Welcome to the creation of my dream job. Having read
waaaay too many books and being a fan of craft, though I may not do it well (note the room full of UFO’s, unfinished objects!), my aim is to leave behind the very varied world of public libraries and embrace my own business concept. My shop would marry my three loves; books, craft and food.
Ideally set in an old house in a rural, touristy setting, my dream would take the shape of dividing the house into rooms of books, rooms of craft and wool with a café down the middle of the house to link everything. I would theme each room (yes, I know. Very kitschy but atmospheric, don’t you think?), for the books and to an extent with the craft section.
The craft section would have a room or two consisting of unique balls of wool, along with patterns and a room for workshops to be held, in a bid to create a cosy, community feel (I told you I've have read too many books!). The same would apply to the material and craft sections. Items that are different to what you can find in the large craft supply chains. Workshops would provide people with the chance to learn the different crafts available. A gallery space would be created down the walls of the café and in the entry to the shop to display and sell the wonderful objects completed in the workshops.
My lovingly tended book section would have rooms devoted to genres and subjects, something to entice most people. An area to peruse the books you are considering purchasing, with one of those comfy, sink-into-and-not-be-able-to-get-out-of sofas. Along with a chaise longue, for its sophisticated and very feminine air. Yes, I know I’m a sap! It would look good in the romance room though.
The café’s great coffee would fill the shop with that enticing aroma and provide an area for visitors to eat then wonder the store.
