Now, I freely admit that starting out in an outfit like this, it’s miraculous my sense of taste didn’t end up entirely in my mouth. My name is Robert Mahar and I am the proprietor and ringleader of this online outpost of vintage and artisan crafted curiosities for children. Thanks for taking the time to visit and to bother reading the 'about' page. You'll find, after poking around the site a bit, that I tend to use the 'royal we' when writing product descriptions - but in reality I'm just a one-man-band. Don't get me wrong, I've had a tremendous amount of help in getting this thing off the ground* - but when you place an order, I'm the guy on the other end making sure you receive a beautiful package with exactly what you want inside.

Prior to Mahar Drygoods, I studied studio art and art history, and then worked for twelve years as an appraiser of modern and contemporary art in Los Angeles. And if were you to go back a little further, you'd find a kid that was never finished rearranging his room and would rather stay inside and weave pot-holders on a plastic loom and bake shrinky-dinks than run around the yard. Clearly when attributes were passed out, I got the crafty gene. So you can only imagine how exciting it is for me to curate this online collaboration of more than three-dozen artists, designers and craftspeople to create imaginative and unexpected goods I would be thrilled to present to any kid. Never mass-produced, all Mahar Drygoods items are thoughtfully handmade in the homes and studios of their creators with an emphasis on recycled and sustainable materials whenever possible.

*I've been learning that one of the best ways to create a successful venture is to employ the skills of people more talented than yourself. So, on that note, I have some thanks to mention...

• My most whole-hearted and sincere thanks to Arianne Foulks of Aeolidia whose patience, good nature and talents facilitated the construction of this site.
• Jean Krikorian, my friend and graphic designer extraordinaire, served as my on-call visual consultant, and deserves credit and my thanks for the layout of my logo and the general 'look' of the site.
• I was introduced to work of Jen Corace through Aeolidia, and couldn't be more honored to have her beautiful illustrations gracing the pages of my site.
• I have had the good fortune of crossing paths with some very talented artists, designers and crafters who have kindly agreed to lend their skills in the creation of product for my site - for their kindness and creativity, I am very thankful.
• And then to my partner Devin, whose patience, encouragement and willingness to pick up more than his fair share of expenses while my venture grows wings - I couldn't be more thankful and appreciative.

In the spring of 2007 I formed the International Chapter of the Junior Society, a blog that explores the riotous world of kiddie culture and design. Regular club meetings offer the opportunity to earn merit badges in arts & crafts, celebrations, cleanliness, decoration, entertainment, gastronomy, literacy, parenting, wardrobe among numerous other categories. I am the self-appointed Grand Poobah of the clubhouse, a title I’ve bestowed upon myself mainly ‘cause it makes me sound like a big shot and somehow justifies my desire to wear a tasseled fez and develop secret handshakes. Come join me - membership is free and it builds character! JuniorSociety.com