more hearts...

OOOOHHHHH this took a crazy long time to do and half way through, I was feeling "heartless!" ;) It did turn out cute though and it makes a fun accent piece. My friend, Amanda and I are working on more similar pieces for the spring sale!

Smart Style

For local Cleveland and Akron areas - My sister, Crinny Kirkendall has a fashion consulting business called "Wear it Matters" and she is doing a "Smart Living - Smart Style" segment on NBC (channel 3) with my friend Stacey Robb (both of Hudson) on the 11 PM news tomorrow night 2/25. She instructs viewers on editing your closet to fit your lifestyle without spending a ton to do it! Check it out! If you are interested in learning more about Crinny's business, you can call her at 330-714-2394.

DIY

Photo taken from kelly and olive blog at http://www.kellyandolive.com/. Check out the article on this very cool blog in the Chicago Tribune about the online decorators.

I love their DIY tips like:
1. Repaint Furniture: sometimes all a piece of furniture needs is a light sanding and a few coats of paint to look brand new. Finish it off with a coat of light poly and you've got a glossy finish that will protect your piece for years.

2. Paint stripes: vertical, horizontal, whatever you like! Wider have a more contemporty feel and narrower are more formal. Use a level and pencil, and mark your measurements and apply tape at desired intervlas. ALL TIPS in article.

3. Line Bookcases: Use pretty wallpaper or even wrapping paper and double stick tape. You'll be adding color and interest (without breaking the bank) and drawing attention to your favorite accessories.

hearts everywhere

February is a busy month for us at the Bishop house. Both mine and Brian's birthdays and Valentine's Day! Here is a picture of my cake and our lunch on Valentine's Day! I hope yours was happy, too!

More Now and Then

I thought I would have more fun with this. I was recently doing some research on my house for Hudson Heritage (an organization IN Hudson for Historic Presevation) and came across these old images (Bruce Greer - credit) and I think it is so cool to look at history in in its contemporary form. These photos from top to bottom are my house now and when it had a porch on it. My Lila now and the "original" Lila of Maplewood Farm.

MapleWood Farm - Now and Then

This is our farm now and then (exact year not known). I think this image of the women "haying" at Maplewood Farm is so great! I also love the caption, because it says "according to Lila", who also lived here before our Lila. The "original" Lila of Maplewood Farm was 1 of 4 orphan girls taken on by one of the great grandaughters of the builders of our home. Lila and her husband also were married here. Picture and history credit - Bruce Greer.

What do you make???

My girls make bubble wrap dresses. What do you make? Would you want to sell it at Homegirl? If you are interested in making product or know anyone who would be, please email me photos and wholesale pricing to, ginabishop@windstream.net. I hope to hear from you!