Love at First Sight- My Favorite Noshii Brooch

 A couple of months ago, I posted a blog about a pair of Raspberry Jeffrey Campbell ballet flats I spotted in Central Market.  Their owner, Stephanie, told me she’d gotten them at Shoe Gypsy on Park Hill in Ft. Worth (near TCU).  Since then, I’ve been trying to make my way over to Park Hill and this past weekend, I finally made it.

While Shoe Gypsy was cute and all, and the little dog who met me at the entrance was adorable, I was curious about the other shops tucked away on this small Park Hill strip.  I floated next door to De Ma Fille, a dreamy and pristine Bridal Shop and met one of the co-owners and her tiny canine companion.  But true to the word, three’s a charm, and that’s exactly what I found in stationery shop byrd & bleecker.

byrd & bleecker on Park Hill in Ft. Worth

Grover, the Guest Greeter

 Grover, the cat, greeted me at the door (what’s with all the animal employees?) followed by Ali’s enthusiastic “Hello!”  I was immediately drawn to the first display, a collage of wood and pins.  Upon closer inspection, I discovered that these earthy pieces were actually handmade, bamboo brooches by an artist named Noshii.

Noshii Display

Noshii Hand-Made Bamboo Brooches

 I don’t know what it was about these brooches, but I couldn’t help but smile when I saw them.  If ever fashion was infectious, I had just caught a love bug!  These thoughtful, hand crafted works of art are fun and playful, yet quietly powerful.  I love the inherent dichotomies embodied by each piece: solid to the touch, yet soft to the senses; grounded by earthy tones, yet bursting with vivid color; simple yet thought-provoking.

Noshii Biography

 Born in London as Nosheen Iqbal, Noshii is a Dallas-based artistewith a penchant for creating visual art using natural materials.  To learn more about Noshii’s rare and beautiful talent, please visit http://noshii.com/index.html.  Also, if you like the whole philosophy of 6 degrees of separation, then you’ll love this: yesterday I posted about Kellie, the waitress with the fabulous white Fossil watch.  Noshii is also a watch designer- for Fossil.  ; )

While I’m enthralled with my new discovery of handmade brooches, I must mention that byrd & bleecker also offers other charming distractions and escapes by way of interior design books, candles, greeting cards, furniture, beauty products and of course, exquisite stationery.  Coupled with the friendly staff, chic interior and unique treasures, you’re sure to find that special something for your special someone at byrd & bleecker.

byrd & bleecker; 2962 Park Hill Dr. at University; Fort Worth, TX 76109; (817) 924-BYRD; Open T-Sat. 11-6:30pm 

Ali Z.

byrd & bleecker Interior

Park Hill's Shoe Gypsy, De Ma Fille and byrd & bleecker