Peddling Whimsy
Red Velvet Art showcases gifts, décor and art (of course) that come straight from the minds and hands of individual artists and local creative minds.
THE SHOP: Red Velvet Art, 200 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-863-8828, redvelvetart.com. Open Tues.–Sat. 12–7 p.m. and Sun. 12–5 p.m. Closed on Monday.
KEY PEOPLE: Elsie Flannigan is the owner/buyer/artist of Red Velvet Art, and she fits perfectly inside these walls. She greets me from behind the counter in black-rimmed glasses and a vintage checkered jumper. Big smile and very pretty, she is unique from head to toe. Elsie is from Springfield and got her crafty boost from her mother, who was an art teacher. Through indie art, the online craft community and mid-century children’s books (Mary Blair, Peter Pan...) she is inspired. She herself is an inspiration, having been the creator behind a scrapbooking line called “Love Elsie,” which was distributed through Hobby Lobby. She has also penned two books, Love Elsie Recipe Idea Box and Fifty-Two Scrapbooking Challenges.
What’s To LoveOur favorite things at Red Velvet Art |
ATMOSPHERE: As I drive down Commercial Street, I see a sweet splash of color and decaled windows that speak to my artsy-fartsy side. The decals lend enough empty space to see in, and I can feel the pitter-patter of my heart connect directly with the custom illustrations that are hanging against fairy-tale blue walls. Once inside, I was thrilled to see the straight-lined organization against the soft natural lines of the art. No clutter, just right to the point. It says, “We have adorable stuff.” The smell was fresh, the music was local, and I was in for a treat.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND: The thing that I love about this shop is that it is largely made up of the works of independent artists, and most everything is handmade. The prices range from $3–50, but most things are priced in the teens. The mix of items all have a common thread in that they are fun and whimsical, and nothing takes itself too seriously. There are sushi and bubble tea stickers ($3), tea towels with sewing machines embroidered on them ($18), and other quirky items that you might not be able to leave without.
417 VERDICT: Elsie had done such a beautiful job with this space. It’s like a cupcake on the corner. It’s the perfect shop to purchase unique gifts for people with personality. But if you’re boring, and your favorite color is beige, you need not come. Or on the other hand, come inside and let Elsie introduce you to your brand new pair of rose-colored glasses.
