TEXAS TREASURES
UNIQUE PURVEYORS
True to their roots SHINER’S BLUESTEM OFFERS TRULY TEXAN TREASURES FROM AROUND THE STATE by Michelle Banse Stokes, photos by Lori Raabe
A
unique store where patrons will find that every item is made in Texas, Bluestem of Shiner was founded by shop-owners Ross and Patricia Tieken to afford local artists, artisans and craftsmen a way to market their wares to the public. “Years ago, I worked on the Shiner Main Street Committee,” said Ross. “I interviewed several artists in the area and every single one said the reason they don’t sell their art is because they have no place to sell it. We started carrying different artists – what we defined as local – and then shifted to offering the opportunity to the entire state of Texas.” The variety of items that Bluestem carries run the gamut from jewelry to jelly and wine to T-shirts. This Texas-only store carries something for everyone. “We are always looking for new artists,” added Ross. “It is a never-ending search for different items that can be brought into the store. Our customers like to see something different every time they come in. We have jewelry, pens, leatherworks, paintings, pottery, wind chimes, soaps, fresh cheese, a wide variety of Texas wines, using exclusively Texas grapes, and even mantels.” A woodworker by trade, Ross also uses Bluestem as a way to display his own furniture. Concerned that Patricia might be bored, the Tiekens installed a commercial kitchen, something they both could use. Patricia, known far and wide for her baking, prepares sweet pies on Fridays and Ross bakes their popular cinnamon rolls every Saturday, along with some type of bread. “I am the only thing in here that isn’t from Texas,” Patricia shared with a laugh. “Plus, I have no artistic ability at all. My role is to bake and run the store, doing the ordering and inventory. During
Bluestem owners Ross and Patricia Tieken
SHINER, TEXAS |
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