northfield • dundas • faribault • cannon falls • farmingtonsummer 2010 • free

re•doux

home

Transform Your space wiTh color

Simple & TastySummer Treats

NORTHFIELDFUN FINDS!

go green natural lawn care

inspiration solutionshomegarden

for +

regular features

advertiser guide

go green this summerGet a healthy, green weed-free lawn without chemicals and pesticides.

sustainable is attainableNorthfield homeowners take a green approach to their kitchen remodel.

transform your space and lift your spirits with colorPaint is one of the least expensive ways to recreate a space, and also one of the most dramatic.

edible gardensA feast for the eyes – and stomach.

eat + drink • Tasty and simple summer recipes for any picnic or party.

the fix file • Q & A with local experts. This issue:John Colangelo, Construction U.

real estate bloom? • An update on the state of the local real estate market.

meet the artist • Jill Enestvedt of Studio Elements.

day tripping • Trek to scenic Lake City, MN.

redoux-it yourself • Give your space a fresh new look for summer.

fun finds • Unique finds in downtown Northfield.

calendar • Events, fairs, expos, happenings.

northfield retirement community 1

flyingpan productions 3

Just food co-op 4

porchlight painters 12

elizabeth child 13

heartwork Yoga studio 16

Dirty girls garden service 16

northfield entertainment guide 17

Dianne Kyte – coldwell Banker 20

Behr’s usa flooring 22

Budget Blinds 24

northfield area remodeling Tour 26

Village on the cannon 26

Brian Trebelhorn – re/maX 30

reDouX 30

prairie oak Builders back

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inside this issue

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REDOUX HOME Reader:

“Your home should tell the story of who you are,” says designer Nate Berkus. After months of living and working in my home last winter, I wondered what story the clutter told about me. Generously, most friends say they love my 1904 home, but I know I will be more content in my life when it is truly “me.”

Does your space reflect you?

REDOUX HOME is a new magazine (and website) launched by publisher and designer Nichole Day Diggins that will help you define yourself through your indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer tips from the area’s plentiful resources and retailers, and sustainable ideas to encourage you to lower your home’s carbon footprint.

In this issue you will find information about caring for your lawn without chemical treatments, inspirations for using color when painting your home, a profile of a sustainable kitchen remodel, a real estate market update, edible garden hints, a calendar of local events, our own “fun finds” in downtown Northfield and more.

You can pick up REDOUX HOME in stands, stores and other locations for free, or have it mailed to your home or office for just $10 annually. Watch for our next issue September 1, and visit us online at redouxhome.com for seasonal inspirations.

A warm welcome,

Elizabeth Child, Editoreditor@redouxhome.com

4Open Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–9 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

516 Water Street S, Northfield • 507-650-0106 • www.justfood.coop

PUBLISHERNichole Day Diggins / flyingPan Productions

EDITORElizabeth Child

CONTRIBUTORSNIchole Day DigginsElizabeth ChildJoey RobisonAnnie WitkampDianne Kyte

CREATIVE DIRECTOR / DESIGNNichole Day Diggins

SALESElizabeth ChildNichole Day DigginsWendy Smith

REDOUX HOME • PO BOX 148, Northfield, MN 55057p: 507.301.9710e: info@redouxhome.com

redoux home is produced by flyingPan Productions.All rights reserved. Copyright 2010. Copies of this publication or its contents may not be made for promotional purposes. For article reprints, contact REDOUX HOME at info@redouxhome.com.

to advertise: 507.301.9710 • 612.812.9987 www.redouxhome.com

Nichole Day Diggins and Elizabeth Child

magine the perfect yard: annuals and perennials planted in islands, edges and pots around a carpet

of thick, green, uniform grass. Until recently, many of us assumed that having a yard like this meant the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. But those chemicals don’t just stay on the lawn, because what we put on our lawns can end up in our water, soil and bodies. More of us are searching for non-toxic ways to keep our yards looking beautiful. So how do you have a lovely yard while keeping your family—and the environment—safe and healthy?

greener grassIf you can’t stand the sight of dandelions but aren’t keen on using pesticides, corn gluten is your new best friend. It’s a natural byproduct of the corn milling process, and it works as a pre-emergent by drying out weed seeds as they sprout so that they can’t spread. It also happens to be naturally high in nitrogen, which fertilizes established grass. Voila! Lush grass, no new dandelions and nary a toxin in sight.

