inspiration

Well, lack of sleep aside, I'd consider our Annual Autumn Gathering a success. I really expected incredible changes and my visions were a little more spectacular than reality, but not by much. One revelation of the day (I mean today--Sunday--the day after the event) was the fact that I didn't serve "Harvest Moon Dip" with the gingersnaps--as I thought. In the frenzy of packing the ice chest at 6 a.m. and the subsequent sleep walking through the day, I served up the left over Mocha Cream icing and misrepresented it as "Harvest Moon Dip!" No wonder I didn't hear the mmmm's and yummm's I expected. I couldn't quite taste the pumpkin--and for good reason! Well, I've got plenty of it here. Maybe I'll offer it this week. You can find the tasty recipe in the original Linen Napkins to Paper Plates, Junior Auxiliary of Clarksville cookbook. As for my Pumpkin Cookies recipe--I'll post it soon.

I must publicly thank my diligent, talented and tireless decorating entourage: Jennifer, Kendall and Taylor. Without them--Saturday would not have happened. I'm so fortunate to have them.


A bit about the pictures included here (I haven't figured-out a caption option for photographs in Blogger.) The top left pic shows the front dining table set for an Autumn Garden Party. Classic tabletop stoneware from TAG and reproduction transferware. The picture on the right, above, shows a stack of Halloween cake plates, topped with a "BOO" pumpkin and crow from Midwest, Seasons of Cannon Falls. This table setting has many wonderful ideas for your All Hallow's Eve celebrations. In the center, above, you'll see my favorite new item in the shop--a french-style vase with candles. This piece is so versatile, I can't begin to list all of it's potential uses! You can buy it as it appears above, flowers, candles and all (a Hodgepodge exclusive--created by Jennifer) or buy it empty and get creative! To left, you'll find the consummate harbinger of Autumn--cornstalks and mums! The cornstalks are courtesy of Anne Head (a friend at my favorite clothing shop in TN, Rogate's Boutique, 115 Franklin Street). The mums were a great deal at Betsy's Barn & Garden Center.


I hope those of you who were able to make it downtown enjoyed what we had to offer. I plan to continue to add to our inventory, as well as our inspirations. Provided I don't dry-up. Thank goodness for the creativity of others! I truly believe there are very few "new" ideas--just "new" ways to reinvent the old ones.





I've found a great deal of inspiration and information in Romantic Home magazine. This magazine has done a great job of filling the void. They have regular "department" articles entitled: Browsing; Shop Keeping (I dream of being featured); Entertaining; Field Trip; Aesthetics; Collectibles; and so much more. I enjoy the way the editors of this magazine make a point of supporting and encouraging women entrepreneurs. Needless to say, that appeals to me. I find their decorating, remodeling, do-it-yourself and garden features especially inspirational. I'm so glad to have them as a resource when I'm feeling dry.


I actually sell Romantic Home at the shop now. I offer it 20% off of the cover price all of the time. This month (September) however, I've been giving it away with a purchase of $25 or more. It won't happen next month!

Thanks for reading and thanks for your indulgence!

Annual Autumn Gathering

I guess it could become one . . . "Annual," I mean. I think I had one in 2005, but in 2006 we were moving into our new location, so we're going to give it a go this year--only I can't call it my "Second Annual." I'm actually pretty excited about it.

We're receiving new items every day. Some of which we've already put on the floor--other items will wait until Friday (Sep 14th), when we'll close early and decorate Hodgepodge for my favorite time of the year. I've been formulating sketchy plans, but no one will be more surprised at the outcome than I!

Rest assured that we'll have some of the old favorites--like the pinecone lanterns from TAG and the most recent offerings from Nicol Sayre--but the new stuff, OH the new stuff!

On a decorating note, I had a minor sucess today--at the time of achievement, however it felt HUGE. Now that I've had time and distace from this momentous occasion I realize that it's less than earth shattering. I've been looking for a particular type of pine garland (boy, this sounds silly), with a long needle and, perhaps, a couple of pine cones. Okay--so it's not world peace or a cure for cancer, but in my world it was something. (I'm almost too embarassed to leave that!)

Yet, there it remains . . .

Just so you know, I started this blog last week. I spent my "day off" shopping for ingredients for the treats we will offer on Saturday, foraging in the woods for branches and other inspiration and perusing my notes and idea books which I hope to translate into decor for the shop.

I hope you can join us on Saturday!

Thanks for your indulgence.

~Paige

I'm full of it

You already knew that. I've often thought I have too many ideas. To the extent that they sometimes prevent me from paying attention to the immediate needs which surround me. I'd like to hire myself out as an idea guy--if only there were a market!


