Today marks my very first official giveaway here as Hullabaloo Homestead! I am so honored to bring you that giveaway from a super talented crafty and inspirational family. Taryn and Jeff and little Bracken head up two sweet etsy shops, Wooly Moss Roots and Mystic Orb, of which both are filled to the brim with homemade goodness! Wooly Moss Roots offers wooden buttons, wooly delights, and herbal goodness. You can visit Taryn and Jeff, get shop updates, and read about some of their adventures in living life sustainably and homesteading on the Wooly Moss Roots blog. In Taryn’s words,
“We offer high-quality, handmade wooden buttons for knitters, sewers, and crafters, in a wide variety of reclaimed woods. We go above and beyond with our buttons, to bring you works of art to make your handmades even more special. We blend our love of gardening and herbs to bring you natural body care products (like salves and tooth powder), seeds, and more. And we delight in creating wool things for you to enjoy, from purses and pouches to cowls and wool creatures.”
Welcome Taryn and Jeff!
Tell us a bit about you and your family.
Taryn: Hello! My name is Taryn. I live on a small mountain homestead with my husband Jeff and our one year old son Bracken (will be two in October) in the Oregon Coastal Range. We are self employed and chose this path so that we could spend our days together as a family and to pursue our homesteading passions. We love gardening and are all happiest when we’re out there working on a project together. We sell our wood-working, wool-working, and herb-makings at a nearby art market and online on our Wooly Moss Roots shop and our Mystic Orb shop.
Tell us a bit about your shops and the passions that drive them.
Taryn: We started out with our Mystic Orb shop, selling natural wooden jewelry and wood creations for the home and garden. Jeff is the wood carver. I do the handwriting on many of our garden signs and inspirational magnets, then he carves them. He is so creative and I love seeing what he comes up with next. Each day he emerges from his workshop with something different, from an intricately carved spoon, a box, a journal, to a carved tree necklace. I love the excitement on his face over every piece of wood he chooses.
After we started making handmade wooden buttons and herbal salves with organic herbs from our garden, we felt inspired to open a second Etsy shop. That’s how our Wooly Moss Roots shop began. We loved making buttons and were delighted by the feedback we got about them. We started making natural body care products for ourselves because we learned how toxic many mainstream products were and we wanted healthy alternatives. Other people started showing an interest in the healthy products we were making for our family and that inspired us to keep adding more herbal products to our shop to share with the world. (And we have ideas for so many more to make.) We also have wool creations in our shop, we both love to felt and I love to knit.
We absolutely love making things by hand and our businesses give us a wonderful opportunity to share those things with others.
What do you find works best in balancing home, life, work, and family?
Taryn: Good question. Each day and season has it’s own rhythm. Our work requires time indoors, working in the shop and working on the computer. We love what we do and could keep going and going (and going!), but we need to balance our indoor time with outdoor time. We eat our meals together, making a point to relax during mealtimes, and also take regular “breathers” throughout the day to walk around our garden. (We also love gardening and could spend all our time out there!) We always have a lot going on, our life is very full because we have so many interests and passions. Home, life, work, and family are all very blended for us, very intertwined. This morning Bracken and I took a walk around the garden and then harvested a basket of St. John’s Wort, which we’ll use in our Magical Healing Salve. And then all three of us organized wood in Jeff’s workshop. I tied buttons on cards during Bracken’s nap and Jeff carved.
When it’s time to make dinner each night, we finally say “okay, we’re done working for the day” and then we spend our evenings being present with each other before bedtime.
Do you have a favorite item in one of your shops that you enjoy creating most?
Taryn: We really love making it all. I go through spurts where I have certain areas I love to work in most. Lately it’s been wool. I just can’t get enough felting and have been making lots of felted pouches, bags, and purses. I asked Jeff this question and he replied “I don’t have a particular favorite item to make. What I like is the surprise I get when a new inspiration comes. Every one is different. I like new things happening, when Spirit moves the creation.”
What words of wisdom from your experience can you offer others that support your way of life and living more sustainably?
Taryn: Most importantly, do what you love! Take steps towards your dreams every day, even if they seem like small ones at the time. Eventually, with each step, you’ll be surrounding yourself and creating your life with things that bring you joy.
Also, be brave in diving in to learning new things, even if you feel intimidated. Doing is the only way we really learn and the act of creating is what satisfies us all.
