But as far as blending the two, I found out that it wasn’t really that hard to procure all the materials that you would need to make your own pendants. It’s a way to make my art accessible to people. I make all the pendants, so it’s an original. But someone doesn’t have to buy the original original painting to have a handmade work of art. It’s also something they can bring out and have with them instead of, you know, a piece just hanging in their living room. It’s a different application of fine art.   J: What first got you interested in the HodgePodgery?   CK: I’d heard about the store and went to check it out. It was such an awesome store. At that point in time, I’d started dabbling in necklace making and I thought, once I had enough of a selection, I’d be able to sell some there. I remember bringing them in. It was a month before they closed their first location. Didn’t get much exposure there. But when Dawn said they were going to reopen, I decided that I really wanted to get involved because I was still interested in selling my work. I’d also improved my jewelry making abilities in that time.     J: If there was one thing that you’d like for the people that come to the store or see your work to take away, what would that be?   CK: I want them to enjoy my work and the store, but – on a grander scale – I want them to appreciate jewelry and a lot of the stuff at the HoPo as more than just a craft. I want them to see it as an actual art form. A lot of what I do I try to make each individual piece stand out on its own as a painting would.     Be sure to check out Courtnye’s website at www.courtnyekoi.tumblr.com.

Don’t know Little Amps? Check out their website to learn just why they are Harrisburg’s premier locale for awesome coffee, fresh treats, and rocking tunes. Aaron Carlson, owner of Little Amps, says that, with their coffees having sold previously at the Garden Fresh Market and Deli and the City House, the HoPo isn’t Little Amps first foray into wholesaling. Still, they’re excited to see what comes about from teaming up with Midtown’s favorite craft consignment shop.

What are you waiting for? Why are you still reading this? Go get some coffee!

On a closing note: Please be sure to stop in to Little Amps Coffee Roasters at 1836 Green Street. Order the cortado. Trust me on this.

I try to make fun things. I spent a lot of time in school doing darker work about things like my grandparents dying. I did a series of work about injury and medical accessories. My mom has MS and I focused on that for a while, but then I wanted to do something fun, a little lighter. I wanted to branch out from being so serious.     J: You mentioned before that your brother also has work in the HodgePodgery…     TD: Yeah, my brother Jason and his friend Matt Shirk. They both do design and formed Design Battalion. I like their stuff a lot.     J: Besides the fabrics, do you have any other hobbies? Stuff that you enjoy?     TD: I love to bake! The dream would be to have a crafts and cupcakes shop. What else could be better than that?     J: If there’s one thing you’d like for people that come to the store to take away from your work, what would that be?     TD: Through the store in general, even though Midtown – and Harrisburg in general – is a smaller area, there’s so much talent here. You don’t have to venture out to Philadelphia or New York or Baltimore – you know, the bigger cities – to find really well-made craft. People don’t really see that market here very much. It’s very accessible. The other nice thing about our store is that it’s very well-priced. Anyone can afford something here.

Well, since I snuck over to work on a few things, I have to get back home to go to M’s parents for dinner.  More pics later this week, and HOPEFULLY a new look for my website thanks to Tara  the wunderkind girl Social Media guru of handmadeinpa.net and a host (hee heee I said “host”) of a few more hot handmade sites.

OH!  Almost forgot!  Jess should be landing any minute!! YAY!

How lucky am I!?

~~~Dawn

Looking down the hall (workshop to the right)

Looking at the workshop

So far I realize I really, really suck at painting walls. I love painting other stuff, but painting walls to make things look “even” is NOT my forte. Nope. I’m more the “creative” type. Not so much the slow and steady, tape this off, prepare this, etc.  Apparently the teenagers were even worse.  Actually, one was pretty good.  He seemed very determined to do a good job.  Too bad he is not my son.  NICK…Michael and I would like to adopt you… = }  They’re all good kids.  VERY different personalities.

Ok, well, today I got some more equipment set up,  input some inventory, had to leave quickly to pick Tim up to take him to work (missed the bus because of a confusing bus stop he hadn’t used before…then he tried hoofing it to get the second leg to HersheyPark.  Not quite in time…)

So now, I still have a boatload of stuff to do (no, I am not painting or moving furniture, which when that’s done I will be soooo much happier!)  Oh. I also didn’t get my city and state permits to start selling.  Realized this afternoon they will not be open tomorrow!

That’s ok. As long as we are ready by July 21st.  = } Regardless, I will be here most of my “normal” work days from here on out with the exception of a few medical days and WineFest.

So…what do you think of the color choices??  (I’m sure THAT opens a can of worms!! )

Our handy dandy man, Steve, is a stud amongst the studs as he poses in front of our store in progress. We will keep you posted on construction and our open house. Have a super weekend.

Jessica