I'm a wife, stay-at-home mom, crafter, and blogger living in rural New England. As seen in Martha Stewart Living, Food Network Magazine, and more! | Tutorials, DIY, crafts, parenting tips, recipes, money saving tips, product reviews, local product features, New England living, intentional living, and more! |
We’re definitely living in different times right now… and it’s becoming clearer that it looks as though we will have to co-exist with this virus for the foreseeable future. Because of that anything we can do that might mitigate the risk of virus transmission, like always wearing face masks or face coverings when outside our homes, are becoming a part of our “new normal.” Today a lot of small businesses are hurting, including small local makers, many of whom have pivoted to also offer masks for sale. As we move forward into our new normal, consider supporting a local maker and purchase masks from them. | This post is not sponsored or an endorsement. Makers are listed in no particular order and I plan to continue to add to this list as I come across more makers who request to be added. |
Masks by New England Makers
Disclaimer: I am not giving medical advice. Make sure to always consult the CDC and local health officials for up-to-date recommendations. These masks are not considered medical grade and should be washed in between each use… please see each individual mask maker regarding details, care instructions, pricing, and current availability.
Scrub Caps for Scholars is an Etsy shop recently started by Marissa of One CrafDIY Girl (who’s also an ICU nurse in Massachusetts) looking to give back to frontline nurses who are struggling to pay their student loans. Proceeds from sales of masks and scrub caps will go towards that fund. Masks are available in different styles in child through adult sizes with different fabrics to choose from; there are also some matching scrub caps available too.
Nicole has created 615+ masks so far - including donations to local businesses and healthcare workers across the country. She has many fabrics to choose from, with masks in tie and elastic styles. (*If there's an essential worker you want to surprise with a free cloth mask, send her a message and she will send it out with a thank you note!)
Think Greene is a Maine-based company best known for their eco-friendly items and apparel. They are offering boldly designed masks in adult and kid sizes made with organic cotton. Masks are tie-style.
Singer Vintage is a Maine-based Etsy stop, which normally sells vintage sewing machine parts, but now offers a wide variety of summer-inspired masks (gingham, chambray, lobsters, etc) in different styles and sizes.
Little Green Pear
| Shop Masks by Little Green Pear (Etsy shop temporarily closed, please order through direct message on Facebook or Instagram) |
Little Green Pear is run by a Vermont-based mom and best known for hair bows and baby accessories, but is now offering a variety of masks in different styles, fabric patterns, and sizes from toddler through adult.
Maine Mom Boutique is a highly-rated shop on Etsy, best known for baby-related items, now offering elastic loop style masks for adults in a variety of fabric patterns.
Maine-based Sea Crow Co. is best known for their popular colorful bags and accessories and is now offering masks too. Masks are pleated-style and available in a variety of fabric patterns and in both ear loop and tie options (child sizes are available upon request).
Miss Harlow VT is a Vermont-based crafter best known for her sewn baby items and gifts and is now offering masks as well in many different fabrics, in both child and adult sizes. To date she has made over 500!
Jackie’s Boutique are two “brick and mortar” shops located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire known for resort wear and accessories. Right now they are also offering masks with vintage Lake Winnipesaukee map patterns on them. The fabric is made and printed in New England.
The Artsy Fox is New Hampshire-based and known for crocheted and knit items as well as quilted items, and is now also offering masks in different patterns too.
Two Little Beans & Co. is a Maine-based company best known for their baby booties, bibs, and other baby items but is now also offering ear loop style pleated masks in many fabric options, in both kid and adult sizes. She has also been making mask donations for healthcare and frontline workers. (*There is a tutorial on her website if you’re looking for instructions to make your own mask.)
We Fill Good is an eco-friendly shop in Kittery, Maine known for selling reusable products that can help you achieve a low-waste household. Right now they are also offering masks in a variety of fabric pattern options in both adult and kid sizes.
Red House VT is best known for their waxed canvas and leather bags and are now offering simple modern style masks, currently as a wait-list item.
- All photos used with permission -
If you are a New England Maker who is also making masks and would like to be added to this list, please send me a message and I would love to add you. Thank you all for your hard work to help keep our communities a little safer.
Disclaimer: I am not giving medical advice or endorsing any particular seller - purchase at your own risk. Make sure to always consult the CDC and local health officials for up-to-date recommendations. These masks are not considered medical grade and should be washed in between each use… please see each individual mask maker regarding details, care instructions, pricing, and current availability.
