The package claims these Royalty vintage hair nets are "fit for a queen!".   At FOUND, the latest editions to our charm and pendant collection are what we think a queen or your mother might want more. But, whether you have a use for a real hand-made human hair net or not, the packaging is classic vintage beauty shop kitsch.  And so they are displayed right along-side some of our new jewelry collection. From left to right are a few of the new pendants: an hourglass, Eiffel Tower, lucky shamrock, mini birdcage and teeny tiny magnifying glass (which really magnifies!).  These pendants are only $14 each.  They come with a well designed easy release clasp toggle. The miniature hourglass and magnifying glass might be just be perfect for our fairy-sized friends as well.... Other pieces from the same company include letters to form initials or special words. We spelled out LOVE on a charm bracelet.   We still have Nunn Design Patera findings to make your own customized charms and pendants.  And found little word charms to add to your jewelry. The necklaces below are complete and ready to wear, but we also got the component tiny word charms for those of you who prefer to assemble your own. As always, FOUND is open 7 days a week, in the historic Kerrytown Market & Shops.  407 N. 5th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan.   P.S.  broken watch parts are back in stock if you like to craft with them. Continue reading

Candy Canes & Christmas just go together!  Not only are candy canes yummy, those bright striped colors  just make me smile.  Artist Sally Jean captured the joy of candy canes with her "candy cane fairyette" pendant: Hammond Candy Company in Denver has been making candy canes the old fashioned way for generations.  My personal favorites are the chocolate-filled peppermint canes.  This year we have pomagranate as well.  Tuck a candy cane into a little stocking or felt ice skate for a cute little gift!  Peppermint soy candles with lip balm - made in Michigan. The candy cane red and white stipe motif is repeated on many Christmas decorations. Little red & white striped cones to tuck something into.  And striped gift bags to hold some mulling spices. Enjoy the candy cane season while it lasts! Continue reading

  By now most you know that the front window at FOUND has been taken over by Urban Fairies who have turned it into their late night workshop (and garage).  Sometimes there is evidence that they have been pilfering supplies from FOUND - we don't scold them (cause they wouldn't listen anyway).  And besides, we kinda like that they like to hang around the shop at night when we're gone.  Sometimes weeks go by without any activity, but then there will be a flurry!  ***THIS week they decorated for the holidays and seem to be making jewelry or something.  Here's the evidence: In addition to what's inside the fairy door, there seems to be plenty of fairy dust in the windowsill.  hmmm.... This Friday, Dec. 21, we'll be open til 9 p.m.  for your shopping convenience.   We'll have cookies and a few (Fairy) Door Prizes.  Perhaps some fairies will be at their workshop that night.  You never know....   Continue reading

So far this December, we've only gotten a few flakes of snow in Ann Arbor.  Today was damp and 42 degrees.  Though it's not in the forecast, I wouldn't mind a bit of snow before Christmas.  In the meantime, we have snowflakes at FOUND. Snowball garland and 3-D snowflakes fill the back window. Another group of snowflakes is wrapped fibers and go well with soft neutrals and brushed metal. Deets (the Ann Arbor artist who makes our vacuum tube robots) made "Snowbots" with handmade scarves this year.  These ornaments remind me of old snowglobes. I don't remember when the last time I held an old snowglobe.  The tiny scenes in them were pretty magical - I think I'll try to find some for next year at the shop.  In the meantime, the memory of the softly falling snow in an antique globe can fill my head as I drift off to sleep.             Continue reading

  A quick way to decorate for the holidays is to add some seasonal pillows to the couch and pillar candles to the coffee table!  These washable cotton styles from White Line by Kriss LeCocq are some of our favorites.  They feature simple graphics announcing PEACE, SKI, merry and Brrr.   The felted pillows with stitched snowflakes and a bright red button closure on the back are another direction to go with pillows.  Mix them in with other felted or textured solid color pillows.    Hope you have cozy, comfy time during this busy time of year!           Continue reading

  Lots of people decorate miniature trees with tiny little ornaments.  We found many styles that work on a small Christmas tree (or as little gift tie-ons).  You could make little ornaments with bottle caps and a holiday pictue, or purchase the ones we have at FOUND! Mini sheep look great on this new "feather tree" that is available at FOUND.  In Victorian times, small Christmas trees were handcrafted using actual bird feathers, usually goose feathers.  I once found a blue antique feather trees - each feather had been dyed.  Speaking of miniatures - wouldn't this 1930's vintage doll house be fun to decorate for the holidays?  We have 2 nice wooden doll houses at FOUND right now if you're in the market to buy a house... I wonder if urban fairies might take up residence in a doll house... don't think so, but we do know that urban fairies HAVE set up a workshop and garage in the front window at FOUND.  And it's on the latest version of official Fairy Doors of Ann Arbor poster.  Have a good week.  And don't forget to look around for tiny things that bring a smile to your face!     . Continue reading

It's been a busy week at FOUND.  Lots of candles for Thanksgiving are going out the door.  But many people are thinking ahead and getting holiday gifts and decorations.  Our selection is terrific right now, so it's a good time to shop. We will be closed for Turkey Day, and like most small businesses will have sane hours on Black Friday - 9:00 a.m til 7:00 p.m.  We'll be giving away our new FOUND tote bags with a $40 purchase that day.  These are nice big bags that you'll want to use over and over again. On Small Business Saturday, we hope you'll visit us, as well as our locally owned neighbors! We're loving the nature ornaments we found this year - especially the sweater birds and birds with hats!   Continue reading

Next week, we'll all flip our calendars to the November page.  At FOUND, that means we shift into holiday mode.  We've been working behind the scenes for months gathering and prepping great holiday finds. We'll be closed the last two days of October to hang sleds and snowflakes from the ceiling and transform every inch of the shop. On November 1st, we'll reopen as a holiday wonderland!   Here are dates to mark on your calendars:   Oct. 30 and Halloween - CLOSED   Thursday, Nov. 1 thru Sunday, Nov. 4 - first look at 2012 collection & gift with purchase!    Sunday, November 11 - Kerrytown Open House - storewide sales!   Friday, November 16, 5:00-8:00 p.m. - let us help you decorate your wreaths (& sleds) in this free evening demo, with our favorite Melrose rep, Cyndi Valerio.   Friday, November 30 - Midnight MADNESS & KindleFest - an Ann Arbor tradition!   Friday, December 7 - Festive Friday. Open til 9 p.m.  Fresh trees, greens & Gift Market outside, caroling, santa and more.   I'll send more information on each of these as the time gets closer.  Right now it just seems too early to write (or think) about Christmas, but we hope you'll mark your calendars and watch for details later. Continue reading

This Thursday evening, FOUND is hosting a jewelry making workshop.  This is what we're making: But the beauty of this 3 hour class is that the techniques can easily be applied to other projects!  More info and registration in our foundgallery workshop tab.  Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:15. $38, includes all materials       Continue reading

Here's the recipe for the yummy pumpkin bars I made for our Autumn Open House.  My mom has been making this recipe for family gatherings for years.  thanks Mom! Beat together 1 c. oil, 4 eggs, 1  2/3 c. sugar, 1  15 oz can pumpkin until light and fluffy. Add 2 c. flour, 2 t. baking powder, 1 t. baking soda, 1 t. salt, 1  1/2 t. cinnamon.  Mix thoroughly.  Spread batter into greased 15x10x1 inch pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.  Cool.  Frost with cream cheese icing. Cream Cheese icing:  Cream together 3 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 c. softened butter.  Stir in 1 t. vanilla.  Add  2 c. powdered sugar, a little at a time, beating well, til mixture is smooth. A wonderful autumn treat! Continue reading