BAROUKE for wood treasures. . . . . . .

"Pssssst! I'm one of the oh so cute ducks hanging out at the charming Jannett's 

amazing shop, Barouke Exotic Woods, Etc. down on the Cape Fear

River waterfront in historic Wilmington, North Carolina."

Have you ever run your hands over wooden treasures carved and polished to a 

silky smooth finish? If so, you know what I'm talking about when I describe the

hundreds, perhaps thousands, of exquisite wooden items offered at Barouke.

There are also melodious wind chimes, gongs, jewelry, small accent furniture pieces,

 lamps with jaw-dropping shades, marquetry boxes of every size, mirrors,

musical instruments, kitchenware, tableware, flowers, pictures. . . . . . and I even

 spied a rocking horse!

Barouke is a truly amazing shop and meeting owner Jannett Vadies was the highlight 

of our brief stop for a riverfront lunch prior to heading home from our beach weekend.

Before choosing our restaurant, obviously one with outdoor tables as it was such

 a beautiful Sunday, we took a walk along the waterfront and checked some of the interesting shops. 

Jannett welcomed us warmly - her shop is huge, airy and bright, and spills out

 onto to the small mall area. Everywhere you turn, your eye lands on something

 very special made of wood. Exquisite woods from around the world, much

 of it then crafted here by American artists, as well as very special international

 woodworkers around the world. Jannett has met them on her extensive travels,

and in the many countries where she has lived.

 Wilmington, North Carolina's own Bob Post makes these fantastic wood
 (and wearable!) Western cowboy hats - hand-turned to the thinnest wood imaginable. 
Displayed on a mahogany hat stand, these collectors' hats, one or more,
 make a eye-catching display and would definitely be a great conversation starter. 
I think I already know a special man who might love one of these - and it's not my 
hubby who, unfortunately, is not a cowboy!

Strolling through the bright and gleaming shop I saw so many items which
 would make wonderful gifts, and especially for men. . . . . .most of us know
 how difficult they are to buy for!

 I would have loved many of the carved birds and definitely am kicking myself
 for not bringing home a penguin! 
Fiona would be my choice - you many recall a little fuzzy female penguin
 followed me about on South Georgia Island when I was in Antarctica,

 this could be her all grown up!

Who wouldn't love a rainy day duck sporting polka dot 'wellies' 

carved in Indonesia and whom, I'm certain, are loved especially in the UK 

where everyone has a least one pair of Wellington boots!

Kitchen cutting boards, almost too beautiful to cut on! If I had one I would use it as

 a trivet, perhaps as a cheese board, or as a display base for another treasure.

Jannett, I hope you read this post because I want you to know much Bob and

 I loved meeting and talking with you on Sunday.  We will definitely return to

 Wilmington and come by again to see you and the really
 wonderful creations in your sparkling shop.

Anyone heading to the North Carolina coast should plan a stop in historic
 Wilmington and visit Barouke - I can assure you that you'll love this place.

Meanwhile, Jannett can be reached on her website and you can order online

if you can't get to Wilmington in person. I'm certain everyone still has
some Christmas shopping to do!