| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| farmchick |
Posted - Jun 24 2005 : 4:50:30 PM
Just bought the book and LOVE it! Would love to see another book on starting a farm business and farm business ideas! |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Libbie |
Posted - Apr 21 2006 : 12:15:23 PM
Thanks for the great "sheepy" ideas - I had thought of some sort of class/school ideas for the farm, and including the lambs is a great idea. I'm just working on business plans now, and consulting with attys., etc. about things - I'll have to check on the insurance, but I'm going to look into it.
Thanks!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| Juliekay |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 06:17:19 AM
Libbie,
How about an ongoing series of workshops or field trips from schools in which the kids come out and see the new lambs (possibly feed them), watch them grow and watch the shearing process. You can also show them the loom process if you do that sort of thing. For the kids you could charge 1 or 2 dollars a student. I don't know if the insurance would make this sort of thing prohibitive or not. Or you could do adult workshops on animal care for people who don't know anythng about it (like me). Maybe you could sell the wool online.
Julie |
| BamaSuzy |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 7:55:44 PM
I agree that an entire "Mary Jane's" book on Farm Girl businesses would be great!
You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt! |
| bboopster |
Posted - Mar 21 2006 : 8:44:11 PM
Oh Frannie,
I love your idea and it makes me believe that I can follow my dream of opening up my soon to be finished work shop to the public and teach fellowship and crafting. I love working with childern and I think they would love a garden party or craft day or tea party. I would also love to do things for adults and mothers and childern together. Thank you for your inspiring story and ideas. I always thought my dreams were just that dreams, but hearing from you makes me believe I can actually make it work. Thank you! 
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the simple life :>) |
| JennyWren |
Posted - Mar 21 2006 : 8:18:08 PM
Hi Frannie!
I wish you could see me .. I am just beaming! I LOVE YOUR TEA PARTY IDEA! And I have to admit.. I am thinking that .. All of my years of collecting antiques (my husband is convinced he lives in a museum!) may be all worth it! I have this idea in my head.. that I would like to buy a victorian farmhouse with some land.. I have 3 children who all love the same things I do. My oldest is 27 and he just told me that he would be joining me in school this next fall taking agriculture and business classes (Thank the Dear Lord..he has finally decided what he wants to do.. haha) And a mother in law who will be retiring next year and would love to do this. We all get along very well.. I think between the 5 of us.. (my husband is back in school and works full time, actually I am too.. taking agriculture and business classes)We could work together.. I would like to have a "pumpkin farm/shop".... I think doing something like you do with your tea parties. I too can cook and bake very well (7 years of cooking classes have to count for something!) I will be emailing you.. I would LOVE to hear all of your stories!
You have made my day!
Hugs!
Carla... |
| Libbie |
Posted - Feb 04 2006 : 10:02:14 AM
Yes - I took a hiatus from "real" life and went to Hawaii for a couple of weeks to see my grandparents and for them to meet my husband and babe (OK, 2-yr-old). I'm so excited to be back in the loop. I've missed all here - reading and learning!
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Feb 04 2006 : 08:50:48 AM
Libbie!! Your'e back!!!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Libbie |
Posted - Feb 04 2006 : 06:40:59 AM
Hello, all. From the perspective of a farmgirl who really is needing to transform farm life into a reasonable income (I love that wording! - thanks!), I agree that a book with business plan ideas and really down-to-earth planning information would be interesting and helpful - I've found a few already out there. I really like the idea of helping to cater/host parties, and it sounds like it would work wonderfully in many places, AND I'm curious about any ideas that include agriculture - my farm is about 17 acres of irrigated land, and right now we are beginning to adventure into the realm of sheep/lamb/wool production. Any ideas?
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| adrianne |
Posted - Jan 23 2006 : 8:36:02 PM
Frannie, My daughter, Adrianne and I were just sitting around our table the other day brainstorming about catering tea parties in peoples homes. What fun to read about your business! We would love to get any information and advice that you have to give. We all need a place to gather and just be ourselves. Hope to hear from you soon.
Debbie
Pink Ladies Farm Girls Chapter
Vashon Island,Wa |
| verbina |
Posted - Dec 04 2005 : 1:29:12 PM
hi all! were do i get this book? randi from jersey |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 07:17:27 AM
Kristin .. After retiring from working for Uncle Sam for 25 years .. i wanted to 'play' .. and made a list of things that made my heart sing ... and being with girlfriends, having adventures, and being creative was at the top of my list. I also love to 'decorate' for holidays and seasons and events .. (I'd been collecting antiques AVIDLY for 30 years and had created a really unique and fun environment in our home .. and lordy knows ... i was full of stories! A girlfriend and i sat down and made a list of what would be 'fun' to do .. (she, by the way, needed a 'job' -- what with three growing children) .. and she just didn't want to, at that time, have to go out into the 'world' to work) she is a MARVELOUS cook and has an AMAZING ability to 'decorate' (she has decorated shop interiors and even malls).
