Dr. Jason Mullen has opened his own dental practice in Clayton.

Mullen worked at another practice for three years before opening Comprehensive Dentistry, which offers dental cleanings, exams, cosmetic dentistry and restoration.

A native of Raleigh, Mullen earned his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from N.C. State University. He graduated from the dental school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the N.C. Dental Society.

Comprehensive Dentistry is at 100 Pinecroft Drive. Hours are 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 585-7321 or visit www.mullendental.com.

Draperies, bedding

Emma Tantum has launched Refined Designs, a custom drapery and bedding business, from her Smithfield home.

“I’ve been sewing for friends and family for years,” said the former Wake County schoolteacher. “I decided to turn it into a business.”

Tantum makes custom window and bedding treatments and table linens. She also sells wooden blinds, shades and plantation shutters. Tantum works directly with clients or interior decorators.

“I come into your home or office and help you make decorative decisions about your windows,” she said. “I also sell fabric and trim, as well as drapery hardware. I come to a client, and they never have to leave their house to make a decision.”

Hours are by appointment only. For more information, call Tantum at 320-6191 or send an e-mail to refineddesigns@live.com.

Log homes

Sarah and Curtis Perry are building homes of a different kind.

The couple recently opened Back 2 Nature Log Homes, which specializes in designing and building log homes. The Perrys have been working in the construction industry for 20 years.

“Back to Nature Log Homes will work with their clients to design their homes to fit a realistic building budget,” according to the company’s Web site. “We take care of the drafting and design right out of our office. This puts you, the homeowner, in a position to oversee your plans and be sure they are drawn to your specifications so we can avoid expensive special-order materials.”

The Perrys have built log homes in Illinois, West Virginia, New Mexico and North Carolina. “Anywhere you got land, we can build,” Sarah said.

Back 2 Nature Log Homes is at 3855 U.S. 70 East near Smithfield. It is open from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment after hours, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call 351-0033 or 1-866-682-9768. The Web site is www.b2nloghomes.com.