One of the things that I find hard on our travels is getting personal gifts for those I love. I hate online shopping and want to touch and feel the gift to know that it’s just right for that special person.
While in Vermont, I did that for all my Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts and I was so proud of all my selections. Sadly, the Ottawa car thief had other ideas… I hope you loved my personally-selected wine glasses, beer glass and cow alien socks, you stinker!
It was time to search for just the right gifts for my best friend, Mary and my mom. I was in Savanna, IL – a small town on the border of Wisconsin and Iowa. They had a few great shops that had locally-sourced items that would make really nice, personal gifts for both mom and Mary. But none of them had *just* the right thing.
Until I walked into one that looked quietly promising. Elizabeth, and her husband Kelly, have an unassuming shop on Main Street in Savanna called College Street Creations.
College Street Creations is full of wooden signs and other beautiful wooden household items like benches, tables, book shelves and more. If I had a house, it would have been full of Elizabeth and Kelly’s items by the time I left Savanna.
Elizabeth holds workshops to paint and make all kinds of amazing signs, benches and much more. As I was only in town for a few days, she graciously let me set up a time to come in the following day and have my own private session making signs for both Mary and my mom.
In preparation, all she asked was that I send her some ideas so she could have the templates ready for the following day. I researched my ideas and sent them through, trusting that she would interpret my vision.
I arrived at the College Street Creations workshop area (in the back of the store) and was ready to work. Elizabeth had put the finishing touches on my initial ideas and showed me her thoughts.
They were perfect.
A mermaid with quote for mom and an owl to go with ‘be-you-tiful’ for Mary. I got to watch her use the software and cutter for the templates. She told me the ins and outs of why she chooses to use contact paper for stencils.
Finally it was time to get to work. As I was using paint, it needed time to dry in between. I was there for 2-3 hours just chatting with Elizabeth and Kelly, watching as they came up with new ideas and served other customers. All the while I got to create something special and unique for two of my favorite people.
In addition to be a really wonderful, personal experience, Elizabeth was able to ship Mary’s gift to her directly. That meant I didn’t have to worry about that extra step in the process. It was also incredibly affordable. Considering the fact that she let me hang out with her all afternoon, I thought for sure the price would go up. But it didn’t. Each item was well within my limited budget, including the shipping.
Not only did I make amazing, personal gifts that day. I made a new friend. I just love Elizabeth and can’t recommend College Street Creations enough. She ships all over for a reasonable price. With the holidays coming it might be just what you’re looking for!
Address
College Street Creations, 407 Main St, Savanna, IL 61074
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