A New Thread

Kari and Rebecca, owners of 19th St's newest shop, Thread, call their joint venture "Two moms on a quest to find a solution for items their kids outgrew before they were ever really used." Boy, do I know that feeling. When they're itty bitty, lots of people are coming over to visit and you want to have them all cute and presentable. You're overwhelmed with being a new mom, especially the 1st time, and so you buy every.single.thing you think is cute. If it's a 1st grandchild, expect every.single.thing Grandma thinks is cute. The reality of it ends up being onsies covered in spit up and a lot of stuff they do grow out of before they ever wear it.

I know it's impractical to buy too much cute stuff for my kids, especially since they are boys and pretty much trash everything. I like to, though. They're just so adorable, I can't help myself. However, I have ended up in much the same position as Kari and Rebecca- with nice clothes in excellent condition that were hardly worn. I have found a couple different ways to deal with this, including eBay and Craig's List, the Just Between Friends sale, plus the Heights Kids' Group classifieds forum. I can sell lightly worn clothes to other moms and make a little money back to reduce the guilt of buying the boys new clothes that I like (while the choice is still mine!).

Clothes and shoes that no longer fit my boys can have a second life at Thread. These are items I brought in as a 1st time consigner. Can't wait to get that 1st check!

There is a huge market for lightly used clothes. Everybody loves a bargain and if you can get clothes for your kids that look great at a price that means no guilt, why wouldn't you, right? And if you splurged and bought some great things that remained in good condition, why not get a little of that back?

Heights moms Kari and Rebecca understand this cycle of children's clothing. Kari, as a mom of twin boys, had a store's worth cluttering up her Norhill bungalow. She started to think that she could resale them herself and maybe even start a business out of it. In January of 2010, she sent out an email to about 50 friends, exploring the concept of a resale shop. She was met with a lot of enthusiasm, but with two 18 month olds at home, she kind of stalled there. She didn't stay stalled long, though.

Kari and Rebecca have known each other since 2nd grade, growing up in The Woodlands and eventually studying Retail Merchandising together at UT Austin. After school, they both headed back to Houston and settled down inside the loop. Like many of us before we had kids, Kari and her husband lived in Montrose but they found, more and more, they were spending their weekends toodling around the Heights, looking at homes and going to the local shops and restaurants. Eight years ago, they finally bit that bullet and made the move. In the years Kari has lived in the Heights, she has seen how her own neighborhood (which is also my neighborhood) has changed. Her block was once mostly older home owners and young professionals. Now it is mostly families with young kids. Reflecting on those changes, Kari thought the Heights would really support that idea she had not quite a year before. There are lots of families and the Heights is also a neighborhood that thoroughly supports the ideas of both re-use/recycle and staying local. The resale shop had never left her mind and after 10 months of sitting on it, the urge to follow through won over what ever else she had going on.

In October 2010 the plan came together and things moved forward. The 2 moms set up shop in Kari's garage apartment and waited to see if it would take off. If so, they would keep their ears to the ground and would know when the right time and place for expansion presented itself.

The 1st couple months of "business" were casual- friends, family, neighbors. It was Nov-Dec, the holidays, and they were feeling out the market. As soon as the new year hit, so did Thread. January brought more inventory from post-holiday purging and allowed for regular business hours. Business was good and it looked like their concept was really going to take off.

Just a month later, they did indeed have their ears to the ground, learning Sew Crafty would be vacating their location on 19th Street, in the heart of the Heights shopping district. A space presented itself and the moms jumped on it. They were so excited to be on 19th, Kari says, because "it's a destination, not just for Heights people, for people from all parts of the city." Also, 19th's regular organized events are a big draw. "No other part of the neighborhood does that," she noted.

Sew Crafty's pink and blue store front was an easy fit for the children's clothing store.

Moms naturally know what other moms need, including a safe place for little ones to play so you can bargain hunt!

Sew Crafty closed it's doors on March 1 and Thread opened in its place on March 5. That's right, in four days these busy moms were able to transform one shop in to another. They did it, Kari says, by using as much from Sew Crafty as they could and generally keeping it simple. The bright and cheery colors of Sew Crafty naturally lent themselves to a store for kids. Kari bought pipe and assorted supplies from C&D Hardware on 11th and Lowe's, fashioning a simple but sturdy rolling clothes rack. The husbands followed up on Kari's design and made multiples in the back yard while Kari and Rebecca looked for a couple special pieces to add to what they had from the previous tenant. August Antiques had some of the great pieces they needed. With those little details and no real cosmetic changes to make, they moved in their inventory and had the doors open by March's 1st Saturday!

