Linda's Yellow Door Studio at The Cumberland Shop

“I call this, ‘Love Blooms When The Heart is Ready'.” Linda stood there describing her piece, and tears pricked my eyes as I looked at the beautiful clay sculpture totem in front of me; the 2 love birds close together perched on a full, red heart. It spoke to me, as it was a reflection of my own story of love blooming when my heart was ready, and being only a few weeks away from my own wedding at the time. Standing in the studio of a woman I barely knew, I was struck by how something she created had pulled that emotion out of me. I began to realize that there was much more to her work than pieces of clay crafted into finished products. To appreciate and value Linda’s work is to appreciate and value Linda as an Artisan – her pieces are born from who she is and her experiences. I’d like to take you on a similar journey of discovery, amazement, and appreciation for Linda of Linda’s Yellow Door Studio, and the amazing pieces she creates.

Linda adding the finishing touches to "Love Blooms When the Heart is Ready"

As part of the marketing team for The Cumberland Shop, I had been asked to go to Linda’s studio to shoot some video footage of her working. Her totems and various pieces in the shop had taken me by surprise at first glance. I had never seen clay sculptures portrayed that way, some with such bright colors and quirky characters; others with darker colors and deeper themes. For me, it was new and surprising. However, this has grown to be a theme I’ve noticed and now look forward to in my interactions with Linda – you may not know what to expect, but you can certainly expect to be surprised.

I was warmly welcomed into her studio with its cheerful bright yellow paint around the frames of her doors and windows; the line-up of a variety of pieces she had created here and there, and the motion picture soundtrack she had playing in the background. It was a comfortable space, a safe space, a creator’s space.

A part of Linda's Yellow Door Studio

One of the pieces I noticed right away was a baseball sculpture. Sitting among her quirky birds and fantastical creatures, this felt almost out of place. I asked her about it and came to find that she had spent 12 years as a baseball coach and umpire for her sons’ little league teams, and this sculpture was her way of remembering that time. In later conversation, I learned that she had stepped in to keep a protective watch over her sons after a scandal had come to light in their town. She volunteered, showing up only to help, but soon transitioned into the role of coach and umpire. Quite surprising and quite unexpected, wouldn’t you say? By the way, I love the name of the sculpture – “End of the Season” – a reflection that one day, all seasons in life come to an end.

Individual elements of "End of the Season"

"End of the Season"

After learning that Linda has earned several awards throughout her career as a sculptor, you would think that her work in clay is a skill she has been honing for years. In truth, Linda only began studying clay after retiring in 2016 from a profession in fundraising. She had always been creative, but painting had been her outlet. After retiring, Linda said it was time to find a new tribe. She took a ceramics class at a community college and studied under nationally-recognized ceramic artist Lindsay Pichaske. As Linda describes it, “from the moment she put the clay in front of me and my hands went into the clay, that was it. I wondered why I hadn’t done it all along.” Once again, Linda had “fallen” into something unexpected, and this was a new chapter for her as a creative.

"Gertrude"

One of the things I love about Linda’s pieces is the quirkiness and unexpectedness of what she creates. If you ask Linda, this has been a long time coming. Working with clay has freed her to create, with no expectations. She realized that when she painted, she often painted to the “should” rather than the “could.” Her paintings, while an expression of her own creativity, often bore the societal expectations of what they were “supposed” to be, or what “should” be done with paint. However, as a novice in clay, there were no expectations and Linda didn’t know what was and wasn’t possible, so she simply played and created, as a child does when they given a crayon and paper.

 Linda lightheartedly recalled a time when she made a bird in her earlier years of learning clay that was too large to be supported by the legs she had made for it. She entered it into a show and it miraculously stood long enough to be displayed, but crumbled by the time she brought it home that night. Had she known this before creating the bird, she wouldn’t have created it. That didn’t bother her, though, because she created fearlessly, and she learned that when you are fearless, you actually learn more through the risks you take. Taking risks can lead to mistakes, but Linda chooses not to look at anything as a mistake. She believes we were all made to create, and what we create is unique and purposeful.

 

From adorable wide-eyed owls to shy little birds; from fairy houses to thematic sculptures; Linda loves to create, and share that love with others. Before the pandemic, she hosted a monthly “Women’s Creative Corner,” a safe place in her studio for women creators to come together and learn from each
other. Along with that, she also loves to teach clay and encourage creativity in other people. Although the pandemic has halted these endeavors, she looks forward to the time when she can start them back up.

