I’ve never been all that great at art, but my mom likes to say “you have a good eye, Sweetie.”
I’m horrible at still life and humans, but I think I’m pretty good at abstract! And not bad with words!
I bought a couple of canvases at Michael’s and a basic starter acrylic set (I needed maximum color variety for minimum cost!) and am using Matt’s brushes (he’s the real artist in the family).
And I had SO MUCH FUN painting these signs!!
My cursive is pretty good, dontcha think!?
And my personal favorite:
I always notice when restaurants have creative versions of the above notice instead of the standard piece of paper. And I always said to myself “If I were a restaurant owner, I’d paint my own!”
Well that day is here.
I’ve got 4 more signs to make – WHAT SHOULD THEY SAY!?!
Have you ever had Carr’s Whole Wheat Crackers? They are like English biscuits – kind of graham crackery and SO good!
Really more like cookies than crackers. I picked up a box on an impulse and had a couple for a snack this afternoon. Wish I hadn’t looked at the nutritional information (40 calories per “cookie”) because I’ve definitely downed over 10 of these at a party before!
I wrapped up my artwork and Matt and I met Karen for an early dinner
One side of the street looked like this:
The other looked like this:
And I turned back to the original and it was RAINING under the sun!
Our destination was Maya, for $12 Tuesdays! A handful of entrees are $12 with two sides.
We sat outside – under the rain!
I chose the Blackened Tilapia with a side of Collard Greens + Cornbread
The fish was great – perfectly blackened. I love blackened things. Reminds me of the ocean!
The collards were INCREDIBLE! I couldn’t even pinpoint what they were cooked in
The cornbread was perfect as well – nice and textured with big crumbs and a hard crust!
After dinner we split the Coffee Cake with Bourbon Ice Cream three ways for dessert
Delicious!
No crumb left behind.
This meal felt home cooked – which I liked.
Crossing my fingers for sunshine tomorrow. I’m in a sweater, pajama pants, thick socks, slippers and long sleeves. This is not summer enough for me!
Time to get my GOSSIP GIRL ON!!!!
Penny says
It’s nice to see Karen looking so well. Bless her heart. I think of her often.
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
Those signs look like SO much fun to make. I am a total sucker for arts and crafts projects… but I usually end up only doing half of the project. Guess that wouldn’t work for your case..
What about something related to Bread.. and the Grains of Life? I don’t know.. I am not much for lines..
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says
Love your signs! (And your handwriting 😉 ) Isn’t it amazing what a little artsy playtime will do? I just posted today on how one of the things that really gives nourishment to me as a whole person is being creative. It might just be something simple, like finding a new use for an old thing, or it might be painting. It just feeds the soul to make things, I think! 🙂
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
Nice job with the paintings! I’d say something like “bread is the grain/staff of life?” Or “Get your bread on?” <—b/c that is so you:)
I love cornbread. yumm:)
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
The signs look great! I love homemade touches to food establishments. I always think of myself as a very UNcreative person but I hear that you reach your creative peak around 30, and honestly? I feel more creative now than ever (I’m 29)!
And that food looks great 🙂
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i am definitely an artist – an actor/writer/musician/semi-dancer – but so horrible at the visual arts. i still draw stick figures.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I know, what is up with this cold weather? It was 65 as the high today and overcast most of the day….not good. Dinner looks delicious. Enjoy the rest of your evening Kath.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Love the signs – too cute!
Allison @ Runs A Latte says
Your food looks delicious!
I am without a doubt the least artistic person on the planet. I used to cry when forced to do art projects. But your signs are very cute! 🙂
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
I love those little acrylic paints!! They remind me of childhood. Now I have to buy some just to play with, lol.
Your dinner looks so good! I’ve never had blackened fish, but I love blackened foods, too. Even though they are bad for ya, haha. A little won’t hurt too much. 😉
Karen is looking gorgeous as always!
