Home Girl

Happy Heart Day!

2012-02-14T09:01:00.005-05:00

Signs of a Visual Merchandiser?

2012-02-10T10:24:00.008-05:00

Seriously, I think I have been doing visual design my whole life. It all started with my mother putting pictures of my siblings artwork in my crib to visually stimulate her baby! I would say it worked and also say if my fine motor skills had been developed enough, I would have rearranged them to my liking!

Then came my bedroom shared with my sister that I agonized over the "old" comforters handed down by my grandmother that were not going anywhere and the mismatched furniture and accessories that were all wrong. When my sister went to collage and I got to design my OWN room, I took the job very seriously. The design scheme included Impressionist "inspired" wallpaper and bedspread, painting my own bedroom furniture and changing the knobs, and hanging posters of Van Gogh and Claude Monet (alongside Michael Jackson - ugh!), the perfect accessories and I was good to go!

In between the crib and the bedroom were the countless wins (even a state fair) of the Social Studies fairs that I loved (big nerd) and the set designs of plays - I painted the cardboard backdrops of that last picture (BTW check out my mullet) and with the desire (not the father who would allow) to major in Art History in College I think it is safe to define a "theme" for a future career.

Even when I went to the career councilor in College for a direction of study, she recommended Anthropology - which at the time she was close if it were ANTHROPOLOGIE the store. After a major in City Planning, I landed at the corporate headquarters for 2 major retailers and my last place of employment, Bath and Body Works on the visual merchandising (first pic of us in New York City, SOHO) truly was the beginning for me and my business.

We would travel to places for inspiration in design and displays so when we moved to Hudson, I wanted to create and BE one of those places to BE INSPIRED. I really learned a ton from the industry and my bosses and looking back feel it was all the right path for a girl that showed the "natural" inclination. Thanks Mom for putting those pictures in my crib!

Happy Birthday Homegirl!

2012-02-06T08:09:00.002-05:00

This would be Happy Birthday to Me! OH these photos. Every single photo of me for the first 2 years of my life, I have bright red cheeks because my dad used to kiss them so much! NO LIE! My mother and father were the best parents and made me feel special and so loved. They made me think I could accomplish anything. My mom used to tell me "Follow your bliss!" I think I have! The other day Brian told me about the power of hugs as a child (and as an adult) and what an amazing influence touch and embrace has on your brain and how it helps make for a positive and healthy person. I have gotten so many hugs throughout my life and as a child that I think it works! What a lucky girl I am and I could not be more thankful that I have been given such a blessed and full life. I look forward for more to come! Thank you to everyone that shares it with me!

HomeGirl Barn Sale - May 31

2012-02-02T14:23:00.006-05:00

Mark your calendars, tell your friends and family, HomeGirl Barn Sale at MapleWood Farm, May 31 (eve) - June 2, 2012.

Spring Sale Hours:

May 31, Thursday Evening 6-9pm

June 1, Friday 10am-2pm

June 2, Saturday 10am-2pm

This sale is going to be off the hook! I am so excited I can hardly stand it!

There is going to be a TON of new merchandise ALL three days of the sale. We have stockpiled, created and are STILL working on collecting so we can re-load on Friday and Saturday with NEW stuff.

I will be sending out email updates too, so if you want to be on that list or know of someone who would like to, please email me!

WHOO! HOO!

Coffee before Nate

2012-01-25T14:10:00.003-05:00

Watching the world go by in NYC on a Wednesday morning... Contemplating what the bedroom she designed will look like on the set of the Nate Berkus Show for her challenge tomorrow... Homegirl husband extraordinaire, Brian, on hand to share in the exciting experience... Following her cup of joe, it was off to the Nate studio to oversee the set-up of her bedroom. Tomorrow... Filming! Your guest blogger and all your other Homegirl fans are cheering you on, Country Mouse - you go Homegirl!

In a [small space] with HGTV's Eric Stromer

2012-01-25T13:56:00.005-05:00

Me again, guest blogger, Amanda... Just had to share this photo I received from Gina while she was in Los Angeles filming a segment with Eric Stromer, host of HGTV's Over Your Head. This was the result of her win in the GMC Trade Secrets Challenge. Gina had a great time squeezing into an under the stairs nook to do a home improvement design project with Eric. We can look forward to seeing the footage of the project at a later date. What do you think? Is Eric pulling off the Homegirl hair flip or what?

The Adventure of Homegirl at AmericasMart Atlanta

2012-01-25T13:36:00.008-05:00

Greetings from Homegirl's guest blogger, Amanda... I'm in the photo here with Homegirl, Gina, at the AmericasMart Atlanta (No... We are not sisters!). We had a great adventure together as new buyers for a couple of days just before Gina's presentation at the Hudson Library and her trip to Los Angeles for filming with HGTV. And to add to the excitement on our adventure, she received the call from a producer at The Nate Berkus Show inviting her to appear on the show again while we were busy shopping at the Mart. Never a dull moment for this Homegirl!

Reply for Homegirl Artists "Call"

2012-01-09T16:54:00.001-05:00

Hey Guys - thank you so much to all who replied to my artist request. Despite my enthusiasm, I have not yet had a chance to review what you have sent and wanted to let you know I have not forgotten but just have been so super busy that I have not been able to give attention to it YET!!! I will be doing so early in the month of February and have all of your emails saved and cannot wait to see what you have got! BTW, it is for my spring sale in May. Thank you for being patient!

Decorating Your Home with DIY Style

2012-01-04T20:23:00.009-05:00

This is for locals only but open to the general public so please join us...

Hudson Preschool Parents presents “Decorating Your Home with DIY Style” on Tuesday, January 17^th at 10 a.m. in the Hudson Library’s Flood Room at 96 Library Drive. Hudson’s own “Homegirl” Gina Bishop (that would be me) and Bessie Zinz (So You Think You Are Crafty, Season 9 Winner and Homegirl vendor, Besserina) will be presenting some exciting things to liven up your home decor. This program is going to have ideas that will inspire everyone from the most basic all the way to the much more experienced crafters. It is open to the general public and childcare will be provided to members that sign up for the service ahead of time. For more information, contact Angela Bateman at programs@hudsonpreschoolparents.org.