In light of the hardships and logistical restrictions we're all facing, I decided to put my Etsy Shop on hold for the time being since I won’t be able to shop for materials or go to the post office for awhile. In the meantime, I'll still be sharing posts here on my blog, Facebook, and Instagram when I can. Thanks so much again for following along during this difficult time for everyone <3
Today there’s always so much stress in our daily lives. That’s why it’s more important than ever to make time for yourself to relax and reset yourself after a long, tense day. After hearing so many great things about weighted wraps and blankets, I was so excited when Lynne from NH-based Hug Patrol reached out to me to give one a try. | This post contains an honest review of product provided by Hug Patrol |
I don’t know about you, but I hold ALL my tension in my shoulders and neck. Whenever I feel stressed or have a lot going on my shoulders get tense and I can feel them creeping up, getting tighter and tighter. Using Hug Patrol's 3lb Calm Wrap has really helped me release the tension in my shoulders. I’ve found it to be a really comfortable weight that gently rests on my shoulders and reminds me to relax my shoulders down and drop the tension.
I also love that it can be heated (in microwave) or cooled (in freezer) to help with relaxation or muscle aches. A really interesting fact that Lynne shared with me was that her wraps are made with 100% USA-sourced heavy duck cotton and food grade flax seed, while many competitor wraps are made with polyester-fleece (polyester is made from plastic and omits potentially harmful compounds when heated). I had never thought about that before but it definitely brought up a great point! I certainly feel better about heating it in our microwave where we also heat our food too.
I really love the Calm Wrap’s ergonomic U-shape - it’s perfect for wearing around my shoulders while I’m reading, relaxing, or working on my computer. I feel like it would be great on a long trip too! The quality is also incredible - from the thickness of the fabric to the sewing, you can tell it’s very well made - and the sectioned off design keeps the weight distributed evenly no matter how you wear it.
Hug Patrol offers a wide range of comforting products including different sized/weighted wraps, lap blankets, blankets, eye-pillows, socks, mitts, and more. Some also have the option of being scented with real lavender. They even offer products with antimicrobial covers to be used in multi-user settings like hospitals, rehab centers, spas, yoga studios, etc.
Keep Up with Hug Patrol
| Shop | Instagram | Facebook | Also can be found locally at Whole Foods in Bedford NH, Nashua NH, and Westford MA |
GIVEAWAY!
Hug Patrol was kind enough to give a Calm Wrap to a follower too! To enter, please head on over to my Instagram (@birchlandinghome) or Facebook and look for the Giveaway post - enter on both Instagram and Facebook to increase your chances!
Rummaging around in my parents basement a few weeks ago, I stumbled across a stack of Vintage Table Talk Pie Tins that had been my Grandmother’s. Back in the day (approximately the 1930’s-1950’s), people would buy these store-bought pies with an extra 10 cent deposit that would be reimbursed if you returned the clean pie tin back to the store… but apparently my Grandmother chose not to, haha. These pie tins were a fun vintage find, and sentimental because they had once belonged to her. Since we didn’t have a kitchen clock I figured turning one of these tins into a clock would be a fun idea - and here’s how I did it. | This post contains affiliate links |
The first step to creating your clock is to purchase a clock kit that has the right diameter hands for your pie tin, so when they are mounted in the center of the tin they can move freely all around the face without touching the sides (very important).
After some measuring and browsing around on Amazon, I settled on this Mudder Clock Kit - I liked the style of the hands and they would fit perfectly in my particular pie tin.
Next, carefully measure to find the center of the pie tin and poke a pilot hole through with a small nail and hammer. After that, make sure your pie tin is well supported and on a safe area for drilling (I used some scrap 4x4 posts as a work station). Then carefully drill out your hole, starting with your smallest drill bit.
In order not to “rip” the tin, it’s very important to start small and work your way up in drill bit size. I started with the smallest drill bit and then worked my way up, using every-other-drill bit in the set going up in size order.
If you get a large burr, carefully cut it off with a pair of small wire cutters before you move up to your next drill bit size.
Please note: Keep in mind that these pieces of tin are SHARP so use care and be mindful of the metal shavings you may drop while drilling. Make sure to clean up the shavings well after your project is done.
Periodically check to see if the threaded clock mechanism can pass through your hole yet. For this clock kit, I needed to jump up to a larger drill set in order to finally work my way up to the size hole I needed (in this case it was a 5/16” drill bit).
Once the hole is the correct size, use a round file to clean up any little burrs around the edge.
