Hovland Lumber Mora, Minnesota

I just recently took a trip up to Minnesota to visit family and relatives. I ended up skiing the 42 km race while I was home. I skied with my sister Ang. The following day, I spent some time up at my cabin and then went to retrieve my Blash Ash paneling that was stored out at Hovland Lumber. It turned out real nice. I have always been attracted to black and white ash, especially when it's planed. The grain is really beautiful on the boards. I hope to do some wainscoting or put it up on the ceilings. There is only 484 board feet so It won't go to far but just to get some wood that came off of your land is pretty cool. Well, it's still stored in Minnesota now so we'll see how long it takes to actually get to Colorado.
Hovland lumber has been around for a long time. I spent a lot of time there when I was younger. The mill has gotten bigger and they have added some other components to the mill, namely the planer and edger. This tooling has made it possible for Eric and Einar to make tongue and groove paneling. After talking to Einar Hovland last week, the business has been slow because of the housing slump. This affects business owner's in small towns like Mora Minnesota. Hopefully the economy will rebound and business will increase in the next few months. If you need paneling, rough boards building supplies, or specialty pieces (Bar counters), Hovland Lumber is the place to go for all your lumber needs.

Black Ash Species

Logged by Steve Kerr Logging
Milled by Hovland Lumber hovland@izoom.net

Already February of 2010...Is Anybody Out There?

Time is flying by as usual. I figured the Etsy shops might be slow but it has been super slow motion lately. Valentine's Day has come and gone. Not many people are buying. I was wondering if it was either paying off the Christmas bills, the infamous TAX TIME, or just the economy in general. I am hoping that it picks up sometime real soon. I have been stocking up the shop even though there seems to be no one buying. Hard to motivate to make things but we should keep on going regardless!

I have listed a few cotton crocheted bowls in my shop which are kind of different and fun. I have been thinking about some new ideas. I don't know what they are yet but I will keep you posted if something new comes up! This might be the perfect time to figure it out!

Here is a photo of the cotton bowl in a natural color...





And a super bright green!





Using a different fiber and crocheting instead of knitting has been kind of fun!
100% cotton is wonderful to work with and I might do more things with it...


Anyway...not much more for now! Keep creating and let's hope there is a jump start in the economy real soon!

Until next time....Anne

DISCOVERY! Scientists Isolate the "Vintage Gene" after studying the Johnstone Clan....

Vintage=the endless pursuit of going through thrift shops, junk stores, antique stores (not the tidy and clean ones), consignment shops, pole barns owned by the local eccentrics who know their junk (the messier the better), yard sales, garage sales, estate sales, auctions...repeat, repeat, repeat!

To find the good stuff you have to put in the effort and do some 'diggin'. I come from a line of "Vintage People". It is funny how this term makes all of the 'rooting around in junk' sound so much better! We aren't hoarders....we are 'Vintage Collectors'. Sounds so sophisticated doesn't it? Lucky for me I have received a lot of my vintage goodies without any of the dirty work.

When I was a youngster we used to stop by the local flea market near our lake cabin. If we were lucky we got to "stop for just a minute" after our Sunday ritual of church in Motley Minnesota. I have a confession...I am so sorry for I have sinned....ding a ling a ling....I was thinking about the darn 'flea market' the whole time I was in church. Sorry Mom. It is all Dad's fault!

At the time I don't think my Mom was that into it but we all loved it! We would get a dollar or so and we could search around for a good find. In my last post I was wondering how my son got into vintage...hmmmmmm....that is a good one. Ya don't have to be a 'rocket scientist' to figure that one out.

Eventually my Mom came around and a let me tell you, she has an eye for the really good stuff. I often thought she should have been an interior decorator or a fashion designer!

Check out the latest Vogue Magazine and read their review on the up and coming vintage clothing collector...Jean Johnstone! The gal with killer instincts for high end vintage fashion. Don't get in her way at your local thrift store. She is ruthless when it comes to finding the top end labels for her daughters....watch out for her...Can you imagine her at a Paris resale shop?

Here are some fun vintage gems! Awesome!

Do you notice a pattern here?

Jim's Cebe goggles from his younger days.....

Mother in Laws actual ski boots.....Priceless!


Mother in Laws actual runner sled....Priceless!

Kids ski boots given to us from a friend. (they were going to throw them out) Blasphemy!

My growing Skier Figurine collection from my Mom!

Handknit Mittens from Margie! Great find!

Vintage Ski Sweater that Kathy got me....isn't it cute?

And a few more goodies...

Book from Dad...

Sewing machine...found...I am not telling where!

Doll house Mom found at a garage sale for $5 bucks I believe...worth about $150.00 in antique store!

Poster Tess gave to me a couple years ago because of our addiction to fiber arts!

Dad's sweater...yes, they gave it to me...I guess he hadn't worn it in a while. I think he had someone make it for him. Classic!

Ok....I could add a ton more...but we want to hear about your "vintage" collecting stories!
Drop us a comment!

until next time....Anne