If you are not familiar with Bessie, feel free to check out her blog before the program. She is very talented and creative! http://www.besserina.blogspot.com

Calling all HomeGirl Designers...

2011-12-20T10:36:00.004-05:00

PLEASE if anyone is interested or knows anyone who would like to sell their creations, re-purposed items, painted furniture, etc, via HomeGirl at my barn sales, please submit your work and wholesale pricing to Gina@homegirlshop.com. I would love to buy your work (with your company name on it - if you would like) and sell it through HomeGirl. Thank you so much!!! Gina

Everlasting Snowman

2011-12-12T15:10:00.001-05:00

Ornament Craft

2011-11-23T09:47:00.002-05:00

Easy to do craft for making your own ornaments using household items. Such a fun and creative craft idea!

Thankful for...

2011-11-21T10:37:00.002-05:00

My life just as it is. My husband, my girls, my family, my friends and all of the blessings we have. Take nothing for granted. I have been feeling so nostalgic lately and SO THANKFUL for what has gone into my personal story. I cannot wait for it to unfold only more. I hope you take time this week to reflect on the things YOU are thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Perfectly Imperfect Home

2011-11-14T09:50:00.005-05:00

I love these photos. Look at my house and how my mother decorated with found objects. I adored my "perfectly imperfect" home (see Deborah Needleman's new book) my mother created and feel that it set the tone for my love of my home and vintage pieces today. I think a home should feel lived in and used by the family. A "perfect" home is one that tells your family's story. Some people say they cannot decorate "nicely" with kids but I don't think that is the case. Children should be taught to appreciate and respect the things they live with. It is their home too and the impression they get while living with you will never be forgotten. My mother always used to let us use everything in our house and nothing was off limits. I do the same with my children and hope they are inspired by our home someday to carry on what my mother started.

A few notes on the pictures...The wall behind my couch in the first picture cracks me up. It is actually very "Urban Outfitters" feeling" these days. She was definitely ahead of her time. The first picture was taken when I came home from the hospital. Oh and my mom's skirt and shag hairdo? The best! Don't you just love the "harvest gold" appliances and the wall paper in our kitchen? - The Partridge Family had in their kitchen too! I used to sit in the cabinet in my kitchen and pretend it was my house. The horse I am riding on was found at a yard sale and was another favorite of mine.

Thank you mom for my inspiration. Please share any pics you may have or tell me how you were inspired by your home and I will share them on my blog too!

Fork and Spoon Chandelier

2011-11-12T09:31:00.001-05:00

Forget Biebs - it is the Wallpaper

2011-11-01T15:23:00.003-04:00

Seems as if JB is not the showstopper of my last post... it is the Wallpaper!!! Just like my "homies" to be looking in the background at the home decor. Just like I would be doing! I have received a ton of emails asking what the wallpaper is. It is brand new at my house, so this pic is not of a completed room, (will post soon) but I must fill you in on the paper. It is from Anthropologie online and is called Block Begonia. It is amazing and is like kraft paper. I LOVE IT and most of the other offerings of wallpaper from there! Go look and be inspired... www.anthropologie.com.

Bieber Fever!

2011-10-30T12:16:00.006-04:00

Bieber Fever at the Bishop house!!! The girls finally got to meet Justin Bieber, a dream come true (kinda, sorta?) So much fun! Lila asked me if I could go to the mall like this with a straight face! Brian was Selena Gomez (Justin's girlfriend) and I know, I know, this picture is disturbing. We told him to pose like her! He was a VERY GOOD SPORT as usual! Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween!

Closet of Memories

2011-10-30T11:46:00.002-04:00

Please vote for my entry via Facebook "GMC Let's Trade Secrets Challenge" for a chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card daily until November 8. I have 2 entries, Home Decor, Home Improvement. Please pass on to any family or friends, too! Thanks so much!!! Gina

"Let's Trade Secrets" GMC challenge

2011-10-26T09:45:00.009-04:00

PLEASE vote for both of my home décor and home improvement entries in the GMC's "Let's Trade Secrets" challenge! Go to http://www.facebook.com/GMCTradeSecrets?sk=app_283491221661773 via Facebook - also on my FB page (friend me, Gina Bishop - if you have not already) and PLEASE vote DAILY for the 2 entries (home décor and home improvement) to enter YOURSELF to win a $50 VISA Gift Card DAILY until Nov 8, 2011! I would love it if you could pass it onto all of your family and friends (via Facebook and email) asking them to vote for me too and also entering themselves in to win the gift card!

VOTE FOR GINA

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Gina

Awesome Autumn Treat

2011-10-21T09:09:00.007-04:00

Carmel Pretzel Nut Popcorn

Ingredients:

8 cups broken pretzels

20 cups popped popcorn

4 cups roasted peanuts

3 cups brown sugar

3/4 cups light corn syrup

1 1/2 cups butter

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place pretzels, popcorn and peanuts into a very large pan, bowl or brown paper bag and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup and butter. Cook, stirring to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar, until mixture comes to a boil. Once the mixture is at a full boil, continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and stir in the salt, vanilla, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up when you add the soda, so use a long wooden spoon to stir. Immediately pour the sugar mixture over the popcorn , pretzels and peanuts in the pan or bag. Mix or shake until the mixture is evenly coated.

Enjoy!

Homegirl Owl Costume

2011-10-21T09:09:00.005-04:00

Owl Decor

2011-10-21T09:07:00.002-04:00

Still on a high...

2011-10-13T07:10:00.004-04:00

I swear I cannot sleep! I am just so excited about what happened last week at the barn! The evening could not have been better and the weather was glorious. It was a blast and all of you are so awesome! I feel so lucky that I get to do what I love and that you guys find cool things for your homes that you love! Thank you all again! YOU ROCK!

Fall Sale

2011-10-09T13:43:00.005-04:00

I have never been so busy before a sale that I did not get steller pics of the inside of the barn before it got shopped. THANK YOU to all who came and thank you for your patience! What a beautiful night it was and what fun and great energy filled the barn! I am still on a high! It was the biggest sale yet and when you have a traffic jam things can get crazy! It will not be that way next time and we will have a new parking system in place. I learn so much every sale and will improve. I will get through more shots and add what I have, but wanted to get the crowd shot and the coolest owl ever that I made from all natural materials. It is one of my faves ever! A special thanks to my awesome team for pulling together all that goes into this!

