APTWARE AND A SHOP UPDATE
Sometimes I forget about my blog!
As an avid instagram user, it is so satisfying to post a quick pic here and there rather than spend the time that goes into producing a blog post. More importantly, my followers use instagram as a shopping tool, and that has been extremely beneficial to my life as a shop owner. Very often, when I post new inventory on instagram, it sells pretty quickly.
Anyway, here’s a little shop update for blog lovers and instagrammers alike!
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My vendors in France were hard hit by covid and I was overjoyed to receive a shipment recently, finally, from one vendor in particular. As I have mentioned before, the language barrier is an obstacle for me, but the shipping costs, the increased demand, and a pandemic, definitely made 2020 a tough year to receive inventory from abroad.
You may recall that French pottery, aptware specifically, was the main reason I opened my shop in 2015. It has been a wonderful path connecting people with these special treasures from France. After doing a post in 2013 on the nearly-impossible-to-find marbleized faience pottery from a small town in France, you can imagine how overjoyed I was when I came across one of the most sought after producers of aptware while visiting that region. The thrill of providing access to these kinds of highly specialized pieces is exactly the reason I took my blog to the next level and opened the online shop.
Aptware was certainly the beginning, but along the way, I continue to find new vendors and have expanded my inventory of French pottery to include several other wonderful artisans from Paris, Apt, Normandy, and Nîmes. I missed my buying trip to France during 2020, and instead, have exchanged many labored emails to receive inventory. This latest shipment of aptware is almost completely sold out and I already have multiple orders for future shipments.
I sell aptware from three different vendors. They are all highly skilled and I am in awe of the devotion and patience required to produce these special ceramic pieces in these family owned, sometimes one-woman operations.
Whether it is my oldest friends in the industry, or some of the newer ateliers, it is like magic when I am shopping the inventory and making selections for The French Tangerine. I am truly in my element and I have immensely enjoyed the education that has come with the continued search for these craftsmen and their art. In some cases, the studios remind me of a farm. The artist’s work is a way of life. Their personalities and talent are seen in the artwork. It is such a joy to connect these unique pieces with people who appreciate the process and the finished product the way my clients and customers do.
This new artist is such a find - a true potter. These animal terrines are the perfect addition to any kitchen table looking for a French influence. They are oven safe and they are absolutely fabulous.
Love the whimsical feeling of the pieces from this artist.
And here are some pieces from a few other favorite vendors. . .
In the beginning, I was only able to purchase very small amounts of inventory at a time, which sold almost immediately to customers who had inquired about aptware and were checking in for new shipment arrivals regularly. Through the last five years, I have had such great luck with moving inventory! As a result, I’ve been able to build my business and maintain a small inventory of French pottery for new shoppers. I still have the same excitement when a new shipment arrives at my door.
Another fun addition to the shop during the progression and growth of The French Tangerine, are the Lucy Cope matchstrikers. Like aptware, people who are familiar with these objects of beauty are like cult members. The crystal globes are such an outstanding addition to any decor, and they are my favorite design accessory in any room.
Cricket cages were all the rage in my house this year. I found a photo showing these darling ceramic reticulated jars used as votives, and I started my search. I found quite a few for the shop, and have been selling them like crazy. Customers have also dropped in liners and used them as vases.
They are great in a small collection or a charming addition to any vignette. I have several in the shop currently.
And of course, if you are a regular follower on my instagram, you are either in love with the Czech trees like I am, or you unfollowed me this December. I was obsessed with how sparkly and festive the jeweled trees were this winter, and I posted them nonstop. I have sold hundreds of these babies, and not to worry, I have dozens to unpack and upload to the shop for this year. They were such an incredible discovery, and I guess everyone needed a little extra sparkle in their home this year.
Museum bees are still a bestseller as well, and I have recently uploaded dozens of them to the shop.
That is the update over here. It has been rainy and muddy in Omaha this week and I am anxiously watching my tulips grow! The green leaves are great, but the pops of color will be a welcome surprise when they finally bloom. I honestly can’t remember exactly what color we planted ~ I think a creamy orange ~ but I will be happy with whatever shows up!
Happy Spring everyone!