Hearts & Flowers Blog

It is a wonderful time of year, not necessarily the “most wonderful time of year” (that was a couple months ago).  We have all sorts of new items arriving in our store.  This week we received new picture frames, some wall signs, candle holders, a really neat electric lantern light, and even some new necklace charms.  In addition we have some great new stationary and some really funky birds.

We will be updating the website with these new products soon but if you want to see them before then come on in to the shop.  For the rest of February we will be open on Fridays and Saturdays 10-5 and Sundays 11-5

We don’t often show pictures of our own homes on here because it is just rare for us to have everything in order at home and at the store and the store usually takes priority.  I just wanted to show you how easy it is to use the lighted twig garlands.  So easy in fact that Bobby finished the task in about 10 minutes.

These garlands are 6 foot long and have 96 lights.  They are electric with a 16′ power cord that is really easy to hide.  On our mantle I’ve combined three garlands, one twig light garland, one smokey mountain pine 5 foot garland, and one pine cone garland.  First I put the pine cone garland on the mantle, and then mixed in the pine greenery.  After that I added the twig lights and presto, a mantle was finished in less than 10 minutes!  To add some extra color and sparkle you may want to try the Silver Glitter Twig Garland.  I think I may use that on the other mantle.

Also in the pictures below you can see the multi-colored light string and pine garland on an old Radio Flyer Sled.  Another easy 10 minute project to add a great Christmas look to your home.

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Here are some of the pictures that didn’t quite make the cut for our 2011 Christmas Postcard.

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Please join us for our Annual Christmas Open House

November 25th, 26th, and 27th 10am to 5pm

There are so many items that can be used to hold primitive decorations for your home.  I like to refer to them as empty vessels.  These can be baskets, pottery pitchers or churns, pewter, crocks, wood boxes or anything else that can be used alone or can hold another item for display.

The most common item that needs housing are flowers.  Whether fresh or artificial, flowers can go in most any holder.  But let’s not get into a rut.  Think about using an empty wood box to display quilts or other textiles.  Instead of sitting the box upright, set it on one end and use it like a shelf.  Put some of the larger fabric pieces on the bottom and then stack towels or fat-quarters on the top.  This adds so much color and you can use any colors that will work with your color scheme.

Instead of putting flowers in a crock or pottery jar, take a walk in the woods and find some twigs that will make a simple display.  It’s quite easy to find sticks that have one or more pine cones and always look for those that have a small area covered with moss.  These are so natural and easy but you will be surprised at the sophisticated and yet simple look you have achieved.

Baskets are the most common holders for all things primitive.  Bunches of flowers, textiles, potpourri, pillows and especially dried hydrangeas all look great in either new or old baskets.  A sprig of bittersweet in the fall (and sometimes all year) adds a natural look and can hang over the edge for a little whimsy.

Let’s keep in mind that not every basket, crock, pitcher or churn needs to hold something.  After all, what can look better then a primitive  EMPTY VESSEL.

One of the easiest rooms to use primitive decorations is the kitchen.  Most modern kitchens have built-in cabinets and appliances so the wall space is already used.  The best place for displays is on the counter, the island or above the hanging wall cabinets.

Currently, the most popular way to change the look of a kitchen is lighting.  Not ceiling lights or under the counter lights, but twinkling, tiny, and sometimes teeny white lights.  These lights come on twigs, garlands or just regular strings and as long as you have an outlet near where you want to use them you can light-up to your heart’s content.  One of the most effective areas for these lights is above the cabinets.  This is often where we place baskets, pottery or whatever else we choose to collect at any given time.  Think about leaving those collections in tact but simply adding a string or  garland of lights.  You will love the difference and the warmth they give.

Also, a pottery churn or vase can make a great display for the very popular twig lights.

These can go most anywhere and some varieties are battery-operated so you do not need to worry about a convenient outlet.  These add just a touch of light to a dark corner or an empty space under the counter or on the island.  And don’t forget the middle of the kitchen or breakfast nook table.

Once you have achieved the look you want with the lights, consider adding baskets, linens, pottery or small antique kitchen utensils that will bring the primitive look throughout your kitchen.  Something as simple as an old potato masher sitting in an old basket can make a very primitive statement.