And we adored each other and knew we would get along famously .. i would have my fun .. she would make a few pennies (as it turns out .. we both made LOTS of pennies with these tea parties) .. And the best part of all is that we made so many new life-long friends and fulfilled a need in our community.
We did this together for about five years .. getting more and more creative as time went by. (She would do the cooking, we'd both do the decorating .. and i'd do the 'tours' of my home and hostessing of the 'program' .. we'd both 'teach' the craft of the evening.
Alas and Alack .. as often happens in life, my dear friend and her family moved 'back home' to Arkansas. I knew then I could either give up this 'chapter in my book of life' .. take on a new partner in presenting the tea parties or 'go it alone'. The ONLY thing i was truly lacking in was the amazing 'cooking/baking' skills and Christi had in our five years together taught me a few tricks in the kitchen .. AND i knew ... (VOILA) isn't that what bakeries and gourmet shoppes are for sometimes! soooo .. combining my own new found skills in the kitchen and those wonderful shoppes .. (and they were abundant in our area) .. i decided to 'go solo' .. and it was incredibly successful and the money really started piling up (Christi and i always split 50-50 any profits from the parties .. i would always invest my earnings in more vintage china and lace/linen table cloths and napkins and other 'tea party things'. Each tea party was different (as i had many, many repeat friends coming and bringing friends .. so, i wanted to make each party interesting for them .. and for me!
So, what started off as a 'for fun' business .. truly did turn into a 'money maker' too.
So, dear friend, I highly recommend you follow your dream (oh .. and follow your BLISS and do NOT worry about the 'money' .. and it will come!) If you ever have any questions about how to get your Tea Party business going or ideas for themes or crafts to create at your Tea Party ... (My Tea parties always consisted of the following: a 'welcoming and getting to know you' time .. where we shared stories and i told the girls about 'upcoming' events (so many wonderful things grew out of the tea parties .. like our wonderful, wonderful doll club, shabby shopping trips together, charitable causes, book club for women, Everywoman Has A Story writing club, children's Yesteryear Tea Parties, etc. etc.) Then a 'tour' of Crooked Tree Hollow (our home) .. downstairs was VERY Primitive and upstairs was what i called 'Eclectic' .. my 'studio' was very primitive and we had 4 guest rooms all decorated with children's antique furniture, clothing, toys, games, dollhouses, etc. etc.
After our tour, we went backdownstairs where Christi and i had prepared attractive 'kits' that included all the supplies (many vintage) for each craft we were going to make. We made our craft and chatted for about an hour .. then we all delighted in our 'theme' tea party and more talking and sharing of the stories of our lives (which to me, was the highlight of each tea party and this is the part that made us all such dear friends). And provided me with 'forever memories'.
Kristen, oh please do feel free to e-mail me with any questions or requests for ideas. xo, Frannie
p.s. if any of you other farm girlfriends would like to know more of these tea parties and how you might start such a business in your own area, i will be happy to share all my experiences with you and i'll be there to help encourage you every step of the way.
True Friends, Frannie |
| Krisathome |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 8:57:53 PM
Frannie, your tea themed get togethers sound wonderful!! I have been collecting tea things for years in hopes of one day having the time(and money) to do something like that. |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 7:57:17 PM
doll-making club and classes. this was not a money-maker for me .. but .. it was a way to 'give back' to the community and to help other women earn extra money. and oh my .. the friendships created are more than money could ever be worth!
i started a doll club that lasted for ten years .. we met monthly .. (and i could go on for HOURS about all we did and accomplished in our doll club!) after we had all taught each other what we knew .. i started looking around for dollmakers to bring to our club to teach us new techniques. for ten years .. about 6 to 8 times a year, i contracted with a dollmaker .. brought her to our club for weekend dollmaking retreats. we paid these teachers and bought many of their patterns and hand-made dolls for our own collections. i especially invited 'primitive' dollmakers .. who were usually not invited to the bigger doll making conventions .. (they mostly wanted artistic doll teachers) .. so, we fulfilled a need in our primitive loving souls and also provided a new avenue for dollmakers to travel, and get exposure for their business and earn money.
True Friends, Frannie |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 7:50:53 PM
After retiring from my 'career' .. i decided i wanted to 'play' and maybe make a few pennies too! a friend and i met for tea, cookies and brainstorming. we realized that women (especially busy women) needed a place just for them to gather and talkp and be creative. so we started presenting 'theme' tea parties .. it was such a success .. we started with ten women who each brought a friend to the next one and our guests just multiplied .. without ever having to 'advertize'. we knew we were onto something big .. a need in our community for women. (because of all my children's collections, some of the women brought their daughters .. and another need was seen .. a creative and fun place for children to come and learn the 'nice-i-ties' of life and to be creative too.
this not only fulfills a need .. it can also result in extra income .. and all that is really needed to start this business is a 'fun', comfortable place to meet .. creative ideas .. and a cheerful and happy attitude and heart. you MUST love what you are doing .. or i honestly, don't think it will work for you!
