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

the party's over . . . no just beginning

I don't how to change the date, but I'm actually posting this on June 18th.

Here comes the weekend . . . no weekend in particular--just one more opportunity to get some chores done, run the errands, watch the kids soccer game and so on, and so forth.

So when it's all done--the "honey do" list is shorter, but ever present--what are you looking forward to? Why not throw a party? It doesn't have to be huge, it doesn't have to have a reason (ie.: graduation or Memorial Day)--it just needs to happen. You deserve it, as do those lucky friends you'll invite!

Make it easy. Offer one or two meats and drinks, ask friends to bring the side dishes. Now, I'm a bit of a prig on this subject--I use my everyday china, flatware, and cloth napkins, but I do not insist that you do the same--as if my insistence would sway you! I just find it easier--I know I've always got them; I don't have to buy extras as the grocery store. Fill a wash tub with ice and add beverages. Pull out the citronella candles--arrange some votive candles in a collection of glasses or mason jars. Wash the patio furniture and you're ready! Okay, there's a little more to it, but don't over do it.

Here's a favorite marinade I gleaned from my cousin, Stacy: 1/3 C soy sauce, 1/3 C brown sugar and 1/3 C bourbon. It's great on beef or pork--start marinading the night before. If you want to get a little more involved, buy corn on the cob. Clean it and butter it before wrapping with foil. Roast on the grill. (Stir in a little of the Chipolte Seasoning from Gourmet du Village with the butter for extra flavor. I know where you can buy some . . .) I've also recently added a no-bake margarita cheesecake to the offerings from GduV, too. In fact, there's something to take you from appetizers and drinks to dessert and coffee! I'll have a sampling of their offerings at each of the First Thursday Art Walk and Wine events (not above bribery . . .)

I'm thinking about adding some workshops or demonstrations in the coming months. Any ideas? Is there anything you'd like to learn? I figure if I don't know how to do it--I can find someone who does and we can collaborate! Suggestions are not only welcome--they're downright necessary! Table setting? Flower arranging? Party planning? I'm open.

Thanks for your indulgence.
~Paige

the trials and tribulations of shopkeeping

Be prepared, I'm going to rant! But hear me out, there's good stuff, too.
Well, I'm scooting through day seven (7) without a shop phone. While I intellectually understand it's been a conspiracy of Vonage and DHL to keep me from having productive days (tongue waaaaaay inside of cheek . . .)--I can't help but wonder if Bellsouth, excuse me "The New AT&T," doesn't somehow have a hand or DSL modem in this!
After much research (asking fellow shopkeepers what they use) and wringing of hands, I decided to dump Bellsouth/AT&T and their $185 phone bill in exchange for Vonage and their $60 charge. It's simple math, right? Wrong--first I had to factor in the charges for breaking my contract with B/AT&T. I figured out rather quickly that the savings would pay for itself in one month! No brainer. What I failed to figure in was the hours of lost time while trying to get my Vonage system to work--time is money! Then the enormous cell phone bill for the hours of communication with the Vonage technical assistants--thank goodness that call to Monrovia is transparent--except for the minutes used! (186 of them to be exact!)
Well, Vonage did their part--they got a new "device" on it's way to me within 24 hours. This is where DHL enters the picture. They failed to deliver within 2 business days. Then when they decided to attempt delivery Monday (but Paige, aren't you closed on Mondays? Why yes I am--thank you for reading the posted hours) and found me closed, the driver decided it would be fine to just leave my expensive Vonage device by my door! Guess what wasn't by my door when I came into the shop Tuesday morning?
Well, I wish I could say that Vonage is distraught over my troubles, but at least I've convinced them to send another device and credit me for the down time. I gave Josh--customer service, Level II--a lesson in why he should NEVER use the word "irrelevant" when communicating with a dissatisfied customer. I also told him that I look forward to a long, happy, money saving relationship with his company . . . if I can ever get and stay connected to the outside world!
Just a taste of some of the issues that shopkeepers face in their daily operations--going to market, fun; working with customers, great; dealing with phone companies, no thanks--you do it! Truly, however, the good WAY outweighs the bad.
I know there are many of you who hope and dream of running your own shop. If you have questions, want to discuss your ideas or want help figuring out where to start, please contact me. If there's one other thing I enjoy about what I do, it's hearing about your dreams--if I can help . . . all the better!

It's easier than you think!

