Phoenicia Flea 2015 Season

Over Columbus Day weekend, vendors and visitors gathered one last time for the final outdoor Phoenicia Flea of 2015. The market was held in the foothills of the Catskills in Stone Ridge at the magical Stone Ridge Orchard, which came complete with a farmstand that sold autumn staples like cider donuts and pumpkins. The seemingly endless fields of apple trees and paths at the orchard led to a clearing, where the largest Phoenicia Flea to date was held, featuring over forty vendors. Under the shade of a 300-year old oak tree, we sold our wares, drank way too much hard cider, and made some end of the summer memories. No one would argue that the tree was the real show-stealer. We’re dying to know what she looks like now, dressed up in autumn colors! Clothier Idunn‘s booth blended quite naturally into the setting, crafting some booth decor with one of the orchard’s many tree branches. Creator and designer Caroline Olivia’s booth was also stocked with her own apples from her family’s farm, Montgomery Place Orchards, which were pink in the middle. With her beautiful clothing to boot, Idunn was a popular choice among the ladies. Paul Lowe of Sweet Paul Magazine had trouble keeping up with inventory as his fall issue flew off the shelves. (If you haven’t already, pick up a copy–there’s a feature on yours truly, Escape Brooklyn!) He also stocked tote bags for the Phoenicia Flea, whose slogan “get outta town” is basically our mantra. We had such a good time meeting Laurie of Sirena + the Sea, whose collections of accessories made of braided leather, silk and cotton is inspired both by her life in Asbury Park and her travels abroad. Her boyfriend, Mark, is a commercial fisherman and collects old bottles and driftwood from the nets, often covered in barnacles, which make for amazing displays. Laurie has just finished up a collaboration with fellow-flea-er Flidais Parfumerie, and was selling their collaborative scent alongside her necklaces, bracelets and accessories. Speaking of which, Rachel of Flidais Parfumerie not only sells lovely natural fragrances… but she also practices Tarot! (Please don’t ask me how my reading went.) Next up, Ruhling Woven who hails from the woods of southern Pennsylvania was stocked with her usual selection of repurposed vintage and signature fringe necklaces. She also sells really beautiful, one of a kind woven tapestries and wall hangings alongside abstract media works on her website. Asarum Designs from Philadelphia sold hand-crafted jewelry, sculptural plant-holders and tiny spoons. We saw one of the spoons on Sweet Paul’s dinner table last week, and two of her rings on Phoenicia Flea organizer James Antony’s fingers–just sayin’. Our new friends from Boston who run Botigueta were selling handcrafted goods from their native Barcelona, including bags, key fobs, backpacks, shoes, art, and more. We loved the hand-painted detail on this Pendular Pocket Leathergoods bag! We’re grateful for the visitors who came out to say hello–dogs and humans alike. Above, George the dog and Tatsuki of the Akichi market in Bed-Stuy both traveled from Brooklyn to spend the afternoon at the orchard. Our buddies Joe and Danielle of Wishbone Letterpress print their clever, colorful cards on antique letterpresses in their studio just outside of Kingston,  NY. They also create custom stationary for weddings, businesses, birth announcements–or whatever other merrymarking you see fit. As usual, the Village Common boys were showing everyone up with their amazing floral display. (Besides running Village Common, they also help run a family wedding business and always have some floral tricks up their sleeve.) Hailing from the Poconos, they sell vintage jewelry and accessories alongside their lovely handmade home products. At the bar, Breezy Hill Orchard sold both their traditional and hard ciders, keeping vendors and visitors quenched. New to the market, Arden + James sold beautiful leather bags using raw and natural materials. Designs ranged from small leather wallets to large canvas totes; her impressive list of stockists includes Urban Outfitters. Elizabeth McTear of Honest Alchemy Co. had her usual collection of naturally dyed pillow covers, colorful scarves, and bags–but surprised us this time with these stunning indigo-dyed vintage sweaters. We’ll take ’em all, please! Jenn Bradley-Morris of Woodstock, aka the Ardent Forager, has an impressive rotating collection of vintage and antiques. If she’s not at her booth, you might find her at ours, making a trade of some sort with Denny. The iconic Phoenicia Flea photo-op was present, capturing memories of a well-spent autumn afternoon at the orchard. Owlkill Studio of Albany, NY brought her handcrafted necklaces, key fobs, and more to the market. Hats off to owner Adelia on her newest venture, Half Moon Market, which we heard was a great success. Lauren Red and Jake Brown of cocktail-themed blog Red & Brown know their cocktails–and their sweets! We hear their Campfire Syrup is a great behind-the-bar swap for simple syrup. Illustrator Claudia Pearson was another new vendor at the Phoenicia Flea–but you can catch her and her cute dish towels, tote bags, aprons and other accessories on the regular at Brooklyn Flea. Not surprisingly, we were suckers for both her New York City and camping designs. Nadine Medina Designs creates geometric-inspired necklaces, earrings, bangles and rings. Nadine, who is a self-taught jewelry designer, calls the up-and-coming city of Troy, NY her home. Simply put, Yardsale Press‘ quarter machine is brilliant. The couple, from Jackson, NJ creates pins, totes, patches and prints out and even onesies of each of their witty designs. We never tire of Nina Z.‘s fabulous collection of boots, clogs, and sandals. Nina recently traded Brooklyn for Bearsville (Woodstock), whilst still traveling the world for inspiration. Rumor has it that she has a handbag collection in the works–we can’t wait to see it! The tree gave us shade and dramatic contrast lighting all weekend. Photographed here, a corner of the Phoenicia Flea market. Hudson Made of Delaware County, our favorite part of the Catskills, was a popular booth for the men visiting the market, selling masculine soaps, beard oil, dopp kits and the like. Not photographed, their webshop also carries beautiful culinary essentials like spoon sets, cutting boards, and rolling pins. Elissa of Phoenicia Honey Co. sold her specialty infused honeys including flavors lavender, chocolate & bergamot, ginger & orange, and cinnamon & star anise. Her son Zoren of StylePyle also had a booth nearby, selling graphic tees, sweatshirts, and skateboard wax. Two of our favorite past vendors, The Royal Native and Honey Mountain Clothier, buddied up at a previous market and decided to create a small line together. Using Royal Native’s colorful prints and Honey Mountain Clothier’s signature shapes, they collaborated to create a really cute jumpsuit, photographed middle above. Think they come in adult mediums? Hailing from Philadelphia, J&K Lockerby creates one of a kind lighting fixtures, keepsake boxes, and even wooden coasters which we picked up. Their impressive custom work can be seen here.  Gabrille Miles Silverlight of Zola is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art with a major in glass studies, and her curiosity for sculpting and casting shows. Every piece at her table is a true work of art, whether it be a wall hanging, a ceramic spoon or a necklace. Speaking of ceramics, Tivoli Tile Works was in the house and never disappoints. Aside from her work, we love her Instagram, which often offers an intimate glimpse into her studio. We hadn’t seen our friends Mike and Chissy of Hudson Naturals in quite some time; seeing their collection of beer soap always gives us the warm fuzzies. Anyone who was on our Christmas list last year should be familiar with this brand! We loved the unique style of Demetria Chappo Ceramics, who is heavily influenced by nature and universal symbolism. Selling spoons, planters, plates, and tiny ceramic earrings, we were inspired by the unusual surface treatments and hearing her talk about her love for the craft. Above, Kate Orne of Upstate Diary takes a break from her booth to play with a rather cute market attendee. Her new magazine documents “the creative possibilities that thrive in communities outside of city limits.” Its collection of stunning photography and stories about Upstate artists, which is also available online, will leave you inspired. Let alone their cozy sweaters, bulky socks, and soft gloves–we were dying for Cuttalossa‘s adorable mini-alpaca dolls. Creator Shannon Retseck serves as the link–marketer, collaborator, and middleman–between her native Pennsylvanian farmers and artisans. Last, and definitely not least–hey, that’s us! Aside from all our traveling, Denny and I buy and sell vintage at flea markets–and soon, online again under the monkier The Brew + Compass. Our website, which has been down for a bit, is poised to make an internet comeback this winter once market season wraps up. Until then, we’ll be announcing our market schedule for the remainder of 2015 very soon. This summer was nothing short of amazing and definitely full of memories. We finally got married, we did what seems like a million markets, and made a lot more friends. Thanks to everyone who came out to the Phoenicia Flea to buy something from us, or simply say hello. Oh–and thanks to the people photographed below who have become like family to us! Cheers, and thanks for a great season. Previous 2015 Phoenicia Flea locations: Catskill Interpretive Center in Mt. Tremper, Spruceton Inn in West Kill, Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, and Graham & Co. in Phoenicia.