Dreaming and Brainstorming: The Plan

I mentioned before that since my passion for teaching isn't enough to keep me in the classroom I wanted to open the bookstore I've been dreaming about for years. Now I want to start making it a reality.

The idea is to sell only book related things in my bookstore, featuring local artists and crafters while keeping everything focused on the books themselves; this means any shirts or jewelry or art sold in my store would be inspired by or feature something from a book (quotes, characters, colors, themes, etc.). This plan also allows me to pursue another dream of mine: selling my own crafts. While I could wait until I have the money (if I ever do) to open the shop, I've come to the conclusion that I should open an Etsy shop instead (something I've been thinking about for a while now) to sell the types of book-ish crafts that I would want in my bookstore; the profits of said Etsy shop would hopefully help fund my someday bookstore.

At the moment I'm still toying with what I have the time, energy, and funds to do, but I love the idea of making blech-design t-shirts with pictures and quotes on them. I also want to make plushes/pillows, only I'm not entirely sure I can pull those off right now. Making bookmarks and cards is another idea I'm tossing around, as are cross stitching and re-printing book pages with quotes and images for framed wall-art.

As I said, the goal is to sell these items for a profit to go towards opening the bookstore then to stock them in the physical store as well along with items of other local artists and crafters (because crafty people flock together).

As for the store itself, ideally it'll be a place that celebrates creativity and will provide a space for open mic nights and readings and the like as well as a place for students and academics to research and study and for the general public to simply come in and enjoy a good book. I want to carry books I believe in, from graphic novels and youth fiction to plays and the classics, and I want to create a space where people feel free to geek out, get creative, buckle down and study, or just relax. A place that celebrates and encourages the creation, study, and enjoyment of art.

Thoughts, comments, questions? What say you? Do  you think Russellville would benefit from a place like this? Or do you think I'm just out of my mind? Either way, I'd like to know what you're thinking.