Hodgepodge

May I have your Attention, please?

2012-01-26T18:16:00.001-06:00

Attention, Attention . . . we have an announcement:

is now available in Clarksville, Tennessee!!!

You’ll never guess where . . .

a hint? Oh, alright . . .

look at you! you’re good at this game!

Guess, what else . . .

I’ll be joining forces with Tawyna Norton, my friend who owns that fabulous shop in Brentwood called . . .

to represent Annie Sloan Chalk Paint at:

What’s the Vintage Marketplace? Well, here’s the skinny, stolen straight from their website:

The Vintage Marketplace is a resource for home, office, or shop.

On the cutting edge of Vintage, Art, Design, & Antiques; this group of exhibitors are inspiring the next generation of enthusiasts
with their unique style, energy, and determination to share what they love.

The Vintage Marketplace is a new feature of the long running Tailgate-Music Valley Antiques Show, a nationally established event with a reputation as one of America's best shows. The Vintage Marketplace will help move Tailgate-Music Valley into their new home, the Hendersonville Expo Center with an exciting inaugural event February 2-4, 2012.

So there you have it. I hope you’ll make plans to join us at the show. All of the information is available at their website, just click on their logo above. (You need to visit just to catch a glimpse of all of the wonderful talent you’ll find when you get there.)

Also, visit Tawnya’s blog (click on her logo) for information about a wonderful opportunity to meet Annie Sloan at a hands-on paint workshop. More on that from me in my next blog post.

Thanks for your indulgence,

The Vintage Marketplace

2012-01-18T19:53:00.001-06:00

I am not worthy. Let the groveling and self-deprecating behavior begin. I have had so much good stuff happening lately, it’s hard to believe! God is good.
First, I have been approved to stock Annie Sloan Chalk Paints. I am thrilled beyond belief to add such an amazing product to the inventory at Hodgepodge.
Then, as if that’s not enough, Tawnya Norton of C’est Moi, asks if I am available to help her represent Annie Sloan Chalk Paint at The Vintage Marketplace in Hendersonville, TN on Feb 2 – 4. WOW! (Note the new badge there to the left of this blog post.)
This event is BIG stuff! I was planning to go just to have the opportunity to meet some of my heroes . . . Sue Whitney of Junk Market Style fame . . . the creator of Urban Farmhouse, Lisa Maughmer . . . and Theresa Smith of Time Worn Interiors, just to name a few!
Now, I’m an actual vendor! Tawnya and I are working on ideas for our booth—this is going to be a quick throw together, but Tawnya’s talents will shine through and I’m sure it will be wonderful. As the emphasis will be the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint—you can bet there will be a lot of painted stuff!
Just make sure you mark your calendars and plan to join us—you will be glad you did!
Thanks for your indulgence,

ps--for the record, the best thing to happen in recent memory was having my mother come for Christmas and stay for a full three weeks! I was so happy to have her here every evening when I walked through my door--ad not just because she had started (and often finished) dinner. It was wonderful having her interact with my family for an extended period of time. She is a very easy companion and I love her. I'll revise my earlier comment . . .God is Great!

January 1, 2012

2012-01-17T09:48:00.001-06:00

(My Leaf Chronicle article for January 1st.)
Happy New Year! I’ll tell you, I for one am happy to see 2011 in the rearview mirror. We have some great memories and I’ve had a lot of successes this year, but the bad stuff was really, really bad and it’s taking some time to work through it. Of course, we started out 2010 with a house fire, so I better go back and read my article from Jan 1, 2010—I may be asking for trouble!
I am sure many of you have already taken down your decorations and have no remnants of Christmas in your home. That is not the case at my house. I am still enjoying our decorations. Frankly, I didn’t get to see them much, so I need to leave them in place a while longer. I generally leave my staircase and mantel décor up well into January (which is why I had to replace it after the fire—hmm, you’d think I’d learn).
Each year I make an effort to weed-out some of the stuff we haven’t used in recent years to make room for the inevitable additions we’ve acquired. I always think I’ll have plenty of time, once I make it through the holidays; while January is a slower month for retailers, somehow or another, my free time is at a premium. I will get it done, though, the same way I decorated—I will un-decorate in small doses.
The challenge is keeping the house feeling cozy and inviting. It seems that once the tree and garlands are gone, it feels a little cold to me. I try to leave a few winter touches throughout the house. I leave my winter pictures propped or hung in various rooms. I leave extra blankets and throws tossed on the furniture—even in the kitchen (we’ve got an old, breezy—no I didn’t mean to say ”drafty”—house). The chairs near the fireplaces are generally the first ones claimed in any of our rooms. I also enjoy leaving snowmen, snowflakes and icicles on display through the winter months. My crystal snowflakes—an extravagant purchase during our first tour in Germany—need to be added to my kitchen window where they can catch the light of our gorgeous winter sunsets.
I generally exchange out my lush Christmas wreath for my very simple, plain grapevine wreath. This year, however I plan to add some branches which have a snowy look, as well as some silver feathers and a snowy nest. I think I’m not ready for a stark winter look just yet—heck, didn’t I just get the house decorated for Christmas? I’ll post a picture on my blog when I have it up.

(Seems I got the wreath done before I posted the article—hard to juggle it all, isn’t it?)
One of my favorite new ideas was borrowed from a friend who found my blog—then found my shop! (I am referring to Auny Bliss—find her blog here.) She has been collecting vintage pictures of children in their snow attire. She displays them in frames, but I’m going to display mine on a garland on a fireplace, as I do not have enough surfaces to display our family photos, let alone those of children I’ve never met.

(I’ve decided to make the winter garland I’ve mentioned here during our Winter Spectacular crafting event on February 18th. You can sign-up for a full day of crafting or choose your activity. More info to come in a day or two—just go ahead and mark it on your calendar!)
I hope your house and heart are warm as we welcome 2012!
Thanks for your indulgence,

Themed trees

2012-01-04T10:04:00.001-06:00

My article for Dec 25th . . .

Well, I’m still planning menus and hoping to find time for another foray toward Exit 4 for a few more gifts—I’d rather stick hot needles in my eye, but I love my kids! (Which reminds me, I’d appreciate it if someone would open a book store downtown!) I know at some point I’ve got to just surrender, but for now I’m trying to plan out my last 12 hours pre-extended family time.

I am looking forward to the arrival of our Virginia sister and her family, but especially since Mom is coming, too. We’ve had a rough couple of months since the death of my Dad—“our” Dad—and this trip will be a difficult one—especially for Mom. I hope we are able to transition to happy memory sharing, rather than breaking down at the mention of his name. If, however, my emotional state as I write this is any indicator, there will be a lot of tears.

I have found that keeping busy is good for me. Dad was a busy guy—didn’t sit around much, until his joints forced him to do so. I guess my busy nature is part of his legacy. Thankfully, I have been very busy with the shop and home decorating. Therefore, in that vein, I will get busy writing my column about home decorating.

I recently overheard someone lamenting about the fact that, while she loved their traditional family tree—with all of the gathered ornaments representing their years together—she would love to have a themed tree or two. She went on to say she was hesitant to initiate a new tree due to the expense and space. Her thoughts were that it would be difficult to find somewhere to set-up another full size tree and very expensive to deck it in the ornaments necessary to outfit her proposed theme.

It was then that I, as I am prone to do, insinuated myself into her conversation and made a few suggestions. The first thing I told her was to buy tabletop trees to start her theme. A small tree is, obviously, going to be less expensive and will require fewer decorations to get started. My second suggestion was to use a lot of inexpensive filler until she reaches the desired level of ornaments for her collection. For instance, if you want a tree with only red to adorn it, buy only the red ornaments you really love. Use red tulle and red bows to fill-in the rest of the space. As you acquire more ornaments, you can remove the bows.

(Here’s a sample I found on the web—turns out it’s on a very nice blog. Take a look if you have time. NOTE: you do not just wrap the tree in tulle—you need to tuck it into place. See below.)

Sticks (here I go again) are another great “go to” source for filler. They can be spray painted to match nearly any theme. Just stick them into the branches of the tree so they protrude slightly beyond the pine. There are also very good quality plastic ornaments which can be used to fill-in, as well. These are all items which can be used to transition to a larger tree when you feel you’ve got enough ornaments to justify it. I still use my filler ornaments on our family tree—we hang them on the interior of the branches or at the bottom of the tree, where presents and nosey pooches tend to knock them off.

Of course, by the time you read this, most stores have marked down their holiday merchandise, so you have the perfect opportunity to pursue that theme tree for next year.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas surrounded by people you love. Talk to you next year.

(Okay, that wraps-up 2011. I’ll post that one later today, then I’ll publically make a bunch of promises I’m not wholly convinced I can keep—sometimes referred to as resolutions—but feel chances are better if I share them with the world!)

Thanks for your indulgence!

Arranging Furniture While Hanging Decorations

2012-01-01T16:29:00.001-06:00

(This was my article for Dec 18th—getting there, getting there!)

Well, I’m at about 70% completion with my decorating efforts at the house. By the time you read this, I have to be done, because I will have company coming to the house in the evening. (The great motivator—company is coming!)

I have been diligently working each evening after I get home from work; trying to slip in a few minutes each morning before I leave for the shop, too. Why is it, at times like these, when there is so much to be done, do I decide to make things more complicated and confused?

“Such as . . .?” you may ask. Well, I’ll tell you. Such as reconfiguring the furniture lay-out in the living room. Not necessary, but I had a bee in my bonnet, so now the sofa is facing the fireplace, not the TV. I also put away my computer table. I had purchased one of those old typewriter tables on casters, thinking it was a great idea to use it for my laptop—I could just roll it to the side when I wasn’t using it. The problem was, I never rolled it to the side, so there it sat in the middle of the living room. Not sure I love the new layout, but I think that’s the sofa, not the arrangement. I’ll wait to make my decision after all of the Christmas storage boxes are put away—hopefully when I get home from work tonight.

So while this created a little more work when I should have been adding ornaments to our tree, I may have come up with a solution to my room feeling a little off balance for so long. The sofa was too long for the space of the wall where we’ve had it since we moved here. A portion of the back was blocking a portion of the window on that wall. Now, the chair sits squarely in front of the window, which looks better—more balanced.

(The new layout—couldn’t find a “before,” for comparison, but I believe this works better. That’s my nephew in the chair and the cooler is a football day allowance.)

Now that I think about it, I usually try different arrangements in the house during the holidays. Usually it’s out of necessity—we have to put the tree somewhere, right? But often, it’s just to try a new look. Sometimes it returns to pre-Christmas arrangements, but there have been a few successes which we’ve permanently adopted.

Unlike me, you’ve probably already made all of your adjustments and tried the new arrangements, but if not, you might consider a different layout for the holidays. Make a cozy conversation corner with two chairs and a table. Change the “U” shape of your furniture arrangement to face the tree or the fireplace, rather than the TV. Try something new over your mantle—several vintage mirrors arranged so they’re leaning against the wall and each other. You can enlarge some family photos—perhaps taken in the snow—print them in black & white, then have them mounted to foam core for an inexpensive eye catching focal point. Either of those arrangements will carry you into the New Year, too!

If you’re looking to add a few final touches to your décor, try adding garland and bows. When in doubt, that inexpensive wired pine garland is my go-to decorative touch. It’s on top of our kitchen cabinets, intertwined in our chandeliers and draped around the tops of wardrobes. The bows add an “I thought of everything” touch to the house, as well. Tie bows—big ones, don’t skimp—around anything needing a little boost. Put them in your house plants; tie them around candles and the dog’s collar.

(This is the regular, everyday arrangement atop our German wardrobe—all I did was add some garland—tah dah . . . Christmas!)

(Same thing here in the kitchen—a little pine garland mixed with a white berry garland.)

I have one last inexpensive tip for the dining room. You can put a festive bow on your dining chairs by using 2 – 3 yards or tulle. Two yards will yield a nice square knot on the back of your chair; three yards will allow for a bow. If you don’t know how to tie a pretty, simple bow—google it. In either case, you can accent it with a sprig of holly, pine or rosemary from the garden.

I hope you’ve found enough time to do everything you wanted to do for your holiday decorating. Rest assured the day will come and all will be fine—even if you didn’t get the guest room painted.

Here are a few shots of the décor around our our house. These were take after the fact—January 1st to be exact, so they’re looking a little rough for wear. be kind!

One last picture, that dining room tablecloth I mentioned a while ago—the one that I was going “to make or pay someone to make it for me.” Well, I ended up paying and it was well worth it! Thanks to Vicki Aebischer for her skilled sewing and sense of adventure, I have my beautiful new tablecloth!

One more post before I can post the one that was published in the LC today. The light is at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks for your indulgence!

only 18 days . . .

2011-12-30T14:57:00.001-06:00

I know the holidays are behind us, but I finally have time to catch-up. This was my article for the Leaf Chronicle on Dec 11th As it is Dec 30th, I will be posting the remainder of the December articles in “rapid fire successions.” I think I feel a New Year’s resolutions forming.

The countdown is on the chalkboard. The other day it occurred to me that we’re less than twenty days out from Christmas! YIKES! So, I wrote this on my chalkboard, “Only 18 days left to decorate, shop, bake, clean and . . .”

Just for the record, it still reads “18” days. (You do the math.) Raise your hand if you’re in denial, as well. If I don’t change it, maybe the days will magically remain. What happened to “the gift of time” I waxed on about two weeks ago? Where’d it go?

I’ll tell you where—to work. I have been so busy at the shop and with clients that I haven’t had time to do any of the necessary preparations for our household. Throw-in a backed-up sewer line, a few volunteer commitments, and a few loads of laundry and you have a really full schedule.

I’m sure each and every one of you can relate to this dilemma. Remember, misery loves company.

But wait, is that a fully decorated Christmas tree I see through your picture window? And those lights on your house, I know they haven’t been there all year. And, thank you, thank you for the lovely Christmas Greeting with the well-coordinated-in-red-attire photo of your family. When did you find the time to get all of that done? I mean, the family photo alone would be an impossible feat of scheduling for our crew.

Yet, I promised myself I wouldn’t stress out this year.

Then, the phone call that alerts me my daughter’s MRI for her wrist has to be rescheduled due to a problem with the machine. Dad was going to take her on Friday; now Mom has to take her—to Nashville—on Wednesday (a day previously set aside for some shopping and decorating). That means another week of no gymnastics—she is not going to like that. (I begged and pleaded, but I couldn’t get the MRI scheduling tech to call my daughter for me.) Another day—lost—and it hasn’t even happened yet! I’m mourning the loss of a future day.

Still not stressing.

It will all be fine. Once I submit this article, then run home to take and send the lovely photo accompanying it, I’ll then have a few hours before I return to downtown to join dear friends for a toast to the season. I can use that time to add lights to the tree we must get decorated this weekend. That’s how it will happen—in stages.

As you are running around trying to accomplish it all—think about the decorating you can do in stages. For instance, all of my trees are up. Tonight I’ll decorate the aluminum tinsel tree and return the boxes to storage. Tomorrow, I’ll aim for decorations on a different tree and in the kitchen.

You’ve got the general idea. I do make use of the teenagers in the house. They bring down and return the storage boxes as directed. I’m responsible for most of the decorating, but the youngest is anxious for it to happen, so she may start setting-up the nutcrackers or Santa Claus figures.

Her first chore however is to vacuum the floors so the fur balls will stop chasing me as I frenetically spin through the house, wondering what to do next. They just mock my futility and I will not stand for that—it stresses me out!

Thanks for your indulgence!

The Gift of Time

2011-12-09T11:41:00.001-06:00

This was my Leaf Chronicle article for Nov 27th—unfortunately, there was a mix-up and it wasn’t published, well, at least not under my byline. Then they ran it last week—so it’s actually two weeks old. Regardless, I’ll share it with you now:

As I write this, there is a lovely sunrise on this cool, clear day. I am repositioning my writing table so I enjoy it. Still not a direct view, but I can see it reflected in my neighbor’s windows.

