Do you hate the hustle and bustle at the stores around December? Do you resort to asking Google what to get for a gift? Instead, read about local artists and look for the perfect gift for that special someone this year. Keep the gift buying close to home and made from the heart. Supporting local businesses in your area helps the community to grow and flourish. Money from gift buying gets recirculated into the community instead of into corporations.
A place called Endeavours and More opened its doors for multiple local crafters to display their goods under one roof. This makes it easier for the crafter because they do not have to move their stuff all around like they do at crafts shows or festivals. I spoke with owner Robin Gursky at Endeavours and More and asked her how she started the business.
“On June 1st, Endeavors and More gift shop will be open for 3 years!” exclaimed Robin. Her mission was to dream, inspire, create. “Local artisans are able to bring their stuff under one roof, they don’t have to lug it everywhere,” she says.
Robin was a crafter her whole life, and would bring her stuff to craft shows. “My husband kept telling me for 25 years to open a place for art.” The building on Sandy Bottom in Coventry had a previous owner, and Robin would rent a space from her to sell her essential oils. The owner decided to close and Robin took over the lease and her husband started building book cases to display art and crafts. “I have so much support from my husband and family. I try to support local businesses 100%. If my crafters are selling their stuff in other stores I support that. I even post events happening at other locations to support the community,” states Robin.
Robin’s store is unique and houses over 50 local artisans.
Robin shares some of her local artisan designs.
K Bellotti Designs offers a peaceful, boho, upcycled style that entices you to keep buying. (I know because I have 4 garments!) Upcycled denims, dresses, and shirts, wrist warmers, scarfs, tote bags, and microwave bowls are all staples. Everything at K Bellotti designs has a personality, and that might fit the person you’re gifting.
Gnome Grown, handmade creations by Deena Souza, offers featured gnomes for holidays or character-themed gnomes all the time. “They make amazing holiday gifts, teacher gifts, or knickknacks for yourself,” writes Deena. Each gnome is cuter than the next!
10kv Artworks by Mark Chatterley practices fractal wood burning, a technique that uses high-voltage electricity to burn tree-like patterns into wood. He sells his pieces in the store and does custom pieces too! Mark also supports Endeavors and More by showing live demos in front of the store.
Regali Designs offers “Gifts from the Heart,” by Maria Lanni, a one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry designer. Personalized birthstone necklaces, unique silver rings, Swarovski crystals, bangles, pendants, hoops, cascading and chandelier earrings are all on offer. The handmade, recycled pull-tab bags are a must see, along with the pull-tab belts. So clever and talented!
Nature Drawings and Paintings by Joseph W. Koger Jr. radiate color and nature. Ornaments detailed with cardinals are conveniently placed in a decorated box, perfect for gift-giving.
Laser Foto Worx by Jim Lapastora is a small, local, busy laser engraving artist. From an image of The Last Supper engraved on wood, to lighthouse structures and engraved clocks, Jim takes custom orders and can personalize that special gift for you or your loved ones.
Creative Concepts Boutique by Andrea Babbin has a plethora of crafts to choose from. Unicorn pompom beanies, Elf kits with activities and props, knitted snowmen, customized sweatshirts, cathedral window ornaments, crocheted pets and lanterns.
New Life Designs and Country Decor by Robert Perron emit mastery in craftsmanship. Custom razors & dusters, an ice cream scooper with wooden handle, signs, pens, and more: Robert has many pieces on display, but takes custom orders in any color.
Other Local Craft Stores:
- Krafty Sisters, Coventry
- Rhody Craft, Providence
- Creative Reuse Center of Rhode Island, East Providence
- Craftland, Providence
- The Rustic Road, Warwick
- Wood Items and More, Greenville
- Fayerweather Craft Guild, Kingston
- Made in Warren Artist Cooperative, Warren
- Risd:store, Providence
- Harbor Views Artisans, North Kingstown
- Needlepoint by the Bay, East Greenwich
- Rokn’ Art, Cumberland
- Don’s Art Shop, Warren