As for existing dandelions, the best way to eliminate them naturally is… you guessed it… by digging them up. To ensure the plant won’t come back, you’ll need to pull out the entire taproot. This is easily done by sliding a trowel into the ground right next to the plant, tipping it until you hear the root “pop” and pulling out the plant. Once you’ve removed your dandelions, apply corn gluten to keep the neighbor’s weeds from taking root in your lawn.

A healthy lawn is your best defense against weeds, and one way to keep it healthy is to cut it on your lawn mower’s highest setting. If your yard is still looking a little under the weather, consider giving it a nutrient boost by adding compost. Worm castings are the byproduct of worm composting and are a highly nutritious fertilizer. You can purchase bags of worm castings, or you can learn how to make the fertilizer yourself with directions from a library book. Traditional compost is a tried and true (and often inexpensive) way to add nutrients to your yard. It’s easy to start a compost pile in your backyard with yard waste and kitchen scraps. Download a free brochure at tinyurl.com/compost101.

If you prefer to leave the lawn care to the experts, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are eco-friendly lawn care companies out there. A quick Google search will give you numerous area companies using nontoxic pesticides and fertilizers to keep your lawn healthy and green.

Grow a gardenGiving up some of your grass lawn to a perennial flower garden can be both beautiful and economical. Removing sod and planting beds of perennials means less grass to mow and water, and more color, flowers and visual diversity in your lawn. And native perennials are even better: they are hardy in our climate, and once established need little if any water or care.

Your locally-owned nursery or garden store can help you choose perennial and native plants best suited for your site.

You might also consider planting fruit trees or even a vegetable or herb garden, and enjoy the fruits of your yard all summer long!

A beautiful yard can be a source of great pride. And a beautiful, nontoxic yard will be a source of many happy, healthy memories for years to come.

Joey Robison is the Marketing and Member Services Manager at Just Food Co-op (justfood.coop).

go green this summerthe natural way to get a green lawn

Joey Robison, Just Food Co-op

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photo by joey robison

usan Crow and Bill Metz of Northfield take pride in making good choices for the environment – both

sustainably and aesthetically. When they remodeled their kitchen last year, they put their values in the forefront, without compromising their equally important design sensibilities.

Crow is a sustainable design consultant with a 20-year history in jewelry design, as well as home and garden product design for national retailers. Metz, a six sigma quality director in St. Paul, is equally artistic. He sidelines as an author and illustrator. One of their early marital commitments was to build a prairie-style home in Northfield with passive solar heating, choosing a southern exposure to provide warmth from the sun.

That was 1984. The home met their needs while they raised their three children, but by 2009 the kitchen’s appliances were faltering and the surfaces were worn. As with many older kitchens, it only accommodated one cook, and Crow and Metz like to cook together. The constant elbowing and overreaching had to stop.

It was time to remodel. With the economy as tired as their kitchen, they redoubled their efforts to make choices that were economically as efficient as they were sustainable, and create a timeless design.

Crow and Metz, who designed the kitchen themselves, started by tearing pictures from magazines and slipping them into files labeled “faucets,” “countertops,” “appliances,” “cabinets,” “lighting” and “tile.” They researched sustainable materials.

They interviewed numerous contractors, as well as friends who had completed remodels. At last, they had a plan. REDOUX HOME Editor Elizabeth Child talked to Susan Crow about the design and construction of her sustainable kitchen, and how it has altered not only the look of her home, but also the way she and her husband cook, entertain and live in their space – together.

Q&A with Susan Crow

What were your goals for your kitchen remodel?We wanted to use materials that were as environmentally friendly as possible. We committed to buying second-hand or discontinued materials that were destined for the landfill and to keeping as much construction debris as possible out of the landfill. We also wanted to make a kitchen for the two of us to cook in, and that fit the mid-century, prairie design of our home.

I understand you adopted a responsible remodeling slogan. Yes, in the process of designing, I adopted the five Rs of Remodeling: Restore, Respect, Reduce, Reuse and Recover. This helped us keep our goals in mind.

Who designed the space? We did the design ourselves. I’m a certified sustainable designer and consultant on green design. I received my certification from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (mcad.edu).

Who did you select for the construction? Prairie Oak Builders (prairieoakbuilders.com) in Northfield. Dick Hagenson (co-owner) listened to us. He is intuitive and was very open to working with us on environmental issues. We had an excellent experience.

continued next page

sustainable is attainablere-imagine, re-model, re-love

Elizabeth Child

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7Before the remodel

Susan and Bill’s sustainable kitchenThe countertops were found at The ReUse Center in Minneapolis

What was the inspiration for the look you chose? The inspiration came from a photo we found online of a bar/restaurant in San Francisco that was mid-century modern. Because the kitchen was going to open to the rest of the house, we didn’t want it to look like a traditional kitchen.

