Seller Profile: Lura Jewelry

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Megan Steer, and I'm a native of Wayne, Pennsylvania currently residing in New York. I initially began studying jewelry design when I was a student at the Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr. It quickly became a great love of mine and I went on to study jewelry formally in college. I like pieces that are highly tactile, and sculptural: I want everything I carve to feel good on the body. I strive to make jewelry that has a "magical" quality to it, too; we need more enchantment in our daily lives. I'm also a Reiki Master, and I recently began studying Flamenco.

What will shoppers find in your tent?
They will find a big collection of sterling and bronze pieces hand-carved/sculpted by me with motifs such as vines, smoke, insects, flowers and set with precious and semi-precious stones. They will also find a smaller collection of pieces I've created using vintage findings. And scarves! Silk scarves I've hand-painted with very saturated, rich colors.

Where do you find your inspiration?
So many places. The Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements primarily, along with 70s Glam rock, ancient metal craft, and, as always, the natural world. A tremendous number of designs come to me in dreams.

Besides Clover, where is your favorite place to shop for art, antiques, vintage or handmade?
Etsy, first and foremost! But I also love the Brooklyn Flea and the Antiques Garage Flea Market in Chelsea.

What possession do you most cherish?
My mother made me a spectacular, sheer, ankle-length tunic when I was a teenager- and I proceeded to wear it, steadily, for the next 17 years. I finally had to retire it last year, but I will never get rid of it. It is so beautiful, and was made with so much love. To me, it is one of the most marvelous things ever created.

Where can people find you outside of the Clover Market?
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/lurajewelry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LuraJewelry
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LuraJewelry

Seller Profile: Two Paperdolls

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Founded in 2000, Two Paperdolls is a design and letterpress company located in Wayne, PA.  The company started at the dining room table of owner and designer Vanessa Kreckel and today includes 12 passionate designers creating custom invitations, bespoke social correspondence and corporate identity materials, and print and online branding.

What will shoppers find in your tent?

Shoppers will find an assortment of the products including 8" x 10" prints made on an antique letterpress, letterpressed coasters and clocks, and a variety of cards for any occasion.  We are also excited to introduce our new line of threads ranging from baby onesies to adult t-shirts.

Where do you find your inspiration?

We gather inspiration from a variety of places a few including the newest stuff on Svpply, Pintrest collection and Instagram pictures from our friends, vintage type catalogs, and old National Geographic films.

Besides Clover, where is your favorite place to shop for art, antiques, vintage, or handmade?
We have definitely grown to love Etsy! Some of our favorite shops are vital, ziazia, thepeppermintpretty and TheSteelFork.

What possession do you most cherish?
Our most prized possessions are our dogs! We have such animal lovers at Two Paperdolls and are fortunate to have a few furry visitors around he studio fairly often!

Where can people find you?

Website: www.twopaperdolls.com

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/TwoPaperdollsShop

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/twopaperdolls

FB: www.facebook.com/twopaperdolls

The Farm Chicks & A More Personal Post

Today started with a 4 am wakeup call so I had time to review some new Clover seller applications while the rest of the house was quiet, the puppy was asleep, and my visiting relatives (we're on vacation together this week) woke up.    I'll admit it... I was feeling grumpy, stressed, and a wee bit sorry for myself.  

So what a wonderful surprise it was to get an email from Serena Williams from The Farm Chicks letting me know that the Clover story --  and a little bit of my story -- would be included as part of her new blog series on entrepreneurs called "Time to Shine".  

Serena is a mom of 4, a blogger extraordinnaire, a successful entrepreneur (having her own hugely popular Farm Chicks antique show), and a Country Living Magazine contributing editor.   A super amazing woman and kindhearted to boot!

photo: The Farm Chicks/Serena Williams

photo: Country Living Magazine

As far as Clover is concerned, I've always been pretty happy staying behind the scenes.  I was also a bit reluctant sharing so much of my personal story, especially about my thyroid cancer (which I haven't discussed publicly before), but for whatever reason I decided to mention it in my submission to Serena.  I hit the send button on the email, and figured "what the heck, nobody will see this anyway".  HA!

Clover has been a bright ray for me on some of my darker days.  It has kept me motivated, focused, and engaged with the business of living.  I am continually inspired and energized by my amazing sellers.  They're passionate, creative, committed, and tenacious all on their own.

I love that my children have seen me busy and enthusiastic about this project.  And more than anything, I love that they know that I stuck with it when things weren't looking so promising.   Dig in, stay focused, and never give up.  For this and lots of other things, too.

So thank you, Serena, for brightening my day today and for giving precious space on your blog to Clover and the other entrepreneurs you're featuring in your series.

Check out more about Serena at thefarmchicks.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

How about a Clover Market road trip to the Farm Chicks show next year!

