If you stroll by TT Patton’s display window on Station Street, you’ll see holiday cards adorning the secretary. Some are engraved, others letterpress, but all are works of art as unique as a custom-printed snowflake.

Owner Theresa Patton isn’t trying to alarm you—she knows it’s mid-November—but now is the time to start thinking about the season just around the corner. After all, she knows better than anyone that “it takes time to create all this fabulousness.”

Holiday Cards In Store…

“Holiday starts early for customers that want to do custom greeting cards,” Theresa says. “There’s more creative brainstorming for truly bespoke cards.” It may take five to six weeks to go from fledgling concept to finished product.

Theresa enjoys every step of the process. Each year, when designing her own holiday cards, she starts with her signature motorcycle theme–a shared love of hers and her husband, Jesse’s–and reinvents the wheel. Notice the wreath below – see the treads?  And yes, those are filigree-inspired interlocking motorcycles on the right. Who knew they could be so graceful?

The results are stunning: custom art that reflects and celebrates a specific time in Theresa and Jesse’s lives, ready to take center stage on mantels everywhere.

Theresa clearly loves a design challenge, so feel free to push the envelope (sorry, I couldn’t resist). However fanciful or complex your idea may be, Theresa and her team of designers can make it a reality.  “I selected very creative, small, nimble companies to work with, because I knew my clients would want to create something special.”

The sky is clearly the limit, but don’t let a tight budget stop you from exploring holiday card options at TT Patton. Theresa stocks many options that give you a very high-end look without breaking the bank. “There are a lot of cards I can do for small businesses or young families, or people who are a little more cost-sensitive as well,” she says.

…and Holiday Gifts Galore!

This goes for Theresa’s many excellent gift options as well: “There’s something at every price point that is a quality product…a beautiful product that people would either enjoy for themselves or for giving as a gift.” It’s truly the thought that counts, and a useful gift that mirrors the recipient’s style is always welcomed and appreciated.

Theresa always keeps her inventory fresh, so there will be something new to ooh and aah over each time you stop in. “As a small shop in a small town, it’s important that you have variety,” she says. “I selected vendors that meet the demands of this particular shop in this particular location. You have the same people coming in the store—they don’t want to see the same blue pen.”

One of Theresa’s favorite gift ideas are her thINK pens, which are available in more than 100 different styles and come in a great keepsake box. She features many designs in the store, and can always place a special order if you need a particular color combination.

Many of Theresa’s vendors offer this flexibility, so your gift strikes just the right note. “Glass pieces from John Derian are excellent gift ideas, as all the pieces are different,” Theresa says. Derian blends vintage elements to create his glassware line, which features decoupage paperweights and trays–all available in a wide array  of shapes and designs.

Theresa has great gift ideas for everyone on your list this year. For a student or a devoted writer, you might personalize a Graphic Image leather notebook or  journal, and pair it with a fun pen.

To appreciate your employees, or to thank teachers, you could group a bunch of Retro 51 pens together—they come in fantastic metallic finished, at only $25 each. Or combine a portfolio with a beautiful pen. And maybe add a leather business card case…

Pens are one of Theresa’s favorite gift ideas, as she has one for nearly every personality and intended use. “Come in, take a look. Surely we can find something that fits. I have $25 pens that would be perfect for a teacher or a grab bag gift, $200 pens to honor a special graduate, and I have $800+ pens for collectors or those who enjoy fine writing instruments.”

There’s truly something for everyone. Stop in and see all of Theresa’s offerings…or give her a call with your special requests. She’ll wrap your gifts and have them waiting for you. (Your very own brown paper packages, tied up with strings–sure to be some of your favorite things!)

Theresa looks forward to assisting you with your personal and business gift selections at the holidays and throughout the year. She’s ready and waiting to help you! Stop in, peruse the store, and shop Theresa’s fabulous new collection of José Thenée drawings (in the background below). 

You can find Theresa at:

TT Patton

123 E Station Street
Barrington, IL 60010
Office: 847.277.0073
Open Mon – Sat 9:30am – 5:00pm

Website:  TTPatton.com

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