The Trampoline Theory

Southern Accents is not just a business. We are a team of creatives. Although we all stem from different backgrounds and possess different talents, one common thread that we all share is that we are passionate about the creative process of every project that we tackle. Each time we are asked to create something, be it a staged area or backdrop for an event, decor for a new restaurant, a unique piece of furniture, or any number of other projects we have been asked to take on, we approach each new project with what we call “the trampoline theory”. We believe that for the most part, a single idea fashioned by one individual, on their own, is usually neither unique or the final outcome. However, when an idea is taken and bounced around among others who are creatively like minded, the idea begins to grow and develop. As new ideas are introduced and slowly merge with the original, the idea grows higher. Some parts may fall to the side while others will take shape and start to soar. There are times when we have to “get off the trampoline” and let the idea rest. Once the idea is brought back to the table, it is generally with a renewed vigor that results in a triple back flip of success!!

Our most recent example of our creative process is the stage backdrop that we created for Southern Makers 2016. Originally Garlan had a totally different idea for this years backdrop. As he began bouncing his ideas back and forth among the team, his original idea began to grow and eventually evolved into the very cool backdrop that you see in the photo above.

Surrounding yourself with like minded creatives, even if they do not practice the same field of art, is essential. Being in the company of other makers of all genres fuels our own creativity and provides the support and encouragement that is often needed. No matter what your creative passion; food, gardening, woodworking, painting, photography, etc., surround yourself with others who are passionate about their art and go #createsomething!

A few other recent SA creations:

Custom office desk and shelving for McPhearson Oil

Entrance tunnel for Shindigs No.7

Garden & Gun’s Artist Tent for Sloss Fest 2015

Photography by: Lisa Jones Photography

We Have A Dream

Recently, at one of our weekly team meetings, team member John shared with us a dream that he had. In his dream, one side of our wood showroom had large, clear, glass windows down one wall. The parking lot was full with customers who had traveled from far away. They were lined up outside the glass windows, peering through to watch our guys at work. We selected, milled, and finished our vintage timbers so that they could purchase the salvaged wood items from John. If you visit our wood showroom, you will quickly understand why John dreams about salvaged wood. The part of John’s dream where customers are coming from all areas of the U.S. has already come true. Several years ago we placed a world map on cork board and hung it in our front showroom. We asked customers to place pins in the map to represent where they were from. It wasn’t long before our map was filled with pins. While the majority was centered in the SE, there were pins that marked paths from California to New York and Canada to South America! We were amazed at how far so many of our customers had traveled. While many of our customers tell us that they were “passing through” and just had to stop, many others let us know that they traveled to Cullman JUST TO VISIT US!! To confirm our map and your pins, we were recently honored to have been officially recognized by the Alabama Tourism Department as an Alabama “Tourist Destination!!” We were thrilled to have received this distinction… a distinction that our customers have recognized for some time! We are proud to serve our State in such a great fashion and will continue to welcome visitors from across the globe! John’s dream was not too far off! When planning a trip to Cullman, Alabama to visit Southern Accents, you will discover that we have a lot to look at! Now… if we could only get Garlan to install those large windows, John’s full dream would become reality!! Plan a day trip to Cullman soon and come see us!