True Friends, Frannie |
| Krisathome |
Posted - Nov 07 2005 : 8:53:55 PM
A farmgirl business book is a wonderful idea. We all have talents and things we love to do. And why not learn how to make some money doing what we love?? |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Sep 01 2005 : 07:38:57 AM
I bought the book over the weekend, and simply devoured it. I'm completely new to Mary Jane and her "farmgirl" lifestyle, but feel like I've known her my whole life! Where have you folks been hiding? I've always tossed around sewing projects from vintage fabrics (I make baby quilts and blankets from vintage hankies for friends) and I embellish and embroider my own clothes, cook, garden etc..but didn't know how many of us there were!! The only problem I see with reading the book is that now, all I've accomplished this week is daydreaming about the life that I WANT to have vs. the one I DO have (legal secretary, nine2fiver). So glad to meet all of you and hope this website inspires me to do the things I love, only bigger!
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
| Mari-dahlia |
Posted - Sep 01 2005 : 07:08:59 AM
I was watching the food network a couple of months ago and saw a piece on a texas organic farmer who smoked his tomatoes. They had had a hail storm which had knocked the tomatoes off their vines and in the Texas heat they had started to dry. The farmer got the brilliant idea that to save the tomatoes from total loss he would perserve them by smoking them. They now ship all over the world. I am going to try it this year I hope. Have to figure out a way to make a smker or buy one.
As MaryJane says "Value added".
Marianne |
| amystew |
Posted - Aug 31 2005 : 10:33:55 PM
I LOVE the idea of a book of farmgirl business ideas! Brilliant!
Gardener, chicken lover, worm wrangler |
| lurban |
Posted - Aug 09 2005 : 06:38:10 AM
At my farmer's market there is a woman who sells homemade aprons which she makes out of old shirts and dresses. Most of them are kid-sized and priced at $8 for simple ones and $11 for those which are lined or have some sort of detailing like rick-rack or lace. The grown-up ones sell for $11 or $15, I think. She told me that she picks up many of the shirts and dresses at yard sales.
She also makes "picnic bags" out of the same kind of fabric and includes two napkins and mismatched cutlery and tablewear which are also yardsale finds. Those of you who are handy with a needle might be able to make a little extra cash with a similar enterprise. |
| Annika |
Posted - Aug 05 2005 : 9:34:16 PM
Meadowlark, That is so cool! Maybe Ben Franklin WAS right and it, not the eagle should be the national bird. Where I live in Idaho, there are several resorts and b&b, so it wouldn't be hard to find a market once people got a taste of how rich and flavorful they are. We have Chinese ring neck pheasants and quail and a mated pair of great blue heron, but I'd rather "shoot" them with a digital cam than for real. |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Aug 05 2005 : 8:26:26 PM
Annika, I have wild turkeys all around me! Early morning sometimes they are feeding in my pasture and front yard, a whole flock of 40 at times! They are so much fun to watch! Not long ago, I watched a huge tom turkey spreading his plumage in our oats field. He must have been a 30 pounder! He was beautiful in his own "turkey" way... There is no way I could have shot him unless I was starving...We do have a bachelor neighbor who loves to cook wild game and hunt who has shot the wild turkeys and then prepared them by deep fat frying. He claims they are very tasty and clean.
The flowers flee from Autumn, but not you-
You are the fearless rose that grows amidst the freezing wind. Rumi |
| Annika |
Posted - Aug 05 2005 : 7:25:01 PM
I am sensitive to a lot of the antibiotics that they fill commercial turkies with and after tasting wild turkey and loving it, I would like to raise organic heritage turkies. They are actually lovely birds and the hardest past would be killing them. (Reminds self that all things are part of the cycle). I've also thought of heirloom tomato suaces and fresh made pasta...I love making pasta better then I love eating it. It really is a wonderful medium, to play around with...I can't wait to get your book! |
| theherblady |
Posted - Aug 05 2005 : 6:27:46 PM
Oh yes~~ I love the book and I'm about halfway thru it ..I sooo would like to start a herb and more business!! And you are right Fern..."transform farm life into a reasonable income"..That is my dream...It would be great to hear about other girls that made a farm business a reality and where they began. I would also like to have a bed and breakfast....or a tea room..something that I can bake and use herbs alot!! |
| BuckBellHill |
Posted - Aug 05 2005 : 1:01:06 PM
Yes, ideas and suggestions, business plans etc... on ways to transform farm life into a reasonable income!
|
| Thistlewoodmanor |
Posted - Jul 04 2005 : 2:30:06 PM
Me too! I told my husband this is the best book I've ever bought! Jam packed with information, ideas, and inspiration. I can't wait to see more. |
