SPOTLIGHT ON: WSAKE

I love this company's story, WSAKE is a father-daughter run company in Regensburg, Germany. They design jewelry and beautiful little plant accessories. The father Waldemar Artmann has been a silversmith for over 50 years and he creates all his designs by hand. His daughter became a graphic designer and jewelry designer in 2009. With Waldemar's extensive experience and his daughter's fresh eyes, they've been creating beautiful and delicate works of art. I especially love their Plant Jewels; a collection of handmade spikes that add a bit of glitz and personality to your potted plants or bouquettes. They are made out of silver, copper and brass with unique materials like ostrich egg shell, porcupine needles, wild hog tooth, mountain crystals, pebbles, amethyst and more. They are so unusual and beautiful, I especially love the porcupine needles! 

WSAKE also makes a product called the Can Vase. It's a brass vase with interchangeable tops that help shape your flower arrangement. It comes in two different sizes and you can order the caps individually. 

You should definitely make a stop at WSAKE's website to see their full collection of jewelry. I singled out a few of my favorites below. Their style is very simple and minimal, making them a perfect source for everyday pieces.

All photography is from WSAKE's site.

AQUA AND GOLD

After checking out the new summer accessories at Kate Spade, I developed a new color obsession- aqua and gold! It's a winning combo that's plastered all over their summer line and once it was stuck in my head I started seeing it everywhere. Oh what a bright and cheerful look as the weather gets warmer!

1. Aqua Door from Pinterest from MySweetCreations via Erin Olsen  2. Raskog Kitchen Cart from Ikea 3. Carousel Bangle Watch by Kate Spade  4. Enjoy Cupcakes Vintage Cupcake Camper  5. Loom Pattern by New Ravenna Mosaics  6. Barrow Street Anabel Baby Bag by Kate Spade  7. Serenity Stone Drops by Stella and Dot

AHOY THERE!

Nautical inspired fashion and home goods have been popping up a lot lately- just in time for Resort Wear. I have a soft spot in my heart for all things preppy and nautical, and I especially love it when designers bring the theme into modern times. Check out some accessories you could add to your life this Spring to get into the Maritime spirit!

1. Sailboat Model by Bobo Intriguing Objects 

2. All Aboard Stud Earrings by Kate Spade for $48.00

3. Yves Saint Laurent Resort Collection 2012 found on The Fashion Bomb Daily

4. Stripe Favorite Throw by West Elm for $29.00

5. Thomas Paul Ship Accent Pillow at Burke Decor for $60.00

6. Thomas Paul Wheel Cocktail Napkins at Burke Decor for $24.00

7. You Anchor Me Prink found on Pintrest.com

You've got to love these big fat boating knots to make a statement!

1. Salor's Knot Statement Necklace from Etsy for $20.00

2. Rope Wall Clock by Two's Company for $92.50 

3. "Let's Sail Away" Earrings found on Fab.com 

4. Do-it-youreslf Braided Doormat on Marthastewart.com

5. Not Knots Pillow found on The Designer Pad

6. Pier Lamp by Continental Home, found on elledecor.com

DEAR SANTA,

I've had so much fun Christmas shopping and working on my Holiday Gift Guides that I thought I would put together a dream Christmas list for myself. If you have Santa's email address, please send him a link!

1. Plex Led Cuckoo Clock- Occa-Home for $200.00
I first saw this clock on Fab. but I missed the sale :( I love the cheeky and simple design and the vibrant colors it comes in.


2. Squares Blanket- Ferm Living for $149.95
This throw blanket was made for my sofa.


3. DIY Charm Necklace- Anthropologie (prices vary)
I've always loved the concept of charm bracelets and necklaces but I usually find the charms to be a little cheesey. Juicy Couture carries a cute line but even they seem a little bubbly for my taste. This new collection from Anthropologie is right up my ally, with tiny trinkets and oddities as charms.


4. Dark Nostaligia- Amazon for $45.00
This design book by Eva Hagberg is beautiful and unique. I had a chance to check out this book  briefly and I haven't stopped thinking about it. There are so many great hotel, restaurant, and bar designs in it! It would be a perfect source for inspiration.


5. Holga iPhone Lens- Photojojo Store for $30.00
Downloading the free app. Instagram has change my life. I take photos on my iPhone for work all the time, mostly of furniture while I'm shopping or project progress. With Instagram I can edit them to look like something off an actual camera. This Holga Lens would add another level to the editing I can do on my iPhone!


6. Sihouette Cameo for $299.99
If you are a crafty person, you need to check this thing out! It works like a home printer but instead of printing images, it cuts intricate designs into paper, vinyl, fabric and more. You can use your own design or work with the templates from the online store. I am dying to play with one.


7. One of a Kind World Globe- Etsy
I love globes and this one is so unusual. It's from the 1940's and over time the paper was removed or came off. The effect is this mix between modern and vintage, that Restoration Hardware should be all over. Sadly, this crazy cool globe has been sold, I want!!

