Displaying Inspiration
Cranes for Peace
In December, Elysian Fields launched a promotional campaign to celebrate the store's tenth anniversary. Semple and Perkins chose 12 theme words that reflected different aspects of the store's vision and its mission statement. The promotion focused design elements for each month on one theme word. The theme for December was "Peace."
Inspired by the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr, Semple constructed a display using origami cranes to spread the message of peace. She created a double-sided display in one of the store windows. The exterior view was a vertical arrangement featuring Peace Cranes attached to tree sprigs suspended from the ceiling. With a white gossamer background and soft base lighting, the origami birds appear to flutter above a copy of the Sadako book. The interior featured Peace Cranes and books arranged on sheer fabric.
"The display brought many customers into the store, and in December we sold 401 Peace Cranes," said Semple. Peace Craft, manufacturer of the origami, donated 5 percent of the cost of the cranes to relieve children's suffering. The display contributed to a sense of community at Elysian Fields, said Semple, extending the owners' vision of peace through a spiritual lifestyle.
A Japanese Setting
After Christmas, Semple wanted to showcase Japanese pottery and four high-end tabletop fountains. The display she created featured a diverse selection of pottery situated on black velvet, with the fountains positioned among the plates, bowls, and tea sets to provide movement and the aural sensation of running water. Books on Zen and Eastern philosophy and a row of stones engraved with inspirational catchwords rounded out the balanced display.
"Customers wanted to take everything home and re-create the same look there," Semple said.
By focusing on personal fulfullment and spiritual growth, Semple has taken visual merchandising to a new plane at Elysian Fields.
