Rachel Hanson collage at The Purple Poppy

I am so excited - I am nearly bursting at the seams!
Rachel Hanson collage is now available at The Purple Poppy!


Rachel Hanson colleges, hung on the walls of The Purple Poppy.

 I have been making my collages with no real outlet, save the walls of my own studio.  While the creation is somewhat fulfilling on its own, when Angie, the proprietress of The Purple Poppy, asked to hang my work at her fabulous store, I was so excited!  (full disclosure, yes, Angie is my friend, but I have never pressured her to carry my work, in fact, I am not even sure I asked her to. I did write about the store last fall; you may remember this blog post.) 
So, I spent last week adding minor details to seven of my collages.  I put hangers on the back, and secret details, too.  She requested an artist statement.  That's a nerve wracking task, what to say about oneself.  Then I turned that into a collage, too.

On Friday, I delivered.  She hung the work.  I must say, it looks great!
So if you're local, stop by and take a look. Say hello to Angie or Kerry. Take a moment to shop; The Purple Poppy has fabulous things: art, furniture, home accessories, jewelry, gifts, and lots of unique items.  While you're there take a look at my work, too.  I hope you enjoy. 
(You can find The Purple Poppy at the SW corner of Arapaho Road and 95th St in Lafayette, CO)
And now, I can return to the studio and make some more collages.

Shop Local - Support Small Business

Get creative!  Give creative! Shop Local!
We all know that we are supposed to "shop local."  There are many reasons to shop local - you support the tax base in your own community, you potentially support a small business owner, you can find local goods at local stores, you can reduce your carbon footprint, you can find unique items that aren't available at big box stores, and you can buy from local artisans.  Be a little more creative in your gift giving this year. 


Purple Poppy



There is even a national movement called Small Business Saturday, which has been designated as Saturday, November 27.  It's sponsored by American Express and hopefully will give support to small businesses nationwide.  I think it's a great idea.  Shop at small businesses this Saturday, but also shop at small businesses on Black Friday and next Tuesday and the following Thursday.  Don't stop!

You can take things a bit further and also commit to shop small businesses on-line, as well, instead of the big websites. Look at craft sites, like Etsy.  Or find small businesses to order from for your holiday gift giving.  There are plenty of companies on-line that are not mega-stores.  For interesting and unique gifts for pool players, check out Lafayette's Pool Dawg.  They not only have gifts for billiard lovers, but also for dart players and poker players.  A further look at their site and you will find game room furniture, lamps, game room wall art and clocks and even a few good thematic movies.  This on-line only, local store has a lot to offer.

Indulge Bakery



If you live in or around Lafayette, Colorado,  you should know that Lafayette is a great place to shop.  At first glance, you may not see all that Lafayette has to offer.  You can find gifts, home accessories and art at Purple Poppy, Timbalier, and Embellishments.  You can find jewelry and fine art at Particulars.  There are great flowers, plants and gifts at the Lafayette Florist.  You can find antiques at Jeri's Antiques and Noble Treasures.  You can stop for coffee at Cannon Mine or Mojo.  To satisfy your sweet tooth stop in Indulge for cakes and pastries or you can get hot chocolate or ice cream at Eats and Sweets, on Festival Plaza.  Hanna's sells sandwiches and delicious dinners to go. You can get lunch at Zamparalli, Pinnochio, Tutti, Martino's, Smash Burger, or Efrain's. 



There are plenty of events around the holidays, as well.  Check out the city's Events listings.


Where can you shop or eat in your town?  Do you have small businesses you can support?  Think outside the box, think away from the national chains.  Get creative with your gift giving.  There are many options to make your holiday gift giving much more interesting this year.

(and just in case you were wondering... this is not a paid advertisement.  Just a little PSA to do my part in my small town...I like my town)

The Purple Poppy

(WARNING:  Unsolicited advertising for my favorite boutique
- The Purple Poppy)

I have a new favorite store.  Not just because it's close by, not just because it's in Lafayette, not just because my lovely friend owns it, but because I love what they sell.  The Purple Poppy has beautiful custom rugs, lamps and furniture, but they also have a gorgeous assortment of home decor and personal accessories.  And, yes they have some fun art on the walls, too!  I know I can pop into the Purple Poppy and find a unique hostess - birthday - holiday - or just because gift.  I know they can wrap it for me in charming purple and lime.  I know that I can find a witty card.  I can find something new every time I go.

I have shopped for birthday, house warming, and hostess gifts.  They have the most distinctive napkin holders and unique vases, candlesticks, and paper weights.  I have bought things for my girls; the girls love their funky stuffed animals and colorful jewelry.  I have picked up a few things for myself.  I love the pick up sticks charms and nicely scented candles! 

So, if you want to buy local, if you want to support small business, if you want to give unique gifts that are several steps above the average, check out the Purple Poppy.  It is one of the many reasons I love living in my small town.

And, if you want to visit them out at their finest, attend next Tuesday's Snowflake Social to kick off the holiday season.  (6 - 9 pm, Tuesday, November 9) They will have all the usual plus some extra goodies, like hot chocolate while you shop and door prizes.  Maybe I will see you there.

Find The Purple Poppy in Lafayette in Atlas Valley (near the YMCA) at the south west corner of Arapahoe Road and 95th Street.  They are near Crawdaddy's Toys and Struttin' Pup.

Tell them I said hi when you stop in!