I know some of you here personally, but most I do not! And if you don’t follow me on instagram either, you may not know that I have a side business I call SL & Co., dreamt up in an effort to scratch the itch of playing shopkeeper, a lifelong dream of mine.
During the postpartum days that followed the birth of my second daughter (also peak covid), I channeled my insomnia into a home accessories buying frenzy. I messaged all kinds of people on instagram who I had seen make unique things, I whatsapp-ed with people in India, Morocco, Uzbekistan, France and all over the world begging them to let me sell their wares out of the little two bedroom apartment I converted into my office. Some (many) of these people had never sold anything before, and therefore never priced their wares. Some of them had sold things but never in New York and some had never shipped things long distance before. But many of them said yes!
I started with by-appointment shopping, but ultimately it’s hard to have a “shop” that’s not street side. Something else I have learned is that it’s also hard to have a “shop” when you have another far more time consuming business and two kids. I hosted a few trunk shows with friends who also have unique businesses and that was really fun and exciting - getting to connect with people in in person, some of whom found me on instagram and some through the design scene, clients, etc.
So when The Ticking Tent approached me about being a vendor at their next fair I jumped at the chance to do something similar to what we had been putting together in my office, but on a larger scale.
This lengthy saga that no one asked for is basically my plea to you to buy tickets. Come visit me! The vendor list truly looks incredible (I am certain I won’t leave home empty handed) and there is a ton of exciting programming scheduled throughout the day. Tickets went on sale today and their last event upstate FULLY SOLD OUT - I imagine this one, in Brooklyn on November 2nd will too.
Here is a little preview of what I am planning to bring to the event to entice you!
Lots and lots of Earthernware ceramic pieces called Terre Mêlée, handmade in a small studio in France using traditional 18th century marbling techniques with natural pigments. Each piece requires hours of skilled craftsmanship that result in a one-of-a-kind works of art and I personally collaborate with the artisan on merging forms and colors that are unique to each piece.
Copper flowers handmade at a workroom in the heart of Milan! The little guys are great for bookcases, tablescapes, etc. but I will also be bringing a selection of larger scale potted statement makers like the Delphinium, Cassis, and Alcea plants below to this event.
Trays and candlesticks carefully made out of marble, onyx, and quartzite in a Poland Atelier. The stones themself come from all over the world, and the pattern and texture in each is unique and varies from piece to piece; creating individual creations perfect in their imperfection.
Handmade wicker baskets from an atelier in France in an assortment of shapes - the snail shape below is a form unique to the region called Bouyricou.
Lots and lots of tabletop!
Textiles ranging from hand-embroidered Indian suzanis to tablecloths from Morocco and needlework pillows from Lebanon.
A selection of fold-flat hexagonal block printed waste bins from India
And much, much more! Please let me know if I can answer any questions in advance about these special items and I truly hope to see you at The Ticking Tent this Fall.
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