Throwing a net around town...

Bloomers and Things is celebrating their 10th anniversary in the borough of Allentown this month! Owner, Debbie Personette, feels that those ten years flew by quickly. Her shoppe has undergone many changes, originally known for flowers and custom arrangements, then adding upscale gifts and jewelry, now expanding to a crafters dream, offering paint your own ceramics, make your own mosaics, glass fusing, paint me T-shirts, sterling clay jewelry, and much more.

Debbie is a very creative person and enjoys many artistic pursuits which she offers in her shoppe. When we talked recently, she excitedly shared her latest idea for kids.
“It’s called Paint Me T’s. The kids or adults use special paints and paper to make a picture or design and then we take it and transfer it onto the shirt and they can take it home that day.” The Paint Me designs can also be transferred onto back packs and tote bags which make great gifts. And the kids T-shirts, at only $19.95 finished, don’t break the bank.

Bloomers is a kids birthday party and ladies night out specialty shoppe. Who doesn’t enjoy an afternoon or evening of snacks and chatting combined with plenty of artsy fun! Patrons can even rent their olde style popcorn machine to add to the charm.

My eyes were then drawn to a beautiful flower arrangement in the cooler done in shades of purple and orange, accented with ornamental kale and peacock feathers. Debbie said that her shoppe is gearing up for the switch over to fall colors in their flower arranging. They definitely have an eye for the elegant and unique.

Personette proposed an art camp this summer which quickly sold out. The camp taught students how to tye-dye and paint ceramics among other fun activities. When the four week camp was over many of the students wanted to continue and were eager to sign up for next summer on the spot. She does plan to offer this class again next summer, so get on the list!

As if all of that were not enough, Debbie volunteered to be on this year’s Harvest Festival Committee. Her tasks were securing the eight musical bands and doing the signage for all of the crafters and vendors. She was proud that most of the bands were local talents including Corner View, a band of students from Allentown High School. Debbie’s own shoppe offered a Harvest Fest Special- a free paint your own ceramic ornament. More than 140 guests participated in this activity so Debbie’s kiln’s will be working overtime this week!

Happy 10th Anniversary to Bloomers and Things, a special part of our community!