I'm excited to introduce a new feature on the blog - DallasMADE. Every week I will step outside of my box and share my discoveries as I explore the Dallas handmade community. Now, we all know I have my issues with Texas...currently the weather and I aren't on speaking terms. Sometimes I feel that life in Dallas gets me in the creative doldrums, especially when I compare it to this vibrant online community. I always forget to seek the wonderful handmade community right outside of my door. There truly is an abundance of creativity in this city. Ok, enough rambling. I'm happy to share with you one of my favorite shops in Dallas,
We Are 1976.
The shop is filled to the brim with fun, colorful, and unique design pieces. The shop owners, Vynsie, Jully, and Derek Law decided to open up shop here in Dallas after traveling around the world. Derek told me they came here so they could show people in Dallas the creative community lifestyle. All I can say is...THANK YOU.
We Are 1976 features a lot of art and handmade items by local artists, such as...
...these sculptural balloons by Jason Cohen...
...a pair of unusual "Glock" lamps by Tony Barsotti...
...and fun wooden clocks by Dowdy Studio.
The shop is also an amazing art gallery, lined with some of the most beautiful illustrations and photographs I've ever seen. They host gallery openings and artist receptions throughout the year. This Friday, Sept. 23, they are hosting the Fallout Gallery Opening, their first show of the season.
We are 1976 is definitely a colorful and somewhat cluttered little place, but that's just the way I like it. I think it makes shopping more fun when I have to search through items I may have never looked at and discover something unexpected. Let's just say I could stay in this store for hours...
Just look at that lamp?! So perfect.
I definitely found more than a few things to put on my wish list. I love this decorative tape by the ever-so-talented, cat lady, and illustrator extraordinaire,
Gemma Corell.
As if I need another reason to sip tea, but these
MyCuppa Tea mugs would help me achieve the perfect cup with its color matching guides. I'll take it Classic British, please. ;-)
Along with the rotating workshops taught by local artists, We Are 1976 is a perfect ten in my eyes. Derek also said they opened their shop because they wanted to have something that inspires people to be creative. Mission accomplished. I'll definitely be back for more.
Have any of my Dallas friends visited this shop yet? What are some of your other favorite shops in Dallas that sell unique and handmade goods? If you don't live in Texas, do you have similar places to explore in your own town? I'd love to hear all about it!
