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Shopping
“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply
didn’t know
where to go shopping.” – Bo Derek
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A picture really can speak a thousand words.
Whether it’s a photograph from your
honeymoon, your child’s first work of art,
or the logo for a business, an image can
conjure up a host of thoughts, memories and
emotions.
Ink Creations is in the business of giving
your images a lasting impression. They can
take most personal images, photographs,
logos and wording, and recreate them on
hundreds of various items, including key
chains, jewelry, buttons, fabric, and tile
murals. The sky is the limit with this
company, and they will gladly assist you in
choosing the best items for your creative
ideas.
Ink Creations is a family owned and operated
business. Amy Lopez just earned her business
degree and handles most of the customer
service and production. Her mother, Terri
Lopez, promotes the business in the
community. Additionally, family members Rick
Lopez, Angie and Danny Arens assist with the
day to day operations. Amy loves this new
venture and says, “This is the perfect
opportunity for me because I get to be
creative, and every day I’m making something
different. It’s a fun business!”
“It’s so rewarding to see the final
product,” Terri adds. “It is even more
rewarding to see the excitement on each
customer’s face when the completed order is
delivered. Our goal is to help our customers
create products that are fun, creative and
unique.”
Are you looking for a special gift for that
person who has everything? Ink Creations can
use your artwork to make one-of-a-kind gifts
which your recipient will cherish for many
years.
Perhaps you have old photographs stored away
in seldom opened photo albums. Ink Creations
can scan the originals, touch them up if
needed, then transfer the image to a
beautiful tile mural or placemats which you
can prominently display in your home.
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If you have your own business, Ink Creations
can produce many distinctive marketing items
such as magnets, t-shirts, clocks, buttons,
mouse pads, golf tee’s, license plates,
coasters and hats. By distributing these
useful products, your company’s information
and logo will be close-at-hand in your
customer’s homes every day! Be sure to visit
their website to see all the great
promotional products available. Ink
Creations can even enlarge and transpose
your company’s logo onto a tile entryway in
your shop which will truly impress your
customers.
Here’s a wonderful gift idea for your next
wedding or anniversary celebration. Find a
photograph of the couple when they first
met, and have Ink Creations make a
photographic wall plaque or serving tray as
a keepsake of their love. If you are
planning a wedding or anniversary, Ink
Creations can help you design unique bridal
party gifts, announcements and favors.
Is your child an artist? Instead of hanging
those masterpieces on the refrigerator to
get torn and tattered, Ink Creations can
make a tile collage from your favorite
pieces that will last a lifetime. Or maybe
you’re the artist? Try your hand at
marketing your art by applying it to a
multitude of everyday items. This is also a
great idea for Christmas or birthday gifts!
Fundraising opportunities are also available
with Ink Creations, and Terri or Amy can
help you choose the right program for your
school or day care. Stop by Ink Creations
today for inspiration and guidance on
designing personalized products and gifts
for your family or business associates,
usually completed within one day. Give more
than just a gift this holiday season – give
a lasting memory!
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Amy and Terri Lopez
For further
information about this advertorial, call
941-488-2439,
or log onto
www.InkCreationsVenice.com.
Ink Creations is located at 1058 E. Venice
Avenue in Venice.
Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday,
and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Written by Debra Young and Photographed by Terry
Cylkowski
Printed November 2007
Web January 2008
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Shopping Guide
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Discover what shopping in paradise is all about. Endless
shopping pleasures await you at world-class retail
communities where you’ll find everything from exquisite
jewelry to designer evening wear.
Stroll the many historic districts and uncover rare
antiques and treasures. Visit our beach towns and browse
wonderful boutiques specializing in stylish cruise wear,
tropical beach clothing and delightful accessories. |
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You will encounter a variety of shops to peruse and enjoy
that are decidedly fashionable. Everything is here amid sunny blue skies
and tropical breezes. Take it all in, and you’ll understand why Gulf Coast
shopping leads to more than just a paper bag and goodies. Come experience the
Florida lifestyle at its finest!