Today, I will head to the shop early to prepare for what I hope will be a busy day of shoppers and visits with my Hodgepodge friends. I hope to hear stories of Thanksgiving successes and mishaps. I also hope everyone is in the frame of mind that this season should bring--a season of love and sharing.

We shouldn’t be stressed-out about the holidays. We should be able to enjoy it and not dread it. Actually, I’ve never dreaded the holidays, but I have been stressed. This year, I am determined to be stress free. Already, I’m noticing things don’t feel rushed.

I feel that we’ve been given some extra time this year. Thanksgiving was early--we still have nearly a full week of November left. So, there you go--the gift of time! A little extra time to prepare--to do your shopping, to plan your menus, to decorate your home. You’re welcome.

No, really. I want you to have it.

Okay, so the gift wasn’t from me, but it’s for you and it’s what you’ve always wanted:

More time.

Today, I’m going to attempt to map-out the rest of my year. I have a calendar full of appointments with clients, volunteer meetings and various other obligations, but I haven’t figured out when I will decorate our house for the holidays. Today, I plan to put that on the schedule.

This weekend the kids did me the huge favor of prepping the storage area for easier access to the Christmas decorations. They went through our storage boxes full of clothes to determine what could be donated and what could be handed down to cousins. They loaded six--no, more than that--of those lawn-sized garbage bags into the car. I haven’t had the opportunity to go see, but I am sure that opened-up a huge amount of space in our storage area. (I will try to leave it open--I tend to fill those spaces far too easily!)

So with that chore out of the way, we should be able to get to the decorating right away. That was the goal of my youngest. She wanted to start bringing down the tree and decorations on Thanksgiving day! Nope, not ready for that!

I will, however, allow them to set-up the tree and determine the status of our lights, but no ornaments. We may go ahead and set-up the smaller trees, too--those we can decorate.

Some folks have had their Christmas decorating schedule down in their books of traditions since time immemorial. I envy those people. They know when their trees will be decorated, the presents purchased and Christmas cards sent. I’ve never been one of those people. I get a lot done, but it’s not on any predetermined schedule. It just happens.

It happens in between the hours spent at the shop, the husband’s new work schedule and the kids’ school and activities. Somehow it all happens and we have fun getting there!

That wraps-up the article. I wrote the follow-up article yesterday—to be published this Sunday. It’s a great counterpoint to this one.

Thanks for your indulgence.

An easy slip cover for dining chairs

2011-11-29T22:23:00.001-06:00

While preparing for a presentation to the lovely ladies of the Ft. Campbell Officers’ Spouses Club, I was trying to think of some easy, inexpensive decorating ideas, projects or transformations I could share with the group. I was able to throw together a 20 minute talk which included tips about making the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
One of the ideas I came-up with was for a quick-and-easy dining room chair slipcover. This project was fairly well received, so I thought I’d share it with you here.

What you’ll need:
flour sack towels (2 per chair)
acrylic paint
fabric medium
stencils
make-up sponges
paper for practice

I got my flour sack towels at Dollar Tree. They are thinner and none of them is the same size as the next, but I really like the gauze-like thinness of the fabric because they lend a very diaphanous, ethereal look to my slipcovers.
They are perfect for tea staining if you’d like a vintage look. I stained this towel with green tea bags—it was all I had I the house, besides Lady Grey (and those are reserved for sipping!). Generally, I would prefer to use the Red Rose brand tea bags—lots of them—because I prefer the color derived from that brand, plus they sometimes offer those darling little Wade Pottery animals in their packages!

Pre-wash and dry the towels.
Place two of the towels, right sides together, pinning along the two long sides and one short side. You’ll end-up with a pillowcase like construction.
Turn the slipcover right side out.

I decided to try a practice run of the stencil on some paper. I wanted to check the scale of the letter, as compared to the bracket stencils. I think the letter is a little small, but was much easier to use pre-cut stencils than to make my own. When I make complete set for our chairs, I’ll likely make my own stencil.

Once you’ve decided on your design, you can get started stenciling on the slipcovers. First mix your acrylic color with the textile medium according to the instructions on the bottle of medium. I suggest you insert paper inside the cover, where you plan to stencil, to prevent it seeping through to the other side.
I used a make-up sponge to apply the paint to the stencil and fabric. I just pounced the sponge in the paint, then on the slipcover.
Once dry, you are ready to drop the slipcover on the chair.

I love the casual, slouchy look and will definitely use this during the summer, but I also liked adding a little more shape by gathering the fabric on the inside and securing with a safety pin. This would be the perfect place to add an accent of sprigs of pine or the such. I also demonstrated the use of tassels at the top corners, again allowing for a more fitted look.
This is definitely a project you can get done in a couple of hours.
I’m sure I left out some major details in these instructions, but you know where to find me if you have questions.
Let me know if you try this project and how they turn-out.
Thanks, as always, for your indulgence.

I'm trying a few linky parties--take a look for yourself:

What's It Wednesday

White Wednesday

Transformation Thursday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T08:28:00.000-06:00

(My Leaf Chronicle article for Nov 20th)

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. One thing I’ve noticed as I get older, a survey of my peers results in the same opinion. Most of us prefer Thanksgiving over Christmas. Further, most of site the same or similar reasons—less hubbub! Not so much to do to prepare for it—just fix some dinner and invite the family and friends over. It’s almost like any other Sunday for many of us—just more food.

Some of us travel. Well, that’s an understatement, being that it’s the most traveled holiday, but as I am retailer, I gave up even the thought of traveling on Thanksgiving! I don’t have those crazy 3 A.M. sales at Hodgepodge, but it’s a busy weekend anyway, so I can’t imagine being away.

So, for the past nine years, Thanksgiving has been at the King Kompound and that makes me VERY happy. My sister, Kendall, and her family are always part of the day and for that I am grateful. Between the two of us, we whip-up some rather tasty dishes that generally leave us quite satisfied.

Every year we try to think of some new dishes to prepare, but we’re hesitant to give up the tried and true recipes that we all enjoy. So, we usually make them all! This has really become a problem, because we just keep adding to an already large menu. Desserts alone are numbering close to the double digits!

One year I ventured on the wild side and made a dish using baby Brussels sprouts. They were amazing—even my youngest went back for seconds. The problem is I have less-than-no idea where that recipe went. I have tried replicating it—with acclaims and adoration pouring forth from Kendall who happily attests, to those being subjected to my experiments, that the original recipe was truly delicious. It’s very frustrating.

Tonight I will sit down with my cookbooks. I’m going to find a new vegetable recipe—one that doesn’t involve Brussels sprouts, but I do want it to be unusual. I’d also like a different green salad recipe. I’m looking forward to perusing my extensive cookbook collection for something mouthwatering.

I also need to do a little preparation for our table setting. I think I’ve written about the fact that I use a painter’s drop cloth canvas for our tablecloth before, but this year I want to make it fitted. I hope to find the time to cut it apart and create the tablecloth I’ve always intended it to be. If it doesn’t get done for Thanksgiving—it will get done for Christmas—even if I have to pay someone to do it for me!

As I think about my plans for my table setting this year, I decided to look back at pictures from years past (Yes, I take pictures of my table settings—when I remember—they come in handy for blogs and newspaper articles.). I really did like the table last year. I used a primitive three-tiered display, loaded down with gourds, pumpkins and Indian corn, as my centerpiece. As mentioned last week, a length of burlap served as the topper on my drop cloth.

I have to say—this was one of my favorite settings. And, true to the nonsense I spew at luncheons and other meetings I’m asked to attend as the speaker, I used the same basic setting for Christmas. I only changed the centerpiece.

(Of course, true to my form of these past few months, I failed to take any pictures of this year’s table. The place settings were almost identical, but my centerpiece was simple. I just used my twelve hole sugar mold with my artichoke votives.)

I’d love to hear about some of you Thanksgiving traditions, trials and tribulations.

Thanks for your indulgence,

Can She Really write MORE about Burlap?!?!

2011-11-27T14:15:00.001-06:00

(my Leaf Chronicle article for a day in novemeber . . .)

As I type this, we are preparing for a fall decorating workshop. Kendall will be teaching how to make a burlap wreath and I will teach how to make a banner echoing the sentiment of the season, “grateful.” The banner also incorporates burlap.

Have you noticed a theme here? Heck, I think I mention it in most of my articles—burlap. I love it! I use it in a variety of ways, I buy products made out of burlap for the shop and I would probably wear it if it were softer!

“Wear it if it were softer, you say, Paige?”

Well, darn if Patty didn’t bring in some of the softest burlap I’ve ever felt! She told me she had heard that you could wash it in hot water, dry it and it would soften-up like linen. So I gave her a piece we had lying around and she experimented with it.

She washed it in hot water, with detergent and an extra amount of liquid softener. Then she tossed it in the dryer. Viola! A soft, slightly shrunken piece of burlap emerged. She said it did make quite a mess of her washer and dryer (so don’t do this with a load of black socks), but I do believe I’ll be trying this for my table topper this year.

The reasons I love this fabric are many, but the two top reasons are it is cheap and it is neutral in color. It works in every room of my house and has been used accordingly!

So, other than as a topper for my holiday table settings, the other projects I’ve used burlap for are:

“Aprons” for my dining room chairs. I draped a length of burlap across the back of the chair, added a length of ribbon to the bottom edge of the chair, which I use to secure the apron in place. I also added our monogram to the back side.

Curtains. I’ve made full-length curtains in my bedroom, which subsequently went up in flames—reference a blog post for Jan 2010—and haven’t been reproduced. I’ve made café curtains for my dining room. They lay flat—no gathering—so the stiffness of the fabric works very well.

(These are the curtains that existed for a brief shining moment in our bedroom—if I do it again, I’ll wash the fabric first.)

(here’s a shot of the full array of burlap used in my dining room—the table runner—as wide as the table—the chair aprons and the café curtains. The valances are an aqua toile with a taupe print—I added taupe tassels to “gussy them up.”)

Placemats. The easiest project ever! Simply cut out rectangle slightly larger than your desired finished size, then you pull the threads to fringe the ends. Done! This works for a table runner, as well.

So, here’s an idea that you can use for gift giving. Make coaster-sized burlap squares, then tie together a set of six—heck, twelve, they’re cheap—with some ribbon. There you go—a gift for almost anyone. If you want to take it to the next level, you can stencil the monogram of your gift recipient on the coasters.

So, I hope you have enjoyed the many wonders of burlap today!

I’d love to hear how you’ve used burlap in your décor.

Thank you for your indulgence.

A Boating Analogy

2011-11-22T10:27:00.001-06:00

(This was my article for The Leaf Chronicle a few weeks ago.)

Have you ever felt like you’ve got each of your feet in two different boats and they’re floating away from each other?

That’s the only way I can describe the feeling I get this time of year ever since opening my shop. At the shop, I’ve already decorated for Christmas, but at the house we’re still transitioning from Halloween to Thanksgiving. I fight the push of Christmas—leaving most of my fall décor intact and work in the Christmas trees and snowmen.

My home décor actually benefited from the transition this year, because the really amazing bunch of cornstalks I had outfitted with a burlap wrap, tulle and a rusty ring of skeleton keys is now standing in my entrance hall! What an impact as you walk in the door. It may have to be mine—permanently.

( . . . and there it is! I brought it home and will leave it there as long as I can get away with it!)

So, as promised, we’re moving into the house with our fall decor. Many houses have a nice foyer where you can add another welcoming touch to carry-out your theme, such as a fall floral arrangement on a table. But what if you don’t have a formal foyer? There are many strategies you can use to draw the eye into the home—choose your focal point and that is where you’ll put your decorative emphasis.

For instance, if you walk through your front door and the first thing you see is your staircase, add a fall garland. Nothing expensive, just grab some of that wisteria or jasmine that is going dormant, wrap it in a loose configuration, around the railing. Make a swag of Indian corn tied with raffia and you’re done. If you want a little more color run several yards of (again—loosely configured) wide ribbon through the railing and vines. Depending on your color selections and with a few changes, this arrangement can easily become you Christmas décor, too.

A fall mantel looks great with some basic changes to your usual décor. I usually switch-out the brightly colored tea cups and saucers I have displayed on a stand for my brown transferware. I add other details, such as amber bottles and I change my vintage book “risers” to reflect the colors of the season. I switch my glass candle sticks for my brass ones and the color of the candles generally changes, as well.

A quick arrangement for the dining room table is always something folks are asking about when planning to entertain. The simplest arrangements can be made with large pumpkin (I prefer the Princess or Cinderella variety) set atop a cake stand. Under the pumpkin you can place a layer of leaves fanning out around the edge or I would choose a crocheted doily, slightly larger than the cake stand so it can drape over the edge. Sprinkle nuts—still in their shell—around the base of the stand and intersperse glass votives around the table, too. You can also mix in gourds, pomegranates and pinecones of acorns for a “full” look. Remember to use unscented candles on your table, but feel free to light-up the scents of fall throughout the rest of the house.

(this is pre-plush pumpkins)

(many of the same elements—post-plush pumpkins!)

As I said, I’m not ready to rush the season, I still have a lot left to do!

(I have so many intended blog posts—I hope I can get to at least half of them!)

As always, I thank you for your indulgence!

fall front door decor

2011-11-12T21:41:00.001-06:00

(my article for The Leaf Chronicle—written for Oct 30th—actually, written for the 23rd, but not run until the 30th.)

Well, apparently resubmitting your column for a second run, a mere four weeks after its original publication is frowned upon at this newspaper. Go figure!

Yes, my editor contacted me—unfortunately, after I had walked away from the computer for the evening—to let me know that the article I submitted was run back on Sep 11^th. It was a crazy time in my life and frankly I’ve pretty much lost an approximate two week period around the middle of September. I thought I had started but never submitted it, so I just updated it, sent it to Stacy and left for the day! Oops!

I’m not sure if this is going to get done in time to run on Oct 23^rd, or if it will run the 30^th, so I need to come-up with something quick and timeless. Considering the season, I think I’ll share a few fall decorating tips.

When we think about changing our décor for the seasons, our thoughts often go to our front entrance first. Many of us like to hang a wreath representative of the season, which is a great start. Seasonal wreaths can be purchased at a variety of locations, as can the supplies to make your own. Whether purchased or homemade, wreaths are often the harbinger of the new season for most home decorators.

Additional options for the entrance include pumpkins, mums and cornstalks. While I love a large, traditional pumpkin for carving jack-o-lanterns, I prefer the heirloom pumpkins, such a Cinderella and Lumina (white) varieties. The Cinderella variety is especially perfect for stacking. I like the stacked- look atop a large urn or planter, but is works just as well on the ground; for a little more flare, you can add a twist of vine around the stack.

If you have a porch with columns, tying a bunch of cornstalks to the columns is an easy adornment. After you get it secured to the column or other support, you can embellish it with ribbons and other decorations. This year, I first wrapped a large piece of burlap around the stalks, then several piece of tulle knotted at the front with the final touch of a ring of rusty skeleton keys, tied on with jute. If you’re stalks are short on corn cobs, you can tie a bunch of Indian corn at the front, too.

A collection of mums in a variety of pots, mixed with the pumpkin and lanterns or large mason jars are the perfect vignette for the entrance of any home. If you’ve got steps, scatter the assembly along one side. No stairs to you porch? Introduce a variety of heights by perching the pumpkins and lanterns on stands, inverted flower pots or hay bales. I would recommend leaving a few of your pumpkins un-carved—or “restock” your display after the jack-o-lanterns start to collapse—to carry your décor through Thanksgiving.

Well, I was going to share more, but didn’t even get past the front door! Next week, I’ll move the fall décor inside.

