Thursday, January 20, 2011

Metallic Thread, Silk Flowers and Glitter


Visiting Tinsel Trading in New York is always a treat - but if you happen to be friends with the owner....well, then it's an extra special treat! For years I begged Marcia to let me down into the vault of her grandfather's shop - I wanted to see the boxes overflowing with turn of the century gold and silver trims from France. Eventually, Marcia agreed - although I had to secure a book deal so she knew I was seriously interested in seeing the goods. A few summer's ago, Molly and I spent days down in the basement which had been storing old decorative goods for over 70 years. Covered in dust and dirt, we emerged with handfuls of old beauties that we used in crafting our little projects in the book, Treasured Notions.





















This past week, Sofia and I walked into Tinsel Trading and after we had said our hellos (we were only going to stay for a quick visit) I asked Marcia if we could go to the basement...just to have a little look-see.
Before I even had the chance to hear the answer - Marcia was leading us down the steps into the "new and improved" basement. Don't get me wrong, I loved the old basement on 38th Street, but in this basement, on 37th Street, you can actually find what you are looking for - be it crimped gold wire, ombre ribbon or pompoms - everything is labeled or at least organized by material.

As well as stocking aisles and aisles of beautiful old treasures from France - sequins, beads, metallic thread, silk flowers and glitter - Tinsel Trading has a secret atelier hidden in the basement. Behind an old piece of burlap, hides Wendy Addison's East Coast studio. Tucked behind all of the production and vintage materials is a small creative space where Wendy dreams up her fantastical art. Drawers of old labels, tassels and ribbon sit next to boxes and boxes of old glass glitter - all used to create Wendy's repertoire of goods. Each original piece, handmade by Wendy, is then set into production using all of Marcia's vintage materials. This combined effort, or harmony between the two, is seamless and produces some of the most exquisite, original collectibles, boxes and whatnots. To see some of Wendy's art, check out Tinsel Trading's website or visit Marcia's shop in Manhattan at 1 West 37th Street - you will be charmed!


12 comments:

Grace said...

I just came from there! lol You are so lucky to see the "treasure chest", that is how I think of it. Must be so enchanting. Thank you for sharing through your eyes. Grace xox

Anonymous said...

I love Tinsel Trading and Wendy Addison - the Queen of Glitter! I can't wait to see all of the treasures you found on your travels. Please add to your website soon, the suspense is killing us!

Heidi C.
San Francisco

nonnie said...

the velvet flowers in the first photo are breathtaking...even the photo is inspirational...i cannot imagine the real deal! thanks for sharing...

jone hallmark said...

wow......

A bird in the hand said...

You are so magic!
Next time let me know and I'll fly down to NYC (20-minute flight) and join you in Tinseland.

bisous

The French Bear said...

I loved that video of you discovering the goodies stashed away down there! How wonderful to see all those treasures, I can image the thrill of it all!!!
Wish I wasn't so far away, it is a dream of mine to go to her store!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Rose Brier Studio said...

Tinsel Trading is such a wonderful shop. I will be there the beginning of Feb. So, so super (I need new superlatives) Marcia & Wendy are going to France with the group this summer!
~Marilee

Curtains in My Tree said...

I have never been there but I know i would rather be in the basement than upstairs.
On the web the upstairs looks so neat an organized
I like digging through boxes and finding hidden treasures.
How lucky you are to have been in the basement and to see Wendy 's treasures

Janice

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness - it looks like a little piece of creative heaven! I'm not sure my pocketbook could handle it. It's on my list for my next visit to NYC.

Carrie Mc W said...

Sounds amazing!

paperbird said...

you are one LUCKY girl- what a wonderful experience to be able to see these wonderful antique treasures!


I'm soooooo jealous :-)

Jules Means said...

OMG I fear a monster has been born this morning. I am really looking forward to my first visit to Tinsel Trading. Thank you so much for writing about them! I cannot wait- I think I should start buying lottery tix...I'm going to need a lot of money... ;) Jules