If you found yourself gazing through an 1800's Chinese mirror and were told that it held lovely memories, what would you hope to see? If this mirror lived in a shop, where the most fantastic treasures came alive, would you take a journey through the mirror and peek around at all of those treasures? I did. Today. The visit transformed a normal day, into a fulfilling sensory overload adventure. (click on any image to enlarge)
It is always a magnificent day when I get to visit Bon. A magical shop in Tucson, Arizona belonging to Bonnie & Crystal Flynt. This lovely space is home to many of the finds that I brag about. From Wendy Addison to John Derian, you can get lost for hours attempting to make a decision. It is a place where you never feel guilty giving in to all temptation and taking home all the precious loves that you will undoubtedly find...
Bonnie and Crystal have such a huge grasp on the "being" of the store. They fill it with items that they search the globe for. Items that make up every piece of that puzzle that intrigues even the most skeptical of visitors. Little eyes wander frantically looking at every piece, pieces that are timeless, pieces that do not fit the mold of any fad or trend. Bon is a place where you find lifelong loves. I know this because I am a happy little Bon purchaser. Every item I have ever purchased is one that I adore and enjoy over-and-over, even if I so much as simply brush passed it in a hurry...
More than that, Bon is one of those places that I feel comfortable hanging out at. Bonnie and Crystal have become friends, people you can talk to for hours. They are funny and elegant, all at once, but most of all, they are "real." It is so important in this fast-paced crazy world to have a place that you know you can retreat to for a long while and feel comfortable and welcome. That is why I love visiting Bon so very much. Look at all the delights, from home, to garden, to clothing items...how can a person even begin to choose???
I love hopping in to draw on their chalkboard and seeing what little kids have done...or to watch Crystal do many different types of creating, such as twisting and turning little pieces of paper, to make lovely paper flowers around sparkling lights...
Don't you have a favorite place that wraps your little packages so beautifully that you can not wait to run home and tear off the paper? I wandered the store, trying to be good, but managing to create quite the pile...If you recall, I was there recently and bragged about my old chinese paper basket.
I just lose control. Mr. Lovee says, go ahead and Bon yourself out.
Oops, did I forget to mention that Bon carries my original Art Cards? Each one hand drawn, hand-painted and personally glitterized by moi (below)? They are little original works of art, all packaged up and ready to go! They sit in a rack on the wall, amongst a wide variety of fabulous cards for many occasions...
But, as there is never a dull moment at Bon, a very curious man and his friend appeared for a short visit...Bonnie and Crystal chatted with them, as I poked around...
Both men were very interesting with quite the artistic vibe. The man on the left, chatting with Bonnie is Salvador Duran, artist and musician. You never know what famous little characters you will rub shoulders with at this magical retreat...Just be prepared...
As I reigned myslef in and got ready to make my little purchases, I got that anxiety and excitement in my belly, of wanting to get my treasures home and unwrap them. I even picked a treasure or two for one of you!! Look at those Wondrous Julie Arkell's on the shelf in front of Bonnie.
I had so much fun visiting Bon today! I wish all you girls and I were on a field trip to Bon, and then an espresso after that... Wouldn't that be wonderful???
Fg & Co. Gift Tag (above)
I returned home to open that classic Bon polka dotted paper, and reveal my beloved treasures (John Derian tray, below, and others too) !!! Yay! Stepping out of Wonderland through the 1800's Chinese mirror, just in time to share all of this with you lovelies!! What a fun day this turned out to be after all... I headed out of there just in time for dinner with the Russians... Boy will that be a whole post in itself! Thank you so much for peeking in!
I would love for you to share local shops that only exist in your neck of the woods, with me. The beauty of this world is that we can share places that some of us might otherwise never encounter. Can't wait to hear of some of your favorites!
"Bon Shop, Tucson"
Home, Garden, Clothing. Tucson, Arizona (520) 795-2272
Owners, Bonnie Flynt & Crystal Flynt
