TorMan – A Unique Store

They finally have arrived!  Cynthia Lawrence of Tusnelda Pottery came to see us over the weekend and she dropped off a new shipment of her delightful pottery birdhouses.  Just my opinion, but these are even more incredible than the last shipment we received. 

These make perfect Mother’s Day gifts!  Hint, hint…..Mother’s Day is May 11th. 

James and I look forward to seeing you soon!  Visit us often as our inventory is constantly changing.  Have a super day!

While visiting my hometown recently, I caught up with my cousins and had the chance to see some of the items they knit and crochet.  I mean to tell you – INCREDIBLE work.  Collectively, these ladies have been crocheting and knitting for well over 30 years and they together represent three generations of women who are carrying on this family tradition.

I convinced them to allow me to carry some of their items at TorMan.  This weekend a shipment of items arrived and I can’t wait to tell you about the Spa Body Cloths.  My cousin Brandy Marilla knits these.  They are made from either 100% cotton or “color grown” organic cotton.  She tells me there is no better face/body cloth in the world; according to her, the people she has made them for don’t use anything else on their skin.  Not only do they clean wonderfully, but they also gently exfoliate the skin.

Remember to take care of the skin you are in!  Treat yourself to a spa cloth.  Happy bathing! 

Today we received a beautiful shipment of crocheted baby shawls, receiving blankets, christening blankets and crib blankets.  If you are looking for a gift for a new parent or parent-to-be then you have to see these – they are incredible.

My cousin, Shelia Elliott, hand crafts these wonderful baby items.  Each blanket is crocheted and takes between 8 to 12 hours to create.  The color are perfect and each item is very soft.  Some of the items are embellished with ribbons, other with tassels.  She said, “most people think these are for decoration or for special occasion use, but they are not, they are durable and can be washed and used often”. 

For a truly special gift, stop in at TorMan and check these out. 

James Torres, co-owner and resident artist at TorMan, will be showing his “Scary Wonderland” creations at Art Works Studios and Galleries.  The show will open with an artist reception on April 25th at 7 pm.  His show will be featured in the Skylight Gallery.  In addition to “Scary Wonderland”, this show will also feature other recent works of art. 

We hope that you will be able to join us for his opening.  If you can’t make it Friday night, the show will be on display until May 18, 2008 so please stop in at Art Works and check it out. 

Art Works is located 1/2 mile from downtown Richmond, across the Mayo (14th Street) bridge.  Their telephone number is 804-291-1400.  Visit their website at www.artworksrichmond.com for more information.

I am thrilled to let you know about our new friends over at River City Bean Co.  These wonderful ladies (a mother and daughters team) have taken two of my favorite things and created a fantastic product.  And, it is crafted and produced right here in Richmond!  James and I are delighted they have agreed to work with us at TorMan.  We are excited to bring these new products to you!

When you LOVE coffee, and when you LOVE chocolate, fusing them together is pure poetry!  This is what the owners of River City Bean Co. have done.  They have created a perfect union of rich, tantilizing chocolate flavors by infusing their gourmet flavored coffee directly into the chocolate.  The results are a match made in heaven!  A smooth, rich, melt in your mouth chocolate with just a touch of crunch that adds to the overall texture and flavor.  They have enhanced their creation by adding fresh ingredients, natural oils and fruit zests resulting in an incredibly delicious, decadent line of chocolates.

We are also excited to carry their coffee line.  Their organic coffees are roasted in small batches by Orange County Roasters.  They are also a family owned and operated company, located on the outskirts of the Shenandoah Valley.  They roast the beans for River City Bean Co. at the time of order, ensuring their ultimate freshness.  The difference in taste is apparent in the very first sip!  I must say, this is an excellent cup of Joe!

When you are back in Shockoe Bottom, James and I look forward to having you stop in and see us.  We have new products arriving all the time.  The store is forever changing so check us out frequently and while you are shopping, don’t forget to get some chocolate!