Hollyhocks, All Things Handmade in NC

First Thursdays

2012-02-02T16:01:00.000-05:00

Today is the day of our first "First Thursday" event in town. It is sponsored by Destination Downtown. As a group, we are working hard to get more people to come downtown, to not only shop, but to eat, meet friends, and just enjoy everything town has to offer.
This month is geared towards the ladies. They are invited to come and shop late, enjoy some treats, and make a wish list of things they would like from the various stores. They will then give the list to their significant other and hopefully it will make choosing a Valentine's gift easier. We all know how guys can be. Of course I'm hoping they will choose to buy someting handmade from this store.
Each month we will have a different "event" with a theme, but it always be on the first Thursday of the month. Hope to see you in town!! :)

Luxury Beauty Products: The Carolina Bee Company ~an interview

2012-01-21T15:57:00.000-05:00

Our own Carolina Bee COmpany has been interviewed! Read about them here!!Luxury Beauty Products: The Carolina Bee Company ~an interview: I have the good fortune to be great friends with Todd and Monica, owners of The Carolina Bee Company. Their knowledge of beekeeping is i...

Artist Spotlight: Lynn

2012-01-20T11:40:00.000-05:00

It's time to resume my artist spotlight series.This time I am featuring Lynn, a wonderful painter of all kinds of things! She comes across as this very sweet lady, soft spoken and always polite. Little did we know that she is a fighter and is now a breast cancer survivor! She perfected her craft during her treatments and this is the result. Enjoy!

This is one of several paintings Lynn has at the store. All framed beautifully and ready to hang in your home.

Lovely dogwood blossoms grace this mailbox. The painting has been protected with several coats of clear weatherproof finish to keep it looking fabulous for years!

Lynn has a lovely assortment of notecards with various floral pictures. It's all original work by her own hand.

This gorgeous chair would look great just about anywhere. The bold colors of the fruit motif really stand out against the black chair. If I had a place to put it, it would be gone!

Lastly, I have this decorative watering can. It didn't stay in store too long and is now gracing someones home.

I hope you have enjoyed this snippet of Lynn's work. Of course you are always welcome to stop by the store and see these things in person. (if they're still here!)

New year, new goals, new responsibilities.

2012-01-04T10:50:00.000-05:00

First, I hope that everyone had an enjoyable holiday season! I know I did, both personally and for this store. We had a great season with sales and I hope the trend continues at least to some degree. I feel that my hard work and sacrifice this past year is finally , maybe beginning to pay off a little for this little store. People have found us because of my Facebook page, our website, or simply saw my sign on the sidewalk telling people that we sell only North Carolina handmade. Several also saw the "best of" series on a program called NC Weekend on PBS here. They had done a spot on Mebane earlier this year and it has resulted in many people discovering our town.

This year I am going to be working on a vendor shop on our Facebook page. The goal is to reach a wider audience who may want to purchase something but either can't get to Mebane or live somewhere else entirely. I am going to try and include 1 item from each of my sellers to start and see how that goes. Considering there are over 30 sellers, it is quite a bit of work for me. But, the goal is to make this store successful and I'll do whatever I can to achieve that.
Being a business owner, I also belong to 'Destination Downtown". It consists of downtown businesses working to promote the downtown area and keeping it viable. I've joined the marketing group and we have all worked hard to plan monthly themes to entice people to come to town one evening each month. Since it involves mostly retail , they are shopping based with some having a charitable twist. We are also trying to bring the cost down to little or no extra cost to participate. In the past, some events had become to expensive for many to afford. These themes are completely separate from the big festivals that we have.
I've also been elected to be on the Steering Committee. We are having our first meeting later this week. This is a whole new thing for me, so I will find out what it entails as far as I am concerned. I am on this along with our past DD president Wendy.
Lastly, I have been in contact with several people who are interested in selling at the store. So, I'm hoping I will be gaining some new sellers, especially since I am losing some. But that is the nature of this business. So, stay tuned as they say for updates and watch our Facebook page for the "grand opening"!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T15:09:00.001-05:00

Our sincerest wishes for a happy new year! Be safe, happy, healthy, and prosperous!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-19T13:18:00.002-05:00

Gifts baskets and more! Featured Artist: Jane Showerman

2011-12-15T11:24:00.000-05:00

There are some people who are just good at putting things together and creating something special. This weeks featured artist is just such a person. Jane has a real knack for making up the most dynamic, creative gift baskets I've seen. And of course she does so much more than baskets! Let's take a look shall we?

A staple item in any house with a small child-boo boo bunnies! These cuties come with a liquid filled ball or cube to freeze, so when you use it-no melting ice cubes!

These are clothespin magnets. We have them in non holiday colors too. Great for putting things on your fridge or even closing that chip bag!

We've all seen diaper cakes. Good ones, not so good ones. Well, I have to say in all honesty that hers are fabulous! I am not one to get all giddy over a diaper cake, but these are truly a work of art.

This little shopping cart has just made its way to the store and it is adorable! It is filled with all kinds of girly things such as body lotion, shower gel, and everything else you need to look and smell good while you are shopping! It may bring out your inner Diva! :)

This very pretty hat box is covered in flowers and filled with a lovely wreath containing all kinds of baby girl items. This one had sold, but we do have others that are just as lovely for both girls and boys!

All of this is Jane's second job. She does work full time and loves volleyball. I really think she would love for this to become her "real" job! If you would like to see more and I know you will, please either come visit the store or her website. She will creat custom gifts for baby showers, weddings, birthdays, get well, retirement, etc. She will take very good care of you!!

For the Love of Wood!

2011-12-08T09:47:00.001-05:00

This week I am featuring my husband, Terry. He has been my rock for 32 years and counting. He inherited the gift of woodworking from his father, who started his professional life as a shop teacher. In fact, Terry has gotten some fabulous wood from his Dad that is as old as he is! You just don't find wide boards of Walnut, or anything else anymore. And if you do, it is very expensive! For Terry, woodworking is a hobby. He loves making all sorts of great things which I will show you in a minute. First I must thank him for not only being the best husband and friend, but also my partner of sorts in this venture called Hollyhocks! Time to take a look!

This handsome set is made from burled Maple and was part of a silent auction sponsored by the Hillsborough Wine Company for UNC Childrens Hospital.

This fun clock was a gift for a friend who was expecting her second child.

There are actually a pair of these lamps at the store. They are made using a piece of 100+ year old Heart of Pine wood. It came from the house of the buildings owners where Hollyhocks is located. It was intentionally left natural to showcase the beauty of this wood. They come complete with shades and are a bargain at $50 each.

I needed a round table for my kitchen and could not find one that I liked or could afford, so he made this one for me using some of that vintage walnut he got from his Dad. I love this table, not only cause it's beautiful but because it was made just for me. ♥

This classic shave kit is made using dyed, laminated wood which gives it this striped appearance. He has a set for himself that gets used everyday. It is holding up very well and is available in my HAFshop.

I convinced him that he should branch out and try some acrylics. These 2 pens are a result of that and are more gorgeous in person. They are also refillable!

Terry also makes custom riding toys for kids (school bus, fire engine, etc) as well as regular toys such as planes, tow trucks, and cars. You will see some pictures of those on our facebook page. I hoped you have enjoyed this post!

An Extra Special Artist

2011-11-27T14:18:00.000-05:00

This week I am featuring an artist near and dear to my heart. It happens to be my daughter Sara. Sara has been an artistic type since she was little. She always loved to draw, paint, sketch, you name it. She's been open to trying many different mediums to accomplish the look she was after. Sara has loved photography for a long time and had considered it as a major when she went away to college. In fact it's how she ended up at the school she did. We needed to find a place that offered both Photography and Psychology. Not the easiest task. She is now pursuing her doctorate degree, studying at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Being a student again has her a bit short for cash at times, so she thought maybe she could sell some of her work. I know it's a totally biased opinion on my part, but her work is really extraordinary! Even my professional photography friend said it was really good , and that was BEFORE she knew it was my daughter's stuff. Let's take a look! :)

This is a personal favorite! I love the little grasshopper on the bracelet at an outdoor craft fair.

This lake with the clouds gets a lot of attention. Someone even commented that it looked like a painting and not a photograph. It's a very calming, peaceful piece.

Trees, especially old ones can be so interesting to look at. It makes you wonder why the branches have twisted the way they have, what stories they could tell you and how long they have been there. I think this one holds many secrets.

This fish was photographed at the Mystic Aquarium. It's as if he stopped just to have his picture taken.

You can see more of her work in the albums on our Facebook page. I hope you enjoyed this feature and will stop by the store , our facebook page, or our website.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-21T16:28:00.001-05:00

Hollyhocks would like to extend to you and yours our warmest wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have supported me, my store and all the people who sell here. Whether it be from actually shopping here, visiting this blog or our website, liking our facebook page,or just telling your friends, it all matters and is appreciated.
I know that times are tough for all of us, but chances are that someone is worse off than yourself. Please, make a donation to your favorite charity. Big or small, it all adds up and will make someone elses day just a bit brighter. :)

Mini Works of Art: Stuck Together Magnets

2011-11-17T15:30:00.001-05:00

Time to turn that spotlight another awesome artist. This time it shines on Wendy from Stuck Together Magnets. Wendy happens to love magnets and it's a love she shares with her daughter.She has a fabulous Etsy shop and of course she sells here at Hollyhocks as well. Her magnets are really mini works of art that can also hold things to your refrigerator. They are so terrific that she was featured this past August in Southern Living magazine! How awesome is that? SO lets take a look at this womans work. Once you see them, you'll want to buy some for yourself and maybe your friends too!

This is just a small, small look at what Wendy has to offer! She does custom work for weddings, showers, etc. Perfect stocking stuffers, there is something to suit everyone. And they DON'T slide down the refrigerator!! Enjoy!

Artist feature: Sparkles and Sweets

2011-11-09T16:32:00.000-05:00

This week I am featuring a friend and seller named Cindy. I met Cindy when we were trying to sell our jewelery at the same shop a few years ago. She decided to make the move over to Hollyhocks and the rest is history. Cindy began her journey into jewelry design in 2004. Necklaces seem to be her niche, but she does make other pieces as well. She has some beautiful watches that are listed in her Etsy shop. You may be wondering about the name of her shop. If memory serves me correctly, she originally had jewelry and candy, but soon dropped the candy part.
The following are pieces that she has here at the store. I'm sure she would create an Etsy listing if you wanted to buy a particular piece. Let's take a look!

This lovely double strand bracelet features purple Swarovski crystals. It really is a lovely piece and I'm sure it will make it's way into someones stocking this holiday season!

These pretty necklaces are ones she had in the store over the summer. The necklace to the right is still here. It's a longer length for those who prefer a longer necklace.

This dragonfly necklace is also longer and quite vibrant. It would look great with a sweater, don't you think?

This turquoise cross necklace is by far her most looked at piece. It's easy to see why. It is beautiful, appeals to those who like the color, and those who like crosses.

Cindy also sells at a few other stores including Gifts With a Heart and her Mother's shop called YoMamma in Hudson, MA.

