Your One-Stop Source for Local Gifts, Wares and Sundries

The Holiday Season is HERE, and whether you're prepared for it or not, we here at Cool Cleveland are here to help you think outside the (Big) Box (stores). That's why we have compiled a list of local shop owners, purveyors and proprietors to help you support NEO's artisans, neighborhood Mom & Pop shops and crafty/creative types across the region. Buying local is a smart, equitable and sustainable business practice that helps of support your local economy.

NEW HOLIDAY GUIDE LISTINGS for the week of 12.20

Bobby McFerrin never does the same show twice, so imagine seeing him in a once-in-a-lifetime gig with the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra on Sat 1/20/07! "CIM is thrilled to have an artist of this stature working with our students," CIM's Susan Schwartz told Cool Cleveland last week. "The opportunity for our students to be on stage at Severance Hall with someone who spans so many different areas of music -- from jazz to classical -- and who has worked with some of the great musicians of this generation is very important. Bobby has a strong commitment to education and is truly eager to perform with students who are at the level we have at CIM. We think he's going to be very impressed with the exceptional skills and enthusiasm these young people will bring to the performance." Visit '''this page for tix info.
"Attention Shut-ins. This is your Doctor speaking..." So began a letter from the "Doctor" at VideoPsychotherapy. We'll let the good "Doctor" tell you the rest. "Go to the Asylum gift shop... late at night... alone. There you will find two sessions of Video Psychotherapy available on DVD. Those who have already purchased them have witnessed my glory. Those who have not... linger in darkness. Show devotion to your Doctor in style and let the world know that you are a Shut-in. The new Doc T-shirts are sure to slightly ease your misery. But that's not all! The products of your dreams will soon be here... posters, coffee mugs, propaganda! You need more Video Psychotherapy, more heartless progress, more gruelling sessions, cruel but necessary. New shows are coming soon. New fear and confusion. New doubt and hopelessness. You have read these things and now you will obey. You will obey your Doctor's orders." Sheesh! I better go check out http://www.videopsychotherapy.com/merch.html right now.
Beachland Ballroom and This Way Out are offering a great bonus with the purchase of $100 in Gift Certificates! They can be purchased in any combination of amounts, from one or both businesses (for example, $100 in Beachland Gift Certificates, or $50 in Beachland certificates, $50 in This Way Out certificates, etc), and the purchaser will recieve a FREE Beachland Ballroom T-Shirt! Gift Certificates in any amount are available at This Way Out, in the Beachland office or at the bar during business hours, and also by phone at 383-1124. This Way Out hours are Friday and Saturday from 2PM to midnight, open during most Beachland shows and also by appointment at 383-1124. Check out This Way Out's web page at http://www.beachlandballroom.com/two3.html
Last week, tech-friendly Koyono offered a great discount to Cool Cleveland readers. This week, Koyono is pleased to announce that it has teamed up with digital life retailer InkStop, to stock and sell their BlackCoat Work with built-in iPod controls. InkStop is a CLE start-up with a mission to be "your one stop for digital consumables." They have a nice selection of iPod accessories and continue to provide new ways of serving people's digital life needs. For last minute holiday shoppers, they asked to take in our line of wearable technology (BlackCoat Work) and are offering it an unbelievable price of $129. Check them out at http://www.koyono.com.
ArteFino Art Gallery Cafe is not only a great place to get a hot panini sandwich & smoothie, they also have great gifts for the Holidays. Gifts by local artists and jewely designers including Hector Vega and Leah Gilbert. ArteFino will even gift wrap your purchase for no charge. ArteFino is located at 1900 Superior Ave. Free Parking in the rear. Hours 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM M-F and 11:00 - 3:00 on Saturdays. Log on to http://www.artefinogallery.com for details.
Baycrafters Gallery Holiday Shop 2006 Features all new fresh ideas for gift giving this year, including a comprehensive selection of Cleveland, Bay Village and Ohio-themed works; "Funktini" glasses, Vintage button bracelets, Pat Bonta antiques, hand-painted ornaments, hostess & teacher gifts and gift certificates for classes and their gallery shop. Check out Baycrafters. Use your imagination. Across from the CLE Metroparks' Huntington Beach.
Check out the Tea Lady's note to CC "My name is Maureen Burns, originally from Cleveland... I owned The Cleveland Shop, Cleveland's oldest vintage clothing store, opening it in 1979. The shop is still up and running with a new owner, as I sold it in 1995. I come back to Cleveland, the industrial wasteland of my youth, often, as Cleveland is still my home. I spend most of my time in beautiful rural Athens, Ohio home of Ohio University... I own The Herbal Sage Tea Company, and have my own line of teas as well as custom blending teas for many others. One of my specialty teas is for Rock n' Roller Jorma Kaukonen, formerly of The Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. Jorma and his wife are friends of mine and have a music camp here near Athens called The Fur Peace Ranch. I make tea for the Ranch, tea for Jorma, tea for Jack Casady and 2 teas under the Jefferson Airplane name. I am still a Cleveland gal,but have ventured out into the woods as they say. Feel free to call me at 740.594.5522 or just visit my site: http://www.herbalsage.com. I also ship teas worldwide."