I’ve learned a lot from Jeff about living simply and the power of creativity. There were times we wanted to do something around the place, but didn’t have the money to do it. My mind would think “Well, I guess we’ll have to save up then.” But Jeff had another approach. Jeff’s imagination would go wild, he loved the challenge and things always came together in the most amazing ways. (It’s how we built a greenhouse for $5, a woodshed for $25, and a goat house for free.) We’ve also appreciated bartering. Not only is it wonderful to share gifts, but it deepens connections with community and those around us. Watching Jeff’s “can do” attitude in action, I took to heart “bloom where you are planted” and to make the most of what you have.
Simplifying our life and “living on less” has deepened our gratitude for each and every thing in our life. If we wait to be happy till everything is just how we want it, we’ll never be happy. So each day we do our best to build our dreams with what we have, right here, right now. And to take pleasure in the simple things- birds singing, the scent of a blooming flower, good food…
I guess what I’m trying to say is to start today. Why wait? If you dream of having a garden, but don’t have the space… why not put some potted herbs in the windowsill? If you dream of a flock of sheep someday (like we do)… why not get some wool to play with? Anything is possible. (Even a $5 greenhouse.)
Taryn and Jeff are super generously offering TWO lucky winners $30 gift certificates good to either of their etsy shops! They are also offering FREE SHIPPING to everyone (US orders only) on their orders, good for both shops, from now until this Wednesday, July 11th. Just make sure to use the
coupon code: HULLABALOO HOMESTEAD
at check out! This giveaway IS OPEN worldwide!
To enter simply leave a comment below! COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED
For a second entry hop on over to Wooly Moss Roots or Mystic Orb and take a look around. Come back and leave another comment letting us know of something that catches your eye over in one of the shops!
For a third entry hit “like” button for the Wooly Moss Roots facebook page.
**Please make sure to enter each entry separately in it’s own comment below.**
This giveaway will close FRIDAY morning 8am EST. The winner will be chosen via random number generator and announced in this post shortly after.
Thank you so much to Taryn and Jeff for all of your generosity and inspiration. You are both such kind and talented folks! And another side note, if anyone knows of a local yarn shop nearby to them who might be interested in stocking some of these amazing wooden buttons, the Wooly Moss Roots blog has a pretty awesome incentive going on.
And our winners ARE:
Helena who says, “What an inspiring interview! Why not just break away from the grind of todays city living, and just be, and do just great, actually probably better mentally? I’m so very impressed. Thank you”
Megan who says, “I love the Carved Celtic Knot Button in Antique Ivory”
i like them on fb
i like the Scrimshaw Necklace in Wood- Tree of Life Pendant in Holly Wood
Beautiful!! I am really hoping to win! fingers are crossed!!
I am not sure I can decide on which button I like the most… I love them all! From their Wooly Moss Roots store. Will cross my fingers for good luck. Thank you both for sharing.
Love the colors and the buttons looks just beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
These creations are really unique! I love them!!
I like them via FB as Tofu Fairy.
I love love love the Wood Box with Herbal Salve- Magical Healing Salve in Reclaimed Cedar Container!!! Gorgeous wood and fantastic natural healing!!!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/91608465/wood-box-with-herbal-salve-magical
HUGE fan of anything made out of wood and their stuff is just gorgeous! Thanks so much for the chance to win!!
I popped over to their shop and I think the greeting cards with buttons is ingenious. What a great gift to give!
I liked them on Facebook!!!
I’m in Lisa!!!
I just liked their facebook page! (Heather Dowley)
I love the blue wool cowl! What a beautiful color.
Great interview, what an interesting life they lead!
Ooh how lovely! The wooden buttons are gorgeous!
That herbal salve looks nice….
So very nice!
Checked out the Wooly Moss Roots shop, and I think my favorite is the whole herbal section. I’d love to try out the Magical Healing Salve!
Wow! I really liked this interview. Their life seems so awesome. I was born in Oregon and go back every year, so I was excited to learn that’s where they are from. Taryn’s advice “Why wait” was a good reminder for me: just start working towards things a little at a time.
Selecting just one item out of both stores is difficult because there are so many gorgeous items. The Turquoise Tree if Life necklace is one of my favorites. Awesome work Jeff
Congratulations on adding a FB account. I hit the like button and added you. Hope it came through.Blessings
I really enjoyed this interview. I am an avid fan of the Wilsons. I have been blessed to have been able to purchase a few treasures over the past few years. All of their creations are made with love and talented craftsmanship. Thank you both for the chance to enter this giveaway. Blessings & Hugs
Shout it from the rooftop, I Love the Turquoise Tree Necklace!!!! Haha.