Next time you are considering a jewelry gift, please give her online shop a look or stop by Hollyhocks!

Got A Sweet Tooth? Carolina Candy Wraps

2011-10-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

The next seller that I have the pleasure of sharing with you is Beth. She is the owner and creative force behind Carolina Candy Wraps. Although the name of her company says candy, Beth can create a custom wrap for just anything you can come up with. These would be especially nice for promoting your business, welcome baskets for new neighbors, wedding or baby showers, etc. Once the design is agreed upon, the wraps are printed, cut out by hand, assembled and then filled. No mass producing here! The following is a small sample of what she can do. Enjoy!

This general display is featuring some of the Halloween items we had at the store. There is still some left, but not too much.

This shows the general birthday items she made. The cake slices are super cute boxes filled with an assortment of treats. I think it's especially nice when you want to give a little something but take it up a notch! She will fill them with whatever you want. Most of the ones at the store are candy, but we also have teabags, popcorn, and lollipops. A different type of "loot bag" for your child's party. These can all be customized with a name or specific greeting.

The larger boxes here are jukebox boxes and are filled with all the treats that make a regular day extra fun! There is also a movie night box. SO no matter the occasion, big or small, Carolina Candy Wraps can take it to extraordinary!

Recycling with Style: Beads, Buttons, and Bows

2011-10-25T17:30:00.000-04:00

This week I am featuring Melissa from Beads, Buttons and Bows. I found her shop on Etsy when I was doing a local search. I was intrigued by all the great stuff she had. It was all so different, and it's made with recycled stuff. Now, you hear recycled and you may think old broken jewelry just restrung, and things along those lines. Well, I have news for you! Melissa is way beyond that. She has used everything from medicine vial lids to old x-rays! I am going to share with you just a FEW things she has here at Hollyhocks. Be sure to pop over to her shop to see more. I am sure you will be as intrigued as I was and am! :)

Melissa has a few different pairs of earrings like these. They are made from an old gift tin. I own a pair and I love how light they are. I get many compliments on them.

The badge holders aren;t recycled, but the paper used to create the images is recyclced scrapbook paper. The earrings you see in the background are made from flooring samples.

These necklaces made very well be my favorites! The round pendants are made using old lenses from an eye doctor's office. The one with the bird has sold, and I have my eye on the one with the lady.

I'll bet you've never seen a keyring quite like these! They are made using wine corks.

Interested in seeing more? Of course you are! Click on the links in the post and you will be there in an instant! You can also visit Melissa on Facebook or visit her though our Facebook page.

Support Independant businesses

2011-10-19T11:38:00.000-04:00

If you happen to be on Facebook, you may have come across these banners on someones wall, maybe even mine. There is a huge push to get consumers to think about where they spend their money and the impact that is has. Did you know that when you spend your money in a local shop, the vast majority of it stays within your state and community? And if you shop at a store like Hollyhocks, you take that one step further because the items you buy are made by real people in this area of the state. I can tell you who makes what by name. How many stores can do that? And, most of the sale goes back to that person. So, this holiday season (and all year) please support your local shops and especially the independant ones. Use them or lose them.

(Please feel free to copy and share these banners on your facebook pages, blogs, or websites.)

Featured artist of the week: Zoe Girl Designs

2011-10-17T10:00:00.001-04:00

Donna Kirk makes THE cutest outfits you've ever seen ! She is an absolute whiz with a sewing machine and creates the most incredible clothes for babies and toddlers! She sells her clothes here at Hollyhocks, and also has a very successful Etsy shop. Get ready to be bowled over with cuteness!

I chose this outfit to start because I believe it is my personal favorite! The top picture shows the front of the onesie and to the right is the matching skirt. It's called "Birds of a Feather"

This girls outfit is called "Chinese Kids". The tree on the onesie is embroidered and beautiful. When you see the print on the skirt it's obvious where the name came from for the outfit. This one gets lots of compliments.

We don't want to forget about the boys I only have a couple of boy outfits left here at the store. They have been the most popular and I'm sure it's because they are so unique. And we all know how difficult it can be to find really cute and different boy stuff!

This outfit is called "Let's Go Racing". I love the whimsical and colorful fabric.

And then there's this litle guy who really could be for boys or girls I think. Tell me it doesn't make you smile just looking at it?

I hope you've enjoyed this post about this artist. I get to see this fun stuff everyday and am thrilled when I get to sell a piece to someone. I hope you'll come by the store if you can. Or stop by her Etsy shop if you're not close by.

Soap Junkie! A feature about Sandpiper Spa

2011-10-09T16:32:00.000-04:00

When Bonnie first came to sell at Hollyhocks last year, her shop was called "Hello Crafty" and she had a sucessful shop on Etsy (and still does). She told me that she had chosen that name because she liked doing alot of different things and that this name would embody all of that. Well, she had since settled on soap making. But really it's much more than that. She makes lotion bars, lip balm, body sprays, room and linen sprays, bath salts,and even has some soaps for men as well. Her beer soap is my husbands favorite! She felt the time had come to pesent her product in a whole new way. So after much laboring, Sandpiper Spa was born. Her website is gorgeous and reflects that spa feeling the minute you get there. Now, I'll share with you just a few products. To see more, please visit either of her websites or come by the store.

We had this delightful Mojito Lime soap for the summer months. It was fantastic! I had a bar and it was especially nice after working hard outside.

These are a few of the room and linen sprays that are available. Beach days is my favorite, though the Pear and Yuzu is awesome too. I have some that I use in the store. They are light and not overpowering.

Ah, lotion bars! These are the greatest thing ever! It's lotion that works great , smells fantastic and doesn't spill! The packaging makes it great to throw in your bag and it's ready to use anytime.

This is an earlier display of her products at the store. Many have since sold and I am anxiously awaiting for more to come. I hope that you will give handmade soaps a try. Yes, they do cost a bit more than the stuff from the store, BUT you aren't getting all those chemicals on your body. Store soaps have most of the natural glycerin removed and that's why they last so long. It has become all detergent and robs moisture from your skin.Once you try them, you will be hooked! I know I am and have been since way before I ever opened this store.

I hope you've enjoyed this little post about Bonnie. Take a minute or two and visit her shops. I am positive you will be as captivated as I am over her products!

We love our kids! Featured Artists of the week

2011-10-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

This week I am featuring not one but two very talented ladies who also happen to be best friends! Terri and Allison create some of the cutest and most useful things for kids as well as grownups.
They also have 4 Etsy shops between them! Having online shops of my own, I know how much work that is. And they are Moms too! Let's take a look!
Abigails Hope Designs This shop features all things baby! These sets are available in all sorts of prints for boys and girls. There is a covered wipe case, burp cloth, and either a onesie or bib.

Clutchables For all you coupon clippers, a stylish way to carry them to the store!

There are also cash clutches. Nice for when you need to run out and don't want to take a purse. It will fit money, credit card and drivers license no problem!

ALM Designs Customized shirts for your kids. From holiday to birthday, they've got you covered.

Customize It! If you're even a little crafty and want to make your kid something special, this shop has loads of iron on appliques for every need.

If you need anything for your own child, a gift for someone else, please consider stopping by Hollyhocks in downtown Mebane and see this terrific merchandise for yourself. If you can't , then visit their shops by clicking the links. You'll be amazed by it all!

All kinds of wood! Boxes by Woodart Studios

2011-09-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

This week I am featuring the talents of a man named Baron from Woodart Studios. He is a builder of fine handcrafted furniture and cabinetry. Sadly, my little store does not have the space to have such large, wonderful things, but we do have a variety of boxes he's made. They are superblycrafted with fine details out of all kinds of exotic wood. Let's take a look shall we?

This first box is one of the larger ones. It's amde out of Lacewood which comes from Australia and is quite difficult to work with. You can see the detail of the finger joints along the sides. This makes it not only pretty, but very strong.

This little box is perfect to give a special ring or small trinket to someone very dear to you. It's made from Birdseye Maple.

And this little guy is made using Zebrawood. I think this has become a favorite of mine. I really like the natural striping in the wood and the rich color. It's not too light and not too dark.

As I mentioned before, we have several boxes here at the store. A great way to make a special gift even more special!

Fall is here! Well almost anyway!

2011-09-22T16:35:00.001-04:00

Fall officially arrived today and driving in to work this morning, I can see the tell tale signs of fall all around me. The squirrels are busy gathering food and hiding it. The deer are everywhere, and the leaves are just starting to turn. The weeds along the sides of the road are going to seed and looking brown as the season changes. It's still warm temperature wise (at least for me) but the humidity isn't nearly as bad. I can keep my doors open at the store and that is always good. Speaking of the store, fall and Halloween items are coming in nearly everyday now. When you come to downtown Mebane, be sure to stop by and see whats here. Just remember that most things are one of a kind and may not be here when you come back. Happy fall everyone! I look forward to seeing you!

Silent Auction has begun!

2011-09-19T13:53:00.000-04:00

The silent auction that is being held in conjunction with Autumn Fest this year has begun. Many businesses have offered a wide array of goods and services that can be viewed here.

There are 2 pages to look at and bid on. The shave kit that is pictured here is part of the auction.
The retail value of the donations is from $50-$360 , so you know that there is some great stuff! Please read the page carefully as there are some rules. Enjoy and get those bids in!!
Proceeds will benefit the downtown beautification projects.

Carved in Stone: Natural Stone Creations

2011-09-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

This week I am featuring Kerrie of Natural Stone Creations. This young woman makes some incredible things with "rocks, a drill and imagination"! I first met Kerrie when we were a couple booth spaces away from each other at a Christmas show. I saw her stuff and fell in love right then and there! I knew I had to have this stuff in my store. A few months later, my wish had come true and here she is! She works full time and is also a Mom of a very active kindergartner. She gives new meaning to the term "multitasking"! Now, on to the good stuff!

I personally bought this business card holder from her because it's different. I've had the usual assortment of commercial ones, but this one is the best, hands down. She has several other styles in the store made with different kinds of stone.

This stone vase or "Ikebana" is so cool! There is a small dish with a pronged frog in the bottom to hold your blooms in place. I like the look of the natural stone.

This particular tableto fountain has sold, but I wnted to show you anyway. It has the most soothing sound, and was super easy to clean. It's perfect if you are into Feng Shui, or like to meditate.

This lamp is stacked stones and is one of the larger ones she has here. With all the lamps, she was very careful to have stable bottoms so they don't tip over. I think they would be great in a den, a boy's room, or really anywhere that requires something natural looking.

I think that this is my favorite piece of hers. It's a beautiful piece of slate that can hold 3 tea light candles. The small plaque on it reads "Live, Laugh, Love". Something I feel we all need to do more.

I hope that you've enjoyed this small look at Kerrie's craft, and it will inspire you to look at everyday things in a new light. Maybe it will inspire you to create something beautiful for yourself. Or if you're NOT the crafting type, it will inspire you to come shop at Hollyhocks.We ARE "All things handmade in NC"!

We've been featured!!!

2011-09-16T11:58:00.003-04:00

I can't tell you how excited I am! This little blog has been featured in the "Best of the Web" section of Be@Home !

