Stampington & Company Obsession

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

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!

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

 

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!

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

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

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.