HOLIDAY GUIDE LISTINGS for the week of 12.13

Koyono has tech-friendly clothing like BlackCoat, Slimmy and and a discount for Cool Cleveland readers... mention "COOLCLE25" with your order and get a 25% off deal through Friday, December 15. This is a style and function fusion! http://www.koyono.com.
The Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) is completing its fall Amaryllis campaign and only a few Dutch bulbs are still available. Each kit costs a ten-spot and contains one bulb, a pot, potting soil and instructions. Amaryllis bulbs show beautiful flowers within 6-8 weeks and bring joy on dreary winter days. Cases of 16 kits for a reduced rate will be shipped directly to your address. Proceeds go to Huntington's Disease research, education and family care. For more information call the Cleveland HDSA office at 216-226-6633. Don't delay, call today.
Cool Cleveland reader Mati Senerchia wrote in with a few suggestions: organic, free-trade coffee at Bazaar Bizarre ("it is spectacular... [I]'m really a tea drinker, but have been buzzing on a french press potful of his smooth, sweet ethiopian every day.") Mati says the owner at http://www.hipdrip.com, where the coffee comes from, seems like "just the kind of entrepreneur cleveland needs - following his bliss with passionate attention to detail." Mati also recommends Cleveland Metroparks gift certificates at http://www.clemetparks.com/earthwords and Mitchell's Homemade ice cream, exclaiming: "If only they'd open a scoop shop in the city!" http://www.mitchellshomemade.com. Thanks, Mati!
Show your CLE Pride with Cleveland Clothing Co.'s rebellious spirit, gritty designs and urban attitude. Spread the word around town and show your spirit about CLE and NEO. Visit them at http://www.cccapparel.com.
Immortalize your favorite swervy with the quirky lighting designs of Lisa B., a self-professed "booze diva" lover. Save your holiday bottles and she'll transform them into immortal lighting for your home or office. Check out http://www.boozelamps.com. Bar Girl Productions also manufactures small-batch pure aromatherapy candles and all-purpose mists. To learn more, go to http://www.aromatherabooze.com.
Arborwear features tree-climbing pants and outdoor wear/gear. "I fell out of a tree and had hallucinations about pants," begins the website... but it would take more than a blunt strike to the head to not love these designs or feature these Newbury, OH folks again this. They've upped the ante with a new website design at http://www.arborwear.com and some spectacular new additions to their clothing line. Check them out.
Cleveland Orchestra Gift Certificates and Blossom Lawn Ticket Books make thoughtful gifts for the music lovers on your list. Show 'em some love: online at http://www.clevelandorchestra.com, or by phone at (216) 231-1111. A perfect gift.