While trying to determine my next blog topic, I was approached by one of my customers about how to go about painting a piece of furniture she has. So, there you go . . . my "next blog topic."

It is really much easier than you think. I usually start by sanding (if I've got the time and the room to work) the entire piece. I then wipe-off the residue with a lint free cloth, dampened with mineral spirits. On this project, however, I didn't want to fill my bedroom with dust, so I opted for method #2 of preparation. I mixed-up a solution of TSP (tri sodium phosphate) substitute--pulled on my rubber gloves and gave it a good wash. Once you've cleaned the entire piece, allow it to dry thoroughly. (I was in a hurry so I turned on the fans!)

Now, for the paint I simply use satin wall paint. Often I just use white, but sometimes I pick-up other colors on the "oops" section of our local home improvement store. I use a good quality paint brush to apply the paint. I usually apply two to three coats. Wait between coats--even after it appears dry, give it a few more hours. If you want a smooth, even finish you should probably sand between coats, too. (Clean as instructed above.) If you plan on "antiquing" your finish, just skip that extra step. If you want to antique the finish--start by taking a sanding block to the edges and around areas which would achieve natural wear (ie.: the knobs, the surface and edges of the drawers). Don't get carried away--you want it to look natural! If you want to keep the nice, finished look you may wish to finish with a top coat of polyurethane. I usually skip this step--mainly because I'm impatient and will lose interest in any project that takes longer than 3 days--but also because I like for the piece to continue to "age" with our wear and tear.

There you have it! Any project that takes less than three paragraphs to explain is worth trying!

Again, I apologize for the length of time between my postings. Life is getting busier!

Thanks for your indulgence!
~Paige

alibi

Just so you don't lose faith in my abilities to sense direction--the blog prior to this one didn't present the same way it did while I was writing. Thus, my references to "the picture on the left, etc." don't make sense.
I've a decent sense of direction, but not distance. Know that I'll get there . . . it may take a while, but I will.

Grand Plans

Well, Spring Break has come and gone--my family has returned with a healthy tan glow.





I had great plans during their absence--was to accomplish so much and a reality was cruel!





One project I did tackle and complete, however, was the painting of my oak wardrobe (pictured "before" to the left--you can see the reflection of the wardrobe's contents on my bed!) I think I promised white, but as I was perusing my selection of paints--most procured in the "oops" section of our home improvement warehouses--I was captured by a lovely french blue. Well, the results are evident below. I am very pleased with the new look. I'm happy to open my eyes in the morning and see it in all it's large, blue glory. The best part--my husband actually likes it, too!


I think the color may carry over into my master bath for the stained-to-look like oak vanity. I'm motivated!

I also added a new look to my sofa--pictures of that change to follow. I have cut out the "aprons" for my dining chairs and hope to have to prototype sewn together this weekend. Still trying to decide if I'll farm out the sewing (it's straight lines for heaven's sake!) or do it myself. I guess it'll all be determined by how the first one works out. I'll keep you posted.

For now, I'll just enjoy what little I did accomplish.

Thanks for your interest!

Now I get it . . .

I think I understand now. I've never been accused of being a woman of few words--even when journaling (or blogging). I think, however, if I'm actually going to do this, I need to pare down my entries. So, one week before Good Friday, I'm making my Lenten commitment to "shut up and do." (I think I can do that for 7 days.)
I thought I'd let you all know about my plans for my week of solitude. (Darren and kids will head to FL for Spring Break.)
Ever since opening the shop, I have severely neglected my home. I have done very little to make my home the inviting space I once envisioned. I tackle little projects, but without seeing an entire project through, it still has a disjointed appearance.
I'm going to finish our master bedroom and bath. I'm going to start by painting our wardrobe--eek! Sorry purists--I must coat that orange-y oak with satin white! I'm also on the look-out for a new headboard and a piece of furniture to store Darren's clothing. Then, in our bathroom, more paint--the vanity will also be slathered in white. And down comes the black and red chandelier to be replaced by an old fixture we found under the house and painted . . . white.
Another project involves the dining room. I'm going to recover the dining chairs and make slipcovers for the backs. When time allows, there will be matching curtains, too.
I'll promise pictures of the before and after looks, but you kow better than to hold your breath.
My hope is that now that I've told all three of my readers, I'll follow through!
Write and tell me about you projects. If you need some ideas . . . send me a picture with a brief description of what you'd like to achieve. I'll send you a few ideas.
Thanks for your indulgence.