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August 29, 2007
Behind-the-scenes excursion
As you know our Blog Cabin is situated in Kinzel Springs, just outside of Townsend, TN in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. It’s an area the locals refer to as “the peaceful side of the Smokeys.” Now, if people feel the need to designate an area as being “the peaceful side” the first thing I think of is that somewhere there must be a side that rocks.
All work and no play sucks. So in the name of adventure, expanded perspective, and new t-shirts Chris, Simon and I took off one evening on a pilgrimage to Gatlinburg. I didn’t know much about Gatlinburg before I went, still don’t, but here’s what I discovered:
- The local cuisine is chiefly pancakes and fudge.
- It is a popular honeymoon destination.
- It is a popular vacation destination for the people of Ohio.
- You can see traditional clog dancing on the sidewalk.
- The main drag is good for people watching.
- It hasn’t changed much over the last 20 years.
- It is adjacent to Pigeon Forge (which is a different story.)
- It is the fashion capitol of the world, as you will see from our new t-shirts.
I don’t want to misrepresent the virtues of Gatlinburg, I’m sure there is a lot of mad-Gatlinburg-flavor that I didn’t have time to explore. It should be noted that my experience there was very targeted; we were just there for an evening and we were on a mission for airbrushed t-shirts.
Here’s the story:
It was a warm evening and the sun was going down as we pulled into town on the main drag. We had the car windows rolled down and Simon and Chris were regaling me with an amusing anecdote from their last visit to Gatlinburg that involved a sweet honeymooning couple from Ohio. A car pulled up next to us at a light and, having heard part of the story, asked if we too were from Ohio. They were and they were on vacation. Chris revealed that he was indeed from Ohio, Dayton specifically, and we exchanged pleasantries before the light changed. That’s the kind of friendliness you can expect in Gatlinburg.
After parking the car we set about determining which of the many souvenir t-shirt shops was the one for us. I don’t remember the name, but one seemed to beckon us with its neon signs and glamorous window display. Once inside, we all split off to find blank t-shirts in our size. I was making my way back to the artist’s station when I overheard Chris asking the airbrush lady if she could paint the grim reaper riding a unicorn on his t-shirt. What? Brilliant! Of course I knew instantly that that’s what I wanted too. We all did. In a flash, collectively we understood that no matter what else we tried to think of, nothing could possibly be more glorious and satisfying than a t-shirt emblazoned with the grim reaper riding a unicorn. Hot damn!
But Chris, ever concerned with quality and craftsmanship, wanted to make sure we were entrusting this important composition to a competent artist. Unaware that he was challenging her to a duel he casually asked, “Is your grim reaper pretty scary?”
She stiffened. Without shifting her cold, steely glare from Chris’ eyes she wordlessly drew her weapon, an 8 x 10 portrait of the grim reaper, from beneath the counter and raised it to eye level for Chris’ evaluation.
Chris unflinchingly shot a quick glance at her grim reaper and, satisfied with its fierceness, returned her glare while saying with force and purpose, “That suits me fine.”
Whew. Even though we all gave her complements on the scariness of her reaper, she must’ve still felt a little threatened because she went on to explain that she’s been doing this for 24 years. In fact, she was one of the first 4 airbrush artists in Gatlinburg. She’s not that into skeletons and such but horses are really her thing because she used to board and breed horses a long time ago, back in Florida. But then she was implicated in a horse theft and so she moved to Gatlinburg. Clearly she was more than qualified for the job at hand.
And there you have it. Combine her airbrush prowess with Chris’ inspired vision and Simon’s valiant generosity (he sprung for all the shirts) and you end up with the most awesome outfit on the planet.
It just doesn’t get any classier than this. I feel like a princess.
Posted by adevers at August 29, 2007 7:23 PM
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Comments
Amy thanks for sharing that story and picture with all of us!!
You look like a beautiful princess with the two Knights of Shining Matrix!!
Posted by: Jacqueline at August 29, 2007 10:09 PM
Amy, Chris & Simon,
What a great photo! You three look like you've known each other for years (probably feels that way)! Seeing as you're a lot younger than me, I probably would have opted to AVOID the grim reaper and just had the 'riderless unicorn' !!
