I Miss My Mary Jane's

Easter time as a young girl i always remember one thing.... my new pair of Mary Jane's.  I remember going to Buster Brown when i was little with Mom and picking out my favorite pair.  I remember the wanting and waiting ... opening that shoe box and dreaming of me in my new Mary Jane's for Easter....


Mary Jane was a character created by Richard Outcault for his comic strip, Buster Brown, which was first published in 1902. She was the sister of the title character, Buster Brown.
In 1904, Outcault traveled to the St. Louis World's Fair and sold licenses to up to 200 companies to use the Buster Brown characters to advertise their products. Among them was the Brown Shoe Company, who later hired actors to tour the country, performing as the Buster Brown characters in theaters and stores. This strategy helped the Brown Shoe Company become the most prominently associated brand with the Buster Brown characters. The style of shoe both Buster Brown and Mary Jane wore came to be known by her name, Mary Jane.

Here is what my favorite pair looked like....

 It's funny the things you remember growing up - for me Easter was not about the chocolate bunny or the Easter Egg Hunt at the local church... For me it was all about that new pair of Mary Jane's.

So please do tell are you wearing your Easter outfit this weekend and if so tell me about those new pair of shoes!

Happy Easter from the Pink Pig!

 

Adirondack Baskets

One great craft we are noted for here in the Adirondacks are handcrafted baskets.   

First a little history about the Adirondack Basket.     
A traditional Adirondack pack basket is woven with wood harvested from the interior of the Black Ash tree. This particular species yields splints that are satiny in finish and have the ability to withstand moisture. First, a suitable tree, growing straight and free of knots, must be identified. The harvested logs are then pounded into ten-foot strips that are scraped smooth. Finally, the strips are woven together into the desirable bowed shape, with a protruding “belly” to maximize the volume of objects that can be carried.  These original packs made by Native Americans had woven straps of grass; settlers and hunters preferred theirs with leather or webbed fabric harnesses called “Shaker straps” which ensured a comfortable yet secure fit.

Here at the Pink Pig, we carry a unique selection of baskets made here in the Adirondacks by the Mountain Weavers Guild which was found in May of 2008 by six individuals participating in day services at Mountain Lake Services.  What they wanted was a place to build their artistic talents as basket weavers while learning work skills related to the creative arts industry.  From naming the enterprise to setting up their studio to creating their own business card and portfolios to interviewing their direct-support staff, members of the guild participate in all aspects of the business.

Bread Baskets & More

Wine Basket

Our admiration for these baskets - and for these artisans who make them has been steadfast.  We share them with you with the hope that they will inspire you to visit the Adirondacks and indulge in the pleasure of Adirondack Baskets in your home.

With much love from the North Country!

Muslin Pretties In Home Decor

I love decorating with Muslin for the Summer as an inexpensive way to add some texture to your table.

From table runners with matching napkins in a soft muslin with French graphics...

Table Runner

 

 

 A pretty muslin apron for the chef...

Muslin Apron

 

                         
Soft tea towels with French Graphics....

French Graphic Towels

Decorative storage boxes covered in muslin with plenty of Vintage Style.

Muslin Painters Box

Muslin Storage Boxes

Muslin Tall Cyclinders

Simple but chic ways to add some Old World charm into your decorating scheme now available at the Pink Pig

Our Favorite Picks for Sunday Lounging

Good Morning To All

Here is my take on Sunday mornings...  I usually start off with a great cup of coffee and proceed to the couch with the Sunday NY Times.  

I love to lounge on Sunday's......

Clairidge+King

Ebbtide Day Blanket

I so look forward to Sunday as it's a downtime day for me.  A day to recharge - catch up on what's really going on in this crazy world we live in... catch up with friends and make some notes to myself.... 

Leather Journal

Papaya Art

                                                                             

Moshi Handset

I leave the day also as a day i spend with my Mom.   She loves to bake so with our kitchen renovation now complete - we both can now spend the afternoon in the kitchen making a batch of cookies... chocolate chip for the hubby of course... 

tea towels

Well i am off to spend more of this day with family...... Enjoy your Sunday!