Barn, Revisited
“It’s funny, there’s this whole green revolution. I didn’t mean to get on this recent green building bandwagon,” said Sean Tracy of Bucks County Timbercraft. “But we’re recycling these beautiful hand-hewn skeletons. Old barn floors become cabinets, walls, doors, trim, staircases, furniture…there’s not a whole lot of stuff that doesn’t get reused.” Tracy began restoring barns 20 years ago through the encouragement of a family friend. In the late 90s he started to do barn-to-home conversions. The disappearance of old barns in the area was an inspiration to him. “What do we call it…progress, I guess,” he pondered. “The developers started ...
Last Minute Reprieve – The Elkins Estate
The Elkins Estate, the stately home at the heart of Elkins Park, was given another chance. When asked why he invested a vast amount of time and energy into saving a house he had admired only in passing for 15 years, David Dobson chuckles and answers, “Insanity.” He had a sign. It was a tiny one, advertising an auction the next day; perhaps he could pick up furniture or other antiques. He stopped in to preview the offerings. Curiosity turned to horror when he walked into the magnificent, marbled entry hall ...
Master of Surprise – Julia Thomas
Peel off the tiles on Julia Thomas’ surface, and you may discover the unexpected After spending some time with Julia Thomas, there is something about her that simply seems to say, “Surprise!” Meeting her in the cozy, colorful tile shop she owns in Dublin, she appears awfully content. She sits at her desk in front of a large picture window that looks out on a barren, blustery Bucks County winter field and beams at the displays of handcrafted tiles in her store. With natural brown hair lapping at her shoulders and sensible black, ...
Artist Corner
Woman of Steel – Christine Figueroa
Arriving at Christine Figueroa’s historic farmhouse, it is at first difficult...
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Wellness
Tai Chi – Better Than Chai Tea
Tai chi chuan, better known as tai chi, resembles a slow, choreographed dance....
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Beauty
The Evolution of Fragrance
Perfume and fragrance has permeated human culture since the beginning of recorded time. The Chinese are credited as the first people to use plants for aromatic purposes; maybe the allure is a health benefit. Or, could it be that perfume, which changes with the times, is sought after for a particular feeling or memory it evokes? Maybe we desire... [Read more of this review]
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