So, this is it.

My last report of my visit to the New York International Gift Fair, the mega-trade show in Manhattan.

I’ve enjoyed sharing what I saw — and look forward to writing more about the companies we discovered yesterday while trudging through the thousands of booths at the Javits Center.

Thought I’d end the journey with a look at what I saw related to one of my all-time favorite things to shop for — jewelry.

There were plenty of companies with local ties at the show. I had the chance to find out more about these on site and will no doubt follow up with the others in coming weeks. Especially if what they carry is anything like what I saw yesterday.

I was pleased to finally meet Jennifer Rutheny in person. I have mentioned her work in stories I’ve done about Crafts at Lyndhurst, where she’s a regular exhibitor.

I knew she was based in Crugers but also found out she has a gallery, Rutheny’s Brook St. Gallery in Croton-on-Hudson. Hoping to get up and visit there soon.

I didn’t know much about her work, to be honest — and now, I want to know more.

There’s definitely a “natural” vibe to it all, from this creative display that shows off work including her Hudson River fish pins:

to these delicate earrings depicting ferns and lilies:

to these glass-winged dragonfly pins.

Here’s the artist (on the left, with her twin, Amanda Rutheny, who was on hand, she said, “for moral support” — how nice is that?).

Then, I met Pam Older of Pam Older Designs:

Older switched from a career in publishing to devote her time to jewelry design, starting her Larchmont-based company in 2003.

The pieces are noted for their “classic, soft and feminine” appeal, as described on Older’s site.

You may have seen her work, which features semi-precious stones in all metals, at a handful of local shops, too. (The site also has a list of local retailers).

Older told me she often does local shows, especially around the holidays. I’ve asked her to keep me posted, which I’ll pass along here, of course.

I also got quite a surprise when I was looking through the Gift Fair directory, the massive resource available at each show. Skimming the pages to try and spot local companies, I noticed that Saundra Messinger’s address was in Suffern.

The designs of this company are prominently featured in the Sundance catalog, which I often receive.

I stopped by the booth:

and saw some of the new designs, which feature an incredible celestial-themed collection.

Hoping to find out more on this company — and its local ties, as well.

Well, those were the highlights of my show visit. Hope you enjoyed the postings — and that they inspire you on your next shopping trip.

If you know me, you know I love a good bag.

And if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you might remember a post I wrote last month where I was practically giddy about a bag in the fall collection from the Christian Livingston Collection.

I had gotten an advance look at the new line courtesy of Harry Haslett, who heads up the Christian Livingston Collection and Island Designs by Harry Haslett — companies based in Hawthorne.

Haslett travels the world buying and commissioning accessories that are featured in the companies he runs (along with his mother, Henrietta Porter) under the Island Imports umbrella.

(And yes, those are the companies with those incredible warehouse sales; I hear another’s set for October).

Anyway, I got the chance yesterday — this blog entry is part of my series of reports from the New York International Gift Fair in Manhattan — to see that bag (and so much more) in person.

As Haslett was writing up an order, he had Yvette Williams give me an informal tour of the booth (which could also serve as a trend report for fall accessories).

We started with “the” bag. Patent, Williams said, is all the rage. (And I love the animal-print one, too).

Then, there’s gray — also big for fall along with metallics and “big bags for everyday as well as for traveling,� as Williams (below) said.

Here are a few highlights:

As always, there is a selection of lovely scarves. I scored a plum-colored one at the last sample sale; can’t wait to wear it this fall.

Here are just a few of the latest ones on offer:

And then, there’s the jewelry.

Haslett has a knack for picking what’s in — but with a twist. It’s not what you see every day, yet is — at the same time — right on trend.

A few of my favorites:

Haslett told me he’s next headed out West, on a trip that will include another trade show (in Las Vegas) before again heading overseas in his never-ending treasure hunt.

Can’t wait to see how he tops this grouping.

(And check back in a bit for my last posting about the Gift Fair).

Tried to check in with two companies I worked with a couple of months ago — Dewey Howard Papers and Brickhouse Soap.

(For those just reading this post, it’s one of a series — my coverage of the New York International Gift Fair, a major trade show I visited yesterday).

These companies are based steps away from each other in Garnerville, at that wonderfully evocative Garnerville Arts and Industrial Center (Have you been? It really is like stepping back in time.)

I had written about the companies coming together to form a third entity, The Soap & Paper Factory, in advance of the GAGA Arts Festival. During that June weekend, shoppers were invited to visit as part of the open-studios event.

Well, I wanted to say hello and catch up with the ladies behind these firms as they introduced their latest products to the trade.

First stop was Dewey Howard, a distinctive line of paper goods that I have been buying for years at places like Kate’s Paperie in Manhattan.