What makes it less traditional? We chose not to have any upper cabinets and took out the interior walls, which created an open, inviting space. We designed the cabinets to look more like free-standing furniture than normal kitchen cabinets, and also created an open space for people to congregate without being in the cooking area of the kitchen.

Did you have to give up storage space? Not at all. Dick [Hagenson] advised me to measure the “real estate” – all interiors of cabinets – to figure out how much space we had for storage in our existing kitchen. We actually measured the pots, pans and dishes, too. The space we had in our old kitchen was replaced and increased in our new kitchen without adding square footage. All our dishes, cutlery, cookware and spices are in drawers. We measured everything!

What didn’t you have before that you wouldn’t live without again?The large, deep commercial grade sink that I found on eBay.

What environmentally friendly “find” are you most proud of? Our cabinets. We worked very closely with Dick to assure that everything in the cabinet construction was as environmentally safe as possible. This included using special low-formaldehyde plywood versus furniture-board (particle board) to eliminate the five to 10 years of formaldehyde off-gassing into our home. The cabinets were finished with an FSC-certified [Forest Stewardship Council] wood in a clear low VOC water-based finish to reduce the high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution and can cause health problems. We also found our countertops at The ReUse Center, in Minneapolis (TheReUseCenter.com). This reduced our footprint further because it was a discontinued and second-quality Dupont Quartz composite. And luckily it was a color and material we loved.

What was your biggest challenge? Most people would say living without a kitchen. But we had fun. We lived out of three back bedrooms. We made a make-shift kitchen in a back bedroom and washed dishes in our laundry tub in the basement.

Did you learn anything about yourselves in the process? We realized how little space you can live in and how much you can do without. And I got really good at cooking in a toaster oven. I learned to make better broiled fish in a toaster oven than in my old oven.

Elizabeth Child (elizabethchild.com) is the editor of Redoux Home and a Northfield-based marketing consultant.

Despite the open upper cabinets, the new kitchen offers more storage space than before.

Bill and Susan

sustainable materials south of the cit iesFrom appliances to paint, this kitchen is chalk full of environmentally sound products found in the southern metro.

Bosch dishwasher with Energy Star rating, purchased at • Sears in Dundas. Vintage Afghan rugs bought at a local • Rotary sale.Benjamin Moore “Natura” paint from • Hirshfield’s in Lakeville, containing no VOC (volatile organic compound) which is harmful to the environment. This paint is much better for the environment than paints labeled “low VOC.” Another benefit is its lack of paint fumes.

out with the oldTake ownership of your waste-stream to keep it out of the landfill. Susan Crow and Bill Metz found several clever solutions to dispose of their cast-offs responsibly.

Do• nated Polyfilm, a plastic curtain that lined the interior walls during construction, to a company that makes patio bricks out of recycled plastic. The drop-off is at Northfield’s Econofoods.Gave away all the old cabinets and electrical • items through The Free Cycle Network, FreeCycle.org, a grassroots, online exchange.Sold extra building materials on Craig’slist.• Stripped six pounds of old copper electrical • wiring and sold it to a metal recycling facility.Recycled appliances through the appliance • dealers.Gave the sink, faucet and vent hood to friends • for their cabin. Used old carpeting in the vegetable garden as • walking paths between rows.

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KKK evidence suggests color influences not only your mood but also your overall health and well being.

hat’s your favorite color? You’ve been asked that question many times and, on the surface, it’s a fairly straight forward question... Until it

comes time to choose a paint color for your home. Then suddenly it’s complicated.

On the surface, it sounds simple enough – just pick a color you like and start painting. But choosing which color works best in a particular space can be anything but simple. In fact, it’s often downright daunting. A lot of people want to paint their space but keep putting it off because they just don’t know where to begin.

If you’re stuck in the decision-making phase, start by thinking about what you’re drawn to and some of the things you love. Start an idea file. Page through magazines for inspiration. Browse the Internet and hit the stores. You can pick your palette from a favorite pillow, rug, photograph, or work of art. Think about what colors captivate you and use those as a starting point.