However, your 'fugitive' airbrush artist was cleverly creative with Chris' idea! Maybe she could do the 'Blog Cabin 2008' tee-shirts we bloggers hope to buy??
Looking forward to watching tonight's episodes!
Rebecca from Cleveland
Posted by: Rebecca at August 30, 2007 7:02 AM
Those look like some really nice shirts but I think I would have choose something besides the porta-potties as a back drop. Do you have another picture you might want to swap out?
Posted by: EdwardD. at August 30, 2007 8:57 AM
Hey Amy! I think that the cabin looks great! I would love to have more information regarding the Kinzel Springs and Townsend area. Could please make this info available on your website so I and others who maybe interested can research the area more.
Thanks,
April
Posted by: April at August 30, 2007 11:49 AM
Fun story about the tshirts as you found out Gatlinburg has many unique people and places to shop especially tshirts
Posted by: Carrie Miracle at August 30, 2007 11:51 AM
Tripletts? I really liked the colors used, great artwork!! Keep up the good work!
Posted by: MaryLou at August 30, 2007 12:14 PM
You guys ROCK! Your adventure sounds fantastic.
Posted by: Kathy Seals at August 30, 2007 2:12 PM
wAmy~
Your wardrobe keep getting more and more interesting...I thought you made quite a fashion statement in your black belted wrap with your white do-rag while you were staining the cabin in tonights episode. What a difference that made. And I absolutely love the border on the floor, but I've already drooled over that I know. Seeing it tonight, watching how you picked it out, and installed it, I couldn't help but get excited all over again!
I love the carving on post. At first I thought it was going to be to bright, but the way he antiqued it, I think he called it, it is beautiful.
Posted by: Karen at August 31, 2007 12:22 AM
I am not sure if you answered this question already. Sorry to say, I haven't been able to check up on all the blogging. Such is the hectic life, we lead. But is there a laundry area in the cabin? A place to store cleaning supplies, etc?
BTW My husband spent our honeymoon in Gatlinburg, TN. We celebrated our 25th last year!! Although we don't hail from Ohio.
Posted by: Mischell at August 31, 2007 11:24 AM
The cherry flooring is my pick the and you guy just made better.
Posted by: janetbennett at August 31, 2007 1:40 PM
I love the music cue, the shirts and the two cuties your wiping your hands on (porta-potty backround?)
Posted by: Denise from Florida at August 31, 2007 4:57 PM
Love the shirts! Love the twits and I should since I am lucky enough to be their sister-in-law.
Posted by: Shelby at August 31, 2007 10:12 PM
Amy, you will always be queen of the port-a-potties to me. ok, I had a question about the pancakes & fudge -- are these served together? Like, with the fudge melted on TOP of the pancakes? DEVS FOREVS!!!!!
Posted by: Emily at September 1, 2007 7:36 PM
When I think of Gatlinburg, I think of Johnny Cash's song "A Boy Named Sue" which mentions it. Did you meet any local boys named Sue? If so, did any of them resent their fathers?
Posted by: Rusty at September 1, 2007 8:29 PM
I think that you should somehow work the grim reaper/ unicorn into a brand of home improvement products. It needs a motto as well...maybe something like "This product contains magic which can kill you with its ingenuity."
The unicorn riding grim reaper could also be bursting out of the Portapottie door.
Posted by: Rusty at September 1, 2007 8:37 PM
I think this is just marvelous. You have taken a typical moment of tourismo and managed to make it a savvy fashion excursion, which not only brings you closer to a local business and experience but introduces your audience to local folks, artisans and craftspeople. This is just the kind of sassy insight that makes this blog so fun to join in. I want to hear more of the sidelights and highlights of your adventures. Thanks so much...here's to down home fun!!
Thanks
Wilma
Posted by: Wilma Cataplat at September 2, 2007 12:52 AM
Implicated in a horse theft? How come this gets no more than a passing mention? Clearly the whole story should veer off from that point and become a tale of three bumbling-yet-fashionable (and handy!) Northerners who unwittingly stumble upon the unsolved crime of the decade: Grand Theft Equine.