FALL SALE - OCT 6-8

2011-10-05T06:13:00.010-04:00

This Thursday, (10/6), 6-9pm, Friday (10/7), 10am-2pm, Saturday (10/8), 10am-12pm. Come Thursday evening, bring your friends and line up early, but carpool if you can! Parking on my property. We accept all forms of payment but checks are the easiest. Tea served by Angela Gotthardt of Secret Tea Society too! I have the coolest stuff and are so excited for this sale. Can't wait for you to come!

2357 Hudson Aurora Rd in Hudson. 330-650-2135 for questions.

Also, you will want to check out Trot Home's Sale in Hudson, Friday, 10/7 (5-8pm) and Saturday, 10/8 (10am-4pm). Valley View Rd.

My date with Nate!

2011-09-30T09:29:00.002-04:00

I am going to be on the Nate Berkus show next Friday, October 7th in a yard sale challenge against my older sister! Please check your local listings for what channel Nate is on in your area and what time! It was one of the coolest things I have ever done and Nate is a doll. Tune in to see who wins!

Fall Sale Reminder

2011-09-21T07:45:00.003-04:00

Come and bring your friends! SALE!

Thursday evening: Oct 6 6-9pm

Friday 10am-2pm

Saturday 10am-12pm

Maplewood Farm

2357 Hudson Aurora Rd

Hudson, OH 44236

330-650-2135 for questions call Gina

My favorite barn shots!

2011-09-12T20:23:00.000-04:00

What a hoot!

2011-09-08T09:25:00.004-04:00

I love this nursery designed by my friend and former boss, Jody Schrieber. Jody did not only create the concept but implemented all of her own designs, including, painting the dots, making the bedding and all the accessories. I think the use of unexpected colors for a baby are refreshing and modern and of course I like the owl accents and the salvaged letters above the crib. Jody has moved from Ohio and now lives in Lincoln, NE. If you are interested in a design consultation contact Jody at Jody@schrieber.us.

HomeGirl October SALE!

2011-08-31T16:30:00.004-04:00

SALE! SALE! SALE!

Thursday night, Oct 6: 6-9pm

Friday, Oct 7: 10am-2pm

Saturday, Oct 8: 10am-12pm

2357 Hudson Aurora Rd

Hudson, OH

No detour anymore!

330-650-2135 for questions

Hudson Homegirl in New York City

2011-08-10T11:26:00.004-04:00

Hudson HomeGirl Alexxa Gotthardt now has a little bit of "home"(girl) in her New York City Apartment. Alexxa's mom, Angela Gotthardt, owner of Secret Tea Society (Angela had the incredible tea at my summer sale) bought the dresser for her daughter and delivered it to New York! Alexxa and Angela are two of the most stylish, hip people I know and have awesome taste. I am biased I know, BUT love that they LOVED this dresser! It was one of my all time favorites. I love the worn, time tested look and paint - and PINK - ooooh! To learn more about Angela's business and for her upcoming fall events checkout www.secretteasociety.com or http.//vimeo.com/24286861.

Beach Fun

2011-07-27T07:58:00.004-04:00

Ahhhh the beach! What fun we had and how LUCKY are we that we get to go back for another 5 days??? I love the picture I took of the girls with the flowers in their hair. My little flower children. They are growing up so fast and I wish time would stand still. I cannot believe school is back in session in 4 weeks. I hope you all are enjoying your time with your families!

Stash Style's Pop Up Shop - Beachcliff Sq

2011-07-16T17:27:00.002-04:00

Stash Style Sale!

Friday July 22nd 5-9pm

Saturday July 23rd 10-6

19300 Detroit Rd.

Beachcliff Market Square

{next to Francesca's}

Friday cocktails & live music!

Don't want miss this "pop-up" shop.

New Stash Style linen clothing line.

Also including...

painted furniture

jewelry

candles

wonderful vintage garden

architectural antiques

too much to list!

Homegirl's finds will be featured.

The feather girls are coming!!!

Check stashstyle.com for photos.

email stashstyle@yahoo to be added to our email list for future sales!

outside the barn

2011-06-24T09:40:00.005-04:00

These are a few shots of the outside of the barn by a HG customer and fellow blogger Valerie Ott. Valerie has a cute blog www.homemademodern.blogspot.com. Check it out! LOOOOOVE my flag on the side of the barn.

P.S. A small favor for me??? if you read my blog on a regular basis, I am asking PRETTY PLEASE if you would be one of my "followers". I would love to build my list and I cannot do it without YOUR HELP!!! So if you don't mind, take a few minutes and sign up - on the bottom of my blog hit the "follow" button, so you show up on my page (it is different than receiving emails from your HG)! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! I cannot do this without you guys!!!

More Sale!

2011-06-19T19:07:00.001-04:00

FAB SALE!

2011-06-19T18:30:00.006-04:00

ALL I want to say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone that came and supported us and THANK YOU to my husband Brian and to all of my friends (Shannon, Angela, Jean, Mary Jo, Terry, Leslie, Heidi, Meghan, Bessie, Lisa, Shelley, Linda, Molly and Laura, who have helped me pull off another successful sale! I know this sounds like an Oscar acceptance speech, but I definitely could not do what I do without the help of all of my peeps! They ROCK! It was a blast and I think this sale was the best yet! :) - I say that every year! ;). I loved having Shannon's (Stash Style) styling and awesome stuff for sale at the barn and I loved that my friend Angela (Secret Tea Society) provided the best tasting teas and whoopie pies ever! Next post is going to be more pics and I even got professional shots this year that I will share with you next week!

SALE Directions

2011-06-14T13:19:00.003-04:00

Here are directions to my house - 2357 Hudson Aurora Rd Hudson, OH 44236 (Point B on below map). Aurora St. is closed at the Turnpike overpass (route 80), so, two ways to get here:

1. (C) Darrow Road - turn onto Herrick Park, follow to Hudson Aurora Rd, turn left and we are on the left or

2. (A) East on Streetsboro St. (Route 303) to Stow Road, turn left onto Stow, turn left again on Hudson Aurora at the United Methodist Church.

