Last night I had the pleasure of attending an opening celebration for The Field House, Blackbird's new pop-up shop in Ballard. Last week I talked a little bit about the concept behind Nicole Miller's newest creative venture but last night I had a chance to see the store first hand and chat with some of the people who work for Blackbird. The evening provided a look at the warm friendly environment that Miller has created in the form of a mercantile general store. When perusing the items that have been perfectly displayed amongst antiques from Miller's childhood home on rustic unfinished shelves you immediately get a sense of the feeling that she aim's to embody within the store. When speaking with Cal Ledbetter, who works for Miller, he likened her ability to bring a store together to that of the rare knack for making the perfect mix CD. Not only has she chosen each individual item because she loves it but also because she is excited to share it with others and has arranged everything in a way that makes the store extremely enjoyable to take in.
I was greeted at the door with a friendly smile and a clever gift bag in the form of a handkerchief knapsack on a stick. The room was filled with excited guests purusing beautiful heritage brand clothing, trying on accessories, smelling exquisite French candles, and tasting delicious local candies.
Kristine of Blackbird's Birgitta.
Cire Trudon has been making candles since the mid 1600's. Today they are the oldest wax and candle maker still in operation.
In the back of the store I was lead to a hallway of lost art tutorials including apple and wood carving.
An instructional on how to make your own shrunken head. Brilliant! These tables were occupied all night.
Beverages of the evening appropriately included cans Rainier and Olympia beer.
Entertainment was provided by Cristina Bautista of the band Visqueen playing familiar songs on the ukulele.
My favorite outfit of the evening. This is Duta, a buyer for Blackbird.
When I walked in my front door at the end of the night holding my knapsack over my shoulder my husband saw it, chuckled, and proceeded to take my picture. I guess I had been so transported during my night at the mercantile that holding a knapsack over my shoulder on the way home didn't seem odd to me.
Go see The Field House! You won't be disapointed and I can't think of a better time of year than Christmas to have a shop like this. You could find a unique gift for anyone on your list in one stop. In addition, you can also pick up a Christmas tree and hone a new skill in one of their free weekly classes over a cup of coffee.
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