Get ready for ‘Christmas Made in the South 2019’

To answer your question, “Christmas Made in the South” is a show presented by Carolina Show’s Inc. that featured ‘hand-crafted items.  Last year the Jacksonville, Florida event featured over 250 local artists and out-of-town vendors selling one-of-a-kind merchandise.  The 31st event will be right after Thanksgiving.

There is an abundance of food, pillows, hair bows, wrought iron sculptures, calligraphy, doll clothes, dog wear, rubber stamps, hammocks, puzzles, gadgets, books, boomerangs, birdhouses, stuffed animals, candles, artwork, sweaters, scarves & other clothing, pictures, paintings, calendars, pottery, grills, shoes, toys, educational components, plaques, jewelry, garden decor, glass art, lamps, baby items, coasters, things for the hunter and many, many, many, beautiful Christmas decorations.

After walking the outskirts of the booths and then zigzagging up and down the aisles, this writer covered the entire show in about three exciting hours.  There was so much to see and people were more than ready to explain how they made their wares.  It is a wonderful experience!

Customers weren’t just looking; they were walking out with bag and bags of goodies to give to others and keep for themselves.  This year’s event will continue to be the best shopping experience here in the Jacksonville, Florida area.

Below are some of the vendors and their websites that were here in the past.  Get ready to attend this year, and see if you can find any of these companies.  Be on the lookout for gifts to please that special someone in your life.  Take a look at some of the vendors below from prior CMITS events here in JAX, FL. and see if they return this year:

Bridget & Pauley Gourmet Soups & Dips	Incredible Eggs (Eggzkwizit Art)
Iris Korthauer Doily Boutique	Brooms and Boxes (A Shaker Tradition)
Wings of Faith (Inspiration & Keepsake Line)	Nut ‘n’ Better
U Name It Bears	Picturesque Wires
ABA Collectables	Nutty Bavarian
MIOTG (Hand Painted Crystal Nail Files)	R.B.W. Enterprise

Thanks to Russ, Bob Hunt, and Allison, of Carolina Shows Inc., who have been so hospitable to this Blogger.

“Christmas Made In The South”

DATES:
November 29 - Dec. 1, 2019
Fri. 9-6 - Sat. 10-6 - Sun. 11-5
(one admission is good for all 3 days with a hand stamp)

TICKETS: may be purchased onsite.
Adults: $8 – Children 12 & Under: FREE
$1.00 off Coupons with ‘discount coupon’ link

LOCATION:
 Prime Osborn Convention Center
 1000 Water St.
 Jacksonville, FL 32204

Cummer Museum offers Holiday shopping experiences

There are so many opportunities to shop, save, and support the Cummer Museum this holiday season. Shop the Season at the Cummer Shop is a selection of three distinct holiday shopping opportunities, all supporting the programs and mission of the Museum.  Follow #ShopTheSeason on Facebook and Instagram for previews of exciting merchandise and details!

The first event of the season is Holiday Shoppes in partnership with the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach.  This event will take place at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and will host a variety of vendors.  The event will take place on Friday November 9, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Admission is $5.  Proceeds from the event will support the Cultural Center and the Cummer Museum.

Museum Store Sunday, in partnership with the Museum Store Association, will take place on Sunday, November 25, 2018 from noon to 4 p.m.  This event is free to the public and all shoppers will receive a 25% discount on their purchases.  Join the Museum the Sunday after Thanksgiving for this worldwide museum shopping day that puts the spotlight on the mission-related products found at museum stores.  Celebrate with 25% off on the 25th, trunk shows by local artisans, free Museum Store Sunday tote bag with first 25 purchases over $50, free entry to win one of two Family Memberships on all purchases over $50.  #BeAPatron

The final event in the series is the Cummer Shop’s annual Champagne & Shopping.  This fantastic event takes place on Thursday and Friday, December 6-7, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers while shopping special artisan merchandise brought in just for this two-day event.  Trunk show offerings will include: Alynn – Conversational neckties and accessories; Betsey Drake Interiors – Outdoor home accessories; Italianissimo – Very Italian modern jewelry design; KJK Jewelry – Distinctive museum-inspired jewelry; Melissa & Doug – Toys to ignite the imagination; Museum Gifts Company – Music gifts for all ages; Uncommon Artwear, and much, much more!

