Rummaging with: Cara Croninger

Though loath to admit it, 68-year-old Cara Croninger was one of the first to use resin to craft bowls, sculptures, “fetish pieces,” as well as her beloved line of dome-shaped rings and undulating bracelets, available at Ten Thousand Things. All made by hand, each piece—whether it’s a serving bowl or an amber beaded necklace—is inspired by ancient shapes and symbols. Thoughtful and earnest, she explains that she wants her jewelry to be “engaging, warm, inviting and classic.” She took us along as she scoured lower Chinatown, one of her favorite neighborhoods for design inspiration, in search of healing teas and lacquered bowls.

Ten Ren Tea and Ginseng Co
Even though we were offered a cup of tea at nearly every shop between Mott and Mulberry, we stopped off here to pick up some Tieh Kwan Yin ($3.50), a super-compacted, vacuum-sealed package of green tea. 75 Mott St between Bayard and Canal Sts (212-349-2286)

Lin Sister’s Herb Shop
For more than 20 years, Croninger’s been meeting with the doctors and diagnosticians who staff this healing spot ($30 for a consultation, walk-ins welcome). “It’s common-sense advice,” she explains, picking up a carton of Flu Away! ($4.50) for the coming winter. Post-appointment, herbs are custom-blended to treat your specific condition. Lin Sister also offers acupuncture and cupping. 4 Bowery at Doyers St (no phone; linsisterherb.com)

Porcelain Corner
“I’m influenced by ancient Chinese things, as well as basic symbols like the I Ching.” Croninger picked up about 15 of these coins as a present to a friend upstate who uses them as toggle and button closures. 85 Mulberry St between Bayard and Canal Sts (212-233-3838)

Ajiichiban
Replete with a vast assortment of candies—we sampled sugared baby crabs and salty prunes—this treat-laden spot is as much a feast for the eyes as for the mouth. Croninger picked up a packet of quasihealthy, antioxidant-packed Hawthorne Berry candies ($5/lb; $.50 per packet). 7 Mott St at Worth st (212-223-7650)

Hung Chong Imports
“I always see something I want when I’m here,” Croninger says. “I’m a loft dweller, so I use hot plates—but they constantly break so I have to come back!” This vast emporium of kitchen supplies offers a selection of bowls that Croninger uses as molds or even as starting points for a design: “They’re functional and have a beautiful shape—even the most basic or mundane versions are inspiring.” 14 Bowery at Pell St (212-349-3392)