The BellFlower

08/27/2024

Our neighbors on the other side of the fence here at The Bellflower planted this sunflower to keep an eye on things for me...

07/30/2024

As the various summery storms rolled in this month, I've spend time really noticing the beautiful mature trees on our property that sway in the wind. I've enjoyed the strong smells of the flowers and landscaping that really come alive when the humidity peaks. And when the winds pick up, I try to pause and really appreciate the restored schoolhouse bell and fresh red paint...

It's fun to look back on what we began 5 years ago. It's been quite the adventure. I'll leave a link in case anyone else wants to look back. 🥰🥰🥰

https://www.thebellflowerkzoo.com/blog/schoolhouse-restoration-process

07/27/2024

If you hear of someone looking for a cozy venue for an upcoming party or event, please send them to our website. Have them take a peek around some of the photo galleries to get an idea of what their party could feel like.

https://www.thebellflowerkzoo.com/gallery

07/25/2024

Congratulations to all the 2024 couples who have tied the knot here in the schoolhouse so far this year. The Bellflower is booked for nearly every weekend of 2024 and we are so happy to be the perfect place for so many beautiful and intimate little ceremonies, parties and events.
We're looking forward to the rest of this year, 2025, - and beyond! 🪻🌸😍🥳🥰

07/21/2024

Did you know that The Bellflower was built in 1871?
It sure has come a long way, but it is most certainly just as charming as it was back in the 1800's.

07/16/2024

We're in year 4 of summertime events and we still get very excited when people share photos of how they used the schoolhouse. The Bellflower is a blank canvas for anyone who'd like to use the space and we just love watching it transform every single weekend of the year! Thank you for posting photos on Google Reviews and on social media platforms.

07/14/2024

SAVE THESE DATES, and send your favorite crafting friends a message!
🥰The schoolhouse is the perfect spot to be creative AND connected.

𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙉 𝙎𝙏𝙐𝘿𝙄𝙊 𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙎:
𝙏𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙮 25𝙩𝙝 10𝙖𝙢-4𝙥𝙢
𝙒𝙚𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝘼𝙪𝙜𝙪𝙨𝙩 7𝙩𝙝 10𝙖𝙢-4𝙥𝙢

07/13/2024

The tea parties we've been a part of lately have really soothed my soul. Whether I'm spending time prepping in the schoolhouse's kitchen, or baking and preparing for get togethers in my own kitchen, a cup of tea has a way of slowing things down.

Pausing every now and then to smile and think on my memories and traditions that happened around a table keeps me staying intentional about bringing people together. Thank you Lucky Photography, LLC for these sweet photos this summer. They make me very grateful for my simple, yet treasured gathering places.

"𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬." - Chaim Potok

07/10/2024

Just a reminder🌸🪻
Tomorrow (Thursday, July 11th) we will be holding another Open Studio! Come craft, create, and make alongside other creatives in the schoolhouse. Bring your supplies and a snack if you'd like. Open studio time runs from 10am to 4pm.
Let us know if you'll be there! The more the merrier.

07/05/2024

The view as I was getting out of my car this morning...Americana the beautiful!

06/12/2024

The Bellflower offers 20% discount to police officers and to parents of police officers.

06/10/2024

Wonderful reviews are a great way to start off the week. It warms our hearts to find feedback like this, and we love seeing the photos people share from their time here.
Congrats to the happy couple.

Thanks for using our little schoolhouse for your special day! 💞

05/23/2024

We incorporated a sign with the mailbox! Thank you to The Maintenance Man, aka my husband, for all the work!

05/20/2024

★★★★★ Thank you for taking time to leave reviews! We love getting feedback and we REALLY love seeing all the ways people make the schoolhouse their own during their events and celebrations. Who knew there are so many talented and creative party hostesses, planners, and organizers in our area? The schoolhouse is a blank canvas for so many of you guys and we just LOVE seeing it transform. Keep those photos coming!

"We enjoyed a wonderful baby shower at the Bellflower. Everything was ready for us just as promised. Use of the space and all of the extra items was so helpful. We truly had a lovely time." -Debbie K, via Google

05/20/2024

Monday seems like a good day for BIG, BEAUTIFUL NEWS 🥰 We are excited to announce that The Bellflower will have OPEN STUDIO time this year! Once a month (or so) the schoolhouse will be open for Community Crafting Time. There is just something so special about quilters and artists, crafters and makers of all kinds coming together for an afternoon of fellowship and creativity.

Two ways to be involved:
1. We have a facebook group you can be a part of if you're excited for more details. Send a message or leave an emoji in the comments if you'd like to be part of the group and our conversations.
2. COME VISIT THE BELLFLOWER THIS WEDNESDAY! Bring your latest project to work on. Work alongside B, as she quilts and sips tea.

We are so excited to have a space to share with the community all summer long. Come *fill your cup* at the schoolhouse. 🩵 🫖☕💙

05/18/2024

The aroma has been lovely the past several mornings...the lilacs are amazing!

01/26/2024

CHOUQUETTES...perfect sweet bite for your bridal shower, baby shower or tea party event.

I joined the Williams Sonoma and Bake from Scratch magazine virtual cooking series. These Chouquettes were made in the class this past Monday with guest Gesine BP, author of "My Vermont Table: Recipes for All Six Seasons"

01/25/2024

Sign up for beginning calligraphy at The Bellflower with Rob Hosack through the WMU Osher LIfelong Learning Institute. To register, visit the OLLI at WMU website: wmich.edu/olli/courses

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University

01/05/2024

A Quilter's Christmas final day (see December 26 post)..."five little angels around your bed, one to the foot and one to the head, one to sing and one to pray, and one to take your troubles away"

01/04/2024

A Quilter's Christmas Day 10 (see December 26 post)..."don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened - (Dr. Suess)"

01/03/2024

A Quilter's Christmas Day 9 (see December 26 post)..."memories stitched with love, from my hands...to your heart"

01/02/2024

A Quilter's Christmas Day 8 (see December 26 post)..."Read me a story, tuck me in tight, say a sweet prayer, and kiss me goodnight"

01/01/2024

A Quilter's Christmas Day 7 (see December 26 post)..."when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure"

12/31/2023

A Quilter's Christmas Day 6 (see December 26 post)..."When you use this quilt, remember me"

12/30/2023

A Quilter's Christmas Day 5 (see December 26 post)..."I'll think of you, you think of me"

12/29/2023

A Quilter's Christmas Day 4 (see December 26 post)..."love and memories we impart, to quilt the fabric of the heart"

12/28/2023

A Quilter's Christmas Day 3 (see December 26 post)..."the best kind of sleep beneath heaven above is under a quilt, handmade with love"

12/27/2023

A Quilter's Christmas Day 2 (see December 26 post)... A quilt will warm your body and comfort your soul...

12/26/2023

A Quilter's Christmas Day 1...My Mom's journey these past nine months has been focused on making a memorial quilt to gift each of the eleven grandchildren this Christmas in remembrance of Grandpa. The quilts were made out of my Dad's shirts...each having it's own different design and twist. I will be sharing quilt pictures throughout the twelve days of Christmas so that you can share in the warmth of the season.

12/20/2023

New blog post on the website...

Especially if they've ever smelled the aroma of Christmas dinner in the heat of a house filled with people.  Cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters.  My mom's array of desserts. And, if they've ever seen the antics of Thunder, the Elf on the Shelf. ... if they've