Carl reports via Twitter and Flickr that there are signs of life in the old “By Hand South” space on Ponce.  A sign in the window announces the arrival of “Wild Oats & Billy Goats”.

So what’s the story behind this latest Decatur shop?  From 99designs website…

A newly married husband and wife team are opening a folk art gallery together (with their newly merged family of 3 boys) in Decatur GA. We are both professionals in other industries (event management and software sales), but have a passion for bringing folk art to our community as an additional business.

…We will be selling folk art and funky jewelry, pottery, glass, gifts and some furniture…and even some art by local children.

In a letter published in September’s Decatur Focus, By Hand South’s owner, Brenda Leder, thanks the Decatur community for 20 great years…

“Thank you, Decatur, for helping me build By Hand South into a nationally recognized American Craft gallery. I cannot say how much I appreciate all that you have done. I have been thinking about retiring for a while.  Now is the time for me to relax and enjoy  weekends and holidays free from the responsibilities of retailing.

“The past 20 years of doing business in Decatur have afforded me the opportunity to meet wonderful people who have shared their lives with me, supported me, and through their loyalty to By Hand South have helped sustain American craftspeople. There is no better place in this metropolitan area to do business than here in Decatur.

“Thank You.” — Brenda Leder

If anyone is interested in continuing By Hand South’s legacy, Lyn mentions in her downtown development notes that Leder is “happy to consider the possibility”.

Ann from Mingei writes in that she was saddened to discover a card in a stack of mail announcing “By Hand South Says Goodbye”.

The closing sale, with 30% off savings, begins next Saturday.