Words Lovely Words Gift Shoppe
The mother-daughter team of Linda Bruce and Phyllis Arthur founded their shop at Mission Mill Museum, operating within the confines of a 400-square-foot space. Since then, the women have moved the shop to a South Salem location large enough to hold a variety of cards, trinkets and gifts.

Among the most popular items offered are the Pure Grace line of porcelain ornaments, made by local couple Jay and Janice Callaway. These items are tagged with a reminder to customers: "Lovingly produced by skilled artisans in Salem, OR."

Bruce discovered the pair by chance at a gift show, where she frequently peruses for new products.

Edible goodies at the front counter of Words Lovely Words are Salem creations as well.
Chocolatier and pastry chef Terri Nordone is a graduate of Le Cordon Blue Patisserie & Baking Program at Western Culinary Institute, where she learned to blend art and chocolate. Nordone's creations, Posh Ganache chocolates, are made from fresh ingredients and hand packaged to order.

"The dark chocolates are a hit, because they're supposed to be healthier," Bruce said. She pointed towards the case of confections, presented in creative ways. "But the most popular ones are the martini glasses and the cappuccino cups."

Words Lovely Words Gift Shoppe
4635 Commercial St. SE
Contact: 503.763.0151, wordslovelywords.com

Spencer's Alley
Spencer's Alley, a crafter's mall started by owner Maralyn Davis, claims to offer an alternative to "big box" stores in a boutique-style atmosphere. More than 150 exhibitors offer a range of items from jewelry to furniture and home décor.

The "Quilt Lady" has distinguished herself, earning a spot in the store's front display. Local artist Carol Curtis does a collection of seasonally themed pillows and blankets that frequently attracts customer attention.

"She literally does them from scratch," Randall said.

Curtis offers a special service to her audience that brings products to a personal level. By request, the artist will customize with a name or phrase on pillows.

Spencer's Alley
2376 Commercial St. SE
Contact: 503.585.9749, www.spencersalley.net

Governor's Cup
Coffee-addicted friends and relatives might appreciate a locally made fix for their caffeine craving. Kevin Jentzch, manager of Governor's Cup, started roasting and brewing his own coffee in 1991. Since then, Jentzch has opened the Governor's Cup coffee shop, a hot spot for organic coffee and free WiFi. The shop sells full and half pound bags of coffee at the front counter, roasted and hand packaged within the Salem community. Blends are given creative names, such as the decaffeinated Sleeping Giant. "We do it all right here. We take the extra step in creating coffee," Jentzch said.

Governor's Cup
471 Court St. NE
Contact: 503.581.9675

SLAB Handcrafted Soap Company
Slab Soap is located in the basement of the Reed Opera House, in a space that Willamette University graduate Tim Ledford has converted into his workshop. Since 2004, the store has offered 30+ varieties of natural soaps handmade in Salem. The 6 oz. soaps are created from a blend of palm, coconut, and olive oils, along with aromatic natural oils and exfoliants. "We eliminate basically all the synthetics and chemicals with our natural soaps," Ledford said.

Slab Handcrafted Soap Company
189 Liberty St. NE Suite B-2
Contact: 503.371.3055, slabsoap.com