featured artist

We have fallen in love with our new fair trade bracelets by Lily & Laura. These fabulous bracelets are hand crocheted by the village women in Nepal bead by bead. Artisans work in the comfort of their homes and in the sunshine on their rooftop decks with their families nearby, receiving fair wages, which is hard to come by in Nepal. Each design is one of a kind and is never duplicated. We’ve had so much fun being creative, stacking and combining to match different moods and outfits.  Check out some of our favorite stacks here:

Each bracelet is $15 or 3 for $40

Also available in neutrals, purples, browns, and blacks!

New arrival of Lotta Jansdotter candles are in! Her designs combine the earthy color schemes of nature with the urban sleek of contemporary Scandinavia. Lotta Jansdotter candles feature kraft packaging and natural soy wax, and smell absolutely delicious! They are an extension of her chosen medium, screen printing, which is also seen in her linens, stationery and ceramic items.

clock wise from top left :

Vers: violet leaves, mimosa, vanilla with black currant bud and cedarwood.

Ranka: rooibos tea, lily, citrus with jasmine and exotic musk.

Kvitt: herbaceous lime, green melon, jasmine, rose with lily of the valley, woody amber vanilla and exotic musk.

Konjalv: green moss, eucalyptus, jasmine, olive, orange tree leaf and clove.

for more information about lotta visit www.jansdotter.com

We were featured in the Barrington Courier for Meet the Arts, which is happening this Saturday, October 15th from 12pm – 5pm at the shop. Here is a snap shot of the article:

Check out the original article in the Barrington Courier here

We just started carrying a new local artist in the shop – Red Feather Studio. Owner and artist, Devon De Paepe creates unique one-of-a-kind jewelry from recycled,  found objects, paper, metals, fabric, vintage reclaimed jewelry pieces, glass and beads. We just can’t get enough, because no 2 pieces are the same! We were lucky enough to catch a quick interview with Devon.

Thanks so much for joining us Devon!

DD: Thank you. Again I truly appreciate the opportunity to have my work in your store and appreciate you supporting a local artist.

Why did you decide to become an artist?

DD: I decided to become an artist because I simply love creating things. It is a passion, almost something I need to do all the time. I went to college an undeclared major, took a general art course and my professor asked me why I wasn’t majoring in art.  I had obviously found my niche and what I loved to do. I guess I never thought of art as a career option until then. Frankly the choice seemed clear after that. The next semester I was enrolled officially as a studio arts major, and the rest it history.

How has your jewelry changed / developed over time?

DD: My jewelry changes all the time, mostly because I discover a new technique that I want to try. I do not like doing the same thing for too long, so I am constantly on the lookout for new inspiration. I started making jewelry the way most people do, beads and string. Then a friend showed me how to do fused glass, I bought a kiln and was hooked on that. The patterning on the paper and wood work I am doing now is inspired by my graphic design work. The fabric flowers were inspired by Kanzashi flowers that I was researching and the inner tube jewelry came from other researching. I am just always looking around for my next project.

Is there a reason that you have chosen to work with recycled materials?

DD: Absolutely there is a reason. I think it is the same reason most artists who work in recycled media have. Not to be wasteful. Objects can have second lives. As artists we have the ability to reinvent pieces and parts in new ways. That is part of the art, not just the aesthetics, but the repurposing. The materials I use just seem to come my way. Or I find an alternative to use that is recycled, which is often more affordable and works better for the projects.

What inspires you?

Everything! I think when you are a designer you look at the world through artist’s eyes. I have wonderful friends and family that encourage ideas.

3 things you couldn’t live without…

Those I love, my work and cheese!

Where is the most inspiring place you have been?

Paris! The whole city. I just got back from a vacation and work trip there and it completely astonished me. Everything there is beautiful. From the napkins and little water glasses set at the café tables, to the masterpieces hanging in the Louvre and Versailles. Every corner of the city was so lovely. I was overwhelmed and I am still taking it all in. The city is bursting with inspiration.

GIVEAWAY QUESTION: Tell us where is the most inspiring place YOU have been. Could be Paris, could be a cool restaurant, or even a park! Fill out the comment form below to be entered to win a one-of-a-kind necklace from Red Feather Studio! The winner will be drawn on September 28th, 2011.

Let’s face it, summer is over, and fall is here! Although it is sad to see the warm days behind us, it is exciting to browse through all the new fall trends and accessories! Our favorite designer currently in the shop is Shiraleah.

At Shiraleah, they are committed to environmentally  and socially responsible fashion accessories, gifts and home products in unique styles that consumers love. They design their own products and work directly with local artisans and producers to assure quality and workmanship. Their goal is to combine renewable natural resources, reclaimed materials, environmentally friendly technologies and traditional techniques to produce their products.

A few peaks from the line…

Hats

This year’s charming hat collection brings back the glam of the Roaring ‘20s with face framing shapes and whimsical details. Modern colors and textures, meanwhile, flatter any woman and any wardrobe. The cloche style won’t blow away and wool is naturally water resistant, keeping wearers warm and dry.

Vegan Leather Handbags

What is “vegan leather”? It’s an animal-friendly polyurethane material designed to look like leather. But unlike leather, the material is safer to produce and healthier for consumers to carry. The production of vegan leather involves minimal toxic output compared to leather tanning; also, the material is biodegradable in 10 years.

Safety and style sit side-by-side at Shiraleah, so every year they ensure that their vegan leather purses follow ~ and even establish ~ the latest trends. A multitude of zippers and pockets keep money, electronics and cosmetics safe. The variety of sizes and styles hold everything you need and the easy-care material wipes clean. These affordable bags have real style ~ and work in real life.

Stop in the shop to see our selection of Shiraleah handbags and hats today!