Random Coolness

- I’ve been a bit absent from Black Spoke this year. Running a business when you are inspired by/drawn to other mediums can be tricky. I’ve decided that it is ok to pursue other creative endeavors, rather than choose one thing. Here’s what I’ve been doing lately: TRASH ART.

- MANY MOONS is a cool spiritual workbook by Modern Women that aligns you with the lunar cycle. The first 2019 volume hasn’t been released yet, but keep an eye on their website, or your favorite local witchy store to get your hands on it.

- Vintage clothing is the best, but even those that have worked in vintage and studied clothing history (like…ahem… this gal) need help with research sometimes. VINTAGE FASHION GUILD is my main go-to resource with all sorts of information, including the incredibly helpful “Label Resource” that helps to determine era based on designer labels.

- I started eating a vegan diet nearly a year ago (I know, I know… a vegan leather worker, what?!). I couldn’t have even thought of trying this lifestyle without raw cashew cheese from PUNK RAWK LABS.

- The Devo episode of 99% Invisible is 100%!

Black Spoke Leather Co. is now available at The Golden Pearl Vintage!

There is something cool brewing in Northeast Minneapolis, and although I do like a good brew (mmmmm, Indeed's Midnight Ryder), I'm not talking about the abundance of craft breweries.  I am talking about the new businesses moving into Lower-Northeast/East River neighborhood, the newest of which is THE GOLDEN PEARL VINTAGE!

The Golden Pearl Vintage is the best shop ever!! (yes, my opinion is biased, yes, it is owned by my dear friend, and yes, I helped open it, and well yeah, I currently work there with a bunch of my buds, but it is also an amazing boutique).  The Pearl is owned by Audra Frizzell, a long-time vintage clothing connoisseur, costume history buff, and seriously stylin' shop girl.  

Photo of owner Audra Frizzell by TJ Turner for Minnesota Monthly Magazine

With a carefully curated selection of women's and men's clothing and accessories from the 1920's- the 1990's.  You won't have to dig for treasures here, because we inspect, clean, and mend every piece before it goes out on the floor.  

Display of Black Spoke Leather Co. goods at The Golden Pearl Vintage

Sprinkled around the store, you'll find displays of my leather goods.  The Golden Pearl Vintage is currently the only place in the Twin Cities to shop Black Spoke Leather Co. in person (outside of craft shows).  

After being open for a little over a month, The Golden Pearl Vintage has been nominated one of the Best Vintage Stores in the Twin Cities.  You can vote in the reader's poll HERE.

Before voting though, make sure to stop in and check out the store, peruse my new leather goods, and say hello!  Hope to see you soon!