I've been writing this blog for a year now and the thought of being featured never even entered my mind. Please take a minute( you'll probably need more) to check out this blog! There is so much there to see and read. A section for everything from babies, to your pets, and your home, all in one place! For busy people, it doesn't get any better than that! They also have a tip center which covers a wide range of topics from shopping and gift advice to baking tips. Check it out! Become a fan on Facebook too!

Thanks so much to Scott for the invite to be featured. All the sellers at my store thank you too! :)

Featured artist: Jill of JSF Creations

2011-09-08T14:43:00.001-04:00

Next in my featured artists series is Jill of JSF Creations. Jill is one of those amazing people who does it all I think. She's a wife, a mom, works full time, and makes all kinds of great stuff using fabric! She uses every little scrap of fabric for something. I think they generally end up as these fantastic fabric bowls. Let's take a look at just some of the things she has made.

Personally, I love these little bowls. They are nice to have on your night stand to hold lip balm, small pack of tissues, etc. I have one on my night stand to keep my ear plugs in! :)

This is one of Jill's lunch bags. I own one and I love it! Use it nearly everyday! They are roomy, and made with fun fabric. No boring stuff here!

Believe it or not, this dress used to be one of my husband's shirts! Didn't she do a great job making it into this cute dress?

Need baby bibs? Well, we have a nice selection here and they come with a matching burp cloth! There are boy patterns too!

And just for fun, we have dragon wings! These are great just to have fun or for Halloween! For boys and girls! Afterall, not all girls want to be butterflies and fairies!

Maybe your little monster would love a monster hat! I think any kid would look terrific in this fun hat!

This is just a sample of what Jill has here at the store. Besides her website, she also has a facebook page. Stop by either one and say hi! You can always come by Hollyhocks and see her things in person too! Company is always welcome!

Featured Seller: Crafts by Pearl

2011-09-01T09:51:00.000-04:00

I'm late this week getting this done. This week I am featuring Pearl, from Crafts by Pearl. As Pearl states on her website "A wise philosopher once said that the key to finding happiness is to do what you love doing. That’s exactly how Crafts by Pearl got started. Sewing has always been a passion of mine. I started out making stockings and baby doll blankets for my grandchildren, and it soon caught on after coworkers spotted my crafts and asked for custom stockings and other customized embroidered items. A few clever inventions and ideas for new spins on old classics inspired me to begin a whole line of homemade crafts. When I was presented with an opportunity for early retirement, I gladly took it, very happy to gain extra time for my newfound hobby and business project.
Crafts by Pearl really got started when I began attending various craft shows in the summers and winters several years ago. I originally offered Quillows, which are soft pillows that fold out into full quilts, casserole totes, stockings, and cosmetic bags. Today I still keep up an intense craft show schedule, but have expanded my product line to include more modern items such as cell phone pouches, initial key chains, change purses, initial fingernail file holders, purses, microwavable vegetable pouches, and much more."

The following are just a sample of all the great things she makes and I will admit that I own several of her products and love them all. .

Many jobs require employees to wear a badge at all times, so why not at least make it fun! Pearl has these terrific, retractable badge holders which I am sure will be popular co-worker holiday gifts!

She also makes the very popular monogrammed keyrings and nail file keepers. Personally, I love the bright colors because it makes it easy to find them in your purse!

These are all reversible table runners. Often they will have a holiday specific print on one side and then something completely different on the other. I think I will be showing the other side of many of these since fall is coming.

I love these microwave veggie pouches! If you are a fan of baked potatoes like I am, then you must have one of these. Simply wash the potato, pat dry and wrap in a piece of paper towel. Do not prick it! Place inside the bag and microwave it for a few minutes. Let sit for a little while, unwrap, and you will have a perfectly fluffy potato. NO hard bottom!

Pearl's newest addition are these cute cross body bags. One side has a large pocket and the other has two smaller pockets, all with zippers. Great for everyday and for travel!

This very talented lady can also be found on Facebook and Twitter. I hope you have enjoyed this post and will stop by Hollyhocks to see her things in person or visit her website!

Featured Artist: Sisters

2011-08-21T11:10:00.000-04:00

I know the title says "Artist", and then "Sisters". Sisters are actually sisters named Sandra and Della Sue. Between the 2 of them, they've tried a lot of things, but they mostly paint. They paint almost anything. They've been selling here since day 1 and it's always a pleasure to see what they bring. Personally, I own a few pieces by them and I love them. Often, they are that small item that fits the spot just right. I have to admit that I am waiting to see some more of the cute little pumpkins and gourds they had last fall. Maybe there will be some surprises too! Without further adieu , here's some pictures!

The ladies paint a wide variety of votive and tealight candle holders. These floral ones are probably their most popular style.

These are some of the fall items that we had last year. They were quite popular and very cute! The 2 pumpkins are real if you can believe that!

Cake carriers, salad carriers, cupcake/cookie carriers,chip and dip sets: you name it and they paint it! They not only look nice, but are easily found if you happen to bring something to a large event such as a church pot luck.

Small, decorative bottles are nice decorative touch to have in your home. They also make great gifts to say thank you to a neighbor for picking up your mail, to a friend who helped you out at the last minute, or a "just because" gift.

We had this pretty vase last Christmas. I bought it for me because I loved it so much! I filled it with holly branches from my front yard and kept it on my kitchen table. It was fabulous! I probably should have taken a picture or two, but I didn't. :(

I hope you have enjoyed this little glimpse at the terrific artwork of "Sisters". If you can, stop by the store and see it in person. I'm sure you'll be as captivated by it as I am!

Featured Artist: Brandi of BBG Creations

2011-08-14T08:38:00.001-04:00

This week I am featuring a rather new seller to Hollyhocks. Her name is Brandi and she creates artwork geared towards kids of all ages. I don't know Brandi very well. She works occasionally for Poythress Studio upstairs. She does have a facebook page that has her work on it as well. Let's take a quick look at a few pieces she has at the store.

I think these are just adorable. You can get them just like this or it can be personalized.

Really cute for a little boy room. It reminds me of an outfit that my son had when he was a baby. That was a few years ago! (He'll be 31 this fall!)

Brandi doesn't just do baby stuff. Here are a couple examples of pieces she's made for older girls.

The ribbon on this is loose so you can slip notes, photos, or whatever under them if you want.It could just be afun and inexpensive piece of art too!

I think we all know at least one girl who is a bit of a diva. This would be a nice gift and she can proclaim that title to the world! Stop by Brandi's page to see more of her delightful artwork!

I hope you will keep Hollyhocks in mind when you need a special and unique gift for someone or yourself. We'd love to see you!

Featured seller: Southern Twirl Tie Dyes

2011-08-06T20:35:00.000-04:00

This week I am featuring Janet of Southern Twirl Tie Dyes. So can you guess what she makes? Yep, tie dye everything! Janet is a mom to three kids. She works full time running a lab which is a high stress job. So to relax and get the ya-yas out , she creates. As she says in her profile "I love working with my hands and exploring new crafting techniques. I truly enjoy making tie dyes (it's my stress-reliever). I'm always looking for different twist/fold patterns, color combos, and occasionally toss in other craft techniques, such as batik, shibori, fabric painting, etc." Janet takes her time when she creates these wearable gems, and uses high quality blanks and dyes. She does have an Etsy shop, but she's currently on vacation. So lets see what goodies I can share with you.

This first dress has long since been sold, but I still think it's really cool!

This outfit is currently on the dress form. She stands out when I bring her up to the sidewalk!

The messenger bag is reversible too. Denim on the other side!

I love this orange dress for girls. Size 8 in case you're interested!:)

Start them out right with a cute tie dye onesie!

This is just some of the kids tees and skirts Janet's got at the store. This rack below is at the back of the store and has all the bigger kids and adult sizes. I own a couple of her shirts and I can say that I love them. They've been washed and dried several times, no shrinking, no color bleed. I do love being able to tell customers that when they ask and even sometimes when they don't!

I hope you've enjoyed the wonderful world of tie dye.

Featured seller: CreationsbyDreamLady

2011-07-31T09:36:00.000-04:00

CreationsbyDreamLady is a new venture by Paula! She makes the most incredible bracelets and I am thrilled that she has chosen Hollyhocks to sell her works of art! They truly are works of art as each one is lovingly crafted with skill and attention to detail. Details such as finishing the ends of the cord so they don't fray. Each bracelet is made with slip knots so they will fit a wide range of wrist sizes and high quality beads. And maybe best of all, each one has it's own story. She never duplicates a design, so when you buy one (which I have) you have the knowledge that it is the only one in existence! Let's take a look at a few that she has at the store.

This pretty pink one is called "Watermelon Twist" and is one of my personal favorites! The card you see in the picture tells you the name of the piece and exactly what she used to make it. You can clearly see the details I mentioned earlier in this picture.

This beauty is called "Misty Meadow". I love the fresh colors of the beads with the soft color of the rayon cord.

If you happen to know someone who loves the ocean, then this would make a perfect gift. The multi color cord has that "oceany look" and combined with the sea creature beads , is a knock out! It's called "In The Deep Blue Sea"

"Simplicity" is just that. Simple black rayon cord and white pearls. A piece that can easily be appropriate for a dress up affair, or with a jeans and a white blouse.

Paula has expanded and opened up an Etsy shop. At the moment she has her "Island Collection" listed.

This is one of the beauties she has there:

This one is called "Tinos". I love the combination of the beads with the cord-just gorgeous!
To wrap up, if you're in Mebane, please stop by the store and see her lovely pieces in person. I can guarantee you'll want to own one or give as a really special gift! All priced well under $30 and they come with a pretty organza bag ready to give. See you soon!

Sunfest: Fun for the whole family

2011-07-27T16:44:00.000-04:00

Sunfest is just what the banner says it is. A fun day for the whole family! There's music, games, crafts, food and loads of fun! Most things are free or there is a nominal charge. Join us in historic downtown Mebane on Saturday, August 6 from 10:00am to 3:00pm! See you then!

Featured Artist: Kathy Alderman

2011-07-25T11:21:00.000-04:00

This week I am featuring a wonderful artist and a truly nice person. Her name is Kathy Alderman and she has been featured on this blog before. Kathy has reduced her presence at Hollyhocks since the last time I featured her, so if you woulod like to see more examples of her work, click here. At the moment she only has her charming windchimes here and I must say I own one and I love it! The fact that she is reusing old silverware which are often odd pieces that would otherwise end up in a landfill is just fantastic! Just goes to show that recycling can be beautiful and creative as well. The following are a small sample of what she has currently available at Hollyhocks. I will apologize now for my lack of photography skills!

She will sometimes have a teacup in the center of these. I tried to get a picture of the one we have, but I was having an awful time with glare. I like that she leaves the pieces in their original shape too. It makes a much more unique sound I think. I have seen them where the forks and spoons are flattened.

So, if you're in the market for some new windchimes for inside or outside, you might want to give these a try. They are very affordably priced and each one is unique. They also come with the promise that if a string should happen to break, Kathy will repair it for you at no charge. See you soon!