Amanda (The Nutritionist Reviews) says
I love the wash hands sign! Cute.
cayla says
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE WHOLE WHEAT CRACKERS TOO! I recently discovered them at a Bowdoin Lacrosse tailgate (we made it to the Final Four!) which our always FILLED with new snack-age, and ended up taking the entire box of leftover ones home! They totally are cookie meets cracker, and graham cracker-y but whole wheat-y as well. Also LOVED your dessert choice…for NCAAs we’ve been getting to eat pretty much whatever we want when we go out for meals, and I’ve managed to order every dessert at two restaurants and sample each one, but no one’s head COFFEE CAKE and ice cream, great call! Maybe this weekend! Also for signs, one of my favorite is “SAVOR THE FLAVOR” and “MAKE EVERY BITE COUNT” which we used in our dining hall for a food-conscious week. Will you serve any desserts at the bakery? With ice cream?
Baking 'n' Books says
This made me lol. You can feel your excitement vibrating off the page! 🙂
And I agree – Coffee Cake should be known as Coffee “Crack” Cake. It’s insane.
Those restaurants looks so quaint.
“That day has come” – what an accomplishment – your own place!
KathEats says
I like “make every bite count” 🙂
We’ll have cookies + bars!
erica says
hello coffee cake w/burbon icecream!!! i think i’d say i’d want my own! lol.
cute signs. good job!
i could never paint anything worth looking at. i have no artistic bone in my body.
Stephanie @cookinfanatic says
Great job with the signs, they are cute! Our weather was crazy like that today too, one minute sun and the next minute rain and then sometime sun & rain at the same time? If you’re watching the Gossip Girl Finale I hope you enjoy, I thought it was sooooo good and the ending was cuuurazzzzy!!!
KathEats says
LOVED it! Perhaps the best episode of the season!? Although my all-time favorite was the one that started with Nate making out with Catherine in the Hamptons…
Morgan @ moments of mmm says
Love the signs! I feel ya on the lack of artistic skills! My maternal Grandfather actually had a career as an artist but sadly none of those traits were passed onto me–that is unless you appreciate the same bubble-duck I have been doodling on notes for about 10 years. 🙂
Eileen says
Karen looks great … I hope she’s feeling as good as she looks!
I like your cursive sign the best. For another, how about “local happenings” or something like that, for a community bulletin board?
KathEats says
OH yea – that’s a good one. I forgot about our bulletin board
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
your art is GREAT, Kath! I love that you handpainted and handmade so many things in your bakery and also used “vintage”, ie. recycled, gifted, random finds in your store not just brand spanking new. I love the vibe you’ve created.
And the meal looks delish. So glad you had a great nite!
And Carr’s anything is usually pretty tasty!
Nowel says
Thumbs up on the coffee cake, it looks like bread!
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food says
ohh what a delicious dinner! 🙂 Send Karen all of my best wishes, I hope that she is feeling well 🙂
I love the hand painted signs, adds such a lovely, fun touch 🙂
Madelin says
Cute signs Kath! I am loving the blog http://www.blog.stylizimo.com at the moment. Nina is so crafty and inspiring! You might like it too :).
KathEats says
the link is broken 🙁
Madelin says
Oops! Here is a cut and paste
http://blog.stylizimo.com/
It’s one of those sites without the www – hope it works now?!
KathEats says
Gorgeous!! Just subscribed 🙂
Madelin says
Awesome :). She has some great DIY and storage ideas too.
kaila @ healthy helper! says
I love when restaurant meals feel homemade….simple yet satisfying. Blackened fish IS delicious! And I love the painted signs….that would be something I would definitely have a lot of fun with if I owned a restaurant!
kellyo says
So good to see Karen make an appearance!
Tori (Fresh Fruition) says
Those signs are too cute! I especially love the hand-washing one 🙂
I’ve been making some paintings lately. I think I miss the therapeutic aspect of art-making since I’ve been home for the summer (from art school) for a week or so, now.
seana says
Cute signs. Karen is looking fabulous!!!!
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
Eek, I LOVE collards. I thought I was the only one.
Hand painted signs are adorable!
Christine says
Love the bathroom one. It’s so true!
Nancy says
The signs are really cute. It always makes me crazy when I see people not washing their hands after using the bathroom. Ick!! Two ideas for the other signs:
1. Use the chalkboard paint on them so you can change the signs when you want and prop them on a plate stand so you can put them wherever you want.
2. What if you made a sign for Customer of the Month/Week? Kind of a good-will, we appreciate you kind of thing. You could take a quick pic of them and post it with what their favorite Great Harvest product is. It would be the customer reccomendation. You could even offer a deal (a % off or a free cookie with purchase or something) on that particular product if the budget allows.
