Thrifty Thursday (July 12th, 2012) Gifts that give back and wonderful walls

I have loads of thrifty pretties for you to behold. So let's get started shall we?

The Giving Place
430 East 25th Street, Suite 3, Tacoma, 253.307.6271
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Located in Freighthouse Square for the last 15 years (most recently moving from one inside suite to another as of May) The Giving Place is not just another gift store. It's so much more. 

Owner Gary Pieterman spent years as a care giver, both volunteering his hours and as a career choice. This store was a way for him to "retire," (though the man is always on-hand there), and give back to the community. They sell all sorts of cool things and 50% of all net profits are donated to causes that support those with life altering illness and afflictions. So the title in itself is not just a clever name for a gift store but precisely what Pieterman aims to do. His enthusiastic positivity exudes, really it's hard not to smile while talking to the guy. Here are a few of my favorite examples of things for sale there:


Super cute woven bag. Helllllllloooo Summer. You can put loads of your needs in this bad boy and have a daycation.

The Giving Place is home to lots of LGBT community support, like bumper stickers, publications and more. I love these!

The store is full of nifty exotic gifts like scarves, these hanging decorations, blown glass pieces and so much more.


In the window display is a collectable and humorous group of mermen and mermaids. Loads of characters to choose from. This is an example of how Pieterman shows his support for Pride Month. He also told me about the annual pride flag raising on the 13th of July at the Tacoma Municipal Building that kicks off a string of exciting events in Tacoma in celebration of Pride Month. 

Candy, candy and more candy. Pieterman says people are always surprised by some of the classics that are hard to find elsewhere.

This beauty really caught my attention.


Julie Luke
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This week we are featuring some of Julie Luke's more recent works from her 2012 collection. While many originals are already sold, she still has prints available. I recommend buying prints because they are an easy and financially practical way to fill your home with gorgeous art.

Limited prints are available:

20x30 - $100.00
16x20 - $75.00
11x14 - $50.00

If it happens you're not in the Tacoma area or you'd like to send one as a gift to a loved one elsewhere you'll be happy to know that the prices include shipping in the U.S. Please contact the artist for details on pricing for originals and to make purchase arrangements. She is not a brick and mortar business.
This weeks features are a very different collection from those featured last time. With each collection a unity in ambiance is created with the iconic feeling of each piece. It's almost as though Luke is manifesting an era with each collection.
 32x40 "The Watchful Deva's" Both the original and prints are available now.

"Freedom AND the Healers," 32x40 on mat board, the original is also for sale.

32x40 "Oro Twins and the Totem of Freedom"
The original has sold!

32x40 "Tranquility," the original has sold!

For updates of gallery showings, print sales and new pieces connect with her on Facebook. 

Gaudy Girl Sales
Visit Ruby Lane
Shop on Craigslist
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Today it's all about the wall space. Gaudy Girl has loads to fill your empty spaces for the thrifty price. Take these two heart paintings.

Or how about a collection of mirrors. She has loads to choose from!


I love this distressed look.


I know what you're thinking, "A parasol as wall decoration?" Parasols can be used to accent the corner of a room or serve as hanging lights with a little ingenuity.

Tell me that this damask mirror doesn't remind you of a certain Duchess.


If you contact any of these lovely people, please let them know the Duchess of Downtown blog sent you! They will take extra good care of you.

XOXO,
Lady Jacqueline




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