Thanks, as always, for your indulgence!

Not the front door, but I love this . . .

One for the boys . . .

2011-11-06T22:12:00.001-06:00

my article for the leaf chronicle on oct 16th

This is going to be a tough one to write. I had a request from a friend for a “man article.” I quickly rebutted that I thought he would look great in pink (if you read last week’s column—you’ll get that joke), but I don’t think he was satisfied.

So, all week, I’ve been thinking about a home décor column for men, but mainly for men who don’t care about decorating. Which I always find rather confounding—if most of you “don’t care,” why do most of the women in my shop say, “Oh, my husband won’t like that.”

Therefore, instead of decorating advice for men in general, I think I’ll give some advice to the “don’t care” men, because they’re usually married to women—like me—who do care.

1. How our houses look does matter; it matters to us. We matter to you, ergo . . .

photo source

2. If it really, truly doesn’t matter to you and you express that opinion more than once, you resign all rights of refusal when we bedeck our beds in floral prints and eyelet accessories. It’s one room in the house; we know you want peace, if nowhere else, in this room. Allow us this one.

photo from Taylor Linens

3. It’s just paint. We can paint over it (and you know we will) in the future (probably next month). If we want to experiment with some color—remember it can be changed.

4. Recliners are not the only comfortable chairs in the world. Let me introduce you to the concept of a nice big chair and an ottoman.

photo source

5. It is okay to have a piece of painted furniture. Yes—real wood is nice, but not everything in the house has to be the natural, exposed grain of real wood.

6. While we may balk at your choice of golfing attire—it is alright to mix patterns in a large room—even a small room, when done with skill. Don’t freak-out when we show you a plaid and a floral pattern on the same sofa; it works, that’s what the designers get paid for doing.

photo source

7. All art work does not have to portray a battle scene of significance in your life or any other. Save it for the man cave. That goes for the dogs playing poker, too—it’s funny, but not in the living room.

photo source

8. We will watch football with you—some of us even enjoy it—but your favorite team’s colors do not have to be the theme for our family room.

9. No. Blankets are not suitable dressing for our windows. We can easily alter sheets and make them into wonderful curtains which can be opened and closed—unlike your big fuzzy blanket with the face of the lion—the one you had in college . . . yeah . . . you.

10. If you could feign a little interest, you’d probably come to realize we’re doing it for your comfort, as well as our own—maybe even more so for you. We do want you to love to come home and we want you to be proud when friends and family come to visit.

Thanks to my exercise buddy at the Y for requesting this special article. I’m pretty sure this is not what he had in mind, but it sure was easier to write that I thought it would be in paragraph two!

As always, I’m running behind! We’ve been transforming the shop for Christmas, so my blog has been neglected. I’ll catch-up over the next few days and try a new approach.

Thanks for your indulgence!

Lovin’ this time of year!

2011-10-24T17:14:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I hate it when I have a good idea. It usually means lots of work and a big mess. This one was no different and the mess still lingers . . .

I was struggling with my plans for my October displays I the windows. I’ve already sold enough of my Halloween decorations that I couldn’t justify the spooky theme in the window. Then, it came to me—a few hay bales, saw horses and a door and I’ve have a harvest gathering scene in the making!
Cut to the scene where the guy at Lowe’s tells me to stand back from the trailer where the bales are stored, because the other day he opened it and a rat jumped out at him! Perhaps I’ll rethink the hay bales . . . nah!
No rats on my visit—thank you.
I lay the obligatory plastic on the back of “Flo,” my ancient, paint stains on the carpet Suburban, and we load the bales. One is pushed over the collapsed back seat—into the front where, while it was merely for posterity, there is no plastic sheeting. What cha’ gonna do?
I begin the drive to the shop with all four windows down—it was a lovely day.

Thus begins the whirling dervishes of bits and pieces of hay throughout the vehicle. (Thanks goodness I thought to lay that plastic sheeting!) I look in my rear view windows—I look like I’m leading the annual harvest parade. The only thing missing is Lil’ Miss Sweet Potato to wave at the crowds from my roof top.

So I make it back to the shop—with hay in my hair and everywhere else—unload the hay bales and deposit them on my “front porch” where they’ll wait until the next day to be placed in the window, as I still need to remove the former display and go grab my kid from gymnastics practice.

Tuesday morning I carve out an hour after walking the dog and before a meeting with the County Mayor, to remove the current window display and set-up the table. All is going well, until I get those huge saw horses in the window—they’re too wide; we won’t be able to get around the table. Dang!
Then I remember the iron table legs I have stored on the third floor. I grab those and the huge box where I’ve stored the hops garland and manage to carry everything back down to the shop in one trip (stupid, stupid, stupid). I screw the legs into the door—they’re also too wide, but much more diminutive than the saw horses. I flip the table upright, hang the hops garland and go home to shower.
At the meeting, I struggle to focus on what is being said—my mind keeps wandering back to my window! Once the meeting is over, I call Patty to tell her I’m sorry about leaving such a mess and that I’m headed to another appointment, when she informs me that my appointment cancelled! Normally, that would frustrate me, but . . . YIPPEE! I can go back to finish decorating the window.
It took a few more days of piecing together our ideas—trying this and that, hunting down pumpkins and corn stalks—but I finally shut the door on Thursday night and felt satisfied that we had done a good job.

I had been planning to use these vintage prints in a display for Christmas, but was pleasantly surprised to find a use for them so quickly.

Here are some of the new burlap pillows I ordered at market. They’re stuffed with a filling of shredded plastic and are stenciled with the original art work of the owner/designer.
The hardest part of taking pictures of my display windows is the reflection. (Any tips from seasoned photographers or other shopkeepers are welcome!) But if you study the picture below, you’ll see I’ve incorporated my beloved branches. (Ryan showed me the perfect downed tree limb in the vacant lot next to his house!)

I hung these window screens against the window to give the feeling of being on the outside looking into a porch. They’re difficult to see, but I’ve added a bunch of those magnetic spiders to the screens—just a touch of spooky.

These “tattooed” bamboo floor mats just arrived. They have non-slip backing and are very durable.
Our sole surviving harvest color velvet pumpkin. (I’ve “hidden” it in the window, thinking perhaps I may take it home . . .)
I hope you enjoy virtually perusing our Autumn Gathering display window. If you’re in town, please stop by for a gander. On Sunday I’ll be working on our “Paint it Pink” window for Breast Cancer Awareness month. More on that later!
Thanks for your indulgence,

ps—let me tell you a little about those beautiful stained glass windows. We believe they are 19th century and have been re-leaded. They are 60 x 37”. They most recently hung in our local Pub—The Blackhorse Pub and Brewery. They are valued at $4,000 for the pair, but we’re asking 3,000.

Stampington & Company Obsession

2011-10-18T08:08:00.001-05:00

My obsession with Stampington & Company continues with Somerset Life. This isn’t my first issue of Somerset Life—oh no, I’ve already got several in my stacks. (By the way, these magazines have their own separate “piles.” They don’t join the slick cover magazines—the paper stock they use for these publications provides the tactile reason for their distinct segregation—their content, however, is the deciding factor.)

I enjoy these magazines so much, I started carrying a selection of Stampington & Company publications at the shop—so I don’t have to chase off across town to get them. There is also the added bonus of introducing my customers to Where Women Create, Artful Blogging, Somerset Studio, Where Women Cook, Mingle and Somerset Holidays.

The only ~~problem~~ problems I find with these magazines is are:

(1) I am so inspired, but I rarely find the time to attempt the things I find; and,

(2) I feel completely inadequate—usually within just a few words into each article.

Mind you—I don’t allow either of these issues to prevent me from consuming each—cover-to-cover—like a starving child. Further, these issues are not, fundamentally, problems with the publications—I may be projecting . . . just a little.

In this issue (Oct/Nov/Dec 2011), I was particularly engrossed by the article Exploring Collaboration by Alexandra Cave. She writes of her solution to desiring a few months off from her blog to spend with her newborn. She solicited help from her readers by asking them to be a guest blogger on her blog. You’ll be inspired by her enthusiasm and desire to continue these exchanges and explorations. Visit her blog here.

There are many more articles, but this one truly opened my eyes to how many gifted and generous people are out there and all within reach, thanks to the blogosphere.

I hope you pick-up a copy for your own collection.

(click on the table of contents above to view)

Thanks for your indulgence,

Seasonal Eats

2011-10-16T15:25:00.001-05:00

My article for the Leaf Chronicle, originally published on Sep 25th—getting caught-up again!

I know I’ve been going on and on about how much I enjoy this time of year—the changes that take place are wonderful. For one thing, I feel as though I’ve got more energy; perhaps it’s the cool morning walks. But I don’t think it is just me. I’ve noticed it in others as well—smiles come easier and folks will stop and chat, without diving for an air conditioned space.

One thing I look forward to the most is the change in our menu planning. The kids have come to accept the fact that there are certain foods I will not prepare during the summer. For instance, I will not make spaetzle, chicken divan or lasagna until the temperatures cool down.

Beef Bourguignon became a new required fall recipe last year.

(I had a short-lived recipe affair with Julia Child last year; “short” only because of time limitations.) I’m gearing-up for my first batch of the season. Also in waiting are the recipes for chili, wedding soup and gumbo.

Do you do this, too? Do you have seasonal recipes?

I hope so, mainly because I can’t really justify my reasons and it would be nice to know that I’m not alone in my seasonal menu edicts. It’s not as if I have to hang-out over a wood burning stove without the benefit of a/c. It’s not because I don’t eat these foods during the summer—Jane Burney’s Chicken Divan and soups are some of my favorite meals—year ‘round. In fact, I eat soup all summer long. Perhaps it is the “comfort food” status of most of these dishes; the fact that, in and of themselves, they imply cooler temperatures and cozy kitchens. Whatever the reason, I know my kids are looking forward to a change in the dinner menu offerings at the King Kompound.

I guess I could loosen-up a little and now that I think about it, I did fix gumbo twice this summer!

I’ve also found that with the change of season, I am itching to do some entertaining. It is difficult to squeeze in some time with family and friends, though. Darren’s new work schedule doesn’t have him home very many hours and we tend to fill-up our dance cards well in advance! I will have to put some thought into it, but we can probably get something on the schedule.

I’m looking forward to sitting outside, talking with friends (without “glistening”), bonfires and charades by firelight.

Do you have fall rituals? Are you a football tailgater? Perhaps you like to drive through the beautiful Smoky Mountains to take in the changing foliage. I hope you’ll take a minute to share some of your favorite fall customs with me.

Thanks for your indulgence,

getting ready to get ready!

2011-10-12T19:17:00.001-05:00

My article for The Leaf Chronicle for Sep 4th—sorry for the delay.
Now that everyone has their home adorned with branches and sticks, as put forth in last week’s column, I guess it is time to offer up a few other ideas.
Perhaps you’re ready to introduce a touch of fall into other areas of your home. Again, no need to go all out in one decorating frenzy, your transitional decorating should be exactly that—transitional. If you’re like me, you probably need to start with a good, thorough cleaning of the house. I think it’s time to prove that my base boards are, in fact, white. I’m also going to perform a serious assessment of the contents of my wardrobe; it’s time to make some donations to Goodwill! These actions will allow me to feel more comfortable about adding my fall decorations to the mantels and other surfaces. I’ll also be able to starting adding my fall clothing to our wardrobe—which is really our closet, as our “closets” aren’t deep enough to accommodate a standard hanger and are only as wide as the door. (Yeah, I’ll go toe-to-toe with someone lamenting their lack of closet space!)
Okay, so what I usually end up doing is cleaning as I decorate. I decide which room I’m going to tackle and I start cleaning as I put away anything I won’t be using for the new vignette. Many basics remain, but some things are set aside for the season. I use books all over the house—their titles are often related to the season, but sometimes they’re chosen for their color and size.
You’ll also find candlesticks and pillar stands throughout the house, but the colors of the candles will change. I have a plate stand that holds four tea cups and saucers—I change the china I display with the season.

Here you see my tea cup stand, an unpainted ceramic pumpkin and several other accents for the mantel.

Here is a tight shot of the of the amber bottles and an orange book entitled, coincidentally, “Hodgepodge,” (a gift from my dear friend, Taylor)—so it meets the title AND colors requirements. In the right hand corner you see and old Ferry Morris Seed ad I had framed.

During the summer I don’t use tablecloths, but beginning in the fall, I’ll usually drape something across the table. I also tend to leave the table top empty during the summer, but now I’ll add a centerpiece. I’ll start with our sugar mold candle holder, but I’ll elevate the display as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach.

You can see from this pic—

the only thing I’ve left on my table this time is my beer!

Part of the cleaning process is shaking the dust off of the silk and dried flowers. This is when I have to really evaluate how much life is left in these items—especially the dried flowers. I prefer to dry without preservatives, but that really limits their display life.

My all-time-favorite display—the perfect example of dried hydrangeas that have given their all and will be retired this year.

This is also a good time to take inventory of my glassware and dinnerware. As I prefer to use vintage items for my table settings, the search for replacements isn’t always a quick one. If I’m going to need a new turkey platter or gravy boat for my holiday table, I need to start looking now.
I like to make notes about those needs on index cards and stick them in my purse/wallet, that way I have it with me whenever I happen upon some possibilities. Notebooks are good, too, but they take-up a lot of room and I tend to get frustrated and toss them out of my purse. Chandelier prisms are another thing I am constantly replacing, so I trace them on the index card, so there’s no confusion about the style and size.
I figure, with my typical approach to cleaning/decorating and the amount of “free time” I’ve enjoyed lately, I’ll have my pumpkins out in time for the Easter Bunny to hide some eggs behind them! I hope your decorating efforts are quick and easy.
I wrote this weeks ago—the decorations made it to these locations . . . yesterday! Just slightly before the Easter Bunny!
Thanks for your indulgence!

http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/10/vintage-inspiration-friday-60-vintage.html

Paint it Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-06T06:21:00.001-05:00

So, I was reading the facebook post of one of my friends, Oohlala Furniture , about a week ago. In her post she challenged her fellow furniture painters to “paint it pink.” She suggested we paint a piece of furniture pink, then auction-it-off to benefit breast cancer awareness. I immediately thought of the friends I need two hands to count who are currently battling this heinous disease—then there are those in remission—then there are those . . . okay—I want to do this!

Here’s my contribution—a vintage vanity I painted (with the help of Kathy Owen and Caromal Colours). My message . . .

The disease is ugly,

but you . . .

you are beautiful!

I was sharing the notion with Kimberly Santiago who immediately chimed-in that she’d like to make something to contribute. Her one-of-a-kind creation is this beautiful mixed media rose. She used the subtle innuendo of contour maps in creating the rose.

Kathy Owen also wanted to donate something for the cause—she was quick to offer up an Angel of Reclaim which she made especially for this auction. Kathy recycles all of the materials used to create these unique angels.

My sister, Kendall Thomas-Welsh, also wanted to make something to donate. She has created a great new sign to help promote the importance of focusing on this issue.

‘nuff said, eh?

Most doctors agree and early detection is the key to combating breast cancer. The Nation Breast Cancer Foundation has an early detection plan which you can view here. Remember—YOU need to pay attention to your breasts!

This is going to be a silent auction. You may place your bids at the shop or by calling the shop. Bidding starts Oct 6th at 5 p.m. during Art Walk.

All proceeds will benefit the

Clarksville YMCA ABC (after breast cancer) Program.

During the 16-week program, participants receive full access to the YMCA, a customized exercise workout designed by a Pink Ribbon Certified® personal trainer, nutrition counseling with a registered dietician, along with encouragement and support by a caring staff and other breast cancer patients and survivors.

The services are offered free of charge thanks to donations and other funding. I hope you feel this is worthwhile cause and will support the program by coming out to bid on these items.

If you have questions or (better yet) want to place a bid, please call us at the shop, 931.647.0444.