HOLIDAY GUIDE LISTINGS for the week of 12.6

"Out With The Old In With The New" @ Asterisk Gallery On Friday nights, Asterisk often has a carnival atmosphere. Dana Depew, artist/owner/marketer of Asterisk Gallery and other Cleveland artists will be "unloading countless pieces of art" at the gallery’s first Xmas Silent Auction/Sale and Benefit on Fri 12/8. The benefit is for whom? It is for Asterisk Gallery in Tremont, as well as for the artist. After a hard week at work it is great fun to drape one’s head and arms through the head and arm holes in one of Depew’s 12 painted cut out character "personas" and ham it up for a photo. Depew introduced the personas, titled, "When you grow up you can be anything you want," at Asterisk’s November show, "Unmasked," and they'll be back for this show. Works for sale are by Paul Sydorenko, Bob Walls, Ed Raffel, Doug Meyer, Daiv Wailey, Michael Murphy, Sam Mazzola, Chris Kaspar, and other artists. Astrisk Gallery, 2393 Professor Ave in Tremont, 330-304-8528, http://www.asteriskgallery.com -- From Cool Cleveland contributor Lee Batdorff
Duck Pond Gift Store @ Shaker Lakes Nature Ctr is a unique urban nature spot. They buy things for the store that are different and hard to find. Duck Pond carries a range of items; sterling silver leaf ornaments, recycled glass bird feeders, star charts for the Cleveland sky, fair trade made field bags and ornaments, hand-painted purses and cards by a local artist, illuminated gel ant farms, the Dike 14 field guide, Doan Brook Handbook (written by one of their board members) and much more. Check them out at http://www.shakerlakes.org.
From The Blue Bag Local Artists Deby and Scott Cowdin have created a line of unique, usable dishware created from recycled bottles. This is a gift you just won't find anywhere else. Your recyclables are not only beautiful to look at, but practical, oven- and freezer-friendly and are dishwasher safe. Enjoy these unique items and know that it means one less bottle is in our landfills! http://www.fromthebluebag.com'''
We love Cleveland In Prose and Poetry a book from the Poets' and Writers' League of Greater Cleveland. This melange of writings is set in our city and its suburbs. Some 75 talented authors from Charles Dickens and Langston Hughes to Harvey Pekar and Sarah Willis - all are talking about us! Editor Bonnie Jacobson and the PWLGC put the book together, with the help of the Cuyahoga County Board of Commiessioners and the Ohio Arts Council. The book features Hector Vega's cover art and was nominated for a 2007 Ohioana Award. It's available at Mac's Backs and Loganberry Books. Or you can call the PWLGC @ 421-0403. Books can also be ordered online at http://www.pwlgc.com/leaguebooks.html
Melanie, Kevin & Lady Miss Vinyl invite you to Music Saves for their super-spectacular HOLIDAY SALE!!! (their first ever) Music fans unite: this sale is Sat 12/9 from Noon - 4PM. Everything in the store will be 10% off. Hey, it adds up! The sale coincides with the "Rock 'n' Roll Flea Market" at the Beachland next door. Vendors from all over will be selling tons of unique stuff. Great chance to pick up a unique gift for someone, including yourself. Do all of your holiday shopping on Waterloo.
And Speaking of Waterloo... "Weekends on Waterloo '06" is the annual holiday celebration on the fine street that serves as a home to Music Saves, the Beachland and The Arts Collinwood Gallery. Check out the gallery at the corner of Waterloo and E. 156th, as they'll be hosting a stellar holiday artists sale. Classy gifts, light appetizers, beer, wine (cocoa and cookies for the kids) for the Friday nights, 5-11PM, leading up to the holidays! There's plenty more. Check out all the coolness at: http://www.artscollinwood.org
Check out the Coit Road Farmers' Market as a source of locally-produce goodies--including a fantastic selection of spices, honey, maple syrup, apples and other produce; baked goods, handmade soap, and lot of other items. They'll also have organically grown meat on December 16th, the day of the Toys for Tots programs. Coit Road Farmers' Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8AM - 3PM all year round, although they're known to close early in the winter. Check them out at: http://www.coitmarket.org
eye candy gallery offers Season's Greetings with one-of-a-kind works of art that make spectacular gifts. Show someone how much you care by selecting beautiful, unique pieces from local and regional artists. They have been offering superior quality creations for 5 years in the histroric Tremont area. Check out their spacious gallery in a great, walkable neighborhood that is accessible from just about every side of town! http://www.eyecandy-gallery.com

