Category: Makers

I ❤️ new art!

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I have been adding so much new art to my home (as I mentioned here), I thought these lovely artists deserved a post of their own. I hope you find a new piece or three that speak to you!

Malika Favre‘s bright, punchy visual style caught my eye recently, and I snagged a few prints from her recent sample sale. Leo from her Zodiac series, Le Plaisir, and Les Ciseaux all have joined my collection — très sexy. I love her graphic lines and shapes and the clever the way she makes use of negative space.

I was gifted a beautiful set of hand-painted notecards by my partner when we stumbled upon them in a sweet little local stationary shop, and when framed with wide white mats, they make for a beautiful set of small paintings for a gallery wall. Two live in our living room grouped with Paige Gemmel’s Dogs on Orange (also a recently addition), and the remaining four are hung vertically in our kitchen. I love how from certain vantage points in both rooms you can see all six — they pull the spaces together so well!

Less recent but just as lovely are three prints I purchased from UK printmaker Sam Marshall. I follow her on Instagram, and I can’t decide whether I enjoy her seeing linocuts and etchings or her adorable mini dachshund Miss Marple more! Curled Up, Those First Few Days, and Lots of Dogs (on our console as seen below) are the ones I added to my little collection. Bonus: may I suggest a mirror ball for no other reason than to make you smile (or perhaps to inspire an impromptu dance party in your living room)? Placed in a sunny spot, the light dancing on the walls will never fail to elicit happiness. Trust.

Last but not least, near and dear to me is the artwork of Jared Schwartz, a mixed media artist based in LA whose work floats somewhere between figural, abstract, cartoonish, evocative, surreal, expressionist, and political in all the best ways. (Full disclosure – he is my partner so I may be a bit biased, but I think his work speaks for itself.)

Schwartz does political cartoons and activist artwork as well as more abstract and figural art pieces. He seeks to make the world a better place through every medium he works with, whether it is mobilizing for a deeply-felt cause or bringing joy to a single viewer. I’m continually in awe of the way he sees the world, then brings those visions to a canvas. His piece Hold Me Close hangs in my living room, perfectly set off by an emerald green frame from Framebridge. I am also very partial to Pan & Syrinx and to the #MeToo anthem work My Body Is Not Yours, a perfect summation of the abortion, rape, trans rights, and marriage equality issues we have to endlessly address.

I hope this smattering of art and artists brings you to a new work of art you love, an artist to follow, or perhaps some inspiration to switch up your wall décor. Enjoy!

Shop small, do good, give love

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Welcome to this year’s holiday gift list! This year more than ever, I have been working hard to support small businesses, and to find great products that give back. Here is a curated guide of items I’m giving, would love to receive, or both!

Bloomist‘s aesthetic is stunning, minimal, and inspired by nature. Their aim is to help artists, artisans, and makers flourish, and they do so with panache. From their beautiful selection of gifts, I am especially partial to the Bright Black Koi candle and the handcrafted pale wood chain. 50% of the proceeds from the Koi candle by Bright Black go to 100 MALES TO COLLEGE, a Massachusetts-based initiative dedicated to college readiness and retention among young Black and Latinx men. And the beautiful wood chains? They are made by the Atuto group in Honduras! The group not only creates opportunities for skilled employment in the region, but they also support the Ambos Foundation, improving the lives of the people of rural Honduras at all stages of life — from providing children with school supplies to securing housing for the elderly.

Next, I am proud to announce the Pink&Green Musings shop at Bookshop.org! Here you can find all of the books I’ve discussed here on the blog, plus I’ll be adding more all the time for your perusing (and purchasing!) pleasure. Bookshop.org is a new online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Keep local book shops thriving while easily finding anything you’re looking for! Orders placed by tomorrow, Dec. 5, will arrive by Christmas with standard shipping. Hint, hint. May I suggest the sumptuous Francois Halard: A Visual Diary for the creative in your life, Kate McDermott’s Pie Camp for your favorite baker, or perhaps a copy of What Kind of Woman by Kate Baer for all of your closest girlfriends?

For the design-minded, fun-loving, or have-everything-else people in your life, a keytag by small company Various Projects may be just the thing. There are hundreds of options in dozens of color combinations — something for literally anyone and everyone — in a smart, unfussy little package. At only $15, what’s not to like?

