Handmade Memories Growing Up in a Rookery Home

Growing Up Handmade

Spending my life as a carpenter’s daughter gave me an early and deep appreciation for all things crafted from wood—and anything handmade, really. My father isn’t just a skilled carpenter; he’s an artist. Over the years, he’s built rustic furniture, outdoor garden spaces, decor from natural materials, and he’s an incredibly talented leaded stained glass artist. His creativity knows no bounds—he can even turn a watermelon into a work of art (but I’ll save that story for another time).

I grew up watching him work—watching ideas evolve into beautiful pieces of art or complex renovation projects. What always amazed me wasn’t just the final product, but how effortless he made it all seem. Of course, I also saw the hours of planning, the late-night sketching, the scavenging for just the right piece to work with, and the unwavering patience it took to bring his visions to life.

I knew early on that I didn’t have that same kind of patience or stamina. But I did come away with something else: a profound respect for the time, energy, and soul poured into handcrafted work. These days, when I bring a handmade item into my home, I don’t just see decor—I see dedication, craftsmanship, and love. I cherish every piece, understanding the unique story and effort behind each one.

Our family home in Connecticut was nestled in a typical New England suburb—lined with Cape Cods, ranch-style homes, and multifamily houses along busy roads. But stepping into our house felt like walking into a cozy woodland cabin. Imagine wood ceilings (before they were trendy), real wood walls (definitely not paneling), slate floors, handcrafted knotty pine kitchen cabinets, a penny-tiled bathroom, full stained glass windows, and furniture made from tree trunks and branches. It was warm, textural, and full of character. This unique, eco-friendly environment reflected both of my parents’ love for natural, handmade design—and my father’s exceptional ability to bring it all to life, creating a truly personal and inviting space.

I love that I can “blame” my dad—and my equally awesome mom (a lifelong admirer, but, like me, is destined to be the admirer and not the creator)—for my deep love of all things handmade, rustic, wooden, textural, glass, clay, stone, and natural. That passion has been with me for as long as I can remember, and it’s what Rookery Home is rooted in. To me, this isn’t just a style or an aesthetic—it’s home, a feeling of comfort and authenticity that only handcrafted pieces can provide.

Through Rookery Home, my mission is simple: to celebrate and support handmade artistry from around the world. When you purchase something handcrafted, you’re not just buying an object—you’re honoring the heart, skill, and soul of its maker. You're bringing a piece of genuine artistry into your life, enriching your home with unique beauty and a story, just like my dad.