We realize we’ll never be able to afford an actual piece of George Ohr pottery, so meantime we’ve established the Pottery Cohr-ner, showcasing some of the finer handmade works of other self-taught mad potters. Our tribute to those one-of-a-kind anonymous ashtrays and vases created with love in 1950’s suburban pottery classes. From left to right, asymmetrical glazed bowl, unusual three-lobed vase, coilwork white glaze bowl ($20. each).

In case you were wondering how we make those hand-screened Mystery Spot shopping bags that you see swinging from the arms of the savviest shoppers on Main Street, here’s our secret weapon – child labor! Fairy god-daughter Sarah comes up every year for a silk screening session – lots of elbow grease and lots of love bring these limited edition bags to you, dear customer.

The fruits of a day’s labor, accented by Kitty Gumdrop. We found her under the boardwalk one day, wet and hairless and a sight to behold. But she followed us into the shop and wouldn’t leave until we agreed to take her home. What can we say – she’s the best treasure we ever found!

Aren’t we Lucky! Lucky Magazine sent hot-shot photographer Lee up to shoot our store for an upcoming piece in their "Shops We Love" section. We love you, Lucky!

Phoenicia is a town that loves a parade! July 2004 marked the Town of Shandaken’s Bicentennial, and the townsfolk spared no expense in putting on one of the best shows in recent memory, with fireworks, floats, music and craft exhibits. The rain held off until the last marcher strode down Main Street, and aside from an unpleasant incident involving a curious bear emerging from under The Mystery Spot to stroll across Main Street, some pepper spray and a strong wind, it went off without a hitch. (Depicted is a close relation of the bear in question).

The Phoenicia Post Office nearly blew the entire Bicentennial decorations budget on this intricate tableau.

The parade was headed by top-hatted Town Historian and weekend Postmaster Charlie Zimmerman on his bitchin’ red Harley.

Here comes the Empire State Railway Museum float! (Hey wait a minute – isn’t that Betty from the Formerly Yours’ Thrift Shop?).

Remember when we told you about the time George Holz tried to buy that 4H sign off of us for his wife Jennifer? Well, they found another, and they’ve put together a fantastic 4-H Club right here in town. A sheep, a goose, and some darn cute future farmers in a sparkly red pick-up truck wave howdy.

By far the highlight of the parade was this unbelievable frothy pink confection sponsored by the Tenderland and Tender Land Home, fifteen feet high and topped by radiant shopgirl Sheri MacNutt. Sheri and her husband Jeff (or, as we like to call them, Pink Lady and Jeff) created this vision of wonder.

Over at the crafts fair, we spotted puppet theater artist Craig Thompson among some of his wonderful creations. We immediately bought one of his limited edition Davy Crockett finger puppets, and we love it! (Davy is, of course, the unofficial mascot of Phoenicia - you can see the original outside the Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina).

Our Leaning Tower of Typewriters. Mid-century portables Consul, Hermes, and Royal at your service.

A pyramid of six early 1900's Kodak box cameras. A mere $22. each, or buy the whole enchilada for $95.!

Our squirrel corner. A nice selection of Squirrel and Nut Nut Bowls ($18.), two cute pairs of acorn salt and pepper shakers ($12.), a chalkware squirrel ashtray ($24.), a Syrocco acorn ashtray ($18.), and yes, a life-size ceramic squirrel ($22.).

We love this sweet framed hand-tinted photo of a young sailor ($18.). A cloud-like hand-crocheted white angora scarf ($12). sets it off just so.

Every New Year’s Day, hung-over Phoenicians stumble into Sweet Sue’s for their first pancakes and coffee of the new year and are tended to by the friendly pajamas-clad waitresses. It’s an annual tradition that we just love, and Lea and Andrea make sure that this first day of the rest of your life will be off to a happy and well-nourished start.

This is the woman responsible for so very many happy diners in Phoenicia, Sue Taylor of Sweet Sue’s. She’s got a full griddle going in the kitchen as she lovingly watches over her brood of fledgling pancakes, knowing that they will soon fly the nest, headed straight for her customers’ grateful tummies.

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Our Motto: "Clutter My World"