Getting in the swing of things

An old-fashioned tree swing is a thing of beauty. Timeless, fun, simple. Who needs video games when you can feel the breeze as you glide through the air? The Original Tree Swing is a family owned and operated company that makes these classic swings as well as hand-crafted wooden toys in Minnesota. All their toys are made from reclaimed wood and finished in beeswax or mineral oil.

Down at the General Store

The Brook Farm General Store is a small store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn filled to the brim with exceedingly tasteful and simple goods in the tradition of old-fashioned general stores, but with a modern twist. They're online store has made it possible for people all over the world to enjoy the old-timey general store feeling no matter where our may be. Not so long ago, they came out with their own line of products, called Tourne and their classic-yet-modern ceramics are all made in the USA and have a great handmade feel. You can get them in white or cream, or my personal favorite, a combo of both.

AFFORDABLE FRIDAY: Sock it to me

Goodhew Socks is a leader in premium lifestyle socks made in the US. Headed up out of Chattanooga, TN, they're line spans from athletic, outdoor, to modern everyday pairs. They "spin fresh design, natural performance yarns and the heritage of American craftmanship to create high performance socks for the everyday world." I gotta say, the designs I've seen are pretty forward thinking and downright cute.  Check their site for a brick & mortar or online retailer near you.

Tote-riffic

Who doesn't love a good tote? Especially if you have kids. I would much rather carry a classic tote than a diaper bag any day. And totes are versatile.  From farmer's market shopping bag to soccer practice ball-bag to day-at-the-beach bag, totes do it all. And a good heavy-duty, well-made one like those from Artifact Bag Co. in Omaha, NE. They are made "using a combination of hand tools and vintage industrial equipment [and] the finest American sourced waxed canvas and leather." All that and a lifetime guarantee. You really can't go wrong.

It's a mod mod mod mod world

Started by industrial designer David Clark in his Williamsburg, Brooklyn apartment, ModCraft ceramics now operates out of a barn in the Hudson Valley. Specializing in amazing dimensional tile, they also make light fixtures, salt and pepper shakers, vases and bowls. Check out how the textural look of their wall tile transforms a space.
A special shout out to Filmore Clark, a tile showroom in West Hollywood that only carries American-made products, for introducing us to ModCraft. More of their product line to come!!

Sofas in Seattle

EcoBalanza does not just manufacture their simple and handsome upholstered furniture in Seattle. Their commitment is such that they have even developed some of the raw materials in collaboration with local farmers and wool artisan women, as well as local craftspeople (legs, wooden elements). As their name implies, EcoBalanza also takes their environmental stance seriously, using sustainable practices, green manufacturing processes, and utilizing only non-toxic materials. As they say on their site, "Ecobalanza independently manages all aspects: from design to material sourcing to manufacture, to ensure the quality and integrity of every piece our artisans create." Now that's a sofa you can feel good about putting in your home.

Bauer Wow Wow

 

Anyone who has ever been to a flea market would recognize Bauer Pottery. The iconic shapes and colors are are a favorite of collectors. Starting in Kentucky and then hitting its stride in Los Angeles, CA, J. A. Bauer Pottery Company created beautiful colorful stoneware from the late 1880s to the early 1960s. Well, you no longer have to scour estate sales and swap meets for Bauer classics. A ceramics studio in LA just minutes from the original plant has reintroduced much of the Bauer line with an emphasis on the styles from the 30s and 40s. These new pieces are called Bauer 2000. An American classic once again being made in America.

Losing our marbles...and finding them again

Sometimes a kid's favorite toy is not the loudest or biggest. It is the simplest. Marbles are a perfect example. To this day few toys can match the endless entertainment marbles provide. And they're beautiful to boot. Marble King has been making marbles in West Virginia since 1949. In fact, they are the inventors of Cat's Eye Marbles, the classic look that is so iconic today.

Schott in the Dark

They were the first company to put zippers on jackets. They helped make icons out of James Dean, Bruce Springsteen, and the Ramones. When you think of the iconic American leather jacket, you're thinking of Schott NYC. Still run by third and fourth generations of the Schott family, they continue to make all the classics like Peacoats, Bombers, and Cafe Racers. They also make fantastic non-leather garments. They are not 100% American made any longer, so be sure to click on "Made in USA" for your personal piece of Rock and Roll history.

Kitchen Essentials

 

Since 1967, the Vermont Bowl Company has been making the classic wooden bowls no kitchen should be without in Wilmington, VT. That is a long tradition of high quality and craftsmanship. Founded by John McLeod, an engineer from Scotland who was on his way to Canada when he fell in love with Vermont. He stayed and turned his hobby for woodturning into a successful business. Despite the company name, they make much more than bowls. You'll find cutting boards, utensils, serving pieces, even furniture.

Made with Midwestern Values in Californ-I-A

By its name, one might not guess that OHIO Design's furniture is all made with loving care in the heart of San Francisco. But Founder David Pierce grew up in Mineral Ridge, OH and created a company in California that speaks to how he was raised in the Midwest. According to their website, "OHIO is based on values and intentions representative of David’s upbringing – simple, honest designs and quality materials." Geography aside, the furniture is timeless, innovative, refined and beautiful, all created with sustainability in mind.

Affordable Friday: The myth is true!

Founded in 2005, Mythic paint was created with you in mind. You and everyone else who uses it. That's because Mythic paint is a "non-toxic, ultra low odor paint that provides the durability and coverage you expect from a premium paint without the off-gassing VOC’s and cancer-causing toxins that emit years after drying." I have personally used Mythic paint and I can say from experience, it goes on beautifully, covers easily and truly doesn't smell like normal paint. With HQ is Mississippi, all their paints are made in the USA. So you can feel good about where they come from, you can avoid the toxins in normal paint, and you can choose from a huge assortment of shades and finishes. All this at about the price of a gallon of any old paint!