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.
It’s a question our Furniture Specialists are often asked. What do DutchCrafters chair seats really feel like? If there’s one thing we wish we could do as the #1 online Amish furniture company offering the most high-end solid wood products available, it would be this: We wish we could connect you with the feel of our furniture. The photos and the features on our website tell part of the story, but how does our furniture… What Do DutchCrafters Chair Seats Really Feel Like?
We recently hosted a Facebook Live Q and A session in the DutchCrafters showroom with Eugene Stutzman, Debra Gingerich and Jake Smucker, the subject, producer and director of the documentary short film, Eugene Alexander: The Fashion of Eugene Stutzman. *Answers have been edited for clarity. BETH: Will each of you start by telling us a little bit about your part in this film? We’ll start with Debra. DEBRA: I am the Director of Marketing at… DutchCrafters Facebook Live Event with Eugene Stutzman
While the Windsor chair will always be associated with colonial times and country style furniture, the truth is, Windsor chairs have the “it factor.” A chair that is still beloved and sought after since 1710 has got something special going on, which brings us to the third and final part of our Windsor Chair series where we explore the question, What contributes to the undying appeal of the Windsor chair? THEY’RE LIGHTWEIGHT When they were… The Windsor Chair Series Part III: The Undying Appeal
When you only want the top part of the muffin, the crust of the pizza or the egg white from the egg, you’re just selecting the part you want the most, right? So when it comes to beds, there shouldn’t be any reason why you can’t have just the headboard only, right? That’s right! Here are the top 5 reasons to go for the headboard-only look for your bedroom with some solid wood examples from our… Top 5 Reasons To Buy a Headboard Only
We recently hosted a Facebook Live Q and A session about the Amish. All staff gathered in the DutchCrafters showroom for the event. CEO Jim Miller fielded questions from staff and viewers. *Answers have been edited for clarity. Jim Miller grew up in a Mennonite community and lived near Amish people for many years. For the last 15 years, he’s been leading DutchCrafters in connecting customers with beautiful Amish made furniture, and he’s developed relationships… Amish Q & A with DutchCrafters CEO Jim Miller
What Are Breadboard Ends? A breadboard end is a piece of wood that’s joined to the end of a larger panel. Breadboard ends are the strips that are often found on the ends of some Amish tables. They run perpendicular to the larger panel and contribute to defining the form of the table panel. The breadboard runs cross-grain to the panel it is added to. The Barstow Trestle Table with Plank Top and Breadboard Ends… What’s Up With Breadboard Ends?
The features of a Windsor chair contribute to its comfort, strength and style. We’re taking an up-close look at the features that make Windsor chairs look, feel and perform the way they do. What’s the basic breakdown of the Windsor form? A popular fit for country style furniture, the Windsor chair consists of spindles attached to a solid wood seat. Windsor chairs are light, durable and contoured to fit the human body. The Amish Wilton… The Windsor Chair Series Part II: Features
If you had 48 hours to spend in Sarasota, Florida, where should you go? What should you do? Located on the southwestern coast of Florida, Sarasota is home to dreamy beaches, fine cuisine, plenty of culture, and the DutchCrafters office. The team at DutchCrafters shares some of their favorite must-see spots in this handy Guide to Sarasota. SIESTA KEY BEACH (Voted #1 USA beach and #5 worldwide) My favorite place to visit in Sarasota is… Guide to Visiting Sarasota, Florida
Creating an outdoor furniture collection that’s attractive, comfortable, and supports your favorite activities is possible. Just follow these 5 easy steps to lead you to your best outdoor space. Step 1. Measure Your Outdoor Space What’s it like outside your home? Is it a wide open area or a more compact space? Measure your yard and consider the space you have to work with. Get measurements for deck areas, patios and porches to determine the… Tips For Choosing Outdoor Furniture
“Lighthouses are not just stone, brick, metal and glass. There’s a human story at every lighthouse; that’s the story I want to tell.” Elinor Dewire, author of articles and books about lighthouses (https://elinordewire.blogspot.com/). Let me tell you about some of the lighthouses that our replications represent. The Cape Hatteras, NC Lighthouse Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: Photo Credit: lighthousefriends.com Located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks in Buxton, North Carolina Made of brick 208’ tall 257 steps… 6 Lighthouse Stories
Since 1710 the Windsor chair has been charming us. Originally used as an outdoor garden seat, the comfort and form of the Windsor chair endures. The spindles, the seat and the unique features all contribute to our fascination with Windsor furniture. Fitting in with colonial, cottage and country furniture, the Windsor’s got staying power. In this three-part Windsor Chair Series, we’re examining Windsor styles, the features that make them great and the undying appeal that… The Windsor Chair Series: The Types, The Features and the Undying Appeal
When you need to add leaves to the dining table, do you always need someone to help you? Does the table open in one smooth motion or is there some tugging involved? What about your dresser drawers? Ever closed them too quickly and they slammed shut and woke the baby? These things have a lot to do with the type of table or drawer slide that’s in your furniture. They really do make a difference.… Why Table and Drawer Slides Make a Difference
Amidst the delight of choosing colors, décor and furniture for a new child’s room comes the task of ensuring their safety. June is National Safety Month, a time to focus on ways to prevent unnecessary injuries that prompts us to share ways to set up a beautiful, functional, reliable and above all else—safe—bedroom with Amish kids furniture! Cribs and Mattresses What to Look For: Guidelines recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) Wood… National Safety Month: Focus on Children’s Furniture
To leather or not to leather? That’s a sound question to ask when it comes to choosing upholstery for your new furniture. New technology has custom fabrics making great gains, promising new durability and ease of cleaning like never before. What leather products do we offer at DutchCrafters and how do they compare to our fabric offerings? Let’s take a look. DutchCrafters offers the following selections that come from Heartland Fabrics located in Topeka, Indiana… The Great Leather Debate and Other Upholstery Options
It seemed like the years stretched out ahead with plenty of time to spare and now suddenly, that time is up and you’re getting ready to send your child off to college. This year I’m joining the ranks of parents who are prepping their kids to live away from home for the first time. As I assemble my own list, I’m looking to make my new college student as comfortable and organized as possible with… Must Haves for the New College Student
