The Brooklyn Women's Exchange will hold its Holiday Open House on Thursday, November 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at its shop at 137 Montague Street, and the following weekend, November 6 to 8, silhouette artist Deborah O'Connor returns to the shop to cut portraits by hand. Both events are announced in the Exchange's own newsletter, and sign-up for silhouette sessions is open now.

The Holiday Open House

The open house is the Exchange's start to the holiday shopping season. Visitors can browse the shop's handmade goods and snack on homemade food and bubbly while they shop. The Exchange invites guests to bring a friend. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, at 137 Montague Street, between Clinton and Henry Streets.

The Brooklyn Women's Exchange is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run craft and gift shop, and its website banner notes that it is celebrating 170 years in Brooklyn Heights. The shop sells work by independent craftspeople from Brooklyn and beyond, giving makers a place to show and sell what they create. Its shelves are organized into categories that include baby gifts, Brooklyn-themed gifts, home goods, jewelry, kids' items, stationery and cards, bath accessories, and a provisions section with chocolate, condiments and sweets. The shop also takes custom orders for items such as embroidered portraits and pet ornaments.

Several dozen crafters have their own collections on the Exchange's site, from Flatbush Granola and The Clay Cottage to makers of tutus, toys and jewelry, so the open house is a chance to see a wide range of local handwork in one room.

A weekend of silhouettes

Deborah O'Connor, a freehand cutting artist with more than 35 years of experience, will be at the Exchange for three days of in-person silhouette portraits. She cuts each portrait by hand. The session hours are:

  • Friday, November 6: 2:30 to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 7: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 8: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Exchange is asking people to reserve a time in advance through its online sign-up sheet, linked from its newsletter. The Exchange's silhouette page notes that children, adults and pets can all be subjects, and the newsletter suggests the portraits as holiday gifts for family and friends.

What silhouettes cost

The Exchange posts its silhouette packages on its website. An original silhouette mounted on paper is $40, and one set in a mat is $50. Packages with copies start at $60 for an original and one copy mounted on paper, and $80 for an original with two copies. An original in an oval frame is $85. Larger family packages run from $145 (including a package the shop calls the Grandmother Package) up to $435 for three original silhouettes and six copies in three large oval frames.

Anyone who cannot make the November weekend can still order a silhouette year-round. Ms. O'Connor works from a photo of the subject, and the Exchange ships those orders at the end of each month. Orders need to arrive by the 10th of the month to be delivered in that same month, so a November 10 cutoff applies to anyone hoping to have a framed portrait by the end of November.

Hours and getting there

The Brooklyn Women's Exchange is at 137 Montague Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Regular shopping hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The shop can be reached at 718-624-3435 or bwe@brooklyn-womens-exchange.org.

The closest subway stops are Court Street (R train) and Borough Hall (2, 3, 4 and 5 trains), each a short walk up Montague Street. The Clark Street station on the 2 and 3 is also nearby.

Next step

Mark Thursday, November 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. for the open house. For a silhouette, book a slot for November 6, 7 or 8 through the Exchange's sign-up link, and check the silhouette packages page beforehand to decide on a frame. The Exchange also keeps a mailing list for upcoming sales, craft-making sessions and parties, with a sign-up form on its home page.

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