5pm.

                                                                                   Thursday.    11am to 3pm.
                                                                                   Friday,         11am to 5pm.
                                                                                   Saturday  to be announced.

New Blog

Watch for coming information regarding the Rustic Shop in Montfort, Wisconsin.
The Rustic Shop is located at 200 East Highway 18 in Montfort.  It is the building with the Red Roof!