Collaborative because the boutique's inventory is primarily work by local artists such as 11th Monk3y Apparel and Designs by Ruben Gonzalez, Dolly & Boy by Courtney McEntire, and Merry May Handmade by Ashley Eaton (just to name a few).
Growing because the store, which officially opened its doors during this month's First Friday art walk, adds new merchandise weekly and is always looking to add work by local artists (more info after the jump). And original because the boutique's stocked with refreshingly unique handmade items.
Check out what we'd take, what we'd leave and why we'd go back after the jump...
Things we're taking home:
1. Scented candles by Jochy Handmade candles encased in recycled beer and wine bottles? We'll take them. Priced between $14 and $20.
2."Heart On" Pins by Charlie Welch Lapel pins made from recycled pornography. Stay classy with these $4 accessories.
3. Canteen How often do you see someone walking around with a canteen? Not very often, but it makes sense. After all, we do live in the desert. Beat the heat with this $15 canteen.
4. Crochet headphones via Merry May Handmade We love multi-purpose items. Keep your ears warm and entertained with these fuzzy headphones for $35.
5. Floral pillowcases These $8 cases are so cute. They come in a variety of colors and are a perfect fit for throw pillows.
Things on our wish list:
1. Jewelry by Mimi Handmade necklaces with names like "Charlie and the Whale" (pictured), "Not Cornflakes," and "Love Is Blind To Your Behind." Don't get caught with the same jewelry as someone else. These one-of-a-kind pieces are available for $40 to $125.
2. Mason Jar lights by John Scott Goodson Lights made from mason jars and CFLs. Here's a bright idea: Purchase these lights for $20-$30.
3. Sketchbooks by Shane Majors These handmade books are a creative place to store your creativity. Pick them up for $30 each.
4. Head statue Creepy just got cool. Well, only when it comes to this sculptured head. Use it for decoration or as a hat holder for $38.
We'll pass on...
A chicken container. We know how popular ceramic chicken containers are these days ... but we definitely don't want this one. It's missing a nugget of its body! This is the only unimpressive "found item" that we spotted at the boutique. Our kitchen cabinets will have to do without this $22 container.
One reason to go back...
The boutique carries vintage and consignment clothing and shoes for guys and girls.
If you're interested in selling your handmade creations at Grow-Op Collective, bring a sample of your work to the store. The owners will work with you. Profits are split with 60 percent going to the artist and 40 percent to the boutique. Five percent of all the sale revenue goes to the community garden (Roosevelt Growhouse).
The boutique also offers courtyard space for vendors during First Friday. Vendors do not have to pay for a permit but 25 percent of their earnings go to the boutique.
Grow-Op Collective is located at 902 N. 6th Street in Phoenix. Visit the store Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The boutique is open until 11 p.m. on First Fridays. For more information, check out the boutique's Facebook.
