Out of Our Hands Gallery - fine handcrafted creations

As a person who has dedicated quite some time to an education degree, as well as a daughter of a retired teacher, I’m quite aware of the pure dedication every type of teacher puts into their job. Even with a tiny little peanut of my own, who is really only in a pre-toddler class **insert Mommy gush here**, I’m incredibly thankful to her teachers that give her love and guidance every single day.  They often go un-thanked. Don’t forget them at the end of the school year!

Since your kid’s teacher has put a handmade touch on your child’s education, why not go with a handcrafted gift to show him/her your appreciation? (more…)

We love pottery.  Our customers love it too.

Although, it’s a fact (at least here at OOOH) that pottery sells WAY better in the fall/winter.  Customers picture wrapping their hands around a beautifully-glazed mug of cocoa.  They imagine a bubbling hot pie coming out of the oven in a vibrant pie plate.  They smell the stick-to-your-ribs mac n’ cheese baking in their uniquely designed casserole dish.  It’s not often that the average customer decides to purchase pottery in the blazing hot summer.

Well!  I’m here to tell you that our pottery, especially our traditional glazed stoneware by Monica and Ray Sommerville (the artisans that we’re featuring), most certainly has a use for many of your spring and summer needs.  Here are some (exquisite, if I do say so myself) photos of how to put your pottery to good use during these seasons.  Please enjoy…I’ve taken time to let you know exactly how I envisioned each piece being used.  Maybe it will inspire some pottery sales for us. (more…)

As a gallery manager I have many hats each day…the “face” of the store, the customer service expert, the display and decorating whiz, the engaging and charming blogger *sarcasm*…but many of our customers do not know a huge perk to my job description, and that is to build wonderful relationships with the artisans.  I must say that our group of talent continually surprises me with their inventiveness, but it’s astounding how humble they truly are.  Truly.  And it’s so surprising to find that because they are literally oozing with creativity…they have every right to have big-head syndrome.  I am always in awe.

We have lots of artisans that have been working with their craft for many years, but we have some that do it as a side-passion or have less experience.  Many times pricing comes up as a HUGE question…”Just what do I charge an interested customer for something I put my blood, sweat, and tears into?”  It can be daunting to overcharge for your work…but even scarier to UNDERcharge. (more…)

We like our earth. Therefore, at our gallery we are always making attempts to be more eco-friendly, and this year I’ve made our resolution to be even more proactive at it.

Things we’ve done so far:

• Updated our lighting and are almost all converted over to those funny-looking curvy bulbs that use less energy.  We also turn off lights when customers are not browsing. (more…)

My mom and I agree…yesterday was a good day.  And it had nothing to do with sales.

We had appointments with two wonderful artists scheduled…each had completely different work, but both were a pleasure to meet and to view their wonderful items.  It  got me thinking about all the different types of individuals we have that are interested in our gallery.  Like snowflakes, no two are alike…but I must admit that in my mind I  rank them.  Professionalism and how well they represent themselves do come first…and then I consider their talent. (more…)

Flowers and chocolates for your Valentine may be great and all…but this year, why not surprise her (or him too!) with a truly unique gift?  Here are some hand-picked selections that will say “I love you” in a truly unique way. 

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