· By Phoebe Carpenter Eells
April 2025
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April 4th
Indie Made Business; Focus on the Good
Time is feeling shifty over here- like it's either moving through mud at a snails pace or it's on double time and I'm left wondering how it's already April!? Each day I'm working on finding all the reasons to be grateful. Today was easy because the Skagit High School Democrats stopped by the shop after school to make protest signs for tomorrow. It was delightful to feel their passion and energy- the kids are alright.
Tomorrow we'll host a free all ages sign making event. If you have specific materials that you would like to use feel free to bring them along. We will focus on markers and cut paper letters tomorrow in lieu of paint so that we don't have to worry about dry time. Sign making starts at 11. We will have cardboard, markers, construction paper & great community in the back of the shop. You can head to the courthouse at noon our walk with a group at 12:45. My understanding is that several groups are organizing from noon to 3. I'm banking on the peak energy being from 1-2.
We've been creating more fine art for the shop. Honing old skills and learning new ones. Jonathan put together some tulip sculptures that are completely delightful. Many pieces are originals and all are priced accessibly. Stop by to see the collection this weekend and maybe you'll even score one of these early time capsules of our newest endeavor.
elSage hats are now available at RoozenGaarde and Skagit Food Coop, if you know of a shop that elSage would be a good fit for drop us a note! We're working on growing our wholesale biz and would love your help.
There are fresh arrivals pouring into the shop daily. Earrings, greeting cards, candles, yard signs, perfume and art. We love being part of the indie economy and hope that you enjoy what we curate! See all the new things here or shop by the shop 10-6 (there's always extra items in the store).
No matter what your weekend has in store we hope that it provides just what you need to restore and find some hope. We're living a wild timeline right now and caring for ourselves is ever-important.
In Solidarity,
Phoebe
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April 17, 2025
Notes from inside a small business
The days getting longer and the air warmer is just what I needed. Despite the unreal news cycle and all of the unknowns that are involved in small business right now we are staying busy, and hopeful. Last time I sent you a note was before the Hands Off nationwide protest, our sign making events were a huge success and the protest had the largest group I've ever seen at a Skagit Valley protest. It was great seeing many of you there!
Around the shop we've been very busy. We opened up elSage wholesale, custom printing, and custom design projects at the start of the new year and have several projects going on any given day. I'm excited to share some custom pieces that I've been working on this month- soon ;) If you have a shop or know a store owner, you can access wholesale information by clicking >>> here. We're booking select custom design and printing projects, just reply to this email to get something started!
Having a full calendar is helping us stay in motion. We're prioritizing movement and wellness, sunshine and family. We love seeing everyone flow through the shop and hope you'll be able to make it out to our opening day of Valley Made Market (one week from Sunday).
I shared a little real talk on our Instagram Stories yesterday and opened up a text box for folks to share their hopeful bright spots. It garnered many responses and the common theme was community, family, meaningful work, nature, and movement. I hope that all of us can continue to stay healthy and grounded by literally and figuratively "touching grass".
With hope,
Phoebe
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April 27th
I’m writing this on the fly. Somehow a newsletter was pushed this week and then moving parts took over and here I am on Valley Made Opening Day writing you a quick note with coffee in hand. All that to say- disregard any typos & I hope you read this in time to join us for a beautiful Valley Made Market today!! Riverwalk Park (just a few blocks from the shop) 10am-4pm, live music all day.
The week has been a delightful blur. We have several custom projects coming through the studio right now. One for Hayton Farms Berries, another for the Mount Vernon Fire Department (both shown here). Our custom books are open if you have a project you want to bring to life!
Things bringing me joy are: community and connectedness, fresh eggs from delightful chicken farmer friends, new personal projects (I can’t wait to see these dogs on a hoodie!), freshly stocked handprinted notebooks (wait until you see the covers!), and most of all the arrival of spring! It’s amazing how longer days and brighter skies can make you forget all about the wet, grey winter. I’m ever-grateful to live in this beautiful valley in the PNW.
Political action: Thursday May 1st May Day Rally at the Mount Vernon Courthouse. 4pm-6pm. Does anyone want to make signs at elSage shop on Wednesday from 4-6? Reply to this if you’re interested. I just got some fresh supplies for sign making and we have heaps of cardboard to repurpose. It would be a free event and you could let signs dry overnight and pick them up on your way to Thursday’s event.
There’s a collective energy that’s feeling really powerful. I’m inspired watching so many dig into their spheres of influence and do work that feels tangible. We make an impact in small acts carried out often. Whether you’re helping at the library, intentionally raising thoughtful children, organizing community action, donating, planting a garden, running for office, serving on boards, or voting with your dollars, you’re part of a collective effort that I’m convinced will save us. The people united will never be defeated!
Ok that’s all for now. Come say hey at Valley Made today 10-4!
With hope & brightness,
Phoebe |