Aug 26, 2010

A Gift Shop With A Tender TouchBy Thealexa BeckerLakewoodObserver.com

If you are looking for a unique, local gift store that offers a wide variety of hand-painted items and other gift-giving essentials, look no further than Tess’ Tender Touch.

Its owner and founder, Theresa Ferline-Carr, a life-long Lakewood resident and part-time Lakewood Hospital employee, knowing how much customers love hand-made items, developed an interest in starting a gift shop.

“A unique thing about the store is the hand-painted bottles from recycled glass,” said Theresa. The store also offers painted wine bottles and the increasingly popular plant feeders, which provide plant lovers a colorful and decorative way to care for their plants. Additionally, Tess’ Tender Touch supplies other gift-giving essentials, like candles and candleholders, as well as cards and jewelry.

“I have a jeweler, Denise Gill, who uses semi-precious stones, sterling silver and Swarovski crystals,” said Theresa about her efforts to make her store a one-stop shop, adding that all items leave the store in a gift bag. “I also have a card-maker, Beth Taylor, who does greeting cards, gift tags, notepads, gift boxes, and CD clocks. Pat Loose also makes walker bags.”

Theresa also offers custom designing. Her most recent example was a full set of toasting glasses for a wedding, along with favors and centerpieces that were designed to the couple’s wishes to match the invitation.

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