What began as a passing comment made among artist friends in rural Allen County will culminate next weekend in a rural artists' studio tour in the Leo-Cedarville-Spencerville area.

On Saturday people have the opportunity to visit five rural artists in their studios and see their work and how they work.

Each of the studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the free tour will be casual and self-guided, meaning you can visit whichever studio you want, whenever you want and in whatever order you want.

Sounds cool, no?

Lisa Vetter of Art Farm (artfarm.shutterfly.com) and Kristy Jo Beber of Kristy Jo Beber Stoneware Pottery ( www.kristyjobeber.com) began the discussions, but it wasn't until Beber completed her new studio that the plan came together, Vetter said.

This is the first year for the tour.

Vetter and her husband, Paul Siefert, own and operate Art Farm, "the farm that art built." The property at 17612 N. County Line Road E. in Spencerville is an old farm. The couple have been pouring their time into renovation. It had no heat, air, electricity or running water when they bought it six years ago.

The first renovation was a studio, which the couple have lived in 3 1/2 years, until finishing the renovation of the home.

Now, they are able to use their studio for its intended purpose: to turn other people's junk into functional, fun art their customers can enjoy.

Vetter and Siefert find their materials at flea markets, thrift stores and garage sales, and Vetter is passionate about why they do it and where their inspiration comes from.

"There's so much junk out there, so much stuff people are getting rid of," she said. "There's a lot of junk, but there's a lot of cool, interesting things, older things that have a history, a life of their own.

"We just really enjoy giving them a new life. As a country we throw away an insane and ridiculous amount and the whole consumer mentality is just very troublesome. We cannot continue to consume and dispose of things at this rate."

So, there's the "Blingo" found-object necklace that has typewriter keys, buttons, bottle caps, Scrabble tiles, old coins and bead components.

And, there's the "Go Time" clock, which looks like a bird made out of old tins and other objects and can stand on a desk, mantel or bookshelf. Vetter also uses semiprecious gems in jewelry.

The studios on the tour this year are:

¦Beth Wheeler of Two Sipsters Studio, 6701 Mandarin Cove, Fort Wayne: Will offer a personal peek at "Threadography," Beth's signature fiber art that combines photography, computer magic, printing on fabric and free motion stitching. There will be a make-it-and-take-it project the day of tour.

¦Cherie's Faerie Garden Studio, 5927 Hosler Road, Leo-Cedarville: See artist Cheryl Speith-Gardiner's studio where she makes fun, artsy clothing, expressive clay and mixed-media pieces.

¦Kristy Jo Beber Stoneware Pottery, 9719 Hosler Road, Leo-Cedarville: Beber has recently settled into her new studio and welcomes the public for the first time. Get a first look at new pieces.

¦Holly Heath Photography, 10429 Hosler Road, Leo-Cedarville: Holly specializes in wedding, portrait and fine art photography.

¦The Art Farm, 17612 N. County Line Road E., Spencerville: Visit the restored 1860s farmhouse and see where Siefert and Vetter create their found-object art and spirited jewelry.

In addition to the artists' studios, Liechty Buffalo Ranch, next to Beber's Hosler Road studio, will offer buffalo viewing, as well as buffalo meat for sale. Near the Art Farm, tourists can visit the Backroads Greenhouse for shrubs, perennials, annuals and fresh veggies, and Higher Grounds Roastery in Leo-Cedarville is also on the map for this event.

All three businesses are sponsoring this year's tour.