Creativity Abounds at “Imagine That”

By Ashlea Walter
Sun contributor
Invited to a Baby Shower? Having a Baby? Want to pamper a new mother? Or maybe you have aspirations to be the best aunt or uncle, grandmother or grandfather around and need the perfect present? If you’re affected by the recent Baby Boom, look no further than Glen Arbor’s own “Imagine That. Eclectic Arts & Gifts” shop to help you fulfill your gift-giving needs. You’re sure to find something memorable, whimsical and personal.
Shop-owner Carolyn Brown, long-time summer visitor to the Glen Arbor area, hopes that customers will find items in Imagine That which “make you smile each time you look at them or feel good each time you use them.” A few moments spent inside the shop reveal just that: countless inspired items for the young or even the young at heart … fairies, jewels, flowers, handmade clothing, bedding, home furnishings, toys, puppet theaters, furniture and more. As one customer in Imagine That esteemed, “the more you look, the more you see.”

So how does one create such an inspired atmosphere that is so inviting and yet full of flair and wonder at the same time? By testing it out on your relatives first. The seeds of Imagine That were planted in gifts that Carolyn would make for family and friends, and in helping design and create items for the baby nurseries of her friends. She made her first puppet theater for her lucky niece and nephew and they continue to be the guinea pigs for Carolyn’s many creative designs.
Some of Imagine That’s other featured items this summer include Oprah’s favorite line of perfumes, bubble bath, candles, and crèmes called Lollia. The Lollia line is exquisite and the perfect gift to pamper a new mother or even yourself. Other finds include original paintings and sculptures by several different artists from the Greenville, South Carolina area. Carolyn calls Greenville home for the winter months and thankfully brings a good dose of southern charm and a laid-back flavor with her to her shop in Glen Arbor for the summer. Remember, summer’s short, so visit Imagine That often. It is located next to Petoskey Pete’s on Western Avenue, and open Monday-Friday from 10-6, Saturdays from 10-7 and Sundays from 12-5. When winter comes, Carolyn heads south with the rest of the snowbirds. But don’t worry, you can still find a treasure in cyberspace at www.shopimaginethat.com.