All posts by "Beth Rice"

Beth Rice is a content writer for DutchCrafters Amish Furniture. She is the primary author of Timber to Table blog posts and has spent the last several years researching and providing knowledge on wood types, furniture styles, and design trends. As a busy mother of two, Beth understands the value of furniture in helping create a welcoming home for family and friends, and often writes on the ways our furniture can help support that. Beth is a published author with a gift for identifying the special moments in everyday life. Most recently, she had a short story included in Chicken Soup for the Soul's "My Amazing Mom" edition. Since 2012, the DutchCrafters Timber to Table blog has been providing customers and other readers with furniture and interior design tips, information about the Amish, and woodworkers’ stories.

Let’s Talk Shiplap

Beth Rice 16/05/2019

When it comes to whimsical cottage style and rustic warmth, shiplap is a design element that adds a nice touch. This stylish feature adds depth, looks pretty, and is offered as an upgrade on some of our custom hutches and bookcases here at DutchCrafters. What is Shiplap? Shiplap gets its name from the planks that were used to make boats at one time. Grooves or recesses called rabbets are cut into the wood along the… Let’s Talk Shiplap

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Handmade Gifts We Made for Mom

Beth Rice 09/05/2019

Handmade gifts are special. Knowing someone put in the thought, time and effort to create something carries some weight . With Mother’s Day in mind, I asked the DutchCrafters staff to share some of the handmade Mother’s Day gifts they remember making, but first, let’s start with you. I would LOVE to hear and share yours. What handmade gifts did you make your mother or grandmother for Mother’s Day? Do you remember her reaction? Does… Handmade Gifts We Made for Mom

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What You Need to Know About Walnut Wood

Beth Rice 02/05/2019

Solid wood furniture made with walnut wood is meant to impress and it never falls short of the mark. In the world of custom furniture, walnut wood is a dream as it is easy to work with and finishes beautifully. Want to know more about walnut wood? Let’s take a look at what makes it a luxury. Walnut wood is revered for its rich, dark color. There are many varieties of walnut trees, but just… What You Need to Know About Walnut Wood

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Everything You Need to Know About DIY Sheds

Beth Rice 25/04/2019

Some outdoor sheds serve as storage for the lawn equipment, car parts and other miscellaneous items that might belong in the attic. Some are organized with tools and workbenches, gardening items and snow shovels. Now this popular outdoor structure that contributes storage and style is even easier to incorporate on your property. At our first house, my husband recruited a neighbor and they built a shed for our backyard. It had a window and a… Everything You Need to Know About DIY Sheds

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The Best “Green” Furniture for Patio, Porch and Poolside

Beth Rice 18/04/2019

The furniture makers at Berlin Gardens believe in taking life outdoors with poly furniture. Out to your favorite spot on the porch or lanai, out to the yard for some bird watching or to play with the kids, or out by the pool to enjoy the warmth of the sun with a good book and a delicious drink. They take you there with “green” furniture that’s good for you, your lifestyle and the environment. I’ve… The Best “Green” Furniture for Patio, Porch and Poolside

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The Benefits of Solid Wood Furniture

Beth Rice 04/04/2019

I enjoy a good bargain, sure. During one of our community yard sales, I remember taking a walk around the neighborhood and finding a colorful beach umbrella. I had never treated myself to one and living in Florida, I take my two daughters to the beach quite often. The owner wanted $8 for it, which is pricey for a yard sale. I tried to bargain with him, but he wouldn’t budge. I opened and closed… The Benefits of Solid Wood Furniture

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How to Choose the Right Coffee Table

Beth Rice 28/03/2019

The living room coffee table I grew up with was round and brown and held magazines, the newspaper and the remote. My mother didn’t allow drinks on it since it was made of wood. When it was time for parties, a doily with a basket of flowers was placed in the center and coasters came out to protect it. I remember doing puzzles on that table and finding Easter eggs hidden under it on Easter… How to Choose the Right Coffee Table

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Quarter Sawn White Oak Wood Q & A

