Gift Certificates now available!

We now offer gift certificates you can purchase from the blog! All you need is a credit card. You can also purchase them by mail with a check or in the store of course.

Holiday Schedule

Woah!! We're almost there! We will be open on Christmas Eve, Closed on Christmas Day and Sunday. We will also be closed early New Year's Eve and will be closed New Year's Day.

Be safe and have a great holiday season!
AnnaLisa

P.S. We will also most likely be closed on Thursday!

Councilwoman LaFayette

If you haven't heard, I am now on the Board of Directors for the Vashon-Maury Island Community Council and am serving as Secretary. I have every intention of serving our community to the fullest of my abilities while further nurturing the artist population of the Puget Sound region.

Have something to say about Vashon? Send me an email, your input is welcome and very necessary for the island to grow!!

-AnnaLisa LaFayette
Secretary, VMICC (who can be reached at fairweatheraffairs@gmail.com for all VMICC inquiries)

Art Zone with Nancy Guppy

Tina Witherspoon of Glamspoon gave us a mention on Seattle Channel!
Check it out in it's entirety or scan through to minute 26 or so.

Thanks Tina!!

Seattle Channel Video can be played in Flash Player 9 and up

Holiday Studio Tour December 4-5, 11-12

Come check us out along with 30+ other studios along the windy ways of Vashon. A weekend or two not to be missed.

http://vashonislandartstudiotour.com/Holiday2010/

             

Good Merchandise Anniversary Party! October 29th, 2010

Please help get the word out about the party! All of our artists are invited to commemorate the first year of success! 

Here's to many, many more,

     AnnaLisa

Contact: Good Merchandise

AnnaLisa LaFayette, Owner

Store Location: 17601 1/2 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon, WA 98070

Mail: PO Box 1335, Vashon, WA 98070-1335

Phone: 206-769-8627 cell

Email: vashongoodmerchandise@gmail.com

Blog: good-merchandise.blogspot.com

Website: good-merchandise.com

Vashon, WA: AnnaLisa LaFayette, owner of Vashon Island's Good Merchandise, is proud to announce the one year anniversary celebration of her first retail store in the center of downtown Vashon on October 29th, 2010. The store will host an all-ages open house from 5-9pm with a 21+ reception at Sporty's from 9pm to Midnight, located three doors south at 17611 Vashon Highway SW.

Good Merchandise specializes in handmade, locally produced arts and items from within 50 miles of the island. The boutique boasts over 100 artists and is always accepting new artists. The store also provides alteration and custom sewing services. 

The first year was a lesson in taking opportunities as they arise. In October 2009, the store opened in an off-street location, limiting the number of visitors who made it into the well-hidden shop. In April 2010, LaFayette was presented with the opportunity to relocate across the street at the old saw shop adjacent to The Hardware Store Restaurant. After an impressive three-week remodel and move, the store reopened on May 7th, 2010.

LaFayette plans to continue the storefront on Vashon while pursuing a location in another city for Spring 2011. "Vashon Island is a great flagship location for this store. We look forward to creating more exposure for local artists in a more populated location while expanding the amount of artists we can carry in one location," she explains. 

For more information, please contact AnnaLisa LaFayette at 206-769-8627, vashongoodmerchandise@gmail.com or by mail at PO Box 1335, Vashon, WA 98070.

#

The Barefoot Bandit Song

Barefoot Bandit Love

A song by the owner, who in her rare, before bed spare time writes love songs about serial thieves with her all too understanding boyfriend. 

UPDATES for SUMMER!!!

SUMMER IS HERE! Come spend the day on Vashon Island sometime over the next few months and stop on in! We are open seven days a week by noon. Please email or call for appointments and to guarantee I am at the shop if you need to speak with me directly.

As ALWAYS mentioned, we're accepting new artists from within 50 miles of the island. Spread the word or get on board! We have over 80 artists represented at the shop and we still have room for more.

Alterations are in full swing. Call for a quote or drop by with your items and we can take a peek at what you need done. Currently we're working on a custom denim jacket modification, a stuffed bear and an awesome coat applique! When summer comes to an end, we will change gears for costume orders for Halloween and other holiday events. Burning Man, summer festivals and parties are always a great place to wear an amazing work of art on your body so come on in and lets talk costumes for the summer and brainstorm for the fall!

We're looking for artists to show for the August First Friday Gallery Cruise at the Red Bicycle Bistro. We show regional two-dimensional artists on a monthly basis. Give me a call or send an email for more information. This month we're happy to show artists Erin Wheeler and Alexandria Sandlin. 

Vashon Craft! is happening on Sunday evenings from 4-close. RSVP required. Come see new works, get ideas or get something created!

SPECIAL EVENTS:

July 10th: Adrienne Antonson @ Souvenir in Ballard from 7pm to close. Go check out her rad insects constructed of hair. Very crafty! Her works will be there until August 8th.

