This Capitol Hill shop and gallery carries an eclectic variety of arts and crafts by local artists. Though interesting arts and whimsical pieces abound, my current favorites are:

  1. An ABC book by artist and Bluebottle co-owner Matthew Porter ($8.95, Simply Read Books, 2006): Each letter of the alphabet features a reproduction of an original hand-painted big-eyed animal. For example, B is for Beaver and Q is for Quokka (an Australian mammal akin to wallabies). The thick-paged board has a vintage feel. They are so adorable that I'm stocking up to give one to every expectant mother I know. You can also buy original acrylic and ink paintings on wood ($100) and prints ($20).
  2. Products by Fluffy Co.: Their functional, handcrafted items include felt-lined vinyl iPod cases screen-printed with bicycles, boom boxes, stars, deer, hummingbirds, and other images ($26). They also make glasses cases ($17), luggage tags ($12), and checkbook covers ($20) which are fun for you and great inexpensive gifts for friends.
  3. Sewn drawing pillows: Round and rectangular pillows by Thread Heads feature sewing machine "freehand" images of cocktails in fancy glasses, owls, and nests. Artist Kristin Loffer Theiss handcrafts each one-of-a-kind pillow in neutral cotton duck and canvas ($65 each).

You'll find other unusual gifts including felt donuts by Sew Dorky and Fatty Humper toys – felt likenesses of ham slices, T-bone steaks and other carnivorous facsimiles.

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