By Darlene Brace
Gerry Vacanti owns and operates Peaceful Designs Gift Shop in Westfield and is a lifelong resident of Chautauqua County. As a young girl, she loved making things out of clay and always dreamed of owning a gift shop. With her passion for creativity, she started crafting beautiful pottery as an adult. Gerry began her journey of selling her pieces at local craft shows and the Fredonia Farmers Market. For about eight years, she showcased her artwork at Crossroads, a beloved destination for vendors in the Westfield area.
After years of dedication and hard work, Gerry fulfilled her childhood dream by opening Peaceful Designs Gift Shop nearly nine years ago. Located at 11 East Main Street in Westfield, her shop is a warm and inviting space filled with unique gifts and delightful treasures just waiting to be discovered.
Gerry creates a wide variety of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pottery pieces for her shop, including dishware, cups, bowls, and other practical products that are both microwave and dishwasher safe. Originally focused on pottery, the shop has now expanded to include a women’s clothing boutique, a children’s section, a year-around Christmas section, jewelry, candles, suncatchers, and nautical items. Additionally, she offers porch signs, decorated wine bottles, cheese trays, ornaments, and birdhouses. Some other unique items and collections available at her shop include Burning Asphalt products, Buffalo Bills merchandise, amusing signs, and various Bigfoot themed items.
In addition to her own creations, her family is highly involved in her business. One of her daughters makes unique products, such as slumped bottles made from melted wine or alcohol bottles, which are then decorated to use as serving dishes. Her other daughter creates decorative artwork using rocks. She also supports the “buy local” initiative by supporting several other local artists and vendors by displaying and selling their merchandise in her shop as well.
Additionally, the shop features historical souvenirs related to Abraham Lincoln, particularly items commemorating the meeting between Grace Bedell and President Lincoln in 1861. Grace Bedell, an 11-year-old from Westfield, wrote to Abraham Lincoln suggesting he grow a beard to attract voters. In response, Lincoln met her in Westfield in February of 1861, while heading to his inauguration. This encounter is commemorated by a statue in Lincoln-Bedell Statue Park, and Peaceful Design offers merchandise related to that event, which Gerry said, “tourists just love to buy.”
Gerry mentioned her boutique is quite spacious and offers a wide variety of unique items. She expressed her hope is customers will feel a sense of peace while visiting her shop. The serene atmosphere, combined with the diverse selection of products, is designed to bring enjoyment to all who enter. Additionally, she offers many spiritual and religious items, including comfort crosses made from pottery. Each cross is individually crafted, fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, and is intended to provide solace during difficult times.
Peaceful Designs is a wonderfully unique shop, and Gerry recently received some well-deserved recognition. This past fall, Gerry was honored by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce for reaching a 30-year milestone. Gerry attended the awards dinner in Fredonia in October, where she was presented with a certificate of recognition by the Chamber. Additionally, she was awarded a recognition award from the New York State Women in Business.
Peaceful Designs is currently open Wednesday to Saturday, from 11am-4pm, with extended hours seasonally from spring to fall. Please note that the hours are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the Facebook page for updates. If you have questions or need to confirm hours, call 716-679-8894.
Peaceful Designs Gift Shop in Westfield may be your one stop shop. It’s an amazing shop to find gifts for your Christmas list or any occasion throughout the year. Gerry invites you to step inside and take time to explore Peaceful Designs. Gerry said, “I hope that my shop brings enjoyment and peace to all my visitors. Whether you choose to make a purchase or simply enjoy browsing my selection of merchandise, I hope you feel the peace while you are here.”