Thanks for your indulgence!

boo!

2011-09-24T21:41:00.001-05:00

I promised a few more pictures of our Halloween merchandise, so I thought I better get this online before it sells out!
Here are some of our best selling shimmer lights . . .we have witches and pumpkins, too. Beside them, you see our set of two hand/guest towels.

Mix-up your favorite poison with these skull and cross bones drink stirs.

Here are some vials inspired by the Gibson Girls of the past.
A skull under glass, a coozie for your favorite bottled beverage and a set of three candlesticks (battery operated) dripping blood red wax!

Here we are—the perfect hat stand—a glitter skull ( I would estimate it is “full size”) with a stylish witches hat—complete with veil! You’ll be the best dressed witch on the street.
Alright—these are my favorite decorations this year—SPIDER MAGNETS!!! Not being a fan of spiders, I was surprised to find how much I like these. They have strong magnets, so it looks like the real thing, as their bellies don’t touch—just their legs. (I just shivered!) Pair them with a silver-beaded web (almost too glammy to be spooky) and it will be very convincing.

Fool your friends with these “family photos.” Our holographic images are real vintage photos which change into spooky apparitions at different angles.

A glamorous feathered mask is practically required when drinking potions from a mercury glass apothecary jar.

A mercury glass skull is my idea of the way to decorate for this holiday.

Black roses worthy of Mortician Addams.

One of our Plush Pumpkins in espresso. It is “wearing” our wicked cool spider web pendant.

Rats!

Skull & cross bones bracelets—can double as napkin rings for your spooky gatherings.

A rather convincing skull. I feel a Shakespeare soliloquy coming on . . .

A well dressed ghoul will have plenty of bling!

Sugar mold votive holders in the perfect fall finish.

Tip the top hat to your date—the veil and enhancer guarantee your presence on the “best dressed” list.

There are a few items I haven’t captured in photos—glowing aliens in futuristic goo, a haunted nightlight, chalkboard pumpkins and oversized flies, to name a few.
I hope you feel inspired to introduce a little spectral elegance into your Halloween décor this year.
How do you decorate for this holiday? For the kids? For adults? Any special tips you can offer are welcome.
Thanks for your indulgence,

Sweet, Sweet Autumn

2011-09-13T14:07:00.001-05:00

There are so many reasons to love the fall season—cooler temperatures, pumpkin cookies, vibrant colors, soup, Halloween and bonfires—just to name a few.
At Hodgepodge, we have been so busy unpacking Christmas ornaments (ARGH!) that we’ve barely had the opportunity to bring out the fall décor. Yesterday, I asked Ryan to take a few pictures of what little we’ve accomplished, so I could provide a teaser, for you—and me, as I’ve been away from the shop for a few days.
Well, imagine my surprise when he uploaded this picture:

I didn’t do that!

It seems Ryan was very busy this weekend! What a comfort and a blessing to know I’ve got such wonderful, capable and talented help in my friends: Patty, Ryan and (in abstentia) Jennifer when I have to be away! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my wonderful, capable and talented daughter, Hunter, as well. In addition to carrying her full load of college courses this week, she is running the shop during her hours away from the classroom. How lucky am I?!?
He also tweaked a few details prior to taking these photos.

Plush Pumpkins—our quickly dwindling supply! Come in soon for the “cream of the crop.”

A few pumpkins, persimmons, plus our new artichoke candles complete the fall harvest.

Add a pumpkin and sunflowers—you have a fall table setting.
Now, to put you in the mood for All Hallows’ Eve, just a few pictures:

Our wall of family photos will capture your attention . . .

A Mercury Glass Skull . . . under glass.

This sparkle skull is the perfect perch for

one of our witch hats.

Mantel decked in an array of spooky paraphernalia—complete with hand beaded silver cobweb—

no house should be without one!

A former mantel topper reflects our huge variety of Halloween decorations.

For the best selection of any of our seasonal items, I encourage you to drop in the shop, if at all possible, but if not—give us a call and we’ll help you over the phone!
As always, thanks for your indulgence!

Sticks and Branches

2011-09-12T19:17:00.001-05:00

Resistance is futile. I’ve been fighting it—standing on my moral high ground of the September equinox—but it is pointless. Fall will arrive at Hodgepodge next week. We will add the velvet pumpkins, the transforming hologram pictures and the fall colored silk flowers. Frankly, I’m a little excited as it is my favorite time of year. My house will not transform until after the equinox, but being in a retail business, I must conform ever so slightly to the big box stores if I want to survive.

One of my favorite year round decorations, sticks and branches, take on special significance this time of year. I’ve mentioned them before—their many uses are amazing and seemingly endless. One of my favorite uses is as a canopy—suspended from the ceiling.

Of all of the beautiful items I carry in Hodgepodge, nothing gets more complimentary commentary than my canopies of branches! We’ve used them in the windows, at the entrance of the shop and in our Halloween room—laden with black leaves and pods (one of my all-time favorites--here’s a link to my blog about it). Even as I type, there are two large, moss covered branches waiting on the front porch of the shop. They will be hung today and I will add smaller branches to fill-in the space next week. String lights are a requisite part of this plan, but I will put them on the big branches only. (This has been a lesson I’ve gleaned from many years of trying to retrieve string lights from the brittle branches once they had served their time.)

(I was in a bit of a time crunch and didn’t get the lights on yet, but here it is with spider webs and oversized flies!)

One of the things I often overhear friends whispering to each other as they stare up at my display is: “How could I do that at my house?” Or, “That would look great in my ________ (fill-in the blank) room.” So, I’ve decided to give some tips for creating your own natural canopy.

First, you’ll need to gather the braches you want. The storm last week has left our yard littered with branches the wind “cleaned” out of the trees. They seem like the obvious solution, but you want to make sure that they are not too brittle and dry, especially if you intend to leave the display up for a while. (Here’s where I need to insert the disclaimer about spraying your stick with a fire retardant if you plan to use string lights. I haven’t done it in the past, but considering our propensity for fires, I probably will this time! Do this outdoors prior to hanging.)

Second, you need to scheme out how the branches will hang—in a fan-like formation or a bow-like formation. Once that’s determined, you’ll need some medium-sized eye hooks (cup hooks will work, too, but you need to be careful to turn the opening away from the pull of the string). Screw the eye hooks into the ceiling; you’ll need several per branch. If you’re just hanging the branches with a string of lights, you probably don’t need to use anchors, but if you plan to suspend other items from the branches you should use anchors.

Next, it is time to grab a friend. You can probably do this part alone—I often do—but a friend makes it much easier and quicker. You’ll need monofilament (fishing line) or another string to hang the branches. I usually use jute twine, because I like that look. You will cut a length of string 2 times as long as you think you’ll need. Tie one end to the eye hook, then have your friend hand you the end of the branch. Loop the string around the branch and pull to adjust it to the right height. Run the string back through the eye hook and once more around the branch for security. Repeat this process until the branches are suspended as you desire. Adorn with string lights, paper lanterns and/or faux silk flowers and vines; you’re only limited by your imagination and the weight of your adornments!

I hope you’ll let me know if you decide to try this idea in your home!Thanks for your indulgence.

What’s in a Monogram?

2011-09-05T21:47:00.001-05:00

Brain cramp! I’m rarely at a loss for words, but when it comes to thinking of something new or, at the very least, old, but interesting to say, I’m starting to suffer from that thing called “writer’s block.” So, I shifted gears and remembered how many of my wonderful readers have told me that they feel like their having a conversation with me while reading my articles. (The BEST compliment I can receive, thank you!)

So, I called my Mom and started talking . . . we chatted about a myriad of things, mainly ideas for transitioning into fall. I know this seems to be the subject that won’t go away, but summer is the season that won’t go away! Thus, I’ve landed upon another idea that will work in any season, in any room of your house and you can use what you’ve already got at home.

I’m talking about monograms.

There was a time, during high school, when I wouldn’t be caught dead with anything monogrammed, but now—I want to monogram everything. There is something about adding your monogram to almost anything that takes it to a new level.

I’ve sold monogrammed items in the shop ever since I opened, but I didn’t have many monograms in my house. Then one day—okay, over series of days, weeks, even months—monograms started to insinuate themselves into my personal décor. It started with one little throw pillow on the bed and now, they’re everywhere. I am, for the moment, referring to embroidered monograms. Here’s how you can use them:

. . . in the bedroom. As I stated, I monogrammed a pillow—a simple hemstitched linen pillow—but you can monogram your euro shams with a large centered monogram. This can be a large single letter or the traditional three letter monogram; you might add a wreath or other embellishment. You can also add your monogram to the hem of the standard pillowcase or the flat sheet. Make sure you have them stitched on the side which faces up when the bed is made. (Seems silly, but they could come back wrong!)

. . . in the bathroom, of course, you can monogram towels. If you do this, consider how you hang your towels—folded in half, folded in thirds or on a hook. I would limit it to bath and hand towels. Basic monograms are nice for your bath, but you can also embellish with something expressive, such as an icon (crown, fleur de lis or ladybug). Don’t forget the hand towels for the guest bath.

. . . in the living room, you can add a monogram to your sofa pillows or your throws. A beautiful monogram centered on a luxurious throw you drape on the back of your sofa will make a huge impact.

And finally, in the dining room you can add your monogram to an infinite number of surfaces, such as the tablecloth, napkins and chairs. (Of course, this one isn’t a monogram, but it is along the same lines . . .)

I have more ideas, but I’ve run out of room! Check out my blog for more ideas and, of course, pictures! Thanks again for reading—I really appreciate it!

Do you use monograms in your home? Any new ideas?

Thanks for your indulgence!

The Velvet Pumpkin

2011-08-31T05:43:00.001-05:00

The editors of The Leaf Chronicle are kind enough to publish my ramblings each week, here is my installment from two weeks ago . . .

In spite of my protestations in last week’s article, these cooler morning and evening temperatures have really got my palms itching for some fall-ish décor. I’m beginning to doubt those coffee filter pomanders are going to be enough to stave off the desire to throw some pumpkins into the mix! The truth is, I love and decorate with pumpkins year round. I’m not sure why, but they’re always been a favorite of mine. I remember when we lived in Virginia, I saved my money to buy at t-shirt from a shop at the Springfield Mall because I liked the name—The Velvet Pumpkin. Their tag line was actually a quote from Henry David Thoreau, “I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”

Doesn’t that sound lovely? But let me tell you, I’m hoping to get my hands on some gorgeous velvet pumpkins for Hodgepodge. I saw them at market, but walked away. ARGH! Talk about the best of both worlds—although, I’m pretty sure Thoreau wouldn’t approve. I’ve never been much into transcendentalist thought—it is hard work. (I’ll keep you posted on the arrival of these plush beauties.)

In the meantime, however, I’m supposed to be inspiring you to make that slow transition into fall, so I’ve compiled a few more ideas.

One of the reasons we’re prone to these seasonal changes is the change of outdoor colors. We’re moving from the riot of summer’s bright colors into the warm palette of fall, but in between we have the tans and greys of drying blooms, grasses and so on. An easy, inexpensive change you can make to reflect this no-so-attractive transition is this is to cover some of your books in brown wrapping paper (or recycle paper grocery bags) or newsprint. This helps unify the design of your bookcases or coffee table. If you don’t want to go that far, you can simply remove the jackets from your books—I’ve never been a big fan of those and remove them as soon as the purchase is made. They’re usually brightly colored to get your attention at the bookstore, but once they’ve done their job take them off.

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Another subtle change you can make is transitioning from silk flowers to dried blooms. If your own flowers haven’t already faded, you can clip some from the garden and allow them to dry in an arrangement you’ve created. You can always buy fresh flowers from a florist and take them home to dry. I spoke with the fine folks at Franklin Street Florist and they said they could help put together a bouquet that will dry nicely. Viola!

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One last tip is to add rattan, willow or sisal accents to your room. This can be in the form of some storage baskets, a group of decorative bottles wrapped in rattan, placemats or an area rug. The visual interest added by these textures can do subtle wonders for a room and they help introduce or reinforce the natural elements of a room.

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I hope you find something useful in these suggestions. Let me know if you have other ideas for creative transitions. I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for your indulgence.

UPDATE: The pumpkins are here! The pumpkins are here!

Wardrobe Wow!

2011-08-21T23:03:00.001-05:00

Remember that amazing, custom made wardrobe I referenced a few blogs back? Well, it is finally in place and looks fabulous!

About two months ago, Whitney sent me a picture of the wardrobe she had in mind. We talked about their needs and decided which changes we needed to make. Then my friend, Jeff, went to work. He recycles old shutters for a lot of pieces—they were exactly what we needed for the doors. We painted with sea scape—a valspar paint—then I finished it with the toner from Caromal Colours. It looks great—if I do say so myself!

We also helped Whitney choose some new bedding.

She has a new ruched duvet and matching euro shams. Then we added these beautiful shams and coordinated bed skirt.

I understand that this beautiful headboard is Whitney’s own creation! It took all of my restraint to not jump in the middle of the bed—it looks so comfy and welcoming!

Thanks to Whitney for allowing me to share these pictures with you.

and, thanks for your indulgence.

transitioning into fall

2011-08-15T22:13:00.001-05:00

What follows is my article for The Leaf Chronicle, August 7th—I was able to find some pictures to show you.

I guess if this past week didn’t put you in a fall frame of mind—you’re a more substantial person than I. I don’t recall ever being so hot! The reality, however, is that we still have many more weeks of warm weather ahead. Personally, I’d like for it to cool-down enough to allow me to walk the dog without having to shower upon our return. Or how about if it cools down enough to have the pool water once again feel refreshing? (I’m pretty sure we could have cooked our ramen noodles in there last week!) I’d also like to enjoy another month of summer flowers, but the heat and lack of rain has ravaged the garden.

Have you noticed that the weeds don’t seem hindered by the high heat or lack of rain? Those things are thriving, right next to my wilting basil and crisp lavender. Those dang morning glory vines are insidious and seem to enjoy the challenge of the heat!

I’ve heard many folks talking about changing their home décor to their favorite fall themes, but I’m not quite ready for such a change. This statement borders on heresy, as I generally sing the praises of autumn above all the other seasons. But mind you, it’s not that I wouldn’t prefer cooler temperatures, it is just that I can’t hang my fall wreath until the weather matches it!

Are you the same way? Or are you already looking for your pumpkins and scarecrows? There are a few ways I’ve discovered to make some changes to my seasonal home décor without a without going full-blown with corn stalks and pumpkins.

Last year I made some decorative pomander-like balls to perch atop garden urns and pillar holders using coffee filters and Styrofoam balls. I was going to refer you to my blog to find instructions, but I’ve just spent 30 minutes looking for my blog post about that activity and guess what? I don’t think I did one!

So, briefly, I brewed several different “colored” teas—using extra teabags to get a more saturated color. I used black tea, a standard tea (one you would use for iced tea) and a fruit tea (which is red in color). I set up three bowls, which I filled with about two cups of each of the teas. Then I grabbed my bag-o-filters; I used the type of coffee filter that is used in the basket-style brewers. I then stacked three filters together—folded them in half to form a half-circle. The next step is to fan fold the half-circle and secure the tip with a staple. Holding the tip, I then proceeded to dunk the wide end into the tea—make sure you make a variety of colors.

Allow to dry—in this heat, they will be dry in a few minutes! When completely dry, you will fluff the filters open to form flowers.

I attached the flowers, using floral pins, to a 3” Styrofoam ball.

The colors are still reminiscent of summer, but the paper construction materials help make the transition from lush summer to the dry season we always seem to endure before the changes of autumn.

I will continue searching for the pictures I feel sure I took while making these pomanders. When I find them, I will share the photos, along with this article, on my blog.

Well, as you can see—I added pictures. Here are a few more to show you how I’ve used them in our home. Perhaps you’ll try them, too.

