TAKE ONE THING & MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL

Years ago, I had a wonderful neighbor in Bernal Heights, a hilly San Franicsco neighborhood. He had a beautiful home, lovely garden and a sweet dog. He had lost a lung to cancer when he shared the news one day that he had cancer in his remaining lung  - and he didn't have long to survive.  His strategy was to enjoy his life as much as possible - he wanted to see funny movies and enjoy his ability to laugh with friends as long as he could.

I saw him a few weeks later and marveled that while short of breath-  he maintained his small garden and he was able to walk his dog a little.  I asked him how this was possible. He looked at me and said words I'll never forget.

 "Take one thing and make it beautiful."   

I thought I'd shared this with you - because it comes up time and time again for me.  I apply this thought to the long list of "To-do's", daunting projects of any form. even tax time. Whatever you must tackle - these words can help get you underway.  It worked for my courageous and kind neighbor and has helped me countless times. 

 Life can be complicated and become overwhelming- physically and mentally. Whether you're moving to a different home, overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you have (wishing you had a different home!)  looking at things you have avoided or don't want to deal with, any project that you’re faced with.  This is a good life practice to feel brave and able. Yes, you will  have to keep chipping away and use other strengths to help complete the project but sometimes getting underway is the hardest first step.  Thanks for the inspiration Ken. 

Changes on the horizon

Moving?! Closing Shop?!

I’ve known for some time that being a traditional brick and mortar retailer would not be sustainable for me. And for the record: Amazon didn’t steal my sales and there is not a wicked landlord giving me the boot. It’s just time for change…

The Upswing & Things That Make Me Grateful:

I had the opportunity to create my own store full of presence in the SF small business scene. I’ve had a wonderful clientele and many friends in the neighborhood that included people of all ages and even dogs. I’ve heard great feedback over the years— that people loved looking in the windows when they walked by early or late in the day. I feel deeply grateful when people tell me Poetica was one of their favorite shops to visit when were in Northern California/ SF. Over the past 8 years, I’ve had people share that they LOVE what they bought from the shop.

The Good News:

I will continue to sell products on my website ( like 1,000 Monks) and be a resource for you. I joined Chelsea Antiques - a rather cool furniture collective - in Petaluma and I work there a few days of the month. I’m available by phone, text or email if ever you have a requests.

I want everyone who has ever visited, appreciated, felt inspired or purchased from Poetica Art & Antiques to know YOU are part of what made the shop special.

THANK YOU!

Traci Teraoka & Huckleberry

Meet the artist: Andrea Speer Hibbard

'1,000 Monks'.   I'm honored to be one of the few shops in Northern California that sells this wonderful piece of artwork.   It’s available as a giclee print signed by the artist or as an elegantly framed giclee print.

I've heard people comment, "it's the 'Where's Waldo' of Monks prints" and "from afar it looks like a tapestry or prayer rug."  As the piece pulls you in---- you start to see the individuality of each figure as they stand in unison.  The beautifully framed and signed giclee print measures 16.75" x 20". 

Andrea gave me permission to shoot this 3 minute video of her process making the piece.  I'm excited to share this with you - as I know the piece means a lot to those who own it and who enjoy it. 

ASSEMBLY NOT REQUIRED

Greetings!

I'm getting lots of new pieces in the shop! 

I'm updating and adding lots of inventory to the site.  I want you to be able to "see in" better and know what's new and available!  If you have any questions please reach out!  I'm friendly and helpful (this could be an understatement.)  

Furniture Update: In store and on the site you're going to see a mix of interesting, handy side tables each with their own style.  Classic French tables, petite antique bookcases, and an English bamboo vanity, cool Mid-century bars,  brass and chrome metal desk lamps, vintage letters and more.   On the modern side: black woven leather dining chairs. a handsome and a very  comfortable metallic grayish taupe leather sofa that has a Mad Men look to it.  The shop is full of eclectic pieces from antique to modern furnishings and art with tons of personality and style.   

