Shop talk

        Taft Museum moves: Now that the Taft Museum of Art has closed its doors for an 18-month expansion and renovation, fans of the gift shop will be happy to know it has a new home, closer to the center of downtown,in the American Classical Music Hall of Fame (the old Herschede Building) at 4 W. Fourth St. The new shop will celebrate with a grand opening 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 19. Special holiday items are stocked, including Chinese reverse-painted and European blown-glass ornaments, cards and gift wrap, along with the art-inspired gifts, clothes, ceramics, jewelry and paper goods found in the old museum shop. Information: 241-5909.

        Fabric heaven: If you're a fabric freak and don't mind getting lost among bolts of beautiful fabrics, a stop at the Textile Studio in Montgomery is in order — especially if you're in search of a decorating idea. The lower-level studio is loaded with cottons, jacquards, damasks, sheers and wools, arranged by color (the leathers are separate) in bolts with flat pieces stacked against the wall, all at heavily discounted prices. Bolts begin at $12.90 per yard and flats at $10.90, with new shipments twice a month. They also stock pillow forms, tassels and trims and stacks of special-order books.

        Custom work, in-home shopping and window treatments are part of the “extras” offered from a staff that isn't afraid to weigh in with advice or an opinion. The folded flat remnants, all neatly stacked by color, are a real treasure if you're looking for accent pillow or table-top covers.

        The shop is at 9399 Montgomery Road. Information: 792-3592. There's also a Textile Studio in Fort Mitchell at 2220 Grandview Drive. (859) 426-1157.

In print

        Cover shot: The cover of Christmas Ideas, a magazine from Better Homes and Gardens, is a tribute to the Glendale home of Bill and Susan Kreuzmann and the creativity of the owners. Little touches, like ornaments in a cut-glass fruit bowl and a staircase garland (directions in back of magazine) of juniper, boxwood, holly and cedar make their Dutch Colonial house wondrous during the holidays. One of their decorating ideas is to use cyclamen and primroses, instead of the traditional poinsettias, along with carnations and “Star Gazer” lilies. Check out the milkweed pod wreath on the pages following the Kreuzmann feature. $4.99 on newsstands.

        Holiday crafts: If it's almost Thanksgiving, it's time to stock up on craft ideas for the holidays while there's still time to make them. Christmas Crafts from Woman's Day Special boasts 110 gifts and decorations from ornaments to glassware, embroidery, tree toppers and dolls. Projects kids can help with include a half dozen napkin ring ideas, cookie ornaments and card-decorating. $4.50 at newsstands or crafts stores.

        Contact Joy Kraft by phone: 768-8467; fax: 768-8330; e-mail; jkraft@enquirer.com.

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