Tuesday, January 13, 2015

A Sweet Welcome


Sweet Salvage would like to extend a warm welcome to the following new members of the Sweet Gang.


Joe Willi
 I've been creating art and functional objects for over 40 years, primarily with repurposed materials.
My journey into the world of art, antiques, collectibles and repurposing began with my mother on regular trips to thrift stores in Milwaukee. I refinished my first antique table when I was 12 years old. 
My art has incorporated found materials from the beginning of my career in 1967. 

In the search for materials to create with I would constantly find other objects, machine parts, furniture, ceramics, art and wonderful books. Over the years those findings accumulated into a very large collection. I made the decision to sell several years ago. I started by doing an annual yard sale which was highly successful and that led to the opening of my first retail space in 2008. In addition to selling I also host repurposing workshops. Recently a large portion of my collection was shown by Scottsdale Public Art, a 3 month exhibit titled, "The Art and Collections of Joe Willie Smith, Cultural Savant". The exhibit was visited by over 18,000 people through the duration of the show.

Mary Rita 
 Raised on Mississippi barn auctions and Memphis, TN flea markets, Mary Rita Horn has decorated in flea market style since she enjoyed her first home, a 100 plus year old Dutch Colonial in midtown Memphis. She joined the Phoenix-area vintage event circuit in 2010 offering unique finds and handmade items, developing a penchant for architectural salvage, industrial treasures, a wide variety of unusual lighting options and wine barrel ring creations. Mary Rita is grateful to her husband and sons for all the assistance they provide in making this dream business a reality and is beyond thrilled to offer her assemblage of vintage and repurposed goodness in the Warehouse at Sweet Salvage

Clark
 There is amazing potential in the discarded… great junk is everywhere! Uncovering style potential and repurposing is a hell of a good time… and not too bad for the planet either. Salvage with a green edge. Finding unique pieces, whether industrial, rustic, vintage… and seeing connection and coherence in the eclectic. I am a native Phoenician and bought my first junk, a vintage advertising clock, at a thrift shop when I was six years old. I haven’t stopped since!
"Be the change you want to see".
Karen

After a long career in luxury retail, I decided to combine my experience as a retailer with my love of antiques, history and design.  The best thing about junking isn't just finding really cool stuff, it's finding the potential in things other people gave up on and turning them into something people want again. It's always about the mix, the juxtaposition of rustic and primitive with the modern and refined. I never know how it's all going to work, until I see it all together and start pulling things that tell a story with each other.




Monday, January 12, 2015

It's Time


Dear Friends,
Some say that time changes everything and yet when inspired change is all about the timing. Sometimes time seems to stand still and other times it moves too fast. A vortex of such that controls our actions. Placing us in a period of enthusiasm, excitement and anticipation. It is in these moments that we become fascinated with how far we have come and yet anxious to how far we have to go. 

                             As the dream of the Sweet Salvage Warehouse was born this state was oh so apparent. The collaboration of an incredible team, The Sweet Gang, came together with amazing precision to accomplish this vision. Working very long hours over the past few months has been a physically challenging but the strength of this team has never been stronger. 
               
                     One of the main goals, in addition to the Warehouse, was to enhance the original Sweet Salvage. Creating a showroom of incredible design that continues to inspire our guests. A place filled with beautiful inspiration and fresh decor ideas. The space has been reconfigured, new designers added and the focus has become even stronger on elements of design in both home decor and the boutique. Our goal is continue to offer all aspects of the Sweet Salvage lifestyle. 
The Sweet Gang proves once again to be an outstanding group of not only incredibly talented designers but visionaries, whose main goal is to bring their very best to you. 
Sweet
































Sunday, January 11, 2015

Room for Improvement


Dear Friends.
There is a point in time, where in reflection, what is working is reevaluated , room for improvement  creates inspiration and the process for change is born. At Sweet Salvage a familiar motto is. "It's not what it is, it's what it can be".  These words have never rang so true as Sweet Salvage prepares to open the Sweet Salvage Warehouse this month at the Room For Improvement Event. 
The Warehouse, located just behind  Sweet Salvage, is a magnificent 5000 square foot building. The design vision for this space is that of a urban loft mixed with one of kind unique industrial, architectural and artistic salvage. Eleven designers have been added to this space bringing in an incredible collaboration of talent. The sheer scale and magnitude is breath taking. 





















  This my friends, is only a small glimpse into what awaits you this month. An additional check out counter has been added in the Warehouse for your convenience. Delicious food trucks will be in the newly designed Garden Courtyard as well as out front for your dining pleasure. A coffee bar provided by local coffee house, Copper Star Coffee, is now located in the Warehouse. How fabulous is that? 

The Warehouse is an extension of Sweet Salvage, The hours and days of operation are the same, third weekend of the month, Thursday thru Sunday
Thursday 10am-9pm
Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 10am-6pm 


                    You continuously encourage us to create, evolve and dream. Thank you.
                                           We can't wait to share this new venture with you,
                                                                      Sweet