Betty the Crow

Great Chicago Signage

2010-08-23T09:59:00.000-04:00

Beautiful website regarding Chicago area typography from Chicago Type. Found on Coudal Partners.

AT-95 Now Live

2010-08-18T17:31:00.000-04:00

Our new site AT-95.com is now live. Check it out.

Canada - Camp Wabun

2010-08-09T11:02:00.000-04:00

Terrific trip to Northern Ontario - Camp Wabun. "When a boy goes to Wabun he takes an important and age-old journey beyond the village compound and into the wilderness. When he steps into the canoe, makes his way along the trail, or lights the fire, he is entertaining a personal challenge to learn how to be competent in a new environment."

Stickley Inventory Sale

2010-07-28T11:27:00.000-04:00

Primitive Table - New Design

2010-07-20T13:03:00.000-04:00

Hot off the presses - New Primitive Table Design.

Congrats MidDLE WEST SPiRITS

2010-07-08T16:07:00.000-04:00

"Central Ohio's first and only true "grain-to-bottle" micro-distillery. Located in the Short North arts district of Columbus. MidDLE WEST SPiRITS' flagship OYO Vodka available July 1."

In Remembrance of Freedom - July 4th Weekend

2010-07-01T13:33:00.000-04:00

A debt to the millions who have gone before and shed their blood.

New - Welder Table

2010-06-30T13:32:00.000-04:00

Hot off the presses - The Welder Table ($1,190.00 - 84"l x 30"w x 34"h)

New In-Store Graphics

2010-06-24T15:15:00.000-04:00

Vintage Office

2010-06-16T13:56:00.002-04:00

An office we like.

Summer Hours

2010-06-10T10:18:00.000-04:00

Monday-Saturday 10-6 (Sundays...gone swimming).

Something to Crow About

2010-05-26T15:01:00.000-04:00

15th Anniversary Sale. Be there.

Quisp Cereal

2010-05-18T12:04:00.000-04:00

We remember Quisp Cereal (introduced in 1965) as kids. When did they bring this goodness back?

Baxter Finley, Barber & Shop (L.A.)

2010-05-07T09:22:00.000-04:00

Michael Williams of A Continuous Lean was recently in Los Angeles and previewed the new Baxter Finley, Barber & Shop. Very Cool. (All images from Michael Williams).

Northcoast Zeitgeist - Ohio

2010-04-29T10:33:00.000-04:00

Thanks Northcoast Zeitgeist for reminding us..."What we do and where we do it."

UP THERE

2010-04-20T11:15:00.000-04:00

"UP THERE was captured during the making of the 'The Ritual Project,' the extraordinary 20 x 50 foot stop-frame animation of the Belgian Pouring Ritual seen at the end of the film. Over more than three weeks of painting, these craftsmen revealed their incredible artistry, their sacrifice, and their enduring passion for the wall painting tradition." An amazing testament to the lives of these dedicated craftsmen.

Middle West Spirits - Preview

2010-04-12T13:57:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Brady Konya and Ryan Lang for opening Middle West Spirits. They have spent the last two years exploring Ohio's byzantine liquor laws and will soon have their first vodka 'OYO' (pronounced Oh-Y-Oh) available. We attended Saturday's open house and it will be well worth the trip.

Photo Shoot Preview

2010-04-05T16:09:00.000-04:00

Sneak peek of new photos we shot Friday.

CW Industrial Table (Lightly Toasted Finish)

8' Machine Leg Table - (Bourbon)

Machine Leg Detail

Ace Hotel - New York

2010-03-29T16:15:00.000-04:00

Preview - New Consoles

2010-03-16T12:23:00.000-04:00

Our new Consoles just arrived yesterday, available in 'Bourbon' and 'Lightly Toasted.' Will be on the web site soon. Price is $749.00.

New Finish - "Lightly Toasted"

2010-03-05T13:26:00.000-05:00

We are please to announce our new finish "Lightly Toasted." The wood species is a salvaged White Oak, the finish looks great up against blackened steel. See for yourself.

BTW: It is totally serendipity that our other finish just happens to be "Bourbon."

