Historic Shell Holiday Shop News

Popping up every year in Downtown Issaquah!

Beginning in December of 2015, Alison Lang (So, There.) has turned her retail experience and passion into a seasonal pop-up at the Historic Hailstone Feed Store in Issaquah’s Old Town. It has grown into an annual winter event, featuring the work of local artists, makers, and designers. In partnership with the Downtown Issaquah Association, we are lucky enough to spend time in one of our favorite places, with our favorite people.

Historic Shell Holiday Shop

Weekends, Thanksgiving to New Years
232 Front Street North, Issaquah WA

Online Shopping for pick-up is available while the shop is running.
Join the So, There mailing list to get updates on the call for artists, opening news, and other infrequent announcements.

News and pretty pictures on Instagram…

CLOSED. Call for Artists and Makers – 2023 Historic Shell Holiday Shop in Issaquah

The 2023 Applications are now closed. To see future calls for artists please follow us on instagram – @shellholidayshop and @andsothere or sign up for our infrequent newsletter.

Calling Local Artists and Makers!

We’re looking for talented local artists and craftspeople to feature in the ninth annual Historic Shell Holiday Shop in Downtown Issaquah: 232 Front St N.
If you make great gifty goods we want to feature you!

This holiday shop is curated and run by Alison Lang of So, There (andsothere.com); and will focus on fun and unique gifts made by local artists. The shop is open weekends from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve 2023 in beautiful, festive Downtown Issaquah.

No table or booth fees! No booth to tend! Chosen products will be sold on consignment, and artists will receive payment (minus commission) for sales following the shop’s closure in December. Artists will be responsible for dropping off stock on November 19-20 and picking it up on Jan 1-2 (details below).

If you make it, we want to see it! We are looking for handmade: fashion accessories, jewelry, pillows, candles, textiles, home accessories, small furniture pieces, journals, stationery, books, office accessories, gadgets, games, children’s toys, and more! Locally designed items will also be considered (even if they aren’t handmade). Please Note – I do review original art pieces, but hanging and displaying original pieces is extremely difficult in the space, so I am limited in the kind of art I can accept. Typically small items work best.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE

• Artists must be able to drop off stock on November 19th or 20th, and pick up on January 1st or 2nd. You may ship your work, but you are responsible for all shipping fees.
• Shop commission is 40% to cover insurance, display, processing fees, and venue. Artist will receive 60% of sales, via check or PayPal by January 30th, 2024.
• Artists must affix a tag to each item which includes a business name, item number, and price (pencil is ok!)
• Priority will be given to early applicants, those we’ve worked with in the past, and those that are very local to Issaquah.
• You may provide display pieces or furniture if you like, but they may be used anywhere in the store.

The Holiday Shop also has a web shop, to allow people to browse and buy online for in-store pickup. While I will not require every item to be listed online, it is helpful to get as much as I can listed to make a good showing. For all items listed online I will need a quality photo and description. All items in the store will have an item number (SKU) and price securely attached.


Join Us!

Please fill out our Google form below by October 30 to be considered for the 2023 Holiday Shop. I will send a confirmation that I have received your application within 3 days. If you don’t hear from me within 3 days, or have any problems with the application, please email me at [email protected]

2022 Featured Artists and Makers

akaihana

Artchestra

Beastie and Bone

Beehive Creations

Between Two Pines Shop

Blue Egg Studio LLC

Burns Vegan Bakery

Carlie Williams Art 

Christine Stoll Studio

Coral Reef Printing Co.

Graceful Moon Studios 

Hawk + Handsaw Jewelry

Kitten Mittens

LegendAirey Creations

Liz St.Andre Art

Maison Arbor

MCreativeJ

Mike Hipple Photography

Porpe Artifacts

Rachel Beyer Artist Apothecary

Rainborn Studios

Renee’s Creation 

Robot Mom Creations LLC

Sage on the Mountain

Sandy Perkow 

Silver & Cedar

So There

Starlight Glassworks

Trailcrossings

uzura

Voss Ceramics

World of Woollycraft

WriteSpark Press

XV Studios

Yardia

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Tips for Accepted Holiday Shop Artists

