For the new year, Georgia-made treats include an award-winning gelato, a chic bag and a bright calendar to mark the days ahead.
A year in color
To manage the months ahead, snap up a colorful calendar from Khristian A. Howell, a University of Georgia grad and chief of Khristian A. Howell Color + Pattern.
From her Midtown studio, Howell creates artwork for a range of playfully patterned products, including stationery, home décor and fabrics. Howell’s products have appeared in Elle Décor, Real Simple and Better Homes & Gardens magazines.
Last year, Howell offered calendars for the first time. They were so popular that she expanded the line for 2013. A large, canvas wall calendar ($42) is available in three vibrant designs. It measures 17 by 22 inches. The write-on calendar ($26.50) is ideal for a wall, bulletin board, desk or fridge. Either artsy calendar will add a bright spot to your everyday life.
To order, visit khristianahowell.com/shop. Also find Howell’s creations at the Beehive (www.thebeehiveatl.com), 1250 Caroline St., Atlanta.
Georgia gelato
Jackson Smith and Wes Jones are childhood friends who grew up in Atlanta and attended the University of Georgia. After college, the Georgia gents went their separate ways. Years later, they teamed up with Khatera Ballard to start Honeysuckle Gelato in 2011.
Recently honored by Garden & Gun magazine’s “Made in the South” awards, the Atlanta-based company offers gelato and sorbet — with a Southern twist. Choose flavors such as Honey Fig and Bourbon Pecan gelato or Watermelon sorbet. While the company offers nearly 200 flavors, pints are available in eight popular flavors, including Sea-Salted Caramel gelato, the top seller.
Pints of gelato and sorbet are $8.50 each (with a four-pint minimum) at www.honeysucklegelato.com.
Military chic
As Army wives, Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse understand how difficult it is to pursue a career or find work, given the transient nature and uncertainty of military life. At Camp Merrill, outside of Dahlonega, where their husbands had relocated, the women came up with a hands-on idea to help themselves and other military spouses.
In 2011, they started R. Riveter, which makes modern bags for men and women. With their classic simplicity and rugged designs, the bags are handmade from recycled military materials, including duffle bags, wool blankets, uniforms and shelter halves (pup tents).
In the company’s classic line, the bags are named for famous military wives. Made of canvas and leather in various colors, the Mrs. Bradley messenger bag is named for the wife of five-star general Omar Bradley. But there are other sturdy and stylish bags, including the Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Lee, that work for weekends or every day. Every bag is stamped and dated on the inside by the military spouse who handcrafted it in Dahlonega.
Prices for these statement bags range from $195 to $457. The company also offers cosmetic bags ($60), Dopp kits ($60) and dog collars ($30 to $42).
Order bags from www.rriveter.com and save 30 percent with the coupon code (RRLoyal2013). Also find the bags at Three Sisters Vineyards in Dahlonega (threesistersvineyards.com).
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from around the South that you give as gifts, buy for your home or rave about to friends? If so, please share them with us. Send your suggestions to: ljerkins@bellsouth.net. Please include your name and contact number.
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