On a 1990 trip to South Asia, we walked into the middle of a peoples’ power revolution in the mountain kingdom of Nepal. The absolute monarchy had become highly unpopular and the people rose up in revolt for a chance at democracy. It was a harrowing but inspiring experience for us. Most of Kathmandu was shut down or too dangerous to explore, so we were limited to the tourist district of Thamel. Shopping was our only recourse. We were captivated and bewildered by the quality and variety of arts and crafts and gemstone jewelry. Luckily, we met a silver jeweler who turned out to be a highly trustworthy dealer, and we took the plunge on a small order to subsidize our travels. We opened Tradewinds that same year. Seventeen years later, Tradewinds is a thriving emporium in Burlington Vermont. Since that first trip to Asia we have returned more than fifty times; and have expanded our buying range to India, Thailand, Indonesia, Egypt, China, Italy and Mexico.

Almost all of Tradewinds’ products are personally imported by us. We handpick everything. As there are no middlemen in the US, we can offer extremely attractive prices, as well as exotic items that wholesalers would not usually import. We select most of our choice gemstones in Jaipur, India, which is the world’s biggest gem cutting center. This allows us to offer you gem choices not normally available, especially in silver.

Most of our suppliers are small family businesses, and almost all of the goods are produced by artisans working in their homes. We feel that this is particularly beneficial for the workers. They can stay in their villages without being forced to migrate to urban centers in search of scarce factory work. Traditional arts and techniques are kept alive, and as the artisans’ talents are in demand, they receive better wages than the average worker. In a developing world country, unemployment is a major issue. We feel proud to be helping people earn a decent living where none would otherwise be available.

The range of goods in our Burlington location includes silver and gold jewelry, plus a large collection of wood carvings, ceramic pottery, brassware, Hindu and Buddhist statuary, antiques, ritual objects and thousands of items too numerous to mention. Tracking down all these products is a big job, and we spend about six months a year traveling the world searching for treasures. It has been an amazing adventure.

We hope you enjoy our website, and please come visit us, David and Diana McLeod, at our store in Burlington, Vermont.

Kiss the Cook is located in downtown Burlington, Vermont on the Church Street Marketplace. We continue to add new cutlery products and fresh ideas. Check out our cutlery section for a listing of our new MAC Knife products. Also, for those of you who have registered with us, keep an eye out for e-mail specials coming soon!

Welcome to Only In Rhode Island, where you will find the most unique gifts created in America's smallest State.

We are excited to announce that Only In Rhode Island has just been named "Best of New England" by Yankee Magazine, in the May, 2009 issue. In addition, we were once again named "Best of Rhode Island" by RI Monthly Magazine, and we have also been honored with the Newport County Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Award as the Small Business of the Year! We are truly grateful for the recognition these organizations offer to independent businesses throughout the state and region.

As our name suggests, everything we offer was created in Rhode Island, in many cases by artists and artisans whose work is recognized throughout the world. In showcasing this work we hope to contribute to, and encourage, the spirit of creativity in our everyday lives.

Most of the products found at Only In Rhode Island are unique, one-of-a-kind creations, usually with an interesting story to tell. We believe there is tremendous value in work created by human hands ~ not to mention human hearts and minds. We think you will too.

In keeping with our philosophies, everything you will find at Only In Rhode Island has been individually selected for its ability to reflect the unique beauty and diversity of Rhode Island itself - A Small State With Big Ideas........

Matthew Buechner designs and makes hand blown glass at Thames Glass in Newport, RI, which he founded in 1981 with his wife Adrian.

Visit Thames Glass and watch Matthew Buechner and his team of skilled glassblowers shape molten glass into hand blown glass vases, ornaments, fish, fruits, vegetables, snowmen, paperweights, perfume bottles, bowls and other original designs by Matthew Buechner.

Experience glassblowing and make your own ornament, paperweight or vase (that is yours to keep!) with lots of help from an experienced glassblower.

Matthew and his team of highly skilled glassblowers make all of our glass completely by hand, here in our studio, using traditional hand tools and techniques. Matthew designs all of the glass, trains the glassblowers (all of whom have come to us without any experience), supervises the glassmaking, and designs and makes most of the equipment. Matthew's glass is sold here at Thames Glass and in galleries, catalogs, and stores throughout the US. His glass is in the permanent collections of the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York and in the Frauenau Museum of Glass in Frauenau, Germany.

No, Down Under Jewelry is not from Australia, and no, we do not specialize in opals. So, why Down Under Jewelry? In 1987, RoseMary opened a studio space “down under” the historic Valeteria dry cleaning building on Thames Street in Newport, Rhode Island. From that first serendipitous location, Down Under Jewelry was born.

In 1995, Down Under Jewelry moved up and across the street to its present space in what was once the old Carrellas pharmacy. Bigger, better and busier than ever, the new retail store left RoseMary with little time to create her own designs. Down Under Jewelry quickly became a local hot spot and “must see” for visitors.

With a background in jewelry design and discriminating taste, RoseMary goes to great lengths to unearth new talent. Leaving no stone unturned and finding irresistible goodies are never ending pursuits. It’s always a great challenge, but also gratifying and satisfying. The reward... discovering new designers and introducing new collections.

Casa de Moda was started in 1969 by Janice & Donald Preston. It is best describes as three stores in one, a jewelry & accessories section, a gift and novelty section and a card & paper goods part.

Surely the coolest name for this hip furniture store with a laid back staff and the perfect place to sit. Recline-in or carry out?

Carlos & Troy's FastFrame was nationally honored by Decor Magazine as a Decor Top 100 Art & Framing Retailer! Come and see why. We are the only framer so honored in Orange County, in fact, in Southern California. We do Custom Picture Frames, Fin art framing, Corporate and Commercial Picture Framing, Archival Framing, Collectible Framing, Sports Framing and more...