Behind The Blog: Thistlewood Farms

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Do you read the blog, Thistlewood Farms?  If you do or have had the pleasure of meeting KariAnne in person like I have, you know why I wanted to include her in my Behind The Blog series.  I’ve been reading KariAnne’s blog for a few years and I’m totally captivated by  stories, inspired by her projects and energized by her spirit.

I had the pleasure of meeting KariAnne at the Haven Conference a few years ago and just like she comes across on her blog, she had a big smile on her face, was rocking some red lipstick and had a warm and genuine energy about her.    Using one of KariAnne’s favorite words, Thistlewood Farms is a ‘rock star’ blog, written by a rock star person and I’m thrilled to feature her on the blog today.

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Let’s start by first telling us a little about the Thistlewood Farms blog. When did you start blogging and what inspired you to start your blog?

I started blogging in December of 2011. I finished remodeling the farmhouse (wait….pause….are you ever really finished?) and I wanted to be part of a creative, unique, engaged community. So I started a blog to connect with the DIY/home decor community.

Your blog is so refreshing, inspiring and personal. How would you describe your writing style and what do you enjoy most about blogging?

I write just like I talk. Seriously. Like I just interrupted this question. I didn’t mean to. I was just so excited about answering that I totally interrupted.  And now back to the rest of the question. I enjoy the photography and learning new skills. And the readers? They are truly my favorite.

Running a successful blog and business isn’t easy. Any advice you can share with someone wanting to build their blog into a business?

Write the type of blog you want to read. Truly. If you like stories, write them. If you like beautiful pictures, take them. If you like painting pink flamingos and decorating your lawn, embrace the project. 🙂

What’s a typical day like at Thistlewood Farms for you?

I start after the kids go to school, typically about 8:00. And coffee. I always start with coffee. I post about five times a week, so I get the post ready for the day and answer e-mails. Then more coffee. In the afternoons, I usually style the post and photograph it. Then the kids come home from school and I listen to all the day’s gossip. Sometimes I edit photos while the gossip is going on. Then I usually have an event with the kids and go to bed and start all over again.

How would you describe your design style? Has it evolved over the years?

I like farmhouse. Wonderful, glorious, industrial, chippy, farmhouse. I’ve gone from neutral to color to neutral again, but farmhouse remains the constant.

You can tour KariAnne’s home here.  Warning–you may want to move in!

You’ve partnered with Hoffman Fabrics to develop your own fabric line which launched at the beginning of the year. Tell us a little about it and where your inspiration comes from.

The newest collection is called Simply Eclectic and I was inspired by all things farmhouse (no surprise if you are visiting from the previous question). I wanted it to feel at home if Laura Ingalls Wilder or the Queen of England came to visit, so it has a little bit of country and a little bit of elegant.

Which room in your home is your favorite and why?

I love the kitchen. I don’t cook, but it’s the best room in the house. It’s where all the problems of the world are solved.

What is the most treasured piece in your home?

There’s a table in my kitchen that I got at a yard sale in the middle of a flood. It is the best $20 I have ever spent.

You create some amazing DIY projects. What’s your favorite material to work with?

I like paint. I think that paint is the easiest and most inexpensive way to transform a space. You can create faux finishes or stripes or simply change the color. All for under $50

You can check out all of KariAnne’s DIY projects here.

If you could lunch with any famous woman, who would it be and what’s one burning question you’d ask her?

I would go to lunch with Joanna Gaines. And I would ask her about her farmhouse and if she likes the color SW Mindful Gray.

Tell me one or two things that are on your bucket list?

Visit England
Canoe the Cumberland River
Learn to knit

It’s time to share a few of your favorite things…

Favorite Color: Gray (obvi)

Favorite Movie:  Steel Magnolias

Favorite Flower: Hydrangea

Favorite Food: Broccoli

Favorite Splurge:  Anthropologie Candles

And I just had to throw this one in…favorite red lipstick color?  

 Fresh (it’s from the dollar store)!

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A big hug to KariAnne for stopping by the blog today and sharing a bit of her world with all of us.

 If you don’t follow KariAnne’s blog, Thistlewood Farms, I highly recommend that you do.  It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and brighten your day.  And mark your calendars because KariAnne is working on her first book which will be released next fall.  I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy and I’m hoping she’ll invite me over for a glass of sweet tea so I can have her write a rock star message inside my book!