SHOP PROFILE

Tula Tinkers Makes Gift Giving Easy

A Richmond shop keeps everyone in mind

So Rhode Island Magazine ·

Alyssia Machado’s hobby of collecting and crafting sea glass jewelry has blossomed into a unique gift shop in Richmond, and for the past six months, Tula Tinkers has been supplying one-of-a-kind gifts for that special someone. With a wide range of items like personalized coffee mugs to modern furniture and house décor, the gifting possibilities are endless.

What was your motivation to open a gift shop?
I started collecting sea glass many years ago; I eventually had a collection that was so big, I had to find something to do with it. That’s when I discovered the artist in me. I started by wire wrapping the found glass and then eventually started to drill the glass to create one of a kind sea glass beads. Then, I started making all different types of jewelry, using a variety of different found items like sea glass and moss I collected. From there I started selling some of my things online on Etsy and also consigning my items at a few different shops. I then fell in love with the idea of having my own store.

Wedding season is here. What’s the perfect gift for newlyweds?
We have hand painted signs that say “just married” in Newport and other RI towns. The artist is also willing to work with the couple to create custom one-of-a-kind signs with names and weddings dates. We also have Mr. and Mrs. hand painted coffee mugs and wine glass sets. The wood cutting boards and coaster sets are also a great gift for any newlywed. Who doesn’t want a nice cutting board while preparing a good home cooked meal?

What advice would you give to someone who is shopping for that “hard-to-shop-for” person?
There are really so many different types of items at the store. You could really find a gift for anyone. We have local photography, handmade jewelry, home goods, toys and clothing for kids. We have over 120 different local artists so you are bound to find something that is just right. When you come across that perfect item for that special person, you’ll just know. If it feels right, go with it!

What makes a good hostess gift?
Something nice to give your hostess would be something they could use for a future event or party. Maybe a nice wine glass set or a coaster set. We also have some neat melted wine bottle cheese boards and unique wine stoppers. Something simple that will remind them of you every time they use it.

What are some inexpensive gift ideas that are special but you don’t have to spend a fortune?
I think the most special gifts are the ones you can customize. The wood signs we carry can all be customized and range from $18-$30. The hand stamped spoons and coffee mugs are very affordable at $8-$10 a piece.

Does your proximity to the beach influence what type of gifts you have?
It does. We have many items that have a “beachy” feel to them. We carry some beautifully made nautical handbags and clutches. We also have jewelry that has been completely constructed of tiny sea shells. A lot of our artists work with materials that they have collected off the Rhode Island coasts. They use these materials to make our driftwood wreaths and seashell wind chimes.

What is the best way to really personalize a gift?
Many of our artists are willing to work with us and our customers to create items to best fit the buyers’ wants and needs. We can add names and dates to some of the painted signs and wine glasses, mugs and spoons. I’ve even painted completely custom coffee mugs with personal quotes, nick names or wedding song lyrics.

Who else can I get a gift for from Tula Tinkers?
We try to keep something for everyone at the store. We have an entire room dedicated to kids filled with wishing wands and ribbon sticks, crocheted stuffed animals and dresses for little girls. We have great gifts for grandparents too like loose tea, local honey, and many great crocheted items. We even have walking sticks that have been hand carved and decorated with stones collected from RI.

Tula Tinkers. 91 Kingstown Road, Richmond. 363-TULA (8852).

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