Featured Seller: Ribbon Refinery

2011-07-18T19:01:00.000-04:00

I am starting a new series on this blog today to showcase the talent we have at Hollyhocks. This is being done alphabetically. So to start us off is Stuart of Ribbon Refinery. She is a SAHM and has a wonderful knack for creating the cutest hair accessories I think I've ever seen. The shapes she creates with ribbon is amazing.

This shows a small portion of her whimsical creations.

Sock monkey hair clip

This is the top of the hair clip holder she made.

She's made many elephants in all colors!

We have a few of these beautful woven ribbon hairbands. Really smart for an older girl!

And this little crab is so cute! You have to just smile when you see his cute little face!

If you are ever in the Mebane area, please stop by. Downtown has a lot to offer and I'd love to see you!

Clay Street After Work

2011-07-12T20:42:00.000-04:00

Clay Street After Work

Friday July 15 * 7 pm

Franklin Street Band

Listen to a little Motown, rock & roll, R&B, beach, country...they do it all! Clay Street After Work is "free" and you just need to bring a lawn chair!

Happy July 4th

2011-06-30T20:27:00.000-04:00

Happy July 4th!!!

T.Rusk4u: Handmade Artists' Shop Front Page Feature

2011-06-27T16:47:00.000-04:00

T.Rusk4u: Handmade Artists' Shop Front Page Feature: "This wonderful article appears on the front page of the Handmade Artist Shop site. I want to share it with all of you in the hopes that it i..."

All Shiny and Brand New!

2011-06-14T20:02:00.000-04:00

Well, just like I said in my last post, I have been redoing the front part of the store and I'm nearly finished. It's always been an awkward space and hard to display anything there. So, I was thinking long and hard about how to make the most of that space. Eureka! Pegboard! My wonderful husband came and installed pegboard for me. I ordered some really great plastic hooks (the kind that lock into the board) and some bracelet holders. They shipped super fast which made me happy and this is the end result.

This little corner now has our very popular ribbon scarves and ladies hairbands. The right side has hairbands for girls.

These 2 sides have hair clips for girls, hair clip holders, and a few more hairbands.

This small panel under the light has clip on earrings and bracelets, and the larger one has pierced earrings. It looks neat, bright, and organized. It should make shopping much easier. I still have the bench there for people to sit down. I moved my magnet board to the wall next to the earrings so it's much more visible to shoppers. I neglected to take a picture but I'll remedy that tomorrow.

The street work continues and there was a mishap that of course affected my space.A water line broke just up the street and the water was left to run down the side of the street. Right in front of our building was a low spot and hole in the curb which caused the water to flood the meter box in the sidewalk and seep into my office. So I had a not nice surprise when I got to the store. All the appropriate people were called and it appears to be okay. We'll see later this week when the rain comes. The silver lining in all this is I did renew my business license for another year. So, it looks like Hollyhocks will be around for a while yet. You have an open invitation to come and visit when ever you are in or near Mebane.

New things on the horizon!!!

2011-06-06T15:52:00.000-04:00

This is just a quick update about what's going on at Hollyhocks these days. It's probably more like a teaser I guess. I am in the process of remodeling a bit at the store. The goal is to maximize display space and improve flow through the store. Once I have it all done, I'll be sure and share pictures with you. I am also starting the featured artist spotlights that I had done previously. I'll share a little bit about them here and they will also be highlighted on my sidewalk sign. It will be a weekly thing. So, be sure and check back. Or better yet, just follow Hollyhocks and it will show up in your dashboard feed! That way you'll be sure not to miss it!

Variety is the name of the game!

2011-05-28T16:24:00.000-04:00

Variety of handmade items! That is what you will find at Hollyhocks, LLC! All of our products are made by North Carolina artists and crafters, with the exception of 2. (out of state) Whether you are looking for something for yourself, your child, Dad, Mom, or teacher you will find something unique and special here at Hollyhocks, LLC.

Who says that the birds aren't Carolina fans?

This handpainted shelf would look so cute in a powder room with it's vintage charm! These wonderful items are made by Lynn who also is a breast cancer survivor.

This supremely crafted bracelet is available here . It's made with a slip knot, so it will fit just about anyone! Made with love by Paula of "Creations by Dreamlady" She has a nice assortment of bracelets at the store!

This all Walnut shelf has a vase built right in! No need to worry about it slipping off!

How about a pretty necklace for warm summer days? I love this starfish necklace! It is the newest addition by Cindy of "Sparkles and Sweets".

These earrings will show your love of country without being obvious! They are by me!

Since I took this picture, we have expanded our tie dye section. Janet has sizes and colors for everyone and is currently working on some new things to bring! Visit her Etsy shop to see more!

These look like bags and I'm sure you're thinking "big deal"! Well, inside these bags are all the makings to build your own fort! Sheets, rope,suction cups,flashlight, etc! Hours of fun for your kids and priceless to Moms!Jill has her own website at JSF Creations.

I am in love with this little guy! uh, girl! Wouldn't this cute crab look fabulous in that special little girls hair? Created with care and love by Stuart at Ribbon Refinery!

These bobby pins with their cute felt flowers are a great hair accessory for girls of all ages! Made with love by Doris and her daughter Jessica.

If you are looking for peace and tranquility, then this tabletop fountain can help you achieve that right in your own home or office. I have it running in the store, and it sounds wonderful! Want one? Stop by the store. If I don't have what you want, I'm sure Kerrie can create one just for you!

Obviously this doll is NOT handmade, but her outfit is! Karen makes a nice variety of clothes for 18", (American Girl) dolls. She brought in some doll sweaters that I'll share another time.

This pretty wreath arrived yesterday and is the creation of Kathy of Look What Kathy Made, She makes a good portion of our seasonal items as well as everyday decorative items.

You can even get a new collar for your dog. We have several prints and sizes available.

Gorgeous and full of detail, these sketches are by Jeff Bowers. We have ones with color, some are black and white and feature landmarks from the most popular area universities.

New keyrings that can also hold pills! Nice when you have a small purse!

I hope this article has inspired you to seek out handmade where ever you live. If you happen to live near Mebane ,stop by and see us!

Living Your Life With Handmade

2011-05-15T16:40:00.003-04:00

I have been passionate about handmade for quite a long time. Way before it the "cool thing to do." I love surrounding myself with things that have a story, some history, and also an identity. As I look around at my home, I see so many things that were made by real people. Honest to goodness artists. That fact makes these things special to me and add some real comfort as well as joy to our everyday lives.

This tile is from an old building in Vieux Carre, in New Orleans and dates from the 1880's. The picture on the tile is of the St. Louis Cathedral. This was a gift from my husband about 20 years ago.

This watercolor I bought directly from the artist in Monhegan, Maine. This artist colony has been around a very long time and is a favorite vacation spot to literally get away from it all. No cars,only some homes have electricity or tv. If you don't mind rustic, it's an awesome place to go.

This shelf is very special because my Dad made it for me. At the time I was really into the country style of decorating. I've had it for close to 30 years. The birdhouses that hang there are from Hollyhocks.

I have this very cute hand painted candle holder in my guest room. This is done by Sandra and she sells along with her sister at Hollyhocks,LLC.

This is actually a seaweed print that I bought from Hollyhocks. She also makes marvelous prints using a Japanese technique and fish.

My husband used to chair an Art Festival in the town that we moved from and this artist was there every year. This has meaning for me because it is taken where I grew up.

Please excuse the glare on this one. This is a photograph of Torch Lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where I grew up. This artist lived near my Mom and it's the last gift she ever gave me before she passed away.

This castle drawing I purchsed when we were in Ireland. Rather than buying from typical tourist places, I really tried to seek out local shops where I could purchase items that were locally made. Not always the cheapest route, but well worth the few extra dollars!

This table is made by my husband. The walnut is over 50 years old and he got it from his Dad.

You might think much about a lunch bag, but this I bought from Hollyhocks and I love it. I adore this fabric. I also had Jill from JSF Creations make me a purse which I love!

I love my bird magnet from Kathy She also sells at Hollyhocks. I have purchased magnets from another seller Wendy from Stuck Together but they were gifts, so no pics!

These are from Bob Gunn who is a photographer at Hollyhocks. I love my butterfly mouse pad and believe me I never thought I'd get excited about something like that! This stretched canvas hangs in our bedroom. I thought it went well with my French themed artwork. This pencil sketch was being completed by the street artist when I purchased it from him in Paris. It's a composite of some of the major landmarks of the city.

Both the soap dish and the soap are handmade from Hollyhocks. The soap is from Bonnie, formerly Hello Crafty and now Sandpiper Spa.

Though the design is simple, I love my hand knitted placemats from Marcia. They are thick and no clunking plates! The orange candles on the table are my very first Etsy purchase.

This beautiful Cedar chest came from another artist who sold at the art festival my husband used to chair.

This gorgeous photograph is actually one of a pair that were a Christmas gift from our daughter. She studied photography in college and will hopefully be sending me some to sell at the store. I say hopefully because she is a doctoral student and extremely busy.

So, I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. I am sure that I am Hollyhocks best customer. When I need gifts I always try to buy from the store first and I hope that you will do the same. If you live near Hollyhocks, great. I'd love to see you! If you don't, try to find a store near you that sells handmade things by locals. It also helps reduce your carbon footprint! We have to support each other. And by surrounding yourself with handmade , you have the knowledge that you helped a real person further their career or hobby by making that choice rather than going to a big box retailer.

Clay Street After Work

2011-05-09T15:42:00.000-04:00

Every 3rd Friday from May through September, Mebane has this event called "Clay Street After Work". Each month on that Friday, you can come downtown, have a little dinner at Martinho's,( or wherever you choose) do some shopping (be sure to come by Hollyhocks!)and then stay to hear some great music! This month it's Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog on May 20th.

Grab your lawn chair and your dancing shoes and get ready to rock with the Big Dogs at the first 2011 Clay Street After Work. There may be signs of street construction downtown, however, the "general" location of the concert will remain the same. Thanks to the City of Mebane, Alamance County Arts Council, Mebane Business Association and a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the NC Arts Council for sponsoring this popular monthly program .
The band starts at 7:00 and plays until 9:30 and it's FREE! You can always visit the Downtown Mebane website to see what's going on. Hope to see you there!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!

Mebane and Hollyhocks on TV!

2011-04-29T15:45:00.000-04:00

UNC-TV does this show each week called North Carolina Weekend and last week they aired the footage they shot in Mebane during the Spring Shoppers Stroll. They did show my pink and green stairwell. It would have been nice if they came into the store, but that little clip has brought in some new faces from Chapel Hill and High Point. If you click on the link, you can see the show. Our purchased tv ads should be starting soon. As soon as I know, I'll let you know! The paper "Southern Neighbor" is supposed to be writing an article about Mebane for their July issue. Those of us who paid to adverstise with them will get first crack at the interviews. So that little investment is paying a dividend! It's like I tell people who ask about the store and if I intend to stay around. "I am bound and determined to make this work! I am throwing everything I can into this store in order to be successful." For that I must thank all the sellers because without them, there would be no store, and all the wonderful people who shop here. We are developing a following of folks who shop here first for their gift giving or for themselves.
I hope you enjoy the show. If I could, I would just have the clip of Mebane.

