We’ve seen some of the cultural institutions of Queens – now it’s time to get to the pretty stuff that you can bring home with you.

I love these vanity cases made out of vintage suitcases – they look like funky old spy equipment from the 1960s. They’re made by Queens native Jean Barberis, and you can see more of them here.

Photo courtesy Ranjit Bhatnagar

Jean is the Artistic Director of Flux Factory, a collective live/work artists’ space that has hosted dozens of amazing experimental shows. One of my favorite was “Fluxbox,” which smashed together a number of self-playing musical instruments into a walk-through sound sculpture that was part Rube Goldberg, part Kraftwerk.

Post-industrial Long Island City is home to a number of artists and craftspeople. Jon Keay lives in a beautiful, ramshackle former punk bar called the Exile that has been refurbished into living spaces by Keay and his roommates. His work runs the gamut from kinetic sculpture to furniture design. He is currently restoring a ward of broken children’s chairs to health.

Designer Mary Ping‘s fashions are just so great – from T-shirts in unexpected materials like leather to her beautiful Birkin-esque bag. She recently debuted her signature line for Urban Outfitters called “Cool, Casual,” as well. This is one local girl (born in Woodside) who has most definitely made good.

Queens County Farm
Photo courtesy Jenene Chesborough

From halfway around the world to right here at home, I have been so happy to share some of the things I love with you. I’m thankful to Grace for giving me the opportunity to guest blog. I can’t believe she does this every day – it’s really hard! Thanks to everybody that commented as well, and I’m going to try to blog more at Lost Bird Found.

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