For many years, Brown County has been known for its rich history and artistic roots stretching back to its origin as an art colony in the early 1900s. It’s one of the things that makes Brown County so special and it’s something that continues to this day!
Brown County’s art heritage can be seen all around. From traditional forms of art such as paintings and ceramics to more unconventional art like upcycled furniture and handcrafted home goods, art is alive and thriving in Brown County. Which is why Simply 4 You, a new shop in town, is a perfect fit!
When I heard a new store had opened that carried a lot of handmade items and decorations, I knew I needed to stop by and check it out myself. I’ve always been a sucker for anything handcrafted, especially knick-knacks and decorative home goods. I’m always amazed at how well the completed product turns out, considering I’ve tried my hand at crafting a time or two and what I ended up with was far less desirable than what I intended. While it may not be what you first think of when you hear the word “art,” creating crafty, handmade items definitely still fits the bill!
Heading over to the Grasshopper Flats Complex on South Van Buren I was excited to see what Simply 4 You was all about. Stepping inside, my eyes were filled with hand painted signs, wooden decorations for the home, upcycled and re-purposed items, handmade shelves and more. The owner, Darla Cumberledge, was even behind the register hard at work, painting another sign to put out on the floor. How cool! After all, it’s not every day you get to see a work of art in progress, much less right in the middle of a store in town.
Cumberledge explained that most all of the products are handmade by her husband and herself and that creating new items for the shop is a never-ending job. Whether it’s finishing up a sign in the store or working in the evenings to assemble shelves, the Cumberledge’s store has become a whole family affair. After her husband does the prep work of cutting the wood and assembling some items, it’s Darla that puts on the finishing touches, occasionally with some help from her kids.
While she has always been into crafting, it was only after moving to Nashville that she got the idea to open her own shop. Being inspired by the other stores in town, Darla decided it was time to take her hobby and passion to the next level. The end result: Simply 4 You.
So, why the name you may wonder? Cumberledge explained that the name just seemed to fit with what the store had to offer. “There’s a little something for everyone here,” she said. “We’ve got a little bit of this and a little bit of that…no matter what you’re after, you can find something that you like.”
Trust me, she was definitely telling the truth on this one. Looking around, there were head bands, body scrubs, rustic wood shelves, bracelets, painted wood signs, wine cork decorations, re-purposed old windows, mason jars turned into candles, coasters, even build-your-own wall art using Scrabble style letters. Many other creative items and decorations filled the room as well, most made by hand by the Cumberledge family.
One thing’s for sure…if you are into one-of-a-kind pieces, Simply 4 You has got you covered. In an area that celebrates its art and handmade heritage, this store fits right in. See for yourself on your next visit to Brown County!
Simply 4 You:
145 South Van Buren Street, Nashville, IN 47448 (Grasshopper Flats Complex)
812.350.8806
Open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (sometimes later)