Posted by: Tawnya at September 2, 2007 1:12 AM
Dont fear the Reaper (We'll be able to fly)
Dont fear the reaper (We can become like they are)
Dont fear the reaper (baby take my hand)
Posted by: Hall Oates at September 2, 2007 3:35 AM
It’s heartwarming in this day and age to hear of plain folks stopping at a traffic light and having a friendly exchange, and never once thinking of pulling a pistol or popping a cap - it’s simply proof that the world is not indeed going hippity-hoppity mad. And the reaper riding a unicorn... Bravo! Send more news from America, please, where a hired brush won’t hesitate to marry such disparate themes.
Posted by: Jellyroll at September 2, 2007 6:59 AM
This Rusty guy is indeed clever! I'm heading to the shop to rename my saw: Beware wood, the Grim Reaper 10" Sliding Miter Saw is here!
Lookin' Sharp Amy D!
"It was Gatlinburg in mid July. Ma horse wuz thristy and ma throat wuz dry..."
Posted by: atticus at September 2, 2007 11:05 AM
what a great way to taste the "flavor". i'm sure the locals don't mind a bit of flair everyonce in a while. i guess you could've just picked from the many styles there and not used the talent of the artist to make the visit more unique.
keep up the good work and like they say in portland(OR)
keep it weird
Posted by: Phil Oliversen at September 3, 2007 2:33 PM
Have you tried the pancakes? They are darn good! And don't even get me started on the fudge. But the real draw is the mountains surrounding and the spectacular views. Like you three in your airbrush masterpieces.
Posted by: Evie at September 3, 2007 6:29 PM
Howling! I was howling!
But, really I've just got to track down tee-shirt airbrush artists in San Francisco.
Posted by: Danya Shegoleff at September 4, 2007 12:40 AM
Amy, Is Gatlinburg anywhere close to a sour-mash distillery? I suspect I'm not alone in my curiosity about any such establishment and as I'll soon be moving to Gatlinburg to live in my new house I would love a 'taste' of the local wares. If there's any chance that you and Thing 1 and Thing 2 could hop on your unicorns and share through the lens of your camera some of the local color we (viewing public) would be greatful. Steely eyed, airbrush slinging, horse thieving grim reaper unicorn gal; I'd like to have a shot of Tennessee's finest with her. Or even just a shot of her. More pics please. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Chris Conroy at September 4, 2007 1:08 AM
Amy~
I can't believe Chris & Simon took you to Gatlinburg and didn't bring you to see the
The Salt & Pepper Museum. Now that would have rounded out trip to this town! They actual have over 17,000 salt and pepper shakers on exhibit.
Posted by: Karen at September 4, 2007 8:29 AM
I have to laugh at your comments about Gatlinburg.. my family has been going there for over 10-15 years I would say (Longer if you asked when my grandfather used to go). At any rate, us Ohioians, go about three times a year: once in the spring, once at labor day usually, and then at Christmas. My family was actually in Gatlinburg when you had your little venture that way - but of course they don't watch the show so they wouldn't have recognized you!
As for the person who wondered if fudge and pancakes come together - there is this place called the Pancake Pantry and I would bet you could get fudge and pancakes or at least chocolate chip pancakes! :)
Thanks for sharing your journey to Gatlinburg, it makes me smile just thinking about it! My husband and I went for a few days this past weekend and drove over to Townsend. There is an ice cream stand down the road from the Kinzel Springs main office - you should check it out!
Posted by: Tiffany Kohler at September 5, 2007 1:27 AM
Can we just go back to Pigeon Forge for a moment?..if I am indeed escaping as the grim reaper..on flight back my single speared stallion...is the forge a refuge...or a trap?? Seriously...when I'm takin' in rays in Gatty town...I'd like to know that I'm a safe distance from the Pigeon Fortress. Golly!!
tickles and wiggles,
Clementine
Posted by: Clementine Stroll at September 5, 2007 2:10 PM
If I win the Blog Cabin, I am going to give the salt and pepper museum in Gatlinburg a run for its money. I only have 4 sets right now, including the one I am using on my egg salad, but you've got to start somewhere.
