Newly opened 34 Fourteen coop features local artisans and designer wares -- My Daily Find

BY AMANDA TRAXLER

As an artisan, Karen Soto understands how difficult it can be to bring one’s creations to market. A native Texan, her appreciation of the crafts and wares available in a cooperative—which are big in the South—runs deep.

Peacock hair piece by Bedford Falls. All photos by: Gabriel Acevedo

So it’s no surprise that when the owner of 34 fourteen—an eclectic Burbank cooperative featuring myriad designers and artisans—decided to take the retail plunge, that she decided to open a co-op.

“It was something I always wanted to do, But I never knew how to do it,” Soto said. “It really came to a head around August 2009 when I just said, ‘I’m not going to think about it anymore, I’m just going to do it.’ ”

Unique clothing.

Open for about eight weeks, 34 fourteen features jewelry, clothing, baby wares, homeware, organic bath and spa products, paintings and photographs. The store represents about 30 local designers, most of whom are women.

The store represents about 30 local designers, most of whom are women.

“Trying to feed a neighbor, it just takes teamwork,” Soto said. “There’s a lot of talent with local designers, that’s really what we’re trying to do is give them a springboard.”

With the range in products, 34 fourteen is a wonderful place to buy gifts.

Those into baby glitzy glam will adore Emma Claire’s line of accessories. While Janie Xy’s handmade toys—bright and jolly—will please both parent and child alike. Made of fleece, this line is especially built for loving hugs.

Emma Claire baby glitzy glam line.

A line of Bedford Falls headwear will delight anyone who likes to liven their look with playfully feminine pieces, including the sure-to-turn-heads peacock feather hair piece.

For the home, the store currently has several styles of decorative wall art. One painting of two richly golden and abstract—but still cherubic—angels glows with warmth, and would add just the right dash of color and sweetness to the right wall space. A selection of lovely photographs invites viewers to pause in reflective appreciation, while a wonderful variety of art for children delivers a precious splash of imaginative whim.

Janie Xy toys.

Another delightful gem was tea cup candles, a delicately elegant but playful reminder of high tea.

While each artisan has her own aesthetic sensibility, all clearly share a passion for her work.

Fine art.

“They’re at different levels,” Soto said. “Some are beginners, some are ready to launch.”

Soto is even more than willing to help up and coming designers.

“When you’re a small designer, a lot of people don’t want to take a chance on you because they’re not sure what the feedback is going to be,” Soto said, continuing that she is more than willing to act “as representatives for artists who are willing to go wholesale.”

34 fourteen is located at 3414 Magnolia and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The store is closed Mondays. The website, www.34fourteen.com is coming soon; for more information, call (818)588-3635.

Amanda Traxler is an L.A.-born writer with degrees in journalism from the University of Kansas and creative writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has been rediscovering her roots since she returned to the area three years ago from the wintry Midwest.