I can tell I’m going to have to do this again. You may email me with folks I’ve missed. Try to keep it brief. Some of these are located in the Columbia neighborhood. Some are owned by our neighbors. A few are just beloved by our neighbors. I am hoping to encourage support for local businesses in this difficult time so they can still be here when we come out of our caves. Despite my determination to be non-commercial, I am making an exception. If you don’t want to see it, just skip this whole post. I’m not going to make a habit of it, but I will do one more because I know I’ve missed some important small businesses.. Deadline: Monday.
LOCAL ARTISTS, ARTISANS, RESTAURANTS, SMALL BUSINESS
Order is semi-random.
ALLIED ARTS
Is holding both an in-person and an online festival this year. The in-person smaller festival is located at 1418 Cornwall Street in their display room. Lots of artist are showing there. Online, please go to https://www.market.alliedarts.org. In addition – many other artists are showing at the Whatcom Art Market in Fairhaven open Tuesday through Sunday 11-5. Located at 1103 11th Street. Deb Dole is offering her art products at all three. Many other local artists as well!!!!
MICHAEL’S HANDMADE UKULELES
Michael Flaherty, on Victor Street, builds beautiful handmade, heirloom-quality, and custom-ordered ukuleles. Michael also sells renovated, vintage ukuleles and 1920s era banjo-ukuleles. flahertyww@comcast.net 360-733-0093.
GUITARS, CIGAR BOX GUITARS
George Thomas, across the ravine in Birchwood, made my beloved Columbia guitar. He custom fits your guitar ergonomically to your body and hands. He’s also been having great fun making little cigar box ukes and such. GeorgeThomasGuitars.com
COLLEEN OZORA
My miniatures, small paintings and cards of Pacific Northwest scenery, birds and animals are carried by the Chipper Bird at 1319 Cornwall Ave. The shop features clothing for women and toddlers, jewelry artwork and handicrafts by local artists. The shop and its owner, exude kindness and warmth. Like all local businesses the owner has been working very hard to stay afloat. Please do visit– it’s a special place! Bellingham is special because of all of our small businesses and the kindness of each and every one of us who lives here.
REBECQUE ASHER
Columbia neighbor, Rebecque Asher (sounds just like “Rebecca”), is an artist, graphic designer and illustrator working from home. For your creative and marketing needs, you can reach out to her via her contact page at https://rebecque.com/
RICHARD LITTLE
Just in time for Christmas, please visit neighbor Richard Little’s writer’s website, ariversjourney.com and select one or more of his four books. Free shipping.
GREENCARDZ
Holiday Special: Gift pack of (8) greeting cards for $28. Sunflowers, Roses, Tulips, Angels, Gardens, Scenics, Travel, or Assorted Flowers. Sample images on request and orders by email or phone. Porch pickup. Contact: greencardz@comcast.net ~ Judith Green
BEATE DEGAN
Local Artist / Jewelry: My website is http://www.earthworthjewels.com. I live in the Sunnyland neighborhood. Happy Holidays! Stay healthy and happy.
LITTLE BIRD SALON
Hi I’m Sarah and I own Little Bird Salon at Goods Local Brews. In my salon I feature 3 local earring designers:
“The Goats Coat” up cycled jewelry – view designs @ thegoatscoat.com
“PNW Minimalist” uses raw metal creating geometric shapes – see designs on Instagram @little.bird.salon
“BlueBird Canyon” colorful beaded fringe earrings -Find her on Instagram @bluebird_canyon
I carry chemical free products and Moon Valley Organics Lotion Bars. I am also still making Masks and have them displayed in Goods. If you are interested in coming by please email or call me to set up a visit. And all items are on Instagram @Little.bird.salon (360)920-7816 Lil.bird.salon@gmail.com
HOLIDAY CARDS
I can do last minute, contact-free neighborhood deliveries of my popular Trees Have Feelings Christmas/Holiday cards — there’s still plenty of time to send out holiday cards — as well as our new Journals which make great gifts.