I'll tell you where I dry-up, though, is my display windows. There's so much pressure--especially since so many of you have commented on how much you enjoy peaking at them during evening strolls.



When we started making plans for the renovation of the building, our architect, Pam Powell, told us we'd have to lose at least one of our windows (in order to meet code requirements for a staircase to the second floor from Franklin Street) I was not-so-secretly gleeful! One down--one to go! I know, I know--I need windows. The plan is to have a smaller version of a display window, which will allow for more floor space and less pressure, maybe.



I have been planning one special display to showcase the new items from Moda Home, as well as some other new and vintage items. Don't you know that the old adage is true--you don't know what you've got until it's gone. Of course, it's not gone yet, but knowing that it may go away my creative juices suddenly decide to flow!

Well, I need to attempt some sleep. Let me know if you need any ideas . . . I've got some to spare.

Take care and thanks for your indulgence.

Please visit my web site http://www.hodgepodge-home.com

An Introduction to Debbee Thibault

It seems a little late in the game to be making introductions--especially since I've had the wonderful creations of this talented artist since shorlty after opening Hodgepodge. So, I guess this blog entry is for those of you whom have not heard me wax poetic about Debbee Thibault American Collectibles.

Debbee Thibault started her American Collectibles figurines in 1985 when she made her first Santa . She says that each creation first starts with a story. As she creates the "character" she works the story into it. She temporarily tried having her creations "mass produced" but quickly saw this as a mistake and reigned in her projects and reclaimed sole production control.

The collectibles are made of a paper composite, which is poured into the mold created from the paper mache originals. Each of the characters is hand-painted, numbered and signed at her studio in southern California.

I encourage you to visit Hodgepodge and take a close look at her wonderfully unique creations. We will be adding our current selection of collectibles to the web site shortly and anticipate adding the new items as they arrive.

I'll also try to add special items from other artists--Nicol Sayre and Wendy Addison to name a couple. But don't hold your breath. I'm much more interested in the boutique business than the internet business.

Thanks for your indulgence.

renovations

I can't believe I haven't mentioned our plans to renovate the building in any earlier blogs. I just did a quick review and it seems I've completely avoided the potentially biggest expense of our lives. When we bought 125 Franklin Street 2 years ago, we viewed it as a huge opportunity for future investment. It's around 9,000 sq. ft. of space--only a portion of which has ever been improved. We did this with the intent of renovating the unimproved portion of the building--mostly likely to accommodate some apartments. (Darren and I would have killed for downtown living when we were young and kid-less.)


We envisioned urban, loft-style apartments with great views (you can actually see the Cumberland River from the Legion Street side!). We thought, easy enough--add some walls, plumbing, electric and cable. How hard can it be? Well, let me tell you . . . it's hard!


First, you hire an architect. No, first, you try to figure out if there's any way to get around hiring an architect. Nothing against architects--in fact, after finding out how much they (potentially) earn, we're encouraging our budding sophomore daughter whom loves drawing and is decent in math to pursue this career path--but they're expensive. And the more more you talk--in the hopes of finding a less expensive route--the more expensive it becomes! So, get a loan to hire the architect.


Second, talk with some contractors. Here's a bit of a phenomena in Clarksville. Every licensed contractor in Clarksville has worked on each of the downtown buildings in one way, shape or form at some point in his career. For instance, every contractor we've talked to has done some work on the current Rock N Rocks building--every single one! So, we ask a few contractors to take a look at the architect's preliminary drawings and throw us an estimate. This is just to determine if we should even bother having the architect move onto more detailed drawings. Well, we have some estimates and let me tell you . . . it would be cheaper to build four houses that to renovate this building to accommodate four apartments!



Third and oh, by the way, Clarksville offers no incentives to owners of historic buildings or homes for renovations. Darren and I love this city--we hope to be here forever--but we are often discouraged by the lack of progressive action in the past. We are, however, quite encouraged by this administration--city and county. We are hopeful that in the near future Clarksville will offer incentives to those hoping to save and preserve the history of Clarksville.



Well, that's enough for this one. I'm gonna go play the lottery--powerball baby!



Thanks for your indulgence!



~Paige

What's New?

Having just returned from the International Home Furnishings and Gift market in Atlanta, you might think I'd be able to answer that question. I'm sure I saw it, but it did not register. We're talking miles of walking; scanning hundreds of booths and showrooms; talking with vendors who want you to buy their ideas; , thinking, planning and running mental numbers all-the-while. I'm sure there's something hot and new out there, but I doubt I can tell you what it is!

