ICFF: day two

Sorry folks. I'm really behind on posts. Stay tuned for more on my New York trip.

My hosts and good friends E.L. and D.C. prepared a most delicious breakfast this morning. Homemade scones and fruit, and a strong cup of coffee put me in a really good mood. This beats running to the Starbucks stand in the hotel lobby any day. We poked around Brooklyn later and enjoyed the little sunshine we've had here. I probably should have hustled to Javits, but I was having such a pleasant day with my BKLYN peeps.

My finds this day were a nice diversion from all the super-glamorous stuff everyone goes bananas for.  For example, these eco-friendly tables and stools are from Indianapolis-based inmodern/ecotots. Prices were reasonable considering the many steps they take to assure an eco-aware production process. The plywood layers are adhered with a human- and earth-friendly glue in a vapor free environment. The stains are alcohol based and wear well for durability. Not only are they working wonders with safer production, they’ve broken through the barrier of the manufacturing efficiency of such products. My order was ready to ship by the time I returned from a day of shopping. This will make special orders a breeze, as our customers appreciate quick deliveries of custom items. Adult and children’s furniture will be in the store in about a week.

Next, I discovered this line of ceramics in the Design-Boom section of the show. This area is usually filled with students or small upstart operations, both from the States and abroad, where smaller items are featured. You might see here accessories, jewelry, gadgets, and handcrafted items. Over the years, we’ve discovered several small-scale artisans and vendors. Like, Laura McKibbon and her company cul de sac design. Unlike many other ceramists, she prefers to work with earthenware. Her glazes are a soft palette that sells well for us. Her graphics are both botanical and typographical which also have broad appeal and in keeping with our store aesthetic. I hope to have an order in to her in time for a ceramics show I’m planning for the end of June. Prices will be reasonable considering the handmade attention the pieces receive.

  

Comments

[Ned]

Welcome back Bradley - breakfast looked delicious!