Modern map makers
A boring but money-making college job eventually put Tony Rodono on the map. At the University of North Carolina (UNC), Rodono started a traffic counting business. While counting cars, he sketched each intersection and labeled landmarks. It was then that Rodono began to see the interesting patterns that streets create.
After graduation from UNC in 2002, he and his future wife, Katie, moved to Atlanta, finally settling in the Brookhaven/Chamblee area. When their daughter was born last year, the couple decided to refocus and started City Prints.
The company makes vibrant, detailed maps of university campuses in school colors, ballparks, pro-football stadiums and college stadiums (its newest feature). It can also map your hometown or favorite international city.
For the Rodonos, who recently moved from Atlanta to Charlotte, N.C., where they grew up, maps prompt memories and stories of the important places in our lives.
Unframed prints ($40) are 12 inches by 12 inches. Prints also can be custom framed and ready to hang for $180. For more information, visit cityprintsmapart.com
Southern sayings
For as long as she can remember, Stephanie Creekmur has been obsessed with paper. As a child, she collected notepads, journals and stationery, but didn’t want to use them because they were so beautiful.
So it may be no surprise that the 2010 Ohio State University grad started a paper business in college, creating custom invitations for parties and announcements for new babies and recent grads.
At her online stationery boutique and graphic design studio in Nashville, where was born and returned to after graduation, Creekmur sells wall prints, return address labels and other paper gifts.
Her Sweet Southern Charm prints became an instant hit. Best-sellers in the 18-print collection include: Bless Your Heart, Goodness Gracious, Gimme Some Sugar and Sweet as a Peach. You also may like Hold Your Horses or Hey y’all.
Available in 15 colors, the wall prints measure 8 inches by 10 inches. One unmated, unframed print is $15. A set of three prints is $35.
A new and limited edition to the collection is the 11-inch-by-14-inch gold foil print ($35 each or $75 for three). Visit www.stephaniecreekmur.com
Just my type
Jessica DuBrava turned a love of crafting into a career as a graphic artist. After graduation from the University of South Florida, DuBrava went to work in corporate design. Though she loved her job, her designs were never her own.
After the birth of her second daughter, DuBrava decided it was time for a change. This year, she started Spoiled Royal Studio in Seminole, Fla., to create affordable art for the home.
There are sweet prints for a child’s room and simple but stylish coffee (and tea) prints for your kitchen. Dubrava uses a variety of shapes, patterns and lettering in her colorful prints, which include inspirational thoughts and images of birds, bikes and cats.
For many, her custom love prints ($15 to $20 each) are a must-have. Choose the color and image. Then add the names of the bride and groom — and the wedding date. For a beach-themed wedding, choose the starfish image. Other images include an ampersand, love birds and snowflakes.
The state or country where the couple were married is a popular image and a special gift. The Florida love print (pictured) measures 8 inches by 10 inches and is $20. Provide the city, and Dubrava will add a heart. Visit www.etsy.com/shop/spoiledroyalstudio.
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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