Thanks for your indulgence.

Fresh Approach

2011-08-14T13:42:00.003-05:00

I think it is safe to say we’re all ready for an end to the summer of 2011—between the record setting heat and our bickering leaders on Capitol Hill—I know I’m ready!!!

Since there is little, to nothing, I can do control either of these frustrating situations, I decided to focus on things I can control or, at the very least, influence.

Darren and I have made some decisions about the business that we think will put it on the right track. I’ve been participating in a great Christian book discussion with friends. They’ve helped me gain insight—through which I’m reaching new spiritual perspective. Then there is the recent addition of my business partners, Kimberly Santiago (Creative Corner) and Kathy Owen (Petticoat Junktion). New ideas and fresh approaches are almost always a good idea. Ask, Believe, Receive.

All of this positive energy has manifested in various ways, not the least of which is a desire to bring change to Hodgepodge. I love working on the “floor” at the shop—this means with customers and with our products. I absolutely loathe being behind the desk, but it is required if I’m going to properly tend to our business. But I’ve been working on better balance and feel like it’s coming.

The other day I posted on facebook about some new displays we’ve put together at the shop and someone (my sister, Nikki) was kind enough to request pictures. Well, Nik, flattery will get you everywhere with me, so here you go . . .

Have you tried a fresh approach lately? I'd love to hear how you make changes in your life.

Thanks for your indulgence!

Creative Outbursts

2011-08-06T18:04:00.001-05:00

Do you have those?

I’ve noticed that, while I’d rather have consistent creativity, my opportunities for aesthetic expression come in fits and spurts. Fortunately, there are times when I justify the laying aside of the “should be doing” list in favor of the “would rather be doing” list!

Last week was like that at the shop. I worked on displays; pulled stuff from the backroom and found places for it on the sales floor. (It sure does make it easier to sell when the customers can see it!) Painted furniture and worked on various other projects.

In between these endeavors, I had the occasional customer (nice!) and we chatted as I rang-up their purchases. While waiting for them to conclude the decision to purchase, I would type a few words here for my blog.

Next week may be nothing but book work, filing and order filling, but this past week was fun.

One of the best things—on several levels—was the sale of one of my farm tables. While I loved the table, I was glad to have it leaving to fill a void in a local home. The problem was it would leave a large “hole” on the sales floor—with a lot of displaced merchandise. Since the customer wanted to pick-it-up the following day, we had to think quickly. After a quick run to ReStore to see if they had something I could work with, I remembered a round oak table on the third floor. I’m not a fan of the orange tones of oak, so I have been waiting for a chance to paint it and the matching chairs. Then my mind went to the new paint we’re carrying at Hodgepodge.

This is what happened next—I called my dear, strong and handsome husband (who, thankfully, was home for the week and occasionally reads these) to ask if he had the time to come move it to the “front porch” of the shop. He did and he did . . .

At 5 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m.

At 6:15 p.m.

And here it is the next day—on the sales floor—holding a great new display of Hodgepodge merchandise! I’ve been painting furniture for a long time—never have I found a product like this!

(Incidentally, I used the ReClaim in Latte.)

But I digress . . .

How do you do it? How do you block-out time for yourself? Is your family respectful of your need for your own time? Do you, like me, put the limits on yourself? (I don’t allow myself time to do things I enjoy.) Don’t get me wrong—my family would understand—these are self-imposed restrictions.

Do you do that? If not—how do you avoid it?

Thanks for your indulgence,

july 31

2011-08-04T21:37:00.001-05:00

. . . the article . . .

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a very uplifting week. It has been typically full of activity and meetings surrounding my family and business obligations like a flutter of butterflies. This bears mentioning, because those “activities and meetings” often feel more like a swarm of bees. (By the way, I looked-it-up, the National Geographic website says a group is called a “flutter.”) Unfortunately, there wasn’t a lot of time to just “be,” but the other time was productive and I feel like I’m in a good place.

When I had some time to just get a few things done “for myself,” they were things such as: dusting and reorganizing my cookbooks; gathering my inventory of silver plate flatware into mixed place settings, to sell at the shop; and, training our newest family member—the Great Pyrenees mixed-breed we adopted from the shelter last week. Now, most of those activities may sound like chores/work to a lot of folks, but for me, it was a pleasure. My indulgence was listening to a book I recently downloaded (and my daughter synced with my whosey-whats-it)—“Water for Elephants.”

This week I hope to accomplish a few more fun chores. I’ve been trying to sew some new aprons for us to wear at the shop. The sewing machine and fabric have been sitting out for entirely too long (my husband hasn’t mentioned it—this is by my own standards!). I had the back room—my “studio” cleaned-up enough to do some actual creating back there, but it quickly filled-up with the accoutrement of summer (coolers, patio cushions and bikes). I was just speaking with Mike Mitchell, an instructor in the Art Department at APSU (and, incidentally, the mastermind of the cool new Austin Peay Steampunk University—like them on Facebook for more info) about our “studio/storage” space. We both have the problem of bringing more and more cool-stuff-in-waiting, aka “supplies,” consequently, running out of room to actually perform the creative acts of transformation. I think this is a common problem with those “extra rooms” we try to claim as our own. The problem is: everyone else in the household has, in effect, claimed it as well. We’ve always used it for storage—what made me think everyone (including myself) would stop using it for storage just because I started calling it “my studio” and not the “back porch?”

(Let me interrupt this regurgitation of my weekly article to illuminate with illustrations . . . this is a publication I now carry at the shop. It is frustrating in its inspiration!)

The need for this workspace, however, has become painfully obvious in the past few weeks. I have nowhere to work on furniture for the shop, to leave projects in-the-works while paint and/or glue dries or to store the myriad of cool-stuff-in-waiting. Sure, there’s that huge building my husband bought for me to play shopkeeper in, but it’s been tight in there, too! (Especially with the Christmas order that was delivered three months too early!)

I’ve lamented about this issue before and, same as before, I hear in my head George Carlin doing his “Stuff” monologue. (If you haven’t seen it lately, it’s worth a viewing on You Tube—just be warned it is Carlin, so there is some language!)

Thanks for your indulgence,

retail warrior

2011-08-03T22:30:00.001-05:00

my article for July 24th follows—I apologize for not having the gumption to make additions to my blog beyond these articles. I hope to find the time to share more frequently . . . soon, but there are a few things that must change first. more on that later . . .

Well, the retail warrior has returned. I wouldn’t exactly describe the event of the July Market as a conquest, but I would call it successful. I found many wonderful items I will be proud to offer to my customers at Hodgepodge, but they’re not here yet. A common misconception about retailers attending the market is that they bring stuff back with them.

There are a few “cash & carry” markets, plus the jewelry vendors almost always have cash & carry opportunities at most markets, but usually, we just place orders and have stuff delivered. That’s what I did at this market.

While ordering new stuff is the main focus of these markets, I find that I go to seek inspiration and attend seminars. There is always something to learn, be it walking through the showrooms or sitting in a classroom. I’d love to get in the heads of the folks at Park Hill Collections—one of my favorite vendors. Their displays are amazing and stir my imagination like none other. The true wonder of that showroom is that people do not have attacks of claustrophobia! You think my shop is crowded and overwhelming—honey, you haven’t experienced overwhelming until you’ve shopped that showroom with about 50 other retailers! There are a few other vendors who put together displays that make we want to run back to Hodgepodge and get to work, but nothing like this crew.

I also enjoy attending the seminars. I like sitting in on these classes for two reasons: (1) I usually learn at least one new thing from the speakers; (2) misery loves company—and I’m in “good” company with the other attendees! So many of us are trying to keep our heads above water—hoping that we can keep our dreams alive. I look forward to when they offer that long awaited seminar with the Swami who reads tea leaves and crystal balls. Although, it will probably be offered while I’m in the Park Hill showroom with my jaw hanging slack and I’ll miss the all-seeing soothsayer!

So, what does all of this mean to you? It means that I’ve come back with fresh inspiration and new ideas to share with you. Shortly, we’ll start transforming the shop for fall and you’ll see some of the ideas I’ve gleaned from these design stars. Yet, while Patty, Jennifer and I keep our noses in magazines, books and blogs trying keep-up with trends, sometimes the best stuff we offer are new twists on old concepts. Most of those come from our own little heads.

First, however, I need to put some finishing touches on the most amazing wardrobe I’ve ever seen! It was a special request/order for a favorite client and it has turned-out better than I anticipated. It was constructed using new materials, married with recycled louvered shutters. We’ve painted it an incredible shade of blue and I’ll be adding a sheer coat of toner to “antique” the finish (some of that stuff from Caromal Colours®). This client also chose some new bedding—which was our inspiration for the color of the wardrobe—with her permission, I’ll add some pictures to my blog in the near future.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I apologize for the lack of pictures—that’s half the fun. isn’t it?

Thanks for your indulgence . . .

My Trip to the July Market in Atlanta

2011-07-22T16:44:00.001-05:00

(What follows is my article for the Leaf Chronicle newspaper, which appeared on Sunday, July 17th. I hope you enjoy it!)

I am sitting at my cousin’s place, preparing to hop on the Atlanta transit system (MARTA) and head downtown to the AmericasMart. This is the market where thousands upon thousands of wholesalers and retailers converge.

There are several markets throughout the year, some specifically related to clothing, some to rugs, some to food and tourism. This is The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® --note the registered trademark--this is big stuff! The campus occupies nearly three city blocks of downtown Atlanta--that’s just the foot print. The buildings are 23, 18 and 15 floors high. There is so much to see and do it can be overwhelming.

I’m shopping this one alone, but hoping to run into some friends. Andrea Herrera of Mildred & Mable’s--our newest boutique on Franklin Street--will be there; we’ve got a dinner date. I also have friends from Nashville and Kansas City I hope to run into. I enjoy looking and mulling things over, but it’s more fun when you have someone with whom to discuss your ideas.

So, what am I hoping to find? I have no idea.

I try to go with an open mind. I take a list--thoughtfully compiled by myself, Patty and Jennifer--based on items we’ve been looking for and items our customers have requested. I try to keep Hodgepodge constantly evolving. I want it to be an inspiring place for my customers, but also for me. I love to hear my clients walk in and say, “Oh, you’ve changed it again!” To that end, I’ve been making plans for a few changes throughout the shop.

If you haven’t been in recently, you need to stop by and see our new “Creative Corner” at Hodgepodge. This area has all you will need to be inspired to go home and create your own unique art work. Kimberly Santiago has put together kits to help you create works of art using mixed media. The finished works look like those an artist, such as Kimberly, has created, but now the artist will be you!

I’ve also partnered with Kathy Owen to offer Caromal Colours--a paint line I’ve discussed in this column in the past. Paints from Caromal Colours help simplify the task of transforming furniture, kitchen cabinets and even countertops into something you can love and live with for years to come. They are easy to apply and can be used alone or in layers to create a look that is as individual as you.

The items can be found on the mezzanine level of Hodgepodge--also known as the Strawberry Alley entrance--but I hope you’ll drift through the Franklin Street level to get there!

So, as I said, I hope to keep Hodgepodge evolving. I do it for my customers, but I also do it for me. I need inspiration as much as anyone. That is the main reason I come to the market. I read about products and trends 365 days a year. This is the place I come to see those products and trends “up close and personal.” The folks that work on displays in these showrooms are phenomenal and I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to soak it all in.

So, enough with the writing--I’m off!

Thanks for your indulgence~

Yes, Virginia . . . there was a vacation . . .

2011-07-20T22:13:00.001-05:00

and that’s where ours’ was . . the Tidewater area of Virginia’s Eastern shore. It was wonderful—while it lasted.

This is what we we left behind . . .

and this . . .

Which begs the question . . . why did we leave?

I hope you’re making wonderful memories for the summer of 2011.

Thanks for your indulgence!

My Leaf Chronicle Article for June 29th

2011-07-11T16:16:00.001-05:00

(So, here’s the next one . . . one more and we’re caught-up.)

Oh my gosh! I haven’t written my article! At least I’m ready, I set it up last week (good idea). Here goes . . .

Pamper yourself this summer—my tips:

1. After your morning work-out/walk/whatever, treat yourself to a cup of coffee and breakfast on your porch, patio or deck. It’s the best time of day for enjoying the outdoors. Generally speaking, even when we’re anticipating 90 degree temperatures, this is a decent time of day to be outside. There’s nothing like munching on your granola with the birds and squirrels. It also makes it easier for me to tolerate being inside the shop all day.

2. Once each week fill a dishpan with warm water, sprinkle in Epsom salts and a drop or two of peppermint oil for an at home pedicure soak. This is another great activity for the patio or deck, because you don’t have to worry about splashing water all over your carpet. Make sure you have a foot brush, pumice stone and other “foot maintenance” implements handy. Listen to music on that outdoor sound system or MP3 player and relax. Add some paint to your nails while you’re at it—you’ll feel like a new woman (or man—who am I to say?!?).

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3. I mentioned your morning work-out . . . if you haven’t included it in your regular activities; this is the perfect time to start. Summer schedules are little more relaxed and the daylight lasts longer. Get out and move. You know you need to—so get started. Indulge yourself with something good for you!

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Then, just indulge yourself . . . have you made granita yet? This has got to be one of the easiest dessert treats, but especially so during the summer. I found this one for Coffee Granita online:

Ingredients

2 cups lukewarm espresso or strong black coffee
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons coffee flavored liqueur
1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest

Directions

Combine all ingredients and stir until sugar melts. Pour mixture into 9 by 13-inch metal pan and place on level shelf in freezer for half an hour. (Mixture should only come about 1/4-inch up the side of the pan.) Remove and use a dinner fork to scrape any ice crystals that have formed on the side or bottom of the pan. Return to freezer and repeat scraping every 20 to 30 minutes for 3 to 4 hours. Once mixture is thoroughly frozen, fluff with a fork and allow flakes to "dry" in freezer another half hour before serving. When served, the granita should look like a fluffy pile of dry brown crystals.

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Scoop into goblets and top with barely sweetened whipped cream, add additional citrus zest if desired.

4. Schedule yourself a night off from complicated dinner preparations. Have at least one night each week when you serve a meal of cheeses, fruits and bread/crackers or something equally easy in the prep department. Clean-up will be extra easy, especially if the kids do it—which is my recommendation!

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How do you indulge yourself?

Thank you—for indulging me once more!

Leaf Chronicle article for June 19th

2011-07-10T15:58:00.001-05:00

I just realized that I have not posted the articles I write for the local paper lately—I’m going to do so in “rapid fire succession” just to get back on track. I hope you enjoy them . . .

It is official, we’ve decided we’re going to be able to take a family vacation this year and we’re all downright giddy! First, all five of us will be together—the entire time. Ever since we opened Hodgepodge, I’ve often had to forgo the trip all-together (ie.: Spring Break trips to Florida to see Nana) or I’ve driven to Virginia with the family and flown back early. Then, naturally, Darren has missed about half of our family vacations due to military commitments. I know this story isn’t uniquely ours and many of you can relate to spending vacation time at home or very close to home, because it is so difficult to get away from work or other commitments.

My goal, as many of you already know, is to purchase a travel trailer, preferably an Airstream, that we can leave at a campground near our beautiful lake shores in the Land Between the Lakes region. The way I figure it is week-long vacations are difficult to schedule, for everyone, but weekend get-ways are more “do-able.” (In fact, I think a week is too long to be gone, but I doubt I’ll find much agreement at my house.)

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I envision a trailer that will sleep all of us comfortably, but I don’t want the type that is all decked-out like a condo on the beach. Naturally, it will be vintage, not new. I do want a/c, an apartment- sized refrigerator, sink, cooktop and indoor “facilities.” I’m not into “roughing it,” but I am into “redecorating it!” I envision one of two themes: Roy Rogers or 50s kitsch. The cowboy theme is much more likely, as it is the one I’ve been imagining the longest, but the 50s kitsch has its own appeal in the bright colors and easy to find accessories. I guess what I really need first, though, is the trailer! Well, then a place to park it and . . .