It is not complicated, just a pain!!

In case of rain, wear your boots and try to carpool with a friend!

We are also accepting charge cards for purchases over $50.

My friend Angela, owner of Secret Tea Society, will be serving iced tea, tea spritzers and whoopie pies - a special treat for us!

Also, plan to check out Colleen Locke's Trot Home barn sale also in Hudson, same times!

We cannot wait to see you - LOTS and LOTS of awesome stuff.

Thursday, June 16th 6-9pm

Friday, June 17th 10am-2pm

Saturday, June 18th 10am-noon

Getting READY!!!

2011-06-09T07:40:00.002-04:00

I wanted to mention my friend Colleen Locke's TROT HOME BARN SALE going on the same dates and times (she has extended hours a little more than mine) also in HUDSON! check out hers and mine - she has awesome stuff!

Trot Home:
7340 Valley View Rd
Hudson, OH 44236
330-618-5386

HG SALE - EVENING 6/16 added

2011-05-27T10:00:00.002-04:00

HomeGirl Sale - NEW evening date CHANGED to Thursday PM, June 16 6-9pm instead of Friday night, June 17.

New Sale Hours:
Thursday, June 16 6-9pm
Friday, June 17 10am -2pm
Saturday, June 18 10am-12pm

Maplewood Farm
2357 Hudson Aurora Rd
Hudson, OH 44236
330-650-2135

PLEASE NOTE!!!! Hudson Aurora Rd will be closed and we will provide more details about getting to my house via detour closer to the date, so look for out for it!

PLEASE COME and TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!

great sale!

2011-05-15T09:54:00.007-04:00

Congratulations to my friend Shannon Vance, owner of Stash Style on her first occasional sale! Such great stuff! More at my annual barn sale coming up, June 17th (Friday night 5-9pm) and June 16th (Saturday 10am-5pm). Lots and lots of cool stuff to buy! p.s. check out the flag cube in the front of the first shot! Oh - it was one of my favs!

May Sale - Stash Style+HomeGirl

2011-04-19T09:16:00.004-04:00

May Sale 2011 at Stash Style Location in Rocky River!
May 6th - Friday 5-10pm
May 7th - Saturday 10am-5pm

780 Bates Rd
Rocky River, OH

440-364-4923 - call Shannon if questions or check out www.stashstyle.com

Happy April Fools!

2011-04-01T08:46:00.004-04:00

OOOOHHHH - Brian and I had the best time this morning playing a joke on the girls. We set up a "fake" Brian reading the newpaper to greet them in the kitchen when they woke up! We video taped it and it was one of my favorite things we have ever done for the girls. They were both in shock and staring at it. They both touched the legs in disbelief. It is too funny! Happy April Fools everyone!

Stash Style New Spring Sale Dates

2011-03-19T07:36:00.003-04:00

Stash Style Sale 50% off all merchandise this Saturday until Shannon closes doors April 1st. New Dates for Stash Style Sale this Spring in Rocky River - Friday, May 6th 5-10pm and Saturday, May 7th 10am-5pm. We are going on Spring Break and I apologize for now new blog posts in such a long time! So ready for Spring!

Stash Style's new adventure

2011-02-14T16:18:00.003-05:00

In April, My friend Shannon Vance, owner of Stash Style in Chagrin Falls, Ohio is expanding her horizons and moving her awesome store to a new location. Shannon is now going to hold occasional sales from a darling out building on her property in Rocky River. In collaboration with HomeGirl, Shannon's first sale is MAY 13th 5-10pm and Saturday, May 14th 10am-5pm. There will be live music, yummy food and LOTS of cool stuff! Stash Style will also be at HomeGirl's June sale (17th-18th).

If you live in the Akron/Cleveland area and want to get in on Shannon's moving sale, she is dealing right now. Just ask. Her OFFICIAL moving sale will begin Saturday, March 19th - April 1st where EVERYTHING will be 50% off.

For more information check out http://www.stashstyle.com/.

More specifics on both sales to follow closer to the dates!!! SO EXCITED!!! :)

Mountains on my mind!

2011-02-02T12:34:00.006-05:00

We just went on a family vacation to Big Sky, Montana and Yellowstone National Park. It was so BEAUTIFUL and very inspiring! I LOVE the mountains and the natural beauty is amazing! "Cabin" decorating is one of my favorite styles and using elements of nature. The basket was outside of our lodge and I think it would be so cool to hang on a front door with your house number painted on it. The bedroom photo is from House Beautiful and I love antlers anytime, anywhere! More "mountain" posts to come, including HGTV's Dream Home in Stowe, VT that I am obsessed with!

HG Letters on Food Network

2011-01-25T10:22:00.002-05:00

HGTV Designer Taniya Nayak is using HG sign letters for a show she has done for The Food Network. She spruces up a barbeque restaurant's decor by the name of "Rascals" and uses the cool letters on a wall in the restaurant. She liked the unique, collected feel of the letters for a casual eatery. I met Taniya at the Country Living Fair in Columbus last September and she bought a big, yellow "N" for herself and liked it so much she thought of HG for the show. The show is set to air on The Food Network, February 2 at 10pm EST. Check it out!

shelves, shelves, and MORE shelves

2011-01-23T11:09:00.004-05:00

My friend Cassie just recently moved into a new house that had the MOST shelf space I think I had ever seen. The shelves are in an unusual placement at the top of her stairs, which you can see from her foyer as soon as you enter the house, so the shelves had to be a show stopper. They run from floor to ceiling and are 7 feet high. Cassie was overwhelmed at the idea of filling the shelves and contemplated painting them. I must admit this was quite a challenge, but once we dove in, we really had a great time shopping for new and vintage items and found really unique fillers that fit Cassie's personal tastes and her decor. These pictures are before (below) and after (top) and I am so pleased with the result!