US Mail Bag

2010-02-28T16:02:00.000-05:00

A reason to covet, Three Potato Four's US Mail Bag. "After quickly selling out of the original surplus stock, we've brought back newly-produced reproductions of the classic canvas US Mail Bag. Perfect for your laundry or any other sundries that need hauling or toting around. Bag is made of thick heavy canvas with crisp silver nickel grommets, rope cinch and barrel lock. Measures approximately 22"w x 23" when laid flat. Made in USA."

Columbus, Ohio - Good Eats

2010-02-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

Entrepreneurs Kevin and Katy Malhame opened Northstar Cafe in 2004. Dedicated to honest, organic ingredients and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Their Veggie Burger alone is a reason to stop on the way through fly over country.

Image from http://grad.cc

Image from http://www.thekitchn.com

Vanity Barcodes

2010-02-16T09:43:00.000-05:00

Vanity Barcodes - a great way to add a Middle American Aesthetic.

Ohio's Longest Covered Bridge

2010-02-08T11:57:00.001-05:00

We were recently traveling on Route 62 near Danville, Ohio. Just beautiful with a covering of snow.

New AF Website On The Way

2010-02-02T10:34:00.001-05:00

Sneak peek.

Honest Ohio Goods - Part III

2010-01-25T14:27:00.008-05:00

Jeni's Ice Cream; a true Middle American inspiration. Founded by Jeni Britton Bauer, her artisanal take on ice cream is to create flavors that are less sweet and more flavorful. Flavors such as Thai Chili, Bourbon Buttered Pecan, and (our personal favorite) Salty Caramel has won Jeni national acclaim.

Salvaged White Oak

2010-01-21T13:57:00.003-05:00

Truckloads of salvaged white oak has just arrived - soon to be made into tables.

Library of Congress Photostream on Flickr

2010-01-18T16:19:00.007-05:00

Check out The Library of Congress' Photostream on Flickr. Loads of photographs of American Industrial might.

Workers on the Liberator Bombers, Consolidated Aircraft Corp., [Fort Worth, Texas]

Hollem, Howard R., Photographer.

Railroad cars and factory buildings in Lawrence, Mass.

Delano, Jack,, 1914-, Photographer.

Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Locomotive Shops, Chicago, Ill.

Delano, Jack,, 1914-, Photographer.

Erin Martin Design

2010-01-13T13:12:00.001-05:00

We have been fans of Erin Martin for a long time. Her design sensibilities, and sense of scale has won her rave reviews. Her studio is located in Napa Valley.

Thanks Dogfish!

2010-01-04T18:07:00.002-05:00

Our intrepid travelers (and all around good guys) Randy & Nick just returned from an installation at Dogfish Head. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds (and a 90 Minute IPA)!

Dogfish Pub

Dogfish Brewery

Happy New Year!

2009-12-29T09:06:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T12:13:00.003-05:00

Peace and Blessings.

Sneak Peek

2009-12-22T14:02:00.001-05:00

Here is a sneak peek of one of our new designs. Will be on the web soon.

Movie Crazy Heart

2009-12-18T14:07:00.004-05:00

The movie Crazy Heart, featuring Jeff Bridges as Country music singer Bad Blake, Maggi Gyllenhaal as his love interest, and music by the gifted T-Bone Burnett. What's not to like?

Steampunk in time Magazine

2009-12-15T09:53:00.006-05:00

This week Time Magazine has an article about Steampunk. From Chitty-chitty Bang-Bang to Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, the Steampunk genre has influenced our design sensibilities for a long time. Learn more here, here and here.

Photography: Sean Masterson

Mail Pouch's Harley Warrick

2009-12-07T15:53:00.000-05:00

A true Ohio original, Harley Warrick (1924-2000) was the last great Mail Pouch barn painter. Although the ubiquitous Mail Pouch Barns are slowly fading away, we can all thank Harley for his wonderful contribution to the classic American road sign. Harley hand painted over 20,000 Mail Pouch barns in the course of his career. Want to learn more? Order: The Barn Painter.

Photo by Schley Cox

New Cabriolet Base Table

2009-11-30T11:36:00.003-05:00

Our new Cabriolet Base Tables just arrived! Choose your size top in 30 or 36" heights. Hope to have them on our site soon.

