Market Finds, All Good!

This market in NYC, there was a new section featuring new vendors, most of them of the artist variety. I found several new resources that hopefully will find homes in on my sales floor.

The first one is a most unique product...soft sculpture chicken footstools!! You hear me right. This one's for you, Shannon! Ifell in love with these and their creators-truly engaging.

Shannon will have to help me identify the varieties...I'm afraid I'm not too good with my chicken breeds! I will say that this chocolate one took my heart!

Another buyer stopped by the booth just as we were ending our chat with the creators and indulged me in this photo in order to show the scale of the soft sculptures. I tried them out too, and they were very relaxing!

The feet are cast bronze and the bodies are felted wool. The skill of the designers was just amazing, the way the tail feathers were created by rolling the wool.

These cute gals are the creators. The name of their company; the city girl farm, in Lyons, Ks. As you can see, they love their product and the work involved. I'll vouch for the fact that they are very easy to fall in love with! I regret to say that I left their names in my office. Every good intent to post from work failed (thus, the two week later post...).




The heads bob! They are on some kind of a spring, although subtle, and they move in the most wonderful way.

Just as the creators, one can become very attached to these darlings. If you have fallen for them as quickly as I, call my retail store to place an order. As reflected by the price, these farm friends are labor intensive and finely crafted. Retail value: $2000.00.



Don't worry, Shannon, I already alerted Brian that one of these is bound to be on your Christmas wish list! I'll see what I can do to accommodate.




Another new vendor that you'll find in my gift mix were these darling pillows made from burlap. Way cute friend gift (for a mother, daughter, or sister!) "happy House" , "live THANKFULLY", and...

"carefull free ranging children"...too funny! Photo frames and tea towels with equally entertaining quotes have been ordered too.

More market finds to come. Another night.

There's a Change in The Air!

It's always a happy time of year when the fall/Halloween merchandise is ready for merchandising!

Sorry about the slightly out of focus snapshot! But what about this "Treats" pumpkin for your trick or treat give-a-ways! (And check out those glitter witches and spooks.)

You'll find mahogany colored pumpkins in three sizes...

Vintage reproduction figures....

These battery operated black glitter candelabras set the stage for a real Adams Family dinner party!

A slightly new take on past years Caspers with personal greetings...

I saved the best for last! You know how I love crows (of the statue variety!). Add that seasonal black glitter and some orange tinsel and you've got my heart. This little guy is named appropriately, "Edgar Allen Crow". Check our twitter contest to see more.

Yes, fall is in the air. None too soon for me. It's pretty magical inside the old stone walls of Black-eyed Susan. Come see for yourself.

4:30 a.m. Wakeup Call. Ugh.

When the New York Gift Show rolls around, I have mixed feelings.

4:30 a.m. wake up call: bad

Possible new finds for Black-eyed Susan: good

Trenton Train Station: so-so

Rolling cart for files/memos: dread

Shoes for 12 hour day: stumped

Crowds and badge scanners: irritating

$20.00 sandwich and water for lunch: good grief!

(and we're not talking gourmet.)

Visits with favorite vendor and reps: great

New resources and inspiration: fabulous

Rush to get a seat on the last express train: ugh

Pulling into the driveway at 8:30p.m. : weary, weary, weary

Foot rub in bed: pure heaven

I devoted a quick two days to the New York Market this show, and found some great new things, reordered some favorites, and added a few over-the-top things to the Halloween mix for this year's inventory. Ahhhh...Halloween to be coming out soon!

I'll document a few things I found and/or ordered for your review over the next few nights.

Fabulous color, cool function! These gloves by Echo are a wool blend with tiny pads that let you use your IPhone or Droid(!)...all while keeping toasty warm. And, with ruffles to boot! Favorite colors; chartreuse, orange, aqua. What could be better? Watch for these babies for Holiday gifts.

John Wind, cool jewelry designer (and always in demand at Black-eyed Susan) posed for a shot with me at his booth. Right behind us, a prestigious copy of his mention in Country Living Magazine, spotlighting his coolest new charm bracelet...also to be appearing at Black-eyed Susan for Holiday gift giving. A self-portrait was out of the question, due to the extreme difference in heights. Thanks, John! We are always ready for more new designs and inspiring displays. And, added to the line just in time...lots of BLING! Oh, yea, I ordered that too.


Another cool designer I found, making jewelry from vintage finds. Check out the collection on the vintage dress form...oh, by the way, the longer necklace with the old watch on it is now out of circulation...it now resides in my jewelry collection! The stylish young designer agreed to come to the retail store and do a trunk show in November. Can't wait. I'll let you know when to save the date. Very cool.

Stay tuned for more favorite finds. It's good to be home.

New Jewelry Motherload!

Wow! The cash 'n carry orders are in and ready for the picking!

I' ve scheduled one of our events around the new stash! I'm sure you've seen the latest rage of jewelry embellished with beautiful silk ribbons....and I'm talking multiples! With the help of Kara (my cutest hip sales associate), I will show how to wear the latest jewelry trends. Layer it on, and add a personal touch with silk ribbon. Go home with the latest trend and all at 20% off!

So, come join us for a night of fun and fancy! Call to reserve your spot on Thursday, Aug. 19th. 6:30p.m. Take home your own signature trend! 215-794-1800-hope to see you there!

Cheers! Just a bit of magic.