So you’ve been accepted as one of the artists in the Holiday Shop, but have more questions… read below for answers to some questions, and more information than you could ever possibly need. I am nothing if not thorough! – Alison
Last Edited 11/1/2023

FAQs

  • How much stock should I bring?
    This is a really tricky one. First off, let me say that I am almost always open to a restock during the course of the shop. You can check with me, and I’ll let you know how the numbers are looking and tell you a good time for a drop-off. I don’t have room for backstock of items, so almost everything will be out on display. Here are some quantities off the top of my head: 1-2 pieces of unique jewelry, 6-12 cards, 4-6 art prints, 8-12 stickers, 8-12 books, 4-6 candles, 1-3 knit pieces.
  • How many different items? What kind?
    Our customers range in ages and styles, but typically the best answer is “bring your best sellers”. Our shop is definitely gift-focussed, so think about things that that are easy to give, or might remind a customer of someone they want to give a gift to. (Favorite animals, favorite colors, etc.) I’m also happy to narrow down items on your inventory sheet.
  • Can I bring my own display pieces?
    I’m happy to try out display pieces (especially for jewelry). Check out the “display” section below for more about the kind of furniture/space I’m working with. Please make sure your business name is on any pieces you leave with me.

PACKAGING + PRICING

  • All items will need to be marked with their SKU/item# and price. This can be on your packaging, on a tag, or on the item itself. Pencil is OK- but make sure I can read it.
  • Even if you don’t have a website yet, it’s great to include your name or business name on your items.
  • Consider including your “story” on your packaging. It could be something very simple like “Handwoven in Issaquah, WA” or something a little longer. I talk about these details to customers when I can, but consider that most of your things will be given as gifts, and that story detail adds something special for the person who eventually receives it.
  • Think about how the price is put on your item or packaging. As a gift, it will often need to be removed without removing your business name or other value labeling. I like to use pencil, a removable price tag on my packaging, or put it on a portion of a tag that can be cut off.
  • Think about how items will be displayed…
    Necklaces will likely be taken out of boxes, so they should have identifying tags on their chains.
    Ornaments are often small or delicate- try to attach their tags to the other end of their hanging ribbon so that the ornament is still the most visible. Consider the size and style of your tagging on items like this. (Bold colors might distract from your item, as would tags that are too large.)
  • Items in gift packaging often do quite well– for instance jewelry displayed in boxes– but make sure the packaging displays well and shows the value of your items.
  • All things will get handled a little bit, so consider if you need to offer them some extra protection. Art prints do best with a firm backing board. You can usually find biodegradable sleeves for cards and prints and such if you’d like to avoid plastic packaging.
  • Scented items can be OVERWHELMING when they are here in quantity. Consider using packaging that can be opened or closed closed, or give me a sample of each item with the rest in giftable packaging.

My favorite packaging tricks…

  • Print on cardstock, and use a shape punch to make a tag. I am nuts about French Paper cardstocks.
  • Avery® Return Address Labels, 5167, 1/2″ x 1 3/4″, <<These return labels – in removable or permanent– are a great size for many things!
  • Write SKUs and Prices in pencil. I keep an eraser at the counter
  • Get a business card printed that can work as your story packaging, then tie or safety pin it!
  • Find packaging options at Clearbags (including compostable sleeve options), and EcoEnclose

DISPLAY

  • I mostly display things on shelves in the space. That means your items might be at eye level or lower. I move items around over the course of the shop. If you’d like to try to use your own display items, please keep in mind that I can’t use things that are overly tall, deep, or wide. I will definitely try to work with what you have, but I cannot guarantee it will work. I reserve the right to use your display pieces with other items as well.
  • Most items are merchandised with similar, supporting items. (With the exception being jewelry. Each jewelry artist typically gets their own shelf.)
  • I used a mix of traditional display pieces, and rustic pieces in creative ways. (Many of the pieces are mine, and I don’t have all the things, which is why I’m happy to try what you have!)
  • Prints typically go in a “flip through” box, with samples pulled out and put on our “art wall”. (This works really well! People like to flip through.)
  • Stickers and other small similar things usually go on pegboard sticker rack, so if you have hang tags on them that is AMAZING. Otherwise I will likely put a hang tag on a few to display them.
  • Most cards go on a floating card wall at the front of the store.