Ready, set, paint. If a little voice inside your head is urging you to play it safe and stick with something ho-hum, don’t listen. Paint is one area where you can take a risk now and then. So cast aside your inhibitions and select a color that makes you feel inspired. Of course, it needs to look good in your room as well, so there is need for some rumination. Once you’ve considered all the options and decided that sky blue is the color you want for your living room, it’s time to head to the paint store for some samples. (Not all shades of sky blue will work and you need to see them in your space to make sure you’re getting the right one.)

transform your spacelift your spirits with colorNichole Day Diggins

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Color can help emphasize or minimize certain features. If you have a long, narrow room and want to make it appear wider, use a slightly darker color on the shorter walls and a lighter color on the longer walls. To make a large, cavernous room feel more intimate, paint the walls in rich, bold colors that advance toward you – hues of red, orange, brown and gold. Conversely, to make a smaller room feel more vast, paint the walls in colors that seem to make the walls recede, such as shades of blue, green or violet. Another way to make a small space feel more expansive is to paint wide, horizontal stripes around the room. Thin stripes make a small space feel even smaller. The key is to use coordinating colors that are close in hue. Whatever colors you select, it’s important that your home reflects you.

Nichole Day Diggins is the publisher of REDOUX HOME, a home stylist with REDOUX (re-doux.com) and creative director at flyingPan (flyingpanproductions.com).

When you paint the samples onto your wall, it’s best not to put them right next to each other. You need to check them out in relation to the lighting and the other colors in the room. Reflect on the colors throughout the day – they will look much different in the morning than they do in the evening. The size of the space, what it’s used for and the natural light that it gets are all factors to consider when choosing a paint color. You also need to take into consideration the other colors already in the room. These may include your tile, woodwork, cabinets and furniture.

As you ponder your palette, you can also consider creating a focal point. You can do this by making one wall an accent wall and paint it a different color or by adding a coordinating wallpaper. Emphasizing any existing architectural features the room may have adds drama and interest to your space as well. Do this by painting the window arches, crown molding and built-ins a contrasting color – lighter or darker than the wall – and by using a glossy paint.

KKK yellow evokes happiness and warmth, and is especially great in a kitchen or any space that needs brightening.

is your paint alligatoring, blistering or chalking? Accurately diagnose what’s causing the problem first, so you can fix it properly. You’ll save time, money and frustration. Each scenario calls for its own remedy – from the amount of prep work necessary to the type of primer and finish coat applied. Do it right, and do it once.

– Tom williams, owner of porchlight painters in Northfield

eat & drinkAnnie Witkampthedabble.com – recipes and musings from a northfield culinary writer

Summer-perfect dishes take advantage of all the fresh ingredients that the season has to offer. Try a refreshing, chilled spritzer, an easy tomato salad and a three-ingredient dessert. The flavors are the epitome of warm weather dining and come together with ease. They are simple and rustic, befitting family celebrations, intimate evening meals and sun-filled picnics.

Panzanella Caprese Salad Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients: 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 6 1/2 cups) 1/3 cup olive oil plus 2 tbsp.2 cloves of garlic3 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar2 tbsp. drained capers, smashed 1 3/4 lbs. tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced1 lb. fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-size pieces3/4 cup chopped basilsalt/pepper

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the bread with 2 tbsp. of olive oil and salt/pepper in a bowl. Place on a sheet pan, spread in a single layer and bake, stirring once, until golden, about 12 to 15 minutes. Cool and set aside.

Mince the garlic and mash to a paste with 1/2 tsp. salt. Place in a large bowl and whisk in the vinegar, capers and remaining 1/3 cup of olive oil. Add the croutons, tomatoes, onion, basil and mozzarella. Let stand for 20 minutes at room temperature. This can be made an hour before and chilled but be sure to bring to room temperature before serving.

Strawberry FoolServes 4

Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups hulled, sliced strawberries (or another fruit) 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar2 cups heavy cream

Chill individual serving glasses in the refrigerator for a few minutes. With a mixer, place 1 cup of sugar and the heavy cream, beat together until soft peaks form and whipped cream results. Chill until ready to assemble. Place the strawberries and remaining 2 tbsp. of sugar in a blender or food processor (you can also smash them by hand), puree, leaving a few lumps.

Take the glasses from the refrigerator and layer the pureed berries and whipped cream, repeat with several layers of each. Blend the two together or leave in layers. It’s traditionally chilled for an hour or two but is not required. This would also make a nice filling or topping for angel food cake or shortcake.

Fruit Spritzers Makes eight 8 oz. drinks

Ingredients: 3/4 cup sugar1 cup waterfresh seasonal fruit of your choice(skin/core/seeds removed and roughly chopped, for example, about 6 cups of melon, peaches, mango, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries; use anything that produces juice)

1 tsp. lemon juicepinch of salt64 oz. club soda or sparkling water splash of white or sparkling wine – optional

Simple syrup: combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and stir to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat, let cool.

