My Garden Retreat

My Garden Retreat
photo Gridley Graves for Country Living

Summer in Tinker House

I really can't believe that it's already August!
I have spent almost every waking hour outside in my garden this Summer and still...


Have a ton to do!

Yesterday I spent the entire day cleaning poor Tinker House!
I had really made a mess in there and didn't realize how bad it had gotten until I had guests this weekend and really looked at it!
Since it's cleaned up right now...
I thought I would show you around and answer some of your emails about Tinker house.
First off.
Tinker House is constructed of reclaimed doors, windows, millwork and other trim items, Most of which came from our own homes renovation.
The only new parts are the four 4x4x12 posts that are cemented in the ground on all four corners and the banding board that holds them together.
Everything else (except for the screws :) Are reclaimed!


Officially Tinker house is a garden shed but to me...


It's much more than that...it's my sanctuary.



My quiet place.


A place to store my garden supplies...


Well, most of them anyway. And to tinker around with a few projects.


Second:
The floor of Tinker House is concrete pavers on a sand base and reclaimed bricks on the edges.


You can see how high the flood waters got by the skirt on my workbench!
(I haven't replaced it yet and still don't know if I will.)


I seem to use a lot of twine and jute so I keep larger spools of it out here!
The darling Eiffel tower scissors were a gift from a dear friend! Thank you Lynne!




Third:
There is still a little loft above this side but these days...I only store a few extra pots!
It's just too high for me to get to !

And finally:
Yes, those are vintage doorknobs and locks sets on the roof! Some even have the keys wired to them!
Just for fun~ A tiny touch of whimsy that the birds appreciate!


Autumn will be here before you know it and the Sweet Autumn Clematis will be in bloom on the roof ...I can't wait to see it!
In the meantime however...


I have sheets to take off the line and carry to my new laundry room!
It's almost complete and I look forward to sharing it with you along with a settee project I've started!


Yep...always something going on here at our house! Even Emmitt seems to get involved!

Before I forget...
I am so excited about being a part of the most amazing event taking place this October!


In Tennessee no less!
This will be my first time to just be a vendor no event production tasks.
I will be joined by two of my dearest friends
Rebecca 
and Theresa aka TOT

Both of these talented ladies will have spaces there as well!
I need to get busy!
More details to come but in the meantime....Mark your calendars
I would love to see you there!
For more information, follow this link to there facebook page!
Or to there website, here
I'm off to fold linens!


16 comments

  1. I so enjoy looking at photos of your darling little Tinker House and I know what you mean about doing nothing but yard work and still have a ton to do. It's never ending, but I've actually done more this year around our property than the last three years combined, just do to lack of time and this Summer I decided I was going to MAKE time...feels good!

    I'm finally getting started on my Garden Shed and can't wait to be able to use it as a "sanctuary" as well:-)

    PS: I love all your boxwoods and wished I would have planted hundreds of them around years ago. They are so timeless!

    xoxo
    Kathleen

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  2. franklin..oh be still my heart. If I had been allowed to move I would have lived there nearly 9 years now. You'll love it and have a blast. It's a wonderful town..stop into Merridees for breakfast :D
    The flooding -good gracious! Emmitt is growing fast what a charmer....

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  3. As always, your attention to the tiniest of details is hard to beat. Your precious creation is probably the most pinned house in the history of ever.
    I may be seeing you in October if all goes well and the creek don't rise.
    XO
    Deb
    P.S. Need to get busy? Goodness gracious girl...when aren't you busy doing something? LOL

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  4. I am completely obsessed with your potting shed and I would garden just to get to escape there! Love the arched windows, the climbing vines, the crushed pebbles...charm personified!!

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  5. Donna, I wish I could go to the barn show. Please give Rebecca and Teresa a hug for me. I love your sweet tinker house. I can't belive the clematis is that vining already. wonderful. I love the smell of it. Enjoy your summer. xoxox,Susie

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  6. I was just ready to pop on my computer before heading out the door then I saw your post. Tinker House is just so darling and I guess I never really had the "tour" before. Love it. Congrats on your Fall show-can't wait to see what you have for the show AND can't wait to see your laundry room- xo Diana

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  7. Tinker House is always so lovely! I never tire of looking at her. She is a grand beauty!!
    Blessings~

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  8. It's such a beautiful little sanctuary! I love every detail. And I love the shot of your sheets on the line!

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  9. Lovely and so serene. I can imagine what comes out of Tinker House is just as lovely.

    Leann

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  10. Your garden house is just beautiful! Love all the vintage loveliness and that you were able to repurpose things from your own home for it.
    Thanks for the inspiration,
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes
    PS-Would love to have you link this up to Saturday Sparks. Links are open till Friday.

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  11. Hey beautiful girl! I have missed you so much but I think we are always in each other's hearts. I'm a bad, bad communicator :)))) I love seeing Tinker! I had forgotten how bad the flood was until you reminded me with the photo. Wow...that's a ton of water.
    I loved seeing the photos of you, Rebecca and TOT. I love you girls!!!
    sending love...

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  12. Everyone needs a tinker house. I know I do! I can never tire of seeing yours. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  13. I so love Tinker house. Your sanctuary space is perfect. I had never noticed the locks up on the roof before. May I say I am an unattractive shade of envy green. How exciting to be working towards your October show. A new venue for you. Blessings Dear...

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  14. So glad that Tinker House survived the flood! I pinned another one of the pictures of it with the circular boxwood/fountain in front. Everything looks so green right now.

    I would love to be in Franklin,TN with you on Oct. 11-12, but probably will not make it. :( Franklin is just a lovely little town with so many great antique stores.

    Judith

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  15. Oh Donna I'm just so in LOVE with your wonderful Tinker House again!!! Every detail is so beautiful and practical at the same time. I can totally see why it's your sanctuary and can imagine how much you must enjoy it every day! Hugs Carola

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  16. I am so happy to have found your blog through TOT, who I adore. Your little space is truly amazing and embodies everything that I miss about the US. France is wonderful and I love it here, but I MISS the creativity and inspiration that comes from home.

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I love reading them~they truly make my day!
~Donna Reyné