My favorite display tricks…

  • I move things around! People often come back more than once, and the number of times I’ve heard “Oh! I didn’t see this last time!”
  • I like these little hang tags (although I wish they weren’t plastic.)
  • I typically do not put business, post cards, or personal signage out with items. These extra bits get kind of cluttered when I merchandise items together. I’d rather have a conversation with people about what they are looking at, THEN give them a business card when it means more to them.

QUESTIONS I’VE RECEIVED

I would like to provide gift boxes with my items, like a jewelry box. Some artists choose to display their items in a giftable box– that’s fine as long as it looks nice, and I can accommodate it in my display. If you’d rather just have your items placed in a box at check-out, feel free to leave a small box or bag of your gift packaging with me (put your business name on it.) I’ll pack them up at the counter!
Either way, if an item might easily be removed from its box, make sure the ITEM is marked with its price and item number.

TIPS for Holiday Shop Applicants

Below is a little extra information for artists who are applying or joining the Holiday Shop. I will edit and adjust as time goes on, but it’s a great resource for artists who want to know just a little bit more! (Please let me know if you notice anything I should add, or have questions!)

FAQ’s

  • The Historic Shell Holiday Shop started in downtown Issaquah in 2015, and is curated by Alison Lang (of So, There.) It is run as a pop-up boutique with gifty items every holiday season.
  • The Call for artists typically goes out at the beginning of October. You can hear about it by watching this feed, the facebook page, instagram, or by joining our mailing list

When Applying for the shop…

  • Make sure you look over the payment terms, drop-off and pick-up details and make sure they will work for you.
  • Consider the items you’d like to show us. If you have been to the shop before, think about what you make that might fit in. If you haven’t, look through our past photos on Instagram and Facebook. Feel free to send an assortment of options for us to look at.
  • Send quality photos of the items you’d like us to consider- they don’t have to be perfect, but should clearly show the items you’d like to feature. You can also include a link to an online shop or gallery if you’d like, but make sure we know exactly the kind of things you’d like to see at the shop. DO NOT send “inspiration” photos of other people’s work.
  • Consider your pricing – if you’re new to selling your art in shops, look around and see what other people are charging for similar items.
  • Do tell us what’s special about you and your pieces!
  • A word on clip-art and premade templates of all kinds: there are a lot of amazing resources out there that share art elements, BUT since we feature so many illustrators, I tend to shy away from products that prominently feature these kinds of images. I would rather your work be the main visual element of the piece. Even if that element or decoration is just a well chosen color!
    The same is true with jewelry elements- such as decorative findings and charms. They are fine to use in moderation, but should not be the main element of your piece.

If you aren’t accepted to the shop…

  • Don’t worry! There are a lot of factors at play: your work may be very similar to another artists and we had to choose, your work might just not fit in with this year’s collection (we try to pair items of similar styles, color stories), or we might just not have the space needed to properly display your work. We try to keep our artist number in the 30-35 range, and we get more applicants than that.
  • There are usually other options for artist pop-ups in town during the winter, so please do let me know if you would like your information forwarded on to the organizations responsible for those events.
  • Let me know if you’d like further feedback, but please be nice! The decisions are always difficult, and typically they are mine alone. It’s a lot of work trying to pull together a cohesive collection from so many talented artists.
  • DO apply again next year. The shop is always evolving and so are you!

CLOSED: The 2022 Historic Shell Holiday Shop is now Open!

The 2022 shop is now closed. Follow along on instagram or facebook to see the plans for next year.

HISTORIC SHELL HOLIDAY SHOP
Open Friday thru Sunday, 12-6PM
Nov.25- Dec.31, 2022
232 Front Street N, Issaquah

>> Shop online for same day pick-up! <<

Find great gifty goods from 36 local artists at the 8th annual Historic Shell Holiday Shop– jewelry, ceramics, cards, journals, patches, stickers, pins, ornaments, decoration… the list goes on. You’re sure to find something amazing for someone amazing– all while supporting local craftspeople. Curated by Alison Lang (So, There.) with the Downtown Issaquah Association.