Now it’s time to assemble your clock - follow the manufacturer’s directions on the best way to assemble the clock hands for your particular kit. Keep in mind that clock kits and especially the hands are VERY delicate so take care assembling them.
Once your clock is assembled, install the battery and set the time - now you can enjoy your new Vintage Pie Tin Clock!
Are you interested in making your own Vintage Pie Tin Clock but need a pie tin?
I’m selling some extra pie tins* in my Etsy shop, click the button below to shop:
Despite what the three feet of snow in our yard says right now, Spring will be here soon! And Spring in New England means… Mud Season. You know, those weeks when everything is wet and muddy and you can’t get in your house without tracking buckets of mud and sand in. Thankfully Maine Rope Mats has us covered and was kind enough to send us one of their lobster rope doormats and give one away to a lucky follower too! | This post contains affiliate links and an honest review of product provided by Maine Rope Mats |
Trust us, you need a durable doormat year-round and especially during Mud Season - so why not make it fun and functional? Maine Rope Mats are all handmade in Waldoboro, Maine with colorful lobster fishing ropes in seemingly endless color combinations and designs to choose from; including flags, stripes, and the beautiful double-weave design we chose for our mat here.
These mats are made to last and will not rot, mildew, or fade and can easily be cleaned out with a garden hose (a must after the muddy season!). Maine Rope Mats also offers a line exclusively of recycled rope-only, which is a great way to re-use and recycle the lines that lobstermen can no longer use for their traps.
Maine Rope Mats also has lots of other great products made with lobster trap rope including dog leashes, baskets, bracelets, key chains, and dog toys - so many fun products to choose from!
We’re in love with our new Maine Rope Mat and are looking forward to using it and enjoying it for many years to come!
- I received this mat from Maine Rope Mats but all opinions expressed are my own. Please read our full Disclosure Policy for more information -
One year update…
Just wanted to hop on here real quick and add that we are still loving our Maine Rope Mat! In fact, we love it so much that I bought a second one in a different pattern for our back door too.
I know I’m not the only one that has family and friends that are hard to shop for… but a gift box from New England’s Finest is always a great idea! New England’s Finest offers curated themed gift boxes to bring a taste of New England’s Finest to their door (or your own door if you’d like to enjoy these goodies for yourself). New England’s Finest was kind enough to send me their Ultimate New England Sampler box to enjoy with my family and I’m excited to share what’s inside! | This post contains affiliate links as well as an honest review of products provided by New England’s Finest |
The Ultimate New England Sampler Box is PACKED full of delicious New England-made goodies! In fact, I couldn’t quite get the box closed again after I looked through it, it was that full. All of their gift boxes offer free shipping and this particular box is currently on sale at the moment too, which makes it even more of an amazing deal!
The Ultimate New England Sampler Gift Box includes goodies such as: Goodnow Farms’ Almendra Blanca Dark Chocolate Bar, Untapped’s Chai Waffle, Homefree’s Vanilla Mini Cookies, Lucy’s Really Nutty Pecan Granola, Pork Beach Sauce Co’s Maple Blueberry BBQ Sauce, Port City Tasty Ranch Dill Pretzels, Cold Hollow’s Maple Vinaigrette, Jack’s Maple Apple Crackers, Coastal Maine Popcorn Co,’s Chocolate Covered Strawberry Popcorn, Potlicker Kitchen’s Beer Jelly, Bixby & Co’s Sea-Salted Caramels, and Homefree’s Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies. (You can check out the unboxing of this amazing gift box over on my Instastories today!)
One thing I particularly love about NEF as a company is that for every 10 gift boxes purchased they donate a gift box to a family receiving care at Boston Children's Hospital as a way to give back to the community. So if you're looking for that perfect gift for someone (or yourself!) who loves New England or is a New Englander at heart, be sure to check out New England's Finest and get "a little flavor and charm from the Northeast."
Follow New England's Finest on Facebook and Instagram to see their latest promotions and boxes.
- I received this item for review from New England's Finest but all opinions expressed are my own. Please read our full Disclosure Policy for more information -
Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Birch Landing Home!
We’ll be spending the next week with family and planning goals for the year ahead. Please let me know what kinds of blog posts you’d like to see from Birch Landing Home next year. Happy Holidays and see you in 2019!
We’re co-hosting one more GIVEAWAY before the holidays and it’s with our friends, Wolfeboro Candle Company!
Head on over to our Instagram for details and to enter! Winner will receive one of Wolfeboro Candle Company’s Wooden Wick Candles and one of our Hand-Etched Snowflake Ornaments.
