Favorites include vintage-inspired jewelry and candles, plus eco-chic clutches for modern moms.
Lace up
Charleston, S.C., metalsmith Gabrielle Bratton draws inspiration for her jewelry line from vintage and antique lace. The University of Georgia grad designs her pieces in the tradition of classical costume jewelry but with a modern edge, using several techniques, including the lost art of wax casting. In the process, she dips lace in wax, manipulates it and recasts it in metal, like bronze and silver. The transfer of materials changes the feel, weight and appearance of the fabric. The vulnerability of the lace is gone, but the intricacy of the design is captured. The jewelry appears dainty yet durable. Bold yet feminine. Bratton’s collection includes earrings ($45-$250), cuffs ($250-$600), brooches ($98-$600) and necklaces ($98-$2,000). The cuffs have been a big hit. Visit gabriellejewelry.com.
Coffee-sack chic
After working for commercial and architectural design firms for 13 years, Alejandra Dunphy decided to branch out on her own. In 2007, she started Alejandra Dunphy Design Studio in Atlanta. In addition to her interior design services, Dunphy offers a collection of vibrant, eco-friendly pillows, throws and rugs made in her native Peru. She also sells a line of sleek, hand-loomed handbags made from natural fibers and vegetable dyes. But when a client requested pillows with a natural look, Dunphy found a material that she and the customer loved: coffee bean sacks from Atlanta-area coffee roasters and stores. The “green” designer uses the sacks for pillows -- and for her new collection of casual clutches. Made locally, the handbags are $40. Find them in the Atlanta area at Redefined Home Boutique, 887 Howell Mill Road, and the Beehive, 1250 Caroline St. Or contact Dunphy at alejandradunphy.com.
Country-fresh candles
Designers Charlie Groppetti and Todd Smith grew up in the country and have happy memories of their childhood homes and a simpler life. A nostalgic desire for the way things used to be led them in 2006 to start Park Hill Collection, a Little Rock company that designs vintage-inspired objects for your home. Some of their objects, such as salvaged sinks turned into planters, are playful. Others, such as reclaimed wood tables and mirrors, add period charm. Two years ago, the company added candles to its home accessories collection. Hand-poured in Arkansas, the soy-based candles ($22.50) are packaged in willow-wrapped glass -- ready to give. While Southern Charm is a top seller, other favorites include Sweet Tea, Front Porch and Farmhouse. Find Park Hill Candles in the metro Atlanta area at Pineapple Park, 240 Chambers St., in Woodstock; the French Market & Tavern, 3840 Ga. 42, in Locust Grove; and Simply Fresh, 255 Village Parkway (Paper Mill Village), in east Cobb. P.S. While you are at the Simply Fresh takeout market, pick up some of Dolores Svensson’s fresh salads and entrees.
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from across 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.