HOLIDAY GUIDE LISTINGS for the week of 11.29

Gina’s Gallery & Boutique is located in Little Italy and features fine arts and crafts, including American artists and local artists--including paintings by Abe Olvido and Bob Peck, sculpture by Daniel Grantham, Mike Moritz’s sculpture and mod functional products, clothing by Pinky’s Daily Planner, and jewelry by Elle-A-Belle Designs. Please visit http://www.ginasgalleryboutique.com to learn more about 'em and their upcoming events!
Cleveland expat and CC Reader Christine Borne is the author of the Really Bad Cleveland Accent blog (http://www.christineborne.net/cleveland_accent). She wrote in to tell us that she loves giving Phoenix Coffeehouse gift baskets (http://phoenixcoffee.com/shop) and Puerto Rican baked goods from Lelolai Bakery on W. 25th (http://www.lelolaibakery.com), home to one of the best Cubano sandwiches in all of CLE. We do, too. Thanks for your letter, Christine!
Pennello Gallery at 12404 Mayfield Road is having a "Holiday Celebration Show" featuring works from "Linda O... Oh, Linda," exquisite Holiday jewelry, original oil paintings by Cleveland artist Ryan Katz. They've also got "La Bonnie Vie," elegant handmade purses on 12/1-3. Paintings, photos, 2&3 dimensional art, jewelry, ceramics & hand-painted furniture round out selections. http://www.penellogallery.com.
"By Hand Festival" of American Art at the I-X Center 12/9-10 is a juried show bringing CLE a unique opportunity to buy expressive gifts and home decor. Photos of work by local exhibiting artists and details of the show are available at http://www.byhandevents.com.
The world-famous Cleveland Orchestra is offering a 2-Day Special: Purchase your Handel's Messiah or "Holiday Organ & Brass" tickets by TODAY at 5:00 PM (Wed 11/29), and receive 50% off tickets to these concerts. Purchase your tickets now! Use Promotion Code 2852 when ordering online or call 231-1111 or 800-686-1141 and mention this offer. The offer's only TODAY for Messiah concerts on 12/19-20 and "Organ & Brass" concerts on 12/21-22. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Cleveland Orchestra Holiday events schedule: Here.
Mustard Seed Market and ecokiss d�cor and gifts co-present their 1st annual Holiday Green Gift Fairs @ the MONTROSE Mustard Seed Market on Fri 12/8 from 10AM–4PM (3885 W. Market St., Akron) and @ the SOLON Mustard Seed Market on Sat 12/9 from 10AM–4 PM (6025 Kruse Drive, Solon). Make a positive impact with your holiday shopping dollars by purchasing unique gifts that support a healthy planet and our regional—and fair trade—economy. Organic fiber fashions, one-of-a-kind jewelry items, home goods are among the gift options. And for those Cool Cleveland Kids? A "secret holiday shopper" service is available, where kids can shop with supervision while you wait! They get to enjoy picking out something special within their budget! Please call Caren to reserve time: 375-6700. Visit http://www.mustardseedmarket.com and http://www.ecokissstyle.com for more info.
Asterisk* Gallery in Tremont presents Springboard Artists Inc.'s Show on Fri & Sat 12/1-2. New and upcoming Cleveland artists will be presenting several different artistic mediums including jewelry, pen and ink, stained glass, mixed media, acrylic and more. All work will be for sale by cash or check at affordable prices. Refreshments will be served throughout the duration of the show. For more info, visit http://www.youngartistscleveland.com or call 440-503-3884.
"Red Hot Red Dot Holiday Shop @ RED DOT Project features fine arts and crafts including photography, prints, drawings, jewelry, glass ornaments and vases, and more. Join them every Friday in December from 11AM-6PM for the "Tower Press and ArtCraft Building Holiday Sale". For additional hours and info, call 664-9600 or visit http://www.reddotproject.org.
Standing Rock Cultural Arts' "...more Jewels" Jewelry Exhibition features jewelry artists, glass bead artists, and artists who create small ornametal picture frames, mirrors, and boxes. All will take part in a jewelry exhibit in downtown Kent. Artists include Leah Tonon, Cristen Carle, Kristin Driscoll, Dottie Goebel, Peggy Pokoroski, Ro York and others. Opening coincides with Kent Area CoC's annual Festival of Lights on Sat 12/2. Visit http://www.standingrock.net for more.
The Maltz Museum Store located at 2929 Richmond Road in Beachwood features a variety of unique and distinctive treasures including AHAVA products – a skincare line made from Dead Sea minerals; art glass from Israeli artist Tamara Baskin, and Salusa Glassworks from the studio of international artist Bandhu Scott Dunham. Other popular items at the Museum Store include immigration dolls that represent a variety of cultures and countries, holiday toys for children, hand-crafted jewelry, and books about Cleveland history. Visit http://www.maltzjewishmuseum.org, or call 593-0575 for more info.

