October First Thursday Event Features WellKrafted.com Artisans
Portland, Oregon (PRWEB) September 25, 2014 -- On October 2nd, furniture retailer Trudy’s Living Room (http://www.trudyslivingroom.com) will host it’s monthly First Thursday event, and this month their focus will be on the growing popularity in local artisans. The show will feature the new online marketplace WellKrafted.com and their handcrafted goods, from both local and national artists.
Trudy’s Living Room is a familiar hangout for more than unique furniture and items for your home. A year ago Trudy wanted to expose her customers to more than her products, and decided to reach out to local musicians and artists who might enjoy some additional exposure. First Thursday was born. Since then, Trudy has hosted a number of outstanding events, providing a unique opportunity for customers to browse her wide selection while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, looking at art or possibly enjoying a variety of live musicians. It has been met with resounding success.
This coming First Thursday, October 2nd, Trudy is hosting another unique event that encompasses both her love for crafts as well as her passion for supporting local artisans. Recently, childhood friend Maggie Jones opened a new online marketplace called WellKrafted.com. The site embraces the best in local artisans from around the country, offering their products nationally when many of these artists may not have ever reached past their local community. “I’ve always loved the more personal touch of handcrafted items,” says Jones. “But I knew there were artisans everywhere who were great at their craft, but didn’t have the time or ability to market themselves beyond their local farmers market.” With this idea, WellKrafted.com found it’s niche.
Maggie personally approves every item she sells. “The best and worst part of it for me is that I want to keep everything I sell,” she says. “If I don’t love it already, I can’t honestly sell it. So unlike other online shops, WellKrafted has a more personal touch.”
Trudy discovered a kindred spirit in Maggie, and the two decided to hold a unique First Thursday event. “We plan to have a number of WellKrafted artisans local to Oregon there with us, talking about the work they do and the crafts they create,” says Palo. WellKrafted will feature some items from artisans around the country as well. “It’s the perfect time to start looking for those holiday gifts,” says Jones. “We simply want people to know that this wonderful work is available. Our dream is to help each artisan turn what has been a much loved hobby in to a real business.”
Some of the local artisans that are scheduled to appear include: Luiten Images - Silverton, Cindy Humphrey’s Designs - Bend, Mystik Moon Jewelry - Woodburn, Liz Grant Designs - Philomath, Boring Goats Soaps - Boring, Seven Brides Brewery - Silverton. WellKrafted.com will also offer items from Peony Knits - Maryland, Maple Ridge Sugar House - New Hampshire, Stone Creek Turnings - Missouri, Jenni Lyons Crafts - New York.
Trudy’s Living Room is a family owned furniture store located in Wilsonville, Oregon owned by Trudy and Rick Palo. In addition to selections from Broyhill, Jonathan Louis, Ashley Industries and more, the store also features a wide range of accents and unique gifts from local area artists. Trudy’s Living Room, 9740 SW Wilsonville Rd, Wilsonville, OR, 503-427-0870 http://www.TrudysLivingRoom.com
WellKrafted.com is owned and operated by Maggie Jones and John Parenteau from West Linn, Oregon. Their online marketplace offers artisanal selections from around the country as well as Featured Artisans and blog postings highlighting recipes, design and art.
http://www.WellKrafted.com 888-754-0320
John Parenteau, WellKrafted.com, http://www.WellKrafted.com, +1 888-754-0320 Ext: 2, [email protected]
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