I was wondering if the only airbrushing going on is on the tee shirts? Amy Devers sure is a purty thang, and I just wonder if she's that purty in person?!?
As for those two gentlemen, I dont know about you, but the rest of the show rocks, so lets rock, OKAY, ALLRIGHT!!!!!!
Posted by: Sabu's Keyboardist and the Electric Tourniquet at September 5, 2007 6:33 PM
The latest blog cabin episode on television was fabulous. The kitchen turned out more beautiful than I could have imagined. I even like the inside of the cabinets. The countertops are so magnificent. And the table...Amy, you never cease to amaze me with you incredible attention to detail. How nice that Paul added that entertainment unit to the kitchen! Great surprise.
Posted by: Karen at September 6, 2007 11:13 PM
I have been out of the country for three weeks and the first thing I did when I walked in the door was to check my TiVo to be sure it picked up all the Blog Cabin episodes I missed. I love that show and you three guys!
Posted by: Mary Beth at September 12, 2007 12:28 PM
Great photo, Amy. It's delightful to see you again and love the choice of backdrop -- the scenic port-a-john. Warm greetings from fans in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Posted by: Julie Klein at September 14, 2007 8:13 AM
The blog cabin show was very good last night love the soap my mother tell me about my great aunt making soap when she was a child. what about the master bath the landscaping show were great again.
Posted by: janetbennett at September 15, 2007 12:00 AM
Hello Amy. I have been watching this since the beginning. I decided to enter the contest and I think it is absolutely beautiful!! The work is coming along good. I have had a bit of bad luck in my life of late as the house we just rented 4 months ago, when we moved back up to Virginia, just a few hours away from where you guys are all at, was condemned last week, due to bad wiring and my landlord won't fix it. We went thru Hurricane Rita in 2005 and lost our home then, now we gotta go again...such is life, I guess. So, we have to move again. We are on fixed incomes and can't afford to, but now, we don't have much choice. I sit and dream of the what if's if I were to win that cabin. Boy is it a dream cabin. I love the mountains anyway....always have and you all are doing such a great job on it. It is just beautiful.
Posted by: Janice at September 15, 2007 11:23 AM
Hi Amy, Chris and Simon,
After seeing your show every week and falling in love with the area and the apparent friendliness of the people there - I have decided to buy or build my own log cabin there soon.
i hope i can work with Simon and Chris on the cabin - as they seem professional, knowledgable and experienced in log cabin construction.
I could really use some good advice from them - good "honest" advice - about where to buy the land and cabin building costs, etc. Can you have one of them contact me?
Thanks Amy (This is the BEST show on DIY network - and I've learned so much since I started watching - the BEST PART is seeing your beautiful smile and bubbly personality keeping all those guys working!).
Best Regards, Randy :)
Posted by: Randy Countryman at September 17, 2007 2:42 AM
I just looked at the mountian home. It is so beautiful. It would be a dream come true for my family. We have never had a place that we all could all come together as one. The last time i was able to take a vacation with my daughter was when she was a teenager. That has been several years and never taken a vacation with my grandkids.This would be so wounderful to be able to have a home in the mountains that they could come to visit or live with memaw. There have been alot of up and downs in our family lives. This would be so great to have a home big enough. I now live in a mobile home. Not mch room.
Posted by: Cheryl at September 17, 2007 1:52 PM
IMHO, AMY DEVERS IS MY FAVRIT TV HOSTESS. I LIKE ALSO RACHEL RAY BUT NOT AS MUCH AS HER AND HER SHOW IS NOT AS NICE. I ALSO HAVE SOME FRIENDS WHO LIVE NEARBY AND THEY SAY THEY MIGHT SEE HER SOMETIMES IN THE TOWN.