Fun and Beauty at Hollyhocks!!

2011-04-27T21:01:00.001-04:00

I've been busy adding new sellers to the Hollyhocks circle of sellers. I'm continually looking for new and different locally made items to add to the store. It can be a real challenge sometimes.But it's also exciting! I've found several through Etsy and some have been referred to the store by other people. Here's a sampling of some of the terrific new stuff added just this past couple weeks.

Dragon wings and a monster hat! How fun it this? These were brought by Jill of JSF Creations.

These bags are actually fort kits. Everything a kid could need to build their own fort! I remember all the fun I had with my 2 kids buildings forts and tents when they were small.

Super cute baby gifts! Includes a wipe case, burp cloths, and a onesie, all decorated with matching fabrics! Handmade by Terri of abigailshopedesigns.

How about a tee shirt with its own necktie? One of many shirts by Allison of almdesigns.

These lovely cards feature vintage images and were brought today by Kathy of Look what Kathy Made. Perfect for Mother's Day! The following items were brought today by our newest seller, Lynn. She's a painter and creates the most beautiful stuff.

And how about this super cute jewelry made using recycled/upcycled stuff. Created by Melissa, it can be found on Etsy under Beads, Buttons and Bows

I hope you've enjoyed this little sampling of what Hollyhocks, LLC has to offer. And you can see how awesome and beautiful handmade really is!!

Big news and some not so big news!

2011-04-23T20:22:00.000-04:00

I've been a very busy lady which is why I haven't posted in a while. I've added several new sellers which you can visit via their links on this blog. I've also done a big shuffle of merchandise around the store.The big news is that when UNC-TV was up here filming for a show, they filmed my stairwell and they got the sign too! Granted, it would have been awesome if they actually came inside, but I'll take what I can get! The story aired last night, and it was a pretty good spot, but a bit lopsided I thought. They sure missed many businesses and spent too much time in others. Maybe it's the ones they personally liked, I don't know.

I moved some of my jewelry from this prime space and put Andrew's chainmaille and Jan's wood jewelry here. It's getting much more attention here and just looks better I think.

I put some of the "guy" stuff on this center island so maybe it will start to sell a bit better.

I've hung some of Karen's purses on the wall and more people are really looking at them. I am perplexed as to why they don't sell very well. They are well made, fully lined with pockets and well under $50!

The addition of 3 tables in the back has allowed me to display the tableware much better. And in the picture below, I've added couple of chairs to create a homey look. Also added some dishes to the place settings.

This coat rach shows off the aprons really nicely and is easy to move around. Having the dress form there modeling the apron shows how it looks on a person.

New lighting was sorely needed in the back, so my wonderful husband installed these for me. There are actually 2 sets and it's a huge improvement!

This picture rail system is in the front near the checkout. Sadly, the prints being matted are just a bit too heavy and they kept sliding off, so I put up a bunch a pretty greeting cards instead. So that's it for now. If you are ever in the Mebane area of North Carolina, please stop by. Our little town has a lot to offer!

Where have all the people gone?

2011-04-14T15:45:00.000-04:00

For those of you that have been around awhile or happen to like old music, you may recall a song with the lyric" Where have all the flowers gone?" Well, that lyric, thought slightly different has been spinning around in my head today. "Where have all the people gone?" I do realize that many people work, but there are some who would have the day off, or are retired, etc. Now being below street level, I don't see all that goes on, but I do hear it, except there's nothing to hear! I've gone up to the street to see if there is anyone around. Cars line both sides of the street, yet not a soul in sight. The weather is beautiful today, about 74 or so and sunny. I talk with other store owners and they all say the same thing. I have to say that when so many downtown areas are filled with empty storefronts, Mebane is quite the opposite. Yes there are a few, but even some of those are in the process of being set up for new businesses to move in. We're getting a new yarn store and that's pretty exciting! Anyway, back to what I was saying. I have visions of people driving across town to go to Wal-Mart because it's cheaper, or whatever other reason they come up with. Are they not realizing that the money they spend there is supporting the importation of all that cheap stuff they carry? They'll complain when it breaks, and they have to replace it. More landfill material. It's a vicious cycle and contributes to our throw away society. Would it not be better to buy from a local store that is possibly run by your neighbor and support your own community? It may cost you a bit more, but chances are you'll have it for years before it needs replacing. Maybe they don't realize how lucky they are to have a great downtown. In many ways it reminds me of the town I grew up in. Small, everyone knows everyone, stuff like that. Unfotunately, many towns are no longer around. They are ghost towns, replaced by malls, and huge big box retailers . Maybe some of those stores need to set up in a downtown area. I don't know. I'm rambling again. I would just like to know where everyone is?

Exciting new things are happening!

2011-04-06T19:28:00.000-04:00

Just like the title says, there is exciting stuff going on at Hollyhocks! I have welcomed some new sellers to the store which is always exciting! I am also talking with a few more, so who knows what will happen. I have also decided to join other downtown businesses in running some tv commercials. I need to take a brief video of the store so it can be added to the others that have participated before. I love that they also mention the stores name! How cool is that? If you click here, you can see one of the ads from before. I am really excited about this! It's a big step for my little shop! I'll be sure and keep you posted! And as always, if you find yourself in or near Mebane, please stop by for a visit. It's a wonderful town filled with awesome people and lots to do!

Fish,elephants, and sock monkeys!

2011-03-27T09:01:00.000-04:00

Hollyhocks, LLC is pleased to announce that we have a new seller with some of THE cutest hair accessories around! Her name is Stuart and she's a busy Mom, yet she finds time to create these awesome clips for your little girls hair! Just look how adorable these are!

Ths little snail is so cute! You can also see one of the ladybugs she's made. Or how about this ice cream cone?

Everyone loves sock monkeys and this little guy would look so cute in any little girls hair!

Who says there's no such thing as PINK elephants?

If you like what you see, and I know you do, please stop by her Etsy shop to see more of her wonderful sculpted hair acccessories. Of course you can always come by Hollyhocks if you happen to be in Mebane!

Spring Shoppers Stroll

2011-03-18T08:01:00.000-04:00

Wow, the "Spring Shoppers Stroll" is next weekend already! It takes place in downtown Mebane on Saturday, March 26 from 10-6. Hollyhocks has a big day planned. We will have refreshments of course. Several sellers will be giving demonstrations of their crafts. My husband will be doing some woodturning in the back of the store (outside). Karen will be demonstrating some of her excellent sewing skills. Janet will be tie dying all kinds of stuff. We are also having a raffle where you could win 1 of 5 awesome prizes!

This gorgeous fish print was donated by Jacalyn of Save the Seaweed. It is double matted and one of a kind.

This pen and pencil set in the box was made by my husband. The box is cherry, the pen and pencil are Rosewood with satin finish fittings. They take Parker refills.

This necklace and earring set is donated by me. It is a one of a kind set. It's made using non tarnish navy wire and facted blue Czech beads.

This necklace is donated by the store. It has been re-constructed by me and updated. When I first got it, it was quite awful. I believe the beads are Jade.

This beautiful grapevine wreath was donated by Kathy. I love it! She really has a way of putting things together!

This is the how I have the items displayed in the store. I hope it gets people to come back and register to win. The value of all these prizes totals about $145.00.

I would personally like to thank all those who either donated a prize or their time to come and help out. It's all of you who will help this to be a success!

Spring has arrived at Hollyhocks!

2011-03-03T07:57:00.000-05:00

Evidence of the impending arrival of spring are popping out everywhere here in North Carolina! Daffodils are out, tulips are emerging, and the Bradford pear trees that line our street are budding and ready to bloom anyday! There are also birds of every kind all over, busy gathering materials to build their nests and lay eggs. With all of this going on, I was inspired to give the store a bit of a makeover too. Being in a historic district, the building tend to have muted colors and don't really stand out. Our challenge is two fold: A. we're in a lower level space (ok-basement) in a place that is not used to having them, let alone shopping in them, and our stairwell blended in with the rest of the building. Since we blended in, people just walked past, not realizing that we were there,. Well, not anymore! I talked with the people who own the building and they were nice enough to allow me to paint our stairwell any color I wanted. I wasn't about to let that opportunity slip by, so I did! This is the result:

We now have carnation pink walls, and geranium green steps! I also bought 4 flower garlands from JoAnn Fabrics to decorate the doorway. Wreaths don't work because they block out too much light.

This very springy and lively color scheme has been getting rave reviews, though it was a bit of a shock for many at first. It getting noticed by people now, even from across the street! No more will I have to hear from children walking by with their parents that it "looks scary down there". They now seem to be intrigued by the color and want to see whats "down there"!

I have a few more ideas for the front, but I won't share those just yet. I'm also thinking of ways to spruce up our back entrance and encourage people to use it more. It's only 1 step as opposed to the flight of stairs in front. Much easier for older shoppers, parents with strollers, people walking their dogs, etc. Yes, I do let them bring their leashed dogs into the store. I am a dog lover, so what can I say. It's also resulted in some good sales. Be sure and check back for more updates.

Graduation time is coming!

2011-02-21T10:53:00.001-05:00

Graduation time is rapidly approaching , so I took some time and created a "graduation section" in the store. It features some beautiful work by 2 of our sellers, Mr. Jeff Bowers, and Mr. Bob Gunn. Their pieces focus on the most well known universities in our area and would make excellent, keepsake gifts for any graduate.

This beautiful stretched canvas of "The Old Well" by Bob Gunn makes you feel like you are right there.

Also available are these fantastic pen and ink drawings of the most well known landmarks from the various schools. This one happens to be a watercolor, but they are also available without color. These are made by Jeff Bowers, who also happens to be an art instructor. They are all in acid free mattes, signed and numbered by the artist.

We also have frame-able cards of the same landmarks. These are done by Bob Gunn and are signed . These images are also readily available as coasters and key-chains.

Both of our artists will happily create a custom piece for you if you desire. So if you or someone you know is or has a graduate from UNC, Duke, or NC State, keep us in mind when choosing your special gift. You will be giving a one of a kind treasure that was handmade by a REAL person, not popped out by some giant company overseas and imported! Choosing handmade reflects thoughtfulness and purpose in seeking out something unique. For your shopping convienience, store hours are 11:00am to 6:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday.

New pictures of the store!

2011-02-17T19:49:00.000-05:00

I took a bunch of pictures to share with you so you can see how items have been shifted and displayed. Above is my jazzed up sidewalk sign.

Of course since I took these, I have moved things again. I made a "Graduation" section featuring all of our school related items. Right now it's local universities, but I may try and add some high school stuff too. I think the prints, key rings, and other stuff we have might make a nice gift for the new graduate. once I have the signs made, I'll take more pictures.

2011 Happenings in Downtown Mebane

2011-01-20T10:05:00.001-05:00

This post is a list of upcoming events in downtown Mebane this year. The ones with an asterisk are sponsered by the Destination Downtown group of which Hollyhocks is a member. Mark your calenders so you don't miss out!!

