ONCE FILLED with the rhythm of family, its memory-paneled walls stood patiently waiting, certain that life’s pause button would be released and the blaring silence would yield to a sweeter song. The bricked hearth longed to be called to duty, offering its solid footing for the wood box and stove. The rooms waited, ready to make space for it.
Outside, they stood watch as each season yielded to the next. Winter’s naked branches awoke to button buds giving way to spring’s early canopy. To summer’s heat, full branches waved on the slightest breeze, inviting shade and shelter, then surrendered to fall’s invitation of rest once again. They were two trees, silent sentinels flanking an old, unoccupied farmhouse filled with memories.
And then it was back.
Although the flurry of activity was different, the old home welcomed it. Aproned friends huddled around tables scattered with paints, brushes, and wood. Sharing supplies, stories, and laughter, they made memories and creations ready to adorn their walls, doors, and tables. The pieces celebrate seasons, milestones, faith, and everyday life.
The place, The Farmhouse at Two Trees, now sees so much more.
It’s where Justin Crabtree’s mother grew up — his grandparents’ home on the family farm now owned by Justin and his wife, Karen. It’s where Justin and Karen melded their creativity, making room for their individual handcrafted items and offering craft classes in that space.
But the story doesn’t start here, and it doesn’t end here.
Before there were classes, they were just crafters finding their way.
Theirs is a makers’ marriage — two creatives working side by side on their individual crafts, learning and growing as they go along. Justin’s wood-turned goods and Karen’s machine-embroidered creations nudged them into selling their items. The number of booths they rented grew as they did, spreading from Fayetteville to Lynchburg, Tullahoma, and Madison, Alabama. Craft shows were the next natural progression.
“For us, craft shows were another outlet for building our brand. We frequented craft shows often as shoppers but never felt like we were ready to take that step to be a vendor at one. Once we started participating in craft shows, it grew our confidence in other areas,” Karen shared.
An unexpected offer expanded their reach even further, fueling a transition that reopened the door to the memory-making the old house could only dream of.
Karen said, “When we rented booth space at Thick Southern Accents on the square, we were approached by Jennie Roles-Walter to consider teaching craft classes in her art studio next door. When her business closed, we renovated Justin’s grandparents’ farmhouse, which was located on our farm, into an amazing place for craft classes. We now offer two classes a month, and classes are sold out months in advance.”
Shoppers overrun the farmhouse and surrounding property each September.
“We host Hayden’s Hope Craft Fair for a close family friend to help spread her mission, for there is always hope. Hayden’s Hope is a nonprofit organization in memory of Hayden Case Hammons,” she explained. “Its purpose is to spread not only hope through God’s word and promises but also the important awareness of suicide prevention to youth. Hayden’s Hope provides outreach and scholarship opportunities to local and regional youth looking to advance their college and/or technical education after high school.”
Vending at other craft fairs influences their approach to ensuring that everyone involved in the Hayden’s Hope Craft Fair has the best possible experience while supporting a life-changing cause.
“When we begin the planning process for our annual craft fair, we are very conscious of how we communicate with our vendors. We want this to be a smooth process from applying to be a vendor to setting up the day of the event. Kindness, patience, and understanding are the keys to working with your vendors. We strive to make our events as stress-free as possible for all involved, vendors and patrons,” Karen said.
The high school sweethearts are passionate about serving their community. Justin serves on the board for the Lincoln Community Center and its annual fundraisers, the chicken supper and the Fourth of July barbecue. He assists with the local Wreaths Across America program and during Camp Blount Days. They do all this while working full-time jobs.
Karen encourages everyone never to be afraid of trying something new. And they know a great place to start.
“Our greatest dream has been to provide an outlet for people of all ages to make memories together. We love it when private parties are scheduled. Everyone is so comfortable around each other, and they can just relax and enjoy themselves.”
Shoppers can also browse the couple’s wide range of Christian and farmhouse decor by appointment at the Two Trees farmhouse or anytime on their website and through their Etsy shop. Among the most popular items are custom laser engravings of cherished photographs, capturing local landmarks, homeplaces, family moments, and other treasured memories. You can view and sign up for upcoming classes on the website for Two Trees. To reserve your spot, click on the green “Join a Class” button quickly.
The two trees welcome you as you approach the farmhouse, which is alive again with the sights and sounds of creative connections and memory-making. Its paneled walls hold supplies and works of heart, and the old hearth lends its backdrop to photos of the smiling faces who come through the doors. The blaring silence finally yielded to the sweeter song of community. GN
