One of my favorite parts of this year's High Point Furniture Market was getting to speak with so many local designers and entrepreneurs.  Based right here out of High Point, North Carolina, the husband and wife design duo of Andrew and Audrey Kane behind Tapestries, Ltd are bringing vintage charm to everything from wall hangings to throw pillows. Audrey's mother, Nancy Herman, started the company over 45 years ago, and at it's outset the company was focused on traditional hand-woven European tapestries.   Like most success stories, they've faced a lot of challenges and are constantly re-evaluating what they can bring to the design world that is unique, new and fresh.  We interviewed Mrs. Kane for our feature today, and are thrilled to share how they've transformed their business, all while maintaining their local NC roots and love of all things vintage.

 

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From the Designer: 

Audrey and Andrew Kane

My husband and I embraced Tapestries, Ltd., the business my mother started more than 45 years ago. What began with European and hand-woven tapestries is now a story where classic design gets a relaxed fresh spin. As interiors became more casual, our customers encouraged us to experiment. We turned in a new direction, took risks, and had fun breaking the rules. And that’s how we ended up with our FrenchLinen Collection, which was crowned “hip-stalgic” just last week! Our super-sized designs take shape on French inspired textile which is painstakingly wrapped around a wood frame. We love turning a detail into a piece of artwork or popping unexpected color on a neutral palette. Each piece has meaning, and each piece comes with a story.

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What inspires your designs?

 I see art—and the stories behind the art—everywhere, wherever I go . . . from nature to global travels to Parisian flea-market finds. Often, inspiration comes from unexpected places; a title page from an antique book, a scrap of 19^th century textile, or even a mistake on the drawing table. The inspiration for one of our signature pieces, Horse & Postcards, came from a box of 19^th century postcards. The postcards originally belonged to my great-grandparents, and then my grandfather before I stumbled across them in my parents’ attic. Sometimes, one piece—like a quirky animal study—leads to another. Finding inspiration from a wide scope of sources is limitless and part of the thrill of the hunt. And we love surprising our customers by pulling something out of our sleeve. It keeps them coming back.

Where are your products made?  

Every piece in the French Linen Collection is made in North Carolina. We love contributing to our US economy and supporting our local craftsmen. A great appreciation for American-made emerged a while ago, but it remains solid and steady. Not only do our customers appreciate quality they can count on, but we enjoy being good neighbors within our community.

How did the Christmas pillow line get started?  Was it always a part of the company or a more recent addition?

There was actually some method in our madness! We picked up on a trend: in response to the heaviness of world news, consumers not only wanted tranquility, which our nature stories brought, but many craved an escape with a happy vibe. So when we expanded the collection, we designed plenty of pieces with playful twists and upbeat attitudes. It is this happy vibe, and our combination of rustic and refined, that helped set the stage for our French Linen Holiday Pillow Collection. When a customer requested we expand the collection to include a holiday collection for her store, we ran with it. One reason the collection has become a show stealer is because we had great fun with it. Their small understated touch lends big personality to a space. We captured the spirit of the holidays by keeping it simple, natural and fun with that warm vintage feel. We create pieces that are easy to place and then plump them with plenty of personality and love for the season. They feel joyful, like the holidays. 

from Nicole Norris Design Studio

Does Tapestries, Ltd. have any holiday traditions that you enjoy this time of year?

The mad-cap month of December, after we’ve scrambled to get out the last of our Christmas orders, we celebrate with a relaxing holiday lunch that lingers long into the afternoon. After home-baked pies and a gift exchange, we share the spoils with bonuses—and offer some heartfelt words about each individual. We love resting on our laurels (the theme for one of our pillows), but only for the afternoon! (In fact, one creative retailer is giving a bonus and a resting on our laurels pillow to each of his employees this year.) We are grateful. Not too long ago, a customer at High Point Furniture Market told us we were the best kept secret there. We loved hearing that, but we don’t want to be a secret! Thanks, East Meets South, for helping to let the secret out.

A Gift for You!

After reading that incredible interview, you know you want your chance to win a holiday pillow of your own!  Audrey and Andrew Kane are generously offering our readers a chance to win this Jingle pillow.  You can enter 3 ways: 

1. Comment below with your favorite local store, restaurant, or activity that is an essential holiday tradition for you.  Make sure you leave a link to your blog or email address so we can contact you if you win!
2. Follow us on Instagram and enter the contest there
3. "Like" Tapestries, Ltd and East Meets South on Facebook and comment on our post there.

We'll be announcing a winner on Friday, December 18th so don't miss your chance to take home a little piece of North Carolina cheer this year.