December 5, 2011

artist charity auction: spreading the cheer

Scoutie Girl friend Khristian Howell recently told us about a wonderful project she’s doing this week. We thought we’d share it with you – and give you a chance to get in on the action!

Artist Charity Auction

Tell us about the Artist Charity Auction. How did it get started?

The holiday season is in full swing. We are all so very busy with life, family, and work – it’s true. However, this is also a really great time of year to reflect. I was doing just this last weekend, and this idea popped into my head for this auction. This has been an amazing year, and I felt compelled to do something to express how thankful I am for all that has come my way. I am thrilled to bring this auction to you. I am so proud to have joining me this incredible group of very talented artists, and I am so thankful that they took time out of their super busy schedules to help me make this happen.

How does the auction work?

There will be a new batch of wonderful items to bid on each day starting today, Monday, December 5. The auction will run through Friday, December 9. 100% of the proceeds will be donated via Charity Choice to the American Humane Society, Toys for Tots, and the American Red Cross.

Learn more and place your bids at the Artist Charity Auction website.

Who is donating work to the auction?

Participants include June Shin, Jessica Swift, Khristian A. Howell, Jessica Durrant, Stephanie Corfee, Stephanie Ryan, Michelle Armas, Niki Malek, Linda Ketelhut, Leah Duncan, Rachael Taylor, Danielle Malmgren, Valentina Ramos, Three By Sea, Sarah Watson, Fifi Runn, Pawling Print Studio, and Aimee Myers Dolich.

Happy bidding, and Happy Holidays!
Khristian A. Howell + (amazing) friends

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March 30, 2011

best of the bricks: embellish – chicago, illinois

best of the bricks

Heading to fabulous Chi-town today to swing by the beautiful shop Embellish and learn about owner Barb’s handmade mission.

My husband and I have lived in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago for 15 years. Part of the reason we love it so much is because there’s no pretension. It’s just an unassuming and nice neighborhood where people have an appreciation for unique and interesting things. Embellish offers just that, in a cozy and comfortable setting, like the neighborhood. We’re coming up on our third anniversary, and I love that Embellish is such a part of the community that people stop by just to say hi or play with Cricket.

My goal is to have the kind of place where there are unique, beautiful things you won’t see on every corner, that don’t cost a fortune. The majority of the merchandise in my store is handmade and independent.

Handmade is important to me because I believe in the little guy and I believe in the quality and the creativity you can only get from an independent designer.

I am passionate about everything in my store, and the only way to share that is face-to-face.

Having a physical space has always been a priority. It’s difficult to truly appreciate handmade jewelry, bags, and scarves without seeing them, touching them, and trying them on. I like a relaxed place that plays good music in the background, so that’s what I created for my customers.

Embellish
4161 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60618
773.525.4400
M-F 11-7
Saturday 11-6
Sunday 12-5

Featured
Karen Weiss
Laurel Denise

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March 17, 2010

best of the bricks :: introducing khristian a howell

surface designs by khristian a howell

i’m so excited to let you know that khristian howell, surface designer & photographer extraordinaire, is joining scoutie girl for a new weekly feature! khristian will be bringing your the “best of the bricks” on wednesday afternoons – highlighting great boutiques, gift shops, galleries, and anything else made out of brick & mortar.

have a shop you’d like to recommend? leave a comment on this post so she can check it out!!

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