How about you? Are you making plans to travel this summer or will you be staying home? Have you thought of some fun things to do?

(The rest of this is rather Clarksville specific, but you can likely apply most suggestions to your local attractions . . .)

Here in Clarksville, I think we’ve got great options. For instance, have you been to the new Ft. Defiance Interpretive Center? It got two big thumbs-up from my Dad and Son. You can use it as one of those subtle educational opportunities for the kids (especially considering the recent reports of our pathetic grasp of history).

Every third Friday night, there is a free concert on Strawberry Alley. You can bring your lawn chairs and pack a snack or enjoy one of our restaurants, while listening to some great music. Of course, every First Thursday we host the downtown Art Walk—a great time to get out and enjoy the wonderful talent Clarksville has to offer.

You could make a commitment to shop and eat local each weekend by getting the ingredients for your meals at the Downtown Market. Again, regular outings to the Market can have inconspicuous educational themes—the importance of supporting local farmers, sustainable environmentalism and basic commerce can be just a few of your weekly topics.

You could print a list of all of the parks and playgrounds in the community and plan a weekly visit to one. The trails at Rotary Park will provide hours of exploration and tucker the little ones out to boot! Perhaps you’ll even be able to slice yourself a little downtime out of the day while they nap. (Hmm—I feel next week’s column forming even as I type—a little summer relaxation for you!)

So, your plans are . . .?

Thanks for your indulgence!

Wine Bottle Lanterns

2011-06-29T14:32:00.002-05:00

Last night, I got together with some friends to make the wine bottle lanterns I had mentioned in one of my enewsletters (what? you don’t get my enewsletters? Sign-up here.) as our June “How Do They Do That?” class.

I served up some watermelon with goat cheese (a great combo introduced to me by my dear friend, Sheila) and cantaloupe with prosciutto –and some wine, of course—then we got started.

You will need:

an empty wine bottle

one, 1/2” x 3/8” copper coupling

one, 1/2” copper cap

one tiki replacement wick

a roll of Teflon tape, 1/2”

torch fuel (not shown)

After one false start of wrapping the wrong end of the coupling piece, this project took about 10 minutes. Super easy!

So, you start by wrapping the large end of the coupling with teflon tape until it fits snuggly in the neck of the bottle. (Now, try to keep up . . .)

You then insert your wick into the coupling, so it sticks out beyond the narrower end by about a 1/2”.

Then, using a funnel, pour the fuel into the wine bottle—be careful not to overfill.

Then you stick the wick into the bottle—with the tip fitting into the neck of the bottle.

Done!

The cap is used to keep the wick dry when not in use.

Here’s Travis demonstrating his mastery of the teflon tape.

Here’s Ryan demonstrating what not to do—this product is not for consumption!

Taylor diligently tending to her project.

The finished wine bottle lantern/torch . . .

A couple notes:

1. The refill wicks available at home improvement centers are a good size for the coupling, but they only reach two-thirds of the way down the bottle. Granted, they will absorb fuel without touching the bottom, I thought I’d rather have one that does; plus I wanted something a little more economical. I found this web site where I purchased 10’ long lengths of the wick—even with shipping, it was less expensive than the refill packages. While the coupling opening is 3/8” we decided the large wick would be better—next time I’ll get the 1/2” wick. If you’re going to make quite a few of them, you might want to order, otherwise, shop local.

2. The picture below shows a bracket you can make to attach the bottle to your privacy fence or deck, which would look cool, but make me crazy nervous about fire hazards—the link for those instructions are here.

3. Never leave an open flame unattended and don’t run with scissors.

As always, for me anyway, it wasn’t the project as much as it was the friends! Thanks to Karen, Ericka, Lauren, Debbie, Ryan, Taylor and Travis who came and participated. I had a great time with you all!

One parting shot—Travis posted this on Facebook as soon as they got home (about a 100 yard walk down the street). Lovely . . .

Thanks for your indulgence!

I'm linking to French Inspired Thursday--thinking you might use your empty French wine bottles! I am having trouble with blogger and loading the picture for the link, so just click on the words link.

Summer = Limoncello

2011-06-25T21:19:00.001-05:00

Remember the scene in Under the Tuscan Sun when Diane Lane’s—umm—love interest described the process of making “limoncello?” While, I’d prefer to drink it on the beautiful Italian coast, the patio in our backyard will do in a pinch.

I watched the movie the other night, which inspired me to make it again.

I used the recipe I found on the food network from Giada De Laurentiis—as a general guide. You’ll find it here.

Lucky for you, I captured the process in photos:

I used 1.75 liters of a decent vodka and the rinds of twelve super size lemons. I poured the vodka into a 4 L plastic pitcher, then added the rind. I put the lid on it, with the pour spout adjusted to allow it to “breath.”

There is sat for 5 days—I didn’t have time to deal with it on the fourth day—how could one more day be wrong?

(Isn’t it pretty?)

Then I made the simple syrup. Since I increased the amount of vodka by more than half, I doubled the portions for the simple syrup . . . twice (no this not a type-o; I had to make the simple syrup twice, because my ever vigilent son—chief keeper of the kitchen—thought it was water and poured the first batch down the drain.

Add the syrup to the vodka/lemon mixture, cover it d leave it on the counter for one more night. I think I was supposed to remove the lemon rinds, but again I was running short on time so I put it in the refrigerator. I poured it into these mason jars—in true “southern style” and returned it to the fridge.

The finished product . . . I think I understand why they usually sell it in frosted bottles; it’s what’s inside that matters.

One for Clarksville . . . one for Virginia (yay for vacation time!!!).

My recommendation—take it easy—it’s deceptively delicious and smooth!

Cin cin!

Thanks for your indulgence!

Just a Swingin’

2011-06-18T14:02:00.001-05:00

How are you at relaxing?

Me? Not so good.

But every now and then, it seems possible. Every now and then I am able to envision myself sitting down, poring over magazines and books—gathering information and inspiration at an exceptionally leisurely pace. Sometimes I allow myself this sort of indulgence, like when I’m visiting with my sisters—they enjoy the same things. But those opportunities are few and far between.

A little over a year ago I made this, because I had to make it:

I hangs from the rafters on the third floor of our building—only because I have nowhere to put it our house.

Isn’t it inviting?

It’s dressed in the softest bed sheets printed with a sweet rosebud and four, feather-filled euro pillows.

I love knowing it’s up there, but I rarely visit it. I’ve never lounged on it—although I did check it for sturdiness. I made it for The Roost (our attempt at a Occasional Sale here in Clarksville). It’s sad that it’s up there—all alone, but it’s also strangely comforting.

One of these days, I’d like to build one for a porch, preferably screened, and facing a lake or river.

One of these days . . .

Thanks for your indulgence.

ps—the one above is available for purchase (local delivery only).

Summer Heat and Wine Bottles

2011-06-11T13:46:00.003-05:00

My weekly Leaf-Chronicle article follows:

Summer is here and it appears Mother Nature is really mad at us. How else do we explain leaving record setting winter temperatures and moving straight into record setting summer temperatures? Someone needs to apologize and soon—otherwise we’ll all just turn into puddles on the sidewalk!

The worst part is, we had all of that rain and my perennials went nuts! Usually that’s good thing, but my front garden went from a reasonably attractive cottage garden to “grab your machete in order to cut through this dense growth” garden. Thinning that growth in this heat was horrible! The other drawback to the rain is the weeds. They really enjoyed our wet spring, too. We’ve determined that feeding the birds this past winter, combined with the rain, resulted in copious amounts of weeds. But, we did use the weeds as an opportunity for some “family bonding,” by enlisting the help of the kids to pluck the weeds out of our garden beds. Needless to say, they don’t want to feed the birds next winter.

Now, we’re just watching the water meter tick off gallon after gallon in order to give the newly planted perennials and annuals a fighting chance. Several years ago, I found my favorite garden product—it is called the “Plant Nanny.” They help keep the soil moist—right at the roots, too. This isn’t the kind with the glass globes; you use your own recycled wine bottles. We sold them at Hodgepodge but, the manufacturer hasn’t been producing them and I’ve not had them available for over a year. I recently approached a local potter and asked her to reproduce them for me—I’ll keep you posted!

Speaking of wine bottles, have you ever had one that you just hate to throw-out or even send to the recycling bin because it’s just too pretty? (I find it especially difficult to give up blue bottles.) Well, that just means you need to find something creative to do with them—like those plant nannies. I love seeing a row of pretty bottle, blue, green or clear, lined-up across a window sill—catching the morning or afternoon sun. I’ve seen them transformed into clever chandeliers, such as those made by Jillian Legg-Romano at ARTifacts. I have candelabras that you insert in used wine bottles. There are so many creative re-uses for these bottles! There is also the bottle trees you see in many yards—I never tire of those.

My all-time favorite re-use, however, is to invert them in the ground to form an edging for your garden (a la “rock garden”) or use them as a border along your path. I originally saw this at my friend’s, Becky Hall’s, house. She used them in groups of 5 – 7 as mini ledges for a garden she planted on an incline. It reminded me of my parents’ rock garden in Maryland—only there are wine bottles where the rocks would be. Terribly clever!

I’ve recently made my own wine bottle lanterns. I’ll be posting instructions for your own DIY project later this week. Do you have any other ideas for recycling wine bottles? As always, I’d love to hear from you.

Okay—time for the alibi. I was going to post the instruction for the wine bottle lantern, then I decided it would be more fun to get-together and make them. So, mark your calendars and sign-up for our next “How Do They Do That?” class on June 28th, 6:30 p.m. at my house. I’ll provide all of the supplies, but you can use your own wine bottle, if you so desire. Cost for the class will be $15. It’ll look like this—minus the mounting bracket . . .

Pay for the class online, through paypal:

Thanks for your indulgence!

I’ve been painting . . .

2011-06-09T22:19:00.002-05:00

I love working on a piece of furniture—taking a piece of discarded furniture and making it desirable again or simply adding a finish to a unfinished piece.

This project was a custom made piece—a platter rack.

I had a customer in the shop who had been looking for just such a rack. She saw our display piece and we started discussing possible finishes. Fortunately, my friend, Glenn, had time to add the finishing touches to a rack he had already been working on, prior to leaving for Norway. He delivered it to the shop and I proceeded to add a Country French yellow finish to it. This is how I did it . . .

I started with a provincial stain from Minwax.

This was my base. I the started using the Caromal Colours products. The next layer was the chipping crème. You can see it on the lowest shelf—it appears milky white, but dries clear. This is the layer you need to apply if you intend to “age” the piece you’re painting by removing (sanding) away the paint layer.

(I thought you might be able to skip this step, but I assure you—you cannot. This paint has such an incredibly powerful bond with the object, that simple sanding doesn’t work.)

Here is the painted piece.

Here is the rack after I’ve sanded it. I could barely get the paint to budge where I hadn’t used the chipping crème.

This is one side after I’ve sanded it.

Here is the same side after I’ve brushed it with the toner . . .

Then the same side (albeit turned-over), after I’ve rubbed the toner off again!

And, viola, the finished piece!

I love, love , love how it turned out! I hope my client is happy, as well.

Just a side note . . . Hodgepodge will soon begin carrying Caromal Colours! I’m very excited to be partnering with Kathy Owen of Petticoat Junktion to offer these amazing paints! We’ll share more information as the inventory begins arriving. In the meantime, let us know if you have questions.

Also, let me suggest you sign-up to receive my emails if you think you’d be interested in learning more about these paints. Kathy will be offering a class in the coming weeks. (The link is on the side bar of my blog.)

I'm linking to Vintage Inspired Friday with Debra at Common Ground.

Thanks for your indulgence!

Southern Style

2011-06-08T09:37:00.001-05:00

My latest opportunity to create something turned into an accidental creation of two things.

A while ago, Kendall helped me with a project for a group of Army spouses. They were coming to the shop to hold their monthly meeting and wanted to work on a project as well. Kendall had seen an idea for this:

We made dioramas inside of canning jars. The idea being that you’re giving the impression of having captured the subject of your diorama in a canning jar. Cute!

Well, as I’m always trying to plan the next “how do they do that” project (although, I rarely actually find time to convene these classes—I do think about them!), I was trying to think of other projects or diorama themes we could produce. I decided—in the interest of appealing display—to elevate the canning jars.

And thus was born—a truly accidental conception—the Southern Style wine glass!

In honor of their birth place, I’ve given them names in honor of the rivers which converge here in Clarksville—the Red River red wine goblet and the Cumberland white wine glass.

Here’s the great display Jennifer arranged at Hodgepodge:

Jennifer moved them out of my laundry basket and arranged this great display . . .

Love that willow wrapped wine cooler!

Some visual aides—you can use them for any ole beverage of your choice, but we used Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio!

Here’s a tight shot of the Cumberland White Wine glass.

The Red River Red Wine glass.

A table setting using the glasses and our melamine dinner plates.

I hope you enjoyed taking a look at Southern Style table setting using our new wine glasses.

Thanks for your indulgence.

Cookbooks—one last word!

2011-06-03T11:21:00.001-05:00

(This was my article for the Leaf-Chronicle on Sunday, May 29th. It seems folks are pretty passionate about their favorites!)

This will be the last one, I promise! I hadn’t planned to write another article about cookbooks, but after meeting with the wonderful ladies who make up the Clarksville Country Women’s Club, I decided I would be remiss if I didn’t add this addendum to last week’s article about my favorite cookbooks. I completely ignored the locally produced cookbooks; those produced by church groups, women’s clubs and military family support groups. I spoke with a few of their members and we discussed how much we enjoy locally produced cookbooks. Actually, I also received several emails and a few facebook comments regarding the some favorites I failed to mention

The first one brought to my attention was the local Junior Auxiliary’s Linen Napkins to Paper Plates. I’ve carried this one at the shop and receive calls for it constantly, but they’re no longer printing it. Let this serve as notice the ladies of the Junior Auxiliary—there is demand for your product. After that, the mentions were community specific.

What I like about those types of cookbooks is that they usually contain the best of the best. Those who submit their recipes are usually very proud of their submissions. They only offer-up those recipes that receive highest accolades at family dinners, reunions and social gatherings. The recipes in these collections have often been handed down for generations. Don’t you just love it recipe calls for “oleo;” you just know that one is a few generations old!

I really like finding these types of cookbooks from 30 or more years ago. It’s like a history book. The cooking tips are priceless! The other thing I love is that they are full-on-fat-content-be-darned recipes! Rarely do you come across a recipe in one of these books that would be considered “light.” They speak of a different time in our American lives. They speak of days of activity and very little—if any—television viewing; definitely no games to be played on tv. Kid’s activities, as well as adult activities took place outside. These recipes are from the kitchens of ladies who prepared their dinners without “googling” menu plans on the internet. They shared their recipes through bridge clubs and church groups. You’ve got to love that!

My all-time favorite compilation of recipes, however was my own notebook filled with recipes. I started it one summer while we were in limbo between Germany and Georgia. I spent a lot of time traveling to see family and friends while Darren found us a house and got settled at his new unit. While visiting, I wrote down recipes for the dishes they prepared for us. I also took the opportunity to copy a lot of my mom’s recipes in her index card file. I had recipes from my aunt, grandmother and cousins as well as those of friends. It was a treasure!

You’ll note I used the past tense.

About two years ago, I took it with me to do my grocery shopping and accidentally left it at the check-out counter. I ran immediately back to the store, but we couldn’t locate it. It made me so sad to know I’d never be able to compile such an amazing collection I’ll never know where it went, but I hope someone is using it and enjoying as much as I did. If the new owner is reading this, be sure to try my mimi’s 1-2-3-4 cake—it is amazing!

