There was a time when I would go to Arnprior, Almonte or the like to explore the quaint shops offering quality craft and gift items. Now I only have to go around the corner to The Little Red Spade to find a boutique offering a bounty of such goodies, in an atmosphere of welcome and delight.
Located at 1563 Main Street, in an pretty cream coloured house surrounded by attractive flower beds, The Little Red Spade is home to a wide variety of gifts and decor items.
Curious as to the origin of the store name, I asked owner/entrepreneur Lorette Thomson about it. This is her second venture, therefore the baby, and hence The “Little” Red Spade. Her first venture was her landscaping business, The Red Spade.
The store opened quietly this summer, much to my surprise, offering a delightful array of items all made by accomplished local artists and artisans. As the stock has increased, it is now my first choice for birthday and special occasion cards, wonderful soaps and decorative items.
The wide selection of art and handmade merchandise includes personal care products, distinctive quilted clothing as well as artwork in many different mediums, plus some pleasing collectables which appear from time to time and sell very quickly, I hasten to add.
An added bonus are the art and craft classes offered in the upstairs studio, where various techniques are taught by the artists themselves. The 3rd Wednesday of the month invites people to a knitting group where you can knit for charities while socializing with like minded people.
And all this right on our doorstep!
If you are meeting friends for coffee at Quitter’s, or having lunch at Jack Ketch, walk on down the street to explore the offerings at this delightful store, just before you reach JoJo’s Pizza.
And don’t miss going upstairs to see the items on display there, including the exquisite quilt made by multi-talented fibre artist Susan Curtis – Stitchtogether.com.
There is a Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/1563main devoted to The Little Red Spade with information about classes or you can always call the store for more information (613)435-1414. A website in the making – http://thelittleredspade.com – gives links and information about the artists and artisans, and will soon offer items for sale online.
In the meantime, treat yourself to a “day out” in Stittsville and visit this creative addition to our local offerings, chock full of delights, including the unexpected.
Current hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from Tuesday through Saturday. The shop is closed on Sunday and Monday.
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