Worth seeking out
-
- March
- 5
I felt that familiar excitement as I drove up 684 this morning, headed to Somers.
I love checking out a store I’ve never been to before… What will I find? Will I love it or be disappointed?
This time around, I was visiting Somers Custom Framing — but don’t let the name fool you.
A hint of what’s hidden within is given by this flag out front:
Sure, it’s a full-service framing shop, where Ken Ryan heads up both a fine-art gallery and does all kinds of custom framing.
But I was there to see a bit more of the shop’s other component, a gift shop operated by his wife, Ginny Ryan.
And once I did, I realized it was a good choice for one of our “shop of the week” features, hopefully for next week.
But for now, I wanted to share a few pictures of what’s formally called The Gift Shop at Somers Custom Framing, a little sneak peek.
The first display table you’ll see is for seasonal items. Can you tell Easter’s on the way?
Overall, the place has a real artistic feel. It’s felt from Ginny Ryan’s own artwork scattered throughout — she’s an artist who specializes in murals, trompe l’oeil and portraits for both commercial and residential clients — to work created by other local artists and artisans, including these unique eggs and the glasswork, as well as some jewelry:
In addition, the shop has — get ready — soaps and body-care products, stationery and cards, more jewelry and handbags, gifts ranging from linens to books to candles to tea to chocolate-covered popcorn…
An example of the uniqueness of the goods featured here? Forget the idea of a sachet being a boring gift — just look at two of the sachets on offer here to see how such a simple item can be filled with a sense of luxury and really just be quite beautiful:
Oh, there’s even an entire section devoted to toys for all ages, including baby gifts and a play area (check out this castle):
Ginny Ryan and Donna Santagate, who has 34 years of retail experience, have put together quite a mix, don’t you think?
And the shop, I’m told, is also known for its gift wrap. Just take a look at these Easter baskets — they’re ready-made but they’ll also customize — to get a feel for what they do:
Look for the story next week, but in the mean time, stop by and say hi to Ginny and Ken Ryan. Maybe even do it on a Saturday, when the shop puts out freshly brewed coffee and homemade muffins.
Somers Custom Framing and the Gift Shop at Somers Custom Framing are at 253 Route 202, in the Doherty Building adjacent to the Heritage Hills Shopping Center. Call 914-276-3173.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 at 4:12 pm by Mary Shustack.
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The shop is undoubtedly the best in westchester and so are the owners .
Bonnie-
I’m sure the shop has plenty of fans… count me as a new one. Thanks for stopping by the blog and leaving a comment.
Best.
Mary
I agree, not only is the shop unique but its owners are extremely nice people. we had work done by them, and we extremely pleased.
Carmen-
Thanks for visiting, too- glad to hear you like the shop—and please come back here often- and feel free to pass along thoughts on some of your other favorite shopping spots- I’m always looking for places to write about (and shop…. of course!).
Thanks!
Mary
I can’t say enough about the great selection of gifts at Somers Custom framing. It doesn’t matter what age group your looking to buy for-they have something unique for every age group. Also,I’m a busy person and they conveneintly wrapped my purchase on site and it looked beautiful. I sent a friend to have a picture framed and she said the work and service where A+.
Laurie-
Thanks for adding your comments- seems like the shop has built a solid fan base!
Hope you’ll continue to visit the blog- and always feel free to pass along ideas of other places/topics you think are worth covering.
Thanks again- Mary
What a great shop run by a great couple. Ken and Ginny are teriffic at what they do. I wouldn’t think of getting my art or certificates framed elsewhere, and almost everytime I go to pick up a piece worked on, I find something else I want to buy that I never would have found elsewhere.
Bob Roth
Love the shop as well as the owners! I’ve bought both gifts and fine art from the Ryans, as well as having Ginny Ryan paint murals in all 3 of our childens’ bedrooms. Each mural reflects my childrens’ personalities perfectly! The Gift Shop at Somers Custom Framing has saved me many a trip to conventional toy stores for birthday gifts, as well as providing a convenient and beautiful place for me to get Teachers gifts, housewarming presents, adult birthday gifts, and sundry other presents for friends and family, and lets not forget me too! The gifts, because they are unique were truly appreciated by all who received them, and the free gift wrap is not only beautiful but truly a lifesaver at times. It’s surely a must to put on your list of places to stop in and check out. I did and I keep going back!
Marianne Morea
I love this shop! Having a place to go for one-stop shopping has saved me so much time. I am a staging professional and I find great, unique gifts hereto give me clients. Ginny and Donna always wrap the gifts up beautifully and make even the most inexpensive item appear grand. It’s always fun to go in and browse and see what’s new since the selections are always changing. Saturdays are an especially fun time to shop because you never know what kind of delicious homemade muffin you’ll get to eat!
I also have to mention Ken’s contributions to this great place to shop. Ken has a great eye for design. His recommendations and suggestions are always right on target. When it comes to mill-work, he’s very skilled. He’s helped me customized everything from shadow boxes to mirrors and he’s currently working on a custom fireplace mantel for me.
If you haven’t been yet, you’ve got to go. You won’t find better selections or people to work with.
Liz Santamorena
Home, Style & Staging
Again- thanks to everyone who’s been commenting. Looks like the shop really has hit the right note. – Mary
What a great find! I am an interior designer thrilled with the wonderfully talented design solutions both Ginny and Ken have made for
my many happy clients. A great place to shop for a little gift of appreciation too.
Karen Linnington
This is by far one of my absolutely favorite stores! I have lived in Somers my entire life, and Ginny’s and Ken’s store is exactly what Somers needed! Ginny and Ken are always so helpful, sweet, and welcoming! I know that I can always find a unique gift for any occasion, which will be wrapped beautifully by Donna. About a month ago I gave a friend the baby plate set (in its own hat box)and my friend just admitted that she hasn’t opened it yet because it just looks to pretty to open! I was thrilled to see this article about Somers Custom Framing and Gift Shop because I hope more people will know about this truly unique shop!!!
Somers Custom Framing is my new favorite store! Ginny and Ken make you feel at home as soon as you walk in the door. Their items are so unique and beautifully displayed. No matter what you purchase, regardless of how big or small, it is wrapped and presented beautifully! Framing is just one service Ginny and Ken offer. They have a wonderful gift selection which is quite unique, one that you won’t necessarily find in a department store. Let’s support our local businesses! You definitely won’t find the personal service, friendliness, and warmth at the mall. Besides, Ginny makes the best cup of tea!
This store is an absolute delight! An eclectic collection of goods, something for everyone. Enter into their doors and you don’t feel like you are in a retail store. The enticing scents welcome you into a warm and friendly room of wonders. With each turn you make a new a treasure is found. I love the fact that the inventory is continually updated and never old, every visit is new. The gifts are unique and special for anyone that you shop for. Their gift wrapping is not only convenient but an added pleasure. Ken and Ginny are not only kind but talented as well. Shopping is never a chore when you visit this store. Gift stores have come and gone but this store will thankfully be here for years to come.
I love it everytime I go into the somers custom framing. I always find what I’m looking for, that unique and different gift, and more. Always exciting, friendly,and warm, just like the owners. The hospitality is unsurpassed. Keep up the good work Ken , Ginny, and Donna