Puree the fruit, cooled syrup, lemon juice and salt in a blender/food processor and then strain through a sieve to obtain the juice. Refrigerate the syrup for at least 30 minutes. To serve, fill eight 8-oz. glasses with ice and pour about ½ cup of syrup into each glass. Top with club soda or sparkling water, perhaps a splash of white wine and serve immediately.

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edible gardens - a feast for the eyes... and stomach.

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Have you heard talk about “edible gardening” and ever wondered . . . didn’t we used to call this “planting a vegetable garden?” Becky Richie, manager of Farmer’s Seed in Faribault, explains that the edible garden is perfect for gardeners without a lot of space who don’t want to give up the beauty of their flower gardens but still want to eat local—very local.

Within the annuals and perennials, Richie says you can plant vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, radishes, Swiss chard and peppers, along with herbs. It’s not too late to plant from seed, either. Lettuce, for example, can be picked and then reseeded midsummer. Richie offers six keys to edible gardening:

If • you want the color of your garden to be what shows, plant broad, leafy veggies behind the flowers.

Choose a smaller leaf lettuce that says “won’t bolt” on the seed package. •

Peppers of varying colors to add interest to the garden and table. Brown leaf pepper plants are particularly • decorative.

Grow tomatoes and herbs in pots so that if they get a blight, they don’t contaminate the soil next year. In larger • gardens you can rotate the crop to a new area.

Plant containers with a light potting mix such as “soil-less soil,” containing peat moss and vermiculite, so your soil • doesn’t get hard during the growing season.

Fertilize veggies as soon as the plants start blooming, just as you do your flowers. •

the fix file

BBQ TasTesWhat’s most important to a home grill chef? A recent poll found these results:

senD us Your QuesTions...

Let us know what you’re working on and what you’re wondering. E-mail us your handyman questions atinfo@redouxhome.com.

19%add a lot of spice

26%offer a variety

24%keep grill clean

22%cook meatperfectly

Q: My air conditioner doesn’t seem to work as well as it used to – is there something I can do to make it run cooler?

A: Inside the house, first check the filter located at the furnace return air duct. This should be checked each change of season. Regardless of type of filter, reusable or disposable, it should be clean to allow the system to operate efficiently, similar to replacing a car’s air filter. Reusable filters can be cleaned using a shop vac or blower. Outside the house, clean the fins of the condenser with a soft brush or shop vac. These get covered with grass and pollen which reduces air intake. Also trim back any bushes or shrubs so air can flow freely into the unit. To maximize the “coolness“ of the system, which in reality means removing or reducing heat buildup, keep your shades down during the daytime hours, keep bedroom and den or office doors shut and section off areas so that hot air isn’t mixing with cooler, tempered air. If you don’t see an improvement, then you need to schedule an HVAC technician to test the system for proper refrigerant charge, pressure, duct size and motor for proper operation.

Q: How often do I need to stain my deck? A: This depends on three points: material age, sun exposure and stain tint. If the decking is recently installed, allow the grain to open up (typically three to six months) prior to applying stain so the stain can penetrate into the wood for greater protection. Apply additional coats one, three and five years after previous stain finishing. This will provide a solid base of protection.

If your deck gets direct sun, consider coating more often. Also, a semi- or solid-hide stain, which has more pigment, will provide more protection. A wide range of products on the market provide UV and fade protection. On older or existing decks, the goal should be to keep the wood grain material from drying out, so it can repel rain and weather. You need to apply stain before it fades and exposes the wood to wear. I recommend inspecting your deck every three years and staining at no less than seven-year intervals for our climate.

Prior to applying any stain, make sure the wood is sound, dry and clean so the stain can penetrate into the wood for maximum effectiveness. Sand loose stain, pressure wash deck and railing, and allow drying time before beginning the staining operation. Also, make sure that the products you use are compatible so they bond together.

your handyman questions answered by local experts

This issue’s eXperT: John colangelo, consTrucTion u, Northfield651.248.5213 • jacolangelo@charter.net

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take the color compass personality quiz!

Have you ever thought about whether your roof matches your personality? The folks at Owens Corning have. They’ve recently come out with a Roofing Color Compass Personality Quiz. The goal is to help undecided homeowners pick out the colors that will best match their house and personality. The quiz was developed under the guidance of design expert Leatrice Eismean and guides you through a series of questions, after which you will be told what your ideal colors are, and which palettes work best for your personality. You can choose from a traditional color palette or a fashion-forward palette. Besides roofing, the palette gives suggestions for coordinating paint and trim colors. Take the quiz at roofingcolorcompass.com.

