The holidays are over and it's time to move on to the New York International Gift Fair. But I'm still thinking about the 6 days I spent in NY, with family and just looking. I always soak up cities ... great places for me to get new ideas for Ceative Women ... for our products, or re-designing our booth (again), and for understanding the beauty of hand-made items.

So, three places that stood out for me; each for different reasons:

Adelaide, a little gem in the West Village, on Greenwich Street. This shop oozes good taste, a fabulous sense of design and the best displays. This holiday, the store was all dressed up for a '40s cocktail party ... reminded me of my parents and very young days.

Adelaide, 702 Greenwich Street, New York

In SoHo, Kindred Spirits, Native American Influence on 20 Century Art, at the Peter Blum Gallery reinforced what I already know, but in such a beautiful and dramatic way ... the beauty of hand-made is in the imperfections, the reflections of the human hand that made the object. I spent much time looking at the hand-made rugs ... the variations in color create by hand-dying, the lines that were not straight and the designs that were slightly random. I now know how to answer customers who want to know about consistent dye lots.

Finally, I walked by Canvas, in SoHo (full disclosure, they are a customer of Creative Women). They were featuring a Creative Women runner in their window; I was flattered and proud. I was wishing that I could magically bring some of the weavers and artisans who made the products that Canvas (also now in Chelsea) buys from us. How sweet to share the excitement of success with them. 

Canvas, 199 Lafayette Street, New York

Now we're planning for the the NYIGF. I've taken some of the display ideas I saw in NY and am using them in our booth at the Fair.  Come visit us  ... BOOTH 6308. One last vision of the holidays ... my amaryllis which just keeps blooming and makes me smile.

amaryllis

How does it happen? Before I even finish writing to all the people who visited our booth at the NY International Gift Fair, the show managers are asking for my (hefty) deposit for the next show.  But no complaints, this NYIGF (1/29-2/2) was an amazing show.

Creative Women had more buyers, first time lookers, media folks, friends, and sales than ever.  And, NY had another big snow storm.  We never lacked something to talk about ... what kind of boots do you wear in this weather (here I am, from VT, and I didn't have the right kind); what's it going to be like tomorrow; the reason it's quiet now is that everyone is afraid to come out in the snow; it's busy because the sun finally came out; you need a kayak to navigate the floods in the intersections.

But while everyone talked about winter, we listened to the oohs and ahs over our new Dotted towels and beach blankets.  More of that fabulous Ethiopian cotton, this time used for beach and picnic ware. 

Our new Dots Beach Blankets.

I found myself day dreaming about the waves at Montauk, the sand on the Vineyard, and the breeze and cliffs at Point Reyes.  I love NY, but ...

Back in VT, more snow, and more shipments to unpack with summer scarves, pillows.  And in just a few weeks, I'll be sending in our deposit for the Summer NYIGF ... where we'll be showing new wool/cotton scarves, cozy winter throws, maybe even some felt containers.  Better take some time to enjoy my summer daydreams.

Gauzy cotton from Ethiopia.

Ellen