Tag Archives: Waldo gift shops

Welcome to Brookside + Waldo: Blue Sky Art+Home!

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Blue Sky…those words conjure up a smile and warm vibes.  That’s the feeling you get when you walk into a new Waldo shop, Blue Sky Art+Home at 408 East Gregory, a few steps from the Front Range Cafe. Owner Leslie Beck opened the space November 1, and invites you to stop by!

Leslie Beck

Leslie grew up in Brookside and graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA in Fine Arts.  She worked out of her home for years as a graphic designer (and still does that work); after her Dad passed a few years ago she started to paint on canvas.  She had pop up shows at various locations at First Fridays, and eventually wanted to have her work on display in her own space.  She met up with her close friend Katherine Bramble Taylor and together they had a long collaborative “blue sky” session, talking about “what would you do if you could do anything”.   They decided to look for space together in the Waldo area and found this perfect spot.  Katherine’s floral and gift shop, Bramble and Stem, is next door. 

Blue Sky is an art studio, gallery and boutique. Inside you’ll find Leslie’s original paintings on the walls and unique merch for sale:  pottery by Rachael Akin from Lees Summit; Archive bath and body products by Margot Elena; beautiful textiles and pillows, small vases, books and a special Blue Sky candle, scented by Brookside’s The Corner Candleshop. In the back of the store, Leslie hosts creativity workshops, often collaborating with Katherine  from Bramble and Stem next door.  Leslie explains these workshops are not technique or skill driven.  “Each one has a theme, and we start out with some journaling thoughts for inspiration.  Then everyone uses paints and various marking tools to create a personal  piece of art”.  No judgement here–Leslie knows everyone is born with a creative spark of some sort and she works with you to naturally bring out your inspiration in a unique way.  

Besides creating art in this space and offering workshops and special gifts, Leslie also works on commission.  Her mission is to create art with love; her work is deeply personal and meaningful. Through the commissioned pieces she will transform cherished photos into abstract paintings or create something entirely new, guided by emotions as she listens to your favorite songs via a playlist. Every piece is very personal and lasting.

Like so many working artists, Leslie has two full time jobs: working in this space and raising a family of five children with her husband.  You can email her (leslie@blueskyartandhome.com) for shop hours or pop by when you are walking in the neighborhood.  

New Gift Shop and Design Studio Opens in Waldo

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Waldo is welcoming yet another new, locally women owned shop just east of McLain’s Bakery!   It’s exciting to report small businesses are thriving in our neighborhood!  Read on to find out more about Ampersand Design Studio at 211 E Gregory. There are so many attractive and colorful items here for sale; you will see why the owners describe the shop “where color and pattern come to play”.

Owners Morgan Georgie and Carrie Kiefer met in design school at KU.  Both got jobs with Hallmark, in the creative department for gift wrap, photo albums and party goods.  After leaving the company, Morgan and Carrie started Ampersand, initially designing invitations and wall art and selling via their own website and Etsy.  Eventually they sold their colorful art and prints to Crate and Barrel, West Elm, Minted and other national companies.  They decided to open a storefront, and picked the Waldo location.  “We really love the close knit neighborhood here, the constant flow of foot traffic and everyone has been so warm and accepting” says Morgan.  They opened this space in April and business has been steady.  Future plans include special classes and workshops plus pop up events.

Carrie Kiefer and Morgan Georgie, Ampersand Design Studio

So what can you find in Ampersand?  There are useful and practical items like all cotton blankets, napkins, glassware, planters, KC branded tee shirts, some kids’ items and greeting cards, all featuring eye catching designs and bright colors.  Here, you’ll find just the right special and unique gift:  a decorative serving tray, pillows, hand towels, wall art, —or pick up a new pair of fun earrings!  In the back of the store is where the magic happens—Morgan and Carrie have their design studio set up there.  What inspires their art?  “We are inspired by exposing ourselves to new things” Morgan says.  “It could be an interiors magazine, a beautiful movie or even an artistically displayed plate at a favorite restaurant.  We get inspired by color, pattern, and typography everywhere we go.  We love what we do!”

Stop by Ampersand Design Studio the next time you need ideas for a gift or personal special something. Hours are 9am-6pm Monday through Friday; Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 9-4. Make a note to visit later this year when Morgan and Carrie promise “a lot of great holiday themed items.” Thank you for supporting our small businesses in Brookside and Waldo! 

New Shop in Waldo: Hawthorne and Ivy

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hawthorne front

There’s a new boutique shop in Waldo–tucked away in a former gas station  from the 1920s!  Hawthorne and Ivy opened a couple of weeks ago at 7142 Wornall, just south of Betty Rae’s and next to Michael Avery’s hair salon.

You may be familiar with Hawthorne and Ivy’s shop in Weston.  This is shop #3 for owner Elinor Hagan Lowe.  She started out designing custom ‘mother’s bracelets’ , following in her mother’s footsteps.  Elinor runs Paco Designs in Lenexa, then came the Weston store, and now the Waldo spot. 

Hawthorne and Ivy

Unique Jewelry Hanger–also comes with wine corks

Step inside and you will find all the items attractively displayed on the walls and tables–it’s an easy store to browse!  There is lots of jewelry, including the mother’s bracelets, and so much more:  Royals gear, candles and soaps, clothing and accessories plus some baby items and wall art.  The thing that caught my eye was this handmade necklace hanger:  a piece of wood with champagne (or wine) corks attached to hang the jewelry.  You could also stick  earrings in the cork as well.  This shop also takes old wood from barns and doors, then repurposes it to customized wall hangings.  You can order with the phrase or name of your choice, or purchase one with the lettering in place.  This would make a thoughtful housewarming gift!  The shop also carries special religious jewelry for first communions or baptisms–and don’t miss the special 50% off room in the back of the store!  If you are interesting in making your own jewelry, Hawthorne and Ivy hosts craft classes around themes like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.

hawthorne inside

 

Shopping at locally owned stores and shops is what makes living in Brookside and Waldo so special.  You will find items that just aren’t available at a national retailer.  Stop by and welcome Hawthorne and Ivy to Waldo!  Hours are still being established; generally noon-6pm Tuesday through Saturday.  Convenient  parking in front of the store (or on 72cd St) at 7142 Wornall, between Michael Avery’s and Betty Rae’s. Find them online at www.facebook.com/hawthorneandivywaldo.