Kari, hard at work

Sweet girls' shoes- obviously not consigned by me, Rebecca or Kari, all boy moms :)

The store space, while perfect in most regards, was a little too big for the concept of Thread. Kari and Rebecca solved that by co-oping with a couple of other mom owned businesses: Sam & Lucy and Beanie's. Sam & Lucy offers embroidery and monogramming, plus personalized gift items. Beanie's is a children's clothing line designed by a Heights mom. Beanie's hosts trunk shows and has online sales, with samples available in the loft above Thread.

Personalized gifts and monogramming from local mom owned business Sam & Lucy

If you're in to traditional styles for kids, Beanie's is a locally designed and manufactured line of clothes. Started by a mom who was making her own kids clothes, Beanie's has been inbusiness since early 2011.

So far, business has been great for Thread. As they expected, local moms have been thrilled to both buy and consign at their shop. They were even featured (with another Heights area mom who owns a resale shop in the Galleria) in an ABC 13 segment about how resale is hopping in the current economic climate: video link.

Thread accepts consignments of boys' and girls' clothes from size newborn up to 5T.

If you're curious about how consignment works, it's so easy. You bring your clean, good condition items in and Kari/Rebecca sort, look for stains you might have missed and kind of evaluate what will sell. Leave them there, they sell them, you get 40% of the sales price in a check at the end of the month. If your items don't sell, you can take them back (to try another outlet perhaps) or let Thread donate them to a worthy cause. For complete details, read this page.

A very simple contract makes selling easy for consignors.

What are they looking for? Kari and Rebecca really wanted Thread to be an easy shopping experience for parents. They wanted to have more of a boutique feel, which customers think they've achieved. A lot of shoppers comment that they didn't realize it was resale because it's so clean, well organized and the clothes are in such good shape! To give this feeling, the store is looking for higher end brands if you have them (here is a list of preferred brands from their blog site) or bargain brands that are cute and current styles. People love a good bargain and getting a high end brand for more than 1/2 off retail is something most moms love. It is an easy, relaxing shopping experience that doesn't get hard when you get to the register. I wish these moms so much luck in their venture, although I don't think I need to. Knowing what families want and need is easy when you're in that place in your own life as well.

Consigned items ready to be priced and put out for sale. Because it's just the two of them working the store, Kari and Rebecca prefer consignment intake by appointment.

Thread

Stylish Kids' Consignment

321 B W 19th St

281.501.0148

Thread's Facebook Page

Heights Happenings: March 30- April 6

Saturday, April 2, All Day: First Saturday in the Heights!

• You all already know what this means, so get out there and visit your local businesses. Remember, if you don't spend your money locally, the shops you love so much cannot survive.

Saturday, April 2 & Sunday, April 3, Noon - 6 PM: Heights Spring Home Tour

• This year's Spring tour consists of six spectacular homes and gardens (four historic and two new construction) each reflecting the unique character and architecture of one of Houston's most cherished and eclectic neighborhoods.
• Also on the tour this year will be an opportunity to see the "before" version of Immanuel Lutheran Church which will soon be transformed into a community center for art exhibits, receptions, and community and youth programs.
• Bus Shuttles will be available to transport you to all of the homes and are included in the price of your ticket. The shuttle route starts at the Heights Fire Station (Yale & 12^th Streets), where parking is available.
• Tickets are available at many local merchants, including Write Now!, Dacapo's, Buchanan's and more
• Check out the link for additional info. http://houstonheights.org/springhometour.htm

PLAN AHEAD:

Thursday, April 7, 5:30 PM: Help save Love Elementary

• HISD will be holding a meeting at Love which will ultimately decide if the school remains open or closes.
• Due to a rising number of young families in the area, parents are concerned about class sizes and where all the not-yet-school-aged kids will go in 2-3 years.
• If you are a parent, a concerned community member or someone who believes in public education for the good of all children, please attend and support this school and the efforts of it's teachers and parents!
• 1120 W. 13th Street

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Saturday, April 2, 7 PM: Magic on the Bayou, benefitting Blackwood Educational Land Institute

• Blackwood Educational Land Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to land-based learning that encourages the spirit and feeds the soul as it challenges and educates the mind. Located near Hempstead, a formerly neglected tract of land has been turned into a living learning environment. Blackwood is an ecosystem and living classroom that inspires and teaches students of all ages to explore the natural web of life and to develop a healthy, respectful relationship with nature.
• The Green Wellies award recipient will be Kevin Shanley. As Chairman of the Board of the Bayou Preservation Association and CEO of The SWA Group, Kevin has demonstrated sustainable practices, vision and leadership in our community. He has worked tirelessly to protect and restore the Houston bayou system through design and policy reform.
• For more information and to register, visit the Magic on the Bayou page.

