Save the date
Megan Fowler grew up in an artistic family. For a while, Fowler thought she lacked the creative gene. But then she found it in letterpress class at the University of Georgia.
Now Fowler and her mother, Gaelle Boling, run Brown Parcel Press in Sparta, near Milledgeville. Their small letterpress and design shop is located in a former general store on the farm where they live and work.
With an emphasis on quality, touch and beauty, they strive to produce paper goods that are playful, smart and striking. For month-at-a-glance elegance, get their 2014 “Take Root” calendar. As an ode to farming and food, each calendar month features farm produce ranging from fennel and leeks to okra and watermelon.
Hand-printed on 100 percent cotton on their Vandercook letterpress, the calendar measures 7 inches squared. Prop it on your desk or hang it on the wall. Available for $35 at www.brownparcelpress.com. Also find the calendars in the Atlanta area at West Elm, 260 18th St. NW, in Atlantic Station.
Case studies
As creator of Willow & Company, Christa Sievers has an eye for smart design. It’s evident in her handsome iPad, tablet and computer cases.
Hand-crafted in her home studio in the Buford area, the stylish cases are constructed of thick, protective German merino wool felt and integrated leather. The “prairie” sleeve is a favorite in the iPad line. MacBook Pro and Air owners like the “colonial” cases with chrome snap closures.
As colors go, the combination of graphite black wool felt with chocolate brown leather has been No. 1. But the boutique company recently introduced a black leather cover, which adds a sophisticated update.
Prices range from $28 for iPhone sleeves to $120 for larger laptop cases. Available at www.willowandcompany.com
Artful stitches
At age 11, Mandy Blankenship made her first quilt. She picked up quilting again after college, finishing two begun by her grandmother.
Recently, the Texas native began creating hand-stitched quilts at her studio in the trendy village area of West Greenville in upstate South Carolina.
Unlike more traditional patchwork quilts, Blankenship’s quilts have a minimalist and monochromatic look. With the sashiko (Japanese style) stitching, quilts in denim and army green are popular. The white cotton thread on the traditional indigo blue cloth gives sashiko its distinctive appearance.
Made of sustainable fabrics, quilts ($500) measure 4 feet by 6 feet and are available at mandyblankenship.com. This year Blankenship plans to offer larger sizes and possibly baby quilts.
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: lljerkins@gmail.com. Please include your name and contact number. Also find more Southern-made products, featured in the AJC, at Southernfinds on Facebook.
