Wanted to find an embroidery project for the teenage daughter and found this gem! No embroidery…read morebut a lovely selection of handprint education needlepoint canvases to choose from. Shop is bright and clean, neat and has lots of samples, especially those which would appeal to practical folks. We loved the little jewelry cases, key chains, and wallets available to make as well as the ornaments, especially the peacock one. We were helped by the friendly staff and we were especially impressed with Sarah, who is young enough to convince the teenager that needlepoint is hip!! The staff made some great beginner suggestions and took a few minutes to get her going and now she's addicted! We really appreciated the "youth friendly" attitude even from a customer who was there working on her project. She was happy to share and encourage as well. Seems like this shop has a warm community. We will certainly return.

Tucked away in a corner of Kenwood Towne Centre by Nordstrom, Jule's brightly colored inventory…read morecaught my eye passing by. More specifically: handbags. Gorgeous, fun colored, leather handbags. Organized by color, you pick and choose the size or style you want. Most of the bags are hobo or satchel style. They also sell wallets and sunglasses. Currently, the entire stock of purses are on clearance, plus the clerk gave me a coupon for $5 off to use that day. On sale, the bags cost around $30.00, regular price: $45-$50. I'm looking forward to checking out their bold, autumn colors which should be arriving in August.

I needed a custom cover to replace the original one on my 40+ year-old vintage computer. Someone on…read morethe vintage computer group recommended J Display Case, and I'm really glad they did. I sent a crude drawing, and John created a beautiful cover that looks better than the original. They were very nice to work with, and I highly recommend them.

I needed a custom display case/cover made to specific dimensions for a hobby project I built. I…read morewanted to display it in somewhat immortalized and protected form. I found this company online and asked for a bid. Communication was quick and on point. The owner gave me a time table for completion and my case arrived within that window, though most importantly it arrived safely and looked amazing!!! I'm really happy with the product. When I build another project worthy of a case I will be ordering another from them. Another thing I appreciated was the good and personal communication. I mentioned it above but needed to say it again. I really like good communication on things and was satisfied that the owner cared about my order! He asked specific questions about the dimensions I came up with, and asked if I'd taken into account this and that. I'm glad he did because it helped me make sure I didn't goof something up.

I purchased coasters by this company a few years back in Healdsburg CA…read more I was looking for additions to my collection, and did not find what I craved at the store, so I went on an online search... so glad I found studioartandstone. com! So many wonderful choices, and sizes of coasters and trivets! I selected Ink Thistles ... and they are stunning! Shipping was quick and easy. Would make great housewarming gifts! Wonderful resource for functional art for your home.

I ordered custom teee shirts, and they came out great! They created exactly what I asked for, and…read morethe quality is amazing! I will be coming back for all of my custom shirt needs.

Lot 34 offers functional art objects including pottery, mosaics, jewelry, wood, fiber, mixed media,…read moreand glass from local and regional artists. Included in the mix are coffee mugs, vases, platters, bowls and other usable clay works. Most of the mosaics are in the form of picture frames; and, the fiber is wearable art (with a few fiber felted bowls on the side). The shop is small and is tucked in Row House Gallery and Custom Framing, so it doesn't have a storefront...you have to know it's there or be looking carefully for the sidewalk sandwich board sign and Lot 34 logo on the door. It's a great place for collectors or appreciators of good-quality functional art at affordable prices. And, its historic Milford location enables shoppers to visit a number of eclectic stores in an old-town atmostphere...a Main Street experience vs. a big-box store.

As if there aren't enough gift shops already, Northgate Mall has another one: Just For You (that's…read morekind of a pun, but surely unintended). Just For You is somewhat reminding of its close neighbor at the mall, Abby's Hallmark (I had no idea Abby had a Hallmark), but they do offer a variety of distinguishing gift items. They carry items from nearly 20 lines including Swarovski Crystal, Precious Moments (figurines), Willow Tree angels, Yankee Candle, Lenox Classics Collection, and Walt Disney Classics. I also saw Webkinz and they feature the pet of the month. I always find the Yankee Candles to be funny, and I guess they are right when they say "Just For You." Giving candles is a bit cliché and unoriginal at this point, so your best bet is buying one for yourself. Just a thought. Some of the other gift items at the store include the typical handbags and mugs, while they also have lots of gift wrap, gift bags, and good greeting cards. One of the funnier collections of items I saw near the back of the store was money jars with funny sayings on them such as Boob Job Money, Beer Money, and Party Money. I guess they could be somewhat of a gag gift, but what does that say about you or the recipient of the gift if you hand them a "Boob Job" savings jar? Hey, just another thought. Overall, Just For You is a pretty good store and the staff is friendly. It's nothing special, but they do have a decent collection of gifts and it's worth checking out if you are already shopping at Northgate Mall.

GQ Business is an exceptional local alternative to things like Oriental Trading, and that's not…read moreeven a fair comparison. If ever you need to put your logo on any object (clothes, mugs, candy, water bottles, pens, notebooks, pretty much anything), contact GQ. Many of the options would make good wedding or party favores. They also print business cards and labels. Their staff is friendly and incredibly accommodating. You can even order by fax or through a comprehensive online catalog. GQ specializes in bulk customization and there is a setup charge and minimum order quantity.