Few and Far features affordable, eclectic mix

SANDPOINT — Amid the tile floors and wooden furnishings at Few and Far, Sandpoint’s latest downtown business, a mother and daughter team quietly stock shelves and solicit local crafters and artists for retail items.

Linda Schofield and daughter, Miranda, fulfilled a dream when they purchased the business from a former owner and opened Few and Far at 113 N. First Ave. last week.

Instead of high-end gifts at exotic prices, the team plans to provide high quality items that are affordable.

“Our goal is to bring in a lot of local artists and crafters,” Linda said. “We want to have something at all price ranges.”

Dresses for children made by a local clothier, paintings, hand-crafted wooden furniture as well as jewelry, photography and antiques made from Dover to Cataldo have their place in the store.

There is room for more , as Few and Far builds its inventory.

“We’re still looking for artists and crafters to fill in,” Linda said.

When they learned the former Few and Far was for sale because of the grounded economy, the mother and daughter team conferred. They had for a while talked about opening a business that focussed on locally-made gifts.

“Because of the lousy economy, it gave us the opportunity,” Linda said.

Miranda wanted to meld the business into a shop where teenagers with on a limited budget could find creative gifts.

“We wanted a place where everyone can come and shop, yet offer real high-quality stuff,” she said.

The main street shop was a former tile store before its transition to a gift shop. The well-crafted furnishings  and well-lighted space fit well with the eclectic gifts, novelty cards and souvenirs, Linda said.

The owners are looking for potters, stained glass makers, painters, basket weavers, hat and tapestry makers, wildlife artists, candle makers, she said.

 Few and Far is open six days from Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.