Saturday, December 12, 2009
 
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Christmas Shopping

Victorian and folk arts, collectible Santas and angels, extraordinary finds in Mount Pulaski

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[December 12, 2009]  MOUNT PULASKI -- As you wing your way about Logan County this year shopping for that perfect gift for a loved one on your list, be sure to drop in at the village of Mount Pulaski and peruse three absolutely lovely shops there.

RestaurantBotanica

Botanica is located on the southwest corner of Mount Pulaski's downtown square.

In this full-service, independent flower shop, you will find a wonderful variety of live plants and fresh-cut floral arrangements, as well as beautiful permanent silks.

Michael McCrea, the owner of the store, has been in Mount Pulaski for nine years. He said that running a shop in a small community is sometimes difficult, but he is still very happy to be a part of Mount Pulaski. 

McCrea said that especially at Christmas time he offers more retail items, such as ornaments and table toppers

Once you've made your way to the back of the store, you won't be able to ignore the fantastic tree that stands at least 15 feet tall. McCrea said that he wanted to show off the height of the beautiful old building with a tall tree. Of course, the tree is adorned with a wide variety of ornaments, all for sale. 

In addition, McCrea is offering some really attractive key chains this year that would make excellent stocking-stuffers. One variety of chain is a large key adorned with jewels, and another variety is a tiny box with a hinge-and-latch lid that opens to hide a tiny treasure or message.

Saddie's Secret Place

The magnificent montage of Christmas items will take your breath away as you enter Saddie's Secret Place on the west side of the square. 

Saddie's is the go-to place for all things Victorian. From beautiful dolls and angels to candle stands and a chess set with lifelike pewter chess pieces, there is something there to please every shopper. 

In addition to Victorian, though, Debbi Gellman said she works to offer a variety of gift items, from Tiffany and Co. jewelry to antique glassware.

And, as you walk toward the back of the building, you'll find some whimsy, such as the Coca-Cola-themed Christmas tree or the cute Christmas-themed vests at the front window.

  

Along with all these items, you will find a wide selection of Willow Tree figurines that are hugely popular gifts for young couples and new parents especially.

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Salt Creek Attic 

If Victorian isn't your taste, how about some classic folk art

At Salt Creek Attic, you'll find hundreds of items in the folk art motif. From Christmas ornaments to wall hangings, the store offers something for everyone. 

The store is owned by Phyllis Beccue, Dorothy Mason and Jo Richner. The three ladies take turns at the store. 

The store offers some retail, such as stoneware crocks, but much of what they offer is consignment items, handcrafted by local folks. 

In this photo, Mason stands near a wall of quilt angels offered by one of the local consignors. In her hand she holds an item of her own creation, a cute little winter bag decorated with penguins and dark blue feathers.

If there is a Santa collector on your list, Salt Creek Attic offers a wide selection of Santas, all hand-carved by local artisan Larry Wilham.

  

In addition to his Santas, note in the picture above the whimsical wine cork busts of Jimmy Carter and our beloved Abraham Lincoln

Besides all of this, Salt Creek also has a consignor or two who deal in beautiful antique glass and stoneware.  

While the number of stores available in Mount Pulaski may be small, their offerings are huge; the business owners are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to assist you as you shop for that perfect gift.

[By NILA SMITH]

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
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