As we were getting ready to film the last step of Linda’s totem assembly, she again referenced her “Love Blooms” sculpture. “The two birds didn’t actually start out that close together. Each time I revisited them to continue working on this piece, they had grown closer and closer together and now, they are almost kissing.” As with most of her work, Linda herself is often surprised at how the pieces take on their own life, shape, and meaning. If Linda is surprised, we can expect to be so, too. Each piece she creates is a unique work of art, and we are proud to carry some of them at The Cumberland Shop. In closing, I’d like to leave you with Linda’s Artist Statement. I hope that as you read it, you’ll gain an even greater insight and appreciation into Linda as an Artisan, and the work she creates. – Laura Baum, Marketing for The Cumberland Shop

 

Artist Statement: Linda “ifigenia” Gottfied, Linda’s Yellow Door Studio

 

“Inspiration must find you working.” – Pablo Picasso

Picasso sums up how I approach my creative process. I go into my studio and without expectation, begin to create. Even when I’m not feeling particularly inspired, I find my energy shifts once my hands touch clay. I first experienced this artistic inclination in second grade. My teacher at School No.13 in Paterson, New Jersey allowed me to paint while the rest of the class read aloud. Ms. Lauragay saw something in me and gave it space to grow. (I still recall several of the paintings I produced.) Today, I find being in touch with my inner child as mystical as it was back then. I am transported to a place without limitations, time, or any manmade constructs. My process is playing in clay with intention to form something beautiful and life affirming. It is my hope my work will bring something new into the world; a creative spark that would not otherwise exist except for the fact I played well with clay.

Here we are... The State of The Cumberland Shop Report

It has been almost 7 months since the light bulb went on and the idea was birthed to open The Cumberland Shop. If this is the first blog you have read, I need to tell you the “pea” sized version of how it all began.

One day, right after my birthday, after I hosted guests for a weekend in my home and I was extremely tired, the thought crossed my mind that I needed a creative outlet. I had approached ‘entertaining’ the idea of a store for a while, but I knew my idea was a little different and it needed some real solid vision and I would need help to make it happen.

On my porch that day, I say it was divine inspiration, the idea hit me like a baseball bat in the head. Not too long ago, a man I trust told me, “You can do things.” Those words echo today and continue to press me to “do things." Things beyond what I think I can do. But enough of that...

And so it began; I met with friends, business friends, etc. and the seed fell into the ground and truly began to grow. The building search was on and we began to buy and find unique fixtures and furniture for ridiculously low prices, sometimes even free.

A few of the early fixtures ready & waiting to display creative works!

In the middle of all the shopping, we began to invite artists to join us. It was a crazy ride. That last week before we opened, I wondered if we would have anything on our shelves to offer! But lo and behold, we were sufficient, and have been building artists (friends), makers, creators and unique inventory ever since. Whew!

Artisans bringing their handcrafted items in for us to display.

Preparing the invitations to be sent out...

Hanging our beautiful locally made sign a few days before the Grand Opening!

At the early stages, a theme was birthed, a logo created and soon every piece seemed to come together. After a “high pressure” two weeks in the beginning of November 2020, we had our soft opening and then our grand opening. I honestly had to pinch myself.

Ribbon Cutting ceremony - a wonderful day!

The original vision was to have a brick and mortar where local Artistans, creators and makers could sell their creations! A place where you could buy something from our locale that was made & created right here or near here. Where local folks, people with Cumberland Valley roots, could kick start their business, continue it, etc. and I envisioned a place where new artists could have a start, and an area where classes could be taught. I hoped for a place that Shippensburg University students and parents could peruse and find unique things that represent our beautiful area of Pennsylvania!

A portion of the shop - beautiful works displayed throughout!

Friends, we’ve done it. We are continuing to move forward, and we are thriving and continue to do what we do. You may say, "What do you do - what is The Cumberland Shop?"

Well, I’ll try to put that in a few words for you!

The Cumberland Shop

The logo of our Shop contains 4 leaves. One for each season. The walls of our shop are painted for each season; light green for spring, a deeper green for summer, mandarin for fall, and light lilac for winter. We host a seasonal tree for each season in our window.

On the entrance wall, above our fireplace, hangs a vintage reproduction of a map of the Cumberland county from the 1800’s. A small picture displayed shows what our location was in 1900, the Shippensburg YMCA. Our building was a bridal store, a spa, a hair salon, a furniture store, a bakery and restaurant.