Seller Profile: Dools Handmade

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Sarah Moan, its very nice to meet you.  I hate getting up early and am sincerely disappointed when my body does not allow me to sleep late on the weekends. I can’t sit still and watch TV, much to my husband’s displeasure. I’m always knitting or writting up another pattern for a new design. I am slightly addicted to magazines and love reading just about anything. 


What will shoppers find in your tent?
For the adults, Dools Handmade (named for my maiden name of Dooley and its subsequent nickname) has long slender hand-dyed wool scarves, chunky wide alpaca, wool and silk scarves, super-soft baby alpaca fingerless gloves, and adorable hats. For the kids, cuddly organic cotton baby blankets and coordinating hats, cotton and microfiber booties that stretch to fit on those tiny tootsies, and organic cotton sweaters. All handmade with only the finest of materials.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Color and texture a huge sources of inspiration for me. The juxtaposition of a silky yarn, next to a chunky wool is just awesome to me. Or taking a chunky yarn and knitting it up in a lace pattern, it looks so wrong, but is so right. I can also be a bit of a structure girl, so one of my go-to sources for ideas is Vogue Knitting’s Stitchionary. It is a collection of different knitting stitches. I flip through everytime I begin to design a new item. Do I like the look of this stitch with that one? Or what about a border combined with that stitch? The combinations are endless. Oh, and color! Just don't get me started there...

Besides Clover, where is your favorite place to shop for art, antiques, vintage or handmade?
Etsy!  You can find everything there! I shopped for a milk glass vases and wire baskets my wedding, not to mention the amazing jewelry that all of my bridesmaids wore. It is the perfect place for that special gift and I keep finding those interesting unique items you just can't live without.

What possession do you most cherish?

Okay, I’m a total sap. There is no denying it. My most cherished possession is actually a collection of possessions. It would have to be any and all notes, letters and cards I have ever gotten from my husband. The card that came with the Valentines flowers, the napkin note that was stuck in with my lunch, the birthday cards...I’ve got everyone since we started dating. Like I said, total sap.

Where can people find you outside of the Clover Market?
Etsy: www.doolshandmade.etsy.com

Vendor Profile - Real Fruit Jewelry

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I'm a native of Philly, a motivated entrepreneur, and a self taught jewelry artist.  I'm a lover of nature, vivid color, and organic shapes.

What will shoppers find in your tent?

Shopper will find absolutely one of a kind jewelry made from fresh fruits and veggies that I have expertly preserved.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I find my inspiration from my customers, who continue to be very excited about my line of jewelry.  Their enthusiasm really keeps me going!

Besides Clover, where are your favorite places to shop for art, antiques, vintage, or handmade?
My favorite place to shop is always the thrift shop (especially those in the Bay Area) and Craigslist.  In fact, i just scored a perfectly weathered looking white oval dining table for free on Craigslist!

What possession do you most cherish?
Right now, my most cherished item is my computer!  I could not run my business without it.

Where can people find you?
Online:  www.realfruitjewelry.com
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/realfruitjewelry
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/FruitJewelry

Seller Profile: Penelope & Anastasia

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Pamela Kucera and I’m a work at home Mom to a 4 year old daughter, wife to a patient husband, vintage rummager, spur of the moment kitchen dancer, home renovator, finder of lost library books, and bad cook. Since 2004, Penelope & Anastasia has been a corner in my life over which I have complete control and I am happy when I sit down to my disorganized but sparkle-filled worktable.

What will shoppers find in your tent?

Penelope & Anastasia Jewelry is bright, baubley & quite often composed with vintage one-of-a-kinds.  I take as much pride in my tent display which is made up of vintage items that have now found a wonderful new life as props to my creations.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I always find the "inspiration" question a tough one.  I think when you're a creative person, you constantly have millions of ideas floating around in your brain.  It's only a matter of time before one comes into focus and makes your day!

Besides Clover, where is your favorite place to shop?

VIX Emporium on Baltimore Ave in West Philly is a great shop that showcases fabulous handmade items (many of them local).  Though I say I can't afford it anymore, I still like to pop into Anthropologie and peruse their current jewelry.  I'm dreaming about the day when I can see a piece of Penelope & Anastasia there.  I've been yard sale-ing and thrift shopping since I was in the womb, and I guess it just stuck.  It's a treasure hunt; you never know what you'll find!  

What possession do you most cherish?

Besides my own 4 year old little girl, I would say the engagement ring I wear every day.  It was given to my Grandmother Antoinette in June of 1926 by my Grandfather Casmir.  I think of her looking down at it and smiling as I've done for the past 13 years.