The shop is packed full of amazing treasures, so take a look at our extra details below, and swing by for a visit– either in-store or online.

THIS YEAR

Masks are very much preferred! We appreciate you making the effort to keep the staff and the other customers safe from all the air-born bugs that are around this winter. We have a few masks on hand if you do not have one of your own. Please keep safe social distance from people outside of your party, and try not to crowd the space. If you are concerned about sharing the space with others, please contact Alison about arranging a private shopping time, or shop online for quick store pick-up.

Shop online! Most things in the Historic Shell Holiday Shop are available to order online, and you can shop anytime. Just pick what you’d like to take home, pay online and let us know when you’d like to pick it up (shipping may also be arranged by emailing us after you place your order.) Please give us at least 1 hour to fill your order.
Pick-up is available at the the Holiday Shop (232 Front Street N, Issaquah) Friday-Sunday 12:30-5PM. Please park near the station and go to the building to request your bundle. If you have any issues text or call 425-281-9083 or email [email protected].
Shipping is also available, see our online shop for details, or email Alison with any questions.

Private Shopping available including before 12 and after 6 on our open days. Please email Alison to arrange a private shopping time.

All sales are final, which is our policy every year.

Hours and Open Dates are subject to change. We can’t predict the future, so do consider getting your shopping done early. The bonus is that you will have even more options to choose from! You can see the latest news at www.facebook.com/shellholidayshop or contact Alison.

Any other questions? Alison’s your gal- [email protected], 425-281-9083.

The holiday shop is my effort to make local art gifts accessible to the area. We all appreciate your support so much, and think you will appreciate having options that were made by local hands and local brains. As always, I’m excited to see you and show you what I’ve rounded up this year!

Whatever you do, please consider supporting artist businesses and small, local businesses.
Your impact is huge, and we 🖤 you.

–Alison Lang: Lettering fiend and letterpress friend at So There, Issaquah.

8th Annual Pop-up Opens November 25th

* When the shop is open


Historic Shell Holiday Shop

Shop small! Shop Local! Support Artists and Makers!
Weekends, Thanksgiving to New Years
232 Front Street North, Issaquah WA

The Historic Shell Holiday Shop is a great place to find unique handmade gifts for the special people on your list. Features jewelry, gifts, decor, stationery, and more from more than 30 artists and craftspeople in a curated setting in a delightful historic building in Downtown Issaquah.


Latest News and Photos on Instagram


For questions email Alison Lang

For other events in Downtown Issaquah visit the DIA website

CLOSED : 2022 Historic Shell Holiday Shop Artist Call

The 2022 Call for artists is now closed! If you’d like to learn more about the shop check here and feel free to email Alison at [email protected]

Calling Local Artists and Makers!

We’re looking for talented local artists and craftspeople to feature in the eighth annual Historic Shell Holiday Shop in Downtown Issaquah: 232 Front St N.
If you make great gifty goods we want to feature you!

This holiday shop is curated and run by Alison Lang of So, There (andsothere.com); and will focus on fun, unique, handmade gifts of all sorts. The shop will be open weekends from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve 2022 in beautiful, festive Downtown Issaquah.

No table or booth fees! No booth to tend! Chosen products will be sold on consignment, and artists will receive payment (minus commission) for sales following the shop’s closure in December. Artists will be responsible for dropping off stock on November 20-21 and picking it up on Jan 1-2 (details below).

If you make it, we want to see it! We are looking for handmade: fashion accessories, jewelry, pillows, candles, textiles, home accessories, small furniture pieces, journals, stationery, books, office accessories, gadgets, games, children’s toys, and more! Locally designed items will also be considered. Please Note – I will review original art pieces, but hanging and displaying original pieces is extremely difficult in the space, so I am limited in the kind of art I can accept.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE

• Artists must be able to drop off stock on November 20th or 21st, and pick up on January 1st or 2nd. You may ship your work, but you are responsible for all shipping fees.
• Shop commission is 40% to cover insurance, display, processing fees, and venue. Artist will receive 60% of sales, via check or PayPal by January 30th, 2023.
• Artists must affix a tag to each item which includes a business name, SKU (see below), and price (pencil is ok!)
• Priority will be given to early applicants, those we’ve worked with in the past, and those that are very local to Issaquah.
• You may provide display pieces or furniture if you like, but they may be used anywhere in the store.