Home real estate markets may still favor buyers, but savvy sellers can also win in a market that is slowly digging out after a long, cold season.

For the first time in three years, the first quarter average national sales price for a home went up. It was only a small amount, but this may well be the end of the spiraling fall in home values. Optimism is in the air.

In the Northfield and Faribault areas, slightly fewer homes are on the market than one year ago, but March was the third consecutive month with an increase in sales prices. In Rice County the average home sales price for 2009 was $149,258. By March of 2010 it had risen to $151,525. The number of “closed” sales is up 5.1 percent from one year ago and the average “days on market” has fallen more than 20 percent -- from 171 days to 134 days one year ago.

Historically, average sales prices in Rice County have been lower than prices in the Twin Cities metro area, and this pattern continues. The percentage increase in the number of “closed sales” properties has actually been better in Rice County than in Dakota and Hennepin Counties over the past year, although the number of days on the market is higher here than in the Twin Cities area.

Tips for Buyers and SellersWhat do the market trends mean for home buyers and sellers? Buyers will find lots of properties to choose from, including some real bargains. Interest rates are near all-time lows. Yes, you will have to have some money in hand for a down payment and closing costs, but FHA loans can be had with as little as 3.5 percent for a down payment and the amount banks will lend, or loan limits, have been raised significantly. Stay on top of your credit rating, however, as lenders’ guidelines for loans have been tightened.

If you’re selling a home in this market, you need to do everything in your power to differentiate your home from the many others that buyers can choose from. A home priced realistically and in good-to-excellent condition will sell, while another, similar house may languish on the market for a long time.

It is amazing what a difference fresh paint, de-cluttering and fresh smells can make! Don’t forget curb appeal. Often a house is rejected by potential buyers before they step through the door. Sometimes spending a few dollars up front on decorating or staging is money well spent. Your realtor can give you advice or direct you to an expert when that is advisable.

Statistics from St. Paul Area Association of REALTORS

real estate bloom?this may not be the hot real estate market of the new millennium, but signs of a budding market are here.

Dianne KyteColdwell Banker South Metro

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on the r ise – up 5.1%In March of 2010 the average price of a home in Rice County was $151,525.

805 St. Lawrence Drive, Northfield

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Meet the Artist: Jill EnestvedtCollecting works by local artists whose art hasn’t (yet) skyrocketed in price is a great way to create a unique environment on a reasonable budget. One locally grown treasure is Northfield artist Jill Enestvedt, co-owner of the shop Studio Elements. Her business partner, Krin Finger, also owns the Rare Pair, a shoe and clothing store at 401 Division St., which Enestvedt manages.

Enestvedt’s artistic style evolved when she was a studio art major at St. Olaf College. She long harbored a dream of opening her own shop to display her art and complementary gift merchandise. Her dream came true this year when her favorite building next to the Northfield post office on Bridge Square became available. Within a week she and Finger had signed the lease. REDOUX HOME visited with Enestvedt about her artwork and inspirations.

How do you define your artistic style? I paint with acrylics and make collages that are abstract, colorful and patterned.

Do you have a signature piece of art in the store? The painted canvas tiles. They can be displayed in groups so people can create their own patterns.

How has your art evolved? Everything I used to do was small, like the tiles and my note cards. Now I am making larger paintings on stretched canvases.

Do you have ‘words to live by’ as an artist? “Inspiration is for amateurs, the rest of us just show up and get to work.” Artist Chuck Close said that.

Where did you find that quote? It’s in a book called, “Inside the Painters Studio.” It’s one of my favorite books and I carry it in the shop. It’s about how painters work and how they set up their studios. Some artists work seven days a week, some wait for inspiration.

How do you schedule in time for making art? I have to be inspired on Tuesdays. I work six days a week. Tuesday is the only day I am in my studio.

As a veteran of the Rare Pair, you know shoes. So, if you were a shoe, what kind of shoe would you be? Red ballet flats. They are sensible, but they’re still a little bit of fun.

studio elements

merchandise: Original art and gifts

Where: 16 Bridge Square, Northfield

Year round hours: The first weekend of each month, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

additional summer hours: Open every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

website: studioelements.net

Studio Elements sells Jill’s artwork, as well as gifts, books, jewelry and other merchandise.

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DAY TRIPPING - Collectible memories in Lake City, Minnesota

Great Summer Savings –

Call for Details!

