Embroidery is one of those trends that ebbs and flows, but never truly goes away in entirety. I think that has more to do with the style than the technique, because it can be everything from intricate and Victorian in nature to geometric and modern. We’e all seen it play out this summer on light and airy sundresses, so I’m interested in seeing how (and if) it translates to fall’s fashions!
Rebecca Mir Grady offers a collection of 50+ pieces of hand-designed minimalist jewelry, each crafted from reclaimed precious metals and ethically-sourced stones. I love the finishes of the sterling silver and 14K gold she uses, they feel soft and perfect for layering.
Lina Rennell is a brand with a heavy focus on original print work that then adorns high casual women’s wear and textiles. So yeah, art for your body! Woohoo! Launched in 2009 by Angelina Rennell, a new collection is released once or twice a year by the northern California native and each one seems completely in touch with the current trends in the art and fashion worlds. (You can find Lina Rennell online at Beklina if you’d like to make a purchase!)
This morning I’m happy to be starting a new monthly feature, highlighting the goods of a few makers I’m currently carrying in The Marketplace! You might remember that a few months ago I opened a shop through Great.ly and have been keeping it stocked with the best of the best art and design ever since. I’m so happy to be able to share the work of the creators I love and now to be able to give you a fast and easy way to bring them into your own home.
One of the first pieces I added to the shop was this set of four Raindrop Napkins by Hallie Gray. Each one measures a generous 19 x 19″ and is hand-block printed with non-toxic AZO-free dyes. I’m looking forward to using them at dinner parties this fall and socking a few sets away for hostess gifts this holiday season!
I’ve been using this Expandable Pop Market Tote made by Orchid Sage for just about everything – the market, the lake, and more. Its leather handles and waxed canvas body make it feel nearly indestructible and I especially like the expandable side pockets that give me extra space for things like snacks and/or the dogs’ leashes.
The latest addition to my jewelry collection is this sweet brass cuff with cord from Meredith Peck. I’ve found it goes with just about everything and is great for layering with other pieces, it’s also large enough that I’ll be putting it over sleeves come cooler weather. The addition of the thin Chinese knotting cord takes this piece from average to extra special.
I’ve been a longtime fan of this artist, so it’s always nice to see her work gracing the “shelves” of my shop. Twenty-One by Lisa Krannichfeld is in her typical style of portraits of watercolored beauties, and for now this one is gracing my mantel alongside a boastful mermaid. (I think suspect they have some interesting conversations when I’m not looking.)
This week on Design Crush:
An Instagram Moving Sale for Oklahoma City locals – there are still a few pieces left!
We’re giving away 2 copies of Lisa Congdon’s book – Art, Inc. – all about making your art your full time job.
Take a peek at these 10 August DIYs that are almost too good to be true.
Dreamy blurry paintings from Philip Barlow.
The new school year means a fresh start and new notebooks to me! Steven Quinn has managed to create the only clown art I will ever endorse.
There’s color and then there’s COLOR. Boo + Boo Factory does the latter so right.
Beautiful woodworked pieces for the kitchen and home by Ariele Alasko.
Colorful, geometric, hand-strung Sputnik Lamps.
A dishware pattern – Unsealed – created with the idea of showing off the porcelain in mind.
When it comes to fashion there’s wearing color and then there’s wearing COLOR. Chicago’s Boo + Boo Factory has the all caps version down pat. Not only are the color selections bold and mesmerizing, but the textures of the leather take every piece to a new level of stylish interest. Adding one of their necklaces to the plainest of plain outfits might just be the most fun accessorizing ever!
Far & Wide Collective partners with some of the most talented artisans in post-conflict and emerging economies, then connects them with the international market. The high quality pieces that are found in tucked away workshops and rural villages are then made available to us consumers, and a more sustainable infrastructure within these communities are given more stability. Add an exotic touch to your space with a beautiful basket or some color to your wardrobe with a caftan or beaded bracelet. Here are a few of my favorites.
Nell & Mary was founded in 2012 by Krista Stovel, Leah Stovel, and Avery Bloom. (Krista and Leah are sisters, and the shop is named after their grandmothers!) With backgrounds in interiors, fashion, art, sustainability, and manufacturing there was simply no way that this trio could go wrong. Nell & Mary’s collection of environmentally and socially conscious goods are created in their Portland studio, and all artwork is original to them. Looking forward to checking in on this shop as they continue to grow!
Last week I mentioned how I like to rely on a statement necklace to amp up what is usually a simple outfit on my part. But if you’re looking for a necklace that could easily do double duty as wall art you need to check out Vulantri‘s collection of contemporary jewelry. Architect Rene Kroondijk and jewelry designer Tantri W. Wulantri both bring their A game to their entire body of work.