Thank you, Pine Ridge Designs, for sponsoring this post, part of the 2017 Shop Small Spring series. I was selected for this opportunity by Pine Ridge Designs; the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
I have a confession. I love pineapples. I love them to eat. I love their juice to drink. And I love, love, love decorating with them! Pineapples speak straight to my heart of hospitality.
There are several histories recorded regarding the pineapple as a symbol of status, the most popular being that of Christopher Columbus! According to the tale, Christopher Columbus discovered the pineapple on his second trip to the Caribbean. Adoring the sweet taste of the pineapple and several other tropical island fruits to cannibalism (how nice of him), Columbus and his men embraced the fruit.
When him and his crew returned to Europe, the pineapples became a symbol of great wealth, as European gardeners were not able to grow the fruits in the correct conditions until years. Honored and distinguished guests were gifted the extremely fashionable pineapples by royalty.The Colonial pineapple trade in the late 1600s and early 1700s solidified the pineapple as a status symbol. Hostesses scrambled to have the expensive, prickly fruit adorning their tables, and the trend grew. Pineapples have graced tables ever since — even continuing through the 1950s in America, where pineapple upside-down cakes and gelatin molds abounded. Their popularity has continued through time as a "welcome pineapple" on door mats, signs, etc.
So now that you know way more about pineapples than you really cared to know, can't you just see why I needed one for my entry way?! I have a few pineapple pieces sprinkled in our guest room; however, I wanted it to be a statement to a guest as soon as they walked into our home -- "You are welcomed. You are valued. You are anticipated here." How neat is that?
Each piece from the Pine Ridge Design shop is handcrafted from beginning to end in the owner, Scott's, studio. Their decor pieces are made out of pine plywood and when possible, they may make their designs out of reclaimed or repurposed wood. Wood has natural grooves, splits, and knots which may be seen but adds to the character of each piece as no two are exactly alike. How cool is that? They also make no attempt to cover up these variations or grains giving it its uniqueness, charm, and distressed qualities. Matched with my love (and need) for an entryway pineapple, I could not wait to team up with Scott.
All of his items are great. He has such great quality designs from nursery decor, items for a playroom or gallery wall, and more! His shop is just full of things that I can envision all over our home.
Scott provided all of you a double reader bonus that I could not wait to share!
- Head on over to our Facebook page to find out the details for our weekend giveaway!
- Check out his Etsy page even more for a 10% discount off of any of his products using the code "PRDBA10"!!
Check out a little bit more about Scott, the owner of Pine Ridge Designs:
How did you get your shop started?
I've always loved woodworking and creating things with my grandfather since I was little so several years ago I made Christmas presents for my whole family and that passion was reignited.
What is the hardest part of owning a shop?
The hardest part is that because I run everything online its hard not being able to tell and thank people in person when they buy something from Pine Ridge Designs. Every order means the world to myself and my family.
What is one thing unique about you?
The unique thing about Pine Ridge Designs is that every piece is hand cut by me so that means I am able to customize any item smaller or larger if requested. Plus I absolutely love color so I offer over 84 paint colors to choose from and design with.
What is the best part of owning a shop?
Being able to create something special that people want for their home, nursery, office, or wedding that they can enjoy for many years.
How did you get your shop name?
The name is a play on words from my favorite trail my wife and I use to take walks on in the mountains close to us. I would always talk about memories of woodworking when I was young and then discuss how I would love to continue that on in the future.
What is one way that you keep organized?
I like to write everything down on a calendar that I need to do that way I can keep track of all my work. Plus I like to keep my woodworking studio clean.
How do you balance family life and work life?
I like to break everything up into small mini goals that way I find it easier to manage my time, get things done in a timely manner, and then have quality time with my family.
History of the pineapple adapted from Apartment Therapy.
