Hardware Store

Ken’s Hardware

Miniature #20 – Constructed 04/2024

Fun Facts

Throughout history, small-town hardware stores were more than retail establishments; they were vibrant hubs woven into the fabric of local social life with multifaceted roles.

They served as community gathering spaces where neighbors, farmers, and townsfolk converged. People exchanged news, shared stories, and caught up on each other’s lives. It was a place to connect, build relationships, and foster a sense of belonging.

The seasoned storekeepers were repositories of practical wisdom and encouraged the exchange of ideas and information. They offered advice on everything from fixing leaky faucets to tending crops. Customers sought guidance on home repairs, gardening, and DIY projects. The hardware store was a living encyclopedia of practical know-how.

By shopping at these stores, residents directly supported their local economy. The money spent stayed within the community, benefiting everyone. Store owners often sponsored local events, little league teams, and school fundraisers; they were invested in the town’s well-being.

Small-town hardware stores provided essential supplies for daily life, cultural significance, and a sense of identity and pride. They were the heartbeats of small towns, fostering connections, memories, and a shared sense of place. 

Description

This piece was named after my friend and website coach, Ken, in recognition of his ability to build and repair anything and everything.

The hardware store sits on a 12″x12″ plywood base. The overall piece stands at 9.5″ high and the time invested to design and build was approximately 45 hrs.

Materials Used

The structural underlay of the hardware store was built with 2mm craft plywood with cutouts for the door and windows. The interior walls and ceiling were stained a Golden Oak color. The windows were made from plastic sheeting and trimmed with thin strips of balsa wood.

The interior floor, as well as the outside deck, were made from foamboard with craft sticks attached and stained a Golden Oak color to resemble real hardwood flooring and decking. The pegboard and round table were made from 2mm craft plywood and thin balsa wood strips and painted with acrylic paint to match the exterior color.

The exterior was constructed with craft sticks and nail holes were added with a wood burner. All of the exterior walls and trim were painted with acrylic paint. The roof shingles were made from brown cardstock paper, sprayed with textured spray paint, and cut by hand to resemble realistic roof shingles.

The pebbles surrounding the hardware store were hand-sifted from sand.

The custom signage decals were provided by www.threeinchesunder.com.