The Cumberland Shop: 

- Is a store with 37+ Artisans, makers, creators.

- Houses an area large enough to hold classes.

- Is a non-profit.

- Supports ‘Women in Need’ financially and is a drop off spot for WIN. Every handmade shawl made for the shop is sold to support WIN.

- Is a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and financially supports the trail. We also conduct Trail Cleanups and sell Appalachian Trail goods, including handmade walking sticks.

- Supports an International Training School in Ghana, Africa. Handmade glass beads made in Ghana are crafted into jewelry and sold to support the school in Ghana. Batik fabric that is produced in Ghana and made into bags and banners also supports the school.

- Wants to see the Downtown Area of Shippensburg prosper and grow.

- Is in support of every business and we buy from, support, advertise and do what we can to make their business grow.

The Cumberland Shop believes in the power of unity, communication, and supports shopping local and shopping small. We also believe in fair prices; but, also believe and understand how much time, creativity and material it takes to create an individual piece of art, or anything that is hand produced. Therefore, our Artisans set their prices and we believe in their integrity. Our things are not mass produced, they are truly handcrafted. We LOVE that!

It is highly possible that you can find a pair of earrings at a large chain store less expensive than the handmade earrings we feature at the shop. There is no doubt about that, but think about this - when you buy from us, you are helping a local individual, a local artist, a local creator and maker buy groceries, clothes for their baby, and put food on the table. Not to mention, you are supporting someone’s dream.

So, what is The State of the Cumberland Shop? 

“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.”

– Douglas H. Everett

Friends, we are living the dream!

Thank you for your support of The Cumberland Shop!

Nancy A. Hudson

President

Supporting Africa

 As I walked through ‘The Cumberland Shop’ this past week, I took extra time to stop and look at the beautiful assortment of jewelry that we sell made from handmade glass beads from the nation of Ghana.

Then, I picked up a few of the unique Batik bags that we feature, hand-dyed in Ghana and sewn as pouches for Jewelry and bags for makeup, cash, whatever. Each of those items tells a story; one we may not know fully, but I think it’s time for you to hear a little more about where the profits from those bags is contributed.

The Oasis International Training Centre in Prampram, Ghana, West Africa was established in 2000, and is celebrating its 21st Anniversary.

The beautiful front entrance of The Oasis International Training Centre

Begun as the fulfilment of a dream of Bishop Elvina E. Miller, it is a full-time, year-round training center in a fishing village with little opportunity for employment; but that is quickly changing!

Reverend Miller spend a lot of time doing missionary and humanitarian work in Ghana back in the early 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. During that time, some pretty miraculous things took place that cemented her love for the country and for the area of Prampram. When she had the opportunity to return to Ghana while she was in her 80’s, she was inspired to do something for that beautiful country to commemorate her time there and to contribute to the nation's welfare.

Elvina Miller visiting Africa as a young woman.

Returning again when she was in her 80's.

She knew she had to get approval and acquire land from the Paramount Chief who has authority over that region, so she was granted a meeting with him, along with other citizens from Ghana, who wanted to work with her to see her dream come to pass. Of course, the authorities are concerned with how their lands are being used, especially if it is someone from another nation, so they inquired as to why she was attempting to purchase land.

The Paramount Chief said, “What do you want to do with the land? We don’t need another church - we have enough of those.” With that, Rev. Miller replied, “I want to build a training center to help the people of Ghana.” With that response, the Chief said, “Yes, you may purchase land for that.” He was a very wise and thoughtful man.

Rev. Miller had already found a great piece of land, but the Paramount Chief informed her that he would be recommending the land that she could purchase. Low and behold, he granted her a beautiful piece of land, facing the ocean that could not possibly be more perfect, along the main road right outside of Prampram.

That was only the beginning, as she left Ghana almost immediately to return home to begin to incorporate, draw up building plans, raise capital and get started! She was very determined to get this thing moving. The saying goes, “Give a busy person a job and they will get it done.” That rang true with this project.

After lots of research and the help of many professionals, work began on the grounds and, months later, the building made out of a PVC type material (that would eventually be pumped full of cement), was shipped from Canada. Unfortunately, there were a few shipping glitches, so the building sat in the Port at Tema for quite a while. Not to be discouraged, excavating and landscaping began and at the right time, the building arrived and construction began. A fabulous group of skilled masons was hired, and that amazing group of men eventually became skilled staff at the Training Centre. Soon, group after group of men from the USA took valuable vacation time and some even put their jobs on hold to help to complete the Centre. It was quite an endeavour.