Just some ideas. Good luck with everything!
KathEats says
We already have some mini chalkboards! #2 sounds cool too
Emily @ Savory and Savage says
Great signs! I always love when places do them by hand – it gives a much more homey feel.
Elizabeth @ RunWithSneakers says
Great job on the signs. Love the bathroom sign. I laughed cause whenever I see the standard sign in restaurant bathrooms about employees washing their hands, I always say to myself “and you should too”.
Kelly Anne says
I saw a sign in a bar in NYC that said “Employees must wash both hands”. I took a picture of it, I liked it so much!
KathEats says
Haha
Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness) says
I really love your signs! Honestly, those are the little touches that will put a smile on someone’s face. 🙂
Hasn’t VA had the wackiest weather? Storm – Sun – Storm – Sun… I think eating outside under the rain is pretty cool though! Looks like an awesome meal, and I’m glad to see Karen looking great!
Lauren says
I love those crackers! They are so addictive! The signs are awesome, I would totally make my own signs if I ever had a restaurant!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Great signs! Especially the hand washing signs – I always think about how it’s not just the employees that need to wash. 🙂
The dessert plate “decoration” spirals look like brass knuckles. Awesome. 🙂
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Aaww, the signs look fantastic!!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I love the signs — definitely fit in with the atmosphere of the bakery!
M says
Something like Thanks For Buying LOCAL!
or… We Love C-Ville
Or a sign for…. Day Old Bread discount….
Or a … Kath & Matt Would Love to Chat
or… Special of the Day
….Sandwich Bar
….Or just….Welcome!
Katherina says
These are really cute – the Kath & Matt would love to chat is great 😛
Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet says
Oh wow that coffee cake/bourbon ice cream looks awesome! I’ve always wanted to go to Maya, since the atmosphere looks so nice. I’ll definitely hit it up on a Tuesday.
Hey, the Devil was beating his wife (did I get it right???) today 😉
Love the idea of homemade signs. Yours are so colorful and homey!
KathEats says
You got it!! Hahah
Tammy says
You signs look amazing!! I am sooooo not talented when it comes it anything artsy. I found this little quote online and I think it fits your life perfectly! “If bread is the first necessity of life, recreation is a close second.” – Edward Bellamy, American writer (1850-1898) If I might just add one little thing though. On your “Order Here” sign, could you please add a red line to the 2nd ‘R’ in “Order.” I know it seems really stupid, but its kinda driving me crazy. Sorry. I have a thing about symmetry. Good*Luck on your opening!!
KathEats says
Yes, I got a little random with the outlines because the paint wasn’t dry!
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
Love the signs! especially the hand washing one – and Karen looks great!
Rebekah says
Those Carr’s crackers are addictive!! I’ve definitely downed 10 in a sitting before, too.
I love your red pants!
Ashley says
I love art projects like that!! I think it makes it so much more personal to make them yourself!! Your customers will be able to tell and they’ll love that. The scalloped edge on the cursive one is adorable. 🙂 That meal looks beyond perfect!
Jen says
your dinner looked delicious and gossip girl was AWESOME! I love gossip girl. I do feel like Chuck and Blair did the right thing… and now that she is prego we shall see how that all works out…..
Happy Eating. and your signs are beautiful =)
Moni says
Your eco-friendly practices have inspired me, so what about a sign along those lines — something to encourage others to follow in your footsteps? What about a sign to only take as many napkins as you need. That is, if you have napkins. Or something about recycling, or composting.
Kaitlyn @ 7 Plates says
I love the signs. I wish I could go to your bakery, haha. I like how you said we should wash our hands too.. Very business bathroom should say that! 😉
lauren @ sassy molassy says
Those Carr’s cookie crackers are THE BEST. I’m so paranoid with paint because I hate the fact that you can’t just erase and do over. It often has me not trying to draw/paint something bc I know it will look like a 5 yr old did it. Ah, the joys of being a perfectionist.
Katherina says
Ah I love this weather! It’s been cool (70s) in Orlando and I’m soaking it up!!! I love your signs – I think all signs should be hand painted!
