Katie and I stumbled across the Michele Varian store in Crosby St, NYC on our visit there in September. We ended up getting some glass grapes that now feature in the GF lounge room wall of books and they look great!

I thought Michele Varian was one of those cool one-off mom & pop homeware and gift stores but after a little research, it seems it’s the brainchild of one fair lady from Detroit, who originally started off making pillowcases. She’s now slowly taking over the USA – there’s over 25 stores that stock her bits and you can even get things in Heals in the UK. Well there you go.

Apart from the fancy grapes, I noticed the enthusiasm for Edison light bulbs in the store, which I’d never really seen before. They create quite an amazing effect in their yellow flickering goodness! I found a lighting store around the corner and bought one (at $19.95 each – most expensive light bulb ever!) so now just waiting until I find the right lamp to put it in.

Edison Lightbulbs