Nothing captures the magic of summer more perfectly than a carnival.  How many generations of young lovers have stolen a kiss in the glow of colored lights, with the soft sounds of carousel music for their first memories? 

That is what engaged a multi-award winning and valued artist from Enfield to bring a vintage carousel horse back to life.  Representing the American colors, stars and stripes, of red, white and blue, it swings playfully from the front porch of Teaberry Treasures a relatively new store in the Historical District of Enfield. 

 Teaberry Treasures, a little shop full of artfully crafted gifts and home decor represents not only local artist and their talents, but also is just beaming with American pride.   "It is perfect," said Owner of Teaberry Treasures, Barbra O'Boyle.  "Our store is all about the value of high quality items, at a reasonable price which are handmade and made in America," said O'Boyle.  "We support local organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project, Enfield Hoo-ha, Holiday Cards for Heroes are just a few we have contributed to in the last few months so the vintage carousel horse and it's huge representation of the American flag is with its blue body, huge white stars and red striped feet, mane and socks was a perfect display on the porch during the summer months."

Being the only store in Northeast Connecticut to truly represent local artists and their wares, Teaberry Treasures is located at 312 Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT .  "Our shelves are full of handmade items from more than  40 local artists, most of them are from Enfield, Ellington, Somers, Suffield and some from Massachusetts," said O'Boyle.  "I have always been a Patriot at heart and appreciated the artistic talents of others so the combination of both  worked out well when I started pondering what I wanted in the gift shop and this beautiful vintage carousel horse hanging from the front porch helps others to enjoy."

"Most of these towns in New England relied on woman making bonnets, baskets, sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting and woodworking for that little extra money, clear back to our founding fathers," said O'Boyle.  "It is the same now days with our local artists."

"When a customer purchases from Teaberry Treasures, their money is not going to help another Corporate CEO buy a new vacation home.  Most of our artists work a full-time job, along with producing creative works of art to be sold," said O'Boyle.  "We strive to make our customers happy because after all, the extra money helps a family pay for dancing lessons, team jerseys, food on the table or a student pay for their college.  Additionally, when customers support local businesses, they also help their own town's economy.  So, as I see it, it is a win, win situation for all."

"At the end of the summer, we will be raffling off the vintage carousel horse with all of the proceeds to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project," said O'Boyle.  "This would be a fabulous item to have hanging from your tree, instead of an old tire."