Facebook: Rae Pavey
I love the Wood Container- in Reclaimed Woods- Sassafras with Lignum Vitae Lid
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the Ebony Abalone Neckace Light in the Darkness.
Oh I really love those wood buttons!!!
I have been wanting some Wooley Moss Roots buttons for a long time
I liked wooly moss roots on fb!
littleassemblyrequired at gmail dot com
I love the tiger eye antler necklace!
littleassemblyrequired at gmail dot com
Great giveaway!!
littleassemblyrequired at gmail dot com
Like Willy Moss Roots on facebook as Diana Z
The alder wood buttons are beautiful and the Herbal Salve sounds like something I would love to try.
I found this giveaway post very interesting. I have a lot of similar interests to this couple.
I love all the various carved tree necklaces!!
the mysticorb shop is outstanding!!
i loved this
http://www.etsy.com/listing/99639187/herbal-salve-magical-relieving-salve-for
thank u for the lovely giveaway
I love the Flowering Woodland Perfume in Wood Container from Wooly Moss Roots.
marija.majerle at gmail dot com
A truly beautiful family. Thanks for the chance to win
marija.majerle at gmail dot com
Lovely giveaway, thanks!
The Peppermint Tooth Powder- for Sparkling Clean Teeth… Naturally sounds great!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Liked Wooly Moss Roots on facebook, username is Mary Lizzie
marymichelotti@gmail.com
I absolutely love this: Necklace- Turquoise Tree of Life- Carved Wooden Necklace in Reclaimed Maple with Turquoise
marymichelotti@gmail.com
Thanks for the giveaway!
marymichelotti@gmail.com
I like Wooly Moss Roots on facebook (same name)
I think that this necklace is very beautiful: http://www.etsy.com/listing/103134215/cradled-in-the-arms-of-etrnity
Great interview! Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the Inspirational Magnet- Wood Magnet-
Really great items!!!!
I’d love to try their toothpowder! How fun! Thanks for the opportunity!
I liked them on facebook
Wonderful giveaway! I love this family!
hi thanks for the giveaway please enter me thanks
xchriszollx@aol.com
I liked their facebook page as well.
One item that especially caught my eye is the reclaimed button in sassafras. ( http://www.etsy.com/listing/102000134/wooden-button-in-reclaimed-sassafras ) So beautiful.
I’d love to enter this generous giveaway. Lovely items all around.
I love Taryn and Jeff and see them in quite a few different places (cyberworld)! There buttons are gorgeous and there days in the mountain sound beautiful. There love for a simple natural life is very inspiring. Hope to win!
I have so enjoyed their blog and watching them grow their businesses and their family!
Thanks for this generous giveaway.
2nd entry:
i really like the green with the wood here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/103766422/pendant-carved-spalted-alder-and
1st entry
alina-ali@web.de
I love the Carved Celtic Knot Button in Antique Ivory
Thanks for the interview it was a nice read
I loved reading this interview and finding out more about Taryn and Jeff, especially Taryn’s words of wisdom- very inspiring!
From their shops, I love the Carved Garden Sign- Peaceful Garden- Handwritten and Carved in Cedar Wood!
I love the items in their shops!!! I would love the chance to win! Thank you!
lovely items. fingers crossed…
I liked your FB page
I would love to try the tinted lip balm
Thank You for the giveaway, interesting and unique items
I liked Wooly-Moss-Roots on FB!
The wooden buttons are amazing! My favorite is this one:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/102000818/yew-wood-button-handmade-wooden-button
i think i would get some buttons. not sure what I would use them for yet.
Thank you for the giveaway!!
cute. hope i win!
I liked your facebook page!! Thank you!
I love love all your cute buttons!! Darling!! http://www.etsy.com/listing/102000134/wooden-button-in-reclaimed-sassafras
Beautiful items!! Thank you for the giveaway!
The Trillium Woodland Hat is really cute. Too bad it doesn’t come in adult sizes!
Liked on facebook. ann queue
I was planning on making my own essential oil perfume one day. I wish I could smell the ones for sale before buying! The tinted lip balms look nice too.
What beautiful buttons!!
oh how I love the Turquoise Tree of Life necklace, just beautiful! I love the idea of the turquoise representing the Earth with the tree growing out of it. Thanks again for the giveaway!
Thanks for letting me know they are on facebook, I am now a follower.