July 10th and 11th: Urban Craft Uprising at the Seattle Center in Seattle. Tomonster and several other artists who have items in GM will be in attendance. Go get your craft on!

July 17th and 18th: Strawberry Festival is quickly approaching! We will be open during the festival and will have our own reserved seating for the parade on a first come first serve basis for our island artists. Show up before the parade begins on Saturday and have a seat with your fellow artisans. Also, be sure to check out artists in Ober Park, which will exclusively feature artists from Vashon Island. 

July 30th, 31st and August 1st: 2nd Annual Vashon Island Music Festival, produced by Rez One Productions. Ruben, owner of Rez One, has some glass art in our store and we're happy to support this island event! This year the event will be held at Paradise Ridge Park, on the westside of the island.

August 6th: First Friday Gallery Cruise for August is from 5-10pm. Check out our artists and see some fabulous works around town.

August 13th, 14th and 15th: Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs in Seattle. This event is surely one of the best I've ever seen for artist support. Details about the event, speakers and workshops at www.creativeconferencewest.com. Andrea Porter from Matthew Porter Art (who is a GM artist) has helped pull this event together and will be in attendance. 

August 23rd: Shameless self-promotion, it's my birthday. I'll be 26!!!

August 28th: Sounds on the Sound at Lisabeula Park. This event is also produced by Rez One Productions with support from the Vashon Park District.

And over at Books by the Way, Jan Staehli will be teaching an awesome crafty camp! Contact BBTW for more information at staff@booksbytheway.com.

tuesday, july 27th - thursday, july 29th

 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

                            crafty camp with jan staehli 

There are still a few spots left in this mini-camp.  Projects will include a memories box of natural material, picture frames, recycled items jewelry, games, and nature walks to collect items to use. Bring a lunch. Cost - $30/class or $75.00 for all three.  Ages 6-14.

See you at Good Merchandise soon!

AnnaLisa

June and July 2010

We've been staying really busy at the new location. I was able to take some much needed time off and am back with retail domination in mind!

Not that we need to recreate the store soon, but I went to the coast for my vacation and realized they need a Good Merchandise out there! Port Townsend seems like a really good match, but we're not expanding yet. It was nice to see other towns on the peninsula and notice the similarities and peculiarities of small towns! I value the richness that side of the Puget Sound has to offer.

Father's Day is June 20th! We're full of items for Pops on his big day, and we can always provide thoughtful ways to appreciate those you love!

Vashon Island Music Festival is coming up! The beginning of outdoor summer music starts soon here on the island. I'll be at the Lisabeula on the 26th to enjoy live music on the water!!

First Friday for July is the 2nd. Come stop by from 5-10 and check out our delicious appetizers and have a sip of wine!

July 17th-18th is the Vashon Island Strawberry Festival! Previously the peach festival, I personally think the festival should be the Vashon Blackberry Festival... Check it out! We'll be open all day and have plenty of new wares for the event.

That's all I can think of for now... p.s. bring in new items! We're looking forward to selling your art soon.
-AnnaLisa and the GM crew

REOPENING PHOTOS! (images by Colin Brynn)

A girl and a photographer on a mission.

Intern needs directions. Owner needs intern.

Pre-funkin with the Barry's.

The Diggers setting up.

PaRtY!

Today.

Busy at the new space!

A quick update... We are successfully open and are delighted with our new location. The blog will be updated with new images soon. Thanks for all the great wishes and support! And as always, we're looking for new art. Items are moving out faster than we can stock them!

-AnnaLisa and friends at Good Merchandise

May 2010 Update

In case you haven't heard already... We are taking our shop to the next level this month and are moving to the main highway as of May 1st, 2010!!! What does this mean for:

-Artists? May 1st through 6th we will be doing artist intake. If you are interested in showing at the new location, please contact me immediately via email. I will be contacting all in-store artists shortly with transition details.

-Customers? We will be easier to find, we will be open more and we will have a lot more to offer you in the near future.

-Other businesses? We are not intending on taking over the Vashon artist market (yet). There are only so many artists we can house at one time, and we are looking forward to rotating artists on a regular basis so everyone can have a turn! With our store on the main highway, we hope other businesses recommend our store as a point of interest like we do theirs!

-Alteration clients? Things are on hold until May. If you have not been contacted regarding your alteration order, please call me directly and we can make sure you get your garment on time.

-The old location? We are currently deciding what to do with the other space. I have been planning an artist collective and if you are interested in participating or renting the space, let me know! It's all still up in the air, but it is still in the hands of Good Merchandise.

And other exciting updates:

Strawberry Festival  status update: We will be on the main highway for the Strawberry Festival, and due to budget constraints from the move I have decided to cancel the booth. We will, however, be open for the weekend and will have access to the store front with plenty of traffic at our new location!

