Shell Point Cottage owner Lola Foster offers a warm welcome to customers and vendors alike. Lisa Stark photos | lisastark.com
By LISA STARK
Contributing Writer/Photographer
Are you ready to detox from the holiday shopping madness in an atmosphere of sensory serenity? Shell Point Cottage in Ruskin may be just the place for you. Newly opened on Nov. 4 and sporting an eclectic assortment of “shabby chic” arts and crafts, this cozy little lavender shop is an oasis of afternoon shopping pleasure.
Located near the corner of W. Shell Point Road and U.S. 41, Shell Point Cottage is the creation of Oregon native Lola Foster and her daughter, Sarina Correa, who wanted to promote local artists in a comfortable, homey setting. With artwork ranging from jewelry making, painting and printmaking to handpainted furniture, silk florals and home décor, Shell Point Cottage truly offers something for everyone.
“At first we were worried we wouldn’t be able to fill this place,” said owner Lola Foster. “Now we literally have a waiting list of artists wanting to get in.”
Some of the current artists featured include Ellen Bressi, who specializes in original Swarovski crystal earrings; Kristy Seibert, who creates custom scented candles, picture frames and home décor; Lea Szymonski, designer of children’s clothes, bibs, napkins and pillows; Dina Bastion, who fashions American primitive candles and tea-stained fabric flowers; Nancy Petterson of Jane Mae Jewels, who produces custom-made jewelry; Gina Recio, creator of handmade greeting cards; Britten Pisowicz, who designs personalized home décor signs; Amy Martin, who crafts gourd art, birdhouses, bowls and jewelry; and Beth Teller, who creates repurposed handpainted furniture.
“It’s a constantly evolving process,” said Lola, describing how she is continually expanding and revising spaces to accommodate new artists.
Recently an entire room was reorganized for Reddington Beach artist Alex Dragoni, who creates luminous inked “fish rubs” on canvas, using the traditional method of Japanese “fish printing” dating to the mid-1800s. These colorful fish images adorn the walls of the “Man Den” recently designed by sister artist Veronica Dragoni to encourage male customers to come in and enjoy the artwork along with their female counterparts.
Lola credits her 20 years of experience in the Oregon floral industry for giving her the eye for aesthetics and for the ability to work with customers from all walks of life. “Our Seaside floral shop produced arrangements for weddings, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and convention centers all along the Oregon coast,” she said, producing skills that she has now transferred to her new Florida business.
Pairing with her daughter Sarina, a finance professional, has helped Lola identify areas of expansion for Shell Point Cottage. The mother-and-daughter team plans to add a full-service floral shop in the rear of the cottage, set to open Feb. 1. It will accommodate walk-in and online customers alike through the national website at www.bloomnation.com.
Seated are artist Veronica Dragoni, left, and vendor Beth Teller. Standing are art instructor Beth Chavez and owner Lola Foster.
Lola will also offer painting and pastel classes in the coming months at the cottage. Certified art instructor Beth Chavez will hold her first class Jan. 20, patterned after “One-Stroke” creator Donna Dewberry, who has authored a number of books and TV shows based on her painting technique.
Shell Point Cottage is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, look for them on Facebook, on their website at www.shellpointcottage.com or call 813-330-6511.
