Bowl of Thistles

Shortly after a colleague from my old job told me that another former employee opened a shop following the birth of her son, I found myself wandering aimlessly around Sellwood, as my Mother-​in-​law indulged her penchant for antique-​shopping… and ran across Bowl of Thistles, entirely accidentally. As I was telling my husband «Hey! I know who owns this place!» Stephanie (the owner) was busy telling her coworker «Hey! I know that woman!» Happy reunion ensued, followed by amazed perusal… honestly, I was astonished by the array of beautifully-​showcased, high-​quality, candy-​like local artists’ works tempting me from every corner. And she put it together in only a few months!!! There were art-​glass bowls and vases and jewelry, watercolor paintings and print cards, fabric arts fashion accoutrements and wall-​hangings, crazy and humorous and «why-didn’t-I-think-of-that» useful home décor, and all in a cute little renovated Victorian… must go back when I have a tshatshke/​goodie budget. Really reasonable prices, too, especially given the quality of the merchandise and the trendiness of the area…