February 24 ~ Shop for A Cause *

This is a great opportunity to visit and shop in Downtown Mebane and also help a worthy local cause. (5-8 pm)

MARCH 26 ~ Spring Shoppers Stroll *

Downtown Mebane will be blooming at the 4th annual Spring Shoppers Stroll. Bring your family and friends and explore Downtown Mebane! Rain or shine. (10 am - 6 pm).

APRIL 29-30 ~ Dogwood Festival

The Festival starts Friday, April 29rd with a golf tournament & then continues Downtown from 6-10 pm with carnival rides & live entertainment. On Saturday, April 30th, from 10 am - 5 pm, enjoy a 5K run, car show, arts & crafts, rides, food, entertainment, and an evening street dance (7-10 pm). Plenty of free parking. Rain Date Sunday, May 1. For more info, visit www.mbamebane.com. The Festival is sponsored by The Mebane Business Association.

MAY - September ~ Clay Street After Work

3rd Friday Night ~ 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music at Clay Street After Work. Each month features a different band playing on Clay Street, starting at 7 p.m. Clay Street (from Third to Fourth Street) is closed to traffic after 6 p.m. Lots of extra parking on Ruffin Street and side streets. Come early and enjoy a little shopping or dinner at one of our unique restaurants! Clay Street After Work is sponsored by The Alamance County Arts Council, City of Mebane and The Mebane Business Association. Partial funding provided by a Grassroots Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council.

June 10-11 ~ 27th Annual Occaneechi Pow-Wow

Experience traditional Native music, dance, food and more! The Pow-Wow is held at the Occaneechi Tribal Cener, 4902 Daily Store Road -- about 8.5 miles from Downtown Mebane via Hwy. 119 North. No alcohol, drugs or pets allowed. If you haven't attended a pow-wow, you are in for a real treat! For more info, call the Tribal Office at (919) 304-3723 or visit www.occaneechi-saponi.org.

June - August ~ Farmers' Market

Located at the corner of Clay and Third Streets every Saturday from 7-11 a.m. Enjoy fresh produce and other goodies from local farmers! Coordinated by Destination Downtown Mebane.

Aug. 6 ~ Sunfest "Hometown Family Fun Day" *

An old-fashioned family fun day on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with traditional games and activities for kids of all ages! Rain or Shine.

August 25 ~ Ladies Shop Hop *

A special shopping event in downtown Mebane from 5-9 pm.

October 1 ~ Autumn Fest *

Celebrate Fall with family & friends at Downtown's Autumn Fest! Listen to a little bluegrass music, take a hayride through the historic district, visit with local crafters, browse antique and specialty shops, and shop at the pumpkin & mums market. Saturday (10 am - 6 pm). Rain or Shine.

November 3 ~ Holiday Extravaganza *

A kick-off event for holiday shopping! Downtown shops will be brimming with all kinds of treasures. Thursday evening from 5-9 pm.

Nov. 18-19 ~ 6th Annual Hometown Holiday Celebration *

A two-day holiday open house with festive decorations, carriage rides, tree lighting ceremony, strolling carolers, Santa, holiday treats & door prizes, music & art events, marshmallow roast, Kids Zone activities, and shopping and dining specials. Come home to Downtown Mebane and enjoy some old-fashioned holiday spirit with family and friends! Friday (10 am - 9 pm) and Saturday (10 am - 6 pm).

December 2 ~ Mebane Christmas Parade

Bundle up and enjoy the area's only nighttime Christmas Parade in Downtown Mebane, complete with a visit from Santa! Festivities begin at 7 p.m. on Friday night. Sponsored by The City of Mebane.

Shuffling the store around

2011-01-11T11:02:00.000-05:00

Now that the holidays are over, it was time to shuffle the merchandise in the store. It's funny how people notice things that have been in the store for a while because you moved it to a new location. The store looks refreshing and uncluttered now that all the Christmas decorations and displays are gone. The above picture is the back of the store where we have moved all the Christmas stuff that's on sale. Up to 75% off -time to stock up for next year!

This center island in the front part of the store has all the baby/kid stuff on it. Some of it is also on sale.

These 2 sections have items that are more masculine. My husbands pen are here, some beautiful artwork, cards, and fabulous NEW soaps that smell divine! Any guy would love this stuff!

This side of the store has had a bit of a shuffle too. Bonnie, from HelloCrafty brought in some new products, so I expanded her space a bit. She has some awesome new products and is planning on bringing some more. I also redid the display of Megan's jewelry from Spotted Fish. Her jewelry is beautiful and very well made.

This is my section of the store. Since I took these pictures, I have removed some of the more wintery pieces and are replacing them with more springy things.

This is our start for Valentine's Day. It sure isn't much and I'm hopeful that more vendors will get their stuff in soon. After all, Valentine's Day is little more than a month away already. The top shelf is sewn items like pot holders and the cutest little baskets. They are done by a nice, older lady named Beverly. So far, I'm the only one with Valentine jewelry, so all this is mine on the second and third shelves. The red bowl that is there is heart shaped and has holes for drainage. It's a great piece by Misun of MSR Pottery . She makes some really cute and practical things.

So as things move around and new vendors come, I will be taking more pictures to share with you. I hope you've enjoyed this little peek into Hollyhocks,LLC . If you happen to be in Mebane or the surrounding area, please stop in for a visit. It's always a pleasure to meet new people. And remember, anything you buy here is handmade by a real person and is likely a one of a kind item. See you soon!

T.Rusk4u: Help Please!!

2011-01-08T08:54:00.000-05:00

T.Rusk4u: Help Please!!: "Hey friends, I or actually this school needs your help in a big way! They are in the running for a Pepsi refresh project and they sure could..."

Ramblings from a store owner

2011-01-02T16:20:00.000-05:00

As we start this new year, I've been thinking about all that has happened to me this past year. Last year at this time, I never even imagined I would become a store owner! We have been open since August and so far, so good. It's not easy! In fact it is an incredible amount of work! The hardest part is finding new vendors to sell in our store. I have talked to close to a hundred people now that had inquired about selling and then I never heard a word from them again. Fortunately, we have a great group of people who did come to sell and most do pretty well. I really wish that they could all sell tons each month, but sadly that is not the case. The higher priced items we have just don't seem to fit our customers. I'm not entirely sure if it's all about price or a mix of that and style. I guess you have to take the good with the bad. I am currently looking for some new sellers. That is the one constant that never, ever changes.

I do worry about the future. Will the store survive despite the odds and the economy? I do work at trying to keep a positive attitude. I've literally thrown myself almost completely into this store. Pretty much anything that I make from selling my jewelry, goes back into the store. I am thinking about purchasing another ad, but we'll have to see how the money situation is. Fortunately, the monthly events in town start again in February and those always draw people into the downtown area and into the store. So, I will continue to plug along, work very hard, and with a little luck I'll be able to blog about this again next year! Thanks to all who suppport our little store and getting people to buy handmade!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T08:00:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!!

January Sale!!!!

2010-12-15T19:39:00.000-05:00

SALE! SALE! SALE!

Several of our vendors have put some of their items on sale already. They range from 15%-40% off right now!
Starting in January, more of our vendors products will be on sale. We need to make room for spring and Valentines's Day stuff. I hope that if you are in the area, you stop by for some great deals on unique, locally made items!

January hours:
Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday
11:00am-5:00pm

Reflecting and contemplating

2010-12-11T10:00:00.002-05:00

Wow, this is our 5th month of being open already! I can hardly believe it, but it's true. So far things have gone rather well. People continue to discover us and we have become a novelty here since our store is downstairs. Being on the lower level is quite unusual for people who are from here, and transplants usually comment on how it reminds them of the city, home, or something like that.
In an effort to keep growing, we are exploring new things to draw people in. One of those ideas is to offer classes and demos by our vendors. Personally, I think people would like to see who makes the merchandise and how it's done. Classes would give the opportunity to learn how to sew, knit, crochet, or whatever. We are also talking with a potential new vendor about having their very yummy cooking sauces in our store and having demos of their product. We have used the sauces at home and they are fabulous!
I am more and more passionate about handmade everyday and feel blessed that we have been able to not only promote handmade items, but ones done by mostly local people. I feel that our customers like the fact that their hard earned money is going to support real people, the taxes stay here, and it helps to keep the downtown area going. I have met some wonderful people through this store and our goal is to be around for a long time. If you happen to be in the area, stop by and see us! We always love to see both new friends and old friends! We are at 102 West Clay Street, Lower Level, Mebane.
Happy Holidays everyone!

Featured Artist, Bob Gunn

2010-12-04T16:15:00.000-05:00

This week I am pleased and privileged to bring you the work of Bob Gunn, photographer extraordinaire! His specialty is nature and landscape photography . His images stir the senses and give us a glimpse of nature's best. His images are available as framed and matted prints, wrap around canvas, greeting cards, paper weights, mouse pads , coasters , key rings , magnets, and so much more. All are very affordable and will grace any ones home or office. Here are some examples.
These wrap around canvas prints are beautifully done and ready to hang. They also happen to be some of my personal favorites! :)

Doesn't this just make you instantly feel calm?

I love the graceful look of this bird!

And I could see this lovely dragonfly in a little girls room.

Bob's work is available at several area shops including WomanCraft in Chapel Hill, Raleigh Flea Market, Fresh Market in Raleigh,Wild Birds Unlimited in Chapel Hill, and of course Hollyhocks,LLC in Mebane. You can also view his work at Mermaid Photography.

How about an unconventional nightlight? Yes, this has images on both sides and puts out plenty of light.

Or maybe a photo box. This model has gorgeoues pictures on all sides, rotates, and has plenty of space for you to keep your treasured photos close at hand.

These glass coasters come in sets of 2 and are avaiable with any of his prints.

This box set of holiday greeting cards are stunning.! This picture just doesn't do them justice. He also has single cards for sale and something for every occassion. All are signed and suitable for framing.

I hope that you have enjoyed viewing this small bit of Bob's work. When you are in the area, please stop by one of the stores listed (of course we would prefer you to come to Hollyhocks) and see his work in person. You will find it hard not to purchase something!

Mebane Christmas Parade

2010-11-28T18:47:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays!

This coming Friday , December 3 is the annual Christmas parade in downtown Mebane. This parade is sponsored by the city and starts at 7:00pm and runs for about 2 hours! Since I have not personally experienced this parade, I am relying on what I have been told by those who have. Apparently it is a HUGE event with people coming from all over the area because it's the only nighttime parade in the area. They park their cars along the railroad tracks and set up lawn chairs along the parade route starting mid afternoon to get the best spots. I'm sure they want a great view of the bands and floats, but especially Santa Claus! I would guess they then spend the rest of the day shopping in town and grabbing a bite to eat somewhere. I'm looking forward to a good sales day and hope that all involved have a fun, safe evening. If you happen to be in the area, you just might want to come and see for yourself the charm that Mebane has to offer.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T10:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

T.Rusk4u: Small Business Saturday

2010-11-23T07:54:00.000-05:00

T.Rusk4u: Small Business Saturday: "We have Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and now for the first time we have Small Business Saturday! This movement is designed to boost the small..."

