Edith & Edna (Portland, Maine)
Another beautiful stop I hit whilst in Portland was Edith & Edna, a new store that stocks only items that are handcrafted by artists, but not just the locals, but from talented designers across the globe, from Morocco to Sweden. Joanna Mendicino, Zid Zid Kids, BlaBla, Alena Hennessy, Curious Bird, Karin Eriksson, and dozens more, they're all there waiting for you to buy, cherish, love forever. Corny I know, but I feel a sense of excitement when I buy handmade.
I was instantly charmed the moment I approached the store, as the window display was really sweet and stood out amongst the other windows along busy Market Street. I actually purchased a few items directly from the window, I couldn't resist. When I stepped into the store and browsed the wares, I was happy to see so many things I'd written about on decor8 before, so of course I highly suggest shopping Edith & Edna when you're in Portland.
This is Julie George-Carlson, one of the owners that I had a chance to chat with (her business partner, Brandie Mayes, wasn't available). She was packaging my new goodies when I snapped this picture. What a sweet lady she is!
The location is prime, the store is so fresh and inspiring, and after you finish shopping, you can hop across the street to Starbucks to chill out. After Market Street and topping things off with an Edith & Edna experience, my brain started to spark and sizzle a little bit (sensory overload), so I grabbed my fave mocha light frappuccino and looked through my bag of goodies. :) If you aren't a Starbucks fan, head down to the waterfront for cold bubble tea (love!). I actually did both, because bubble tea is a rare find in New England, it's more of a west coast thing, I highly suggest it.
I love their business cards, or shall I say, business blooms. Clever idea. Julie gave me this one, it's crafted from magazine pages. Oh, and thanks Julie for your exceptional service and for allowing me to photograph your beautiful store!
By the way, here's a glimpse of the general area for the non-locals. It's so pretty there, great architecture, yummy seafood places, you can truly make a day of it in Portland. And don't miss the Portland Museum of Art. (Psst: If you are a Currier member like me, you can get in free right now.)
(images by holly becker for decor8)