If you are in New York for the Holidays...

2009-11-23T09:02:00.005-05:00

Make sure and take some time to view Andrew Moore's photography work, now showing in the Yancey Richardson Gallery. His haunting images of shuttered plants in the Detroit area reminds us of the fragility of our American Industrial might.

The Rouge, Detroit, Michigan, 2008. Copyright Andrew Moore.

Dry Dock, Detroit, Michigan, 2009. Copyright Andrew Moore.

Model T Headquarters, Detroit, Michigan, 2009. Copyright Andrew Moore.

Beligian Linen Pillows

2009-11-17T08:38:00.002-05:00

Thank you Remodelista for the 'pub' on our Belgian Linen Pillows!

Refueled Magazine Issue 4

2009-11-05T17:26:00.002-05:00

Chris Brown has created another incredible issue of Refueled Magazine. It's available for free online, and as always "This Is Not Your Aunt Mary's Country!"

6 Box Truck Loads

2009-11-04T14:11:00.006-05:00

Hello All. We received 6 box truck loads of furniture, art, lighting and upholstery this week. Come early, come often, before it is all gone.

When Words Are Hard To Come By

2009-10-20T16:25:00.005-04:00

In our busy lives it becomes extremely difficult to hand write that perfect note. To solve the problem the good folks at the Bureau of Communication are here to help. Use for a Declaration of Romantic Intent, a Formal Apology, or even an Airing of Grievance.

Gettin' Our Hands Dirty Today

2009-10-15T15:09:00.003-04:00

Amen. From the Detour Design Blog.

Honest Ohio Goods - Part II

2009-10-08T09:22:00.003-04:00

In the late 19th century, two Parisian factory workers, a Frenchman named Andre Blondell and a Turk named Mr. Psaroudaki, came upon the idea of enhancing the illuminating effects of gas lights by enclosing them in crystal glass globes. After refining their idea and detailing its design on paper in 1895 they were awarded France's patent number 563836 and formed a new firm, Holophane Company of France. The Company eventually landed in Newark, Ohio where it remains to this day. The original lights are highly prized and make great focal points for kitchen islands, pub tables or restaurant interiors.

Birds of a Feather

2009-09-22T15:37:00.000-04:00

Well, this is not something you see every day. Obviously, a wild turkey was getting a better look at our Betty. A budding romance perhaps?

Race Numbers

2009-09-19T13:29:00.002-04:00

Great vintage number set on flickr.

James Krenov - (1920-2009)

2009-09-12T10:22:00.003-04:00

America has lost the last giant of American Craft. We were blessed to interview Mr. Krenov at the College of Redwoods a month before his retirement. The interview was for the book Craft Furniture: Legacy of the Human Hand. James Krenov (along with George Nakashima, Wharton Esherick & Sam Maloof) set the stage for the modern Amercan craft movement. James, you will be missed - Dennis & Denise Blankemeyer.

2009-09-11T09:44:00.004-04:00

Teddy Boy - Original Goods

2009-09-08T17:27:00.005-04:00

If you are ever visiting the Big Apple - it's worth checking out Teddy Boy. A store that truly understands the "Middle American" aesthetic.

Ohio is a Piano

2009-08-30T14:18:00.006-04:00

Thank you Andy Woodruff, for some entertaining notes on Ohio. 88 counties in Ohio, 88 keys on a piano; Ohio is a Piano.

The American Crow - Part 1

2009-08-25T14:52:00.003-04:00

The American Crow is a large passerine (perching bird) that form the genus Corvus in the family Corvidae. Social, mysterious and incredibly intelligent, the American Crow has long been an object of folklore and mythology. See Betty in action:

The Militant Guild of Rural Tailors

2009-08-19T08:28:00.009-04:00

We have admired The Militant Guild of Rural Tailors for a long time, the blog is well written and gorgeous. Produced by a research team who searches for evidence of underground rogues whose mantra is Tailors against Taylorism. Brilliant, just brilliant.

August in Ohio

2009-08-17T09:27:00.003-04:00

Means...corn on the cob. Every summer we eagerly await the sweet corn in my Uncle Kenny's fields in Kalida, Ohio. Grilled or boiled with tubs of real butter; nothing tastes better.