Christmas/Holiday Cards
https://treeshavefeelings.com/collections/stationary/products/christmas-cards-5×5-folded-pack-of-8
Journals 20% Off
https://treeshavefeelings.com/collections/journalS
Tracy Mazuer www.treeshavefeelings.com
LINDA ALLEN
Great gifts for those celebrating the 100-year anniversary of women’s right to vote! Linda Allen has a shop on her website featuring ornaments, gift cards, CDs and more. She also has been making jewelry with a women’s rights theme, featured in her Etsy shop, SunflowerSuffrage. Go to this link, and scroll down for links to both shops.
https://www.lindasongs.com/suffrage
Thanks for shopping locally!
DARRAH BLANTON DANCE
My kiddo gives her dance class “10,000 thumbs up.” Teachers are awesome, engaging, fun, and well-prepared for each class. Activities are well-paced and organized. Most importantly my kiddo looks forward to Zoom dance class every week and has soooo much fun. – Cathy Halka (Lynn St)
MY PET’S PLACE GROOMING
Maintains a clean, quiet, low stress environment in a boutique-like atmosphere. Specializing in small breed dogs this owner operated business serving the Bellingham / Whatcom Community since 1978 with over 40 years of experience nurturing dogs like yours. ~ Thank You for Supporting Your Local Groomer.
MPPGrooming@gmail.com 360-733-2572 ~ Ahwren Ayers
DIAMOND JIMS
Closed for Covid until indoor dining can re-open. Please remember to support them when that happens. https://www.diamondjimsgrill.com/
BLACK SHEEP
We looooove tacos and cocktails from Black Sheep www.blacksheepbellingham.com. Food is delicious, especially the rockfish tacos and butternut squash tacos. Try the Paloma cocktail. And did you know they deliver for free using their own staff for delivery? Online ordering is easy, and you’d be supporting a neighborhood resident’s business. – Cathy Halka (Lynn Street)
BEST CHOPSTICKS
The restaurant I frequent most is Best Chopsticks on Unity St. Due to the language barrier, they don’t get much publicity but we order from them weekly and the woman at the counter is super helpful. http://www.bestchopstick.com/ ~ Lee Che
JUXT
A new restaurant/taphouse on Holly Street would love your take out business. The owners are a local brother team who want to invite people from all diversities to engage in great food and local brews. Please contact them for take out. They need your business. Thank you.~ Analeise Volpe https://www.juxttaphouse.com/
GOODS
At Elm and Northwest Ave. They have just a very few small Xmas trees left. Local Brews is open 1 – 9 till the new year. Then 3 – 10. Outdoor, open-air, ventilated, heated seating. Plant starts and veggies starting again in April. Little Bird is open by appointment and both food trucks are open for lunch and dinner: A Que Tacos M-Sat; The Dumpling Girls W-Sun.
WINDWORKS
Across for the RE-Store. Instruments and repairs, not just wind instruments, also ukuleles! Accessories for most instruments. Sheet music & instruction books. Largest selection of reeds in a couple of counties. Some rentals as well. Curbside. And they carry my absolute favorite instrument humidifier, called an Oasis. (And no, I don’t get a kick-back.) ~ Fl!p BellinghamWindworks.com
ASIA MARKET
Tiny store, stacked to the rafters with great ingredients and cooking tools. Canned, fresh, frozen. It’s my go-to place for rice noodles, sesame oil, fresh galangala root, ginger, lemongrass & basil. Across Meridian from the RE-Store.
GOOD EARTH POTTERY
Currently owned by Columbia neighbor, Ann Marie Cooper, Good Earth Pottery has been located in Fairhaven since 1969. The gallery offers a wide variety of functional pottery and ceramic art by more than 35 local artists. Curbside pick-up and shipping are available. 1000 Harris Avenue, www.goodearthpots.com
WHATCOM CHORALE
The Whatcom Chorale has made a holiday video, here it is:
https://youtu.be/Lp6rHTMhgfQ. ~ Kathea Rasmussen
CLEAN & FRIENDLY RADIO
Hello Radio Fans: Just a reminder that FM Radio 98.7 is on the air all day Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays as well as from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM every day. Our famous Christmas program will play all day on the 24th and 25th. Be sure to tune in. The Staff and Management of FM Radio 98.7 send best wishes to you and yours for a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year. https://sites.google.com/site/radio987/