bowling green scene

T h e B o w l i n g G r e e n S c e n e

Happening Hamlet in the Heart of Caroline Co.

By amy bayne

Most small towns have their share of shops that come and go on Main Street, and Bowling Green is no exception. Through boom times and bust, Tinders Jewelry and Gifts has had a place in this town's business district. Todd Tinder provides a variety of jewelry and gift items to his customers, but his specialty is custom work.

Tinder says, "Father opened the store 70 years ago in 1951. He was a watchmaker, and he built his business up from there." "I think a lot of people do like to work with the neighborhood jewelry store rather than going to the big box that pushes you through like cattle," Tinder says. "I have loyal customers from this area, and there are those who moved away from here or have traveled through and liked working with me." Tinder buys jewelry from a few companies he likes in addition to making custom pieces for the store. He tries to make things people can't find at chain jewelry stores, and he can customize pieces with specific stones if his suppliers don't make them.

Though his busiest season is over the winter holidays, Tinder says Valentine's Day tends to be a popular time for jewelry customs and purchases.

He says, "Hearts are popular. I'll make things with ruby because it's red. I do try to make items that my customers can wear year-round without being heartsy. Mother's rings are a popular item on Valentine's Day too."

Tinder has managed and owned the store for over 40 years. As a young man, he left home to study jewelry craft at an art school on the east coast. He hadn't planned to take over the business, but the time came when his father needed him, and Tinder discovered that he loved working with his customers in and around Bowling Green. When his father could no longer work at the bench, Todd took over. He's been in business ever since, building a far-reaching clientele of returning customers.

Tinder says he's enjoyed seeing the growth in downtown Bowling Green. It was lonely for a while.

"It's nice to see other places coming in now. There's what I call the depression of 2008-2010 when things were tough. There was not much here. The new shops are all good. Everyone seems to be getting along and it's diversified, and again, I hear young people saying they like it here. That's very encouraging."

Visit Tinders Jewelry and Gifts for your valentine, your galentine, or any special person you want to treat throughout the year Todd Tinder will hook you up with something special in the perfect setting and stones. Tinders is located at 113 North Main Street in downtown Bowling Green, Virginia. Contact Todd Tinder at (804) 633-5 5283 or TTinder@aol.com.

February Events in Bowling Green Feb 1 - Mar 5 - Spring Break: A Juried Exhibit Opens for Artists to Submit Work $25 for 3 pieces The Painted Horse Gallery invites you to submit images of up to three pieces of your best 2D or 3D work to our spring invitational, Spring Break: A Juried Exhibit. Prizes include: 1st Place $300; 2nd Place - $150; 3rd Place - $50; Honorable Mention. Work must be submitted and entry fees paid before March 6, 2022. Additional information at www.thepaintedhorse.org. Feb. 5 - Vintage Valentine Wood Blocks $35 - The Painted Horse Gallery - 1-3 p.m. Join us to create a fun Valentine gift or decoration. Instruction and supplies included with a glass of wine. You are welcome to bring a snack. This workshop focuses on concept, composition, and color combos. No previous experience needed. Register online at www.thepaintedhorse.org Feb 12 - Valentine's Terrarium for Two $75 - The Painted Horse Gallery - 1-2:30 p.m. Bring your special friend or valentine and enjoy gourmet cupcake and a bubbly beverage while you each make your very own terrarium. Instruction and all supplies included. Register online at www.thepaintedhorse.org

Amy Bayne is a writer, artist, and educator who lives with her family and a menagerie of fur babies in Bowling Green, Virginia.