Are you looking for somewhere different to shop? Somewhere other than the ordinary high street shops?
As you probably already know Lincoln is full of beautiful boutiques and independent shops.
Most of these are situated at the top of the famous Steep Hill.
But recently more independent places have been opening up on and around the high street area.
One of these is cafe, shop and ‘crafterie’ Rock Paper Scissors.
The ‘crafterie’ opened on the 11th of February in Guildhall Street in the city centre, and is proving to be quite popular.
When walking past, the brightly painted outside immediately catches your eye and draws you into Rock Paper Scissors.
One inside, you are greeted by an array of beautiful prints on the walls.
When scanning around you can immediately see that it differs to other shops on the high street.
As for what to buy, customers can choose from illustrations, jewellery, home ware and greetings cards. All of which cannot be bought from anywhere else in Lincoln.
The layout of the shop features a vintage sofa, chairs and tables with shelves that are stocked with a hand selection of books for people to browse through and read.
But what actually inspired the creation of Rock Paper Scissors? I spoke to the owner Elizabeth Dimmock, 26, who decided to open the shop with friend Michelle after she moved back to Lincoln.
“Rock Paper Scissors is about representing artists”, says Elizabeth. “I wanted to represent people making and designing things based in the UK. These tiny little industries and these amazing things they create like interesting new designs that don’t get recognised often. It’s good to represent them.”
But the shop doesn’t just sell gifts. There are also freshly baked cakes which customers can choose from, along with a wide variety of teas and coffees.
These are ideal to sample when settling down for one of Rock Paper Scissors’ craft sessions, as the shop holds regular day time and evening classes of different events.
“At the moment we’re holding classes in crafts that the three of us who work here can teach,” says Elizabeth. “We’re looking to get more crafters in to share their skills though”.
“We’ve got a craft session coming up where you can make a steam punk mobile. The lady who works here, – Michelle, – is making them out of light bulbs and little metal thimbles. So that’ll be really good”.
The craft events in Rock Paper Scissors are something that Elizabeth is particularly proud of, and she says those are what define the shop.
“I think having the events on is something people think is really different. It’s quite a niche thing to provide something other than going out or drinking in the evening.”
So if you are interested in trying something a little unique and finding interesting gifts. Rock Paper Scissors just might the place you want to visit. Their website also tells you of upcoming events the shop has on, including a Mad Hatters tea party and a bath bomb making session (can’t wait for those)!
What are your favourite shops in Lincoln? Do you prefer the independent boutiques to the high street shops? Let us know.
