East State Village is turning into such a sweet little shopping area.
In about a four-block area, you've got a yarn shop for socks (although it's only open one day a week), a candy store, a bakery, several eateries and the Poppy Cottage, a small shop at 1321 E. State Blvd. that sells vintage and painted furniture, shabby chic home décor items and vintage pieces.
I stopped in the Poppy Cottage this week, and owner Tammy Durnell said she and her partner, Heather Shelton, are going to bring in more handmade items from local crafters to sell. She's looking at up-cycled jewelry, handmade soap and lavender pillows, as well as signs hand-crafted using barn wood. Expect to see more fall items in the store around the first of September.
Durnell said she's also investing in Annie Sloan paint, a product she will use to create the shabby chic, distressed look on furniture.
•Just down the street at 1301 E. State Blvd., where a women's clothing shop used to be (the sign is still up) Bill Schmitt has opened Second Life Furniture and More Co.
As you can guess, he deals in secondhand furniture, some pieces better than others. He had everything from blonde end tables to an upholstered lift chair and a full bedroom set. Schmitt said he started off selling stuff out of his garage “and it just kind of took off.”
Hours aren't set in stone yet, but he said he'd probably be open from 9 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. Phone: 470-9966.
Comic book convention
The Fort Wayne Comic Book Convention will be open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Comfort Suites, 5775 Coventry Lane (Interstate 69 at U.S. 24). Admission is free.
Dealers from several states will be there selling comic books from the golden age to the present, as well as related collectible items such as action figures. If you have comic books you no longer want, bring them over because dealers will be buying. For more, contact Alan at 1-309-657-1599 or go to www.epguides.com/ comics.
Do you suppose those wacky guys from “Big Bang Theory,” will be there?
Nifty gift ideas
Sara Keltsch at the Monogram Shoppe and More … in Covington Plaza, 6410 W. Jefferson Blvd., has a good idea for a baby gift.
We may live in a digital age, but we still have a few important papers we can't afford to lose. The Baby Briefcase will help you keep track of your baby's birth certificate, Social Security card, immunizations and insurance details — everything important you need in one spot. Cost: $32.
•Do you know someone who resists wearing a bike helmet? Maybe they need a Fohawx. These mohawks and dreadlocks attach to a bike helmet with Velcro, cost $24.95, and are available at the Monogram Shoppe. See 'em at www.fohawx.com.
