Headed for Illinois early Monday morning. Went to Chicago to the Home & Gift Show at the Merchandise Mart. Found some fun, eco friendly things that will be on my shelves this fall. Filled in some of my holiday orders. Sampled 3 restaurants that were new to me with my daughter. This show always gets my brain going with display ideas. It's not always what I actually see, but the ideas which percolate between my eyes and brain that get me going. Just as a small example here's what I saw in one space:
Walls covered with chalkboard paint with the prices and descriptions just chalked on the wall. More of a charcoal tone than black - nice and vintage looking. The back wall in my shop is hollow with studs that aren't where they "should" be. Just seeing this gave me several ideas to take to my carpenter that may make that space much more functional. And I'm ready to freshen up the whole place by painting it next month. And while I'm moving things around in my head, it lead to an idea to incorporate corragated sheet metal in another spot to make it more usable. We're ALWAYS changing things around in the shop - but I'm trying to find ways to put more in the shop without it feeling cluttered. Having large windows encasing three and a quarter sides of our space makes finding places to hang things a challenge. I'm rethinking my "box". Look for some changes this fall.
Here are a few things of the things I ordered from the handmade section at the Mart:
Raun at FoundRe Furnishing is making me a couple dozen frames from wood salvaged from Chicago demolitions. These photos don't do them justice. His attention to detail really impressed me. Our frames will be delivered in early September - I'll keep you posted.
People have been asking for more options of chains and bracelets for the Patera pendants. I found some that will work great with Pateras, old keys, charms, locker tags, buttons and other doodads. These will arrive the middle of September. Ordered a variety of styles in silvertone and gunmetal. And tons of little charms. Handmade in the USA. I'll take better photos and put them on our website when they arrive - I put 3 bracelets on my wrist and loved the look. And I think you'll all love the price, too!
Meanwhile, back at the shop...
Before I left, Terri Sarris brought in a whole collection of her newest assemblage boxes and we quickly rearranged things. Sunday night, as I was walking out the door (and the lights were already turned off), I snapped some quick photos of some things you might be interested in seeing.
if success could be bottled, I guess this factory did it...
art fair sale prices on all vintage/antique things, candles and crafting supplies continues through the end of july. and get a free found reusable tote as gift with $10 purchase through July 31st - after that they will be $8.50.
I'm spending the rest of the week in Illinois with Mom - in a bit we'll head out in search of more vintage things for the shop. Watch here - you never know what we'll find!
Mary