Posts Tagged Local Business
Posted by Laura Nelson on August 1, 2010
By Sherry Nelson
Betty James Hoppensteadt, Owner, The Genuine Article
Artists enjoy being surrounded by beautiful things. Glass artist Betty James Hoppensteadt, owner of The Genuine Article in downtown Wheaton, is no exception. Her bead studio and workshop consume about half the floor space–with the balance devoted to the display and sale of fine art by prestigious, international artists.
“When I outgrew my home studio, I wanted to make sure I was surrounded by beautiful things,” says Hoppensteadt. Including exceptional glass art and unique sculptures in a gallery atmosphere was a natural step, she says.
One of the most recognizable artists featured is Tim Cotterwill, often called “The Frogman.” Cotterwill, a California artist, specializes in cast bronze, enameled, hand-painted frog sculptures from small pocket-sized creatures to large table-sized centerpieces. Prices range from a hundred dollars into the thousands.
Glass artists David and Jeremiah Lotton are also prominently represented in the gallery. The Lotton “Bride” sculpture (pictured) is designed to reflect ambient light glowing from a radiant bride, adorned with a veil.
Hoppensteadt has also included affordable art in the gallery. The Jean-Pierre Weill glass series of whimsical art is in the $60 range. The artist draws and paints on multiple layers of glass to simulate painting in three dimensions. Born in Paris in 1954, Weill was raised in New York, and now lives in Boston.
Besides running the gallery, Hoppensteadt designs, teaches and creates bead and jewelry art. Classes and workshops are plentiful. Custom designs and private jewelry-making parties are available and noted at the website: BettyJamesStudios.com.
The Genuine Article is at 201 W. Front St., Wheaton. (630) 690-2323
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
Decorative Concrete Edging is a permanent feature that gives gardens a completed look and helps keep garden mulch in place. It will not rust, decompose, or shift like other edging materials.
Eric Voelz, owner of E’s Kurb Appeal, has been installing Concrete Edging for four years. “Homeowners love it because it’s done in one day, and stays in place,” he says.
Landscape Curbing is appealing because of the many advantages it has, in contrast to other edge treatments. These include:
• It’s attractive, giving instant appeal to gardens without overpowering the yard.
• Curbing is practical and cost effective, because it’s permanent. Edging instantly adds value to a yard.
• Curbing is versatile. It’s durable through severe winters, and is available in dozens of curb styles, colors, and patterns. It’s ideal for flower beds, tree rings, mailboxes, sidewalk edging, or to help control erosion.
• Curbing helps maintain bedding materials.
Landscape Curbing is extruded on site in one continuous piece. It has a 1/8″ braided and galvanized cable right in the curb to maximize strength and durability.
Color is added to the mix on site, making it consistent throughout, and does not peel or flake off. According to Voelz, the top colors for this season are rawhide and brown tones, currently topping brick.
To learn more about Landscape Curbing, call Eric Voelz at E’s Kurb Appeal at (630) 621-8480 and visit www.eskurbappeal.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
According to HomeGain.com, homeowners can maximize home sale prices with a relatively small investment. HomeGain.com conducts nationwide home improvement and home staging surveys to assist homeowners in preparing their homes for sale.
Steve Stateler, Owner of P.E.C. Services
The top three home improvements that Realtors recommended to home sellers, based on average cost and return on investment (ROI) to sellers, are:
1) Cleaning and De-cluttering– Average cost: $100-$200. Home Price increase: $1,500-$2,00. Return on investment: 872%. Agents recommending: 98%.
2) Home Staging–Average cost: $300-$400. Home Price Increase: $1,500-$2,000. Return on investment: 586%. Agents recommending: 98%.
3) Lighten & Brighten (Window Cleaning)– Average cost: $150-$200. Home Price increase: $1,000-$1,500. Return on investment, 572%. Agents recommending: 95%.
Steve Stateler, of P.E.C. Services, can help you show off your home with power washing, window cleaning and more. Contact him at (630) 386-1693.
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
While the sign on the exterior says Crystal House, under the tin ceiling inside is an eclectic collection of original artwork, primitive African art pieces, textured glass coasters, keepsake boxes and more. The ambiance of the relocated shop in Downers Grove is that of a mini art museum, says Chaz Nieponski, co-owner of Chazerly Designs, Inc., which is the parent company for the Crystal House art galleries.
Crystal sparkles in glassware, candle holders, frames, statues, keepsake boxes and custom designs. Items can be personalized with custom etching. Expert crystal repair services are also available.