For something a little more luxurious, Missoma jewelry has a beautiful selection of of classic yet of-the-moment baubles that are responsibly produced, environmentally packaged, and give back via a variety of charitable partners, including Treesisters, Akshaya Patra, and Magic Breakfast. Perhaps a pretty Victorian-ish necklace set, an edgy pair of claw earrings, or a bold signet ring might catch your fancy? Ahem, for someone on your list, of course. They offered a truly covetable 12-day advent calendar that has since sold out, but I also love these lux festive table favors. Bonus: you get a free pair of mini hoops right now with any purchase over $200. Gift them or keep them, I won’t tell!

Designed in London and handcrafted in Spain, leather collars from small brand Supakit are the purrfect choice for a spoiled feline. My kitty may or may not be getting a mint green collar this year. *whistles innocently* These beautiful comfort collars from House Dogge are a great choice if your tastes run more towards the canine.

I love everything they are doing over at Fur. Redefining definitions of beauty, supporting freedoms of choice and from systemic oppression, and standing up for inclusivity and body positivity? Yes, yes, and YES. All their products are made from facial-grade, vegan, cruelty free, non-toxic ingredients and are free of mineral oil, silicones, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or artificial dyes. Their now-classic Fur Oil is ideal for soft skin, silky hair, and preventing ingrowns — pubic area, legs, underarms, chin, wherever. Perfect.

One of the cooler items I came across this season is the tiny but mighty Flikr fireplace created by husband and wife team Travis and Haley Seera. It is a chunky cement vessel with a quartz-like base, and is ingeniously fueled by rubbing alcohol. Brilliant, adorable, unique. I love it. Set on a tabletop and enjoy a warm glow. Bonus points if you also gift the makings for some s’mores, amirite?

And finally, any Schitt’s Creek fans out there? Please meet Beekman 1802, the real-life equivalent of Rose Apothecary. When Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell lost their jobs in the recession of 2008, they moved out to Sharon Springs in rural upstate New York, population 532. They took in a neighbor who was losing his farm AND his herd of 100 goats, started creating their goat milk soaps using fresh milk from the farm, and the rest is history. They sell a variety of natural face and body care as well as tons of great mercantile items from local farms and artisans. Pure goat milk soap, ylang-ylang tuberose body cream, or lavender creamed honey spread are A+ picks for the beauty buff or foodie in your life. They even partnered with the show on a limited run of Rose Apothecary-themed items. I love this for you.

One of the joys of the season for me is finding just the right gifts for my loved ones, so I hope this guide inspires you as well. Shop small, give back, and happy gifting!

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Best of: Makers I ❤️

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Some of the makers I love have been up to fun new somethings, and I just had to share!

Block Shop is offering a free VOTE pin with every order shipped from their studio this month, and it is seriously the cutest version of this hugely important message I have seen so far. Also, if their Instagram is any indication, they will have masks back in stock next week! All mask profits go directly to support meals for garment workers in LA, plus they are super stylish and adorable. Win-win.

Heath Ceramics just debuted their 2020 Winter Seasonal Collection, and I couldn’t love it more. Dubbed “The Season of Hope & Love,” it is full of stunning icy whites and greys along with the happiest buttery yellows and a hint of wildflower purple. Gradations in glazes are meant to signify transition, which I find beautifully poetic for this tumultuous time. I think we can all use some hope and love right about now, and the gradient yellow trays and vases in particular are perfectly sunny and delightful.

Finally, Baleen Jewelry has some beautiful new arrivals to peruse. I am in love with the organic simplicity of the pebble necklace, and want to add the sweet little XYZ studs to my rotation immediately. As always, all of their pieces are sustainably handmade in the USA, with zero-waste manufacturing and recycled materials.

Enjoy!

I ❤️ Atelier Stella

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studio photos by Fiona Murray

Our next featured maker is Atelier Stella, home of the sweetest ceramics you ever did see. Stella Baggott established her unique ceramics business in 2012, and all her creations are hand built, sculpted and pinched with love. She credits “Cornish, Italian and Swedish potters from the 50’s and 60’s” as influences for her stylish designs, and there is not a single piece that I would not love to bring home!