Featured Artist, Jill Frank

2010-11-17T20:10:00.000-05:00

This week at Hollyhocks, we are featuring the work of Jill Frank. Jill is a busy, busy Mom raising kids, and holding down a job at UNC doing cancer research. She crafts in her spare time to relax and make some extra money.

When Jill first came to the store she had an assortment of purses and totes. They are all lined and the construction is impeccable! I love the thought she put into her embellishments. They always seem to be spot on with the fabric choice! The black dragonfly purse gets alot of attention and I'm sure it will be gone soon!

She also makes these great hairbands for both women and girls. And these really cute (and useful) fabric bowls!

And since she is a Mom, you know there must be kid stuff. Make feeding time extra special with this fun bib and burp cloth set made with soft flannel with really cute monkeys!

Keep little ears warm this winter with a really cute fleece hat!

Of course maybe Mom or big sister would like a pretty hat and scarf set this winter!

Turns out that the crafty bug was inherited from Mom. She has these gorgeous quilts at the store. They really need to be seen to be appreciated. Expertly crafted, they are sure to become heirloom pieces in your family!

I love this snowman flannel that this quilt is made from! Just adorable for any age! Pop on by Jill's website to see more or stop by our store and see it all in person! We look forward to meeting you!!

T.Rusk4u: Small Business Saturday

2010-11-17T11:54:00.000-05:00

T.Rusk4u: Small Business Saturday: "We have Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and now for the first time we have Small Business Saturday! This movement is designed to boost the small..."

Featured Artist, Pearl Dodson

2010-11-11T09:04:00.001-05:00

This week Hollyhocks is featuring Pearl Dodson as our featured artist. She is a delightful woman with many talents. Pearl states, "Sewing has always been a passion of mine. I started out making stockings and baby doll blankets for my grandchildren, and it soon caught on after coworkers spotted my crafts and asked for custom stockings and other customized embroidered items. A few clever inventions and ideas for new spins on old classics inspired me to begin a whole line of homemade crafts. "She has filled our store with beautiful as well as practical items. Take a look and you'll see what I mean.

These baked veggie pouches are terrific! I happen to own one and I love it! Just wrap your potato, ear of corn, or whatever in a piece of paper towel, place in the bag and microwave. They come in a variety of prints too!

If you are bringing a hot dish somewhere, you can do it in style with these insulated casserole bags. They will hold a large dish with ease and keep your hands (and probably someones lap!) from the heat. These also come in a variety of prints.

Pearl also makes these peronalized items which have been popular as gifts and now as stocking stuffers. Initials are embroidered on high quality ribbon and then carefully stitched together. She also makes makeup bags, tissue holders for your purse,and insulated curling or flat iron bags for travel.

I would have to say that her most popular item has been her table runners. They are very well made using fine cotton fabrics, are padded and best of all-reversible! Most of them that we have in the store have an Autumn theme on one side and Christmas on the other. Many of them have matching napkins too.

Last but certainly not least, Pearl has some unique and more traditional Christmas stockings. She had some really great flannel ones in the store, but they sold just before I was putting together this piece.

How about a cowboy on your stocking?

Or perhaps you prefer a more traditional style.

Or maybe just a really fun towel to brighten up your kitchen! Pearl's mission statement says it all : " My mission is to create quality products that are both charming and functional that my customers are proud to use and gift to others."

If you would like to see more of Pearl's work,you can stop by the store, or visit her website. She also has an extensive craft fair schedule this fall including:

Holly Jolly craft show, Nov.12-13 in Winston Salem

Union Cross Moravian Chuch Fall Bazaar, Nov.13 in Winston Salem

Carolina Christmas Bazaar, Nov.20 Wesley Memorial UMC-High Point

Winter Wonderland Craft Show, Nov.27,Mebane Arts Community Center,Mebane

First United Methodist Church of Graham Craft Bazaar,Dec.3-4, Graham

Daniel Boone Christmas Craft show, Dec.5, Hillsborough ( I will also be at this show.)

I hope that you have enjoyed this look into Pearl's world and all the wonderful items she creates to make our everyday lives just a little bit nicer!

Featured Artist of the Week, Karen DeSombre

2010-11-01T15:59:00.000-04:00

This weeks featured artist is one multi-talented lady! Karen makes all kinds of wonderful items as you can see in this special display on our store. The quality of all her work is impeccable!

What is remarkable is that Karen has a full time job that keeps her on the road a good bit of the time. The fact that she even has time or the energy to produce these things is simply amazing to me. Take this adorable jumper.The candy canes are embroidered on pinwhale corduroy and fully lined! It has the most adorabale penguin buttons and comes with the turtleneck!

Karen has several of these purses in the shop in various colors. They are popular because you can swap out the scarf for any holiday or season you like. They are all lined and have an interior pocket. She also makes a variety of scarves that can be purchased seperately or you can use one of your own.

If you have or know a little girl who loves hair stuff, then how about these rick rack roses! They come in a variety of colors and either by the pair or singlye.

We've covered the head and the middle, now how about the feet! What girly girl doesn't love a pair of socks with a little bling? This beading is actually crocheted on to the socks, so it's very secure as well as super cute!

Even your dollies can have some cute dresses!

Maybe you would love to curl up under this beautiful knitted afghan!

For the artistic child, maybe a cute embroidered art smock. They come in several colors and have different decorations.

Karen is also willing to do custom pieces on anything she makes. This beautiful blanket is personalized with names, a date and a special design.

This is a small sample of the items Karen has in store. Stop by if you can and see for yourself the wonderful assortment of products she has.

Featured Artist of the Week, Sandra Coffin

2010-10-21T20:17:00.000-04:00

This week's featured artist is actually 2 people. They sell their wonderful goodies under the name "Sisters", because they are really sisters! Sandra and her sister Della both create some of the cutest and most popular items in our store. The painted glass is pretty, whimisical and will add just a bit charm to any room.

You can see in this picture a small sample of the painted glass. Add a pretty candle to this and voila, instant gift!

This little bottle looks great on its own, but think how cute it would be with some flowers on your kitchen window sill?

Who says that cake carriers have to be plain and boring?

Bake a special treat in this dish or just add some cookies and you'll have the best gift ever! Who could resist? The green scrubbie in the dish is also made by these ladies.

Maybe you would like something seasonal.

On this shelf are some Halloween items. The flat pumpkin hanging in the back has been a popular seller as have these adorable painted pumpkins shown below.

Believe it or not , this is a PAPER BAG that has been painted. A great way to give a seasonal gift. They have also been purchased to use in a wedding.

This vase is ready to be filled with holiday greenery and placed on a table or mantel. The ladies have also supplied us with many painted ornaments for your Christmas tree. Unfortunately, I failed to get a good picture of them, but believe me , they are beyond compare! They would make excellent hostess gifts!

This shows the display that is in the store. These ladies have many other items in the store. They are all well crafted. Stop by if you can and see for yourself! Remember, we will have extended holiday hours starting in November. Pop on by our website for the scoop! I hope that you enjoyed this feature and will leave a lovely comment for the ladies!

Business of the Month

2010-10-12T12:01:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to say that we are the "Business of the Month" at our bank. Capital Bank in Mebane does this each month with new businesses in town. We have a table set up near the tellers with a nice display of mechandise from our store and some information about us. Here are a few pictures I took when I was there last week.

We tried to choose items that would show a nice variety of product and have a complimetary color palette. We also chose items that we had more than one of . A big thanks to Capital Bank for this opportunity !

Featured artist, Beverly Bruman

2010-10-09T13:19:00.000-04:00

This week our featured artist is a delightful woman named Beverly. She has been sewing and creating for many years and is keeping our shelves stocked with seasonal as well as everyday items. This article will showcase her seasonal items. Bev is a quilter, but instead of creating large quilts, she prefers to make smaller projects such as placemats and table toppers. This picture shows just the end of a wonderful table runner she made for Christmas.

This really cute Santa hanging would look great anywhere!

This is Beverly's featured display at the store. Each shelf is a different holiday starting with Halloween and ending with Christmas.Towel and potholder sets for every holiday, fun aprons for the "Chef", and items galore to grace your home!

Fun Halloween items make your home more festive! Take this towel and potholder set for example with it's glittery fabric and ghosts! How fun!

Turkeys and pumpkins are sure to liven up your Thanksgiving! Love that turkey apron folded up on the left! It is the same style as the Christmas one that is coming up next.

I love this apron with all the penguins on it! It would be fun to wear when preparing food for the holidays or to give as a gift to your favorite chef!

There are also matching towel and potholder sets!

Beverly has "branched" out a bit from sewing and has also added some decorative items to her repertoire.This pine cone in a jar has been a popular item already. And the painted boxes are just right for smaller gifts or even hostess gifts.

Last but not least are these great little baskets she makes. Simply tie the ribbon at the corners and "instant basket". When you are not using it, just untie and it stores flat! She has them for all 3 seasons in the store right now. They are one of my favorites and are popular sellers!

Beverly only sells locally and does not have any online presence, so if you want her stuff, you'll have to come to Hollyhocks,LLC.

Featured Artist of the Week, Jeff Bowers

2010-09-29T09:38:00.000-04:00

Anyone who lives in North Carolina will instantly recognize this landmark building. This beautiful watercolor of Duke Chapel is the work of our featured artist this week, Mr. Jeff Bowers. Jeff teaches art and art history at East Chapel Hill High School. He and his family moved to North Carolina from the metro DC area for several reasons, but the main one was the proximity to great colleges and universities. Seeing the historical nature of many of these schools, Jeff was inspired to capture them on canvas during various times of the year using the relief method in oil painting. The relief method basically uses varying thicknesses of mat medium of the canvas to create texture and emphasize detail. Oil paint is then applied using a limited palette to further bring out out the texture,details, and the colors of season presented in the piece.

That being said, he realizes that not everyone can afford to own an original, so watercolors and plain pen and ink drawings make them available to a wider group of people.

This is the NC State Bell tower in both watercolor and Pen & Ink.

"Old Well"

A cabin from historic Stagville.

If you want something just a bit more personal, Jeff also does custom drawings of your home. This is an example from his Etsy shop .

I would encourage anyone reading this post to visit his shop and see what he has to offer. You could also stop by Hollyhocks,LLC and see his work in person. And if you are looking for something custom, we can help you with that too!

Autumn Fest!

2010-09-27T13:03:00.000-04:00

This coming Saturday, (October 2nd,2010) in downtown Mebane is another great and fun filled day for families to enjoy! It is "Autumn Fest" and it will run from 10:00am until 6:00pm. The weather is going to be absolutely gorgeous for this. 72 degrees and sunny!! Some of the events planned are hay rides, shopping specials, barbecue, live music, a pumpkin patch, and a dance exhibition. There will also be select crafters, but of course you could always stop by and see our select crafters at Hollyhocks! It'll be a great chance to come and see what's new in the store and maybe even start your holiday shopping! We will be open all day for your shopping convenience, and remember we have ground level access through our back door as well as parking! We hope to see you there!