And let’s not forget the benefits of old style fabrics.  Very plain sheer curtain panels made of tobacco cloth (similar in looks to cheesecloth) will let in the light but will still add softness to your windows.  Fabrics add color and texture so keep plenty of dishtowels of all colors, solids or patterns folded in piles, stacked on a shelf or left rolled up in a basket.  A great way to add a splash of color is to find dishtowels that are a little more decorative and fold them over the back of ladder back chairs.  You can use all the same or a variety.  This is especially fun for the holidays.  Changing them with the season will give your kitchen a new look every few months.

We know it is early but it is time to make room for all of our great Christmas goodies.  So all Halloween is now 25% off.  Come in and enjoy the savings now.

Check this out! Fall and Halloween Items on Sale and Christmas Items ready to be unpacked. What a wonderful time of year!

Decorating bedrooms in the primitive style can be fun but can also be a challenge.  Let’s start with a guest room.  We all want our guests to be comfortable – unless you’d rather they didn’t stay too long!!  Maybe we can talk about that another time.

When we think of primitive bedrooms we may not be able to achieve the actual look of an 1850’s bedroom because of our need for the comforts of the 21^st century.  The days of straw and feather beds are behind us but we can still make the bedroom cozy and comfy.

If you already have the furniture you will be using place it around the room until you have it where you like it best.  If not, purchase a few pieces from a reputable antique store.  There is no need to over-do it.  Keep in mind that life in the 1800s was usually a simple life and any items in a room most likely had a specific purpose and were used daily for just that purpose.

Next pick a color scheme of two or three colors that you really want to accent this room.  Most colors from this time period were made from natural dyes so would not have been too bright.  You will see a lot of blue, red and mustard in most of the palettes used for this type of decorating.  Of course, the pillows and quilt or spread will be the focus point but you may want to use neutral colors for these so you can accent with other colors.  Again, don’t over-do it.  A basket, some coverlets stacked on a trunk in front of the bed, or something as simple as some dried flowers in an old pottery pitcher will make a statement.  Not every wall, shelf or cupboard has to be filled to over-flowing.  Instead, let each item have the room it deserves to be noticed.

If your guest room has a television in it try to find an old wardrobe that will be able to conceal the tv so it is not the focal point of your room.  When the doors of the tv closet are closed hang a simple grapevine wreath or basket on the front.  This does not need a great big bow or flowers on it.  Remember, keep it simple.

Perhaps the definition of primitive in the dictionary is different, but I like to think of it as plain and simple.  Start with just the necessary items, not over-done, just pleasing and comfortable for you and your guests.

Lastly, consider leaving a basket of personal items on the cupboard or bed filled with some special goodies.  Some yummy chocolate, a small bottle of extra nice bath gel or even a tiny journal for keeping notes of their visit will make a great impression.

Now relax and enjoy your visit!

The 41st Annual Oktoberfest 2011 September 22 – November 2 Helen, GA – Beer, brats, bands and Liederhosen – the Helen Oktoberfest has them all. Join the longest running Oktoberfest in the United States, which runs from mid-September through the first weekend in November. Every year the Helen Festhalle house the event.  German-style bands from around the country and around the world play on the stage for your listening and viewing pleasure.  $7 Mon- Fri, $8 Sat, FREE on Sundays! See more info at:http://www.helenchamber.com/Oktoberfest.html

31st Annual Marble Festival 2011  October 1st (10:30am-6pm) and October 2nd (10:00am-5pm). Adults $5, Children 6 and up $3, Children 5 and under Free.   Sponsored by the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, the two-day Festival is attended by thousands of people from all over the southeast. Chamber staff & volunteers including Board Members, Ambassadors and countless others are hard at work in planning and executing another successful festival.  For more information see:  http://www.pickenschamber.com

2011 Mule Camp Market Festival - October 7-9. The City of Gainesville or Mule Camp Springs as it was once known, hosts this rich Appalachian festival at the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. This festival showcases various mountain arts and crafts. The family can enjoy mule rides, live music, and great food, while the kids enjoy the petting zoo and many other activities. For more info see:http://www.gainesvillejaycees.org/about/projects/mule-camp/

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival - October 7-15, Hiawasee, GA – Look forward to the 2010 Fall Festival. General Admission $9.00, Parking $2.00. With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. Each October, the 9-day event features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention.  For more info:http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/fallfestival.php