OUTDOOR STROLL N’ SHOP
Historic Downtown Venice
is home to many unique, locally owned shops, galleries, antiques
stores, boutiques and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll along Venice, Tampa
and Miami Avenues and discover a shopping experience unlike any other.
Downtown Venice is just blocks from the beach on Venice Island.
Olde Englewood Village
on Dearborn Street in the heart of historic Englewood is rapidly
becoming a destination for people from all over the Coast—it may be one of the
area’s best-kept secrets.
Shop for gifts and fine art, hand-painted furniture and antiques, casual
clothing, jewelry and vintage furnishings, then sample some great food and
coffee. All this and more is nestled into a quaint area on the shores of Lemon
Bay.
St. Armand’s Circle,
on the way to Longboat Key, attracts people from near and
far. Upscale shopping, dining and entertainment make St.
Armand’s the place to see and be seen. It’s not only a
great place to fulfill your shopping passions and sample
epicurean delights, it’s a people watcher’s paradise!
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Downtown Sarasota
is the quintessential “downtown” covering blocks of
shopping territory. Start on Main Street then weave your
way along side streets browsing an eclectic mix of
shops, eateries, galleries, salons and more. |
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Gulf Gate Shopping
District, SE of Stickney Point Rd. at US 41 in
Sarasota, has a
diverse mix of stores and restaurants. Many people are
surprised to discover the extensive variety of
businesses in this area, but once they do, it becomes a
favored destination for great shopping and dining.
Longboat Key, just over the bridge from downtown
Sarasota, has shops in small collections sprinkled
along its entire length. The lush topical landscaped
Avenue of the Flowers is within a short walking distance
with convenient gourmet grocery and prescription stores,
as well as exclusive and casual shops offering the
latest in women's and men's fashion.
SoMa District, on Pineapple Avenue in downtown Sarasota
is a thrill for antique enthusiasts. Here, you'll find
fine antiques to retro 1950s Florida collectables.
INDOOR MALLS
Fishermen's
Village,
Punta Gorda's
Hometown Destination for Harborside Shopping, Dining &
Fun featuring Shops, Restaurants, Harbor Cruises,
Fishing Charters, Boutiques, Marina, Villa Vacation
Rentals, Boat Rentals, Entertainment. Open Daily.
Located off Marion Avenue. From I-75, take exit 164,
turn left and go 3 miles. For more information call
941-639-8721 or 1-800-639-0020.
Westfield Shoppingtown Southgate
3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota offers an upscale
shopping experience. Fine retailers such as Saks Fifth
Avenue, Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn draw people who
would rather not drive all the way to Tampa. Good
restaurants and a prime central Sarasota location make
it a hot spot to shop.
Westfield Shoppingtown
Sarasota Square US41 and Beneva in Sarasota
offers plenty of variety under one roof. Anchor stores
include Dillards, JC Penny’s, Sears and Macy's. Inside
you’ll discover many popular national chain stores plus
a movie theater and food court.
Port Charlotte Town Center,
1441 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte is a full service
shopping mall with a variety of national and local brand
stores and one of Florida’s largest food courts. Catch a
movie at the Regal Cinemas Town Center 16.
STRIP MALLS
Find what you need at
one of the many outdoor strip malls along US 41. Here
are just a few…
Venice Village Shoppes,
4129 S. Tamiami Trail (at Jacaranda)
Nokomis Village, 1097 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis
Southbay Shopping Center, 1350 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Sarasota Pavillion, US 41 between Stickney Point Road &
Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota
The Landings, 4870 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Prime Outlet, Ellenton -
If you like "the best for less" shopping, be sure to try
the Prime Outlet, Ellenton mall that takes shopping for
bargains of top name brands to a new level of luxury and
value.
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Happy Shopping!
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