Artist Colony Gift Shop

. Like a little doll house
with two jam-​packed floors!
Located in the quaint, welcoming tourist-​like Grand Pacific Junction retail and eatery settlement, the Artist Colony won the FOX 8 News Hot List for «Best Gift Shop” — of 85 Northeast Ohio gift store entries. An impressive recognition for an impressive pint-​sized shop literally exploding with maybe thousands upon thousands of neatly-​organized, affordable giftables, collectibles and greeting cards.
I was on a busy schedule, had just had lunch at Clementine’s, next door, and was about to leave the area, when I noticed a small banner hanging on the side of the building proclaiming that Hot List win. With only a few minutes to spend, but always in «best of» ANYTHING gear, I knew that I couldn’t pass by without investigating further.
A woman was just inside the door, bent over, busy at something, but looked up to greet me. I congratulated her, and she answered, «Thanks to all my customers». This was Patty, the owner. A little more chatting back and forth about the shop, and while I was looking through a display of dangly colorful objects next to her, she agreed, with contained but obvious delight, that they were amusing decorations, and held one up to demonstrate it’s spring action. When I moved on she called out to me, to let her know if I needed help finding anything. She loves her shop. It shows in her friendly nature — and in the thoughtful placement of everything in it.
As far as general inventory, I haven’t visited a Hallmark’s in maybe 8 – 10 years, but this shops’ vast selection appears to be of that same higher quality. Jewelry, too, from a few dollars to around $ 30, lotions, body creams, Stephanie Dawn handbags (similar to Vera Bradley), art prints, picture frames, assorted knick-​knacks, a children’s section, various angels, cuddly-​looking critters — to squeeze and just to display, several different Celtic crosses and other Irish novelties, and many MANY more pretty, religious, clever, serious, funny, and playful items, all with the sole intention of warming hearts and putting smiles on faces.
I managed a decent but fairly swift merchandise reconnaissance of probably most nooks, crannies, shelves, walls, and display surfaces. I hadn’t planned on making any purchases, but as I was scanning one of the themed areas filled with its different items, something — somehow — must have been tweeting me (heehee) to get my attention, and to look in its direction. Sure enough, there it was. A little bird. Plump, greyish-​white, a realistic-​looking ceramic-​like cutie, dotted with teeny-​tiny sparkles looking like a fine dusting of glistening snow. Even before picking it up, I knew It was going home with me. It reminded me of the more than 50 fluffy baby house finches that were born and raised on top of a light fixture, under an awning at my side door. Each year — for their 5 – 6 month stay — the same pair of loving parents have built a comfy little nest up there, for the past five years. They’re both so darn cute, and the babies are even cuter. Patty said my find was called a Winter Bird. I’m not a collector of anything in particular really, but «Tweetee» was too adorable to resist.
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Hey! Guys!. .. The Artists’ Colony is not just one of those «frou-​frou» shops for «girls only». Admittedly, most girls of all ages DO love this kind of thing, but when I think about it, there are «those times» when this type of retailer seems to have YOU, specifically, in mind. For those occasions, I call these «Apology
Shops».
And this one is the perfect choice if you’re on a budget but hoping to find that special, unique, and inexpensive Birthday, Girlfriend, Wife, Thank You, Mother’s Day, Mother-​in-​Law, Anniversary, or «I’m sorry I was a BIG STUPID JERK please forgive me» gift, with lots to choose from — and a clever, tender, loving, or humorous card — of several racks — to accompany it. If you need any help deciding, I’m sure Patty and her staff will be happy to assist you.
~~~~~
If even as little as $ 10 to spend, I’m sure that anyone can find something memorable that someone would love receiving. Like precious «Tweetee». Just $ 4.95, and my gift to me. Little birds make the sweetest gifts to give anyone, for any reason. (And, NO, I don’t think it’s «corny», either.)

Inside one of Patty’s cards, write something
like, «A little birdie told me…
…that you deserve hugs & thank you’s
…that you deserve a heartfelt «I’m sorry»
…that you’re the BEST EVER teacher,
mother, waitress, girlfriend, pet-​sitter,
grannie, mail carrier, cubicle partner,
therapist, tattoo artist, or maybe for
some of you, parole officer
There are about four Winter Birdies left — all waiting to be adopted.
A cute little shop with a big personality.