Elizabeth Child

Collectors enjoy the hunt as much as the catch, and trips to Minnesota’s unique small towns are collectible experiences in themselves. Lake City is both neighborly and majestic. The drive to Lake City from Northfield winds through a rolling patchwork of farms in Goodhue County that are nearly as beautiful as the final destination.

In an hour or less you arrive. Lake City is located on the 22-mile widening of the Mississippi River called Lake Pepin. Seeing the lake under almost any conditions is worth the drive. It’s the only place I know that has more than a mile of sidewalk above the shore on which to wander and gaze at the river’s boats, birds and dramatic glacier-carved bluffs. A leg-stretching walk by the Lake City Marina is a great introduction to the city. I usually follow that with a meal at one of a dozen restaurants – Asian eateries, tea and coffee shops, bakeries, a natural foods store, a pizza joint, family restaurants and gourmet dining.

Stomach sated, collectors will want to poke around the shops downtown behind the marina. Here are a few:

Shop AroundMississippi Mercantile • 116 West Elm StreetTwo floors of antiques and collectibles from several dealers are tastefully displayed by owner Lara Schwartz. This marketplace of toys, old-fashioned radios, antique stoves, Red Wing pottery, posters and dishware conjures memories and is all about recycling and reusing.

Rather Bee Quilting • 116 S. Washington St. Owned by sisters Janet Bruce and Judy Rutz, this is a destination store for quilters. The store is a patchwork of hundreds of colorful, patterned fabrics, and will join Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop (quiltminnesota.com), a two week event starting July 30 that inspires quilters to travel to Minnesota’s far flung shops to collect fabrics and earn prizes.

Serendipity • 118 S. Washington St. Proprietor Billie Hunt says the shop she owns with her husband, artist Ron Hunt, is aptly named because you never know what you’ll find. The former librarian was marking used books when I walked in. Her photography of the area was for sale on one wall, her husband’s paintings on another. Other artists’ works, including that of a promising young glass blower, were displayed, along with curiosities.

Antique Nest • 118 W. Center St.Interior Designer Rita Dassner opened Antique Nest three years ago featuring glassware, furniture and Miche handbags with interchangeable covers. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. she offers tea in the Wisteria Twig Tea room with scones and desserts. Parties are also welcome. Reservations: 651.345.2064.

sailing for leukemia

on saturday and sunday, July 25 and 26, members of the lake city Yacht club will take you sailing to learn the ropes or just enjoy the ride for a good cause. The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children. reservations: 651-345-4123 or lcchamber@lakecity.org.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNERChickadee Cottage317 North Lakeshore Drive • chickadeecottagecafe.comMonday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Sunday Family Breakfast, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday Dinner: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Best known for traditional breakfasts and homemade cinnamon rolls. And you can order a mimosa, Bloody Mary or Irish coffee. Also serves lunch, and recently added Saturday dinners with pastas, walleye, shrimp, baby back ribs and other specialties. Picnic lunches available for take-out. Information: 651.345.5155 or 888.321.5177

Rabbit’s Bakery304 South Washington StreetWednesday - Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3p.m.

More than a bakery, Rabbit’s also serves breakfast and lunch in Lake City’s most unique and intimate building. Rabbit’s offers organic coffees and free wireless internet access along with a comforting, nourishing and fresh menu. Information: 651.345.3199 or rabbitsbakery@yahoo.com

Nosh Restaurant and Bar310 ½ Washington St. • noshrestaurant.comWednesday to Monday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Nosh offers two levels of indoor dining, plus balcony seating overlooking Lake Pepin by the Lake City Marina. Western Mediterranean is influenced by American cuisine. The menu takes advantage of seasonally available foods along with fresh seafood, pork and lamb dishes. Main courses range from $16.60 to $25.50. Small plates, soups and salads are also served, along with a full bar. Reservations: 651.345.2425 • noshrestaurant@aol.com

RECREATION ON THE LAKEThe lake is the big reason to drive to Lake City. Don’t own a boat? Board these:

Pearl of the Lake • pearlofthelake.com • Departing from 100 Central Point Road in Lake CityWednesday through Sunday at 1 p.m. for 90 minutes • Reservations: 651.345.5188

Ticket Prices:Adult $15.00 • Seniors 65+ $12 • Children 6-13 $8 • Children 5 and under: free • Seniors 100 and over: free

Fishing Guides • lakecity.org/fishing • Several fishing guides are available to help you catch Lake Pepin Large Mouth and Small Mouth Bass, Walleyes, Northerns and other classic Minnesota fish.