Vashon Craft! Sundays from 5-8: This adult group for crafters is an alternative to the other well respected "Stitch n' Bitch" groups on the island. Vashon Craft! will occuring every Sunday through the month of April. Please RSVP if you are interested in attending.

We provide in-store alterations, mending and fabrication of clothing and fabric projects at very affordable rates. Bring in your items for timely, guaranteed repairs. Many small repairs can be performed while you wait!

Intern: She's a keeper! Come in and meet Kaitlyn Thursday and Friday afternoons once the new store location opens.

Vashon Island Art Studio Tour May 1-2 and 8-9: Find a map at most art retailers on the island. Be sure to check out Barnworks, Vashon Woodworking, Fiddle Home Farm, Roobiblue Studios, Reimnitz Studio, Morgan Brig and of course, US! 

April 2010 Good Merchandise update!

Hello artisans and lovers of artistic creations,

Many thanks to everyone who has offered their advise and support! We are excited to be a part of the Vashon retail community and are looking forward to the spring and summer. I wanted to let everyone know about the new and exciting things happening at the store!

Good Merchandise now houses over 50 artists! And as always, we are looking for new artists to show their works of art. Feel free to forward my contact information.  And there is always room for more.

We provide in-store alterations, mending and fabrication of clothing and fabric projects at very affordable rates. Bring in your items for timely, guaranteed repairs. Many small repairs can be performed while you wait!

Good Merchandise has an intern! She is a delight and very helpful. Having an intern gives us the opportunity to teach while getting a little assistance and inspiration from a younger generation. We might have two by next month. 

Strawberry Festival  here we come! This year at the festival I will be sponsoring a 10X20 booth for our Vashon Island artists. Contact me as soon as possible if you would like to participate in the booth and store during the event, scheduled July 17th-18th, 2010. Deadline for participation is May 1st.

Vashon-Maury Island Chamber of Commerce is in sight as well. We will soon be chamber members, opening up many opportunities for networking and support. We are also in touch with the Vashon Merchant's Association and will hopefully link up with them soon.

Vashon Craft! is back this Sunday, March 28th from 5-8. This adult group for crafters is an alternative to the other well respected "Stitch n' Bitch" groups on the island. Vashon Craft! will occuring every Sunday through the month of April. Please RSVP if you are interested in attending. 

The store hours are changing for April and May. We will be open 12-5, Thursday through Sunday or by appointment. A little different, and we will expand more in the summer. That being said, if you see the sign, come on in!!!

Scheduled closures:

April 8th and 9th- we might have a lovely assistant in the store those days, but we are planning to head for the hills.

My fabled Boulder Bar will be in production and on the market soon. Boulder Bar has been a year long quest to find the absolute best ingredients for a high quality, emollient lotion bar without all the grease! Stop in and try one of my sample bars and tell me what you think.

Over and out,

AnnaLisa

We're so good, we got an intern.

That's right! Good Merchandise has an intern! And she is quite wonderful. We're busy getting to know each other so I know what's she's good at! Kaitlyn is confident on the machines and even sold some of my art when she was at the register! Springtime is a fantastic season to grow and explore, let's see what develops next...

3D goodies!!

Lots of new artists in already! Here's a sneak peak at some of the goods at GM...

Earrings by Bright Pirate, bracelet by Elan by Eva

bracelet by Morning Star Dichroic Glass

Button magnets and felt bowls by Starr Niego,

beer cap bulletin board by Feint

hand sculpted and signed figures by Mother Henna

With the springtime quickly approaching we have lots of colorful items in stock we would like to sell before we restock for the upcoming seasons, including hats and scarves from several local crochet and knit artists, bird houses, cards, prints, clothing, wallets, hand bags, bowls and more! Help us make more space and come buy some fabulously priced,handcrafted wares and precious presents. 

February fashion update, etc.

It's official. Fashion Week 2010 is occurring as we speak and I'm obsessed! The Fall Preview is actually quite good and it is incorporating a lot of DIY inspired components and features. Lacoste has a classy look that I can't get out of my head.

Here's my classy Valentine's Day look. Very PNWDIY: recycled K2 tee and jeans, black boots.

We're hitting the sewing machines, scissors and thread to come up with some new ideas for fabric manipulation and design. Creating fabric from old clothes has been accomplished... lets see what comes next!

New artist list coming soon! Check out our artist website listing too!
-AnnaLisa

February 2010

We're back to it and ready for the chilly months ahead! Longer days mean longer hours and we're excited to be working on several new art ideas for 2010. Additional artists and new works from several more are in the store. Come check it out!

Hours:
Thursday-Sunday 11am-5pm
or by appointment...

!!New Year!!

We're excited to have experienced the holiday season here on Vashon. I thank everyone who came in to view or show their works!

For the month of January, we will have different store hours, and Vashon Craft! will resume in February. Contact me directly if you have questions.

I wish everyone out there a Happy New Year! I look forward to providing the island and it's guests with fantastic items from around the Sound.

-AnnaLisa