Gift shopping where the architects shop - Christmas gifts

Sunset, Dec, 1984

Gift shopping where the architects shop

Running out of Christmas gift ideas? An art or architectural supply store might provide help. You don't have to be a design professional to find uses for tools of the trade these places stock.

A little browsing will uncover ultramodern pencil holders, hard-working desk lamps, handmade paper, handsome port-folios, desk-top organizer shelves, a remarkable assortment of rulers, even an elegant tape measure.

We've singled out just 20 of the many objects that could appeal to anyone who works at a desk, likes to draw, or dabbles with crafts. Prices range from $2 to $250.

To locate stores that sell these supplies, look in the yellow pages under Architectural Supplies or Artists' Supplies. Some of these stores also carry the tree stamps needed for making gift tags like those shown on page 136.

Photo: For desk or studio, scribbles or calligraphy: A. Handmade paper (10 sheets), $15. B. Yellow tracing paper, $5. C. Portfolio holder, $14. D. Pencil holder, $16. E. Zigzag pencil holder, $6. F. Blank books, $3 to $7. G. Adjustable lamp, $38. H. Storage baskets, $25. I. Electric eraser, $50. J. Regular erasers, 50 cents. K. Suction-bottomed chrome sharpener, $60. L. Brass sharpener, $2. M. Boxed mat knife, $16. N. Refillable pencil, $6. O. All-graphite pencils, 95 cents. P. Fountain pen, $5. Q. Gold-nibbed fountain pen, $250. R. Ink, $3. S. Black scissors, $11. T. Square tape measure, $7