The New York International Gift Fair

For those of you who have never attended a wholesale trade show before, this is what they look like. This is only about 1/20th of the booths. This scene goes on and on and on. The space is akin to the length of the Statue of Liberty if it were laid on its side. I'm not sure about that, but whatever it is, the space is huge and takes days to get through. We found a bunch of new, fun things for the holidays. We also are bringing back some old favorites, like the Christmas light necklaces. They are still the same price which is rare in this day and age. No price increases! We are also bringing back the Carrol Boyes pewter serving pieces. We looked for other comparable work out there and there simply isn't anything as good looking that's made from metal.

This is also a great time to see old friends and catch up on the state of the planet. You can imagine those conversations! This show was also about eco-consciousness. Re-Use, Re-Use, Re-Use! Nearly every booth had an eco story. I think it's probably a good thing in the long run, but one has to wade through an awful lot of you know what to find the right thing!

Kimono Kool, Kool, Kool

One of the most fun thing we found were these shoelaces constructed out of vintage kimono fabrics. The designer purchased bolts of kimono fabrics that were never used and were left over from the 60's and 70's. (Of course, Pat & I don't really think of 1970 as vintage because that makes us way older than vintage and that's simply not possible.) These shoelaces will be in the range of about $18 per pair. They are really fun! They'll be in our new space by Fort Ligonier Days (October 9,10,11). We'll also be getting friendship bracelets, rings and lucite bracelets from this designer. All very kool and affordable.

Liquid Metal Bracelets In Stock!

Popular can't begin to describe these fabulously comfortable snap metal bracelets. We have a complete selection of Sergio Gutierrez's Liquid Metal bracelets in stock at the moment, but we can't keep up with the sales! There are a dozen styles to pick from and they can all be checked out here on our website. Everyone who tries one of these beauties on buys them on the spot because they are so kool and comfortable. You will also be the envy of the pack and not a single person you see will ignore the jewel on your wrist. Check out the site! We just got an order in and have a good selection for the time being. The next order will be arriving in early October.

What Buyers do at the Shows

Learn to do the Hula Dance!

Why go all the way to the Islands to learn how to Hula Dance when you can do it right in New York City!

After a very hard day of buying things for all of our thousands of stores across the country, America's buyers kick back and throw down a couple of Planter's Punches. After that, the sarongs come out and it's Don Ho all the way. Fortunately, Pat & I are way too civilized for all this. We just throw down the Planter's Punches! Tough duty, but someone has to do it!

Recycled Banner Bags!

EcoStyle Delights!

Dynamic grphics meet utility in these fashionable ecofriendly totes. Each bag is cut from a vinyl marketing banner that was headed to the landfill. The webbing on the handles is overstock from well-known outdoor gear companies. Join the global effort to reduce waste. Use a banner bag as a purse, grocery bag, beach bag or lunch sack. Produced in Colorado

New Work from Rita Kambic Haldeman

Rita has brought us a number of new pieces to hang in the new gallery! We're very excited about the new work. Rita is a gifted artist and we are lucky to represent her. We don't receive many paintings in a given period, so we are thrilled to have received so many all at once. We are showing them in our current space at 207 E Main and if they are still here when we move, they'll be in a prominent position at 138 E Main St.

Inside the New Space!

Here we go...

They're putting in the new floor today. Track lighting will be going up shortly. It looks like a bit of work still to go, but we're on schedule to open in the new space for Labor Day weekend!

We have new jewelry display fixtures being built and floor plans are being worked on for location of the garden area, wood, ceramics, Simon Pearce and Brian Andreas's work of Storypeople fame. Lots of space but how to place all of our great work is definitely mindboggling.

Keep checking out the blog for a running journal of the move...

Beginning to Pack

Look at this mess! This is a view of one of our storage areas. We will start moving this tomorrow and continue to move through the end of the month. Anybody want to help???

Our e.t. is to remain open in the current space until August 26 or 27 and reopen in the new space in time for the Labor Day weekend. We have been ignoring the fact that we need to pack up and get our gallery moving so we will be starting with the unseen-by-the-public-eye things first. Then we'll move all the inventory when the store is closed.

Keep track of the move by checking the blog often :)