Prater’s Mill Country Fair 2011  October 8th (9am-6pm) and October 19th (9am-5pm)  Admission $5, children under 12 Free.   A Southern Festival of Quality Artists, Craftsmen, Music and Food.  For more information see: http://pratersmill.org/

40th Annual Georgia Apple Festival - October 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th – Admission $5.00, Children 10 and under are Free.  Suggested donation for parking $2.00.  The Ellijay Lions Club, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, the cities of Ellijay and East Ellijay, and Gilmer County invite everyone to come and enjoy the 40th year of the Georgia Apple Festival. There are over 300 vendors with handmade, hand-crafted items, as well as many on-site demonstrations of how selected types of crafts are made. This year promises many new crafts as well as favorites from past festivals. There is a parade and antique car show each year. The antique car show is held at the Civic Center on October 8th. The parade is on the second Saturday, October 15th and begins at 10 A.M. For more info see:http://www.georgiaapplefestival.org/

The 42nd Annual Sorghum Festival 2011  October 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th, 9am-5pm, Blairsville, GA.  Blairsville’s most famous event, Georgia’s official Sorghum Festival, is upon us. Sponsored by theBlairsville Jaycees, it’s the time of year when we all congregate in town to celebrate our wonderful community and its rich heritage. Fall is a beautiful time of the year in Blairsville… The weather is crisp and the surrounding mountains are in full bloom.  It’s a great time to celebrate! See http://sorghum.blairsville.com/ 

Fall Hoedown 2011 - October 15th, Vogel State Park,  2:00pm- 8:00pm. Celebrate autumn’s arrival with a 3 p.m. cakewalk, 4 p.m. hayrides, 5 p.m. campfire and dancing, 6 p.m trick or treat, and finally at 7 p.m. a professional storyteller around a bonfire. $5 parking.  For more information see:  www.gastateparks.org

Gold Rush Days 2011 - October 15th and 16th, when thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event, and it is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement!  For more information see:http://www.dahlonegajaycees.com/

Heritage Days Festival 2011 - The business section of Talking Rock ordinarily is rather quiet, a nice place to browse at the antique shops and general stores.  However, October 15th and 16th is the seventeenth Annual Heritage Days Festival, our little town will be filled with booths featuring a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques with interesting demonstrations for the young and old.   Take a trip back in time and visit the restored Talking Rock Schoolhouse Teaching Museum that was build in. Saturday around noon the hobby rail road cars will arrive in town, you won’t to miss them.  What is a festival without good old Blue Grass and Southern Gospel Music to enjoy along with good food.  The fun begins Saturday and Sunday morning at 9:00 am ~ 5:00 pm.  You want to miss seeing our Murals and a visit to our park at the edge of Talking Rock Creek.  Come join us for some shopping, good food and music and as always admission and parking is free. For more information call the Town Hall at 706-253-5515

44th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival 2011 - October 21st – 23rd  Dawsonville, GA – Gather round the square for a great autumn weekend of entertainment in downtown Dawsonville. There is something for everyone, from the Parade, Car Show, Cruise-In, Swap Meet, Silent Auction, live entertainment, an array of vendors, and festival food.  For more information see:ttp://www.kareforkids.us/festival.html

Hemlockfest 2011– November 4th - Call for times
Hemockfest is an annual bluegrass, blues, and rock music festival held to benefit efforts to save the Hemlock trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are threatened by an invasive parasite, the wooly adelgid. It features music from such genres as singer songwriter, blue-newgrass, blues, Celtic rock, and jam bands. Hemlockfest also features arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations and exhibits on nature and rustic living, tasty food and beverages, and unique performances by fire dancers, puppet artists, and other entertainers. 100% of the proceeds of Hemlockfest go toward efforts to preserve the Hemlock trees and combat the wooly adelgid parasite.  Starbridge Farm, 326 Starbridge Rd., Murrayville, GA.  For more information see: http://www.lumpkincoalition.org/HemlockFest.html

35th Annual Harvest Festival – October 29 (10am-5pm) and November 7 (Noon -4pm)
Come visit 200 vendors, handmade-homemade-homebaked or homegrown crafts; two stages filled with entertainment, a classic ar cruise and children and youth activities.
Phone: 706-282-3269 - Location: Downtown Square, Toccoa, GA 30577 For more information see: http://mainstreettoccoa.com/harvestfest/

Listings courtesy of www.hellonorthgeorgia.com