Again, this year, I will be requiring photos for each unique item so that I can list them online for in-store pickup for customers who would prefer that to shopping in person. Each unique item will also need to be marked with an item number (SKU) and price. I’m definitely working to make sure this is as painless a process as possible, and will have more specifics if your work is accepted. I understand that photos can be tricky for some people, but don’t worry- we’ll make it all work!


Join Us!

Please fill out our Google form below by October 30 to be considered for the 2022 Holiday Shop. I will send a confirmation that I have received your application within 3 days. If you don’t hear from me within 3 days, or have any problems with the application, please email me at [email protected]

2021 Featured Artists and Makers

AMJ Art & Illustration
Beastie and Bone
Beehive Creations
Brianna Perkow
Carlie Williams Art
Christine Stoll Studio
Clay It Forward
Ebullient Marks
Emerald ripple
Graceful Moon Studios
Hall Studio Designs

Jillian Born
Kitten Mittens
Lisa A Design
MCreativeJ
Melissa Zahradnicek 
Northwest Makes
Porpe Artifacts
Rachel Beyer
Sage on the Mountain
Sandy Perkow

Sarah Brighton
Silver & Cedar
So There
Starlight Glassworks
Still Blooming co
Tea House Jewelry
uzura
World of Woollycraft
WriteSpark Press
Yardia

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2022 Holiday Shop Dates

Historic Shell Holiday Shop

Weekends, Thanksgiving to New Years
232 Front Street North, Issaquah WA

FACEBOOK – for the most up-to-date news.

HOLIDAY SHOP FEED – for the call for artists application (typically opens early October) and more in depth information

MAILING LIST – to get updates on the call for artists, opening news, and other infrequent announcements.

INSTAGRAM – Pretty pictures of cool stuff.

The 2021 Historic Shell Holiday Shop is now open in Issaquah!

HISTORIC SHELL HOLIDAY SHOP
Open Friday thru Sunday, 12-5PM
Nov.26 – Dec.31, 2021
232 Front Street N, Issaquah

>> Shop online for same day pick-up! <<

Find great gifty goods from more than 30 local artists at the 7th annual Historic Shell Holiday Shop– jewelry, ceramics, cards, journals, patches, stickers, pins, ornaments, decoration… the list goes on. You’re sure to find something amazing for someone amazing– all while supporting local craftspeople. Curated by Alison Lang (So, There.) with the Downtown Issaquah Association.

A few things are still different this year, but the shop is still packed full of amazing treasures, so take a look at our extra details below, and swing by for a visit– either in-store or online.

THIS YEAR

The in-store limit is 8 people at one time including children. Please take a peek to make sure there is room for your party before entering. If we are at capacity you will be asked to wait outside on one of our covered benches until there is room for you. This is first-come-first-serve, but if you’d like a guaranteed shopping time, please email Alison at [email protected] to see about a personal shopping time outside of our normal hours.

You must wear a face covering at all times while in the store. We will have masks available to you if you need one. Please make sure your mouth and nose are completely covered. Extra points for fun masks. (;

Please use sanitizer before handling anything in the store. Don’t worry, we have plenty to share. Also remember to keep a safe distance from other customers at all times.

Shop online! Almost everything in the Historic Shell Holiday Shop is available to order online, and you can shop anytime. Just pick what you’d like to take home, pay online and let us know when you’d like to pick it up. Please give us at least 1 hour to fill your order.
Pick-up is available at the the Holiday Shop (232 Front Street N, Issaquah) Friday-Sunday 12:30-5PM. Please park near the station and go to the building to request your bundle. If you have any issues text or call 425-281-9083 or email [email protected].
Shipping is also available, see our online shop for details, or email Alison with any questions.

Private Shopping available including before 12 and after 6 on our open days. Please email Alison to arrange a private shopping time.

All sales are final, which is our policy every year, but even more important this year to protect the health of our customers and artists.

