Peg and Awl

Art of Life — Produced by Karen Smyles

Margaux and Walter Kent are married and both artists. Margaux is a photographer, makes jewelry and handmade leather journals, and Walter can make just about anything from wood. When Walter returned from serving in Iraq, Margaux presented him with the idea that they begin a company and share with the world the beautiful things they had for years been making for themselves, family and friends. The only catch was that now those pieces had to be made from recycled materials.

Their work is made from old things, treasures found and recovered from misfortune and neglect, relics of the unusual, the confused and the macabre, cut and pulled and built into wearable curiosities, inscribable keepsakes and useable, long lasting treasures. And it is all made right here in an old Philadelphia casket factory.

This month Art of Life sits down with them to discuss how it all began and how their business continues to flourish, not only here in Philadelphia, but around the world. We also visit the factory, bustling with life and the activity of their two young boys, Soren and Silas, to see how they make it all work.

Meadowsweet Mercantile

Meadowsweet Mercantile, 4390 Main Street, Manayunk. Owner Stacy Morris explains why Peg and Awl products blend in perfectly with their theme of ethically maintained, American made products. Edited by Annaliese Morris

Cella Luxuria

You’ll find Peg & Awl products at Cella Luxuria, 1214 Chestnut Street, Phila. Meet owners Stefan Sklaroff and Christina Leynes and hear why this is the place to shop for beautiful furnishings built to last. Edited by Annaliese Morris