THE ART OF THE TROPHY: Notes from Wall, New Jersey

Part two.

The key to successful taxidermy is all in the eyes.

A fully loaded toolbox is also crucial.

As we were admiring Richard's tool collection, he was thrilled to point out his recently purchased--and most valued--tool: The Dan-D-Noser.

After the eyes and teeth, an accurately textured nose is most important in ensuring a realistic-looking animal. Roll the Dan-D-Noser over the fresh layer of sculpting epoxy on the nose skin, let dry, apply color or gloss, and you've got a great looking deer nose.

HOUSEWARMING GIFT

Leather fly swatter from River Ridge Leather handmade in Coshocton, Ohio.

Thanks, Mom.

PARTNERS & SPADE

One of Andy Spade's recent collaborative endeavors is Partners & Spade.  

It's a storefront, gallery, and studio that produces films, books, garments, and conceptual products.  It's playful and quirky and wonderful. You'll find our favorite axes (yes, we have ax preferences) from Best Made Co, cacti, terrariums, and even backdated confidence trophies that will be sure to make you feel like a winner. 

Plus, Partners & Spade are good hosts... last night we were there sipping red wine and watching Thurston Moore play an improv guitar set alongside a super-star saxophone player.

Always interesting to see how Andy Spade mixes retail, art, and advertising together and serves it as a perfectly refreshing dish. 

 

LABOUR AND WAIT

"Timeless, functional products for daily life"

I tried to explain how great this place is in my own words, but in the end, the people at Labour & Wait do such a perfect job....

"...we believe in a simple, honest approach to design, where quality and utility are intrinsic. We endeavour to search out specialist makers from around the world, many continue to manufacture their goods in the traditional way to their original designs. From hardware to clothing we offer an evolving selection of timeless products which celebrate functional design and are therefor appropriate in a traditional or contemporary environment. A carefully chosen assortment of new and vintage items, some familiar, others to be discovered. Everyday classics which will not date but will mellow and improve with age and are destined to become favourites."

I kick myself for not having bought every single thing in this shop when I lived in London. But for now, Brook Farm General Store in Williamsburg can fill in until I return to Hackney.

TOOLS

Vintage tools are so rad. Last week at the Brooklyn Flea Market there was this great vendor that had a perfectly edited selection of old tools including pulleys, a house jack and plenty of beautiful unknowns... reminded me of how excited we get over tools.

Are there traveling vintage tools shows- you know, like gun shows and boat shows?