Slunchogled art supply store
[www.slanchogled.com, www.teabg.com]
Address Sofia: 13 Ivan Vazov Str Tel: 02/ 981 48 56
Address Varna: 14 Shipka Str Tel: 052/ 600 829
Both open daily, 10am to 7pm

Off the busy Tsar Shishman Street in Sofia, on quiet and grey Ivan Vazov, large golden sunflower marquees beckon. Inside, a small elongated shop offers tubes of oil paint, thin drawing pencils and stacks of white canvases, ready to be taken home and filled. Some rows of soft brushes, and a customary view of an art supply store is complete. Though at the back end of the room, a steep staircase appears on the left, and each step a different vivid colour, indicating that the ordinary art store is over, and up above is something quite different. Reaching this new elevated space and glancing about, you realise a border has been crossed and you are now in a delightful, tiny kingdom of vibrant beauty. Stacks of handmade paper from Nepal, art books, dyed feathers yearning for a touch, wool felt flowers in jewelled tones, ribbons galore, organised beads in a multitude of designs and materials, and everything jewellery related, charming dry lavender bouquets, textile dyes, ornamented journals, bohemian felt bags and hanging clear plastic-shaped apples, hearts and balls in every size waiting to be filled in some chic way. Upon walking about, looking up high and kneeling low, one discovers even more unique projects in the making, a number of small bare wood furniture items; a minuscule chest of draws, a gem case, a tiny shelf house, intended to be painted or appliqued with whatever one’s heart desires, or decoupage paper motifs for giving your average furniture a feminine French antique look. A number of children’s craft kits are perfect for filling the winter days with hours of imaginative play.

People on a full spectrum of artistic abilities will delight in this treasure trove, founded in Varna 15 years ago. Although during its first 10 years Slunchogled (Sunflower) art supply store was quite regular, selling basic supplies and office goods, but with the creation of the Sofia store six years ago a metamorphosis occurred, and Slunchogled became a unique craft trove, importing delicate little items from all over the world.

Slunchogled’s staff are primarily artistically inclined young adults, who are very friendly and helpful, and speak English. The atmosphere is casual, and there are no degrading watchful eyes studying your every move to see if you might steal something. One is free to touch, look and ponder as long as one pleases, and without the pressure of having to buy something.

Slunchogled’s distinction continues with floor to ceiling, rows upon rows of tea, stored in clear glass jars. A quick count reveals that there are more than 100 different varieties. This may be the largest collection of teas in all of Bulgaria, diversity to suit every palate. Teas from Nepal, Nigeria, China, Laos, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Assam, England, Ireland, and five to 10 from each of these countries! Japanese teas with names like Genmaicha, Kokeicha, Gyokuro and Gabalong. Also slimming pu-erh tea, a multitude of green teas, oolong tea, rooibos, Ceylon, honeybush, Ayurveda, sencha, jasmine, and such fragrant herb and flower petal teas, and colourful fruit infusions, truly a never-ending selection. Prices are range between four to 65 leva per 100 grams. Cups, teapots and other accessories are available to complete your tea experience.

Slunchogled’s realm and decor evolves continually, the way an artist does, and at holidays, the staff undertake in making the store even more exceptional. During the Christmas season, complementary Swiss biscuits were baked in the store to provide a pleasant aroma and a tasty nibble to welcome patrons. And throughout the year, one of a kind gift-wrapping is provided too.

Perhaps you feel you have zero artistic abilities, but still fancy yourself doing a little something crafty, or you are a creative being, though feeling uninspired, or you may even be a masterful artist needing quality supplies. Regardless, Slunchogled is your creative, inspirational bliss.

(Additional note: If you do not live in either Varna or Sofia, Slunchogled provides online shopping on their extensive website featuring virtually all their products, and a separate one for their teas. Currently the sites are only in Bulgarian, though they plan to do an overhaul this summer to include two more languages.)