Previous HOLIDAY GUIDE LISTINGS

Outdoors, Health & Wellness

Green Tara Yoga & Healing Arts in Cle Hts offers Iyengar Yoga in its studio at the top of Cedar Hill. Co-owner Karen Allgire has been teaching dance and movement since 1983 and yoga since 1998. She is the only Intermediate Junior I Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor in the state of Ohio. Karen recently returned from a month long trip to Pune, India to study yoga with the Iyengar family. Visit http://www.greentarayoga.com for more information.
Exploring Wellness with McKala Foot Reflexology, Manicures, Pedicures and Reiki are the focus of McKala Everett's business, one that will refresh and rejuvinate your body and soul. Gift Certificates are available. Check out her services at http://www.exploringwellness.com.
Sacred Hour Massage in Lakewood offers a variety of different types of massage, from simple relaxation and deep-tissue varieties, to the more rare-and-challenging guided Thai massage, which feels a whole lot like guided yoga. Tabitha and her co-workers invite you to get centered and bliss out. Look for their new Yoga studio (featuring yoga and pilates) to open in January. Gift Certificates are available. Visit http://www.sacredhour.com.
Inner Harmony Wellness Center has "The Secret." (They have the DVD of the same name, too). The Strongsville-based IHWC features handmade pottery, water fountains and Spirit houses, unique stones, crystals, Canadian Tree Essences and Selenite/Salt Lamps & Salt Lamps. They have gift certificates for massages, foot reflexology, heated stone massage & other products as well. Visit http://www.InnerHarmony.info for more.
Century Cycles' staff brainstormed and came up with a "Top 10" Holiday Gifts list for bicycle lovers. Some gifts are practical, some safety-oriented, and some are just plain cool. This long-standing local outfitter's gift list is also posted at: http://www.centurycycles.com. If you love cycling, or know someone who does, visit CC (we're big fans of their abbreviation, too).

