Greetings, Friends. I’ve had a few open studio afternoons this month, but for the time being with an eye on virus numbers, will keep hours by appointment only: My shop is *tiny* and hard to socially distance in. I’m more than happy to arrange pickup for any items ordered from my Etsy shop http://etsy.com/shop/artsyletters.
It’s open 24-7. (We will decide about December’s First Friday that week. Night on the Town is not happening in Beaufort, but lots of shops WILL be open for First Friday.) Thanks!
1.) Last week, I was delighted to be a guest presenter for young creatives at Camp Conroy, sponsored by the Pat Conroy Literary Center. It was my first time doing a craft workshop VIRTUALLY. We made found poem collages, like the sample I’m holding above. If you need a fun literary art project this summer, feel free to click the link under the picture and you can enjoy a mini tour of my studio, and the lesson I made for the campers, start to finish! :0)
2.) My Etsy shop will closed for a little summer break June 26 – July 2. If you send me a message through Etsy, I’ll try to respond in a timely-ish manner! (My physical studio is still closed for the time being.)
Here’s to good books, good poems, and soul-nourishing art. Stay safe and well, and see you soon!
Click here to see my promo video with sneak peeks of new items! Then join Nan Sutton on Facebook Live (via the Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association page) from 6 to 8 p.m. to join in the fun, and do some shopping from your comfy couch!
Amidst the Alders is located at 223 Scott Street in downtown Beaufort.
Soon after moving to Beaufort, I stumbled upon some lovely, handcrafted, timeless jewelry right up my alley with a delicious business name –
Circa 1910. I discovered a little bit about its creator, the young and just-as-lovely Kayla. I visited Melvin the Mini Bus when Kayla took her jewelry show on the road, and noted from afar that she soon married her sweetheart and co-Melvin creator, Matt DeVito. And I noticed the business was expanding, offering unique vintage items online as well.
I kept loose tabs on their plans to open a brick-and-mortar shop in Beaufort. But it seemed they encountered hurdle after hurdle as red-tape strangled one location option, then another. And another. But this year I was delighted to discover that the new store going into the recently opened space just across from “my” parking lot on Scott Street was their business! And it had a new name, Amidst the Alders.
In a subsequent chat with Kayla, I learned this name was chosen because of the association of alder trees with Robert Frost’s classic poem, “The Road Not Taken,” which mentions a yellow wood. Kayla explained how alder trees are hardy and enrich the soil, helping to restore life after challenges. The embody resilience. When we had this talk in March, Kayla was just beginning to understand what an apt metaphor her business name truly was! And how it reflected her own personal story, which has included many challenges in recent years.
Kayla DeVito
After pouring endless energy, money, time and talent into this glorious new shop, she and Matt opened the doors just in time for Spring. Only five days later, they had to temporarily close those doors because of the pandemic crisis.
They’ve hung on, however, and have been busy with online orders. And they are reopening TODAY for special pre-Mother’s Day hours, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Five shoppers at a time may enjoy the store under current guidelines. (Next week will begin a schedule of every other day; check their Facebook page for an update on hours.)
I wanted to share these photos from the shop for you to swoon over, but bear in mind, Kayla’s re-arranged the store a bit during this sequestering time, and they’ve added some more apothecary items and even a “Petite Flower Shop”!
If your taste runs toward neutral and rustic with lots of patina and natural charm, you will adore Amidst the Alders, whether you’re lucky enough to live here in Beaufort or whether you savor the sophisticated but earthy offerings online.
Here’s somethig I bought at the shop – these great garden shears!
Congratulations, Kayla and Matt, & Welcome to the neighborhood…. Here’s to much success and joy!
Happy February! Hours are a bit limited this month – writing deadlines, an author/poet school visit, and catching up on Etsy orders! If you’re in Beaufort, DO come downtown for First Friday on the 7th from 5-8 pm. :0)
Many thanks to all who kept my shop humming for Art Walk on October 26 and First Friday on November 1! I appreciate the conversation, the encouragement, and of course – the $upport!
Last in, first out… I had just finished making this small collage with a page from an antique book, vintage typewriter parts, and a vintage clock face, and it sold first on First Friday!
Special thanks to Anne Glaze for lending a hand for Art Walk, and for artsyletters regular Kim Poovey for all the help on First Friday.
With my partner in historical and literary mischief & artsyletters Chief Creative Promotional Officer, Kim Poovey. I love happy customers!!
I’m posting “Harvest to Holidays” pictures over on Instagram – Feel free to follow artsylettersgifts. And if you don’t receive my quarterly (if that!) newsletter, you can click over to the right and sign up. :0)
