If one of the presents under your tree is wrapped in a nautical chart and tied with a bow, chances are good that someone’s been shopping at the Blue Urchin.
The eclectic shop located on the Harbor Boardwalk has been open, by popular request, for limited hours between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Owner Rebekah Pearson says that the Blue Urchin, located in the former Lazerette White Earth Tile shop, is a mix of fine art and handcrafted gifts tailored to both locals and summer visitors
Pearson and her husband, Jay, purchased the shop in early 2014, opening in time for Shorebird Festival this May.
“I had seen the ‘for sale’ sign and it kinda was in the back of my mind,” she said. One sunny, fall day she drove out on the Spit and the owner happened to be there. They chatted, and by early winter the shop was hers.
“I grew up in a gift shop,” said Pearson, whose mom owned one for 25 years in Michigan, inspiring her to start her own.
Prior to opening, the Pearsons spent time painting and rearranging the shop to give it its own flair. Now, with a busy first season behind her, Pearson said that one of her biggest challenges was keeping the store stocked with items that no one else has.
From $2 soaps and stickers to $600 metal king salmon, there’s something for everyone’s budget and nearly everyone’s style. Metal art for the wall, whimsical peace poles for the garden, hand painted wooden bowls and locally made stained glass and jewelry — to list a few.
Pearson said the inspiration for the shop’s name came from Julia Child. In her “Joy of Cooking” book, Child describes an urchin as “an elusive luxury.” That description fit Pearson’s vision for her business — beautiful, fancy and fun things that might only be found on the Homer Spit.
This weekend the Blue Urchin is having a Lights Out Christmas Sale before closing up until spring.
Hours are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at 4246 Homer Spit Road on the Harbor Boardwalk. Visit the shop on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/blueurchinhomer or call 299-1721.
Toni Ross is a Homer freelance writer.
Blue Urchin
Offering fine art, handcrafted gifts
Owners: Rebekah and Jay Pearson
Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
Location: 4246 Homer Spit Road, Harbor Boardwalk
More info:
• https://www.facebook.com/blueurchinhomer
• 299-1721
