Christina's Place
Why St. Elmo’s Fire? |
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I often get asked why I named the store St. Elmo’s Fire. (The bone-chilling story goes…) As I was driving along the 417 from Almonte towards home (the West end of Ottawa), I suddenly felt the desire to drive through Stittsville. I had been keeping my eyes open for the perfect old structure for my business and Stittsville “called” me off the highway that day. I followed my intuition and drove toward Main Street. As I did this, St.Elmo’s Fire, (the John Parr song), played on the radio and I boldly sang along. When what to my wandering eyes did appear? … A miniature log house – with a ‘for sale” sign on it! (Poetry not my best art form…). I pulled the car over, dialed the listing agent’s number and discovered that the house had just been listed not an hour before! I knew it was fate – or was I summoned to the house? That night I ‘googled’ the term St.Elmo’s Fire as that darned song kept playing in my mind. The definition of St. Elmo’s fire is very simply a type of plasma lightning, which glows an eerie blue during and electrical storm. I could not at this time understand the connection - nor did I see this as a “sign”.
When I came to the house the next morning to meet the agent and see the house, he presented me with a pile of papers – mostly typical real estate stuff but also a document from the historical society explaining that the house did indeed have a resident ghost. A little uneasy about the discovery I began to read… The first paragraph caught my attention like a cold shower – ‘Children used to stand outside and watch as a blue light would emanate and dance out of the chimney’ – There was my St. Elmo’s Fire! This time I felt as though I had better listen and the store was named.
Built in 1871 this log home - very bright and modernized - now boasts 3 floors of shopping nirvana! The stone cellar is the perfect setting for an intimate studio. The stone walls and low-beamed ceiling are a feast for the creative senses itself. The Main Floor is home to a continuously changing supply of local, original art, food and home décor – even the furniture (refinished antiques) is for sale! The 2nd floor – the loft- is dedicated to fashion, kids stuff (very unique gifts for kids of all ages), baby items, art supplies and wedding gifts galore – we have a bridal registry too!
Much of the art, furniture and fashion I create are made from aged and recycled materials. The entire house was redesigned inside and renovated by me – This is when I will give credit here to my very loving husband, Paul for his hard work. One special feature is the chandelier I created during an art course in Tuscany. I found aged items and arranged them into a modern eclectic piece that now proudly hangs in the staircase. This chandelier is quite stunning to see.. Better yet, you can make it here in a workshop!
My friends also know that I’m a Foodie. I like all that is very flavorful, rich, fresh and interesting. However it is prepared – fast or slow – I like it to taste amazing and delight my guests. I like to carry food products that make anyone look like a culinary genius: Add meat and vegetables and VOILA! – “ Oh, Sally, you’re such a great cook”! My work is done – making you look great!
I love to show my varied ways of creating. I will be working in my studio most Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the day. Please call before dropping by on these days or call me to arrange for an appointment. You can also, look for the open sign out front when I am in. The store will be open however, for regular shopping hours Thursday through Sunday.
Calling all artists...
I’m attracted to artists and artisans who are theatrical in their design – things that make a statement. I like both big art, and small with dynamic touches. If you are interested in consigning with St. Elmo’s Fire for 1-2 months at a time, please send jpg’s as an email attachment with a sampling of your work. We will contact you with an available time frame to show your work. There is no submission fee but there is a $15.00 fee for up to 3 pieces per month (approx 22 X30 each). The price can be negotiated for smaller or larger items. We will then take a 25% commission per piece for selling your work. Be sure to include the 25% in your selling price. All emailed photos much include the Title, Size, Medium and Price. Due to the high demands for art showcasing, there may be a waiting list.
Contact me.
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