McKayla @ Green Groats says
Aww. Love the signs. You’ve got cute handwriting. The wash hands sign actually looks somewhat similar to your type font…haha
Chelsea says
Great looking signs Kath! Also, Karen is sure looking great! I hope she starts feeling better ASAP.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Hand painted signs like that always make restaurants so much more fun. I love them!
RunEatRepeat says
Sign ideas…
a food pyramid with the bottom level being “Great Harvest Bread”
“Carblottesville”
“Carb-loading Charlottesville since 2011”
“Bread Me Up Scotty”
I love this game 🙂
Karen says
LOVE these ideas!
Mama Pea says
I decorated my first apartment with artwork that I painted myself. It was hideous. I wish I would have kept it and punish my children by threatening to hang it in their bedrooms.
Erin says
I have no artistic talent. At all. But I just looked at my Starbucks cup and I remember stopping there once a few years ago…I think on Valentine’s Day. They had drawn a heart on one of the cups and then stuck it back in the middle of the stack. Whoever got the heart cup got a free drink. I got the heart cup! I thought it was such a cute idea…totally made my night.
Abby says
I love your hand painted signs! Your cursive is pretty cute–I know the last time I wrote cursive besides my signature was probably in about the 4th grade. lol. The handwashing one is my favorite but maybe that is just the nursing student in me! 🙂
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
The signs are so cute! And your cursive looks great!
Hannah says
Cornbread and coffee cake. Oh how I long to eat you.
Khushboo says
Loved everything about this post. I agree that handpainted signs add such a refreshing, personal touch! That meal is exactly what I would have ordered, dessert included!
Angel7 says
The signs look nice! It is more personal to have a hand painted sign, as opposed to a version made on the computer.
Some signage:
Never leave hungry 🙂
Got Bread 🙂 — I really like this one!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
I love when restaurant food tastes homemade!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
We have rain here too! It only seems to rain when I’m outside :/
Emma (Namaste Everyday) says
you could make some beautiful “landfill” “compost” and “recycle” signs! plus a nice quote: something along the more creative lines of eat, drink, be merry 😉
Fionnuala says
That “blackened” food is just burnt food, which is carcinogenic.
KathEats says
Actually, no, this is blackening seasoning coated on fish before its seared in a pan. You are thinking of the char that comes from a grill flame
Fionnuala says
Oh right. I had not heard of that. Thanks for clearing up!
Jumanah says
I love your signs! Very cute! Definately will the give the place a friendly atmosphere!
Carol says
Glad you were able to spend time with Karen. She looks great…very happy:)
Hope all goes well with painting the rest of your signs!
supermat says
Hei Karen,
Your blog looks just great. The pictures are so colorful and delicious that i would eat them. I read your blog from Norway and I hav to say I always wait for new posts from You. Keep doing the good job.
Crystal says
The signs came out great!
Jess (Sweet Potato) says
The signs look great! I would paint my own too, its a nice touch!
joanna says
I spy Bells Two Hearted 😉 Mmmmmm! Good choice by Karen (or you?) !!!
KathEats says
That would be Matt’s!
Karen says
Terrific job on your artwork, Kath…the signs will nicely complement the handmade, authentic theme of the bakery and your goods. So many fun ideas from readers above for additional signs options. I like the concept of adding a couple of slightly sardonic, humorous ones b/c they best reflect the personalities of you and Matt. And the “Kath and Matt would love to chat” contribution sounds like a keeper to me!
Dinner looks wonderful…so very happy to see Karen looking/feeling so well. She’s really looking radiant and healthy in these photos. I bet she’s just so relieved that she’s done with those icky treatments and now has nothing but bakery excitement ahead!
Kath – Will you be selling any celebratory t-shirts, etc. that we can buy online or through your Opensky store? I’d love to support your grand opening in some way from afar! (So excited!)