DIY chevron curtains

2011-01-13T13:43:00.002-05:00

I STILL love Chevron... I came across these DIY curtains on CasaSugar blog. A woman bought Ikea curtains and used a 4" roller and black fabric paint to do these. What a great idea and a great room!

Happy 2011! Happy Color!

2010-12-31T07:35:00.006-05:00

Being addicted to color, I always await the color trends for the coming year. Home trends always follow fashion trends, and for 2011, "they" are saying "Wine is the new black." The official pantone color is "Honeysuckle" and by the photo of the color above, it embraces the full spectrum all the way to wine. Benjamin Moore is calling their color selection "Vintage Wine" and it is also shown in the photos above taken from blogs, "Sensational Color" and "Live in Full Color" which I came across browsing the internet. If you are looking for a diversion, check them out so you can see where else this color is popping up. If you are going to use this color, they say it is paired well with neutrals and to keep it simple with accessories. The "color" needs to do the talking!

Happy New Year to all of you! Happy Color!

Now THAT is a tree skirt

2010-12-19T10:19:00.003-05:00

I love this picture courtesy of French Hen Farm in Marysville, Ohio. French Hen Farm has semi-annual barn sales (and a blogspot, www.frenchhenfarm.blogspot.com), and this is a pic of their creative work. I have yet to attend a sale, but I have heard it is fabulous. I hope you guys are all having fun preparing for the holidays!

Glitterbug and Honey Girl Studios

2010-12-14T09:22:00.006-05:00

Tracey of Glitterbug Studios from Uniontown, Ohio contacted me and I wanted to share with you her blogspot http://www.glitterbugstudios.blogspot.com/ - and and her friend's blogspot of Honeygirl Studios http://www.honeygirlstudios.blogspot.com/. The peace wreath was created by Tracey of Glitterbug and the snowman created by Honey Girl. There is even a pattern on how to made the adorable little guy on Honey Girl blogspot.

We have been snowed in for the last two days and these types of days are really my favorite! I love it when the world stops and we get to stay TOGETHER here at our house. We spent the entire day baking yesterday and I would not change it for the world! I hope you all are enjoying getting ready for the holidays.

more felted wool ideas

2010-12-06T09:45:00.003-05:00

Judith at Adore - House of Bloomsbury Loft has used upcycled sweaters to create wreaths and trees for the holiday that are so darling. What a fab idea and what cute seasonal decor. Check out her store in the Short North on High Street if you are near Columbus, Ohio!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T08:36:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving came "early" this year for us at Lila's school. I volunteered to make an 18 lb turkey for her classroom's Thanksgiving feast and it was so cute. The 3rd graders prepared all of the side dishes IN the class with hotplates. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn bread and even homemade butter! Brian came in to carve the turkey and we really enjoyed ourselves. The second picture is my little Indian with her Picasso inspired self portrait that she was so proud of. Happy Thanksgiving everyone and I really hope you enjoy the day with your family and good food!

wallpapered fridge

2010-11-16T07:54:00.003-05:00

What a cool idea - love this!

cute sweater pillow

2010-11-08T10:15:00.003-05:00

I was inspired by the SNOW this weekend here in Northeast Ohio so I made this snowman pillow out of upcycled felted sweaters. I have been loving going to Goodwill and finding wool sweaters and making cool NEW things from them. This one is $38 plus shipping and if you are interested please email me at gina@homegirlshop.com or call me at 330-650-2135. I'm making more and will be posting them!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2010-10-31T10:01:00.003-04:00

WHAT FUN!!!! Here are pics of our costumes! I made Lila and Edie's... Love this time of year!

this is cool...

2010-10-27T09:30:00.002-04:00

This is BOLD! I believe this image is from the blog Department of the Interior which is a very neat blog you should check out. I cannot imagine that you would be unhappy or sleepy in this room! LOVE those chairs!

No November Sale...

2010-10-19T11:32:00.003-04:00

So "the cat's back IN the bag..." - NO HomeGirl November Sale. I "let the cat OUT of the bag" when I said I was going to do a November sale, but it is not going to happen this fall as I had hoped. I sold most of my inventory at the Country Living Fair, (which is a beautiful thing ;)), and I'm not going to be able to accumulate enough cool stuff to have a stellar sale. I REALLY AM WORKING on an online presence and are trying to sort out all of the details of that. Do look for cool things to order online sometime between now and JUNE 2011 when I will open the barn again for the big sale. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who had expressed interest in coming. YOU guys make this so fun for me and are my favorite part!

Halloween Craft Ideas

2010-10-15T09:03:00.005-04:00

Check out http://www.thelongthread.com/ posts Paper Bag Bowls and Scrappy Owl Treat Bags to learn how to do these cute seasonal crafts.

Country Living Fair Video 2010

2010-10-11T12:02:00.003-04:00

Look top right on my webpage to check out the You Tube Country Living Fair 2010 video for a "guided tour" from Sarah Gray Miller, editor in chief for Country Living Magazine. My friends, Judith from Adore/Bloomsbury Loft and Hillary from Chicks Picks are also in it, as well HomeGirl customers from Pittsburgh and Chicago! Super cool!

Letters from a friend

2010-10-06T11:37:00.007-04:00

My friend, Tracy Corpus sent me these pics from her son's (Thompson and Barrett) rooms. She has triplets (2 boys and a girl) and the boys have a "jack and jack" suite in their home. She used the awesome salvaged letters from HomeGirl and I love how she went around the corner with Thompson. Great job, girl!!! If you have pics of your letters bought from HomeGirl, please email them to me at gina@homegirlshop.com. Can't wait to see them!

Here we go again...

2010-10-05T09:49:00.005-04:00

So I'm thinking of having November sale which means I need more space to hold cold (but happy :))shoppers... We are heading into the basment of the barn and fixing it up as beautifully as the upstairs. I cannot belive I never took pics of the barn upstairs before it's transformation. That will not be the case with the downstairs. The funny thing is the downstairs is a "nicer" version of what I was faced with upstairs and we all know what that beacme. I will keep you all posted on our progress. SERIOUS FUN STUFF for us Bishop's!