April 2, 3 PM & April 4, 8:20 PM: Final 4 Watch Party at Market Square Park

• April 2 game begins at 5:20 PM; April 4 game begins at 8:20 PM

• Don’t have tickets to the Championship games? Don’t sweat it! Join the Greeks for some mega-madness at Market Square Park. Watch the games on our flat screens while indulging in delicious Greek food, beer and wine all night long. Sponsored by Niko Niko’s Market Square and the Downtown District.

Sunday, April 3, 8 AM: Bayou Bikers Houston bayou tour

• On the first Sunday of every month join the Bayou Bikers, an informal meet-up group aiming to show Houstonians and visitors the beauty of Houston’s waterways. Local and visiting bikers are invited to join the group on 25 – 40 mile rides exploring the area’s bayous.
• These rides are free and open to all skill levels, but mountain bikes or bikes with fat tires are necessary.
• Bikers meet at Market Square Park, 301 Milam downtown

Rewind: Henna in the Heights

April marks the 2 year anniversary of this blog and a lot has changed since I started it. I've had a second child. That's a big one. I also got on Twitter, started a Facebook page and, as a result, have many more friends and neighbors reading this blog than were one year ago. As a result, there are some posts about great neighborhood businesses and people that many of you probably never saw. I thought every once in a while I might dig up and re-post something from the old archives, giving a second life to some old favorites.

Now that the warm weather is here, I start to think about henna! I love that I happened across this great Heights business. It's developed a fun summer habit, as well as a really nice friendship.

Henna In The Heights

July 9, 2009

I have to admit, I drive a little too fast up and down Yale. I think part of the reason is that I am never going anywhere actually on Yale. It’s not a destination for me. It’s a route. As I zip up to 19th Street or head south, avoiding the train on Heights, I miss things. I never used to think I did. There are the “antique shops” and the crazy, bright green real estate office. I thought I had a handle on what was happening on Yale. That was until I went down Yale as a passenger. And my husband doesn’t drive nearly as fast as I do.

We were driving along, and as I stared out the window all sorts of things popped out for me- most notably a store front tucked in to a spot that had never drawn my eye before. What grabbed me was not just the bright turquoise trim of the building, but also the poster of a hand decorated with traditional Indian henna tattoos. What was this all about? I was curious and couldn't wait to investigate.

The Original Henna Company store front on Yale, just over the fence/north of the newly renovated building that houses Anytime Fitness

As luck would have it, shortly after I was Freecyclinga bunch of stuff, I recieved an email from a woman named Soniya regarding an item I was unloading. That was luck, you see, because Soniya’s email signature says “The Original Henna Company, 1130 Yale St.” A HA!!

I popped in to her sort-of tucked away shop on Yale a couple weeks ago to get the scoop. I was delighted by all the gorgeous pictures of henna tattoos she had done. Some simple. Some elaborate. All beautiful. Before going by Soniya’s shop, I was aware of henna tattoos and their traditional use for Indian weddings, but I had no idea how many different reasons there are to get henna done. Soniya told me that she has a lot of people who just get it just because it’s pretty. People will come in with their own art work and she will duplicate it in henna for them. She has done heads of cancer patients and written scripture across people’s backs. One woman had her do a design down the entire length of her body. Just because it’s pretty. I can see that. She also has women come in to get henna on their pregnant bellies. One of Soniya's favorite belly tattoos is a gorgeous tree with the symbols for strength and patience on each side and the baby’s name written in Hindi on the trunk. I was bummed I had missed that opportunity to do something like this, having just had a baby less than 2 months before. Maybe next time (Did I really just say next time?).

Traditional wedding henna

Pregnancy henna

Another great customer base she has is people considering real tattoos. Henna is like a try-it-before-you-buy-it option. People who are considering something large or conspicuous can test drive their design by living with it for a couple of weeks before getting the needle. Parents have brought in teenage kids who think they want to have a tattoo. Brilliant. Henna gives you a real sense of what it’s like to have a tattoo without the permanence.

Some examples of henna as temporary tattoos.

