The Rustic Elk • Rooted In Nature, Crafted With Care, Guided By Seasons

Welcome to The Rustic Elk

Where the rhythms of nature guide us, and a love for simple, handmade traditions breathes warmth into every season. Step into a world of earthy recipes, soulful crafts, and timeless ways of living—all crafted to bring an ancient, grounded beauty into the heart of your home.

Find Your Inspiration

Winter’s Bounty

Embrace the season of warmth and wonder with nourishing recipes, festive projects, and cozy traditions. From hearty meals to homemade gifts, bring the warmth of the season into your home and create memories to cherish.

A large sliced, smoked prime rib on a cutting board surrounded by fresh herbs. — Perfectly Smoked Prime Rib: The Ultimate Holiday Roast

Freshly canned jars of lemon curd surrounded by fresh lemons. — Zesty and Sweet: Homemade Lemon Curd for Canning

Create Your Own Natural Glow: Easy DIY Beeswax Candles

Buckeye candy stacked by a bowl of peanut butter — Sweet & Simple: Homemade Buckeye Candy for the Holidays

Create Your Own Shatterproof Mercury Glass Ornaments: A Rustic DIY Holiday Craft

Close up of loaded baked potato soup topped with bacon, cheese and chives in a white bowl — Rustic Loaded Potato Soup: Hearty Comfort in Every Spoonful

Curated Seasonal Favorites

Explore our most-loved posts this month, filled with seasonal flavors, cozy crafts, and rustic inspiration for your homemade journey.

Homemade Christmas jam for canning in a glass jar with a spoon, surrounded by fresh oranges, cinnamon sticks, and cloves on a rustic wooden board. — Homemade Christmas Jam

A warm, rustic holiday scene with soft candlelight, twinkling fairy lights, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and wooden star decorations. The cozy atmosphere evokes the spirit of homemade holiday gifts, with greenery and festive elements scattered on a dark background. — Easy and Thoughtful Last-Minute Homemade Gifts

Savory venison roast with potatoes and carrots, a hearty fall recipe perfect autumn and winter meals. — Venison Roast Recipe | Slow Cooker Deer Pot Roast

Bowl of hearty venison chili topped with shredded cheese and green onions. — Best Hearty Venison Chili Recipe

Pouring homemade Irish cream into a glass with ice. — Homemade Irish Cream Recipe | DIY Bailey’s

pizza dough balls on a marble counter — Foolproof Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe: Perfect Crust Every Time

Browse by Category

Dive into our collections to find inspiration tailored to your seasonal journey—from wholesome recipes and preserving techniques to natural living and handmade crafts.

Plate of beef tips and noodles garnished with parsley, showcasing a hearty seasonal recipe.

Jars of homemade Christmas jam surrounded by fresh cranberries and oranges, perfect for canning and preserving.

Lavender plants in bloom, symbolizing a natural, outdoor lifestyle.

Welcome to The Rustic Elk: A Home for the Wildhearted

Hello, I’m Danielle, the soul behind The Rustic Elk. Here, we blend the ancient rhythms of nature with simple, timeless crafts and earthy recipes that speak to the heart. Join me as we embrace the beauty of handcrafted living, guided by the changing seasons and a deep-rooted connection to the natural world. This is more than a blog—it’s a gathering place for those seeking a slower, soulful way of life.

Begin Your Journey