WELL
Posted by: ArnoldB1956@yahoo.com at September 17, 2007 7:13 PM
My husband and I were married in Gatlinburg in April of 2005 and spent our honeymoon there in a cabin. It was wonderful! My parents were born and raised very close to this area and we have been enjoying everything that Tennessee has to offer for many, many years. As for anyone wanting to visit or move to the area, I'd say go for it. The people are friendly, the weather is nice, and the views are spectacular! What a dream! We live in Indiana, but my heart is and always will be in Tennessee!
Posted by: Victoria Caudill at September 19, 2007 12:48 PM
Great show! Thank God there's someone at DIY who "gets it"!! I'm so tired of all the hosts on those other channels who look so uncomfortable when they pick up a hammer or a paint roller! (You all know who you are...) Amy, you're a great finish carpenter, a great host, and a pleasure to watch. Keep it comin', and I'm looking forward to the next Blog Cabin, or whatever you've got in store for us!
Posted by: Barry at September 20, 2007 9:45 PM
Amy- Gatlinburg is the perfect place in which to engage in shenanigans and tomfoolery. Your story reminds me of a time last year when I found myself in Branson, MO and us city folk whooped it up in their little "old Branson" part of town. Good times.
I love Blog Cabin and I'm looking for some new FFF episodes. You are brilliant! Glad to see so much Amy Devers on DIY. Rock on.
Posted by: Jono at September 24, 2007 10:34 AM
Amy,
I love this show! I finally got DYI. I am so happy. Love the shirts. I got my husband a similarly lovely custom shirt for an RV trip. You really would appreciate the beauty of the airbrushed family RV. Very classy indeed. I might need need the reaper and unicorn for myself...
Posted by: Michelle at September 26, 2007 12:33 AM
I love how the cabin turned out its just awsome.You guys did everything right i saw all the love and hard work that went into builting the cabin.
I am hoping the next cabin built will be in the heart of Texas Spurs town.
(Enjoy your vacation)well deserved.
love
Posted by: pauline at September 28, 2007 2:44 AM
Does this cabin have a hot tub to bad it wasn't
thought of before this.This would make a great addition to the screened in porch and very romantic.
Posted by: Omer King at September 29, 2007 1:32 PM
I have been entering the contest everyday. Seemed real strange to not see enter daily this morning as I went to the sight. But it is so exciting to know just three weeks for the winner to be announced. I was married and spent my honeymoon in Gatinbury in Dec. 2000. It was great. We love Tennessee. We live in Louisiana outside New Orleans and have wanted to move to Tennessee for awhile now. What a blessing to think of being the winner of this home. You picked a great place to build it. We have entered the contest for the dream house each year and never won but knew we could never afford to keep it. The log cabin is a great idea, small enough to afford to keep and even live in as a permenamet house. Thanks for all the hard work you put in it. I'm excited and have already wrote my thank you letter for my local newspaper, because I know if we win I will be too excited to think of what I want to say, and it makes me even more excited to believe we are gonna win,
Posted by: John Riehm at October 2, 2007 10:53 AM
The blog cabin was wonderful. The things you used to decorate with was great. Is is possible to tell the name and location of the shop where you purchased the large saw blade. When the cameras did a swept of the store, there was something that caught my eye.
I enjoyed watching your progress.
Posted by: Betty at October 7, 2007 6:06 PM
This building of the DIY 2007 Cabin was one the most enjoyable experiences for me. Each time I was able to catch it on- I just had to sit and watch it. Amy is excellent at conveying a relaxed atmosphere on the show no matter what was happening. She needs to have her own building show, I was astonished at all the things she could do in carpentry. She makes it all seem so easy, and for women that's what we all needto see. Congratulations on a show/build done extremely well. Those two young guys were so talented, I certainly don't want to forget to mention them. Missy Lindy 11/14/07
Posted by: Linda at November 15, 2007 11:33 PM
I saw the show tonight and WOW! I wish I could have been in the blog site from the beginning. How do you get involved in the voting on the next one? My first contribution would be to suggest radiant heat. We have it in our house now and would never go back to anything else. Always warm floors, no dust from air movement of forced air and no noise. I can't wait to see what's coming.
blessings,
Dick
Posted by: dnetzer at November 16, 2007 2:17 AM