1. Meadow Collection- Glassbaby for $440.00

While I would never expect Santa to spend this much on glass votive holders, I had to share. I found this company on the show 'Home By Novogratz'. The married design team works out of New York and the cameras follow them to a lot of cool local boutiques on the show. Glassbaby makes beautiful handblown glass votive holders and "drinkers"that are sold individually or in sets like this one.

2. Laguiole Letter Opener for $42.30

Laguiole is a classic knife and corkscrew company known for it high quality products. I like this because it's neon!

3. 'Untitled' by Dorthe Alstrup- 20x200 from $20.00 - $2,000.00

I would put about 90% of the artwork sold on 20x200 in my home. They carry limited edition prints for great prices and the artists involved are awesome. I'm always looking for art for my home, but lately I've been trying to fill a photography void. I love this print because it has such a playful story hidden inside and the colors are beautiful. 

4. Jessica Simpson Bede2 Pump- Belk for $79.00

I came across these at Belk last week and wanted to eat them up! Color blocking is real big right now and I love wearing bright shoes because I wear a lot of dark neutral clothes.

5. Stereoluxe AM/FM Radio and MP3 Dock- Urban Outfitters for $199.00

Design meets function- this is a beautiful way to accessories your home and listen to music. This MP3 player has a home in my living room.

6. Wildwood: The Wildwood Chronicles- Amazon for $17.99

Colin Meloy, the lead singer for The Decemberists, and his wife / illustrator collaborated on this book and I've been dying to read it. It looks amazing!

BROWN BAG ART SALE

Come check out this fun event on Saturday. It's going to be a great place to check some people off you holiday shopping list!

SHOP SMALL PEOPLE!

I completely understand the ease of shopping online or at a big mall but I think it is really important to shop local and support small businesses (like myself). I'm going to give you a really easy and convenient shopping trip to take this weekend on Small Business Saturday.

Most Atlantans think of Virginia Highlands when it comes to shopping. BUT you have to remember to head south down Highland Ave. as well, into the Poncey-Highland neighborhood. Below are a list of unique gift shops that might help you check some people off your Christmas list.

We'll start the trip at the corner of Ponce de Leon and Highland Ave at Vacation Gallery and Boutique. This funky hipster shop has a small and well edited collection of music, books, accessories and vintage clothing.

vacation gallery and boutique

A few doors down you'll find Young Blood Gallery, my go-to for gift shopping. The boutique is full of housewares, jewelry, clothing, art, stationary and accessories made by local artist. The shirts are hand-printing, the purses hand-sewn and so on, making this store the ultimate source for small businesses. The back of the store is a gallery space that features a monthly show.

young blood gallery and boutique

In the same building as Young Blood you'll find Highland Row Antiques. This shop is very deceiving when you first walk in, it seems like a tiny antique furniture store but if you head to the back there's a staircase leading to a giant basement full of funky and affordable antiques. It would be a great place for stocking stuffers or houeswares. They always have a good collection of vintage toys, books, mugs, ashtrays and costume jewelry.

highland row antiques

Re-inspiration Store is a new addition to the neighborhood that recently moved from the west-side. This store sells artwork and gifts by local artists, made out of recycled materials. Re-inspiration hosts art workshops that would make a cool gift idea as well.

re-inspiration store 

A quick drive south on Highland Ave will bring you to Inman Park, where the flagship Cacao is located. This beautiful boutique chocolate shop is owned by Kristen Hard, sells hand-made bars, truffles, dipped fruit and confectionaries. A great place for Hostess gifts or stocking stuffers.

cacao atlanta chocolates

When you are all shopped-out take a quick walk across the street to Fritti for an artisan pizza and a cocktail! I recommend the Toscana.

fritti

Get out there tomorrow and support small businesses and our local economy!

ICE ATLANTA

As promised, I've got some cool artist for you guys to check out from my trip to the Indie Craft Experience. The fair was held in the Ambient + Studio, a really cool event space west of Downtown, it was full of just under 100 (somewhat) local vendors, a gift wrap station, a cool DJ, baked goods and winter drinks. Below are a few of my favorites from the show.

ashley buchanan

These pieces are HAND CUT out of sheets of metal or silver and then powder coated. I love that the unique technique turns classic forms into something super modern.

sweeteeth chocolate 

I bought the PB+C Bar (peanut butter and chipotle) and my life will never be the same. Highly recommend for a stocking stuffer!

yee-haw industries

Great print merchandise, framed art and dish towels.

fernworks.org

The photos I took and these above from her online store don't do this jewelry design justice. The depth and layers Faryn Davis captures in these resin casts are beautiful, each one tells such a small but powerful story.

the argyle academy

foamy wader

Keep artist like these in mind when doing your Holiday shopping this year, go local!!

NEON CANDY

Madly in love with this Amsterdam jewelry line by Turina. Neon is huge this season and will be even bigger in Spring (including neon lips). This collection would suite my majority black/grey/white wardrobe. Can I please work on a neon inspired interior ASAP!

Shop online at sandraturina.eu