Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Hello!!! We're back at the blog! Here's a little slideshow/video we created to show you how far we've come in SEVEN WEEKS!!! Thanks to all of you that have helped us launch our new business. Much love, Cottle & Gunn

Sunday, March 16, 2014

YES! We opened for the Mardi Gras Festival on March 1st!


Out our front window during Mardi Gras Festival


We were so stunned by the crowds (not shown here, LOL) that we hardly took any pictures of the day! We had revelers of all sorts! Many with beads stacked clear to their chins. Many friends and neighbors came in to congratulate us, which warmed our hearts.


The store looked as presentable as we could make! As you can see, a look behind the counter on opening day tells the rest of the story. What you can't get straight...HIDE!!!


It was a scramble to the finish line and we couldn't have opened if it weren't for the help of so many dear friends and helpers. Mildred and Granny, our Gunnies, Elizabeth and Ofelia, Angie and Shannon (for a delicious meal while we were working overtime), our husbands, Wayne and his painters, Saint Marys Welcome, and The City of Saint Marys for a great event that brought thousands to the downtown area. A great day to launch our new business.


We were living off fast food and frozen dinners. Angie and Shannon delivered this delicious home cooked meal TO THE STORE.  So appreciated, ladies. You've been there!


We'll post more on the gruesome process of turning Sterling's into Cottle &Gunn in a future post. You don't want to miss that! Until next time, this is Ronnie and Deb (Cottle & Gunn) living in a small town on the coast of Georgia. XO

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Moving right along! The Cottage is almost clean and fresh paint in the store!


Here's a peek at part of the cottage.  And it's CLEAN! We're still rubbing our eyes!! Can it be true!!?
This room will soon be one of our classrooms!  This was originally home to Mr. Sterling and his family when he was Storekeeper. 


Chippy painted beadboard over the mantel. We had two photographers visit us today. They said they would pay to take pictures in the cottage. It has beautiful light and so much old goodness!


The fireplaces are blocked off, but we can dream can't we?!  Lots of classes planned for this space. 


The store now has fresh paint! We went from dark red to this blue gray! We're happy about this. 


The old Sterling's Grocery Store is a special property in Saint Marys. So many people have come in to tell us their memories of buying ice cream and candy from Mr. Sterling. We feel so lucky to be here.



Mr. Sterling's grandson, David Joyner, kindly left us a few old things we found in the store. We plan to create a tribute to Mr. Sterling. 


We may even sell RC Cola. ; )


And then, there is this beauty. I wish we could use it. And we wish it processed credit cards!

We recruited lots more talented Gunnies for the store this week. We can't wait for you to see what they create, but that's for another day. Until then, it's back to painting and cleaning for  Cottle and Gunn. We plan to have our doors open on March 1st for the Saint Marys, GA Mardi Gras Festival.  Ready or not, we hope you come see us!!!

Over and out ~ Cottle & Gunn

OH, how could I forget!!! This is for you Elizabeth. You are SUPERWOMAN! Here's a before and after. 

BEFORE
and this really doesn't tell the whole gruesome story.


and AFTER


THANK YOU, ELIZABETH!!!!!
We have BIG plans for this bathroom and we know you're interested, so stay tuned! 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Making a little progress today...

We met with two talented artists today, Kristen and Carol, and accepted them as new Gunnies! They walked around our empty store and told us how excited they were to join us. It's hard waiting for the building to be painted. Can't wait to see all the Gunnies and their wares in one place.  It won't be too much longer. 



Cottle talking with a new Gunnie about our vision.


Wayne came in to give us a quote for painting the walls a nice pale gray. 


Yep, we're Under Construction!


Did you know we're planning lots of painting classes in the cottage workshop? It's a DISASTER with a capital D right now, but has so much potential. We are about to BUST to get in there and start working! David almost has it empty and we are so ready to make it shine! Might give you a little peek in a few days.