Red Lead Paperworks

The diverse products (papers, dimensional pieces, glues, stamps, etc) make this store a winner in my book, and when I saw that they sold the Sol du Soleil (sun drying epoxy resin), I took it as the perfect opportunity to venture out to my favorite locally owned craft supplier. While I planned several stops for my Wednesday afternoon, the stop at Red Lead was central to my mission. When you need epoxy resin, you need it. Am I right? I had been in to what I formerly considered a St Louis gem before, but this visit was different.
I mentioned how I went in on a Wednesday. I get how some locally owned stores aren’t open on a Sunday or even a Monday, but I never could have anticipated that a store in the adorable Webster Groves district would be closed at 2pm on a Wednesday. Did I mention that I fought bouts of not being able to see through the rain as I drove here? They were closed, as I am sure you’re figuring out. As I was getting completely drenched, I read (and re-​read to be sure I wasn’t going nuts) the sign in the window, which told me that the store’s days of business are Friday-​Sunday… I don’t even remember the hours. I’m sure I looked a bit of a nutter as I stood there with my «what, really?» face on. How do they afford rent in an awesome place like that with only 3 days open? I guess we should alter their hours here on their business entry because I don’t want someone to face the supreme disappointment of making a trip out and being informed of a 3-​day business week.
I could have ordered my Sol du Soleil online, but then I’d have to wait for it to be shipped, and I really want to play with it NOW. Can you tell I am an American? I guess I wanted it bad enough to head back today. They were open (Yay… small victory). I went in, and started looking around. I kept getting my thoughts interrupted by a voice speaking at a level that far exceeded what was necessary. There were 3 people in the store… and it’s really not that big… and I was virtually silent. That in addition to the fact that the voice clearly belonged to a smoker (no offense to smokers… okay some offense, sorry). It was heavy, raspy and irritating. I saw a great sale on paper, so I ventured over. I was asked if I needed help, and I said that I came in for the Sol du Soleil (which the company website said Red Lead provided), and asked if she could point me in the right direction. She looked at me like I had grown a hairy toe from my forehead, and said that she didn’t know what I was talking about (big help, thanks!). I told her that it is a resin that sets under UV light. She pointed out one (that is conveniently much more expensive) and said it was all they have (with a lovely take-​it-​or-​leave-​it demeanor). She wasn’t particularly helpful or friendly to her only customer. She claims she knows all about crafts and that this other brand is not good. What if I love it, lady?
I deduced from the conversation between her and the other woman, that the store is under new management. The last time I was in, it was such a different experience. The person who I believe owned it, was helpful, nice to her potential customers and you could tell had an interest in assisting… and keeping her business afloat.
I always appreciate locally owned stores, and try to show that appreciation by shopping there, but I doubt I will go back.
They earned 1 ½ stars from me. The next ½ was for all of the paper I got for $ 6. The last 1 star is for the fact that I saw a sign promoting the Jazz Festival this weekend… that I will be attending tomorrow.
Not-​so-​happy Crafting

I have never seen so many rubber stamps! Beautiful rubber stamps, trinkets, collage paper, etc.
It is a really neat place to check out!
My first time here I bought ink pads and a few stamps to use when I send out seasonal cards, thank you cards, or just letters. It adds a little something to what you send besides it not being email. :)
Worth checking out if you are in the area!
Note that it is a small shop.