Beth Rice 21/03/2019

Quarter sawn white oak wood is known among solid wood furniture for its durability, strength and firm texture. We receive a lot of questions about it. Why is it called quarter sawn? What type of furniture is it best for? What’s with the quarter sawn grain pattern? Here are the answers to popular quarter sawn white oak wood questions in our QSWO Q & A. Q: Why is it called quarter sawn white oak? A:… Quarter Sawn White Oak Wood Q & A

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Springtime Showdown: Panel Beds vs. Platform Beds

Beth Rice 14/03/2019

Panel beds and platform beds both have reasons to brag. One will cost you less while the other might be easier to get in and out of. We’re breaking down the features of panel beds versus platform beds with some insider tips on our stylish Amish beds. What are Panel Beds? A panel bed has an eye-catching headboard that’s usually fairly tall and decorative. The headboard is divided into panel-like sections and definitely makes a… Springtime Showdown: Panel Beds vs. Platform Beds

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Insider Tips for Buying Amish Furniture from DutchCrafters Furniture Specialists

Beth Rice 07/03/2019

DutchCrafters has a team of Amish Furniture Specialists. They are the talent at the phones and behind the emails that take Amish furniture from the photo you see online into your home with the custom options that make it unique. They’re our connection to you, our customers, and your connection to a wealth of information about custom furniture as well as the woodworker who is building it. When you’re buying Amish made furniture: You can… Insider Tips for Buying Amish Furniture from DutchCrafters Furniture Specialists

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Amish Wedding Traditions

Beth Rice 28/02/2019

Amish wedding traditions vary from community to community. Traditionally, Amish weddings are held in late fall after harvest time, in November or December. In some communities, Amish weddings are celebrated in the spring since there are so many there would not be enough days to host them if they were all held in the fall. Amish weddings are often planned on Tuesdays or Thursdays. They are not held on Saturdays since the day after the… Amish Wedding Traditions

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5 Ways to Create a Breakfast Nook

Beth Rice 21/02/2019

If you could have a breakfast nook any way you wanted it, what would your cozy set up look like? This is where you can savor your coffee, wear pajamas to breakfast, gather for games, cuddle at a candlelight dinner for two or spread out work projects to name just a few nook activities. If you’ve always dreamed of your own little nook in the corner or by the window, we’re sharing 5 ways to… 5 Ways to Create a Breakfast Nook

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Stories of Love (With Furniture in Them)

Beth Rice 14/02/2019

Why do we love our furniture? Yes, the styles can be exciting, and the purpose furniture serves is clear. But why do we fall in love with pieces over time? How and why does that happen? Maybe you remember Nana sitting in her rocker to read to the grandkids. Or maybe you can still clearly see that delicious dinner with the whole family gathered around the table. Maybe you remember how Dad kept telling corny… Stories of Love (With Furniture in Them)

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A Quality Finish For Solid Wood Furniture: What Is Catalyzed Conversion Varnish?

Beth Rice 31/01/2019

We’ve heard it straight from our Amish craftsmen–finish either makes a product or breaks a product. When it comes to the finish on your solid wood furniture, nothing’s more important than a quality finish that’s applied correctly. The standard finish for our Amish furniture is a catalyzed conversion varnish applied over the finish color. We use it because simply put…..it’s the best. What Is Catalyzed Conversion Varnish? The varnish that’s applied over the finish color… A Quality Finish For Solid Wood Furniture: What Is Catalyzed Conversion Varnish?

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8 Personalized Amish Valentines Gifts for Her to Cherish

Beth Rice 28/01/2019

We know. You’re fresh off the most Wonderful Time of the Year. But keen eyes and dedicated hearts like yours are already on the lookout for Personalized Valentines Gifts for her to adore this February 14th. Related Posts 8 Personalized Amish Valentines Gifts for Her to Cherish in 2016 We know. You’re fresh off the most Wonderful Time of the Year. But keen eyes and dedicated hearts like yours Read more Top 14 Valentine’s Day… 8 Personalized Amish Valentines Gifts for Her to Cherish

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