Something unexpected but useful awaits customers of a new retail shop in Morrison, IL. Treasures of the Blue Iris, “Where the Old and New Collide,” located at 100 W. Main Street (formerly Isle of Rhodes Restaurant) is a real treat for anyone looking for hand crafted items, natural skin care products, one-of-a-kind dresses, handmade jewelry, and much, more.
Owned by the Scott Family, the contents are varied and beautifully crafted, most by the many family members. One member of the family from Morrison makes hand-turned pens and seam rippers from exotic hardwoods. Another member, sews one-of-a-kind dresses, which appear in the store front windows and within the store. She also has a jewelry line which is built from beads and Swarovski elements. A variety of “smash books”–artist portfolios, journals, and recipe collections–using art paper and Project Life cards for individuals to embellish, are additional items they showcase. The business will soon stock starter scrapbooks and accessories.
Frost Cutlery produced this clip-on firefighter’s knife, as well as hunting, utility, and specialty knives. “We like to keep things made in the U.S.A.”
There are a few antiques and consignment items, but they stressed their store is not a consignment shop. “Most stuff is through our family,” according to Dan. “We do up-cycling and handmade items.” He noted the pair of refinished wingback chairs. In the background are hand-embroidered towels, a fruit teapot, and a cat collection. Natural incense sticks live to the left of the chair.
Gramma Gee’s tag appears on many of items of handwork. Marjorie (Gramma Gee) sits among several of her quilts. Debbie makes afghans, floral arrangements, corsages, and assorted crochet items. Marilyn and Debbie contribute to the family business as well. Rob crafted the quilt rack above. “He is very big on natural things and handmade items.”
The woodshop is in the area of the former kitchen at the store. They refinish antiques, build “competitively priced” crafts and country furniture like benches and shelves. A professional framing service is available with great prices as well. The newest project is a memory box for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Photos and keepsakes can be stored in one place to trigger recollections. Dan will use a router to etch a name or message on the lid.
Something you would least expect to see here is an eBay store. Bring in your item, and they will sell it through their account, then pack and ship the items for a small fee. What a great service to the community.
“We want customers to be a part of what we are doing,” stated Dan. He hopes to offer classes in building birdhouses for children. They are also considering offering classes in embroidery, crochet, and scrapbooking. Stay tuned.
What else, you might ask? Music! Dan is a musician and has many musical friends that love to play. Every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. outside of their store, Dan and/or his musician friends will be playing, weather permitting. It will be mostly original music.
Stop by and meet the family, but be sure to allow enough time to peruse Treasures of the Blue Iris. New services and products are arriving weekly, so come in to see “Where the Old and New Collide.” Store hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The phone contact is 815-400-9044.