Oil Creek Originals

If you find yourself in the Titusville/Oil City area, be sure to visit Oil Creek Originals.  It's a new gift shop located between Titusville and Oil City, at the top of Cherrytree Hill.  They have a variety of goods, and it is worth stopping in to check out.

The shop is home to the products of eighteen different artisans.  There are a multitude of different painted surfaces ranging from wine bottles to cement edgers.  If you're more in the mood for candles, they have a line of those as well.  When you first walk in, you'll smell the potpourri and notice the beautiful jewelry.  To actually see everything, you really need to walk around the shop twice.

To make the shop more welcoming, they have utilized various furniture as display pieces, as well as the normal shelving.  The products are artfully displayed, making the shop feel homey.  There are some old boxes and paint items scattered throughout various displays, as well.  You can tell the owner cares and has created a creative space.

In addition to the gift products offered, there are also painting supplies offered.  From paint to surfaces to patterns, you can find the pieces to put together amazing art of your own.  There is an entire room dedicated to helping you create painted items.  If you don't know how to paint, they are going to be offering classes beginning in May.  At first, it is just the owner who will be teaching, but she hopes to have guest teachers to facilitate you learning whatever craft floats your boat.

If there is a problem with the shop, it's the location.  Located at the top of Cherrytree hill in an old gas station/garage, the shop makes great use of its space but may intimidate some visitors.  Don't be fooled by the location, as Oil Creek Originals is well worth your time.  I spent over forty dollars there today on items ranging from jewelry to dips to a decorative sign.  They say not to judge a book by its cover; be smart and don't let the location frighten you away.  Stop in and say hi.

I am obviously biased, as I know the owner and many of the artists whose items are displayed in the shop.  I like to think I'm giving you a fair description of the shop and its products, and I try to be honest when writing.  If you stop in and don't like the shop, I'll be surprised.  Well, if you aren't into gift shops, you may not like it, but that's not the shops fault.

Spread the word about Oil Creek Originals.  It's good to see talented local artists creating something.  If you don't see something you like, tell the owner.  I know she is still looking for talented artists who want their wares displayed in her shop.  Maybe she can find something you'll like, if she knows to look for it.