Of course I wondered how Soniya and her henna came to The Heights from Sugarland. Was there a demand here for her services? Soniya is a 3rd generation henna artist and started training in India at the age of 5. She and her family moved to Houston (actually Sugarland) when she was 13 years old. Her mother and sisters still have a successful henna business of their own down there. Soniya’s years of training and experience in the family business are certainly obvious in the beauty of her work. Soniya said she and her husband were looking for someplace they could live and work and also raise their family. They found the building the shop is in and liked it, but knew nothing at all about The Heights as a neighborhood. She says she just got a good feeling about the neighborhood. She said it “was calling me.” When it feels right, it feels right. Of course, in traditional Heights fashion, neighbors were very welcoming. Sometimes people just pop in to say “hi.” She likes that it is a neighborhood that understands and appreciates all kinds of art. It’s a place where “ideas are communicated” and “people share.” Like me, she has had a lot of support from the local parents group, Heights Kids, as well.

Despite loving living here and having support from locals, the neighborhood doesn’t drive her business. You see, Soniya is not just an everyday good henna artist. She was telling me about all the events she goes to- trips to Mexico and Florida. She told me how Beyonce’s parents have her do henna at their big Christmas party every year. She has regular clients from sports teams locally and around the country. I was especially curious about this. “Are henna artists uncommon?” I asked. No, she said. They are very common, but Soniya has something special- skill and speed that come from years of experience. In fact, she was supposed to be trying for the Guinness Book World’s record for henna tattoo speed this year (She is able to easily do 50 tattoos an hour for events like wedding parties)! Guinness is going to have to wait though, since she is welcoming a new baby this fall.

Who needs jewelry?

When I was growing up, I can remember my mom putting “henna” in her hair. That henna, as I remember, was a powder. Henna dye used for the tattoos is the same base and concept but in a paste. It’s an all-natural recipe of ground leaves from the henna plant, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, lemon juice, red tea and water. All these things together make the paste, which is applied to the skin and allowed to dry. In a short period of time, the paste will fall off and the skin will have absorbed the stain. It will look orange at first but deepens to a dark brown. Soniya makes her own henna paste using henna plant imported from India from a company her family has been buying from for 50 years. Apparently it has a very low allergen possibility and is even used in other parts of the world to help heal skin conditions. Cool stuff.

The natural aspect of henna is important. Apparently, there is something out there called “black henna” and it is not something to mess with. This is the kind of thing you’ll find at places like spring break locations and tourist traps. The reason Soniya felt the need to make sure I knew about this was not just because it isn’t real or traditional henna. It’s actually dangerous. Rather than taking the time to make the labor intensive henna paste, these quickie henna shacks use a chemical dye, like hair dye. As you can imagine, this can cause a pretty nasty skin reaction. Watch Soniya’s interview with Click2Houston to see an example of what can happen and how to prevent it.

Soniya, who is expecting her 2nd child this fall (EDIT: Soniya is now the proud mom of 2, including a sweet little girl, pictured here in her belly).

My 12 year old niece is coming to visit in a couple of weeks and I can’t wait to take her to see Soniya for henna tattoos. You should really pop in to her shop sometime for a visit. It’s so comfortable and relaxing. If you think henna is pretty but aren’t inclined to get a henna tattoo, Soniya has beautiful canvasses of her own henna designs. She also sells traditional Indian jewelry and clothing. They have some upcoming expansion plans for the shop as well, and Soniya’s sister will be able to be able to offer additional aesthetic services like hair henna by the end of the year. I have a feeling that once I get one, Soniya might be seeing more of me.

Soniya is at the shop most days and appointments are also available.

Some of the artwork the Soniya creates with her own henna designs.

Heights Happenings: March 23- March 30, 2011

Friday. March 25, 8 PM- 11 PM: Heights Live presents Deadman

• Deadman started in 1999 by Steven Collins as avenue to explore his songwriting. Having changed from a 4 person format to a duo to a 6 piece band, the sound and message of Collins' songs remain the same. Hope, mercy, and themes of life and death are staples of the Deadman catalog which includes 4 albums over ten years, "Paramour" (2001), "Our Eternal Ghosts" (2004), "Severe Mercy" (2008), "Live At The Saxon Pub" (2010) and "Take Up Your Mat and Walk" (2011).
• $15 donation at the door
• 240 W 18th at Heights Presbyterian Church
• For more information or to contact: Heights Live webpage

Friday, March 25, 6 PM: Contents "Fashion LIterary and Art's Benefit"

• "An Outreach for Children Affected by Burns"
• Join Contents in an evening of music, wine and h'orderves while receiving 25% off on all regular priced items, and a chance to enter into a drawing to win a gift certficate to the store!
• Hallagreen Publishing, Musicheals, and Arts4Healing will be selling art work and new activity books for children that have suffered burns.
• Book purchases will be donated to children's burn centers nationwide. Art proceeds will be donated to the Houston Fire Department.
• 249 W 19th St

Sunday, March 27, 2 PM- 4 PM: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Pathways to A Cure project presents "How many times do I have to tell you?"

