The Wizard of oz

We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto. But the Land of Oz found its way to the Pacific Northwest.

Last Fall, a couple from Bungendore, Australia, visited our Troutdale showroom on First Friday. Seeing furniture that would fit their home perfectly, they made notes. Upon arriving home, they checked www.amishwbf.com on the Internet than contacted us by email, jayandcarol@amishwbf.com. The world economy was doing its roller coaster ride, the Australian dollar included. They chose to purchase from Amish Workbench Furniture, saving money, even with shipping from the Northwest, customs and taxes in Australia. Emails filled cyberspace as arrangements were made to complete the transaction.

First to arrive at the Tualatin facility was the dining room furniture. Following came the living room pieces. A local moving company, who has and international division, packed it into a sea worthy shipping container. And its journey had begun to Bungendore, New South Wales, Australia.

Margaret Coaldrake and her husband Gary Tamsitt have a daughter at the University of Washington. On their most recent visit to see her, they stopped at the Tualatin showroom to see where it all started, and to meet us. The weather was more than typical rain. But that didn’t bother them. They agreed to an interview. While visiting with us, serendipity called: the international shipping company, to let them know the ship would sail on Good Friday, arriving in Australia in early May.

Besides saving money, we learned Australia doesn’t have an abundance of wood for furniture production. Second, to buy furniture for one room to match furniture in the adjoining room, isn’t possible. Margaret was thrilled her two rooms were going to be the same style – Mission. Third, they were impressed with the quality of our product. Simply the best, not the most expensive.

Wood is green

With the emphasis on being environmentally conscious and the adverse economy, the Amish presented and educated retailers about their products at the Hardwood Furniture Builders’ Guild in Walnut Creek, OH.

Hopewood (occasional tables: end tables, coffee tables, sofa tables) added a wedge shape end table. Occasional tables do more than hold lamps, magazines or coffee mugs. Often they serve as a regular dining surface for family movie night, a sturdy place for homework and a prop for laptops. Hopewood added poplar to its large selection of woods.

A brief explanation of foam used in sofas and chairs by Country View Woodworking and Quality Fabrications: HR, high resiliency/density, in a range of 2.2.5 in foam standards. It bounces back better, slower to dry out over time versus conventional foam. 2.2-2.5 is standard usage among furniture manufacturers.

Amish Workbench Furniture has always been green with paper bags for small purchases.

For those of you interested in being green, let us know if you prefer to receive your newsletter via email, rather than snail mail. Contact us at jayandcarol@amishwvf.com with your email address. You will be kept on our mailing list, have less mail in your postal mailbox, less paper in your recycling bin; share with friends, family and neighbors by forwarding the newsletter on your computer, save a tree…let’s hear it for green!

Celebrations at amish workbench

Each month our Troutdale and Salem stores celebrate firsts: Troutdale celebrates First Friday at 255 E. Columbia River Highway. Dates for this year: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5 and December 3. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the evening and people. Neighbors are welcome too. You’ll want to return each month; see art or listen to music. Rosie and Donna will greet and assist you, 5 PM to 9 PM.

Salem celebrates First Wednesday, 6 PM – 8 PM, at the Reed Opera House, corner of Court and Liberty Streets, NE. Dates for this year: April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 2 and December 1. Park in the Chemeketa Parkade, make the rounds. Don is waiting with a warm welcome to meet your family, neighbors and friends you bring with you. Make an evening of it. Celebrate!

SAY AHH...SAY AWESOME! Say amish

That describes the beauty of Amish made Furniture. The recent Hardwood Furniture Builders’ Guild of Holmes County, Ohio showcased dozens of Amish builders with new ideas for furniture. There are more than 400 Amish woodworkers in Ohio building different parts of the chairs, tables, cabinets, cedar chests, hall seats, desks, etc. or the whole item. We were fortunate to see so many of them at the show. We hope to bring samples to our showroom floors for your enjoyment. You’ll need to come in person to see. No cameras allowed on the showroom floor.

Snow on the ground, barely 30 degrees, hot chocolate to warm us, friendly builders anxious to share the beauty of their work; traditional styles, plus new contemporary ones; delicious lunch; a very enjoyable trip.

Being winter time, the streets weren’t crowded with tourists. That made it easier to travel up and down the back roads to visit the builders who were unable to participate in the show.

Of course a meal at Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen is a must every time we return to Holmes County. Fresh homemade bread with Amish peanut butter or apple butter is always on the table. Oh! Dessert is never passed up. Fresh homemade pies…ahh, Amish. From state route 39, turn north on county road 77, about five miles of up and down, and you’ll be there. Watch out for the buggies!

Remember, wood is green and the furniture is made here in the USA. Ahhh…Amish.