And get this: No Assembly Required!   Legs are attached...  Arms are attached.... No instructions needed and no styrofoam.  

I like well-made furniture that will outlive us.  I agree with the person who said, "with really good pieces you are renting them vs. buying them."  You get to be one of the owners in a lineage of people who enjoy the piece as much as you do. Adding in a mix of style and comfort pulls it together beautifully. 

May 21st Sac. St. Sidewalk Sales

Join us!   May Sidewalk Sales  May 21st  10-6pm.    Poetica Art & Antiques plus 30+ of my coolest small business neighbors are hosting a street-wide sidewalk sale!   This is part of the festivities of SF’s Annual Small Business Week.  The great map was designed by Nik Neves a talented illustrator.

Meet artist Suzanne Moulton at Poetica

The Sacramento Street Stroll is this Sat. Dec 5th!   I'm delighted to host the wonderful artist who makes all the clever sock animals, wire sculptures and textile multimedia pieces that you see in my shop windows.   

Meet artist Suzanne Moulton at Poetica Art & Antiques

Saturday December 5th   11am - 1 pm. 

Free Parking at UCSF Laurel Heights lot located at 3333 California St at Walnut.  

Poetica Art & Antiques  is located at3461 Sacramento St. San Francisco, CA 94118 x Walnut

Please join me for a workshop about creating your personal haven.

The JCC-SF Wellness program invited me to lead a short workshop!   I'm thrilled to offer this special opportunity to talk about creating sacred space and defining what is most essential in your personal space. Please join me! 

"Home is our personal space, the place we return to at the end of the day for retreat and rejuvenation. Learn how to create a healing space for yourself and your family by engaging in creative exercises to re-envision your home and set realistic goals on how to clear the clutter. Each participant receives a special edition book and workbook from Healing Environments to provide inspiration at home."

M $35 | P $45
Sunday, Nov 15
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
To register click on the link below:

JCCSF - Wellness Workshops

Now Available! Suzanne Moulton's wonderful handmade sock animals

Tracy stopped by Poetica and was greeted with a whole collection of adorable handmade creatures.   She dove in and enjoyed them all.  By the time she left she had her favorites too. 

I am pleased as pudding to share this wonderful collection of handmade critters with you.   They are each made from scratch.   It is Suzanne Moulton's respect for the animal kingdom combined with her thoughtful approach to sculpture, painting and textile arts that makes each one possible. They each come with a special adoption certificate too.  

Red Panda, Red Fox, Long eared Bat, South American Ant Eater, Greater Glider ( little marsupial from Australia), ring tailed Lemur, Argyle Crocodile, Argyle Giraffe and Argyle Winged Rabbit.  Made from socks with vintage button eyes, felt, $75. each.  

Poetica Art and Antiques wants YOU!

I have so much cool inventory!  Vintage Furniture, contemporary art and unique objects for home GALORE!    I'm loving how the warm vintage woods mix so well with the industrial metals.  + a new shipment of Rickshaw Grocery totes and musette totes have arrived!  The shop looks great :-)

And if ever you are looking for a special piece of furniture for home or office please let me know.  I keep a notebook dedicated to Poetica's customer's wish list and specific needs.  

I'll sign off with a quick Rumi Poem that is in  my little office area: Happiness is more important than wealth.  May millions of mercies rain on your dancing.   

Feeling grateful & wishing everyone a happy holiday

Recently my little shop was embraced by so many people at once it made me take a step back.  Suddenly Francesca Kennedy's jewelry, Suzanne Moulton's animal sculptures -  fox paintings and wire angels, Andrea Speer Hibbard's 1,000 Monks, each held their own audience at the same time. Vintage and antique furniture were selling at the same time contemporary art work was selling. All at once.  It made me feel so grateful to have people connect to the shop and find treasures for themselves, their homes and their loved one's.  Thank you for finding Poetica and looking for treasures within.    xo Traci

Sacramento Street Holiday Stroll!

