Don't you love going into those little Boutiques or out of the way stores that have one of a kind treasures and where you seldom leave the store without purchasing something special? These are usually the items that your friends ask "where did you get that?"

Well you've found Col. Potter's Eclectic Corner in our Mall. Please come in and browse through our selection of special items. Many of our items are special order or one of a kind! Remember to write down the item number of your favorite to make ordering easier.

Click below to go to each item - or just browse through the store
• Polar Fleece Pullovers
• Terrific Toy Box!
• Whimsical Clocks and Signs - NEW AUGUST 2006
• Windsocks
• Intarsia Cairns

Intarsia is a form of wood inlaying that is similar to a puzzle type sculpture. The term is also used for a similar technique used with small, highly polished stones or marble. The technique of intarsia inlays sections of wood, at times of different origins, within the solid matrix. The pieces are perfectly placed within a plain of a solid base (such as plywood or louan). The technique of intarsia is believed to have developed in the Islamic world; introduced into Europe through Sicily, the art was perfected in Siena and in northern Italy in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, spreading to German centers and introduced into London by Flemish craftsmen in the later sixteenth century.

It is the craft of using varied shapes, sizes and species of wood fitted together to create an almost 3-D inlaid, mosaic-like picture. It is thought that the word 'intarsia' is derived from the Latin word 'interserere' which means "to insert" and that it was originally developed in Siena, Italy in the 13th century by crafters using inlays of ivory inserted in wood as well as inlays of wood inserted into wall murals, table tops and other furniture.

Today, intarsia is created by selecting different types of wood, using its natural grain patterns and color, in addition to dyes, stains, and paints) to create the different colors in the pattern. Each piece of wood is then individually cut, shaped, and sanded before fitting them together like a jig-saw puzzle and gluing them to a piece of 1/4 inch backing cut to the outline shape of the final product. Once together, a final layer of finish is applied and the project is complete.

We have a limited supply of these Intarsia Cairns and they will be sold on a first come, first served basis. They are hand crafted by a retired gentleman in NE Pennsylvania. Each piece is precision cut to fit together to make the perfect Cairn expression. Each comes with an alligator hanger on the back. There are five color choices.

Click below to go to each item - or just browse through the store
• Polar Fleece Pullovers
• Terrific Toy Box!
• Whimsical Clocks and Signs - NEW AUGUST 2006
• Windsocks
• Intarsia Cairns

This terrific toy box is made of Solid Pine with a Luann bottom. It is 18" square X 7" deep - thats plenty of room for TONS of toys! Hand holes are routed on each side for easy carrying and so you can slide it into smaller spots. Sides will be dovetailed so there will be no nails or extraneous things for dogs to get in their mouths.

Each hand made box will be stained a light honey color then given a polyurethane coat to protect it. The decal is a permanent stick vinyl that is custom made for just for these boxes. As with all pine wood, knotholes will vary due to grain of the pine.

And there is one caveat... just because you put the toys IN the box, does not mean they will STAY there!

If you are giving this toy box as a gift, and we are not able to deliver your completed box by your special occasion, we are happy to provide you with a Col. Potter "Toy Box" gift card, which announces that you have purchased a custom made gift. This gift card includes a picture of these gorgeous toy boxes. Just let us know if you would like a Gift Card in the comment area of the order form.

• Polar Fleece Pullovers
• Terrific Toy Box!
• Whimsical Clocks and Signs - NEW AUGUST 2006
• Windsocks
• Intarsia Cairns

This whimsical cairn terrier clock will tell the time and bring a smile! And its not our only style! This enameled covered Steel clock is a sample. You get to choose the colors of your clock! The clock is cut from steel and hand painted. 8" long. It has a hanger on the back and will run for years on a replaceable AA battery.

We have a choice of many shapes made in steel. The 14" long Bone Sign is ready to hang on YOUR gate. All animal signs are around 8" long.

Clocks and Signs are made of heavy gauge steel that is rust proofed for outdoor use. Each item is hand painted - no two will be exactly alike! Since it is custom made to your specifications, your choice will be shipped within two weeks of reciept of payment.

Your Clock or Sign can come in any of the colors of the rainbow... and a few more besides. If you do not see the color you want in the choices, please note it in the comments block.

Check out our Styles and Sayings List - Click here to see some great sayings and to see some additional colors and styles for how your clock or sign can be made.

• Polar Fleece Pullovers
• Terrific Toy Box!
• Whimsical Clocks and Signs - NEW AUGUST 2006
• Windsocks
• Intarsia Cairns

• Polar Fleece Pullovers
• Terrific Toy Box!
• Whimsical Clocks and Signs
• Windsocks
• Intarsia Cairns