Hi Lisa! Thanks to you, Taryn, & Jeff for the giveaway! I ordered some of their buttons a while back for a cardigan I am working on and they are beautiful! I definitely have plans of purchasing more for future projects.
Blessings
I got to order some of those buttons for my cardigan!!
Oh, how I love hearing of your “lifestyle”. Your work is beautiful – especially the buttons. You are a beautiful family. Thanks for such a generous offer. Mary Ann
How beautiful, all of it! <3
I love those wooden buttons
liked on fb-Anna Ku
Great giveaway!
i like Wood Buttons
http://www.etsy.com/listing/99838909/6-wood-buttons-in-reclaimed-sassafras
It would be a difficult choice, but I love the maple, oval buttons, although, the very large single button would be gorgeous……they are so gifted
I have admired their products for quite a while, such a sweet little family
I have liked Wooly Moss Roots on Facebook as well.
Thanks ~April
What a wonderful giveaway! I really enjoy Wooly Moss Roots and the beautiful buttons and jewelry they make, I also really enjoy reading their blogs posts and inspiring way of living. Thanks for the opportunity. ~April
liked WM on fb
Neat! I really am interested in the tooth powder on your etsy store
Very neat1 Lovee what you guys are doing!
you guys look adorable ! your son is growing and you look beautiful , a wonderful inspiring family ! thnak you for this giveaway, i love your buttons.
liked WM on fb
love the new website lisa !
Loved looking at the etsy sites. I especially loved the carves beach stone button. WOW! Unbelievable!
Kinda did the comments in the wrong order but i’d love to be entered!
I love all their magnets – especially the LOVE one – so gorgeous and I love their story as a couple.
I love learning about new things and people through your givreaway interviews! Those buttons make me want to make something to put them on!
There are so many things I love in their shops. What caught my eye the most was the healing salve in the little timber container. A very talented couple. xxoo
This interview is awesome. What talented and inspirational people! Thank you for the chance to win a voucher. xxoo
How lovely! I could always use tiny buttons!
All of your buttons are amazingly beautiful,I would have a hard time picking which ones I would want!!!!!
I just went to the etsy stores and am absolutely intrigued by the natural fragrances, and love the natural wood container!
I just “liked” the facebook page and learned about the blog…yahooo…one more to follow!
Oh my goodness, such beautiful products! I love what they are doing!
What a great interview, truly inspiring. I love the idea of bartering, I am trying to incorporate more into my life.
Lovely giveaway, thanks!
My friend would love one of the tree pendants for a present. I’ll have to start saving.
I agree with Hanna, I love the beach stone buttons.
I love to meet new people are living my dream, it gives me the incentive not to give up. Thank you.
Lovely wares!
I liked Wooly Moss Roots on FB.
I love all the buttons – especially the oval-ish ones. So lovely! That cowl also looks quite cozy. And the tinted lipbalm looks fun. Thanks for a chance to win!
what a lovely life! Thanks for sharing
Any of their buttons
I love companies that keep family ahead of business
What an inspiring interview! Why not just break away from the grind of todays city living, and just be, and do just great, actually probably better mentally?I’m so very impressed.
Thank you
The button are gorgeous.. and that beach stone one WOW!
Wonderful give-away!
I ran over to facebook to hit the “like” button!
What beautiful buttons! I wonder, does the sasafrass one smell like sasafrass? I might have to buy it just to find out!
Hey Jess, I’m afraid they don’t smell like Sassafras. But the smells are one of the things I love. The Cedars, the Juniper smells like my favorite incense from years ago (we’re going to make incense when we get time). cocobolo smells like bees wax, and I have a purple yew that sat in a bog for hundreds or maybe thousands of years that smells like a “flowering bog”. I was surprised about the sassafras. Our Sassafras comes from scraps from a broom maker who made some brooms for the Harry Potter movies.
What a lovely and inspiring family!
I love their wooden buttons! Such time and care in each one.
I have been following their blog since Bracken was a newborn…..I hope to knit something this winter that just “needs” some wooden buttons!
My wooden utensil crock would love one of Jeff’s spoons!
They’re in my “neck of the woods!” What a wonderful story of living what you love doing and their products speak volumes about that. Thank you for introducing me to their business–they are true artisans. XOXO
I love every single one of those wooden buttons… gorgeous.
Lovely and inspirational!
I am a big fan of Wooly Moss Roots beautiful work, thank you for a great giveaway.
Love the interview–their stuff is beautiful and I LOVE their vision! Thanks for posting this.
Beautiful and useful! Thanks!