Down and Out in Denver

Last weekend a good gal pal and I went for a little bike ride… I know. Truth be told, it was more of a booze cruise on two wheels. Wine is not a great substitute for water by the way and it has the opposite effect of Gatorade. However, it tastes a hell of a lot better. Before things got boozy we dropped by an adorable little shop called Tomte, located at 1644 Platte Street. It was an unexpected surprise… and an amazing find. 

Tomte: small, but strong.

I did a little research. A tomte is a mythical creature of Scandinavian folklore. It’s believed that they watched over a farmer’s home, as well as his children, protecting them from misfortune, especially at night, when everyone was asleep. Cute little guy. 

Tomte features lots of great  handmade products, many of them made locally: sewn goods, tea towels, shirts, and glassware. Some of the products that stood out to us were some amazing  little terrariums incorporating tiny, beautiful ceramic deer. I can’t recall that last time I saw a terrarium, let alone one that I would want to display in my own home. Other highlights included a collection of rather uniquely hand crafted mushroom-shaped birdhouses that hung from a tree branch suspended from the ceiling; graphic tees printed on what has to be one of the best made shirts out there these days; a noteworthy selection of screen-printed tea towels, coasters, and placemats; and a collection of buttons employing recycled security envelope patterns.  

Birdhouses by Denver’s own Michael McDowell

I could have easily dropped more than the ten-spot on the handmade tote bag I picked up for myself. And, before we headed off to grape filled pastures, I quickly made a few notes to myself for my gal pal’s upcoming birthday. If you have the chance to stop by Tomte. Modern Craft, I highly suggest it… not only are you supporting locally made products, but showing Denver that talented local designers are worth investing in.