For more information on any of these events, please contact the Cummer Shop at 904.899.6035 or email.  The Cummer Shop is filled with items that are educational, inspirational, and fun.  The selections reflect the quality of the Cummer Museum’s permanent collection, gardens, and exhibitions.  The Shop features artwork for sale by local and regional artists, a dynamic selection of wearable art, garden and home décor, children’s toys, books, cards, and art prints.  Proceeds from the Cummer Shop support the many programs at the Museum.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   Hours of Operation & Admission

Cummer Museum presents annual holiday shopping

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens invites guests to enjoy its annual Champagne & Shopping event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, December 8 and 9, at the Cummer Shop. Guests will enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers, all while shopping special artisan merchandise on display just for this two-day event. Admission is free and guests will enjoy a 20% discount on their entire purchase, in addition to regular Member Discounts. Champagne & Shopping is the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts while supporting the Museum’s mission “to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens, and education.”

This year the Cummer Shop is excited to host brands such as: Beer Cap Trap: the coolest way to display your love of beer; Dana Giardina Designs: statement necklaces by local designer; Italianissimo: very Italian modern design jewelry; Louis Sherry Chocolates: when it’s a matter of good taste; Stewart/Stand Stainless Steel Wallet: innovative accessories for men; Swara Jewelry: handmade jewelry with natural gemstones; Wee Gallery: smart art for little minds; Wendy Stevens: hand-fabricated metal handbags; and Wild Hare Designs: linens with an attitude.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
  829 Riverside Avenue
  Jacksonville, Florida 32204
  (904) 356-6857
  Hours of Operation & Admission

For further information, please visit the Cummer Museum or call the Cummer Shop at (904) 899-6035.

“Excuse Me, No, Excuse Me”

As we eagerly embrace this holiday season, let’s take a look at some things around us, and how we may diffuse (put out) fires before they ever start.

“Let’s go shopping”. A whole book can be written about the etiquette of the retail world. Allow me to begin with space. There are crowds everywhere; the malls, the grocery store, restaurants, and even in the street. People are seeking bargains and the “GI Joe with the Kung Fu grip” (did they ever make such a toy?). Money may be tight, problems still find their way into our lives, but we’ve got to remember that it’s the main season for caring, thoughtfulness and love. Yes, it is Jesus’ birthday and He is the reason for the season. With that being said, let me help you a little bit.

Shopping can be a ruthless job. If there’s only one size 10 red sweater in that particular style, and you & Ms. Molly have your hands on it – give it to Ms. Molly because God’s got a better sweater for you at a lower price and at a different store.

If you have time, I’ve posted three pics on my page, about this next subject, “Crowded stores, strollers & shopping carts (see Childless Wheels). What’s this all about you ask? It’s about children being carried by their Mama’s and their strollers are being pushed into your path - if not over your toes. When there are large crowds in tight places, please be thoughtful. If you have a need to get out of the house with your children, please feed them, put them down for a nap and make sure they know that they’re not going to the playground, but to a store. Remind me later to talk about Massachuttes and how they want to abolish parents spanking their children.

For all of my fellow salespeople, this one’s for you. Stores do not have built-in “maids”. If you take clothes into a dressing room, don’t throw the clothes on the floor. Hang them back on the hanger. The salesperson is not your Mama, Wife or Flunkey. And please, treat the salesperson the way you would want to be treated. Be Kind.

You’ve probably heard about this one in church; be considerate when you drive. Watch out for the other person. Drive defensively! Leave early and take your time. You are probably just as surprised as I am to notice how many people’s turn signals don’t work. Pray that those persons get new bulbs for those lights and that they’ll begin to use that little lever on the steering wheel.

So until next week, let’s keep the phrase, “Merry Christmas” flowing in the air. Love ya’ll.

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com