Wandawega Blog Archive

The tiniest cabin at camp has an even tinier twin, that only makes an appearance once a year at Christmas time. The limited edition Camp Line we created with The Land Of Nod (@crateandkids) has been the gift that keeps on giving, every year that we decorate the tree. (And we love to see the pics that guests post of how they decorate with theirs-this one shared by @mikeman715 )First pic by @davidtsay for @betterhomesandgardens

December 15, 2020 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Holiday giveaway time Every self respecting scout had one of these in their back pocket, a pocket knife in their front pocket and a rabbits foot keychain hanging off of their belt loop. So we have always wanted to make our own.The squirrels here have been working on prototypes for this guy since June. After obsessing over a bazillion different combinations of handles, wood stains, shapes, leather pouches, draws, sizes & strengths- they finally arrived! DEETS:+ hand made birch handle+ burned leather pouch or handle+ dark brown leather (heavy duty)+ camel leather pouch (standard)+ bag of ammo (aka: river rocks from our beach)TO WIN:follow+ tag a friend to follow. Well pick 3 comments below – tell us what youd do with it (no shooting woodland creatures )Just added to the store this morning, any order in today arrives by Christmas

December 14, 2020 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Is July too early to decorate the treehouse?Nope. Although snow would have been nice Its what happens when you have to shoot in the heat of the summer to prep for the holiday catalog.TB to when our dog Frankie got to live out his dream of being cover model dog with Nikki Taylor @nikilovesu He was not happy about the wardrobe mandate (his expression in this shot says it all) Wish we could have kept the five level bunk bed tower (although, to be honest- it did feel a little claustrophobic when you were laying in the bottom bunk )

December 13, 2020 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

We got our first big snow last night- so were pulling out the snowman outfits out of the attic.Trying to decide which one should be his getup for the season?(Slide right) 1: JAUNTY WINTER CAMPERTartan cape + fur cap2: SCOUTMASTERRanger hat, merit badge sash3: LUMBERJACKSuspenders, hunters cap & scarfAlso- anybody know where we can get tiny chipmunk sized winter outfit? Nk. *this was the one @warbyparker asked us to make when (they sent us a box of snowman parts )

December 12, 2020 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Decking the halls.And the mantle, the tree and the deer and in this case,The old supper club in the lodge that weve since turned into a living room.Every year we unpack the ornament set from our land of nod (@crateandbarrel ) collection ….and all the tiny little canoes, paddles, cabins and stockings get to see another season. We wish Christmas lasted longer! This pic has been our favorite tree to date that we recreate every year

December 11, 2020 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Sunset dinners… cooking up a tomahawk steak campfire style with @mindysegal as we brainstorm future collab plans The expression on her puppys eyes in 4th shot says it all @mindysbakery @mindysedibles first photo by @juleskens

December 10, 2020 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

The nature watching cabin slide for beforehand10 things1. It was built during the Great Depression as a kit 2. It came from the Sears & Roebuck barn catalog3. Its original open frame(mini Gothic arch) is still all intact 4. We found it 10 min from camp in a farmers backyard5. Most recently, it was home to a bunch of chickens6. Despite our WIDE LOAD sign, Its a tiny 14 long / 9 wide7. It took a pickup, bobcat & a prayer to drag it up our rocky hill8. We added the extended Nordic style hip roof (last minute rain shield idea) 9. The cedar shake shingles cost more than the cabin did 10. The table & bench set are vintage from a German beer garden This little guy sits atop a perch in the rustic camping cluster for guests to duck out of the rain, play some cards and open a bottle. Photos by @ettakit_ and friends of camp

December 8, 2020 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Fellow Crafters slide for before of the our craft cabin rehab It was one of our harder cabin rescues (it was so dilapidated) but were so glad we tackled it, cause Its been a source of inspiration for us & our guests (we always keep it filled with craft projects).This pandemic season weve been hoarding vintage craft books for it (loaners from friends, scores on Etsy, family gifts, thrift stores finds) we even had a follower send us one out of the blue In our on-going mission to preserve the lost arts of summercamp crafts, were back on the hunt for throw-back books to keep building up our research library.Anybody have sources from libraries retiring any? No book is too old, too ratty, too dog-eared, too loved. #welovecrafting*shots here of some of our afters, and crafts we offer guests

December 7, 2020 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

We love Wisconsin sunrises.Spending this one with our friend & chef crush @mindysegal (we’re dreaming & planning future ways to partner on new Camp things/ guest experiences with @mindysbakery As always, she rolled in with her @beardfoundation goods and loaded us and the neighbors up.A few of our favorites that she brought: Bagels (Plain/everything/ sesame & gluten free) and a range of her custom spreads (the giardiniera cream cheese is the best thing Ive ever had).If you’re in Chicago and need your own fix, hit up @foxtrotmarket , @goddessgrocer or her space on Damen avenue.(heads up, though: lines start early, and the baked goods sell fast).Mindy has been a long-time friend, and was the one who told us about the historic Homer Laughlin China Company, who we partnered with on the Wandawega Line of dishes (a few shown here from the campstore).Our camp newspaper “Tales & Trails” is included in each camper registration clip board, featuring everything from local activities and historic sites, to our camp programming & workshops… to the featured ‘Wandawega Gift Basket’ (favorite local culinaryspecialites from our friends at the @elegantfarmerpies We love our off season wintertime here.We close off all but a handful of rental options, so we have fewer guests – giving us more planning time for future offerings..Wishing everybody a happy Sunday filled with hot bagels & spiked cocoa.

December 6, 2020 • Published by Tereasa Surratt