I fell in love with the rustic charm of Central Italy on my first visit in 1971. I admired the bucolic craftsmanship born from provisions of stone, wood, clay and plant life found in the surrounding countryside. When coupled with unique style, marvelous colors, and natural textures, all coalesce to create the irresistible beauty of Tuscany. Thus began my love affair with all things made by hand, whether it be a pie safe from the backwoods of Kentucky, a child’s toy weaved in Spain or a beautiful set of hand-painted Italian dishes. As I retired to Scottsdale, Arizona in the Sonoran Desert, I felt all these simple pleasures collected over the years would feel right at home in the Tuscan environment which captured my imagination long ago. So with the blessing of my incredibly patient husband, together we transformed a twenty-year-old, relatively plain house, into a one-of-a-kind home under the spell of Italian Rustic. This book is nothing more than a chronicle of our love for the artistry and skill found in the creative human spirit. We hope you enjoy it.