By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
Shop owner Ellen Sortore has created an atmosphere of rustic elegance and unique style on the top floor of the old mill downtown.
She opened Green Lace Lion, a vintage and handmade home decoration store, in the mill in October 2013. She also refurbishes and reupholsters furniture, hosts art and wine nights and holds knitting classes in the space.
Ms. Sortore, who has a bachelors degree in art and equestrian studies, said, “I like the idea of playing with the original purpose for something, tricking the eye and seeing it in a different light.”
She enjoys recycling items and giving them new purpose. Growing up on a gentleman’s farm and raising goats, chickens and peacocks, instilled in her a passion for natural things.
In the old mill, she has papered the walls with pages from old books and has used the old beams to hang globes and drying flowers. Originally, she planned to sell her wares online but after seeing the space in the old mill she became inspired to open “a brick and mortar” store.
”I love the old mill,” she said. “The whole building lends itself to a creative atmosphere.”
Ms. Sortore has expanded the ideas of the shop to support classes and workshops for children and adults in mixed media arts. She also has opened up to local handmade merchandise such as jewelry, soap, bags and aprons.
”The Green Easel Painting Nights” are introduction to painting workshops instructed by Ms. Sortore. The next open night will take place Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. and costs $40 plus tax per person or $75 plus tax for two adults. All supplies are included and students go home with an 11-inch-by-14inch painted canvas. Patrons can also schedule private painting parties at the shop.
Green Lace Lion will also be offering knitting classes on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings starting in September. The shop will also host a free Knitting Club on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from September through December.
In time, Ms. Sortore would like to further expand her shop to offer pottery classes.
For more information about the Green Lace Lion, email [email protected], call 609-575-4787 or visit www.facebook.com/GreenLaceLion.
