- In 1995 Norma Lewis contacts Lillian Cole
- Lillian encourages Norma's interest in pie bird production
- Norma approaches Melissa Meisner and suggests a partnership
- Melissa hesitates
- Norma persists, explaining the world of pie birds to Melissa
- Melissa reads letters from Lillian and researches pie birds
- Norma continues to persist
- Melissa agrees
About Us
In brief, this is how the St. Pete Pie Bird Factory came to life!
Norma is an antique dealer in St. Petersburg, Florida. She owns and operates Harpies' Bazaar. Harpies' Bazaar is located at 7420 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, Florida 33707. You can call Norma at 727-343-0409. Or click on Norma to send her an email message.
Norma was researching pie birds in Schroder's Antique guide and saw Lillian Cole's name listed as a resource. Norma called Lillian. It was the beginning of a great relationship. Lillian and Norma would correspond for some time. Lillian would give Norma the first push towards creating the St. Pete Pie Bird Factory. She would make a generous gesture and give Norma a contact list needed to reach a market ready for a new line of birds.
The creation of the St.Pete Pie Bird Factory would be the natural turn of events. As an anitque dealer Norma knew how difficult older birds are to locate, so why not add something new and exciting and affordable for pie bird collectors.
Melissa Meisner is the manufacturer of the pie birds. She was approached by Norma in 1995. Melissa didn't have a clue as to what a pie bird was, let alone how to make one. Norma gave Melissa a quick study in pie birds and Melissa set about trying to design some birds. The collection opened with five birds - the Dolphin Fish, the Victorian Bunny, the Sweet Angel, the Horse Head, and the Castle. There wasn't a 'bird' to be seen!
Lillian was consulted for ideas and the line continued to grow. Now offering over 30 contemporary birds, the St. Pete Pie Bird Factory produces limited series of figures of interest to collectors. Our 'mark' is the NL with the year on the inside of each bird. All our birds are food safe. We listen to what our collectors have to say. Since our inception, we have made every effort to produce a quality item. Our birds are produced in small enough quantities to ensure that these contemporary designs will become worthy of serious collectors.
Click on Melissa to make comments on our birds or ideas for future designs.
E-mail me with any questions:St. Pete Pie Bird Factory
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