Spruce & Gussy
1. Spruce and Gussy’s Patti Savoie and Michelle Souza enjoy a free moment in the shop’s seating area featuring Jennifer Judd-McGee original work on the wall behind.
2. Multipurpose cloths, handmade by local artisan Kirsten Hardy of Anabelfuzz.
3. Wrap up your gift packages with polka-dotted ribbon from wooden spools.
4. Colorful modern ceramics in great shapes and colors. And how about a bottle opener by local glass artist Tara Parker?
5. Patti Savoie at the bench, soldering sterling bezels.
6. This engraved serving board by Jennifer Judd- McGee makes a great wedding gift. Throw in salad servers by Tara Parker for a complete set.
7. Lavender sachets, hand stitched at Spruce and Gussy.
8. Sterling shadowbox pendants with Australian opals, hand wrought by Patti Savoie.
Shop Talk – July 2015
by Veronique Mcaree | Photography by Sarah Beard Buckley
Feeling crafty? Looking for a unique piece of art or just a great card? Time to check out this Bar Harbor boutique-meets-workshop-and-gallery devoted to contemporary craft.
Patti Savoie and Michelle Souza are true makers. While their former careers did not involve the arts, they are mutually drawn to all manner of crafts, from jewelry making to knitting, felting, and more. It’s this creative bond that led the two friends to join forces and build a small creative business in their hometown of Bar Harbor.
Their charming shop, Spruce and Gussy, brings together their creative vision of showcasing the work of artisans from all over the Unites States, Mexico, and Canada.
You’ll find their own handmade jewelry showcased too, and because Savoie and Souza sew and knit, their fiber creations also pop up around the shop among the leather-bound journals, bibs, hand towels, and other things that catch the eye and warm the heart.
Aside from the eclectic assortment of goods, visitors will enjoy the very friendly vibe, which starts with colorful walls painted shades of green, orange, purple, and brown. The barn-board trim lends a rustic feel, and a cozy sitting area sends a strong message to stay awhile, read a magazine, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere.
Savoie and Souza seek out handmade items and work with small companies as much as possible. They gravitate toward bright colors and simple lines plus a touch of what they describe as “woodsy and organic.”
The selection of home accessories includes handmade ceramics, soy candles, and colorful tableware. Then there are comfy scarves and clothing, small-batch soaps, art, craft supplies, toys, books, and textiles for babies and kids, plus a wide variety of totes, bags, and wallets, and a large selection of journals and cards including lovely letterpress styles.
In addition to curating the wonderful collection found in Spruce and Gussy, Souza and Savoie spend slow winter months creating jewelry in a metalsmith studio they have added to the shop. They also take advantage of the off-season to offer needle-felting and knitting classes.
While Souza and Savoie both have left the restaurant business behind, their love of food and great gatherings is a big part of the Spruce and Gussy brand. They host several events throughout the year, including a fundraiser for the Kristen Klint Arts Fund scholarship (where they serve up tasty treats donated by locals) and a festive holiday craft fair. They also serve on Bar Harbor’s First Friday Art Walk committee, planning events that shine a little spotlight on local artists.
Stop in (or shop online). You’ll leave with something lovely—and perhaps even the desire to go home and make something.
A LITTLE MORE SHOP TALK
WHY MAINE?
We choose to live in Maine because we both have family roots here, and because the natural beauty of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park is a spirit saver for both of us. We are avid hikers, and also enjoy boating on the lakes and ocean. Plus, it’s a state filled with so much creativity and skilled artisans.
WHAT DO YOU COLLECT?
We collect color, in the form of gemstones, yarn and fiber, paper, fabric, and ink.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
We are inspired by collaboration. Though we are both fiercely independent, we find that many of our best creations happen with mutual insight and support.
HOT PRODUCTS?
Customers love all kinds of things, including notecards and prints by Jennifer Judd-McGee, handmade textiles by local artisan Kirsten Hardy, and jewelry by a myriad of artists.