• Dr. Myron Friedman will present this parenting seminar focused on practical strategies to teach children better self-control, improve listening skills, to follow directions when asked the first time, and to become independent and responsible. This seminar is directed for parents of infants to pre-teens.
• Dr. Friedman is a PhD in educational psychology and presenting this event as a fund-raiser for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Special guest Emma Woodle, LLS girl of the year.
• Minimum donation to LLS of $20 to attend. Childcare available with RSVP and additional donation.
• RSVP at pathwaystoacure@gmail.com
• Flyer with all details: http://pathwaystoacure.blogspot.com

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Friday, March 25, 11 AM- 2 PM: Houston Green Tour of 2424 Sakowitz Street

• Houston's first green multifamily housing development is New Hope Housing's 2424 Sakowitz community (named after the very street on which it resides honoring the rich history of the Sakowitz Family). As a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) for Homes certified Platinum (the highest level of certification) property, 2424 Sakowitz is Houston's first green multifamily housing development. The fact that it is also permanent supportive housing makes this recognition even more significant.
• Located in the Greater Fifth Ward/Denver Harbor, the Sakowitz development contains 166 units and is New Hope's largest single room occupancy affordable housing community offering life-stabilizing, quality housing at a more stable rental rate.
• The event is free and open to the public.
• Visit www.houstontx.gov/mayor/leedtour.pdf for more information and a map.

Saturday, March 26, 9 AM- 2 PM: CoH eCycling event

• Houston residents are encouraged to drop off and recycle any brand of electronic products or computers between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the Houston Reliant Stadium (blue lot), home of the 2011 NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Men's Final Four, April 2-4, 2011. This eCycling is free and the eCycling group will be on hand to take items from your trunk.
• The City of Houston and the Houston Final Four Local Organizing Committee are working with Official NCAA Corporate Partner, LG Electronics USA and Official Sustainability Partner of The Big Dance Concert Series and Bracket Town, Waste Management Recycle America to sponsor this eCycling drive.
• Follow signs to the eCycling drop-off site as you approach Reliant. For more information visit www.greenhoustontx.gov/ecycling20110326.html andwww.greenhoustontx.gov.

IN OTHER NEWS:

St. Andrew's on Heights Blvd will be hosting their Spring Bazaar on Saturday, April 30 to showcase artists, crafters and other specialty vendors. Vendor spots are still available. If interested in receiving an application, contact Laurie Hardwick at lauriewh@earthlink.net.

ListeningRoom Series lives again with Live CD

Andrew Dansby March 17, 2011- Houston Chronicle

Five years ago, Chris Whitley, a restlessly creative musician who always put his muse ahead of any financial goals, returned to Houston to die. All Whitley had was two guitars, some clothing, a backpack and lung cancer. He turned to a friend, Corinne Tames, who managed him during the last year and a half of his life. She took him into her home and paid for the uninsured Whitley's medical care until he died on Nov. 20, 2005. Tames' own finances were shaken as a result. One month, Tames, a single mother with two daughters, didn't have enough money to make a payment on her house. The Musician's Benevolent Society of Houston made a contribution that helped her. "It was $1,000," she says, "and to me it was like I'd received $10,000. It was a really desperate time for me. And they got me over that hump."

She's paying back the favor this month with ListeningRoom Houston "Live". The CD - which features performances by Alejandro Escovedo, Terri Hendrix, Charlie Sexton, James McMurtry and others - is being released in a limited edition pressing of 1,000 copies at Cactus Music (2110 Portsmouth) and atwww.listeningroomhouston.com. All proeeds from the $16 album benefit the MBS. Furthering the sentimental value of the project, the 17 songs on the album were all taken from the ListeningRoom, a concert series that Tames curated for three years, mostly at the NiaMoves Studio. ListeningRoom shows were notable for their focus on the music since they were held in a yoga studio rather than a bar; there were no clanking bottles to be heard at a ListeningRoom show. "We were hoping to capture what the essence of that room was like," she says.

