Pom Pom

A few months ago I quietly introduced the Pom Pom line of linens to Hodgepodge. 

The Belgian owners of this unique collection take pride in offering their beautiful line of 100% linen bedding for adults and babies.  They use embroidery, crushed velvet and hand-crocheted lace to embellish these certified organic linens.  They are made from  the purest of Belgian flax fibers.

I love this stuff!

It’s not just the bedding . . . I fell in love with their accessories, too.

small tote—white—100% cotton

The linens for the home speak of an easy, casual elegance . . .

Your Pom Pom table top will transport you to the European countryside.  “Bon Appetit”

 

It’s where I want to be.

the Charlie Collection has a 4” ruffle that surrounds the duvet and shams.

Draw these curtains at the end of a hard day and forget that you’re part of this century . . .

Well, the big news here is that I’ve decided to expand the line at Hodgepodge.

Here’s where I’ll be starting . . .

Mathilde—2 1/2”  frayed edge with a 1/4” velvet ribbon

So—what do you think?

I’m pretty excited.

Thanks for your indulgence.

Somerset Studio—The Art of Paper and Mixed Media

People are often commenting that they think it would be so much fun to have a shop like mine—especially when it comes to buying the inventory. 
They’re right.
But one of the more difficult decisions we have to make is when to let stuff go.  Sometimes, more often than I care to really consider, I buy stuff that just doesn’t resonate with others they way it did with me.  That is when I have to decide to put it on sale and/or stop re-ordering. 
I thought, in a moment of  “I need to cut-back in a few areas,” that I would look a the sales of my Stampington publications—some, honestly, move slower than others.  So I did what any responsible retailer would do—I looked at what was left on the shelf.
I only took a quick glance at the shelf and my decision was made, I would have to cut Somerset Studio.  I have to admit . . . it’s been months since I’ve even taken one home to peruse.  In fact, the real reason I carry this one is because my sister, Kendall asked me to stock it.
Wait a minute . . . you mean the sister, Kendall, that actually finds inspiration and the desire to create art—trying new techniques and exploring new media—that sister, Kendall???
Oh, alright, I’ll take the last issue home and . . .

. . . seriously?  Who thought it was a good idea to discontinue this fabulous magazine?   well, scratch that idea—we’re keeping it!


I flipped kind-of-right of-center and I was hooked!   The page I flipped to was part of the inspired by faith feature by Mary Beth Shaw.  It was a story about an artist who starts with paint by numbers kits and then proceeds to alter them in her own manner.

 
Then I was drawn to the Mèlange pages in the center; all I can think is “how do they just give this a away?”  They are free for the consumer to use in their own mixed media projects.  You can copy and manipulate it or just use it as you find it.



The Expressions pages were very inspiring.   There were a few to which I personally connected, but the others, I just enjoyed exploring the creativity of fellow readers.

In each issue, they provide information about how you can be included in future publications.  Their upcoming themes for reader submissions include Storybook Magic, Haunted and a Celebration of Winter.  Pick-up a current issue for more details.  Don’t forget to peruse Creative Corner while you’re here—Kimberly keeps it stocked with all of you mixed-media needs.
What will you create?
Thanks for your indulgence,

PS—stay tuned to Artful Origins for our creative workshops—in fact, I will be offering one inspired by one of the articles I just read!

Keeping Children Warm by the Fire

One of my recent project for winter sprucing-up around the house was this garland:

 

I have been collecting pictures of children all wrapped-up in their winter wear ever since Auntie Bliss introduced me to the two snow babies on the sled in the middle.  I have several in frames around the house, but I decided to use photocopies of them to make this festive garland for my dining room mantel.

Here’s what I did:

First, I gathered five of my burlap triangle (yes—I’ve got them pre-cut, ready and waiting, ‘cause you just never know when the urge will strike), then I cut slightly larger triangles out of my light blue card stock.

Then I printed off copies of my favorite snow kids, using a parchment-look card stock, and started cropping them to fit on the pennant triangles.

I then applied a thin smear of Mod Podge® (which you can find in The Creative Corner at Hodgepodge!) using a stiff, short bristled paintbrush.

Having dumped a little blue, glass glitter into a bowl, I began “scooping” the glitter onto the photo.

