The Fussy Duck in Salem, Oregon is a locally owned, small business that brings together several other small businesses and gives them a place to display and sell their creations and products. Whether you’re looking for handmade items, like penguin plushies, cool wooden signs, snazzy holiday fragrances, or you want a vintage toy that reminds you of when you were child, the Fussy Duck has a treasure waiting for you to find it.

One of the purveyors of treasure is the Brass Button. Owner and Designer Carlie Childs took time out of her busy schedule to talk about what the Fussy Duck means to her, what you can find in the Brass Button space, and her favorite holiday tradition:

Penguinate.com: What does the Fussy Duck mean to you?

Childs: The Fussy Duck has always brought a sense of warmth and love to my heart. When I walk through those doors, I enter a world that isn’t overwhelming, and it gives me a sense of peace to enjoy the small things. Better yet, it is a welcoming and inviting space, where I saturate myself into finding the most random yet perfect, beautifully hand-selected and handmade finds for my home. Now after years of enjoying Fussy Duck as a customer, I am delighted to craft and create to add to the enchanting shopping experience and to brighten a smile for all who visit.

Penguinate.com: What is your space offering?

Childs: The Brass Button, located in A39, offers handmade crafts and fun finds, with items rotating seasonally. I have always enjoyed the art of gifting and a lot of that having to do with presentation and a personal touch. Now through Dec 25^th, we are offering: Handmade Gnome Ornaments, Firestarter Cupcake Gift Sets, Unique Festive Jewelry, Cheerful Pure Essential Oil Holiday Room Sprays (doubles as a poo-pourri), Durable Hand Sanitizer Pocket Keychains – with a touch screen button pusher (perfect gift this season), Decorative Bowls, Creative Planting Pots as well as Wreaths, Fun Trees, and an assortment of Candle Holders & Ornaments.

Penguinate.com: What do you have planned to make shopping special for Christmas this year?

Childs: Christmas Time is endearing, and with this world in such a mess, we need not miss out on what is so special about this time of year. Let’s remember to indulge in the festive tastes, sounds, sights and the gift of warmth. Gifting is a way of bringing this to others. Christmas has taken over A39 and displayed on the front of our booth, you will find what we hope brings you that extra sense of JOY, as we are providing Christmas gift bags for our customers to enjoy at no cost. One less thing for you to worry about when your home wrapping away your thoughtful gifts for those that are special to you.

Penguinate.com: Why is it important to support small businesses?

Childs: Small businesses provide an experience and a touch of home to our expanding world. A lot of work and heart goes into small businesses to give back to their community. Not shopping local and supporting them inevitably, would lead to a world that is yet more removed from who we are as people. Gather, come together and be family.

Penguinate.com: What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Childs: My favorite holiday tradition is truthfully sitting next to a warm fire sipping on eggnog and wrapping presents for those who are near and dear to my family and me. It’s a DOUBLE COZY!

You can find the Brass Button’s unique, handmade offerings at the Fussy Duck in Salem, Oregon. The shop is located at 3170 Commercial St SE and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Get your holiday shopping done and support several small businesses at the same time.