The series concluded late last year.

Sexton was a key figure in getting it started. He was a longtime admirer of Whitley's work, though Tames says that doesn't make him unique among the performers on the CD. "About 90 percent of the people who played ListeningRoom shows worshipped him," she says. "And they didn't even know I was connected to him in any way. They just loved his music." Sexton agreed to perform at two tribute concerts organized by Tames, one in Austin and one in Houston, in early 2006. They became friends, and he encouraged her to start the ListeningRoom in Houston.

Tames says the decision to shut down the series "was a tough one, but we had to make it for personal reasons as well as the economy." She says she still hears from attendees who wish it would return. She's hoping those with fond memories of the series will want the album, as it captures the feel of the shows there.

"Really if there's a moral to this whole thing that I hope people get, it's that you do the right thing and you do what your heart tells you to do, even in trying and difficult times," she says. "My situation seemed dire and difficult and hopeless and out of it grew wonderful friendships. So I'd love to sell all of these and for that money to go to help somebody else."

Our 1st Craftacular- Recap

Last Saturday brought some beautiful weather for the inaugural weekend of Second Saturday Craftacular, a new monthly art and craft market. The event, curated by Teresa O'Connor from Hello, Lucky and hosted by Davis Hardware, featured local artists, hand made goods, and crafty fun.

The market will run the 2nd Saturday of the month from 11 AM- 3 PM.

The monthly event kicked off on the small side with 10 vendors. This was, Teresa explained, to get an idea of what was working, what wasn't and generally work out any kinks early on. Next month, we can expect more vendors. We can also anticipate warmer temperatures- good thing some refreshing shaved ice will also be on hand.

With her shop right across the street, Teresa wanted to offer something different and fun for the Craftacular. Instead of already created items, Teresa packaged up some little craft sacks to help us all indulge our creative sides. For about the price of the change in your car's cup holder, there were all kinds of notions to be had.

Craft bags in the blue. Grab and go!

Vintage NatGeos were also available for repurpose in your next creative project.

A couple of other vendors I recognized from the shop, but some were also new to me. It was great to see a large collection of Sara Huffman's found block art. I've been thinking about sending one of these to my sister back East but never saw just the right one. I was drawn to the great colors and message of "intrepid" but also felt that "sublime" was nice. In any case, I didn't pick one up this month because my kids would have thought it was a toy for them. Next month I'll see what inspires me and send it on.

Another favorite local artist of mine, Lisa Chow was on hand with prints and art cards. She also made homemade chocolate chip cookies. You're not going to find that at a big box store! Lisa's illustrations are pure imagination. You can check out her Etsy store here but it's more fun to meet her in person and get some baked goods!

The other tables were all new to me. It was great to see so much diversity of product in such a small group. Each table was very unique from the other, keeping it interesting and focused. I can't wait to see what happens as this little market grows from month to month.

Frilled and Feathered. I love jewelry and am a sucker for hand made. I love anything one-of-a-kind or at least not mass produced. Frilled and Feathered had some really whimsical and creative pieces, but also plenty that would appeal to a more conservative wearer.

There were funky shirt options available for both men and women. Both genders had their choice of tshirts or printed Western shirts from Tupelo Grease Company. While women could wear some positivity on tops from Guli Essa's line "Self Apparel."

Men's and women's tshirts from Tupelo Grease Company

Self sufficient- just one of the positive messages from Guli Essa

More local artists were representing, including Garrett Arnold, who you may know if you hang out at Antidote at all. He had these great mixed media works and illustrations:

Funky art couple Sylvester Sanchez and Erica Bogdan were working their table and working up more drawings at the same time. Both are recent college grads who work in graphic design. It's great to see new faces represented and getting the work they love out there!

Lastly, if you've never been in Davis Hardware, you might not realize they are primarily a framing shop. Robert, whose family owns the shop, was representing with frames and mirrors, ready to answer questions. His aunt, Twila, was also out with some stamping supplies, offering demos.

I love it when people come together and strengthen the fabric of the neighborhood. It's so wonderful of Davis to host this event in their parking lot. The store is open until 1 PM on Saturdays and they are giving up 99% of their parking, but it's all about being part of the community and working together to support local business and artists. Who can argue against that?

Had to include my boys, who enjoyed the whole thing by running me ragged, touching every.single.thing.in.sight. The only time they would stand still was to make some faces in Davis Hardware's mirrors.