Crafty Shop Stop: Plush on Main Street

Credit: Kim Werker

Crafty Shop Stop: Plush On Main

Join us on our eighth Crafty Shop Stop as we step inside Plush, a boutique in the front and DIY workspace in the back.

Owned and operated by two sisters, we asked the younger of the two, Barbara, the three Crafty Shop Stop questions we always ask to see what she had to say about Plush on Main.

DIY Vancouver: Describe your business.

Barbara: Plush is a three-sided business. Brigitte first set up shop on Main Street seven years ago to manufacture custom roman shades and other soft furnishings. Two years ago, we opened the little retail boutique where we carry a collection of locally made gifts, art and decor. We’re currently carrying the work of over twenty different artists, most of whom are based in the lower mainland. Finally, in the Spring of this year, we introduced the workshop aspect of the business, where we open the workroom doors to host a range of DIY workshops.

What can we find in your shop?

If you’ve taken a stroll down Main Street recently, you may have already peeked in at the shop. The entirety of Plush‘s boutique space is visible from the sidewalk—it’s really just that small! But if you stay outside, you’ll miss some of the great little treasures tucked inside and you won’t be able to appreciate the quality of work that we carry.

Once inside the boutique, it’s impossible to miss the workroom just beyond the french doors. The three industrial machines and two 7’x5′ tables are especially eyecatching to crafty-types. In fact, it was the dissapointment on people’s faces when we told them we didn’t teach classes that led us to finally start offering workshops!

What are your 3 favourite workshops or handmade items at Plush?

1. Kim Werker’s “Mighty Ugly” just might be our favourite out of all the workshops. It can accomodate up to 12 participants which makes for a great social atmosphere and because making something ugly is so contrary to a crafter’s nature, the whole experience can be really liberating. It also seems to generate a whole new dialogue around the creation process and so much laughter!

2. We love to break free from our regular manufacturing routines, so our seasonal in-house products need to make the favourites list. Right now, it’s the silk pumpkins for Fall, to be followed by our extravagant Christmas stockings.

3. As for our favourite boutique item? We’re always most excited about the newest product! Today, that’s the wonderful line of zipper pouches by Kukubee—wow, are they ever whimsical, and just how they manage to work such lovely little stories into the art of each pouch!?

For more information on workshops or for artist submission guidelines, please visit Plush or contact barbara@plushonmain.com.