Country Living Fair Pictures

2010-10-01T12:48:00.004-04:00

HomeGirl tent photos courtesy of Elisa Lou Designs in Worthington, OH

Check out her website @ www.elisalou.com

country living fair 2010

2010-09-28T09:17:00.005-04:00

OH what fun at the Country Living Fair! Thank you so much to everyone who came and supported us. My favorite part is seeing what you guys find and talking to you . :) These are some of the only photos I have of the fair because we were too busy to get more. Please send me any photos you have so I can share and also send me pics of your favorite HG finds! I want to give a shout out to all of my awesome artists that work with me, (Shannon (Stash Style), Heidi and Megan (Stitch Cleveland), Jean, Leslie, Teresa Widdoes, Jim, Patti, Joanne (Beads of Change), Teresa Bosko (Petunia Begonia) and to Brian and Mary Jo for all of your hardwork and help!

If you have a special request from the fair or thought of something you cannot live without, PLEASE email me at gina@homegirlshop.com, ginabishop@windstream.net or call me at 330-650-2135 so I can fill that for you. I'm working on the online market logistics, but until then, I will post of things you can buy and I can send... thanks everyone so much!!!!

let freedom (to create) ring...

2010-09-16T13:31:00.002-04:00

Where will this flag "fly"? Made from jeans, men's shirts, sheets, tablecloths, skirts, etc... super fun working on!

Bloomsbury - Columbus, OH

2010-09-08T06:23:00.003-04:00

If you are in Columbus, make sure you check out the new location of Bloomsbury Loft in the heart of the Short North - 745 N. High Street. Judith has moved from Powell and her shop is so beautiful and filled with really cool, unique things.

Country Living Fair 2010

2010-09-07T09:43:00.001-04:00

Join HomeGirl at the fair! Sept 24-26 Columbus, OH

Niagra Falls and Toronto, Canada

2010-08-30T11:53:00.006-04:00

We were trying to squeeze in one last summer adventure before school started and last weekend we went to Niagara Falls and Toronto in Canada - what an inspiring trip! Niagara Falls was so amazing where we went to the "windcave". You take an elevator shaft down near the falls and you are so close, you feel like you are in a hurricane. Then we went on to Toronto where we went to the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) where we saw the Terra Cotta Army exhibit (traveling for the first time out of China - no pics allowed) and Lila and Edie got to do a ceremonial dance with the Native Indians.

We also visited China Town where these murals were my favorite. I love the colors and energy!

I saw the sign

2010-08-27T09:39:00.003-04:00

Oooohhhh I'm seeing signs. I have some really cool ones right now. Love the Food for a kitchen or a table top and the opposites 'right' and 'left' and so approite for my girls or me and my husband. The "Gere" is a collection I put together for a baby's room in Flordia. The "G" was one of the best letters I have ever had. Have lots of new letters!!! Will ship! Let me know if you have any requests!

oh where, oh where has summer gone?

2010-08-24T13:23:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is the first day of school and the first day of first grade for Edie and the first day that I will have a full 8 hours to myself??? There is a concept. Time has gone so fast and I'm very sad that the summer has offically come to an end and that my children are growing up so fast. Time really is precious and I want to enjoy every minute I have of it. Next post will be a summer in review... so many cool things!

blast

a "solid" love

2010-08-12T09:37:00.012-04:00

A "solid" love, represented by our hearts of stone... :) hee! hee! My kids started a heart rock collection a few years ago and every time we find one we add to it. Last Sunday, we went water walking at Brandywine Falls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and enjoyed finding more heart rocks. The tinier the better and the "more heart shaped" the better. Lila and Edie both won "awards" for the finds of the day with the largest, best shaped (Lila) and the smallest, best shaped and colored (Edie). Edie has an eagle eye for all things tiny and she found the terra cotta one. They sit on my coffee table and I look at them everyday when I have my morning cup of coffee and I am reminded of how lucky I am to be loved by my family. Start looking for your own heart rocks. It really makes you see things in a different sense.

Home Sweet Home pt 2

2010-08-04T12:24:00.003-04:00

HomeGirl artist Amanda Trueman has made these incredible pieces from found objects for the HomeGirl tent at the CL Fair and hopefully for the HG online Marketplace as well. These make me very happy and I think they are fab! Can't wait to see what else she is going to come up with!

Homegirl in Country Living Magazine!

2010-07-28T09:03:00.004-04:00

Hi All! Check out what Country Living Magazine is saying about HomeGirl. We have been mentioned in the September issue! Click here and select image #2. And be sure to check out the September issue hitting news stands this week!

http://www.countryliving.com/cl-fair/2009-photos?click=main_sr

"Great Vendors, Amazing Deals

The antiques rock, at rock-bottom prices. "I got so many steals last year," says editor-in-chief Sarah Gray Miller. "Especially at Gina Bishop's booth, HomeGirl. [That's Gina with her hubby, Brian.] I bought a galvanized washtub on wheels there, for only $35, that now chills drinks at all my backyard cookouts." And don't be surprised if you spot a familiar face — many of the vendors have graced the pages of Country Living in the past."

pure amusement

2010-07-26T11:14:00.006-04:00

What a thrill my family had at Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh, PA this past weekend! My older sisters, Susie and Crinny and me all took all of our families for a day filled with fun and good food and it was a blast! ;) Being from the Pittsburgh area, my family went to Kennywood every year and took a picnic to the park. The day would not have been complete without my Italian mother's traditional Kennywood picnic food - Italian fried pork sandwiches on Italian bread, chicken wings with Italian dressing, and potato and macaroni salad. It was THE BEST! Of course we also had to have the Potato Patch cheese fries, funnel cake with vanilla ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream, chocolate dipped cones covered in chopped peanuts and several snowcones and slushies - OH MY!!! My best memories ALL involve FOOD!

