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.
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.
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 info@andsothere.com
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 info@andsothere.com
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
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.
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. 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.
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!
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!
And if you ARE accepted into the shop’s collection…
TIPS FOR ACCEPTED ARTISTS
PACKAGING
All items will need to have a tag FIRMLY attached with their item number and price.
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.
All things will get handled a little bit, so think about ways to protect your items and labeling. 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 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 am happy to give business cards to customers, though.
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.
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 info@andsothere.com 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 info@andsothere.com. 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.
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.
**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 info@andsothere.com
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
I want to send my thanks to everyone who made this year’s Holiday Shop the success it was- artists and customers alike. 2020 was ROUGH but you all came together to show support, and it warmed my heart.
The shop is a lot of work, but is the best thing I do each year, and this year I was a little wary of what I was getting myself in to. I shouldn’t have worried as much– you are all so awesome.
Anyways, the holiday shop is now closed, but I’m back at the studio (345 1st Place NW) on Wednesdays, and I’ll be doing it all again next year. Make sure to follow us on facebook or sign up for the very infrequent mailing list to get the latest announcements– including the call for artists (beginning of October) and any dates and changes.
This year’s Holiday Shop features great gifty things from nearly 30 local artists– 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. This is the shop’s 6th year, curated by Alison Lang (So, There.) with the Downtown Issaquah Association.
A few things are 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.
The in-store limit is 5 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 info@andsothere.com 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 2 hours 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 425-281-9083 (please do not call) or email info@andsothere.com. If you would like to arrange shipping, complete your sale and contact Alison. She will calculate your shipping charge, via USPS Priority Mail and invoice you separately.
Private Shopping available including before 12 and after 5 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.
I just want to thank you all for the support you’ve given me and the other Holiday Shop artists over the years. We all appreciate you so very much! Artists rely heavily on sales they make during the holiday season, and this year is even more fraught. 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.
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