February 2012: Painting by Fred Peterson

Header image: Painting by Fred Peterson

Alberta House Shop Talk

Last updated: January 31, 2012

When we think of Valentines, we think of heart-shaped candy boxes and flowers—special, pampering luxuries, especially in February when it’s cold and summer seems a long time away. They’re easy to purchase and not too costly and you don’t have to wrap them—but they’re ephemeral. In a week, only a warm memory remains.

So we have a suggestion. Go to the Alberta House shop and have a look around. It’s full of beautiful, unique, hand-crafted items.

A hand-crafted item, in this day of mass manufacturing, is definitely a luxury. You can buy a manufactured item that will do the job for a fraction of what a hand-crafted item will cost, even with the craftsman getting a very poor return for his time and skill. But Valentine’s Day is a time for luxuries, hand-crafted items being especially appropriate because they are labors of love, and here’s the payoff—every single time the item is used, it gives back.

Grab a carved maple spoon by Richard Miller and every time you stir a sauce you feel the warmth and smoothness of the wood and admire the grain, and it gives you a boost.

Put a turned wood bowl by Garry Smith on your table and put the most commonplace item inside—an apple or nuts or a gourd—and you have a bouquet—a center piece that can be changed and revamped whenever the urge arises.

With notecards by area artists, every note becomes an occasion and a gift. A small painting on the wall or a stained glass suncatcher in the window will brighten every day—long after February. How about that morning cup of coffee or the hot chocolate after a trek through the snow, or the pancakes on a Sunday morning? It doesn’t take any longer to pour them into a handmade pottery mug or batter bowl, and oh, the added pleasure!

A one-of-a kind hand made necklace will dress up the plainest blouse or sweater and make it special. A hand spun, hand knit scarf will be a warm embrace every time it’s worn.

These are gifts that will last for years and years, bringing warm memories of the giver with every use.

And you’ll find much more in the shop, along with a volunteer eager to suggest and to help you choose. You won’t have to wrap, either, because a number of Alberta House artists got together and hand painted gift bags that will not only envelope your gift but can be used again and again—and they are free with every Valentine gift—our gift to you. All this for the price of flowers or candy.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

A Sampling of Valentine Gifts
Available at the Alberta House Shop
Click on an image to see a larger version.