TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

Something old, something new and inventive

Photo by JODY BOWES

Owner Deanna Yardas with some of Ida Lillies many treasures.

ADVERTISEMENT

By JODY BOWES

Hernando Today correspondent

Published: November 23, 2009

Updated:

BROOKSVILLE - A new downtown establishment offers merchandise and the opportunity to explore your inventive side. Owner Deanna Yardas has a flare for the creative and a love of vintage. She found the perfect way to combine her loves into an enterprise, opening the doors of Ida Lillie's in mid-September.
The shop's uniqueness is evident from the window displays to the back classroom. The front counter was once a hot air balloon basket. The soft track lighting in the long interior accentuates strategically placed displays and the vintage and retro furniture that reflect the proprietor's eclectic tastes. Yardis also custom creates "Shabby Chic" pieces.
"We find great treasures at really great prices and retail them low so they can move to new homes and be enjoyed," she says. Ida Lillies is offering additional furniture discounts for Black Friday shoppers.
"If there's a piece you've had your eye on, that is the day to buy it," she says.
In the classroom, folks learn scrapbooking, sewing, knitting, cooking (Yardas formerly owned a restaurant), pottery painting and create specialized memorabilia. Brides-to-be create one-of-a-kind invitations, favors and programs. A "girls night out" lets bridal parties put together their unique stationery. Current instructors are Yardas (a former family and consumer sciences teacher at Springstead high), Cindy Boyer and Debbie Browning Johnson. Their Web site has class descriptions and schedules.
A long wall displays the old and new: Accessories, customizable crafts, scrapbooking paper, glassware, ornate mirrors, framed art and baby accessories not found in typical discount department stores, including handmade pillows by Yardas.
Their Belvah line of quilted diaper and duffel bags, knapsacks and handbags can be monogrammed.
Yardas adds, "Just because a girl is an athlete doesn't mean she has to carry a dull canvas duffel. Our bags are available in school colors and unique designs. Once it's monogrammed, it really is special. They make great holiday gifts."
Ida Lillies services include event planning, budget wedding consultation, party look-a-like characters (look-a-like Tigger, Spider Man and more), customized gift baskets, on-location catering for small dinner parties and holiday events, designing unique nurseries and children's rooms, and hosting adult and children's tea parties (which can incorporate a craft class).
"In this economy we feel it's important to stay as diverse as possible," Yardas explains. "If we don't have what you're looking for, we'll direct you to it, make it for you, or put it on our 'treasures to find' list.
"Also, it's important to offer practical fees. We help people learn to become cost-effective without sacrificing too much. We love to give gifts to the people we love. If you learn a craft you can create gifts for as long as you desire; and a spruced-up, well-made piece of old furniture is much more affordable than a less-sturdy new one. As my grandmothers would say, 'give that thing a little elbow grease.'"
Family is important to Yardas. She and her four children graduated from Brooksville High. She has four grandchildren (check out her memorabilia samples). Her husband helps repair and refinish furniture. Family and friends offer support. Former student Danielle Kelly is her webmaster.
Yardas says Brooksville is "so quaint with so much to offer. Downtown looks beautiful at night. My family had my birthday party at the store. They set tables with linens, using our shop's pieces to decorate. The candlelight outside was so warm and inviting. Customers can also host parties here."
Ida Lillies is passionate about the gifts God blessed them with. They take joy in sharing.
"Our greatest treasures are not things, but people," Yardas says. "If there's anything we can offer that makes your life a little easier, and brings joy, we're rewarded more than monetarily. We support many community needs. We're a member of Brooksville's Junior Service League. We recently hosted a webcast for Partners in Health (www.pih.org). One of my greatest passions is the Rock Cannery. My grandmothers Ida Patrick and Lillie Driggers (the Ida and Lillie in the shop name) were strong, courageous, hardworking women who taught me an immeasurable amount of good values. My hope for Ida Lillies is to make a difference, touch lives, and be a reminder that 'it's all about people.'"
Ida Lillies is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes run 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. weeknights and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

Biz at a glance:
Name - Ida Lillies
Location - 5 North Main St., Brooksville (across from the courthouse)
Telephone - 352-678-5258
E-mail - idalillies@yahoo.com
Web site - www.idalillies.com (also on Facebook)

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT