Bluebird Books

Handmade gifts

2008-11-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

If you've ever stopped by Bluebird Books, you've probably seen some of the really great items that were designed and handcrafted by Leah, Laura G. and Victoria. With the holidays quickly approaching I thought I'd share their Etsy shops with you...

Our Yellow House

Ex Libris Handmade

Birds are Beautiful

Wow, it's been a while

2008-11-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

So I haven't been very good about keeping this blog.

Anyway, I'm running a sale on books at the shop. For book purchases over $10 customers get a 20 percent discount - and teachers get 40 percent. The sale ends November 30 and doesn't include Victoria's notebooks.

Speaking of Victoria, she got noticed on Cool Mom Picks

Just a reminder...November 15 is Buy Local Day in the Capital District and "At the Warehouse" is full of local vendors and artists.

Calling all teachers, librarians and homeschoolers

2008-05-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

Starting Memorial Day Weekend and going through the end of June, all teachers, librarians and homeschooling parents get 50 percent of all published books (this doesn't include Victoria's beautiful handmade cloth books, sorry). Just mention that you saw this announcement. Tell your friends and family!

CelinaBean

2008-05-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

Recently I was checking out one of my favorite blogs and noticed tucked down in the corner a link to an essay read for public radio by Celina. I thought it was so great that I wanted to share it, but I couldn't figure out how to create a direct link, so here's the link to her site. The essay is called "Choose your words CAREFULLY." Scroll down a bit; it's on the right side. Enjoy.

Vegetarian Expo (click on image for easier reading)

2008-05-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Good news, bad news

2008-04-25T04:24:00.000-07:00

The good news is that Leah, Laura and Victoria, the awesome artists who have their beautiful handiwork for sale at Bluebird Books have been accepted to the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn this summer.

The bad news is they will probably have to take some of their stuff out of the shop to bring with them. I'm really happy for them though!

On another note, Laura brought in some small tote bags that have handles long enough to wear over the shoulder. I don't carry a purse so this bag is perfect for running errands - it's just big enough for a cell phone, check book and a notebook, but not big enough to get bogged down with the stuff that collects in a purse. Plus it's really cute.

In other news, Michelle of The Good Leaf is opening another shop - this one on Lark Street. Thankfully she's keeping the warehouse location open!

Directions to warehouse

2008-04-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

The warehouse is located in North Albany just off Broadway, behind Miss Albany Diner, at 20 Learned Street.

From outside Albany, take 90 to 787 South and take the Clinton Avenue exit (4B, I think). Make right onto Broadway (North). Go 1/2 mile to North Ferry Street, which is just before Miss Albany Diner. Take right on North Ferry then quick left onto Learned. The warehouse has parking lots on both the South and North side. One lot will probably be closed to accomodate animals, but I'm not sure which one yet.

I think you can also take exit 4A off 787, but for me the directions above are less confusing.

Animal Awareness Day Update

2008-04-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Llamas, alpacas, cats, bunnies, dogs, birds, K-9 and mounted police will be at Animal Awareness day at the warehouse Saturday, April 26 from 10-4.

There will also be representatives from local animal agencies, pet adoption and spay/neuter clinics. There will be a discussion about animal acupuncture, story telling, and the Albany library's Bookmobile.

My friend Kathy will be there with Scruff (Spaying Capital Region’s Unowned Feral Felines, which is a feral-cat rescue group made up entirely of dedicated volunteers who support trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs that help save the lives of homeless cats and reduce feral colonies.

And as I mentioned in an earlier post, I'll have lots of books about animals.

Metroland, New York Magazine and Brownstoner trifecta

2008-03-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a big media month for the warehouse.

At the Warehouse got some nice coverage in this week's Metroland.

Silver Fox also was mentioned in New York Magazine and Brownstoner. They'll be at the Brooklyn Flea once a month. Camille and Fred do a wonderful job getting the word out about the warehouse.

news

2008-03-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Leah brought in some really cute shirts (the photos look a lot better on her blog than mine). They are in sizes 2 and 3. I've already had requests for adult sizes...

We're also looking forward to some beautiful new cloth books by another local craftser. The soft books have appliqued designs and use repurposed fabrics. Victoria brought some samples in last weekend - they are really sweet.

Both Leah and Victoria will be selling at the Old Songs festival in June, and possibly in Brooklyn too. Leah has had a booth at the Renegade craft fair before. I'd love to get to that event.

Coming up April 26 I'll be bringing out all kinds of animal-themed books to go along with Animal Awareness Day (the following is copied from a note local librarian Scott Jarzombek sent around - He'll be reading at the library event that day)

READING TO THE RESCUE

Albany Public Library and At The Warehouse are joining forces on
Saturday April 26th from 10AM to 4PM to present the Library's second
Animal Awareness Day. The key to this unusual partnership is RESCUE; the rescue of animal companions, the rescue of a community's history and the library as a source of helpful information for pets and their people.

Sarah Clark and Veronica Thomas, librarians at the Albany Public
Library, started Animal Awareness Day last year at the Main Library on
Washington Avenue to showcase libraries as a resource provider for
people with pets. Many people fail to realize the various issues
connected to animal rescue. Among them are animal abandonment due to behavior, the link between animal abuse and domestic violence and the need for low cost spay/neuter resources and pet friendly housing. Online and book sources are available to library users to help with all these issues and more.

The 2008 Animal Awareness Day's offsite location came about when it was discovered that At The Warehouse managers, Camille Gibeau and Fred Shapiro, were hosting pet adoption clinics along with the vendors, crafters, musicians and historical architectural salvage at their warehouse on Learned Street in downtown Albany.

Among the groups represented will be the Animal Protective Foundation, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Scales and Tails, The Cat Care Coalition, Guilderhaven, SCRUFF, the Upstate House Rabbit Society, Capital District Caged Bird Society, C.A.T.S. , WynCrest Farms Alpacas and Llamas, the Albany Police K-9 and Mounted Unit and Susan Hamlin – Animal Communicator.

The APL Bookmobile will be attendance with Tess the APL reading dog as well as Miss Siggy local dog author and service dog, an animal tales storytime and a live veterinary acupuncture demonstration by Dr. Pamela Scerba of Veterinary Wellness.

Spring

2008-03-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Just a few more weeks until we can count on more days over freezing than below. I am definitely ready for that.

Leah will be bringing in some new items for the warmer weather. You can check out her new blog to see what she's working on: www.ouryellowhouse.typepad.com

Love and Chocolate - February 9

2008-01-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

The merchants At the Warehouse always love what we do, but we love it even more when there’s plenty of chocolate around. Stop by Saturday, February 9 between 10am - 3 pm to see what we have to offer for Valentine’s Day gifts:

• Red Thread Confections handcrafted artisan chocolate – Local chocolatier Annika Pfluger uses organic, fair trade or local ingredients where ever possible to make her beautiful chocolates. A portion of their profits go to help children in need. http://redthreadconfections.com
• The Good Leaf will be showcasing chocolate and floral teas, as well as hot chocolate. Owner Michelle Marks can help you put together beautiful wedding and shower favors too. www.goodleaftea.com
• Scruff will have a chocolate and bake sale to help feral and unowned cats – Scruff (Spaying Capital Region’s Unowned Feral Felines) is a feral-cat rescue group made up entirely of dedicated volunteers who support trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs that help save the lives of homeless cats and reduce feral colonies.
• A Bun in the Oven will offer chocolate-dipped strawberries and extra chocolate all-natural and organic baked goods, as well as fair trade coffee
• Apothecary Rose Shed is featuring Hudson River Hot Spots BBQ Mole sauce in addition to their organic bulk herbs and spices
• Sistah’s of Albany has Valentine’s Day-inspired vintage-style aprons that will heat things up in the kitchen
• A Candle Station & More has created special themed items for the occasion http://www.acandlestation.com/
• The FamiLee Jewels will work with you to create custom-designed pieces for weddings, proms and special occasions http://www.thefamileejewels.com/
• Bring the kids by Bluebird Books, gently used children’s books, to make an old-fashioned Valentine www.bluebirdbookshop.blogspot.com
• gemmesduterre will have lovely chocolate truffles and Valentine’s Day jewelry
• Carol Kovler has handmade paper cards and pressed flower picture frames

“At the Warehouse” is an eclectic community of small businesses that share one thing in common – we have a passion for what we do. Our winter market also includes delicious local foods from Cascade Mountain Winery, Four Brothers Goat Dairy, Center Square Honey (http://centersqhoney.livejournal.com/) and Dines Farms, as well as unique home décor from Silver Fox Architectural Salvage, Lars Turin’s Fine art pottery and sculpture, and wooden home accessories by KG Concepts.

At the Warehouse is located at:
20 Learned St. in North Albany
(behind Miss Albany Diner)
431-0606
www.atthewarehouse.net

Birds are Beautiful ...and so are Leah's new hats!

2007-12-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

If you stop by Bluebird Books, you'll see some new items, including a line of sweet postcards, totebags and magnets by local artist Laura Glazer called Birds are Beautiful. I'm really glad she's joined us at the shop.

Also, Leah has been very busy designing new hats for children. Many feature lovely vintage buttons. She also created delectable hand-sewn felt "bacon and eggs", "BLTs" and "strawberries." They'd make great stocking stuffers for the pre-school set. I'll post pictures as soon as I can.

Speaking of stockings, I recently made felted wool stockings, which are available at the shop as well. Plus there are delicate paper ornaments that can be filled with treats to hang on the tree.

As you can see, we are decked out for the holidays! I've been doing most of my Christmas shopping At the Warehouse and it looks like many others are too. Last Saturday, which was "Buy Local Day", we had a great crowd of people enjoying not being at the mall.

Looking for a Mallternative?

2007-11-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

Leave the cookie cutters for the holiday baking - find unique, locally-crafted gifts at the Warehouse's Holiday Gift Expo from noon until 5 pm on Friday, November 23 - also known as Black Friday.

Leisurely stroll around fascinating finds of antiques and architectural salvage and browse gently used children’s books while enjoying live music. You’ll also find:
· Beautiful and original pottery, artwork, woodcrafts and jewelry
· Funky hats for the kids and spunky aprons for the chefs
· Specialty teas and local wines, cheese, and honey for your holiday meals
· Holiday wreaths and ornaments, and lovely soaps and candles for the home

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas many merchants will have extended hours on Thursday evenings. The weekend market’s regular hours are Saturdays from 9 am until 3 pm and Sundays from 10 am until 3 pm. The architectural salvage business also has hours during the week.

Halloween Fest

2007-10-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Halloween Fest was a lot of fun on Sunday. There were lots of really cute costumes on both the kids and adults.

Some of the vendors are talking about extending our hours during the holidays to be open Thursday evenings. The salvage business is already open late that night and the salsa class keeps things lively too.

Also, I'll be offering gift certificates soon - hopefully next week.

Banned Books Week September 29 - October 6

2007-09-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

The American Library Association's "100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990 - 2000" looks like a great reading list - Judy Blume, Jean Craighead George, Shel Silverstein, Maurice Sendak, Mark Twain... http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.htm

"When the regime ordered
Books with dangerous knowledge
To be burned in public and everywhere
Oxen were forced to pull carts with books
to the bonfires, one of the persecuted poets
discovered one of the best
studying the list of the burned
disconcerted, that his books were forgotten.
He rushed to his desk, flying on wings of rage
and wrote a letter to the the authorities.
Burn me! he wrote with a quick stroke
Burn me! don't do this to me! Do not spare me!
Have I not always reported the truth in my books?
Yet now you treat me as were I a liar!
I command you: Burn me! "
Bertolt BRECHT
Poem titled "The Bookburning" (Die Bücherverbrennung)
German dramatist and poet (1898-1956)
(from http://www.ifla.org/faife/litter/subject/bookfire.htm)

Looking for books

2007-09-23T04:41:00.000-07:00

Even though I have thousands of books at the shop already, I'm still looking for more, specifically books by Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials series), Terry Pratchett (children's books), Christopher Paolini (Eragon series), Cornelia Funke, JK Rowling (Harry potter series,) and the Lemony Snicket series. These are some of our favorites at home.

I'd love to hear some recommendations, so if anyone has a favorite book they'd like to share, please post it.

I'm still working on the procedure for buying books. The amount I pay for them and whether I'll buy them will be based on quality and if I think I'll be able to sell them. Bring them down to the shop during business hours (Sat 9-3 and Sun 10-3) and I'll take a look at them. Please limit the quantity to 20 books for now.

Opening Day

2007-09-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

The first day went well- I'm very happy with how the space is turning out. Fred and Camille added a really great mirror at the back of the room to add a little more light. Thanks for all the great photos Sheryl!

Almost ready for Saturday

2007-09-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to some help from Sheryl and Leah last night and a rug from Jen, things are shaping up nicely. The shelves are almost full and Leah will be setting up her Third Floor Studio Designs today.

Greyhound Adoptions

2007-09-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Anna got to help out with a Greyhound Adoption Clinic last Sunday. Channel 13 showed up to cover the event, so as soon as we got home we turned on the tube to see if she was on. Just sports on though.

The painting is almost done and shelves are going in soon.

I'm talking with some local artists about featuring handmade toys and children's jewelry in the shop. Leah, a Steamer #10 Theater costume designer and actor, makes one-of-a-kind felted wool toys. I hope I can talk her into making some for the shop.

Shop to open September 22

2007-08-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Jim, Fred and I put up some more drywall then taped and spackled yesterday. Camille and I decided on September 22 as opening day. The countdown begins! It's exciting to be able to tell people an actual date.

My apartment is filled with books ready to be moved and bookcases waiting for the final coat of paint to dry. There are bits of paper with lists and sketches everywhere.

The antiques/farmers market at the warehouse is really taking off. Fred and Camille seem to have unlimited energy. The place just buzzes with activity.

Getting started

2007-08-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Camille and Fred put drywall up in the space I'll be using at the warehouse last night. I hope to start taping and painting this weekend. It's great to see things progress in real life - not just my imagination.

2007-08-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

Bluebird Books – Gently Read Children’s Books

Coming to “At the Warehouse” located just off Broadway in Albany, NY in late September 2007.

Bluebird Books
20 Learned Street
Albany, NY

www.atthewarehouse.net