Gift Guide For Buying Local: Unique Shops & Artisans

Are you looking for unique gift choices this year while also supporting local shops and artisans?  The second in our series on Buying Local: Gift Ideas, we are highlighting a unique local tea and gift shop on Main Street in Richmond IN,  as well as two gifted local artists.  Each has contact information available and are able to offer safe ways to shop during this unusual year.

Tin Cup: Tea & Gift Shop

Rachel and Ron Hughes, owners of the Tin Cup: Tea & Gift Shop and the Tin Lizzie Cafe have been long-lasting shop owners even during a sometimes fragile economy in Richmond IN.  Their secret may be their deeply embedded drive to bring positive experiences to the community.  Customers feel welcome and known as they enter their cafe for their regular Wednesday breakfast with friends or their lunch pick-up.  And now with their tearoom, they are offering yet another experience that feels like a home away from home.

Something For Everyone:

From teapots, large and small, to insulated beverage containers and seasonal decor, and an assortment of teas, a line of coffee, and even themed socks- the Tin Cup Tea & Gift Shop has something for everyone.

For the holidays, you can pre-order a gift basket for the tea or coffee lover in your family filled with your choice of tea or coffee, a beverage container or teapot, and other gift items.  Or design your own with the many choices in the shop including local pottery and more.

You won’t want to miss the sturdy canvas bag line carried by the Tin Cup for an overnight bag or day of shopping.  They also offer Gift Cards to both the Cafe and the Tin Cup: Tea & Gift Shop!

If you would like to order a basket, a gift card, or other items for pick up you can call: 765. 962.4441 or stop by Mon-Fri 10- 3 pm.  You can check off several gift items from your list at this lovely local shop!

Claudia Edwards Art

Claudia, who has lived in Wayne County since 2015, began her photography journey when in 2009 she acquired her first set of gear while visiting family in New York, and immediately fell in love with the medium.  Having been a student of photography at IU East, she is inspired by nature, and her love of life and living organisms.  (see photos above and to left)

Dating her work has a special meaning as her grandfather used to date all of his photographs in order to reminisce about the subject and events surrounding the portraits, and Claudia is carrying on that tradition.

She describes her creativity as being “influenced by the energy of the never-ending universe and all of its elements,” and adds that she is constantly designing.  She also enjoys painting watercolors with an organic theme as well. (see photo)

You can own or give as a gift one of Claudia’s creations by contacting her via Facebook messenger or by emailing her at claudiaedwards527@gmail.com.  You can also follow Claudia on Instagram at Pachas_Art.

Aaron Clarke Fine Woodworking

Aaron began his journey into fine woodworking about five years ago, when he was asked if he could build the critter cages for cope environmental center with infected ash harvested from the property.

He says he “fell in love” and shortly thereafter Aaron started making and selling handcrafted pieces, in his spare time.

When Aaron is not volunteering at RCT,  where he sits on the Stage One Youth Theatre steering committee and is often seen doing lighting and set design as well as set construction,  he can usually be found in his workshop turning out commissioned items and creating new designs.  Aaron has also designed pieces for RCT fundraisers.

If you would like to gift or own a piece of Aaron’s fine wood creations, purchases can be made at clarkewwd.com and by following his Facebook page, facebook.com/clarkewoodworking for updates and to see when new items are listed.