I have so much to share with you, but first up is my Big Announcement…..New Store Coming to Franklin!!!!
First my big announcement is that Kathy of Lola, etc and I are going into business together. The new store will be named, “The French Door”.
We are moving our businesses from Chic & Shabby to another location right down the street. We’ll miss our creative friends at Chic & Shabby but are going to be close by and will visit and collaborate with them often.
Future home of “The French Door”. This is the building back in the 1800’s and how it looks today.
The funny thing is I worked in that building when I was 13 years old. It was my first job. I would work on Saturdays. I made $5.00 per day plus 1% commission. That was back in 1976. A long time ago. But it was my first experience with sales and I remember every moment back then. I always loved that building. It’s like I’m coming full circle at age 52.
At The French Door we will feature gifts along with bridal and baby registry, Heirloom Traditions Paints and finishes, vintage items, painted furniture and more surprises along the way. I will have more room to do my paint workshops, paint my commissioned pieces and Kathy will have room to expand her amazing gift lines. We will also have guest instructors to come and do other creative workshops for our customers.
Our goal is to help build up our downtown area and to work with local businesses in the spirit of community over competition. The current tenant is scheduled to move out April 30th. We’re hoping to be in the building sometime in May, until then you can continue to visit and shop with us at Chic & Shabby.
I’ll be sharing our progress here. We hope you follow along with us on this exciting adventure.
As I talked about in a recent post – 20 Tips for Starting your own business – we have been following the steps. So far we’ve completed steps 1-5, 8-10, 12, 16 and 20. You will have to read the post to see what I’m talking about. It’s too much to list here. If you are starting a new business, tell us here in the comments we would love to follow your progress!
Other projects…….
I painted these three pieces with my favorite Heirloom Traditions paint products.
First up this table was painted with Kelly’s Seaside Blue, dry brushed with Golden Glimmer Gilding Patina, waxed with Dark Umber wax and sealed with Aqua Clear Matte sealer.
I love it!
I also painted this set of nightstand/end tables. I used Black bean, added the Golden Glimmer to the edges of the tops, slightly distressed them and then sealed with the Matte Aqua Clear sealer. You can find all of these products in my booth at Chic & Shabby or you can order here at Heirloom Traditions. Remember to add the coupon code RESTORE at checkout for 10% off your order.
Last week I stepped out of my comfort zone. Nancy who I go to for all of my sewing projects asked me to take pictures during her daughter’s C section and she had twins. A boy and a girl. I’ve never been in the delivery room for a C section so this was new for me. But it was a beautiful experience and I’m glad they asked me to be a part of it.
I’ve also been asked by the librarian at my daughter’s school to put together a collage of photos for a wall in the library. I though it would be cool to take shots around the school and make art out of it. I gave her two options for collages with 12″ x 16″ and 16″ x 20″ canvases. Just thought I would share here with you as an inspiration on how to do a gallery wall.
I also worked with the St. Mary Tourist Commission to do a billboard for shopping our downtown area. This is what we came up with. Very simple and easy to read.
I made a decision on what color to paint my entry way as discussed in this post…..I’ve decided to go with Sherwin Williams Alabaster.
The painters will be here tomorrow. While they are here I’ve decided just to go ahead and do our kitchen and living area as well as the connecting hall to that.
Here are the before pictures.
I like how it all looks now but really want to lighten things up around here.
After walls are painted and curtains are back in place, I will be painting our built ins and the kitchen island with one of the Heirloom Traditions colors.
I have so many other things I’m working on but this has turned into such a long post, so I’ll stop for now. Thanks for all of your support and following with me on all of my ventures.
Oh and Sadie went to groomers this week too. She says “Hi”.
Ivy Hoy Moore says
Hi Debbie – I am so excited for you, and happy for Franklin that another business will be opening down town. Wouldn’t it be grand if all of the old buildings on Main St. could be renovated and spruced up. Congratulations and good luck in all of your future endeavors.
Debbie says
Thank you so much! I agree we need more downtown to create a “destination” for tourists and a fun place for our local residents.
Lois Hebert says
I am so excited for you and Kathy. Really happy for Main St. and Franklin. Wishing you the best of luck and success.
Debbie says
Thanks Lois. We really appreciate it and your business 🙂
Sarah says
Debbie, that building is stunning-what fun that you will get to move there soon!???? And your painted pieces are beautiful-I’ve never worked with Heirloom Traditions paints before. Wish I lived closer so I could visit your shop- ????
Debbie says
Sarah,
Thanks so much! You would love Heirloom Traditions products! We along with many others are trying to create a ” destination” in our town for visitors. Maybe one day you can come for a visit to Franklin.
Lori says
Love it all!! How exciting! Congrats!!
Debbie says
Thanks Lori. Kathy and I are so excited!
Toni says
Debbie, I love the full circle nature of now having your own store in a building were you worked as a girl, how cool is that? Reinvigorating a downtown area is so important and I know your store with your beautiful products will be a big draw for shoppers. 🙂
Best of luck, and I can’t wait to see the after pics of your new house paint!
Toni
Debbie says
Thank you Toni. Yes it’s pretty cool getting to work in a building that I loved as a young girl. We just can’t wait to get in! The painters are here now. I’m loving it so far. Can’t wait to see it when it’s all finished.
Lisa says
Yay and congratulations! Love the name.
Debbie says
Thank you so much Lisa, we do too.
Bo Scelfo says
Hi Debbie:
So glad to see a new store on Main Street. Good Luck…. If I can help let me know.
Debbie says
Thank you Bo!
Roxie says
Great post. So proud of you.
Great picture of Sadie.
Debbie says
Thanks Mom!
Molli Rodriguez says
Very happy for you and your crew ! Franklin can only benefit ! It just takes everyone who lives there to do a little to help it along the way ! Thank you !!
Debbie says
Thank you Molli! We just need more people to get on board and join us! We especially need someone to reopen the Cafe across the street.
sam@raggedybits.com says
What a great space for your new adventure and even more special that you worked there when you where younger!! Best of luck !! ????
Debbie says
Thank you Sam! It is special and we just can’t wait till we get in the building.
Jeanetta says
Hey Debbie,
I stumbled upon this article through Nancy’s posting of her twin grandbabies!! Precious photos! Fabulous news on your new business venture. I have always loved that building. Congratulations!