Fairy tales, mythology and folklore collide with eye-catching parasols and ribbons at the storefront on German St. entitled, Creative Procrastinations and Whimsical Necessities.

Featuring an eclectic array of wares from over 30 artists, local and not so local, this shop has something for almost everyone.

Growing up, Emma Casale and her mother would seek out unique gift shops in their travels, dreaming of one day owning a little shop themselves. Casale moved to Shepherdstown 18 months ago, and opened her store this past summer.

Creative Procrastinations has offerings stemming from things in Casale’s life that have influenced her greatly, but with a creative twist sure to make people smile.

Mythology, literature, Steampunk, and of course, fairies can be seen all throughout the shop. This is the place to get dragons, griffins, goblins, fairy homes, hand-carved magic wands, pop culture novelty gifts, and colorful clothing made from recycled Indian saris. Literary elements also have a home here with a variety of items from Alice in Wonderland to Sherlock Holmes.

“I wanted to have a store that has enough variety that you could come every week–not even necessarily to buy anything, but just to hang out and see some great art,” said Casale.

As a traveling artist and vendor for more than a decade, Casale frequented various fairy festivals on the east coast.

“I met so many amazing artists,” Casale said, “I have work from many of them featured in my shop.”

When the shop is open, Casale spends her time between customers continuing to create her own art for the shop, such as the beaded jewelry, altered art and ‘captured’ fairies that are available for adoption.

Fairy Festivals, an offshoot of Renaissance Festivals, are growing in popularity, as are fairy homes for the garden. Little children (and adults) love to dress in fairy garb, some of which can be found at Creative Procrastinations.

Casale looks forward to the warmer months when she plans on having fairy tea parties for fanciful children and adults, and also hopes to offer hands-on workshops taught by some of the shop artists.

“This shop is really geared toward the community here,” said Casale. “If you’re having a bad day, this is a place where you can find something for under $5 just to brighten your day or someone else’s. The one thing I hope is that anyone who comes in here will find something to make them smile.”

Casale believes that everyone should be able to have art and handmade things, and so desires to keep her items affordable. Her creativity and passion are evident in her work and the time she puts into the shop.

And while Shepherdstown may often be all about dogs, the shop mascot and rescued cat, Cleocatra, is a rising local celebrity in her own right. She just might be the most photographed cat in Shepherdstown, and makes herself quite at home amid the window displays or nestled in ‘her’ adorned basket on the shelf. Cleocatra provides a ‘little bit of home’ for people who are traveling or for students who might be missing their own pets.

“I really love Shepherdstown, Casale said. Im so glad I moved here.”

Creative Procrastinations and Whimsical Necessities is located at 132 E. German Street, right next to Lost Dog coffee shop, and can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/CreativeProcrastinations.