Primitive African art from Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, and other countries includes Punu masks and pygmy beds among the extensive collection.
Hand-crafted jewelry, original paintings and limited edition prints are featured in the galleries also.
Crystal House is at 5116 Main St., Downers Grove. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 10am-6pm; Thurs., 11am-8pm; Sat., 10am-3pm. To see more Crystal House merchandise, visit www.chazerlydesigns.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on May 10, 2010
By Keith Druek, Owner,
Seabreeze West Remodeling
Francine and Marty have been living in their house for more than 10 years. With three children, a dog, and items accumulated through the years, they are running out of space. Their home has simply become too small for their family’s lifestyle.
They like their neighborhood with its proximity to shops, and they are reluctant to move and uproot their children from their friends and classmates. Francine and Marty realize that an addition to their existing home allows their family to stay in the neighborhood while solving their space needs.
Their home, like older homes, was built with a “boxed” look, and they’ve decided to “think outside the box”. They asked themselves two main questions: if we add on, how do we use the extra space? Though they have no plans to move or relocate, will they be able to recoup the cost of the addition when they sell it?
In conversations with colleagues, Marty learns that the cost of additions is generally recouped when a home is sold, especially when the remodel project is a finished basement, bedroom addition, kitchen expansion to provide more elbow room or extra cabinets, a pantry, and center island, or sunroom addition to provide a relaxing and cozy setting when entertaining, especially in the summertime.
With the second question answered, all that was left to decide was how to use the space.
Like Francine and Marty, each of us has aspects of our homes that we would like to change. Some of those changes may be necessitated by a leaking bathroom or worn flooring that needs to be replaced. Or perhaps the motivation is to eliminate cramping by adding storage via kitchen cabinets or adding a bedroom so that the kids have more space.
If that describes your situation, maybe now is the time for change while mortgage rates are still low and housing prices are starting to rise. So, don’t be afraid to venture into the remodeling world. Do your homework–start tearing out pictures from magazines, explore ideas and, most importantly, call a reputable builder to begin the process of creating the home for your family needs.
Remember, you are investing in your home–invest wisely and use a professional!
Seabreeze West Remodeling, Inc. is a design/build firm specializing in remodeling homes and businesses. If you are considering remodeling your home or adding an addition, call (630) 585-0123 for a complimentary consultation to learn how Seabreeze West Remodeling can design and build your home project within your budget.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
If your church group, sports team or PTA has sold magazines, candy bars or wrapping paper, you may want to try something different. Many local businesses offer innovative programs which benefit the community as well as the organizations raising money. Your main contact is always accessible, and your participation adds revenue to a local business. Here are some novel ideas for your organization:
Indulge Cheesecakes, Bloomingdale
Debbie Zempel makes scrumptious cheesecakes, which she offers as fundraisers to both non-profit and for-profit organizations. Orders can be taken with a specific delivery date, or groups can raise funds by making in-store purchases, similar to the “Shop and Share” model. Programs are flexible. Contact Debbie Zempel at Indulge Cheesecakes, (630) 893-5714.
Entrée Kitchen, Carol Stream
Diane Beaulieu, owner, offers delicious meal solutions for busy people. Several programs with the meal preparation business are available. Groups can reserve an evening to prepare meals together, with meals going toward an individual in need. Meals can also be ordered and be delivered or picked up. Menu selections include a wide variety of choices. Contact Diane Beulieu at (630) 668-4450.
Deese, The Sycamore Boutique, Sycamore
Angela Nielsen makes fragrant shea butter soaps in delicate fragrances and hand-poured soy candles. Scrub soaps for gardeners are available too. Call Angela for more information at (815) 899-9977.
Action Screen Printing, Warrenville
Alan Arrighi has a new program ideal for youth sports teams. The Shirt and Simple program is an easy way to keep your fundraiser online, and eliminates chasing payments. Participants customize their orders online. Call Action Screen Printing at (630) 393-1990 or (800) 661-5892.
Dancing Lights, Glen Ellyn
Carol Swetka offers a huge assortment of hand-dipped candles, votives, and soy jars. 64 different scents are available. Holders can be included, either decorative or basic. Call Dancing Lights at (630) 790-4548.
Wheaton Bowl, Wheaton
Fundraisers can be scheduled for your group on Friday or Saturday evenings. Several “Candlelight Bowl” packages are offered, which include bowling and shoe rental. Buffet packages can also be included–delicious Pal Joey’s pizza, a hot assortment, or deli selections. Minimum 10 couples. For details, contact Bob Inzinga at (630) 668-4102.
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