Featured Artist, Sharon Barnes

2010-09-18T08:46:00.000-04:00

To look at the work done by this artist, you would never have guessed that she has been painting for just a few years. Sharon has always WANTED to paint, but life has a way of interfering sometimes. So after raising her children and retiring from her job she started to paint. Lucky for us, retirement has opened new doors and has given Sharon the opportunity to observe her environment and to meet fellowl artists. She has found a passion in painting, which you can clearly see when you look at her work.

I chose to show this piece first because it is a personal favorite. I love the "tile" look that it has and the bright colors. The white dots are NOT part of the picture, but glare from the lights reflecting off the glass. It is an original piece, beautifully matted and framed which makes it extra special.

This display in the our store shows a small collection of Sharon's work. She has a nice variety of original art pieces as well as prints. She also has notecard sets that feature many of her original pieces. Below are just a couple!

These adorable little birdhouses are handpainted by Sharon and are her newest pieces to grace our shelves. How cute would these be perched on a shelf or hanging in your window?

One type of work that Sharon does that sets her apart from other artists is her "Shadow Paintings". They often have just a handful of complimentary colors and the subject of the piece is all black, thus making it in shadow.

These football players are a great example of this style. I love how the frame is incorporated into the entire body of work. This particular piece would look great in a boys bedroom, family room, or even a man cave!

This postcard shows many more examples of how versatile this style is and how beautiful it is in its simplicity.

If you're not quite ready for an original piece, but would like something lovely to hang in your house, Sharon does have a a nice selection of prints ,subject matter and prices. The following are just a few of what she has to offer!

I hope that you have enjoyed this glimpse into the art and passion of Sharon.

If you would like to see more pieces by Sharon Barnes,learn more about her, or possibly order yourself a little something, please visit her website and view her galleries! I promise you won't be disappointed! Of course if you would like to see them in person, take a drive out to Hollyhocks, LLC in lovely, historic downtown Mebane,NC! We'd love to see you!

Remember this day

2010-09-10T20:13:00.000-04:00

Just a small reminder to remember this day. Take a moment to reflect, say a prayer, or whatever but just remember all those who lost their lives, who ran into the face of danger to help, and all the families around the world who are now missing a loved one. Hug the people you love and tell them you love them. You can never do that enough.

Featured Artist Series

2010-09-03T11:33:00.000-04:00

This is the first in a series of posts featuring all the talented artists we have at Hollyhocks, LLC. We have a wide range of all handmade items and continue to add new artists. Enjoy!

This week ,Hollyhocks, LLC is happy to feature local artist Kathy. Kathy is a painter, photographer, and great at repurposing everyday items into things of beauty! Here is a small sample of what she has. If you would like to see more, stop by the store and visit our "Featured Artists Section".

This beautiful, serene painting would be at home just about anywhere. It's a smaller size (10x10?) and would fill that small space you've been trying to decorate.

How about a totally unique windchime? This beauty and others like it have been made using crystal beads, fishing line and recycled flatware.Yes, you read that correctly, flatware! Sometimes she will incorporate a glass cup into the design. They are really pretty and sound good too.

This vibrant piece is one of many prints Kathy has at the store. It happens to be a personal favorite of mine! The subjects of her prints ranges from whimsical fairies, land and garden scapes, to serene water views.

Next is this adorable "Totem" made from new and old dishes and knick knacks. This one is lovely shades of blue and has a girl on top holding a wreath. These are great for holding hors doeuvres, cookies,jewelry, or can be used as a decorative piece in your garden. They vary in size depending on the size of the pieces used to construct it.

Kathy also has a nice selection of notecards with a wide range of subjects. Pictured here are just a couple. They come complete with envelopes and are even suitable for framing. Some, such as the fairy are also available as prints or original paintings.

Besides being at Hollyhocks, Kathy can also be found at the Burlington Artists League and Tyler D Studios.

She also has her work displayed at several businesses in local and surrounding communities including the Paramount Theater in Burlington.

I hope you enjoyed this first feature of the talent we have at Hollyhocks, LLC! I hope you will come back as I post a new feature each week with a new artist.

Hometown Holiday Celebration

2010-09-01T08:56:00.000-04:00

Desination Downtown is hosting "Hometown Holiday Celebration" in the spirit of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on Saturday, Nov.20th. They are currently seeking vendors for this event whose crafts are historical in nature, handmade without electricity who would be willing to demonstrate their craft. It is free if your application is submitted by October 1st, $15 after that. Deadline for all applications is October 15. here is a copy of the application if you are interested in participating. You can also visit http://www.downtownmebane.com/

Ladies Shop Hop, part deux!

2010-08-27T08:30:00.000-04:00

The Ladies Shop Hop last night was an enormous success! We estimated that we had about 200 or so people come through the shop in that 4 hour period. We actually had lines at the checkout several times!
Sales we really good. I'm sure our vendors will be happy cause I know I am! I don't know how many times I told shoppers that our store carries only handmade by local artists, that its all unique and not to be found anywhere else. It was alot I know, but when I did, their faces lite up and they were excited about it. I really feel that people are looking to go back to this type of shopping and are tired of the same stuff you find in most of the large retail stores. It was so busy last night that I didn't get a chance to take any pictures. It was so great to see so many bodies in our little store. When I go in today, I will take a few new pictures and add them to this post tonight.We may have picked up a few new vendors from last night too. I would like to thank Deb who provided the refreshments last night. They were delicious! I would also like to thank both Bob and Karen for hanging out and helping us last night. Your assistance was invaluable! And last but not least, the "Destination Downtown" group for sponsoring this event and Poythress Studio for helping to not only promote her own business, but helping us with ours! Both Mary Ann and I feel that we have found the right place to be!

Ladies Shop Hop!

2010-08-25T21:04:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is the Ladies Shop Hop in downtown Mebane! This is a highly anticipated event for all the downtown businesses. Nothing like the sight of several hundred women running around town, ducking into shops displaying pink balloons to browse, purchase and get their ticket punched! Pictured above is the ticket they must have to claim their "Shop Hop Bag" of goodies. Poythress Studio is right above us and they are displaying the pink balloons. We will punching the ticket for them, so that means ladies must come down into the store. We will also have refreshments available in the back of the store. This will be a long day for us, but I am anticipating some great sales! If you happen to be around Mebane tomorrow, stop by and join in the fun! We hope to see you at Hollyhocks, LLC!

What's Going On?

2010-08-19T20:05:00.002-04:00

I'll tell you what's going on! Things are looking better every day. The foot traffic coming through the shop picks up a little more each day. People are pleasantly surprised when they come through the door at how bright and cheery the store looks, so that makes me very happy! Many of them knew the place from before and remember the dark ceiling and floor.

We also had a visit from the "Mebane Enterprise" today. Ms. Brown was very nice. She brought a copy of the paper, some advertising literature, a few copies of "The Newcomers Guide", and some good news for us. They want to do a story, complete with pictures about the store! So, not only will that help get the word out that we are here, it will get curious people to come and check out the new store in town. That means more sales for all of our vendors! We are also joining the "Downtown Destination" group. With that, we will be able to "officially" participate in the rest of the years downtown events and be included in their advertising. It is such a deal, I don't know why businesses wouldn't join!

One last thing before I wrap this up. Our bank (Capital Bank) has a program called the" Business of the Month" . We are going to be the business of the month for October. We get to set up a table or two and have information about our store,displays of merchandise that is available for purchase at the store, and whatever else we want to include. It's FREE and it's for the whole month! Can't complain about that now can I!

So, I hope you enjoyed this update on what's going on at Hollyhocks, LLC. Look for vendor features starting next month, complete with pictures and any links they might have!

Great time to be in Mebane

2010-08-13T19:15:00.000-04:00

The saying goes" Timing is everything." This past Wednesday there was a meeting of the downtown merchants in Mebane. I was home sick, so my business partner Mary Ann went. Big things are happening in this little town! The people from the new Tanger Outlet mall that is being built on the other side of town were there. They are being very supportive of the downtown area. Since they will not have any food at this mall, they are pushing to get more restaurants downtown. There is also serious talk about running shuttle buses from the mall to downtown and back. This will make it easier for people to shop because they won't have to hunt for a parking space. There are some great festivals coming up downtown too. The next big one is the Ladies Shop Hop. I've heard from several other businesses that this is HUGE. We plan on being open for that.

The other big news story is about the old "White Furniture Company" building. It is a very large and historic building that has been empty and in disrepair for awhile. Well, the owners of the place finally got the grant money they were after so the building is going to be restored. Retail space on the main level and apartments/condos upstairs. I've seen similar places in other cities, and if it's anything like those, then watch out! This will be so fabulous for the whole town. So with all of this going on, plus Microsoft looking to possibly set up here as well, it seems our timing was good . Some people have made remarks about us being in "some crumby basement" and they seem to think that we will fail. Well, they don't know me very well and we will prove them wrong! Frankly, I think they are jealous because they failed. Anyway, I will be taking some new pictures of the shop this coming week. We have some more new vendors, and we've had to move stuff around again. Thanks for stopping by and for supporting handmade!
If you're ever in town stop by! We'd love to meet you!

Our second day being open!

2010-08-07T21:12:00.000-04:00

Today was our second day being open and I think we had a great day. There was a festival in town geared towards kids and there were a lot of people around! We had all our signs out, 1 each on the side and back street. A wonderful shop down the street called "This and That" let us borrow their old sandwich board for the front so we could direct people downstairs. We had 51 people pass through our store today and most people bought something. We even had some visitors from Norway which I thought was really fun! I am optomistic that as people know we are here, sales will pick up. All those who commented said they loved the look of the shop and the whole concept of having our merchandise be locally made by "real people." I know I like it when I by something handmade, I feel connected to the person who created it and that makes it much more special.

After we have settled into a more steady routine, I am going to start featuring one vendor every couple of weeks. I will ty to provide as much information as I can along with any links to other places that they sell. Many of our vendors have websites, or sell online at places like Etsy, so I am sure they won't mind a little extra promotion. I hope you will continue to follow our journey with this new adventure! And if you are visiting North Carolina sometime, I hope you can stop by for a visit! We'd love to see you!

Hollyhocks, LLC: Opening Day

2010-08-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

Hollyhocks, LLC: Opening Day: " Tomorrow is opening day for our little store and we are excited and nervous! We anticipate a pretty good flow of customers despite the weat..."

Opening Day

2010-08-05T16:40:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is opening day for our little store and we are excited and nervous! We anticipate a pretty good flow of customers despite the weather forecast. Saturday there is a festival in town which draws a lot of people, so I'm hopeful that some of them will want to come and check us out. We are still actively looking for vendors to sell their items, but I expect that will always be the case . We have a good start though. What do you think?

We actually have a bit more than what is shown here. I just haven't taken more pictures yet. Some of our vendors sell online through their own websites or places like Etsy. You will find a list of links on this blog so you can visit them in the comfort of your pj's and a cup of coffee! Soon, I will start to feature one vendor per every couple of weeks. You will see close up pictures of their work and learn a little about them. I hope that you will become a follower of this blog and help us to promote the handmade movement!