December 4, 2013
There are several ways to purchase my artwork for gift-giving this Holiday season. When you are doing your Holiday Shopping, please be mindful of where you spend your money. It makes hand-made artisans, and artists, gleefully excited when you purchase from us! It is sending a great message to the recipient of the gift that you care enough to get them something meaningful. It takes time and patience and skill to create things. It also might cost a little more for hand-crafted or original items. And that’s OK! Don’t let it scare you. Please be conscious of comparing the cost of mass-produced items (from stores like TJ Maxx and Target) to those that are hand-crafted. There is no comparing the quality, or the time it took to develop. Your support means so much!
Another wonderful benefit to purchasing from an artist, or an independent shop owner, is that you will find unparalleled customer service. The truth is, we are SO grateful!! Therefore, you will often find that you can get things customized, delivered, and gift-wrapped with a smile (just ask!). And the independent shop owners will also go out of their way to make your shopping experience delightful. Often they have special seasonal hours (ALWAYS ask, they are so accommodating this time of year!), they might serve you snacks or hot coffee while you shop, and they can really, truly help you find a unique gift (SO much better than an Amazon search!). Shop owners and staff are genuinely grateful for your support, even if they look a little frazzled this time of year!
Over the past few years I am slowly adding my goods to more retail shops. This means I sell to them at wholesale cost, and they mark up the price so that we both make a profit. It is my intention in 2014 to acquire many more stores where you can purchase the illustrated alphabet products. So much time and energy goes into creating a new product, seeing how it sells, who buys it, how do they use it, what is a good price point; SO many variables involved. I will keep you posted on what transpires in the new year, as this develops.
Two years ago, I wrote a blog post about the nuances between supporting “hand-made”, “local”, and “Made in the U.S.A” called Gift-Buying De-Mystified. Check it out by clicking here!
So, without further ado, here is an overview of where you can shop in the next 20 days (eek!) to find an Amy E. Colburn original illustration for the lovely recipients on your Holiday gift list!
1. Friday 12/6/13 ~ from 10am – 8:30pm: “Holiday Ladies Night at the Whites”, at 25 Chaseview Rd in Fairport. A very special hand-crafted Holiday bazaar in a beautiful home; lots of cheer! I will be selling illustrated goodies and taking (limited) special orders. My friend Danielle White opens her huge, gorgeous home to a gaggle of shoppers to connect them with her very talented artist-friends. Danielle is what I call a “connector”! She loves to network and put her peeps in connection with the BEST in handcrafted goodness that she knows about. This event has evolved over the past several years. There are so many beautiful things to purchase, from food to jewelry and, of course, my illustrated products. She will even be holding several raffles, which will benefit families whom she personally knows who need some extra financial help right now. Danielle is an Angel here on Earth, people. If you plan to come, I would strongly suggest coming in the morning or early afternoon because it gets quite busy in the evening.
2. Thursday 12/12/13 ~ from 4pm – 9pm: “Inspiration Incorporated: Handmade Holiday”, at Talulah’s Fancy & Friends Gift Shop, 61 N. Main St. Honeoye Falls. A selection of talented local artisans, at a gorgeous shop bursting with glorious gifts! That afternoon, I will be selling handcrafted items and illustrated alphabet letters that are not normally for sale in the shop! If you can’t make it on 12/12, stop in ALL season long to purchase my illustrated alphabet paper garland cards. She has them in both the “Vintage Christmas” theme, and the “Young at Heart” theme. Tamara Stopinski, the shop’s owner, is an artist herself. Her shop is filled to the brim with a finely-curated collection of items for everyone on your list. Call the shop number and you get to speak with Tamara herself. She is friendly and funny, and will be able to tell you a story about every person whose work she sells. There is a wide range of price points for every budget – you can even find stuff for kids there! The shop is located on the second level of The Lower Mill in Honeoye Falls. On the first level is a restaurant that you will definitely want to check out called The Rabbit Room.
3. Craft Company No. 6 ~ all season long. My Vintage Christmas themed illustrated alphabet plaques are on sale here throughout the Holidays. A trip to Craft Company No. 6 is always a delight for the senses! You will never leave disappointed. The shop is huge, and it is so colorful, and amazingly decorated. It is a Rochester icon that has spanned over three decades. It is one of those places that you can’t just “run in and grab” something because you will want to explore every inch. Plan on taking your time to savor what every beautiful corner (there are many!) has to offer. This time of year, especially, it is quite an attraction, as it is decorated to the hilt. Lynn, Suez, and a whole bunch of smiling staff members are there to help you and make sure you leave feeling wonderful. Located at 785 University Ave,. downtown Rochester, there are so many wonderful places to dine and visit nearby. This season’s Holiday Hours are as follows:
Dec. 1 – Dec. 20
Monday-Friday 10-9
Saturday 10-6
Sunday 11-5
Saturday, Dec. 21, 9:30-8
Sunday, Dec. 22, 10-6
Monday, Dec. 23, 9:30-9
Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 9:30 to 5
CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
4. Of course, you can also purchase from my Etsy page. I would love for you to visit these shops, or the shows I will be attending, so that I and the shop owners can meet and greet you in person and attend to your gift-giving needs. However, this is a great option if you’re from out of town or unable to come out shopping.
Have a wonderful day! Please be mindful about your Holiday Shopping!
Don’t forget to leave a comment below, here on my blog, with a happy Holiday message!!
Much Love,