I was lucky enough to snag a couple of her pieces when she collaborated with West Elm and also Anthropologie a few years back, and their little smiling faces bring me joy every time I catch a glimpse of them in my living space. To me, her pieces mix dreamy neutrals and organic shapes with just the right touch of whimsy. Luckily for all of us, she has begun to ship out her beautiful ceramics again after a brief pandemic hiatus, so shop on her site to your heart’s content. Any of her little works of art will brighten your day.

The vase and candle I have are both sold out, but here are a few of my favorites currently available on her site. Act quickly if you see something you love, as her pieces are made in small batches and change regularly.

Flora vase in white
Double wave candle holder in terracotta
Mini rainbow pot in white

Enjoy, wear a mask, and stay well!

I ❤️ For Days

~ cdelacuadra ~ 1 Comment

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Sustainable, zero waste, closed loop — plus stylish and oh-so-comfy?  Please meet For Days, a clothing company I love for their excellent basics as much as their vision and ethos.

For Days offers a line up of tees, tanks, sweats, pants, and dresses that are all 100% recyclable, made in a closed-loop system, recycled with a waterless chemical-free process, shipped in recycled and recyclable packaging, and 100% of their transportation is carbon-neutral.  Oh, and their clothes?  They are fantastic.

Have you ever been on the hunt for the perfect tee?  Soft and easy, fitted but not too tight, good drape but not see-through?  For Days has a great selection of fits, and you can try several of them at the same time to see what works for you.  I found my tee holy grail in their Daily Crew, and my husband is wearing his Light Crew tees on repeat — they are just that comfortable.

Wear them so much you’ve worn them out?  Or suddenly hate the color you’ve chosen after wearing it incessantly?  No problem!  Send back your worn out tees to be recycled, and you get a discounted swap price on your replacement.  Planning a serious closet clean-out while stuck at home?  They have a solution for that, too!  Fill their Take Back Bag with clean old clothing (of any brand) to be recycled, and you get the swap price on new items you choose to purchase.

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As if that wasn’t enough amazingness for one company, they are making masks under their For Healthier Days initiative.  You can buy 5 for yourself and donate 5, buy 5 for a loved one and donate 5, or just donate 10 outright for only $25.

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I feel good every time I wear my For Days tee shirts.  They are soft and I always feel like I look good.  Doing good while I look good shouldn’t be quite so revolutionary, but I love this company for  it, and I hope you do, too!

Giving thanks

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While for many of us today marks the beginning of the holiday rush, I’d like to encourage a moment to reflect, give thanks, and maybe even give back.  May I offer a little nudge towards The Citizenry for some of your holiday gifts?  Not only do they offer incredibly beautiful items that support artisan communities all over the world, but today your purchases also help support their Black Friday Fund.  All profits today — yep, all profits — go towards building schools for migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border.  While their families wait to seek legal asylum in the U.S., these children have no place to learn and play.  Education is a fundamental right these children are being deprived of, and today we can do a little bit to change that.  Every $120 we spend funds a week of school for a child: a real life magic school bus mobile school providing teachers, a psychologist, uniforms, and supplies.

Here are some of my favorites to bring some warmth to you or someone you love this holiday season.  Each is handmade, beautiful, and sure to be treasured for years to come.

Paloma alpaca throw  Oro cacao cups  Cuño accent pillow  Nublado wool throw

So thankful this year for family, friends, warm fuzzy cuddles, and the beauty of sharing.

Don’t forget!  Giving Tuesday is coming in just a few days!  It is a great opportunity to support causes that lie close to our hearts.

Women creatives

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Happy International Women’s Day!  In celebration of women, the work we do, and the world that we shape, here is a round-up of artwork and ceramics by women makers that I’ve been loving lately.

There is something feminine and strong about these paintings by Bernadette Marie Pascua.  She is a multi-disciplinary artist based in New York City.

Humble Ceramics, created by by Belgian-born artist Delphine, offers artisan pottery made with mindfulness and intention in South Los Angeles, one small batch at a time.  I love their Alder tumblers.

On Society6 you can find art prints by Tracie Andrews, an abstract artist based in the UK.  The considered colors and shapes make me smile.

Bobby Clark is a Scottish artist and photographer who currently lives in Melbourne, Australia.  Her latest artworks “explore the symmetry and balance of shapes, creating minimal studies of shape composition,” which I find both meditative and inspiring.

