farming Archives

Top 5 Best Egg Laying Chickens

Getting started with egg laying chickens can be overwhelming. As a matter of fact, a simple Google search of the best laying hens could have…

Posted in Farming the Homestead

Top 5 Broiler Chicken Breeds For Meat Production

Some might consider the best meat chicken breeds to be a 45 day chicken. Or, one that is fully mature and ready for butchering 45…

Posted in Cooking From Scratch

Einkorn Flour Carrot Cake Recipe

We recently had a birthday in our house. A birthday that required an especially lovely cake made with einkorn flour. But not just any einkorn cake was requested. In particular, the birthday girl requested an einkorn carrot cake. Undoubtedly, I was particularly excited to create this moist and flavor packed einkorn flour carrot cake recipe…

Posted in Farming the Homestead

Top 5 Broiler Chicken Breeds For Meat Production

Some might consider the best meat chicken breeds to be a 45 day chicken. Or, one that is fully mature and ready for butchering 45 days after hatching. But others can reasonably argue that the best meat birds come from chickens who are raised slower and are dual purpose. Meaning not only are they wonderful…

Posted in Caring For the Homestead

DIY Plate Wall With Fabric Decoupage Plates

I have always wanted a plate display wall in my home. The problem is, I can’t ever find decorative plates pretty enough to display. Or the plates are too expensive for my liking. So what’s a person to do? Make a DIY Plate Wall With Fabric Decoupage Plates, of course! I am so excited to…

Posted in Farming the Homestead

Top 5 Best Egg Laying Chickens

Getting started with egg laying chickens can be overwhelming. As a matter of fact, a simple Google search of the best laying hens could have your head spinning. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of egg layers to choose from. From standard breed to heritage breed, to which color egg they lay- it can…

Posted in Cooking From Scratch

Easy Chicken Grape Salad Side Dish

As Spring approaches, I find myself reaching for meals and side dishes that aren’t so heavy on the gut. Food that is quick, nourishing and light. Chicken Grape Salad is a crunchy, sweet, cold salad. Because this dish is packed with protein, it can be eaten as the main course for lunch, or as a…

Posted in Caring For the Homestead

DIY Spring Wreath With Shabby Chic Farmhouse Flair

Do you love wreaths? They are such a simple gesture of cheer. I like to display them on my front door and throughout my home for the seasons and holidays. But the price of a modest wreath generally starts around $25. Keeping this in mind, I knew I would have to create a DIY spring…

Posted in Caring For the Homestead

Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

Have you noticed that butcherblock countertops are all the hype right now? Wooden spoons and wooden cooking utensils are making a solid comeback, too. Wooden cutting boards are used as kitchen décor, undoubtedly because of their natural beauty. It takes a lot of restraint to not buy every wooden cutting board and wooden spoon I…

Posted in Caring For the Homestead

How to Make Lard Candles

If the thought of candle making overwhelms you, I urge you to give this easy lard candle recipe a try. These homemade lard candles call for only two main ingredients, making it a beautiful and inexpensive gift and a necessary addition to any emergency kit!

Posted in Caring For the Homestead, Growing Food

Simple DIY Herb Drying Rack (for fresh herbs and flowers)

If you’re looking for a simple DIY herb drying rack for fresh herbs and flowers, you are in the right place! Not only is this DIY herb and flower drying rack decorative, but it’s also a functional way to dry herbs this growing season. This project uses inexpensive materials and takes 30 minutes to put…

Posted in Cooking From Scratch

Rendering Lard

Join me as I share my technique for how to effortlessly render lard. As a result, the mess is minimal and the results are delicious. And pretty! Afterward, I will share my number one favorite use for lard. I bet it will surprise you!

Meet Tonya From Old Clay Farm!

Welcome to Old Clay Farm, the place where I inspire you to cook from scratch recipes, grow organic food, care for your homestead in a natural way and simplify farming.

I deeply believe that homesteading is not defined by where a person lives, but by the lifestyle choices they make. Modern homesteading means taking charge of your circumstances by creating a better life right where you are.

I am passionate about cooking from scratch recipes, using simple, healthy ingredients. Whether you buy your produce from the store, or grow your own, I'll show you how to cook with it, preserve it and store it. And if you're looking for guidance with cooking and using cuts of meat or butchering practices, I've got you covered.

I share tips, failures and successes on my journey of growing my own food in Northern Michigan. I hope to inspire you to grow something edible- no matter where you live.

Caring for my homestead (and the people on it) in a natural way is very important to me. I share DIY home cleaning recipes, things like how to make lard candles and home décor projects, all in an effort to cultivate a healthy and welcoming home.