Rather than shopping at big box retailers and paying premium prices, people are really discovering the value (and the charm) in finding new uses for old things. Not only is it tremendously helpful to the environment, it really takes some imagination and vision to see the new in the old and the artful in the antique. 

Whether it's a cast aside lamp that's been updated by repainting it and adding some baubles or a Halloween centerpiece created by artfully stacking dishes and items from your cupboard, you can create great, useful items for your home. 

I have been a passionate crafter and artist my entire life. I work in mixed media and collage but have dabbled in everything at one time or another. A few years ago, I found an abandoned farmhouse on Small Road in New Berlin. Actually, I'm pretty sure it found me. My vision for the shabby farmstead was to turn it into a space not only for me to create (my studio is in the farmhouse) but also to invite the community to come discover and appreciate rusting, peeling, shabby chic items and all kinds of handmade art.

After months of hard work and a lot of sweat equity, I first opened Hawthorne Hill Farm to the public in 2010. Now in our third season, I'm thrilled to open the barn doors to the public several times each year to host weekend shopping markets that bring together local artisans and vendors who fill the barn with antiques, vintage finds, upcycled and recycled items, beautiful handmade items and much more. All three floors of the historic barn are filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind home and garden items, furniture, seasonal decor, jewelry and fashion accessories. A local farmstand, fresh bakery, food and music add to the lively atmosphere. 

Each weekend is built around a theme, and the artisans and vendors spend months creating new and unique items that fit the theme. Harvest! Halloween and Harvest Market is our next themed shopping market. This is it. The spooky one! And, many would argue, the most fun. Shoppers find Halloween and harvest decor, great seasonal gifts and new fall fashion accessories.

I hope you will join us for Harvest! which is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 5, 6 and 7. You can shop 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all days, and admission is free.

I hope to see you there!