Where can people find you?
Etsy: http://www.PenelopeAndAnastasia.Etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/PenelopeAndAnastasia
In Person: Deconstructed Living in Wayne, Polka Dots Boutique in Paoli, Best Friends Boutique in Phoenixville, J Karma Boutique in Old City, VIX Emporium in West Philly, and Skye Boutique at Avalon Salon in Trappe, PA

Seller Profile: trove decor

Tell us a little bit about yourselves.
We are three partners with extensive experience in design, styling and business who formed trove decor in 2005 in 19th century carriage house in historic Bucks County PA.  We believe that rescuing and reusing objects with a previous life represents a small, but meaningful way to tread lightly on our planet. 

l-r: Christine Edmonds, Meg Newell, and Rebecca Bancroft

What will shoppers find in your tent?
Big creamware McCoy urns, seltzer bottles that have attended thousands of fun cocktail parties, newly wired alabaster lamps, chandeliers, curvy old chairs reupholstered in fun new prints, marble-topped side tables, vintage medical charts, pillows made with hand-printed fabrics, oyster forks from old hotels in NYC, and ironstone pitchers waiting for the end-of-the season roses.

Where do you find your inspiration?
We are inspired by our shared appreciation of the slightly aged, gently worn, and above all, the unique. We love Elle Decor magazine, Lonny online, flea markets, and our customers, who send us photos of their homes with new trove treasures.

Besides Clover, where is your favorite place to shop?
We love the Brooklyn Flea and all of the local flea markets and auction houses.  Our re-upholsterer also finds us tons of old chairs and couches that need new lives, and we help reincarnate them, too.

What possession do you most cherish?
We'd all have our own opinions on this one, but my answer (Christine) is all of the art that our kids have produced over the years.  They are ridiculously talented and I am running out of wall space at home!

Where can people find you?

Website: www.trovedecor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/trove-decor/284258760295
In person: at our frequent barn sales (check the website), and selected pieces are carried at Love Illuminati (Newtown PA) and the West End Garage (Cape May NJ)

Call for Volunteers

Hello everyone.  I can't believe that our fall opening day (September 18th) is just under 5 short weeks away.  Where has the summer gone?

I'm looking for some enthusiastic volunteers in late August/early September to help hand out posters and postcards to get the word out.  Do you live in or frequent one of the many great neighboods in the area (Eastern and Western Main Line, Manayunk, Conshohocken, and Philly)?  


As my way of saying thanks, you'll get one of our awesome new Clover Market t-shirts in tri-blend heather grey for a vintage feel and excellent durability and softness.  We'll also be selling these at the Market.

Just fill out the online volunteer application (you can also click on the "Volunteer" tab above) and let me know how you'd like to help.  I'll get back to the interested group in a flash.  The immediate need is for our "street team" volunteers, but we're also potentially looking for help on Market days too.  Thanks so much!

Seller Profile: Baby Jives

Tell us a little bit about yourself?  
My name is Jahje Bath Ives and I am an artist and mother living and running my company in Philadelphia.  Before it was a company, Baby Jives was the nickname for our little one, then he was born and he got a real name.  I had made a mobile for my son when I was in my "nesting" phase and many folks asked me where they could get one, so I made a few and opened my Etsy shop one short year ago.  Since then it has been a whirlwind of activity.

What will shoppers find in your tent?  
I create modern heirlooms inspired by nature.  I believe the things we surround our children with should be as wonderful and imaginative as they are. With that in mind, I am trying to make a bit of magic that will last long after the crib is gone. 

A mobile is often thought of as a baby item to be shortly outgrown but my works are meant to grow up with a child and hang in their room as a work of art that brings joy through the years.  Every object is made by hand in my studio using contemporary and vintage designer fabrics, reclaimed natural materials, and a trusty old sewing machine.

Where do you find your inspiration?  
My garden is a constant source of inspiration for me.  Much of my work takes nature as a reference point and then I distill it down into the minimal forms that compose my works.  

Besides Clover, where is your favorite place to shop for art, antiques, vintage or handmade?  
As a seller on Etsy I am constantly on there supporting other artists by indulging myself with purchases.  I also adore The Little Apple and 3 Potato 4 in Manayunk, Art Star in Northern Liberties and love thrifting at different spots around the town.

What possession do you most cherish?  
I can't narrow it down to less than 3.  A painting that hangs in my dining room that my mother, Catherine Bath, made (she's an incredibly talented painter), a quilt that my grandmother made for me when I was a little girl which kept me warm for many years, and a blanket that one of my closest friends knit for my son when he was born, he came home from the hospital with it and still sleeps with it every night.  

Where can people find you outside of the Clover Market?
Website: www.babyjives.com 
Etsy: www.babyjives.etsy.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/babyjives
Facebook: www.facebook.com/babyjives
This year the Clover Market is the only show that I am doing locally.


Ed. -  I'm so happy to have you join us us Jahje! - Janet