While the glitter dried, I used the Mod Podge® to apply the burlap to the card stock.

Then I attached the glitter-fied photos, as well as a little piece of brown trim, to kind of finish the look.

I measured a length of jute across my mantel, allowing for a little “drape,” then I attached the pennants to the jute using masking tape.

Another quick look at this crazy easy project.  Those happy faces just make me smile!

If you have any questions, please leave me a message here or drop me an email.

As ever, thanks for your indulgence!

retirement philosophy

Having just come off a “mini-vaca” at our friends “retirement home” in Florida, my husband and I have retirement property on our minds. 

When we bought our house in Clarksville, it was far too early to think about retirement.   We’ve had so many ideas about what would be the ideal retirement property for us that it is probably a good thing we haven’t made any purchases yet. 

First, I have to say, I have a difficult time thinking about leaving our home.  We’ve only been there for 10 years and—strange, but true—I still feel like a visitor more than the owners of this old house.  I mean, the house is more than 130 years old—it’s got a story and were only 1/13th of that story.  (I’ll save that blue butterfly thought process for another post.)

Back to retirement properties . . . we’ve often talked about where we would like to have a home for our golden years.  I’ve envisioned two—one where we live and one that we use for long weekends and the entire summer.  But, what I am beginning to  think about is something like what our friends have done.  They bought their dream home in the ideal location for their retirement plans, but they live there now . . . pre-retirement.  “Mr. Friend” is not retired; he still works like a fiend. They have purchased, however, the house “they will die in.” (their words, not mine.)

(The Beach Paradise)

We’ve pretty much always assumed our place would be in or near the Northern Neck region of the Virginia coast.  That is the destination for our annual summer vacations with my sisters and their families.  We love it, but it is a little isolated (for me) for full-time living.  I get a little panicked at the thought of being there alone while my husband continues to work away from home.

That being said, I’ve found this blog—it may change my mind.

Then we think about getting some property near a lake, somewhere nearby, so we could actually get away now would be ideal, but not part of our current reality.  Of course, it could be if we got one of these . . .

(source)

You could color me happy with this arrangement!  Especially if we could have several to accommodate guests . . . ooh!  I think I’m onto something.

(the RV park at Cole’s Point, VA)

My sister and brother-in-law, have already made the leap with a camper purchase.  We have a great time when we are there, but I think my husband would prefer something requiring a little less set-up upon arrival.  Back to the drawing board . . . (I just can’t give up the idea of restoring one of those campers!!!)

Then we think about the fact that we live a couple blocks from the Cumberland River.  We could just stay put and get a slip at the marina for our yet-to-be-purchased boat.  This is the most frugal option as it is less expense and work to keep-up just one property.

(source)

Okay—just did a quick proof read and added my photos.  I am sounding extremely privileged!  “Lifestyles of the Moderately comfortable and infamous.”  I can’t believe all of the options we have.  I’m just going to shut-up and thank God for our blessings and I certainly don’t want to wish/plan away what we have now.  

Then again, I’m pretty sure God understands my need to wish and plan, so after I give thanks for my abundant blessings, I may check-out EBay for vintage camper listings . . .

Thanks for your, but especially God’s, indulgence!

Winter Vignettes or “How I beat the post-Christmas decorating blues.”

It is a well-documented fact that many of us dread the post-Christmas “blah” that is our home décor.  For many folks, it is the dread of the process of preparing our Christmas decorations for another 11 months of storage—that is part of my issue.  The larger dread, however, is due to the seemingly stark appearance of my house once I’ve stowed all of the greenery, lights and ornaments.

I guess that’s why my post-holiday decorations have begun multiplying and taking on a life force of their own.  I have started using many of the items I would normally display or store in our china hutch and making them a focal point.

I have also started collecting pictures with winter scenes—anything with snow will do.  This includes my every growing collection of vintage photos of children dressed in their snowsuits or finest winter coats.  (Credit for this idea goes solely to Auntie Bliss!)

My winter Santos fairy takes center stage on our living room mantel.

This year I’ve added a frosty bird’s nest or two, some pinecone candles and faux bare braches with hints of frost, as well.  as I’ve mentioned before, my velvet pumpkins are always on display, as evidenced here on the mantel . . .

. . . and here on a side table . . .

