some gifts

we have this fun new store in town which opened over the summer,  Tulips Boutique.  they offer mostly hand crafted items, many of which are local artists, they have over 30 local artists that they feature!  i think that is pretty darn good for this small little town!    i've been in there at least 3 times in the last month and they are always getting in new things. 
i have a friend coming to wisconsin whom i haven't seen for almost 2 years and i wanted to pick up a little something for her.  i usually try to make all of my gifts, but i had a very short notice on this one.   i decided  the next best thing is to support a local artist.   one the  artists who has pieces at Tulips, is Amy Arnold,  with her  business called Peepwool.  she makes hats and dolls out of recycled sweaters.  here's the hat i chose for my friend.  very cute indeed.  when you walk around Viroqua you can see Peepwool has many supporters!




i couldn't help picking up this little pillow also made out of a recycled sweater for amelia, it's either for her birthday or for christmas.  she loves her pinks and purples.  i'm not sure who the artist is on this one, i know she lives in Soldiers Grove and her craft business is called "the yellow room."
last christmas i tried to make all of my gifts handmade, but it was very overwhelming and stressful.  this year i decided i will still make a few handmade gifts, but the majority of gifts will be handmade items from local artists.


ps,
i really have to practice styling with my photos.  they really don't showcase the artists pieces very well.