I also went on the park's biggest thrill ride - the sky coaster where you are raised up several stories, free fall for a few seconds and fly through the park at 75 miles per hour!!! OH MY GOSH!!!! It was one of the most daring and cool things I have ever done in my life. It was so awesome, I went 2 times (1st with my nephew (pictured), and brother in law) and 2nd after I convinced Brian to go with me (and my nephew, again)!

say CHEESE

2010-07-19T10:21:00.003-04:00

OK - so this pic is a little (or A LOT) cheesey of me and B on my bicycle built-for-two at the 2009 Country Living Fair - BUT it is going to be in Country Living's September issue coming out in early August. The article talks about the 2010 CL Fair in Columbus this September and I'm so excited that HomeGirl gets to be part of it. We had such a great time at the fair and look SO FORWARD to it again!!! The CL Fair dates are September 24-26 at Ohio Village, Columbus, Ohio. COME SEE US!!!!

lots and lots of letters

2010-07-06T18:16:00.005-04:00

I have received so many requests for these salvaged letters... they really are the coolest. They formerly spelled "Longhorn Steakhouse", "Honey Baked Ham", "Giant Eagle", etc. and I'll be getting some "Old Navy's" too - so funny to me! ;) I do have some letters left and will be getting more, so let me know via email if you are interested in an initial or a word and I can take a look for you and give you a price. I have not yet checked into a shipping price, but will be happy to do that for you. Even Lila got into the spirit and spelled her 2nd grade teacher's last name (who came to the sale) and sent her a picture of her creation. In the top pic we spelled "Smile". Good fun!

2 favs from sale

2010-06-30T08:41:00.002-04:00

SOOOOO, I had so many "favorites" this go round, but these pics of are 2 of my most favs! This 'rockin dresser made by my friend and incredible artist Teresa Bosko (she did the cool flowers on the barn doors as well) almost did not make it to the barn because I wanted to own it myself. The technique she used was unlike anything I had ever seen before and it was super unique. It was so rock-n-roll (crushed hot pink velvet even lined the drawers - aaaahhh) and I thought it looked like it belonged in Liverpool, England. I could not belive it, but a very hip (of course) English woman(who grew up 120 miles from Liverpool) bought it for her daughter and they loved it. It was meant to be!!!!

My other "favorite" - was that my Edie (6 1/2 year old) is calling herself "a professional" artisit now because she had her first sale of this adorable owl she had made for the barn. She did it completely on her own, without me knowing she was even working on it, and delivered to me the final product. She asked if she could put it in the barn for sale for $.08 and I told her, that does not even cover the supplies for it, so I said, "How about $22?" and she said, "Do I get to keep all of that money?" and when I said "Yes!" She was beyond excited! The photo of her painting is with Abby (the woman who bought it) and she is also holding an owl pillow that she bought to go in her son's room who loves owls. An artist is born...

country living fair summer give-a-way

2010-06-28T08:30:00.005-04:00

Sorry this pic is so small (big to me, though, ;),)but, I was so fired up to learn that the Country Living Fair 2009 HomeGirl tent is being used to promote Country Living Magazine's summer give-a-way to the 2010 Country Living Fair. My friend, Amanda Trueman who helped me at the tent last year (and creates for HomeGirl) just left me a message that she was thumbing through her July CL issue and that our tent was on page 12 of the mag. I was so excited!!! HomeGirl will again be at the fair this year at the Ohio Village, Septemeber 24, 25, 26. To learn more about the give-a-way and the fair, go to www.countryliving.com/win. This is so computer unsavvy of me for this "link", but there is also a video about the CL fair on http://www.youtube.com/ - countrylivingfairstella.flv (or just search you tube for country living fair, stella show) that also has some "HG" in it...

car crush

2010-06-23T22:32:00.003-04:00

OK - sooooo my dream ride came to my sale on Saturday AM and I loooooove this van so much - I had to get pics with it. It was so cute b/c the owner got out for our photo op and when she took the first one, she said, "I smell a Christmas card." Spoiler alert... I think so, and the tag line will say "Peace".

I see the van driving around town and crush on it so bad. It's owner is a fellow Aquarian and her birthday is days from mine and we were "insta" friends. We joked we knew each other in our former hippie lives... I have been looking for a van for years and dream of one day having my own and putting "homegrl" on the licence plate (it is available in OH) and having my HG logo running down the side. I also dream of being in the Hudson Memorial Day parade in our own HG van and throwing daisies into the crowd! ;) so sad, but true. A girl has got to dream! Maybe one more year of successful HG sale and I'm in for one!!!

more WOW

2010-06-23T07:07:00.002-04:00

More pics from the sale... LOVED my create letters and cannot part with them and my outdoor living room with the HG pillow on bed (made by a friend), was one of my favorite vignettes. Edie laid on the bed and said. "This looks like a place for sweet dreams." I could not agree more! ;). The cream bench with the black and white seat is the finished product of an earlier post. Brian (my awesome husband) rocked it on the bench finishing. He was so good, he should consider quitting his day job... The peace signs were another favorite - ahhhh. I kept one for myself, too. This last shot is of Saturday morning after a delivery of furniture on Friday AM. Brian channelled his "inner homeBOY" and set the barn late, late on Friday night while I tried to catch some Z's. He did such a great job and amazed me b/c it looked like something I would do. HHMMMM am I rubbing off on him??? When I asked him, "Where he has been this whole time?", he told me, "I needed you to get OUT." Point well taken - I can be a serious pain and probably a little scary!!! More pics to come and again, thanks to everyone who came!!!!

WOW!!!!

2010-06-21T11:09:00.005-04:00

"WOW!" That is just about all I can say is "WOW!!!!" I'm talking about the sale, of course and all of you who came to see us at HomeGirl this past week. That quote is one of my favorite from the children's book "Lily and the Purle Plastic Purse". We use it a lot at my house... I seriously can't thank you enough and I do also want to thank so much the HomeGirl support team and vendors that helped make this sale so successful!!!! I would not be able to do this without any of you so THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! I still feel like I'm on a high and cannot wait for the Country Living Fair in September in Columbus and I cannot especially wait for the sale next year!!!! I will be posting lots of pix this week - there are so many to share!!!! Let me know if there was something you are still thinking about - it may still be here????

SALE location, location, location

2010-06-17T07:10:00.003-04:00

HomeGirl sale is at Maplewood Farm: 2357 Hudson Aurora Rd, Hudson, OH 44236. Sale dates June 18-19, 10am-4pm. Phone 330-650-2135 with questions.

