Design Toscano

Full review
Shopping in central Illinois can have some frustrations, especially when you are searching for gargoyles and dragons. I have a big Victorian house, complete with turrets and all the trimmings, except for some gargoyles and griffins to protect the various sides. With Chicago not too far it only made sense that a source could be found somewhere in the northern part of the state.

Yes, my husband and I found a Chicago resource, DesignToscano.com, which specializes in Historical Reproductions for Home and Garden. They sell garden statuary, furniture, decorative accessories, medieval and mystic features and creatures, wall art and accents, interior statuary, angels and children, jewelry and apparel, exotic fare, framed art, tapestries and probably more.

In garden statuary I found gargoyles, dragons, fountains, angels, fairies, novelty garden statues, animals, mermaids and goddesses and still more. They offer deals on overstock items. At this moment they have a resin elephant water spouting lawn sculpture and sprinkler ( 9" wide by 43" high) that was reduced from $195 to $125. (Tempting, but I'm into gargoyles and dragons.)

The site's inventory is fascinating and they make it simple to locate something unique for your home or garden. If you live in Chicago, Milwaukee, or Somersville, Connecticut, you might want to drive to the store. For the rest of you, www.designtoscano.com will work just fine.

Shopping Online at Toscano
The home page is well organized.

▪The categories are identified in a bar on the left side and a dropdown menu.
▪Subcategories will appear when you select a category.
▪There are 11 subcategories under Garden Statuary.
▪You can search by keyword/artist.
▪You can view their featured arrivals, overstock items, or statues by selecting any of the linked photos.

Let's Go Shopping Today
Although I recently received a new gargoyle from Toscano, Gaston, The Gothic Climber, I'm entertaining buying Roland, the Gargoyle Rain Spout. He's not very large, and would fit nicely in a front garden. He's functional and charming and they are offering a nice sale price for two. Furthermore, it's easy.

1. Select the quantity and add to the shopping basket.
2. Roland is on sale if you buy two. I do and the price is reflected.
3. This is all for today so rather than continuing to shop or add any more to the shopping basket, I'll simply checkout.
4. I haven't established an account so I'm proceeding to new customer. They request the basic information including shipping options and email sign up for promotions. If you don't want this delivered to your billing address, select that option on this page. I never have orders delivered at home.
5. Provide your credit card numbers and you are finished.
6. Watch for confirmation of the order and a later confirmation of the delivery date.
7. I ordered a gift for my sister from Toscano ("Spiritual Path Angel” Wall Sculpture) and they confirmed when it was received.

Other Features

▪Quick access to your account
▪A link to customer service for information on returns and exchanges, ordering and payment, shipping information, gift certificates (and E-certificates), gift registry (the person who puts this on their wedding registry is someone after my heart).
▪Phone number for customer service with their hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST)
▪Standard Shipping and Handling Fees are readily available, as are explanations on any freight surcharges, international orders, rush services.
▪Order a catalog or shop quickly using a catalog number.
▪You can designate to receive a catalog, or email notices, both, or nothing at all.

About Toscano
They sell furniture that is "hand-finished to replicate European antiques" and included are benches, sofas, accent tables, and outdoor furniture. But they also have unusual furniture such as a pop art chair, "flirtatious lips" in bright red. Their statuary tends to be a designer resign, sturdy enough for outdoor use. Some of their sculptures are made from bronze or other metals.

When ordering the gift I wanted to be certain they had it in stock, and that it would arrive on time if I selected the standard shipping. The people in customer service were most helpful.

I receive periodic notifications from them on specials. I have opted to forego receipt of their catalog in lieu of their email notifications. Who needs more catalogs?

If you are searching for a unique addition to your garden or home, something that expresses your individuality, or a gift for someone who never shops malls, try this Online store. If you are interested in historic or medieval replicas (as am I), Toscano will satisfy your wants. Happy shopping at http://www.designtoscano.com