Submitted by Kaylene Fischer for The Gift Gallery
With the large corporate stores and online sales booming in today’s technological world, the person behind the creation tends to be forgotten or overlooked. That is why The Gift Gallery takes great pride in showcasing local artists in their store.
With having over 30 local artists at The Gift Gallery, we not only provide an opportunity for people to sell their handcrafted work, we offer those quality, special, and often one-of-a-kind gifts to our customers. The community comes together in not only helping small businesses remain, but allows artists to continue their creative work
Here at The Gift Gallery, we appreciate both our vendors and our customers. That is why each month we celebrate four of our vendors. We want everyone to get to know more about the talented people who supply our store with their wonderful creations. This month we welcome a new vendor. We would like to welcome Lorraine Ripley with her custom jewelry and African décor.
For our customers, we also offer free drawings during holidays throughout the year as a way to say thank you for your continued loyalty and business. We also provide free jewelry appraisals each month. During our free jewelry appraisals we have a food tasting featuring items from our specialty food section. We like to give people the opportunity to try what delicious foods we carry here at the store.
This month, we would like to introduce you to our February vendors of the month.
Stew Waldrop you may have already heard of. Creative Iron Works is a small family business in Tenino, Wshington. Stew has a passion for creating beautiful works of art.
He’s worked in metal fabrication and welding for 20 years, but only recently discovered his desire and talent for creating metal art. Although Stew has many standard articles for sale, he really enjoys using his imagination to create custom pieces such as welcome signs, decorative gates, fire pits, 3D, and other unique items as special ordered by individuals. As a business, their primary goal is a continual commitment to excellence, integrity and complete customer satisfaction.
25 years ago Tom Johnson saw that there was a knife making class at The Evergreen State College. He decided it would be a fun thing to try, so he took the class and made several knives with different disciplines. Over the years Tom made knives for himself, friends and family. Tom and his wife discussed the idea of doing what he enjoys as a hobby and side business. So they talked about a business name, type, style and materials of knives to produce. He also makes custom made leather sheaths for each knife. That is what brings Tom to us today.
Country Girl Glam by Lanette Dyer says, “I’m a simple country girl who loves pearls and still enjoys playing dress up to go out to the big city! I share and sell it all. I want you to feel the glam inside and out. We have the purse, jewelry and scarf that you need to accessorize that outfit or a great gift for your best gal pal. We also have fun unique Seahawk inspired gifts. Come in and shop and glam up your inner country girl.” Lanette’s country chic style is loved by all ages.
April Thompson and Nancy Johnson are two grandmas who like to sew so they decided to become the Sewster Sisters. April had raised her children in Olympia. Nancy had just moved to the area from Pennsylvania. For the first time, they lived close enough to pursue their sewing hobby together. They enjoy using quality fabrics, unique patterns and & expert workmanship to make a variety of items; quilts, bags, purses, cosmetic bags, placemats, table runners and more! The Sewster Sisters, like most of our vendors, take custom orders. Look for them at your local craft fairs as well!
Are YOU a local artist that has hand-crafted items that you would like to share? We have a few Open Spaces here in our Store. Come in and see where you can sell all of your creations! We have great prices for great spaces, see store for details.
You can find us on our website www.thegiftgalleryllc.com (please excuse us as our website is under construction) and be sure to like us on Facebook.