Hours and Open Dates are subject to change. We can’t predict the future, so do consider getting your shopping done early. The bonus is that you will have even more options to choose from! You can see the latest news at www.facebook.com/shellholidayshop or contact Alison.

Any other questions? Alison’s your gal- [email protected], 425-281-9083.

All out artists appreciate your support, and I love getting to interact with you all every year.


Artists rely heavily on sales they make during the holiday season, and these couple of years have been extra tricky. If you have the means, please consider supporting artist businesses and small, local businesses.
Your impact is huge, and we 🖤 you.

–Alison Lang: Lettering fiend and letterpress friend at So There, Issaquah.

Call for Artist and Makers : 2021 Holiday Shop

CLOSED Calling Local Artists and Makers!

**Edited 10/31 – The 2021 Call for Artists is now closed. I look forward to seeing you all at the shop!

It’s hard to believe, but it’s that time again! Since we’re not quite out of the pandemic woods yet, the items in this year’s shop will also be available online– giving customers a chance to pick up their orders in the store. This means a few extra steps for artists, but it makes a huge difference in our accessibility. Thanks for your understanding!

We’re looking for talented local artists and craftspeople to feature in the seventh annual Historic Shell Holiday Shop in Downtown Issaquah: 232 Front St N. If you make great gifty goods we want to feature you!

This holiday shop is curated and run by Alison Lang of So, There (andsothere.com); and will focus on fun, unique, handmade gifts of all sorts. The shop will be open weekends, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve 2021 in beautiful, festive Downtown Issaquah.

No table or booth fees! No booth to tend! Chosen products will be sold on consignment, and artists will receive payment (minus commission) for sales following the shop’s closure in December. Artists will be responsible for dropping off stock on November 21-22 and picking it up on Jan 1-2 (details below).

If you make it, we want to see it! We are looking for handmade: fashion accessories, jewelry, pillows, candles, textiles, home accessories, small furniture pieces, journals, stationery, books, office accessories, electronic gadgets, games, children’s toys, and more! Locally designed items will also be considered. I will review original art pieces, but hanging and displaying original pieces is extremely difficult in the space, which limits the kinds of pieces I can display.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE

• Artists must be able to drop off stock on November 21st or 22nd, and pick up on January 1st or 2nd. You may ship your work, but you are responsible for all shipping fees.
• Shop commission is 40% to cover insurance, display, processing fees, and venue. Artist will receive 60% of sales, via check or PayPal by January 30th, 2022.
• Artists must affix a tag to each item which includes a SKU (see below), price tag, and business name (pencil is ok!)
• Priority will be given to early applicants and those that are very local to Issaquah.
• You may provide display pieces or furniture if you like, but they may be used anywhere in the store.

Last year’s pandemic Holiday Shop was a lot of work, but I was so glad to have the opportunity to represent local artists and give people another way to find some special gift– and I’m excited to do it again this year. Again, this year, I will be requiring photos for each unique item so that I can list them online for in-store pickup for customers who would prefer that to shopping in person. Each unique item will also need to be marked with an item number (SKU) and price. I’m definitely working to make sure this is as painless a process as possible, and will have more specifics if your work is accepted. I understand that photos can be tricky for some people, but don’t worry- we’ll make it all work!


Join Us!

Please fill out our Google form below by October 30 to be considered for the 2020 Holiday Shop. I will send a confirmation that I have received your application within 2 days. If you don’t hear from me within 2 days, or have any problems with the application, please email me at [email protected]

2020 Featured Artists and Makers

AMJ Art & Illustration
A Tea Leaf
Beastie + Bone
Blue Egg Studio LLC
Beehive Creations
Christine Stoll Studio
Denali Paper Co.
Earth & Clay
Ebullient Marks Calligraphy
Emerald Ripple
Graceful Moon Studios
Hall Studio Designs
Jillian Born
WriteSpark
Kitten Mittens
Little Green
MCreativeJ
Melissa Zahradnicek 
Ponderosa creative
Print Ritual
Rachel Beyer
Silver & Cedar
Starlight Glassworks
So There
Tea House Jewelry
uzura
World of Woollycraft
Yardia

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