Dear Santa

Please come out to Sacramento Street this Sat. to hear what little boys and girls want this year for Christmas.   We'll have a comfortable environment set up for you at Dottie Doolittle And Acuity Vision.   And Santa, Could you also send PINK SANTA?   Shabby Chic Couture would like to host him and have decorated their store for the occasion.  Since I'm asking, please arrange to have the University High School music dept come out and share some cool jazz and acapelo singing for all to hear.  Am I asking too much?   My fellow merchants are All hosting their own festive parties to celebrate the season and to welcome our neighbors, friends and favorite customers and especially YOU.   Cool fun things happening all afternoon on Sacramento Street!  

Shopping Small

Commercial retailers are HUGE Machines.  They started putting Christmas decor on the floor right after Halloween.  WHOA NELLY!  People openly resented being forced into Christmas prematurely.   I'm happy to report Sacramento Street's business district has tons of character and an abundance of great local businesses which honor the holiday season as it's happening.            (what a concept!)  STYLE galore! CHARMING & GREAT WINDOW SHOPPING & BEST GIFTS.  

Amex kicks off the season with Shop Small today.  I'm in Nashville visiting my family.   I spent part of the day in the wonderful little town of Franklin and SHOPPED SMALL. Boy, did that ever feel good and I found some great gifts that will be easy to pack in my luggage.  Where ever you are please find time to enjoy the season, shop small when you are able and find joy wherever you are. 

Thank you for your encouragement and support of Poetica the past 4 years.   I look forward to seeing many of you in Dec. and in the New Year.                     Traci & Huckleberry the shop dog

Just in: Antique & Industrial Furniture + Vintage Lighting + fab totes

I've been a busy shop keeper this month!    Every bit of spare time has gone towards updating the shop and finding great new pieces.  I'll share the latest with you in a series of photos coming soon!

Jewelry designer Francesca Kennedy Sat. July 12th

Francesca Kennedy is dropping by Plus Summer Sales at Goodbyes and Buttondown. Come join us for a festive and fun day! Sat. July 12th 10-6.  Mimosa's and fresh fruit 10-12;   Afternoon appetizers  and sparkiing lemonade 3-5. 

Guests at Poetica enjoying Nelson and his new book

That' Reggie sitting on Nelson's lap.  He recently adopted him from  Muttsville Senior Dog Rescue.  Patricia, friend of Poetica  just adopted her own rescue dog before coming to the event.   I'm sure Franny ( Nelson's beloved dog that the book is dedicated to) was smiling from Heaven.

Book signing at Poetica! Thursday 5/22 6-8 p.m. Please join us!

Nelson Bloncourt is a creative wonder in San Francisco.  Known for his gorgeous shop, Alabaster in Hayes Valley and always in demand for his "eye" and wisdom.  Frannie his beloved dog passed away last year.  Nelson's love and desire to 'to do something" with his grief has manifested into this children's book plus he has spent  countless hours helping Muttville Senior Dog rescue ever since.      Poetica is honored to host this special event.

This Saturday! The Annual Sac. St. Outdoor Market!

Poetica will host a special reception from 4-6 pm.   Featuring a new collection of Francesca Kennedy jewelry, vintage Indonesian Ikats and batiks + cool new mid-century furniture arrivals.

New Arrivals! Francesca Kennedy necklaces and cuffs

Francesca continues to delight Poetica's customers with her great style and her beautiful way of combining color, texture and material.   Featured above: African onyx cross with brass nugget chain, African vinyl layered with faceted semiprecious, brass and African trading beads.  (Thanks to Holland Bender for taking this gorgeous photo.)

Gone Fishin.....The Shop will reopen Feb 25th.

Sorry to  miss ya.  If you need anything I'm always around - but taking a little rest.  By appontment or shoot me an email.   traciteraoka@mac.com    See you Soon!   Traci & Huck