At Urban Space we like to shop purposely for gifts and treats that aren’t only thoughtful and cute, but also have a meaning beyond its function. Now, what does that mean, “a meaning beyond function”? It means caring about what you buy for a whole myriad of reasons, political and personal. We ask ourselves, why buy any old cuff links when you can get beautiful handmade cuff links with original photography for the same price? Or, why buy a box of ring dings when you buy fresh homemade Macaroons? When you purchase a handmade or locally produced product, you’re no longer just buying a “thing” to eat or use in your home, you’re getting a piece of art, or history, or a look into the future all while supporting the Maker you just bought it from. We think that’s pretty awesome, and we take a bit of pride in kno
wing we make it easy for New Yorkers to be a conscious consumers at the Urban Space Holiday Markets, as we feature dozens of handmade, locally produced, vintage, recycled, re-purposed, or fair trade products. A perfect example of this is our newest Featured Etsy Vendor with 100% handmade re-purposed goodies, Nicola and the Newfoundlander, who combines New York sentiment with functionality in a way we’re really excited about.
Nicola and the Newfoundlander makes really cool, mod-looking picture frames, clocks, coasters and more out of re-purposed wood, exposed electronics and silkscreened prints. The prints are all silk-screened originals and the exposed clock parts are pretty cool, but it’s the re-purposed wood they use that make these pieces priceless. Made from wood harvested from New York City landmarks like the Coney Island boardwalk planks, fallen trees in central park, and old Brooklyn water towers, Nicola and the Newfoundlander’s products will bring the actual building blocks of New York’s History into your home. Not to gush, but we think that’s absurdly awesome, and we want to buy one for everyone we know.
Owl Clock, $65, Union Square Holiday Market
This little Owl called “I spotted you” Owl is an original print by Nicola Armster, who also does all the hand silk screening on Japanese Silk Fabric. The wood from this piece was originally flooring in a warehouse in the meatpacking district. This little hooter is one of her many prints – some nature themed, some city themed – that she does in her clock series. Nicola And The Newfoundlander will take special orders so you can choose the print and color combination for your clock through December 19th, but they also have a nice variety to choose from every day at the Union Square Holiday Market.
"I See You" Fox Sweatshirt, $34, Union Square Holiday Market
In addition to their re-purposed wood pieces, Nicola and the Newfoundlander does an apparel series featuring more original prints in an organic cotton recycled poly rayon blend. This foxy sweatshirt is called “clever me” and comes in wheat (pictured), charcoal, bluish gray, and Violet, in sizes small through extra-large. This sweatshirt has a raw hem, kangaroo pockets, a widely sought after dancer neckline so you won’t feel stuffy with it on under a coat, and is awesomely soft to the touch.
Nicola And The Newfoundlander will be at the Union Sq Holiday Market through the 24th of December, but if you’re too busy playing reindeer games, you can find them online on the website or at their Etsy Shop. You’ll find more featured Etsy Vendors like Nicola, and other awesome shop local treats, at Urban Space’s Union Square, Columbus Circle, and Dekalb Holiday Markets. By shopping from many of our vendors with recycled, re-purposed, handmade, vintage, locally produced or fair trade products, you too can be a conscious consumer and buy gifts that have meaning beyond their function. We encourage you this holiday season not only to shop with us, but to shop with your local community, and the earth, in mind.
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