I covet this small half mesa bowl from OATMEAL.  Elise Birnbaum is a maker and founder of OATMEAL, where objects are designed and made with care in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — ethically and with respect for the material and the people they are making for.

Support women, support artists.  Happy International Women’s Day.

 

I ❤️ Baleen

~ cdelacuadra ~ 3 Comments

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This lovely maker was a happenstance find while in Seattle — meet Baleen!  Billy and Leah started Baleen in 2013 when they saw a niche for quality, affordable handmade jewelry they decided to fill, and their fresh and sculptural jewelry is all handmade in Seattle, WA.  Their jewelry is eco-friendly in a number of ways: about 95% of their materials (silver, brass, and gold-fill) are made from recycled metals, they are a zero-waste manufacturer, their nickel-free and conflict-free gold-plating facility is also zero-waste, and their packaging is printed locally on recycled paper made in Michigan in a green, water-powered factory.  And besides all of this, their jewelry is just plain beautiful!

I fell in love with their Fifty/Fifty earrings when I came across them in the Seattle Art Museum store, then bought yet another pair of their earrings as I shopped at the delightful Butter Home shop at Melrose Market.  Their Herkimer studs almost came home with me as well and still might.

If you’d like to visit, Baleen’s workshop and storefront is located right in Ballard, or you can shop online to your heart’s content.  Necklaces, bracelets, pins, rings… so many fun things to choose from.  And as someone with a mild nickel allergy, I can vouch that their jewelry is comfortable and worry free to wear.  Thank you, Baleen!

More picks: flux necklace  mint bangle  love pin
Via shopbaleen.com

 

I ❤️ Zuri

~ cdelacuadra ~ 1 Comment

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Zuri is working to create sustainable livelihoods with a focus on women’s empowerment.

Next up is a maker a could not be more tickled about: meet Zuri, a company striving to embody good in everything they do.  Zuri offers a streamlined product lineup that includes dresses, shirts, bags and baskets that come in tons of amazing prints and colorways, all inspired by kitenge and ankara, the traditional wax print fabrics of east and west Africa.

“The history of African textiles is a global story, both ancient and modern, and a powerful symbol of the changing tides of culture, politics, and trade. While we are continuously inspired by the beauty of these textiles, we’re also motivated by the history that they represent and the opportunity they offer to create social and economic change.”

shopzuri.com

Founders Sandra and Ashleigh spent a combined 8 years in Nairobi, and saw firsthand how both corruption and aid can distort markets.  It is their hope “that by paying fair wages, sourcing locally, and making a product that our customers truly love, we will be helping to support a long-term, sustainable economy in Kenya.”  Zuri’s production partners SOKO and Tushone in Kenya are focused on ethical and sustainable practices, and also on building and supporting communities.  Their clothing is wax-print cotton, and their totes are crafted with all-natural fiber Kenyan sisal.

Not only do they do well by their production and suppliers, but they offer a more inclusive size range than many brands out there.  Many of their items are available from size XS through to 2XL, with styles that are made to flatter most body types.  Sustainable, ethically produced, community-oriented, AND size-inclusive?  I am sold.

I purchased the Nuclear print dress and loved it so much that I purchased the Trivial Pursuit version a few weeks later.  I don’t think I have ever gotten as many compliments on a single item of clothing.  And as a delightful extra touch, each was shipped in a surprise printed tote bag.

Their name is inspired by the Swahili word mzuri, which means good.  And their tagline?  “Look good. Feel good. Do good.”  I feel great in my dresses, and I feel even better knowing what a difference you are making in so many people’s lives.  Bravo, Zuri!

Via shopzuri.com

I ❤️ Cathy Terepocki Ceramics

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Next up in my little series of makers is the delightful Canadian ceramicist Cathy Terepocki.  She appeared on my radar with her lovely Ontario line at Anthropologie, and now I can’t get enough of her beautiful Instagram images and down-to-earth ethos.  (Yes, I may have a set of plates from her line that were more of a want than a need.  #sorrynotsorry)

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Visit Anthropologie if you’d like a piece (or eight) from her Ontario line, or visit her website for some beautiful videos, photos of her work, and of course, the opportunity to shop her wares.  Or if you need a semi-regular dose of her style like I seem to, you can follow her on Instagram.

Via anthropologie and cathyterepocki.com