Want to Stay Overnight?For information on lodging contact: Lake City Tourism Bureau • 100 Central Point Rd., Lake City, MN 55041877.525.3248 • info@lakecitymn.org

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DAY TRIPPING – Lake City, Minn.

redoux-it yourselfrefresh your space this summer – create a bright, airy feel

You change your clothes with the season, why not change your home as well? You don’t need new furniture or paint to give your space a pick-me-up. It’s remarkable how a different rug, new pillows (or pillow covers) and curtains will give your space a whole new look and feel.

winter: The dark grey sofa & chaise covers, along with the sheepskin and antique Persian rug, are warm and cozy in the winter months, as are the damask drapes and jewel-toned pillow covers. But the room felt too heavy for spring and summer...

summer: To give the room a lighter feel, the sofa was given an airy blue grey cover and the chaise’s cover was swapped for a buttery yellow one. We then added a vibrant rug, semi-transparent curtains and bright yellow pillow covers.

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fun finds downtown northfield!

semi-precious soap – These SoapRocks look like real crystals, especially when wet. Made from natural ingredients with vitamin E and essential oils. Best of all - they won’t leave your skin hard as a ‘you know what.’ swag – $9.95 / each

garden gnomes – What’s not to love about the time-honored, kitschy garden gnome? These colorful fellas are sure to add a touch of whimsical sophistication to your yard or garden. tagg 2

yard art – Old dishes, bowls, vases and more are used in these handmade sculptures for your yard or garden. eclectic goat

whimsical dog doorstops – The patchwork trend is on the rise and we’re seeing it on everything from clothing and furniture to bags and bedding. These cheerful dachshund doorstops are sure to liven up any space. digs

handmade flip-flop doormat – These colorful, lightweight doormats keep foam rubber wastes from sandal manufacturing out of landfills. And they’re cushiony and easy to clean to boot. studio elements – $24

oilcloth – Oilcloth is durable, colorful and waterproof with literally thousands of uses... Tablecloths, bags, rugs, chair seat covers, place mats, book covers, shelf liners, aprons, wallets, pillows and more. present perfect – $10 / yard

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calendar – summer 2010If you have a fall calendar item, contact: editor@redouxhome.com by July 23, 2010.

River Walk Market Fair • Northfield • Saturdays, June 10 to September 1. New this summer. Find original artwork, jewelry, crafts and local and organic produce while taking a stroll along the Cannon River in downtown Northfield.

Mural Society Sale of Recycled Art • Thursday, June 17 to Sunday, June 20. Paradise Center for the Arts • Faribault • Information at 507.332.7372 or info@paradisecenterforthearts.org.

Richard Rock: Picturing History • Northfield Arts Guild Wednesday, June 23 to Saturday, July 31. Richard Rock’s paintings of artifacts and furnishings from the collections of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Information at www.northfieldartsguild.org.

Art in Bloom • Thursday, June 24, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Local gardeners from the Northfield Garden Club team up with the Northfield Arts Guild, creating various floral arrangements that have been inspired by pieces in the gallery. Flowers are on display through Saturday.

Annual Member’s Show • Carlander Gallery / Paradise Center for the Arts • Faribault • Friday, June 25 to Wednesday, June 30

Northfield Garden Tours • Saturday June 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Northfield Garden Club sponsors garden tours. Local artists will feature their work in the gardens. Your tour fee supports downtown Northfield’s public gardens. Information at www.northfieldgardenclub.org.

Inspirations in Colors / Songs Without Words • Rose Marie James and John Maakestaad • Northfield Arts Guild • Wednesday, August 4 to Saturday, September 11. John Maakestad of Nerstrand creates non-representational images derived in a stream of conscious improvisation. Rose-Marie James of New Prague works in fused glass, creating bowl and plate forms and panels incorporating melting rivers of colored glass.

Shoe Stories - A Juried Art Show for Minnesota Artists featuring Shoes • Paradise Center for the Arts • Faribault • Friday, August 6 to Saturday, September 25

adult summer camps university of minnesota $125 each

The edible urban landscapeMonday, June 28Learn to create a beautiful landscape featuring an abundance of edibles.

cheese, glorious cheese!Tuesday, June 29Nerstrand cheese makers Jodi Ohlsen and Steven Read of Shepherd’s Way Farms help guide a cheese-making and tasting experience.

Information at 612.624.4000 or www.cce.umn/learninglife

A sampling of cheese from Shepherd’s Way Farms