Honest Ohio Goods - Part I

2009-08-09T12:11:00.009-04:00

Amongst the cornfields and church steeples in northwest Ohio sets the dignified Airstream factory. A true Ohio gem, they have been manufacturing the premiere travel trailer since the 1930's.

"Airstream began with a single man and a most singular dream. The man was Wally Byam: his dream, to build the perfect travel trailer. One that would move like a stream of air. One that would be light enough to be towed by a standard automobile. One that would provide first-class living accommodations anywhere in the world. Thus, over 70 years ago was born the first Airstream trailer."

Authentic, genuine, and venerable...in other words a classic.

The Airstream Factory

Classic Limited

Sport

Gomez - Airstream Driver

Industrial Decay

2009-08-05T13:47:00.013-04:00

Industrial Decay started as a flickr group that now has over 40,000 pictures and 4500 members and the blog is a selection of the week's best photos. These dystopian images both intrigue and bewilder the viewer with scenes of lonesome decay. In a world progressing faster and faster, it's always good to stop once in a while and look at where our roots lie.

uʌ

earthmagnified

Pom²

Precisionism

2009-08-04T10:31:00.017-04:00

Introducing: Precisionism. The painstakingly rendered industrial landscapes relates to the craftsmanship and care we put into every piece of furniture we sell. You can find out more about precisionism here.

Charles Scheeler
Classic Landscape 1931

Rolling Power 1939

Charles Demuth
Aucassiu and Nicolette 1921

Chimney and Watertower 1931

Edward Hopper
Early Sunday Morning 1930

Manhattan Bridge Loop 1928

Paint it Gray

2009-08-03T12:11:00.000-04:00

In the past year or so we've made some pretty huge cosmetic changes to the interior of our store. We've painted the floor ceiling and walls, and even some of our store fixturing pieces. Here's a list of (Sherwin-Williams) grays we recommend for your very own painting projects:

Enjoy!

Music We Listen To

2009-08-01T10:09:00.001-04:00

Here at American Furnishings we believe that a great shopping experience is dependent on the music we offer your ears. You will almost always hear us streaming the internet radio channel "Radio Paradise" which plays a range of eclectic tunes.

As far as individual bands go, some things on our playlist are:

Belly
Bob Dylan
Bruce Springsteen (Devils and Dust)
Calexico
Cracker
Damien Rice
Decemberists
Drive-By Truckers
Eddie Vedder
Elliott Smith
Johnny Cash
Kings of Leon
Muse
Neil Young
Neko Case
The New Pornographers
Over The Rhine
Patrick Watson
Radiohead
Ryan Adams
Starsailor
Travis
Wilco
16 Horsepower

A Piece of Our Industrial Past

2009-07-29T12:13:00.001-04:00

Our foundry pieces look great, but they seem even better when you dig deeper and get some history on them...

"Wood craftsmen begin by making a model of the desired metal object from hardwood, using lathes, and planes, which were all powered by the Knight Wheels. The model, called a pattern, is then placed in a casting flask, in its simplest form a topless and bottomless box split in half around its perimeter. The flask is placed on a board and a sand mixture (containing seacoal, bentonite, clay, and pitch) poured and rammed around the pattern. The additives harden and stabilize the sand so that the flask can be split apart and the pattern removed leaving an exact impression or mold in the sand. The pattern can be reused almost indefinitely to create more molds in additional casting flasks. A channel or gate is left in the sand so that when the flask is rejoined, the ironworkers can pour the molten iron into it through the opening. When the iron has solidified the flask is broken apart, destroying the sand mold in the process, to reveal the rough casting."
-http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Knight_Foundry

These wood molds make great statement pieces for any room and are unique conversation starters.

New Tabletops

2009-07-29T12:07:00.001-04:00

We've just installed four tabletops in our new finish and we think they turned out great! It was a bit of a process getting one of them on though...

These tops are part of our new line of component tables where you can choose the size of the top, pick out a base and stretcher and even choose a stencil for the edge of the table. We'd love to hear what you think!

Hello

2009-07-29T11:49:00.000-04:00

And welcome to our new and improved blog.

Come in and see our new line of component tables today.