I am not a big fan of using hearts in my decorating.  {I blame this on the fact that I had started setting-up our first household  when country-style decorating was at the height of popularity, thus explaining my aversion to ducks and geese, as well.} I will, however, make the exception for vintage hearts and any hearts embellished with real glass glitter!

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, I am making a concerted effort to carve out a little time in my schedule to nurture my creativity.  I’m finally acknowledging creativity takes many forms (more on that later), but the form I am referring to at the moment is that which requires the use of scissors, glue, ephemera and other bits and bots; thus, the decorative bottles seen in this vignette.

I used these great bottles, which formerly contained a very nice bourbon, and decorated them with pages of a very old music book, vintage Valentines and ribbon.  My dining room table has been a wreck for two weeks as I disassembled Christmas, sorted through end-of-year papers and periodically applied Mod Podge  and tied ribbon to these bottles.

For my final winter offering, I will leave you with this . . .

I hope you are enjoying your winter décor as much as I am enjoying mine.  I’d love to hear about the ways you beat the doldrums, so please share.

Again and always, I thank you for your indulgence.

Nurturing Creativity

My article for The Leaf Chronicle tomorrow touches on the subject of fostering my creativity.  I’ve mentioned it before in various blogs posts (like this one) and I’ve made promises to myself—albeit rather publically—to make creativity a priority in my life time and again, but to no real avail.

Shortly after opening Hodgepodge some 8 years ago, Kendall and I started offering workshops which we called “How do They do That?”  With the intention of investigating how to’s of various crafting and artful endeavors which we found compelling or were mentioned by customers and friends (usually one in the same).  They were well-received and we had a lot of fun.

(making wine bottle lanterns)

(making mixed media pendants)

Unfortunately, however, as time wore on, I had to tend to other aspects of my business and family life, so those workshops were pushed further and further down the path of “someday” and I just stopped offering them.  Until last fall when Kendall, Kimberly Santiago and I decided “someday” was here again. 

We sat down over coffee and cashews at Kimberly’s lovely home and hashed out the plans for Artful Origins.  After two hours of brainstorming, we came-up with a schedule of workshops and commenced to getting creative.

(making Advent candles)

We took a brief hiatus over the holiday season, but now we are back with bells on and have a full schedule of inspiring workshops to encourage you to engage the right hemisphere of your grey matter.

We will be making garlands using old books and ribbons; you can learn to use vinyl stencils to make a graphic sign; you’ll stitch felt hearts onto burlap; and, you will gather your own special mementos into an unique display.  (that’s just a few of the workshops we have scheduled.) 

I hope you decide to join us for at least one, if not all of these get-together’s.  We always have fun and you will leave with your spirit refreshed and a sense of accomplishment.

Please visit our blog specifically dedicated to these workshops—you will find it here.

If you have any ideas for workshops you would like for us to offer, please contact us here. 

Also, if you’d like to schedule a workshop tailored to your group or for a special event (ie.: bridal shower or birthday party), we’re equipped to meet those special needs.  Just leave a comment here, give us a ring (931-647-0444) or drop us an email.

As always, I thank you for your indulgence.

P.S.  if you are an artist or enjoy sharing your creative skills with others, we’d love to talk with you about using our space for your workshops.  you may contact me using any of the above-referenced methods.

New Year . . . changes.

Don’t worry—it’s good stuff.

After much deliberation and angst, I have made the very difficult decision to stop selling Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™.  This is purely a business decision.  I love this paint and will continue to use it for my personal and business needs and hope you will as well.

That being said, I want to let you know where you can find the worlds best paint after Jan 31st.

Please shop:

in dickson—Home Again Antiques & Gifts 

in hendersonville—Then & Again Home Marketplace

in brentwood—C’est Moi

(shopkeeping isn’t for wimps . . .)

Now moving forward . . .

We are going to shift our focus—more vintage and more workshops.

Keep an eye on facebook and your email for information about sales as we prepare to make room for the changes.  We will continue to stock many of our favorite—Archipelago Botanicals soy wax candles and milk lotions, Caldrea Home Care products, and our mini journals, just to name a few.

With regard to the workshops—just follow us on this facebook page or on this blog. 

I hope you will enjoy and appreciate the changes we have in store.  I, for one, am downright giddy!

Thanks for your indulgence,