Found Beth Grubaugh with customers at first, so I stopped back a bit later to check in:

She was showing some of her new designs, along with a selection of products from The Soap & Paper Factory, of course.

While I was in the booth, Grubaugh had quite a few buyers stop by and admire the goods.

She told me that the factory’s main booth was a floor below, so I headed down.

Again, that booth was busy so I decided not to interrupt and stop back later.

And in all the hubbub of the show, I didn’t get the chance to go back, so guess I owe them a visit (maybe it will be in Nyack if they’re still planning to open that shop next month? Stay tuned for details on that.).

Until then, you can see the products by checking out the Web site.

(And I’ll have more on the Fair in a bit — stop back!).

We were standing in the middle of the Gift Fair, when I heard someone say “The Journal News.”

Turns out it was Scott Henderson, who saw my nametag and as a “hometown guy” was trying to get my attention.

And I was so glad he did once I got a look at what this designer was exhibiting.

(For those just checking in, I’m blogging today — in separate posts — about what I saw at the New York International Gift Fair in Manhattan).

Henderson, it seems, grew up in Yorktown. He praised the art department of Yorktown High School, his alma mater, and told me he went on to study industrial design at the Philadelphia College of Art (now The University of the Arts).

Henderson was manning the Mint booth, in the middle of the Accent on Design division.

Mint is a design collective based in Manhattan, with Henderson one of its founding members.

And now, just a few block from Mint’s headquarters, some of the group’s best-selling designs and new products were being showcased.

We’re hoping to do something more on Henderson in the future — where I would cover his story more in depth — but I did want to give you a glimpse into what he was showing.

Think you’ll like it, too.

This is the “Coink” piggy bank:

And these are examples of the “Abra Candelabra,” hand-blown glass that makes clever use of negative space.

And if these “Hug” salt-and-pepper shakers look familiar, you may have seen them at the MoMA Store. When I checked out the Web site just now, the set is the featured/first item you find under “Kitchen and Tabletop.”

And I loved Henderson’s explanation of the design, which goes beyond white=salt and black=pepper:

“We’re making a statement about harmony between all people.”

And here’s the man himself, showcasing yet another new product, the “Vin-Eau.”

It’s a porcelain carafe with two “built-in” cups. It’s a design, Henderson said, to be shared with someone special.

I’ll let you know when we might do that feature on Henderson.

In the mean time, check back later for more from the Gift Fair.

Going to the Gift Fair, and other trade shows, gives you the chance to dream.

You can imagine having all these great things… at least until the reality of storage space (and money to buy it all) sets in.

And within the home-decorating portion of the show, there are always booths that stand out.

(For those seeing this first, I’m blogging today — in separate posts — about my visit to the New York International Gift Fair in Manhattan).

I was really impressed by the offerings of two companies in particular.

Just take a look at the latest from Marimekko, the Finnish textile and clothing design company that’s also doing some fun home and tabletop pieces:

And the simple elegance — mixed with some quirky touches — from Blissliving Home also made me stop and enjoy the varied looks:

Check back in a bit for more from the show.

One of the fun things about going to the Gift Fair is all the people you meet.

(For those just tuning in, I’m blogging today, in separate posts, about my day at the New York International Gift Fair in Manhattan).

It’s especially exciting to learn more about companies you’ve always admired or bought from.

Yesterday, I had a bit of a “celebrity encounter” at the show, and I’m still a bit embarrassed.

See, I’ve long (long!) been a fan of the products of Anne Taintor. They’re those great cards, magnets, notepads and totes that feature retro-inspired images along with very wry, very funny comments.

I’m sure you’ve seen them — and probably bought them yourself.

These are just a couple — the notepad on my office desk (perfect for the shopping blogger, don’t you think?) and the folder I’ve turned into a picture over my “home away from home.”

Well, I was at the Anne Taintor booth yesterday and was speaking to one of the women there when I glanced down at her nametag.

Anne Taintor

Anne Taintor Inc.

And I actually said — “IT’S YOU.�

Yikes.

She was so gracious — and said sure, I could take a few snaps of her fun booth.

All the while, I was mentally making a note of the new things I want to look for.

And secretly smiling that I had met someone who has been such a part of my “shopping life�!

My feet are finally starting to feel better!

I spent the bulk of yesterday walking (and walking and walking) through the aisles of the Javits K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

My editor and friend Gayle Williams and I spent the day at the New York International Gift Fair, one of the country’s largest trade shows.

Held here each January and August, the show features thousands and thousands of companies showcasing their new merchandise (and best-selling items) for shop owners and buyers from around the country.

We try to catch each edition — I’ve been going the last few years now — since it gives us sneak peek into what shoppers will be seeing in stores in coming months. It also is a great way to meet local companies or touch base with those we already know about.

Yesterday was no exception. We made many new contacts (which we’ll be featuring in future stories), saw some pretty fun things and caught up with some local companies to see their newest products.