Some of the first men to begin working on the OITC project

Laying the outlines for the footers

Containers with building materials are arriving!

Progress continues to be made...

Rev. Miller excited to see the building coming together

But in November of 2000, the dedication of the building was held, even though the building was not quite ready for occupancy. People from all over Ghana, Brazil, and the USA travelled to participate and soon, a determined group worked almost around the clock to be able to complete the Centre so that classes could begin asap.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for OITC, November 2000

At the age of 90, Bishop Elvina Miller boarded the plane to return to the States for the last time. The year was 2007. The building was finished, a staff was in place, a curriculum would evolve (and is still evolving), and classes had begun to be taught. Rev. Miller passed away in August of 2016.

Rev. Miller at OITC, age 90

Classes were halted in 2020 due to the Pandemic, but began again in January 2021 after the President of Ghana declared that schools could open again.

The Centre is open to high school graduates up to age 25 to participate in The Life Skills Program that has been developed and has been so far highly successful. Students are taught: MS Excel, Word, Secretarial Skills, Public Speaking, Automobile Maintenance, Business Etiquette, First Aid, Computer Hardware, Landscaping, Catering and American Cooking Class, Practical Hand Sewing, Auto Mechanics, Understanding God, Learning and Study Skills Class, English Comprehension, Computer Tech, Business Math,  Basic Photography, Typing Class, Basic Electricity, and more....

A variety of classes in full swing.

A group of proud OITC Graduates from The Life Skills Program!

The students who graduate go on to new jobs, University, and many have begun businesses of their own. The Centre is a truly remarkable place with highly skilled instructors who have given their all to make the Training Centre all Rev. Miller hoped it would be someday, and it is still becoming!

Every time I have had the opportunity to visit the country of Ghana and teach at the Training Centre, I am amazed at the progress in that land. New roads, new stores, new restaurants... progress everywhere. But there is still much room for training and teaching, especially in the village areas away from the larger cities. 

Rev. Miller’s goal was not to alter the heritage or culture of the nation of Ghana, but it was her intention to lift their hands in love, so that their lives can improve. Education causes growth in Ghana, just as it causes growth in the USA. Most of the students we see passing through the doors of our school find gainful employment, start their own businesses, go to Universities, and are better prepared for our ever-changing and growing world.

During an etiquette class I was teaching, I asked the students how many of them had used cutlery (knives, forks and spoons) to eat. Since the custom in Ghana is to eat much of their food with their fingers, only 4 raised their hands. So, step by step we studied the proper use of utensils, and I explained to them that this knowledge could be very beneficial to them in the future. I also assured them that there was nothing wrong with using their fingers since that is customary. We had our lesson, we served a formal dinner, and for the first time, many students used utensils to eat with.

After the meal, we had such meaningful discussion. One beautiful young lady shared with the class that her uncle had asked her to dinner where his family was meeting to celebrate a birthday at a restaurant in the city. At the meal, dining utensils were provided and unfortunately, she was extremely uncomfortable in that setting. Her uncle was a little embarrassed at her awkwardness and mentioned she may not be invited again. This precious student beamed at the idea that now she would be comfortable eating at a restaurant in the city. I shared Bishop Miller’s story with them. She never finished school, but later in life, a loving employer sent her to Etiquette school so she could work at his home. Many years later, she had the opportunity to have tea with the President of South Africa. The same training she received, was the same training they were receiving, so who knows...maybe someday they will eat with the President of Ghana.

The students and I after receiving their Etiquette diplomas from my class.

Education is a key. And with that key, we can open many doors.

The motto of the Oasis International Training Centre is, “Living to Train, Training to Live." So, when you buy those bracelets, that Jewelry, and a small Batik bag; rest assured, it’s a purchase that has great value, and you are helping to change lives. Thank you!

To BEAD or not to BEAD?

Beads, beads, beads. Something I have always LOVED and something I will always love. Over time, as I have searched for my “inner” what-turns-me-on-the-most-in-art-and-fashion, I have discovered I have two sources of my greatest joy. Fabric art, as in quilts, wall hangings, etc. and jewelry, with a concentration on beads. It may stem from my hippie days, but beads have long fascinated me.

So many beads, so little time!

During trips to the country of Ghana, I’ve been privileged to travel to a local “Bead” Factory where my interest and love for beads continued to increase. It was also during those trips where I gained my understanding and knowledge of the manufacturing of glass beads that speak to and represent life events in the culture of Ghana. 