Well, that wraps-up the cookbook series . . . for now. Thanks for your indulgence.

Cookbook Confidential

2011-05-27T14:54:00.001-05:00

(Here’s the article for this past Sunday. I wanted to add some pics, so I had my daughter take a few quick pictures of a portion of my cookbook collection. I don’t think she was into it as they were all shot from her full-standing height—one shot each. Let’s just say, she wasn’t into the composition of her photos. Worse yet—I couldn’t edit them! I wanted you to see the full truth of my addiction, but not the full truth of my poor housekeeping habits! Anyway, I hope you enjoy. Let me know if you can relate!)

As promised, here begins the true confessions of a cookbook-aholic and why I’ll never even try to recover.

Okay, first, I come by this honestly. (Yes, this is where I blame my mother, but I will note I publically heaped praise upon her just a few weeks ago, via a blog post!) Actually, I wouldn’t even call it “blame,” per se, as I don’t believe it to be a problem—unless, of course, I account for the expense. My mom brought me up to enjoy cooking, but her mother lived for it! My grandmother loved entertaining—big dinners or luncheons and everything in between. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking, eating and discussing food. We often joke about the fact that even though she wasn’t able to work in the kitchen in her later years, she would pore over cookbooks and magazines looking for recipes; the Food Network was her favorite station. My parents would find notes about recipes she had seen on a show, Paula Dean being one of her favorites, written on anything within her reach.

They both love cooking, but it was Mom who gave me a copy of the Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook when I graduated from college or was it when I got married? Anyhoo, it was my first basic cookbook—it was the one she used the most for her basic cooking and I’ve found that it’s still my “go to” book. Later however, my sister, Nikki, gave me The New Basics Cookbook by Julie Rosso and Sheila Lukins and I found my new love! I referenced that book for new twists on old traditions, but also for all of the great cooking quotes they included throughout its pages. In fact, I incorporated four of the quotes in a border I painted in my kitchen in Georgia. While in Georgia, I started receiving the Southern Living Annual cookbook as a gift from my Grandmother; she provided me with many in my collection, then my mother gave me several from my Grandmother’s collection after she passed. I’ve since decided to collect them for each of the years Darren and I have been married—I’m only missing a few!

I find that I often reference the seasonal menus you can find in the Southern Living books, which is a feature I enjoy in many other cookbooks, as well. I’ve found many of our “family tradition” recipes with this resource. Another favorite is Jane Brody’s, Good Food Gourmet, her black bean soup is fabulous and I used her Asian Coleslaw recipe for my basic peanut sauce recipe. One that I’ve purchased in recent years is Julia Child’s, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I love everything I’ve tried in this treasure—I should use it more.

My mother pointed out that Jane Brody’s book came at a time when cookbooks started to change. They became more of a lifestyle guide—meaning not just recipes, but also entertaining ideas and personal stories, as well. I think those are my favorite kind! I have a few selections at the shop written by Tessa Kiros; they are all beautiful!

I’ve purchased a few bombs, too. I know Martha Stewart is the queen of cookbooks and entertaining, but I rarely find a recipe I’d use a second time; her Carolina bar-b-que sauce recipe being the only exception. (Guess I can kiss any future endorsements from Martha good-bye!)

There you have some of my favorites, but there are so many others. They can be found in almost every room of my house—on my bedside table, in the stack on the floor by my reading chair and, of course, in the kitchen.

Now it’s time for true confessions—tell me I’m in good company!

Thanks for your indulgence!

Weekend Activites

2011-05-23T09:43:00.001-05:00

This weekend went by in a flash, but I feel like we accomplished a lot. Yesterday, my daughter Hannah helped me clean-out our backroom (a never ending job), while Kimberly Santiago and her daughters painted the “art/vintage gallery” room and Larry Corrigan and his son worked on the lighting in my display windows. Lots of stuff happening all at once!

On Saturday, however, we enjoyed ourselves at the “Southside Brew Fest,” hosted by Amy Johnston at her home is southern Montgomery County; or, as Hannah commented, “the edge of the Earth!” (We really don’t get out of downtown Clarksville much!)

Our hostess:

Me and my girls:

But before we went and had our fun, I put together a huge bowl of pasta salad and these:

Yes—they were delicious! Bonus: they were easy!

I used to pride myself on making all of my cake, cookies and brownies from scratch—now, my pride is found in finding the time to make anything!

That being said, the recipe can be found on the back of the Pillsbury Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix box. Instead of the recommended vanilla ice cream, I used Breyer’s Black Raspberry Chocolate ice cream for the filling. Oh my!

The cookie recipe is doctored a little to help it serve as the outside layers for these sandwiches, but you probably have the additional recipe requirements in your pantry (even if you’re using mixes, too!) Once you make this very thick dough, you then roll the dough into balls:

Then you press them with the bottom of a glass/jar for a uniform shape:

Then you bake them:

After letting them cool completely, you add a small scoop of ice cream and toss them (quickly) into the freezer.

After we put them all together, my daughter reminded me that my friend, Martha, had brought some ice cream sandwiches very similar to these to a cook-out last year. (She probably made them from scratch!) I’m sure the were lingering in the periphery of my subconscious!

I probably should have made them 24 hours in advance—rather than just two hours—but we enjoyed them!

Pretty sure I’ll do this again!

Thanks for your indulgence!

Books—they’ll never be out-of-style here

2011-05-18T21:58:00.001-05:00

(This was my Leaf-Chronicle article on Sunday, May 15th)

Remember a few weeks ago when I stated: “I consider an orderly house representative of time misspent.” Now, take a look at the title of a book I saw on the shelf of a local (but not downtown—hint, hint) book store: A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of A Misspent Life: How to live creatively with collections, clutter, work, kids, pets, art, etc... and stop worrying about everything being perfectly in its place. (Yes—that’s the title!) I thought, this is my missing since birth, twin sister, but then I saw her picture and thought—I could only be so lucky! The author’s name is Mary Randolph Carter and I’m sorry to say this is my first encounter with her. I picked-up the last copy, but I’m sure you can have Books-a-Million or Borders order it for you. (You’ll note I’m not recommending you purchase it online—shop local!) She has another one I’ve asked them to order for me, entitled: For the Love of Old: Living with Chipped, Frayed, Tarnished, Faded, Tattered, Worn and Weathered Things that Bring Comfort, Character and Joy to the Places We Call Home.

I have to say, the other reason I think we’re related is her verbosity! She says a mouthful, too.

Well, this got me thinking . . . I always talk about my magazine addiction, but rarely bring-up my love for books. Boy, do we have some books! If ever the book I can hold in my hand disappears, I’m not sure what I’d do. I am not interested in those book tablets—at all. I’m a book holder. I love the paper stock, glossy pages are nice, but more and more I prefer matte. I don’t dog ear pages, but anything flat and within reach has been or will be enlisted as a book mark. In fact, those little solicitation cards that fall out of my magazines are my favorite recycled bookmarks! I prefer hard cover (when I can afford it) and I will almost always buy something related to home décor. Novels, on the other hand, are almost exclusively ingested in the form of books-on-tape.

Since I’ve often posted about repurposing items and about flea market decorating, I thought I’d share the titles of some of my favorite reference books for these topics. So, here you are:

I love Junk Beautiful: Room by Room Makeovers with Junk Market Style by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer. These ladies have an eye for repurposing nearly anything they can get their hands on. Sue then partnered with Kimberly Melamed to write Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition. This book has really inspired me to take our back yard to a new “junk” level! Next, I would recommend anything by Rachel Ashwell, but my favorite is Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting and Decorating Guide, because it’s her “how to” book.

Those are just a few of my “go to” favorites. I’d love to hear about your favorite home decorating books—be sure to visit my blog where you can mention the titles in your comments. Next week, my cookbook addiction!

Thanks for your indulgence!

volunteering a little time for spring beauty

2011-05-15T21:09:00.001-05:00

Spring is in the air and the flowers are in the planters—thanks to some wonderful volunteers. This is what we we did Saturday morning:

Our eldest daughter, Hunter, fresh off her freshman year at Austin Peay State University, woke-up early on a Saturday to help.

Linda Shepherd, of Edward’s Steakhouse, and Anne Head, of Rogate’s Boutique, joined us in our beautification of Franklin Street and Strawberry Alley.

Here’s my sister, Kendall Welsh, of ARTifacts, with Anne, trying to pretend there isn’t a dumpster behind them.

One of my best.

Helping Ryan Bowie, of The Roxy Regional Theatre, put the finishing touches on a planter.

Did I get any pictures of anyone standing upright?

Nope.

Still not upright . . .

Okay—upright.

The City of Clarksville usually fills the planters with flowers in late-April, but due to the winds and storms, they’ve been busy cleaning-up downed trees and flooded parks. So, we struck a deal—the city provided the flowers and some extra dirt. We provided the man-power (woman-power, too).

Thanks for your indulgence . . .

Thanks, Mom!

2011-05-08T16:28:00.001-05:00

Mother’s Day—while an invention of the greeting card industry—is the perfect occasion to publically acknowledge all of the great gifts I’ve received from my mother . . .

photo

the ability to pull-together a balanced meal (not that I always do, but I know what one looks like!);

photo

the ability to set a table—I’d have to reference Emily Post for a “State Dinner”—but thanks to Mom I know where the forks, knives and napkins go!

photo

the knowledge that you never appear in public in your pajamas or without appropriate foundation garments. (I admit it, I wasgoing to use those “people of WalMart photos,” but they’re just too gross—besides, I always look like this when shopping . . .)

image

hospital corners.

the ability to listen to my children without constant instruction—to allow them to make mistakes with the minimal amount of “I told you so’s”—to support them even when I feel the endeavor is completely pointless—the ability to love them even when they’re not-very-lovable.

photo

I now read those pages the pharmacist prints out for my information.

never, ever throw away a magazine you might find useful in this (or the next) lifetime.

okay—I’ve got to end this somewhere. I just wanted the world, or at least my 124 followers, to know that I think the world of her and I appreciate all she’s done for, and continues to do for, me.

Thanks for your indulgence!

mayhem then moss

2011-05-03T21:31:00.001-05:00

What a week! We’ve had entirely too much excitement around our house and I am glad to have those days in my rearview mirror. While we were left safe and reasonably sound, many were not and they are in our thoughts and prayers.

I have to say, however, the end days of the week were absolutely lovely and almost worth the anxiety of the storm warnings. Is there anything better than temperatures in the 60s with the sun shining? Darren and I even found pleasure in sitting in our garden and pulling weeds. One drawback of feeding the birds all winter long is the discarded seeds, which quickly germinate in the spring. Yet, the seedlings are oh so worth dealing with while listening to a birdhouse full of chickadees as they await the next feeding from their parents.

So the gardens and lawn are looking lush and lovely. I hope we can keep them that way. Last year was so dry—it was hard to keep-up with the amount of watering it required. My favorite thing about all of the wet weather, however, has got to be the moss which is taking hold on our patio. Yes—I’m one of those. I love to see moss growing between pavers or beside a path. Darren has acquiesced and was even heard saying that it was filling in well. (He didn’t say he liked it, but at least he didn’t bend over and pluck it out!) When he first began laying our patio, my first thought was of the wonderful times we’d share with friends and family, but my second was of the moss that I would encourage to grow!

What is it about a moss covered patio? I think it’s like most other things I prefer to have around me—it feels comfortable, carefree and aged. I don’t like worrying about water rings on coffee tables. I like stacks of books and magazines within arm’s reach of any chair. I like plants to intermingle in the garden and I like moss to grow on our patio. I consider an orderly house representative of time misspent.

Of course, our old house and building are anything but “carefree;” in fact, they have both provided Darren with an endless list of chores. Wet, stormy weather seems to bring many needed home repairs to light. Nothing can do damage to wooden structures like water can. Roofs and basements will leak and gutters runneth over. Darren is slowly working his way around the house, scraping old paint, repairing damaged siding, corbels and finials, but has paused for the storm damage repairs. I think we have a love/hate relationship with our old structures . . . I love them, he hates them!

If you’re a moss lover, too, there are several methods for cultivating moss in your garden and on your patio. I found the following information on the web at: gardening.about.com. Moss does best in shaded, moist locations—in fact, it will not grow in a location that gets the hot afternoon sun. To start it in the garden, it’s best to transplant a piece of it from another location. It must be kept moist for several weeks. You may need to pin it down or hold it in place with several small stones. If your trying to encourage moss on your patio, you can mix-up a recipe of 2 cups of buttermilk or plain yogurt with 1 ½ cups of chopped-up moss (fresh or dried). Once the mixture is well-blended, you then paint it on your desired surface. Allow to sit for a few days, but you should start see a mold like substance followed by the moss!

I think I’m going to try that recipe on a few terra cotta pots I’d like to age. I’ll let you know how it works.

Here is a picture of the pots on the bottom of my “potting shelf.” As it turns out—they’ve take care of the moss cover on their own! I still plan to try some on my own.

Thanks for your indulgence.

Chicken Wire Cloche

2011-04-29T16:38:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks ago, a few of us got together at Hodgepodge to construct chicken wire cloches. I made my first one a few years ago when I participated in a design challenge. We were all given the same product and we had to arrange a display, but we couldn’t use any other vendor’s merchandise—only stuff we made or found at flea markets. That’s when I had the idea to make a cloche out of chicken wire.

They are great for display, but also serve a practical purpose. Nita will be using hers to protect young plants from deer.

We used chicken wire, macramé rings and a loose leaf binding ring from an office supply shop. We had a lot of fun and collaborated to improve the construction process. Here are a few pictures:

Travis, Kendall and Keith at their shared work station.

Nita and Kimberly working together.

Here’s Ryan and another Kendall (what are the odds).

Ryan and Kendall in deep concentration.

Ryan and Travis’ finished products!

Another fun evening with friends!

Thanks for your indulgence!

Patio décor and dilemma (Leaf Chronicle Article)

2011-04-27T20:08:00.003-05:00

So, guess what I bought last weekend? Yup—more seating for the patio! It couldn’t be helped. It’s actually another glider-style bench, but it’s made of wood and painted white. I had to do some shifting, but it’s already in place and ready for the return of good weather!

The other outdoor project which we always manage to find a way to deal with, but has never been done “right” is our music source. We enjoy listening to music while we’re outside, but it tends to find its place on a table right behind the sofa, which creates two problems: the people sitting on the sofa cannot hear the conversations, due to the music, and the sound system takes up the valuable tabletop surface I referred to in the previous post. Yet, as I’m writing this, I’ve had an epiphany—and to think, this has been an issue for nearly nine years—you are witnessing the slowly turning wheels of creative problem solving! About fifteen years ago, I gave Darren some outdoor speakers, so we could enjoy music on our back porch at our house in Georgia. We have been storing those speakers in the hopes that we’ll figure out how to run the speaker wire from our family room stereo to the back of house. (Okay, we know how to do it, it’s just that neither one of us is too eager to climb under the house and belly crawl to the hole where we could drop the speaker wires—so we’re content pretending it “just can’t be done.”) Then, last year I gave Darren a fairly decent sound system that can be used with an IPod. It just occurred to me that we can set-up that system in our backroom, add the outdoor speakers (no “under house crawling” required) and there I’ve solved two of our problems! Music, check! Tabletop space, check!

Have any of you ever thought of adding one of those really nice outdoor kitchens? Darren figures that considering how much time we spend outside, he’s putting it on his wish list of things he’s like to add. I love the idea, but many of the designs I’ve seen always look so—ummm—planned. You know what I mean? They’re usually ensconced in a big stone wall-like design.

photo: badbullmedia.com

Looks a little "planned,” doesn’t it? Pretty, but not my style.

I think I would have a hard time meshing it with the “gathered” look of the rest of the patio area. I’m going to have to give it some more thought.

photo: outdoorkitchendesign.org

This is a little more my style.

