In the Mississippi River Hills of Southeastern Missouri

The Mississippi River Hills Association (MRHA) seeks to develop, connect, and market products that are produced within the region.
Together we seek to strengthen our regional economy while retaining all that is good, for the benefit of future generations.
We also encourage visitors to tour the region, people interested in learning more about rural America - the unique history of the region,
the cultural flavors, the river and the great outdoors, and how great fresh foods can taste.



Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Great Last Minute Gifts . . .

A fun part of my job is sharing comparisons with people. An example: while discussing our event table display with a couple, I asked the husband what he thought his wife would appreciate more . . . an overseas, factory-make fragrance basket from a box store or one of these (as I picked up a hand-made vase from MRHA member Julie Bricknell, owner of J Brick Pottery). The distant glaze over his eyes began to fade as his wife let out a sigh of delight and replied for him, “One of these! One of these!”

From pottery made of Mississippi River mud, to stained glass, Alpaca wool clothing, stained glass beauties, paintings, and jewelry, there is much to choose from that will make anyone’s gift super special. Just take a look below for contact information of MRHA artisan members that will make this Christmas memorable!

Julie Bricknell, of J Brick Pottery, is an amazing artist who comes up with beautiful vase designs AND great practical items. J Brick Pottery has a few unique pottery pieces for sale at the general store of MRHA member Eggers and Company B&B in Farrar (www.eggersandcompany.com), and other locations in Altenburg and Cape Girardeau, or by appointment at her studio near Pocahontas. Give Julie a call at 573-837-9941 for information. Want to see samples? www.jbrickpottery.com

Boy, does this cold system coming in remind me to get out my scarf and gloves. Artisan Connie Blechle, of Perryville, creates clothing products from her own Alpaca herd. I saw a wonderful scarf (so soft!) and the cutest of felted hats at MRHA member Odlie’s Linen & Lace, Etc., (www.odileslace.com) located on Third Street in Ste. Genevieve, the other day. Give Connie a call at 573-768-1790 to see where else you can pick up these great gifts!

Richard Otte of The Stained Glass Shop, located at 260 Merchant Street in Ste. Genevieve, not only has a beautiful display of items for sale, he and his partner, Michelle, also commission for one-of-a-kind creations. The bench outside his shop has got to be one of my favorites! Contact Rich and Michelle at: 573-883-5359.

And let’s not forget our jewelry artisan Linda Klossner, of Klossner Studio in Cedar Hill, Jefferson County. Contact Linda at: 636-274-4628 for information on her products.

Then last - but definitely not least - is our amazing painters, Iris Vincent and Juanita Rapp Wyman, both of Ste. Genevieve. These artisans have original paintings, prints, and great greeting cards in several shops around Ste. Genevieve. Check out samples of Iris’ work at http://imvartgallery.blogspot.com or give her a call at: 573-883-2622. You can reach Juanita at: 573-883-9533 for more information on location for finding her creations.

So scurry on out to pick up these great gifts – only three more days until Christmas! What a great time of year! I’m sooo excited!

Lisa
573-883-0767