Here’s the perfect example. I’ve written before about the Red and White Kitchen Company, Janet Foster and Carol Siegel’s Mount Kisco-based firm. (And who can forget their annual sample sale?)

So I definitely had to check out their booth, one that’s always filled with their retro-inspired linens.

I was surprised by the newest line — it’s “plain” (no little cowgirls, no hula girls, no cherries).

Instead, Home Green Home is single-hued kitchen textiles “designed with the eco-friendly home in mind.”

The first offerings are made of a new fabric based on the Red and White trademark, the American flour sack. Bamboo Flour Sack is woven with 70 percent bamboo fibers and 30 percent cotton.

The dyes are colorfast, with the towels softening with each washing. And the bamboo fibers are naturally antibacterial, have a high absorbency and are biodegradable. (The cotton fibers add extra body).

The towels come in a rainbow of shades, from avocado to mustard, delphinium blue to tangerine.

They’re understated, to be sure, but certainly would add a “thoughtful” accent to any decorating theme.

And then there was the feeling of “Christmas in August,” with the new holiday towels that include accents of poinsettia, holly and garland:

So fun. Can’t wait for the holidays.

I’ll be posting more throughout the afternoon, so stop back for plenty more from Gift Fair.

There’s something fun about shopping for hand-crafted items.

It’s exciting to buy jewelry, pottery or a painting from the person who created it.

You can ask about how a piece was made — did the shape dictate the vase’s colors?

What are those unusual stones in that bracelet and how do you care for them?

Or maybe you’ll find out the story behind a particular photograph. When was the scene captured? Does the artist have a particular connection with the subject?

The answers — and that personal interaction — make a purchase just a little more special, I think.

Experience that kind of shopping this weekend, when the Garrison Art Center holds its 38th annual Fine Arts & Crafts Fair.

More than 75 regional and national artists will be on hand showcasing ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, painting and prints, woodwork, glass, toys, sculpture, metalwork, photographs and other decorative arts.

There will also be plenty of entertainment, special events (such as visits on the Woody Guthrie sloop) and food “artisans” selling gourmet treats.

The show will run, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday around the center, at 23 Garrison’s Landing, and in Garrison’s Landing Riverfront Park.

Admission is $5, free for children under 12.

For more the details, visit the Web site.

And if you go, tell me what you end up buying — and the story behind it.

There’s nothing like shopping at home, even if it’s someone else’s home.

Parviz Batliwala — I wrote a story about her earlier this year — shops for distinctive items in her native India, then offers them to locals through a home-based boutique.

Batliwala has a great eye, selecting colorful and unique fashion and home accessories.

She features stunning sterling jewelry, unusual bags of all kinds and lovely scarves and jackets. There are also pillow covers, wall hangings, tablecloths and journals.

Each piece is hand-crafted, representing regional Indian craftsmanship at its finest. (Over the years, she has built up quite a network of sources, often having pieces custom-made for her).

Batliwala showcases all of these items in a boutique setting within her Port Chester home, which you can visit by appointment.

Here’s a picture of her, taken by Journal News staff photographer Tom Nycz, when we visited with Batliwala for that feature story. You can see a bit of how the boutique is set up:

And now, Batliwala has let me know that the fall merchandise has started to arrive.

Shoppers will find new hand-painted silk jackets and tailored cotton jackets, some sporting a gold border. Stoles and shawls in cotton, wool and silk are also in, as well as casual bags in handmade fabrics (some are even reversible).

Table linens feature prints and appliques, while pillows include lush embroidery.

Sounds like she’s off to another great season.

Get a feel for Batliwala’s collection by visiting the Web site of her company, Echo Exclusive Craft and Handmade Objects, — or call her at 914-935-0053 to schedule an appointment.

I have to admit it. When I was in TJ Maxx in Hartsdale this past weekend, I kind of noticed a television playing … something.

I was too distracted by the bags, jewelry and clothes to pay much attention.

Now, I’ve found out what the video footage — part of an in-house promotion — was all about.

Seems that TJ Maxx is once again putting the spotlight on its fund-raising partnership with Save the Children.

Since 1984, TJ Maxx has teamed up with Save the Children to help the nonprofit organization’s efforts to deliver monetary and merchandise donations to children living in poverty.

The partnership has raised more than $10 million to help children in this country.

Now, during the back-to-school shopping season, TJ Maxx is conducting another awareness campaign, while also hosting the “Happy Hearts� initiative.

Shoppers are invited to donate $1 at the registers to help those served by Save the Children.

Locally, there are TJ Maxx stores in Hartsdale, Mount Vernon, Mt. Kisco, Spring Valley, Yonkers and Yorktown Heights.

Visit the store’s Web site for complete contact information.