Cash or check only and carpool with friends, if you can - unless you want to fill your car with tons of furniture! ;)

Kudos to my Blog Designer!

2010-06-15T23:45:00.007-04:00

My blog designer, Eric Hancsak, owner of About350.com, was chosen as a finalist for Kevin Sharkey's blog header contest on www.MarthaStewart.com. Eric's design is one of six designs currently being voted on - the winner to be announced on Monday June 21, but votes must be made by the 18th at 6:00 pm. Let's help Eric win. Please cast your vote and tell as many frineds as you can to vote for Eric - DESIGN #2!!

To Vote: http://homedesign.marthastewart.com/2010/06/vote-for-our-new-design.html

6-14-97

2010-06-14T13:50:00.002-04:00

I put this vintage "Happy Anniversary" banner in my kitchen to greet my husband this morning on our 13th wedding anniversary... I "borrowed" it from the barn where there are more incredible vintage decorations for sale!

SALE this week!

2010-06-14T06:31:00.003-04:00

SALE!!!

June 18 and 19 10am-4pm!

Maplewood Farm/HomeGirl

2357 Hudson Aurora Rd

Hudson, OH 44236

330-650-2135 - call Gina with questions!

SALE!!

2010-06-14T06:31:00.001-04:00

HOME SWEET HOMEGirl

2010-06-09T21:22:00.005-04:00

These salvaged letters rock! I have a ton to choose from for the sale. Spelling things with them to hang on a wall (like "share" or "be nice" for a playroom) or just to use for an initial, they are really unique and fun!

SALE REMINDER - June 18, 19 10am-4pm. Bring friends, carpool and come! Remember - cash or check!

weekend fun!

2010-06-01T10:29:00.004-04:00

MORE MORE MORE painting and water play BUT we did save some time for FUN!!! We were even in the Memorial Day parade in Hudson yesterday for Hudson Community Foundation which does the fireworks for our community every year! Brian is on the board and it is a great group!

LOVE this chair! For sale... for those of you that know Michelle Adams (Rubie Green, Lony) - she has a similar one in her apartment and uses it for a prop. Hers is red with a zebra seat!

ALSO - I will be posting about the sale a lot in the next few weeks, but wanted to tell you for those that are coming that it will be CASH OR CHECK ONLY this time and please car pool with a friend if you can!!! Parking can get crazy!!!

SALE DATES - June 18, 19 10am-4pm

Can't Wait! Hope to SEE you there!!! ;)

what she does. what I do.

2010-05-27T06:20:00.003-04:00

While she is a "bathing beauty", I am working! It has been such a beautiful week here and we have been very busy painting, painting and more painting, with occasional time for FUN!!! Edie is such a good helper! Yesterday, we even bought a sprinkler...

sale dates - June 18 and 19 10am-4pm - come!

it's that time again

2010-05-17T06:46:00.003-04:00

Getting ready for the sale... this is us coming home from Springfield, Ohio where they have a huge flea market every year and it really is the start of "hunting" season for me! We get up at 5 am and shop all day!

love her art...

2010-05-11T11:39:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to call out the artisit who has done my HomeGirl images again - the talented Bekah Ash! LOVE this!

How can I possibly part with her???

2010-04-29T12:20:00.002-04:00

Maybe if it is to a well-known designer in New York City??? YIKES!!!! I don't want to sell. She was a sign from a vintage hat shop and is the inspiration for L's new room, BUT I guess all things are up for sale in the Bishop household! AAAAHHHHH!

designer Katie Ridder

2010-04-27T07:58:00.003-04:00

Check out - www.katieridder.com for cool wallpaper and to see more of her portfolio. Neat stuff!

9 by Design

2010-04-20T07:54:00.003-04:00

"9 by Design" a new show on Bravo that airs tonight (Tuesdays, 10pm) features the family of Robert and Courtney Novogratz of Sixx design (a NYC based design firm) and their 7 children. Robert and Coutney are self taught designers that take spaces that are uninhabitable and make them fabulous. They design their homes for their family, live in them for brief periods and sell them for huge profits! They moved 3 times in one year - and I thought I was bad! Their design philosophy "there are no rules" thinking is dead on and I love their out of the box approach. They also have a book out called "Downtown Chic" which these photos were taken from. Their children are so cute, too, with all creative names... check it out!

tea pot cozy

2010-04-14T07:53:00.003-04:00

Patti O'Neill made this very cool (or hot) felted wool tea pot cozy from an upcycled sweater. Tea pot also for sale at Homegirl Spring Sale! More from Patti too!

"Make it work people!"

2010-04-06T11:03:00.005-04:00

Today Lila and I had the opportunity to meet Tim Gunn of Project Runway, right here in Hudson. He was speaking at Western Reserve Acadamy and we thought we could hear him, but it was for students only. After we were turned away we were walking to our car and Tim was coming down the street. His sister is a faculty member and she lives in Hudson so she arranged it. It was so great and he was super nice. Lila had shown him her designs of her Sears bag skirt and her bubble wrap dress in the spirit of the Project Runway challenges and he said she was "quite the designer." Lila also said to him, "Make it work" and he responded, "Make it work, Lila!" He told her, "See you next time on the show!" When we got in the car, Lila said, " I think that was better than having to listen to him talk the whole time!" ;) What fun!

CORRECTION - Homegirl SPRING SALE

2010-03-26T19:25:00.003-04:00

Spring Sale date reminder... June 18-19 10AM-4PM. Friday and Saturday of the Hudson Home and Garden Tour. Just around the corner! I had the dates listed previously as the 17 and 18th - so sorry!

rosette necklaces

2010-03-25T09:50:00.003-04:00

Sarah Trueman made these fun, rosette necklaces available for sale this Spring at Homegirl. Cool to jazz up a simple tee! Spring is here...

creative invitations

2010-03-16T07:36:00.002-04:00

Amanda Trueman and her sister in-law Sarah Trueman (both create for Homegirl) made these bridal shower invitations combining fabric and paper. They stitched the fabric and paper together with a zig zag stitch and glued on the fabric flowers. No two were alike and I think they turned out great! What a fun piece of mail to receive.

more hearts...

2010-03-03T12:29:00.001-05:00

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!