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| Dictionary Art Print Steampunk Owl from BlackBaroque.etsy.com |
Ooh lucky us - we have visitors! Alexandra Wolf & Poni from BlackBaroque.etsy.com popped by to say hello .... and they brought prizes!
The last time these two stopped by (11/2010) we had a great time. First there was a fun photo studio tour of their retail space, Poni's Parlor. Followed a few days later by a lively Q&A hosted by chatty guest & feathered friend, Merlin the bird. If you missed those posts, go check 'em out. We'll wait here for you.....
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| Dictionary Art Print Butterflies & Skeleton from BlackBaroque.etsy.com |
Alex & Poni have been busy this past year, creating and selling like crazy. Be sure to check out their Etsy shop, BlackBaroque. With over 12,000 sales since opening in Feb. 2010, I'd say they are doing something right!
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| BlackBaroque.etsy.com |
They added to their accolades when two of their sea urchin prints were featured in the September issue of Coastal Living Magazine. Woohoo! Congrats, guys!
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| page from Coastal Living showing 2 sea urchin prints |
The main reason Alex and Poni stopped by today is to spread the word about some friends who could use a helping hand. Their friends own the fabulous books/antiques store, Drake Farm, in North Hampton, New Hampshire and (like too many people today) are struggling to hold things together in this challenging economy.
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| Drake Farm Books, Antiques & Art Gallery - New Hampton, NH |
Drake Farm was built in 1705 and was "one of the larger sheep farms in New England and one of the larger producers of mutton for Union forces in the Civil War" Click here for more of the farm's history.
In 1995 Drake Farm became "one of the largest used-book stores in New England". They also feature a fantastic selection of curious objects, as well as original art for sale. This is one of Alexandra's favorite places to find the books with character for use in her artwork (& her personal collection).
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| antique Cinderella book from Alexandra's collection |
From Alexandra: "One of the reason's we love using old pages in our art prints is to share with everyone the beauty of these antique books. We feel we are saving history, reaching people who might otherwise have known it. These lovely tomes sometimes seem like lost art. With computers and e-books, the way people read has changed. Perhaps this is another reason (in addition to the economy) that wonderful antique bookstores like Drake's Farm are hurting."
Alex is putting an open call out to anyone who loves books to please try shopping at this wonderful store. Not in New Hampshire? You can order books online at drakefarmbooks.com, by email, or phone. With over 55,000 books in stock there is a good chance they can find what you are looking for. While they don't have a lot of the books listed on line, just contact the owner, Bob, with your title or topic and he'll see what he can dig up. Most of their inventory dates from between the 17th century up through 2011.
Alexandra: "Please help save this couples home and business. Please consider buying some books here for your Christmas presents. This is great way to give a gift that makes a difference. Think how wonderful your friends and family will feel when they know a gift you bought for them is also a gift for another person. Thank you for considering helping."
And thank you, Alex, for bringing this wonderful resource and sad situation to our attention. Hopefully some kind folks will get shopping or even spread the word just like you are doing.
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| Dictionary Page Print Tentacle Love from BlackBaroque.etsy.com |
By the way- for anyone unfamiliar with Alexandra & Poni, they are a couple of the sweetest, most generous souls you can meet. And today they are also sharing that generosity with ArtSnark blog readers. They are donating 2 prints for a new random drawing.... so in a couple of weeks we will have not just one, but two very lucky winners!
TO ENTER- Simply leave a comment on this blog before 1 am (EST) on 11/3 - it is that easy. Just be sure to leave an email address if it isn't in your profile. Prizes ship free worldwide to winners.
On Nov 3rd - 2 winners will be randomly selected. Each winner will take home 1 print of their choice from BlackBaroque.etsy.com - How cool is that!
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| Dictionary Page Hot Air Ballon E.A. Poe Print from BlackBaroque.etsy.com |
So, before you go today be sure to leave a comment. Then if you love books or small business, please spread the word about Drake Farm.
Want to know more about Alexandra & Poni?? They really get around. Catch them at some of these other fun links:
Ooh! I love these! Hope I win! Either way, this artist is going on my Chrsitmas list! :-)
ReplyDeleteLove their work! I'm off to check out the book site. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWow, how generous and kind. I am going to check out the Farm link and have a looksy.
ReplyDeleteI might even be able to find that charming bookstore, that is only about an hour from us in NH.
Count me in honey...lovin this quirky art...
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post, great giveaway! Thank you for posting about the book store, I'm on my way to check them out :)
ReplyDeleteI DEFINITELY have to check out this Etsy shop and these people further-Oh, and of course that used bookstore! The fact that they have a website has my fingers itching and my book-loving nature jumping with pure joy ^.^
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic interview!
And of course, thank you all for the opportunity to win some gorgeous prints :)