When Mary Clymer returned to Renton from Los Angeles, one of her first stops was City Hall to search for an I (heart/love) Renton button, similar to the one that her grandfather, Earl Clymer, used to wear daily – even beyond when he was Renton’s mayor. City staff told her that they hadn’t made the buttons for almost 20 years. Mary sought to rectify that situation and now stocks her own smaller buttons in her store – happy delusions – on Third and Main.
Mary and I met recently for coffee and a tour of her store – a very unique and unusual gift shop. Her store, which she describes as “traditional with a spin” is designed for crafters seeking to display and sell their handmade treasures. The space is designed into cubicles (the rent is very reasonable for the 55-square-foot spaces) where each vendor can put their own spin on displaying their merchandise. Mary’s store is more than three-fourths full right now and sales for her first year have been excellent. Besides those snazzy buttons (only $1/a piece, by the way), she has jewelry vendors, beautifully knitted scarves (including some of her own knit work), pottery, toys, candles, lamps and yard art. Some of my favorite items included whimsical signs for decorating your home – like the one I bought that said: “Home – it’s where your story begins.” Then there are the beautiful baby clothes and whimsical note cards designed by children at the Cedar River Montessori kindergarten.
Are you looking for a truly unique gift for a friend who likes things out of the ordinary? Chocolate Dreams has a booth with almost hard-to-describe African art and a recently placed quilt that was astonishingly beautiful. And then there are the cult favorite items called “Day of the Dead,” which celebrates a Mexican Nov. 1 holiday that Mary calls the “Mexican Halloween.” I’m not sure I could describe those items, but I know they appeal to a certain group of folks! The dog lover in me sighed for Operation Otis items; the proceeds of sales of these very cute items will benefit eye surgery for Otis, her bulldog born with a juvenile eye disease.
I was surprised to learn that quite a bit of her store traffic comes from friends of those visiting the next-door tattoo parlor. That’s cool. Mary said that she has heard a number of folks recently say that because of gas prices, they decided to explore downtown Renton, which pleases her. She’s hoping that she can attract people that want to get excited about Renton. There is much to explore at happy delusions. When you are walking by before or after the Renton River Days parade, stop in and explore and don’t forget your I (heart/love) Renton button! I’d love to see everyone at Liberty Park sporting one. I’m wearing mine!
Susan Bressler is an active member of a number of Renton organizations, including the Renton Chamber of Commerce. E-mail her at scbressler@comcast.net.