KathEats says
I don’t think I could sell Gh t-shirts through Opensky – that would make ME the supplier and I’d have to store them and ship them myself (no time for that!) But I do hope we can do something with online sales + our store soon
Jennifer says
The best sign I have read in store thus far has got to be-
“For customer complaints press this button” The button is attached to a fake mouse trap. I couldn’t stop giggling at that one. 🙂
Bregje says
How about a sign that says: Don’t squize me till i am yours. I’ve seen it at a coffee house near the muffins and thought it was hilarious.
megan @ blackberries for jam says
You ARE so artsy! The blog is surely evidence of that 🙂
Caitlin says
that photo of Karen at the restaurant table is great!
olivewineandfood says
i love those crackers! good with cranberry goat cheese
Halley (Blunder Construction) says
I was in sweatshirt + sweatpants last night, and I made myself a hot chocolate. But it’s May…. hmm.. You could make a sign for the trash cans saying “Please Recycle”
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
Cornbread is one of my favorite summer sides! We love pasta salad with cornbread. I cannot wait for summer!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Those signs look great! They’re going to add such a cute, homemade touch to the bakery. 😀
KathEats says
Thanks for all the great suggestions!!
jenna says
ok! so i found one more sign for you to do! it may be a litle corny for your store but I LIKE IT!!
“IF YOU FEAR CHANGE! LEAVE IT HERE…”
do you get it?! it’s for the tips bucket 😉 lemme know if you like it!
jenna
Michelle says
I’m not creative at all but your signs look great.
Karen looks so good. I think about her every time I come to your blog. I hope she’s feeling well too.
Casey says
I’m so happy to see Karen out and about with you! Hope she is doing well!
Love the “new” red pants!
Summer @ Well-rounded Hippie says
Nice signs! I am continuously blown away by the RESTAURANTS in Charlottesville! The restaurants alone make me want to visit!
Meredith says
I love the signs! I am totally an arts and crafts girl, I am currently removing and saving wine labels to do something cool with when I get enough of them 🙂 I think one of your signs should read ” Eat More Grains” – like your Kale shirt!
Kelly (meatless with a man) says
that’s a great idea!!
Lorin says
I know that at one of the local coffee shops in San Diego has daily quotes about life, friends, food, coffee; inspirational quotes. For example, you could write the quote, “ONe day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure it’s worth watching”. Thinkexist.com has a lot of good qutoes
Cyndi says
My favorite photos and entries are of and about Karen – her grace shines right through! She’s beautiful.
Kelly (meatless with a man) says
The best sign that I ever saw: “Unattended children will be given an espresso and a puppy”.
I also LOVE “Hippies enter through the back door” – LOL.
Andrea says
I LOVE your signs! You do have great ‘handpainting’. 🙂
Paulina (One Smile Ahead) says
Oh the signs look so cute!! :] I love these sorts of artsy projects. It rained here today too. I don’t know what’s going on with the weather anymore 😀 It should be warmer by now! It’s almost the end of May.
Debbie says
Oh Kath, I’m so happy/excited for you and Matt! Cheers!!! Your mom is absolutely right, you do have a good eye. Love those cheerful signs…
Regarding the washing of the hands, LOVE it! You’re so clever. May I ask if you will have a waste basket by the door? The reason being, I’m one of those who will not lay my paws on the door when I finish washing. I truly can’t wrap my brain around touching the knob knowing others do not wash. To me it would be like not washing my hands at all. In some places I will even leave my paper towel on the floor as I don’t know what to do with the dirty thing once I use it. Do you hate me now?
Blessings to the two of you – Debbie
KathEats says
ABSOLUTELY!! That’s a pet peeve of mine – with the trash can isn’t close by!!
Debbie says
Yay! Have a blessed day Kath…
Elizabeth says
Sign idea, not really cute, but…..in MA restaurants have to post a sign asking if the customers have any food allergies. I was in a shop yesterday and their sign read “Food allergies are nothing to sneeze at. If you or someone in your party has a food allergy, please let us know.” Might not be required in VA, but customers might appreciate you awareness and willingness to help them. Just a thought….. 🙂
KathEats says
That’s a good idea too
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Nice jobs with the paintings! Especially cursive! My father would be so proud. And yes, he always emphasis on cursive 😉
Kate says
Just had to comment and say I LOVE your red pants in that photo! Too cute!
donna says
One more suggestion—If you don’t already, will you please make sure there is a hook on the back of the ladies restroom door (or somewhere in the stall)? I absolutely HATE to put my purse/coat/scarf on the dirty floor of a public restroom. What are women supposed to do with these items if there is no place to hang them up?
KathEats says
Done!