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

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