I’m wondering if any of you have an outdoor kitchen and would share your likes and dislikes about it. I’d love to hear from you. This isn’t anything I plan to start in the immediate future—it’s just a good idea to start formulate a plan and goals. It’s an even better idea to learn from those of you with firsthand experience.

2010 Southern Living Georgia Idea House: Courtyard Potting Bench < 2010 Southern Living Georgia Idea House - Southern Living

My mom pointed out a way-cool potting bench cum-outdoor sink in a recent issue of Southern Living—I’d love to incorporate this!

So, I’ve worked-out one issue and created another. I want to thank you for helping me talk through the stereo dilemma—you’ve been very helpful! I hope you’ll let me know if I can help you with any of your own.

Thanks for your indulgence!

a quick change at Hodgepodge

2011-04-18T22:20:00.001-05:00

Finally getting something done!

Much to my chagrin, I finally sold a favorite cabinet at Hodgepodge.

It was made from a recycled paneled door, barn board and a screen door.

As well as a wonderful iron bed . . .

With the restrictions of a busy Rivers & Spires festival weekend, I needed to find a creative fix for some quick replacements.

For the bed, I remembered this maple, artichoke finial full bed I had in the back room. Not being a big fan of the orange-y tint of maple, I was determined to get it painted before I put it on the floor.

So, I pulled the head- and footboards out to the front porch area and started cleaning, sanding and cleaning again. Then I reached for this beautiful shade of taupe paint.

Here’s how it looks now:

What a classic look, eh?

Then, to replace that wonderful cabinet . . .

What to do? I love that thing—it held so much and offered such impact at the front of the shop. Yet, it’s going to a good home and she was appropriately excited about it (I couldn’t let just anyone take it home!). So, I took a look at the Acme boot factory racks I had just acquired and thought there it is! They’ve been serving s my sidewalk sale carts, but this was a more important need. They have a great urban design look. After some quick repairs . . .

And here’s the boot rack, turned kitchen shelving:

Way cool, eh?

Well, that’s all I wanted to share today. I just love the urban, industry look of these racks.

Any other ideas for how you would use this rack? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for your indulgence!

Leaf Chronicle Article for April 15th

2011-04-16T17:17:00.001-05:00

Forgot to post this on Monday!

The outdoor entertaining season is getting close—I’d venture to say that for the Kings, it’s here.

Darren has been busy mulching the flower beds and I’ve been busy making plans for plants I’d like to add. My folks are coming for a visit next week, so I’ve given them a wish list of transplants I’d like to have from their gardens. I am currently enjoying the Lenten Rose my parents gave me the first year we moved into our house. They are strong performers every year and it makes me smile to know they’re transplants from my parents’ yard. I’ve requested some of the Queen Fern this year.

Regardless of which plants are growing in the garden, we will gladly begin the annual process of cleaning the patio furniture and pulling-out the cushions and pillows from storage in anticipation of friendly gatherings around the fire pit.

At this time of year, I have to resist the urge to add more stuff to the patio. As it stands, we have a sofa, a glider, two rockers, two Adirondack chairs and an iron mesh table with four matching chair. You would think that is plenty of seating, but inevitably we have to pull-out extra chairs to seat everyone. I love the metal chairs that were popular in the 50s. I know they are making reproductions of those chairs, but I prefer finding old chairs with chippy paint. Ooh, the need for more chairs is heating-up . . . I might be able to squeeze another two chairs in—somewhere.

Tables are another matter. We definitely need more tables. There are never enough surfaces for drinks and food. I’ve got the metal base of a table I found two years ago. It has been waiting for me to find the perfect replacement top so it can be put back in useful service again. I have to consider it will sit outside in the elements, so that has limited my options. Sure, I could just have a piece of glass cut for it, but that’s too obvious. I considered using a window, but water would pool on it, which would severely limit the lifespan of that surface. I’ve considered making a mosaic tile top using all of our broken plates (which would help me justify the fact that I keep all of our broken china), but that is a time intensive project. I had another idea, but it escapes me at the moment. I guess I should just get the glass cut and be done with it!

Apparently, they decided to end it right there. So I’ve taken the part they cut and it’ll be part of next week’s article. In the meantime, if you’ve got any clever ideas for replace tabletops—please let me know!

Thanks for your indulgence!

entertaining ideas at hodgepodge

2011-04-10T00:33:00.001-05:00

The new merchandise has been rolling into Hodgepodge and it seems I was developing a subconscious theme—entertaining!

Many of our new inventory items will help you pull-together a picture perfect event. From appetizers to aperitifs—we’ve got you covered. So, when I started thinking about how to incorporate these items into our displays, I decided to arrange and entire display around the entertaining theme.

Here is the the whole shebang:

This porcelain handled service set elevates an iceberg and shredded cheddar salad to mixed baby greens with goat cheese.

Cheese platters are almost always a part of our offerings for our guests. I love these cheese knives from Comptoir de Famillie; along with the cheese marker tiles (you can write on them with dry erase markers) on one of these bamboo cutting boards would make a great presentation.

The low profile of this sugar mold votive holder makes it ideal for a buffet table. The three tier server also helps make the most out of limited space on a table. Try elevating items on cake pedestals—such as the willow dome at the rear.

Arrive at a party with this jute tote filled with wine and you’ll be at the top of the invitation list every time!

These monogrammed bottle stoppers make a great gift, but they’re wonderful to have on hand to re-cork your wines, balsamic vinegars and oils!

The perfect cocktail napkin for a wine and cheese party . . .

This corkscrew is a piece of art! You won’t want to put it in a drawer.

These 6-inch square, linen blend coasters are only made better with a monogram!

The Derby provides the perfect opportunity to have a few friends over for a celebration. These footed mint julep cups are silver plated, adding authenticity to your celebration. The willow dome and tray are great for outdoor entertaining—helping to keep the bugs off of your food.

If you prefer your mint in a mojito, perhaps we can interest you in this beautiful wooden muddler. It comes in a muslin bag with the recipe printed on it.

This wonderful peasant boy statue is ideal for serving nuts, candies or olives, but for now he’ll just hold the extra corks.

These easy-mix dips from Gourmet du Village blend into tasty appetizers with the addition of only a couple ingredients. I keep them in my pantry—just in case.

The only thing better than brie . . . brie with apricot & jalapeno topper! The cheese ball mixes come in sweet or savory flavors.

Use the brie baker for serving, as well. The dip chiller has been a favorite of ours for years! Mix-up your dip and keep it chilled with the addition of ice in the base.

I hope this gives you a few ideas for your next get-together. If you’re interested in any of the items you see here, please visit the Hodgepodge Boutique.

Thanks for your indulgence.

Paige

The Bedroom—the last one . . . for now.

2011-04-05T10:49:00.001-05:00

I promise, we’ll move out of the bedroom soon, but I have received a lot of feedback that it is an area where many folks struggle with their decorating decisions. In particular, many are flummoxed by the bed itself. Many of us do not have a bed—we have a mattress sitting on a box spring, but not a “bed.” The question then becomes, how do you finish the look of the bedroom when you don’t have a four poster bed complete with a canopy draped in lace? Let’s see what we can come up with . . .

We had a brief encounter with a real bed a few years ago. I had maneuvered our queen box spring and mattress onto the frame of a full bed I fell in love with, but it was a short lived arrangement. The bed worked fine, it was just that it took-up so much space in our room and it felt claustrophobic. So, it was out with the cannonball four-post bed (which has been converted into a really cool bench for my “creative space”) and in with the blue doors.

Here’s the bed bench—the bed was white, but I had it painted black when I asked my favorite craftsman to covert it into this extra deep bench. It now has a mattress ticking on it and a wealth of pillows!

While out scouring antique and junk shops for inventory, I came across three vintage doors in three different booths at the same mall; all three were painted shades of blue. I wasn’t looking for these doors, but when I rounded the corner and saw the third door, I thought I had to figure out something to do with them! There and then, I decided they were going to be the new headboard for our bed. I went home, disassembled the bed and propped the three doors against the wall and viola, we had a headboard. I loved this look. The doors didn’t match, but they worked together. You can use the same idea. If you don’t like the idea of just propping the doors, you can use brackets to attach the doors to the wall.

I’ve looked and looked for a picture of my door headboards—I was sure I posted about them before! Anyhoo, the best I could do was this picture that shows two of the doors in the reflection of our mirror on our wardrobe. (Yes—that’s my outfit for that day lying there on the bed.) We lost them in the fire—just smoke damage, but they were stinky!

There are other great substitutes for headboards. I’ve used old wood shutters—hanging them horizontally on the wall. You can find decorative iron work or other architectural elements to use the same way. Those iron porch supports—popular in the 1960s and 70s—can be found all over the place. Art work is another option—one large piece hung at a low level will connect the eye with the bed and ground the look. I’ve also arranged a twin bed in front of an antique fireplace mantel. Our current headboard or focal point is comprised of the side mirrors once found on a vanity and a lovely, empty vintage frame.

You can find instructions all over the internet to make your own upholstered headboard—a quick and easy do-it-yourself for almost anyone. I like these because you can easily change the cover with no sewing involved—scissors and staples will do the trick. If you don’t want to tackle the job of cutting the plywood, most home improvement store will cut the wood to your dimensions.

Another effortless option is to hang a curtain rod above the bed and use ready-made curtains as a focal point. At the shop, we have a semi-circular canopy support which attaches to the wall above the bed and supports simple tie-tab curtains.

This type of device makes it easy to add a canopy to any bed. Another simplistic canopy option involves hanging a grapevine wreath from the ceiling parallel to the floor using a three- or four-point support of fishing line. You can then drape tulle around the bed. I prefer to use this technique for a canopy above the head of the bed only, but if you have high ceilings, it is possible to use this for a full mosquito net-like effect.

I hope I’ve given you an idea or two for your bedroom decorating dilemmas. You don’t have to have a “bed” to complete your bedroom; there are many easy, affordable alternatives. If you have other ideas, I hope you’ll share them here . . .

Thanks for your indulgence,

Leaf Chronicle column, March 27th

2011-03-27T21:18:00.001-05:00

As promised, this column is going to address some of the many options and issues we face in choosing our bedding—here’s where I lose 80% of the male readers on which I had a tenuous hold at best. Guys generally don’t care what is on the bed, until it’s—in their opinion—the wrong thing.

I may as well address this issue at the onset. One of the most common refrains I hear as ladies stare with longing at the romantic bed vignettes we present at Hodgepodge is: My husband would never go for that. While I agree that home decorating is best done with some cooperative effort between the spouses, I generally say “break the rules” in the bedroom. Try to stay with me here guys, most of the time spent in the bedroom is with eyes closed. As long as the mattress is comfy, does it really matter if you’re lying under a quilt with a floral design? I think not. Go ahead and stand firm for the recliner in the den (not that it would work in our house), but let her have the bedroom.

Alrighty then, next issue: bed-in-a-bag. (Here’s where I may lose the rest of you, but I’m not trying to be insulting, really.) While I do agree they serve a purpose—they’re easy to grab and an ideal option for many bachelors—I’d much rather see you choose a pieces that reflect your taste and needs. The “package deal” offered with one bag full of comforter, shams, dust ruffle and throw pillows has improved and there are a few tasteful options available. Yet, thought of your bedroom looking the same as your neighbors and someone across the state is off putting.

So here are some tools for you when choosing a look unique to you. We’ll start at the bottom with the dust ruffle. Some folks prefer not to have a dust ruffle—I prefer to have two! The ruffle generally is placed directly on the top of your box spring. Depending on your mattress set and bed you’ll need to measure for the drop you desire—measure form the top of the box spring to the floor. Most dust ruffles have a drop between 14 – 16 inches. If you like the layered look you’ll want to find two dust ruffles with different lengths. I achieved our look with a king size ruffle on the bottom and a queen size on top of it. I cinched the king sized ruffle in the center, but allowed it to puddle on the floor.

The next layer will be your sheets. This is really the most important aspect of the bedding, because it’s where most of the contact happens. We’ve recently discovered the pleasure of high thread count, Egyptian cotton. (Really ladies—put these on the bed and your husband won’t care if you use cabbage roses and lace for the rest!) I have a couple pointers about putting sheets on the bed. First, if you use a quilt or comforter which you fold back, make sure your fitted sheet matches the rest of the bedding—it’ll show. Second, the top sheet goes on the mattress with the pretty side facing down. You do this so that when you fold the edge back, the pretty side is showing. Even if you don’t fold back the edge, place the finished side down so the stitched selvedge is facing up (away from your face). Finally, if you don’t know how, learn how to make hospital corners! It keeps the top sheet in place and you’ll have less work making the bed in the morning.

The next layer is generally the one we give the most attention. This is the top layer—the part we see immediately upon entering the room. I prefer lightweight quilts which I can layer in the winter and shed in the summer. I also love duvets with cotton or linen covers folded at the foot of the bed. At the moment, you’ll find a cotton quilt with a velvet quilt folded at the foot of the bed and topped with a crocheted lace tablecloth (yes—tablecloth). I’ve had the tablecloth spread out across the blue velvet when it serves as our primary quilt in the winter—it looks lovely—and no, my husband doesn’t see the point, but I do (refer back to paragraph 2). I recommend using something machine washable, which is why I like lightweight quilts and duvet covers—they fit in our home washing machine.

Pillows are definitely a personal preference thing. Some like them flat, some like them fluffy. If you and your partner use different styles, I recommend two of each. When making the bed, put the two flats on the mattress and the two fluffies on top or vice versa. You can use pillowcases or shams (yes, you can sleep on the shams—they’re washable!). I try to keep the throw pillows to a minimum—one or two—but they do help pull the look together.

I’ll be posting some pictures of a variety of bedding options on my blog, I hope you’ll take a look and leave your comments or questions. Next week, I’ll address the concept of creative head boards.

I scream, You scream--We all want an Airstream!

2011-03-24T23:30:00.001-05:00

As promised, here I am, going against my own established rule—don’t use pictures in your blog that are not your own. Yet, I cannot help myself.

I finally treated myself to some books by the amazing Sue Whitney with Ki Nassauer and/or Kimberly Melamed. They are so very original and inspiring!

The book I’m referencing in this post is Junk Beautiful—Outdoor Edition. In the pages of this incredible reference for all things repurposed and rusty I have found my goal . . . my purpose.

I’ve mentioned in a previous post my desire to own and renovate an Airstream trailer. Thus far, my one opportunity to justify the purchase of one of these beauties was my husband’s brief jaunt to Ft. Leavenworth, KS for an Army course. I thought he would love to live in an RV, rather than Army quarters.

WRONG!

D-E-N-I-E-D!

He countered with some statistics related to the Army post’s location being in the geographic location with the alternate moniker of “Tornado Alley.” Yeah, well . . . what a weenie! I figured, here’s a guy who has survived numerous deployments, what’s the threat of the occasional twister? Oh, alright—just think of yourself!

So, I’m still without an Airstream.

In the years since my failed pitch for a Silver Bullet, I feel like every blogger and her brother has a beautifully restored Airstream. Then, Sue Whitney and Kimberly Melamed have to poke me in the eye with this:

. . . we already have the Adirondack chairs!

Look at this:

those picnic tables are incredibly uncomfortable as bench/tables—but it looks perfectly comfortable as a bed.

They wrapped it with rope (as seen in the photo below), but don’t stop there! Look at the photo at the bottom!!!

. . . my idea of perfect!

I think those wine riddlers would be happier holding wine, but that’s just me . . .

All of the stuff on this page below—love it!

One day . . . one day . . .

I promise . . . the next time I post pictures of an Airstream , they’ll be mine (my own pictures, at least!).

I’m going to link with Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday, because this post is all about vintage inspiration!

Thanks for your indulgence.