Rockdale Citizen

An antique chest of drawers waits for purchase at The Hen House 'Tiques & Uniques.

Beverly Crutchfield and her family enjoy buying antiques and making artwork, so the clan recently decided to go into business together selling those very items.

"We've all been collecting for years. One person collects very old toys and Victorian furniture. We have a lot of Victorian items," Crutchfield said. "It's just fun and enjoyable. It's always good swapping stories at family get-togethers."

Crutchfield and her family members opened The Hen House 'Tiques & Uniques this month at 1026 S. Main St. in Conyers, next to Conyers Fence. The store carries a variety of vintage housewares, clothing, glassware, art, furniture and toys. The family tapped its own stock of antiques and art to sell and they also invited other dealers to rent space so they can peddle their own wares.

Crutchfield is a self-taught painter and her renderings of chickens hang in the store, as well as the hand-sewn dolls she creates.

Other artisan items include handmade jewelry, birdhouses, a water fountain and a tool shed created in the style of an outhouse.

Furniture stock includes sofas, end tables, primitive farm tables, lamps, coffee tables and bureaus. There's also handpainted country signs, photographs and pencil portraits.

At the entrance way to the store, there's a checker board table and two chairs so husbands can sit and play while their wives shop, Crutchfield said.

"We are loaded with items and we'd like for everyone to come see what's cluckin' at the Hen House where you'll find the people always sunny side up," Crutchfield said.

The Hen House is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, call 770-743-2999.