Arts, Crafts & Institutions

MOCA Cleveland has a Museum Store that recently played host to the 3rd Annual ARTspace event, one of the coolest holiday shopping experiences in all of Cleveland. Get a jumpstart on holiday shopping. With a wide variety of jewelry, home accessories, clothing and one-of-kind gifts by artists working in the region, you can't go wrong. Visit http://wwww.mocacleveland.org for more info.
Cleveland Restoration Society wants to help with your holiday shopping. Their 2007 Celebration of Preservation Calendar features 2006 Preservation Award winners and their hardcover Cleveland Sketchbook is beautifully designed and illustrated piece that emerged from a partnership between the Cleveland Institute of Art and Indigo Custom Publishing. Visit http://www.clevelandrestoration.org or stop by the Sarah Benedict House, 3751 Prospect Ave., Cleveland.
Cleveland Institute of Music OK, so CIM is not a exactly a unique artisan shop per se, they are a non-profit that supports and educates studying musical artisans and they do offer some shopping that would be fun for music lovers. CIM's music store offers sheet music, supplies and neat gift items and CDs by their faculty, students and alumni. Got someone who is hard to buy for? How about tickets to their annual benefit concert on January 20 featuring Bobby McFerrin and the CIM Orchestra at Severance Hall...? Call 231-1111 or visit http://www.clevelandorchestra.com. Concert proceeds benefit CIM; the event is presented by their Women’s Committee. For more, visit http://www.cim.edu.
Stan Hywet's Museum Store is fully stocked for the holidays, with unusual and hard-to-find items. They are also featuring Ne'Qwa Art Event ornaments from their event last weekend. They tell us you should act fas for those beautiful pieces. Visit http://www.stanhywet.org, or call 330-836-5533.
TerraVista Studio's Holiday Sale takes place at 1400 East 30th St in the Superior Arts Corridor, downtown. Local potters, clay artists, silversmiths and painters are among the artisans who have works for sale. The sale runs December 1-3; hours are 11AM-5PM on 12/1, 12-7PM on 12/2 and 12-4PM on 12/3. Call 523-7212 for more info.

Sustinance & Sundries

Studio of 5 Rings is Downtown Cleveland's only winery. Located on the Superior Corridor, they bring in California grapes and ferment them here in Cleveland. The result is a selection of smooth tasting, excellent wines that are low in sulfites and make great holiday gifts. Check them out at http://www.studioof5rings.com.
Loganberry Books' Get a crack at holiday books, cards and calendars, gift certificates. Visit http://www.loganberrybooks.com for more.
Marc Goodman's Antique Mall @ 12721 Larchmere Blvd has 8 quality dealers that feature: Art, Antiques, Furniture, Ladies Accessories, Books, Clocks, Cleveland Memorabilia, Linens, Pianos and more. It is the only Antique Mall on Cleveland's Eastside and has so far proved to be popular with shoppers! Visit http://www.larchmere.com or call 229-8919 for more info.
Such Fun Stuff specializes in personalized invitations, announcements, and stationery. From the unique backgrounds, to the vellum and organza ribbon, each and every bow is hand-tied and every piece hand-cut by local owner-operator Jen Joyce herself, with careful attention to detail, creativity, and originality. Visit http://www.suchfunstuff.com for more.
Big Fun on Coventry I'm addicted. Owner Steve Presser gets a lot of this writer's money, not to mention every other Pan-fixated CLE denizen looking for their Misplaced Childhood. Big Fun is a fave for kids of every age and focuses on pop culture loot from the late 50s through the 90s. Thanks to Big Fun, my Star Wars, Kiss and Atari fetishes have all devolved into addictions. 1827 Coventry. Call 371-4386.
10,000 Villages Fair Trade Goods from around the world come from this venerable local shop with locations in Rocky River and across from CSU. Ten Thousand Villages is part of a "worldwide movement" angling to spread the gospel of fair trade. They are one of over 200 IFAT members in 55 countries across the globe. Visit them at http://www.tenthousandvillages.com.
Adam Pate, the Charicature Guy is not some Cedar Point knock off. No, sir. He's "one of the fastest caricature artists in the world," claiming he can draw over 60 people in an hour. He's booking holiday parties and offering gift caricatures, a unique gig and gift if for the holidays. He'll tell you more here: http://www.adampate.com.