The hand manufacturing of Glass Beads is a simply amazing process. I continue to emphasis Glass Beads, because there are several kinds of beads produced in Ghana, including brass beads, but the process I was able to witness was the production of the Glass Beads. Glass Beads are what are sold at The Cumberland Shop.

It takes quite a bit of time to drive to the Bead Factory. Of course, roads continue to improve in Ghana, and the last time I was able to go to the Factory, although we did have to travel over some clay roads, most of the trip was on a modern highway.

I always love making the trips to these remote locations because over time, we have been able to scout out several places where nice bathrooms are available to take advantage of on the sometimes bumpy parts of the road. You have to think about those things! Yay! I love a good adventure!

When we arrived at the factory on this last trip, I noticed the addition of a new sign, and a new swinging door to assure the security of the compound, which tells me bead sales are helping to add improvements as well as employ a nice number of people. That is great news.

We drove in, were welcomed by a security guard, parked our car and then made our way past piles of glass bottles waiting their turn to be transformed into something beautiful! The bottles were sorted according to color, with piles of clear, green, blue, brown and assorted bottles.

Glass bottles waiting to be turned into beads.

On a previous trip, sitting to one side was a young man who was VERY carefully breaking the glass bottles with a small hammer, continuing to crush them until they had reached the stage of a powder. We were instructed to stay far away, due to the possibility of flying glass and for the protection of our feet. I noticed the young man’s shoes were sitting near him, but as he pounded, his bare feet were tucked underneath his body as he sat cross legged. Thankfully, he had plastic goggles on that would protect his eyes, since he was obviously sitting in very close proximity to the action.

That first step alone blew me away! But soon we were able to observe as the powder was carefully placed in small handmade molds of different size that were gently placed inside wood and charcoal fired ovens made from the clay harvested from large ant hills. These ovens were so hot, that we couldn’t stand to be too close. In the already hot air of the spring in this equatorial country, being anywhere near these ovens gave you a real sense that one day, ‘hell’ was not the place you desired to spend eternity! LOL!

The powder was melted down into the mold and then removed and a piece of metal was inserted into the middle of the beads. This forms the hole that enables the bead to be threaded with wire, cord, plastic or elastic. There are various shapes and sizes of the glass bead molds, and the sizes of the holes also vary to accompany the bead sizes. It is indeed a fascinating process.

After the holes are formed and the beads are cooled down, a light polishing needs to take place on each bead to give them the slight glimmer or clean look that you want to see.

Beads that will remain a slightly see-thru quality will stay as they are after polishing, and they are importantly one solid color. Many other beads, though, have just begun their journey and will be painstakingly hand-painted by Artisans, one color at a time, forming glorious flower and geometric designs. Afterwards, they are fired again to set the colors and after they are cooled, they are beautifully paired with any number, size and color of beads to make breathtaking bead jewelry, unlike nowhere in our world.

Beads are used for celebrations and festivals. They are an artistic expression for a particular family or tribe. In Ghana, beads have a spiritual meaning. Beads are obviously a fashion statement and beads are also used as a trading currency. From as early as the 16th century, beads were used as a bartering tool, unfortunately some were used to barter for slaves. Beads remain a vital part of the culture and commodity of the nation of Ghana and you don’t want to leave Ghana without beads and jewelry made from these beautiful ornamental pieces.

Beautiful finished projects!

Since the quality of materials to properly construct the bead jewelry is hard to find in Ghana without ordering from out of the country, The Cumberland Shop has purchased beads directly from the factory in Ghana at full price, to make into jewelry to sell here in the USA. In doing so, we have been able to make quality pieces that have become very popular as gifts and for individuals to collect benefiting the makers, and the Oasis International Training Centre in Ghana. Each piece purchased helps to support students at the Training Centre as they learn Life Skills and trades that pave the way for a skilled job, position and possible entry to a school of higher education. In just two months of sales at The Cumberland Shop of our bead jewelry, over $1,000.00 has been given back to the school to support the work being done in Ghana.

The teachers working with the OITC students.

Please stop by the shop to take a look at our gorgeous, original Ghana Bead jewelry. Each piece you receive comes with an original batik bag, hand sewn and made from hand dyed batik, also from the country of Ghana. Thank you for reading this short article about this amazing process that has a long history in West Africa, I know it will give you a new appreciation for how much more lovely the jewelry made with these beads is.

