Culpeper's Autumnsongs restores the spirit
Photo by Jamie Haverkamp
WORK IN PROGRESS: Owner Kathi Reagan opened Autumnsongs in November. Surrounded by nature, she specializes in artsy gifts, decoupage, event planning and offering customers a unique brand of floral and plant arrangements which includes delivery confirmation via email with the recipient's photo.
Autumnsongs restores the spirit
By Anita L. Sherman
Culpeper Times Staff Writer
Walking in Autumnsongs on Davis Street is like taking a side street through a calming garden. You've arrived in a peaceful place with the sound of a trickling fountain cast against a background of classical music and enticing gift goodies. It's not a large space but there is plenty to see ? like a host of African violets perched in pale pink dessert bowls that glisten on a windowsill or a collection of terrariums or perhaps a hand painted chalkboard. Above you hang an array of chandeliers and all around are tables festooned with multi-colored Indian scarves dancing round various houseplants and stunning orchids. Try some of the Bee Bar cream. It's heavenly vanilla scent will linger for hours not to mention how soft your hands and skin will feel.
Reagan originally hails from Bristow, Virginia and has lived in Culpeper for two years. She opened Autumnsongs ? named for September, the month she was born ? to continue her 30-year avocation in retail and event planning. She specializes in what's different rather than what you'd find at a grocery store florist or other floral shop. She likes to find old pots and refurbish them. Connecting with over a dozen sources, she can find what you need for that special touch. "He was a farmer," she said of a recent casket spray that she designed. "It was all done in vegetables."
Carefully crafted dish gardens, baskets, initialed bride's handkerchiefs, Victorian magnifying glasses, bird houses and hand-painted pet ornaments can all be found at Autumnsongs. "I like to recycle, I like to restore," says Reagan whose own persona is reflected in her art and demeanor. "Take them, they're yours," she told a young woman who heard that she had extra tomato plants that needed a home.
Reagan also supports local artists. This Saturday, June 26, from 10-12 p.m. she will have an open house featuring Eddy from Woodville in Rappahannock County who will be playing drums created from the base of trees and Sonja Petersen Wise, an artist from Fredericksburg whose bright paintings pop out between plants or on a shelf.
Reagan will also be offering a series of classes starting in July and themed for Christmas. Starting with a recycled box that will be decorated, participants will then go on to create ornaments celebrating the 12 days of Christmas to fill the box. Classes will be held on July 13, 20 and 27 with limited size. On July 6, she will have her first Orchid of the Month presentation. "There are some outstanding miniatures," says Reagan of the many orchids she has come to own, love and willingness to share her knowledge of them.
Reagan has created her own world in her shop. She hopes that others will share her passion for arts and crafts that she feels "we're losing." "It's scary and sad, we can't lose ourselves," said Reagan, "we need to keep value and pride in what we are."
For Reagan, it is offering not only a retail place of solace but a place where you can be inspired by nature and the arts ? and take home a terrarium or houseplant to cheer any space.
Autumnsongs
Design studio, florals and gift items
246 East Davis Street
(540) 825-7178
kathi@autumnsongs.com