My trips to market go something like this: I love that! Where will I fit it in? Will anyone else love it? Will it go with the dishes I already carry? Should I continue carrying those quilts? How about those handbags? You're supposed to be a home goods shop! Stop looking at that. Why can't I find some lights? Who carries strings of lights? Hey . . . it's time for beers on the 14th floor, building one! The escalator to the MARTA is what? How can is still be broken? It's really a wonder I come home having accomplished anything! Thank goodness those vendors are persistent and "encourage" me to part with my funds.

So what will be arriving at Hodgepodge in a few weeks or months? Mostly stuff I ordered last winter (See "To market, to market"). It's time for seasonal Fall stuff to start arriving. (Unbelievable!) If I recall correctly--there's a lot of fun stuff to look forward to from Midwest and TAG. There are a few new offerings to look forward to from this shopping excursion, as well. I found some wonderful new 400 count cotton sheets--not too frilly, just right--from Moda Home. They're a quirky little vendor with a definite eye on the retro, campy look. I also ordered some great throws from them--with a Christmas order to be sent in soon. I found a vendor for custom made nursery furniture and bedding. Customers will have their choice of about 20 paint colors and many different fabric combinations for a look unique to your family! I'm VERY excited about this line.

Two other lines I snagged were Fringe Studios and Bungalow. Fringe makes a very unique line of glass art items. To quote their web site: Fringe Studios masters the art of fusing rare and original works of art with glass and porcelain to create heirloom quality decor for the home. Then the Bungalow line has been getting a lot of press lately--you can't open a magazine without seeing it. It's a line of storage and carry-all supplies made from an nearly indestructible poly-woven material in hip and happenin', eye-catching designs. Hodgepodge will start-out offering two sizes of the Dean-o bags and the "Woulda bin" and "Shoulda bin" storage containers. Aside from having cute names (there's one called "the 4 boys bag" named such because the designer was able to fit his four boys in the bag!) -- They offer stylish and practical storage solutions.

Also, back by popular demand, as well as practical reasoning, are the La Lavande soaps. We've re-stocked our most popular scents and added the Hearts for Hope soaps. For every soap purchased a portion of the proceeds benefit breast cancer research.

I hope you all enjoy what we have to offer. I sure have had fun finding it for you.

Thanks for your indulgence!

~Paige

Well, I must say, there is nothing like the impending arrival of 35 - 40 folks--all wanting to peruse and dissect your living environment to get a gal motivated to clean!

And clean I did. Swept, dusted, vacuumed, sewed, potted plants (hid mothballs in those potted plants--darn cat!), mopped, rearranged, repaired, hanged, you name it . . . it got done! Including a little stashing! (It took me several days to remember where I hid my cassette player and headphones!)

I can't remember if I mentioned this--in the blog anyway--but we opened our house for a tour during the Clarksville Writers Conference. It seems the best friend of Nora Witzel ( a local photographer at the turn of the century), Addie Wilson, was raised in our house. Now, try to keep up, our very own John McDonald wrote an original play about Nora. In it, he made mention of Addie Wilson and her home on Dog Hill. As the Nora Witzel play was a featured item on the writer's conference agenda, someone made the connection and asked if Darren and I would mind hosting a small leg of the tour. Well, after much angst and consternation, we decided, what-the-heck. Darren is currently scraping 120 years of paint from the facade of the house--that which isn't already voluntarily lifting from the wood siding. A tedious job at best--quite miserable, as well, since this happens in a plastic jump suit and ventilator to protect him from the lead, which is undoubtedly in the many layers of paint. So, after explaining that we are concerned about the current condition of our home and it's worthiness for this tour, we relented and reluctantly welcomed the opportunity to share our bit of history.

So, in order to make-up for the less-that-desirable condition of the exterior--I set about accomplishing tasks on the interior. Kendall recently found a dresser at a yard sale, which I painted white (to match the existing dresser) for the master bedroom. I removed the big, white bed and installed three blue wood doors as our headboard. (I thought I had pictures, but . . .I'll promise them later.) The other major project was to complete the dining room chair "aprons" and the cafe-style curtains for the dining room.

Here are some before an after pics.

I made the aprons and cafe-style curtains from burlap. I like the unusual texture for the dining room--which is often more formal than practical. Plus, it's cheap!!! I cut the fabric and finished the edges; then I took it to Carol's Creative Embroidery for a monogram--again, unexpected on burlap. When she was done with her work, I added the ribbon to each of the bottom edges--which I used to tie it to the chair. (Try to ignore that stain on the seat--that's the next project!)

The next addition was the cafe-style curtains. I had thought about making them full-length, but the addition of the ficus trees added the height and balance I was looking for--plus, they need light! I'm pleased with the results; even more pleased that it's all done!

Do you have any projects you're working on? Anything that has you stumped? Feel free to send me a picture and I'll do my best to respond with some suggestions.

Thanks for your indulgence!

~Paige