So to answer the question, To Bead or Not To Bead.... we’re definitely going to BEAD!

Ghana Beads finished products - beautiful!

What is your Love Language?

I have taken the “Love Language” quiz three times. If you have never taken it, I suggest you give it a try, and better yet read the book, “The Five Love Languages”, written by Gary Chapman, a professional marriage counsellor, doctor of anthropology and pastor. Gary’s success has stretched way beyond religion and his faith into business and secular conversation due to the accuracy and wisdom found in this book/study/quiz.

Having used it in small groups, leadership seminars and while teaching manners and etiquette here and abroad, I simple love what it continues to teach me about myself and about others. 

I hope I’m not getting too deep today, friends. LOL.

Every time I have taken the quiz, my results have turned out exactly the same. My love languages are pretty evenly, 1.) Acts of Service and 2.) Giving Gifts. Because of that, and because that is what I also expect of people, I have misunderstood some of my dearest friends.

When my expectation isn’t met in these areas, or when someone spurns or does not place value on my acts of service or gifts, I have gotten confused, hurt, melancholy, and sad. 

When I give a gift it is well thought through. Many times, I have given it because of an over-active ability to listen to wants, and needs during the most casual conversations! If you even mention you like something, my radar is on it, and I won’t soon forget it. I will pay attention to your colours, your style, your size, your whatever... because to me, I would only buy a gift that I am sure will be just what I think you want or something that you find out that (once you receive it), you can’t live without it! HA! HA!

But that’s just me and I am learning to not take it too seriously when others don’t pay as much attention to me, as I pay to them. There are a few people I would LOVE to administer the Love Language quiz to because I still have not figured out what makes them tick! But I won’t stop doing to them what makes me tick, even if the reciprocation is shallow or barely exists.

So, why am I talking about this on The Cumberland Shop blog? Because I see great value in thinking of others in tangible ways.

Recently, my oldest relative, Aunt Vera, passed away at 96, almost 97 years old. Although she was my Aunt, and not my Mom or Grandmother, she was very dear and important to me. After my mother passed, she kind of stepped in to attend every life event, filling in for Mom. I visited her regularly and loved spending time taking her to lunch and shopping with her for groceries, etc. I truly will miss her.

I was overwhelmed and touched at the number of cards I received after her passing. I had not really mourned yet. Then low and behold, a few days later, my church family sent me a beautiful box of goodies from a company that makes delicious English Muffins. When I opened the box and realised their thoughtfulness and empathy toward me, the floodgates opened. Genuinely touched, I lovingly looked at each gift as my eyes filled with tears that eventually overflowed onto my face. I felt loved. They hit me right in the center of the receiving-end of my love languages. Every muffin I enjoy will keep speaking not just to my taste buds, but to my heart.

At The Cumberland Shop, we like to feel like we are experts at helping you to give out love, thoughtfulness, joy, sympathy, empathy and hope. We can do with lots of that today, can’t we?

A thoughtfully given gift, no matter the size, can do wonders to ease hurt, heal pain and comfort. A gift can add joy, confirm love, and repair a misunderstanding. Then, when you add a few personal words on a card to that gift, you can make a person's day and even change a person's life.

Hand-drawn cards from TokkiDesign Art, available at The Cumberland Shop

Even if your love language isn’t giving gifts or acts of service, I am all but sure you would be touched to receive a gift and/or a card that we have carefully and purposefully helped someone select from the very vast array of goodies we carry at the shop. And if you are a willing receiver of gifts and want to be remembered, no shame! Stop by the shop and add your list to our ever growing “My Wish List” book. 

Ready for The Cumberland Shoppers to create their list!

I love the sheer delight of watching someone open a gift that I have hand selected for them. With the opportunity now, as a part of The Cumberland Shop staff, the joy has come full circle! I see the awesome goodies come in the door, I help to display them so you can be inspired and think of what will fit who in personality and style and need, and then I am able to hear from the receivers, when they come into the store as a result of a gift given to them from The Cumberland Shop. This can be almost heaven for a person who’s love language is Gift Giving! Actually, that’s probably one of the reasons I was inspired to open the shop.

We package your purchase so it's ready to give - what can we say, Acts of Service!

So if you want to “brush up” on your gift giving skills, we’re ready for you, and while you're at it, make your own “Wish List." Then, tell someone you did so and that list is at The Cumberland Shop. That kind of LOVE just speaks our LANGUAGE!

***

Learn more about The 5 Love Languages and take the quiz to find yours here!