Galleries & Auctions

Gallery 222 is one of Euclid’s latest additions to beautiful Downtown! Located at 22050 Lakeshore Boulevard, Euclid, Gallery 222 is an extension of Art on Wheels, a greater CLE-area traveling non-profit arts education organization that serves people with and without disabilities. 222 is a pet-friendly gallery; many of the events there feature pets as well as functional- and non-functional art, jewelry, ceramics and glassware. Call 731-3199, or email therese@aowinc.com for more info.
"16th Annual Auction for the Artists" is an unusual art auction & sale held in the Tremont neighborhood at 2180 West 11th Street. The event features the work of over 40 artists for a live auction and art sale. One-of-a-kind works including paintings, photography, collage, glass, metal, ceramics and the unusual will be up for grabs. Bring your credit card! Takes place Saturday, December 9 (7:45P). Call Eikona Studios at 509.7361 for more info.
A "Bazaar Bizarre" at 1300 The 3rd "Bazaar Bizarre" event will be held at 1300 Gallery (1300 W. 78th St) on Saturday, December 2 (12-9PM). It began in 2001 in the Boston-area as a hodge-podge of friends and acquaintances cobbling together handcrafted DIY wares; Bazaar Bizarre has brought hip, fun craft fairs to Boston, Los Angeles, Cleveland, and San Francisco. Check out http://www.bazaarbizarre.org and http://13hundred.com for more info.
Heights Arts Gallery at 2173 Lee Road, Cle Hts (a few steps from the Cedar Lee Theatre) features paintings, prints, glass, ceramics, cards, scarves, jewelry, dolls and more. Pick up books by local writers provided by Mac's Backs and Appletree Books; CDs by your favorite local musicians; the "Friends of the Heights" Library cookbook, Cleveland Restoration Society calendar; Future Heights gift certificates good at participating local businesses; a paper dove ornament kit made by Catherine Butler especially for Heights Arts, and a special Phoenix Coffee artisan roast for sale. Call 371-3457 for info.
Artist Susan Begin contacted us to mention three Holiday shows that she will be participating in: "Gifts from the Heart Holiday Boutique" at Executive Caterers Landerhaven on Sunday, November 19; "Ohio Designer Craftsmen's Winterfair" at the Ohio Expo Center from Thursday, November 30 through Sunday, December 3rd, and the "By Hand Fine Art & Craft Show" at the IX Center on December 9-10. She is featuring handcrafted bowl, vessels, masks, ornaments, & other items made with carved, pyroengraved, & painted hardshell gourds, wood, & wire at the shows, but encourages holiday shoppers to check out the events for all the local and unique goods. Call 440-427-8541 for more info.
"Glass, Fog and Fur" at the Shaker Heights Public Library is exactly what it sounds like, and includes a "Meet the Artist" Andrew Morrell on Thursday, December 14 (7PM) @ the library. The exhibit features approximately 30 photos of marbles (glass), abstracts (fog) and our fabulous dogs Alex and Sammy (fur). All are available for purchase and would make a unique gift. http://www.andrewmorrell.com.

Fashion, Style & Boutiques

City Buddha With two locations (Coventry and West. 25th), City Buddha owner and self-professed "Coventry kid" Larry Collins continues to set the standard for incredible imported goods. His products range from chic to "mystique" and come from Indonesia and beyond--including sculptures, home decor, furniture, incense (incredible stuff!) lanterns and other cool goods. A perennial favorite. http://www.citybuddha.com
Revive your shopping with Fair Trade goods at Revive in Cle Hts. Lisa Dunn who currently works for the InterReligious Task Force on Central America and used to run a Pepper Pike boutique. Handbags, bamboo bowls, trendy couture and shea butter skin care products are only the beginning. Revive is located at 2248 Lee Road, Cle Hts. Call 371-2778, or log on to http://www.revivestore.com.
Bad Fit Goods Embroidery, stencils and tins are part of the modern craft movement, not to mention the repetoire of this local designer. So spice up "your wardrobe and environment," offers crafty poet/writer/blogger Autumn, who runs the website. Her loot is pretty darn cool, we think. Check out http://www.badfitgoods.com.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes features "cool crafters" at their annual craft show on Saturday, December 2nd (10AM-4PM) at 21281 Chardon Rd, Euclid. It's an Irish Christmas Crafts show, featuring jewelry, Irish imports, woolens, tapestries, fine arts, hand knits, florals, dolls, jewelry, Christmas items and more. Call 251-9002 for more info.
ARTrepreneurs Holiday Boutique at The Galleria at Erieview features five local artists who decided that in addition to their traditional art and trunk shows, they would showcase their collection where their early shopping memories began, right downtown! Visit http://www.artrepreneurs.biz for details.

Compiled by Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATCoolCleveland.com (:divend:)