In full swing
Preston and Barbara Stone lived in an old house (a former schoolhouse) with a big back porch in Mount Pleasant, S.C. After seeing bed swings on porches throughout the Lowcountry, the Stones decided they wanted a porch swing, too. Preston, a medical doctor by day and a Mr. Fixit at home, crafted his first swing in 1990. Neighbors saw it and wanted a swing. So did friends. Two years later, the Stones were in business.
The company: The Original Charleston Bedswing Co. started in 1992 in Mount Pleasant, across the bridge from Charleston. When the business outgrew their home, the couple turned to Withers Industries, a family-owned woodworking business in Lincolnville, S.C.
The goods: Made from furniture-grade cypress or mahogany, the bed swings come in two sizes: the Original (83 inches by 43 inches) and the Mini (72 inches by 36 inches). Choose a clear-coat finish or paint (black, white or custom). Bed swings also can be purchased with cushions in your choice of selected Outdura or Sunbrella fabrics. Prices range from $2,500 to $4,500.
Claim to fame: There are two company-made bed swings in the 2014 Southern Living Inspired Home at the Currahee Club in Toccoa, Ga., near Lake Hartwell. The home is open Thursdays-Sundays through Aug. 31.
Fun requests: A customer from Texas ordered a bed swing custom painted in a bright red. One family bought a bed swing and used it as part of the decor for a wedding reception. Afterward, they gave it to the newlyweds.
Where to buy: www.originalcharlestonbedswing.com
Signs of the South
After retiring from the design and advertising business in Chicago and moving back to the South, Gregory Morris began uttering common-heard Southern phrases. When he did, Morris’ wife would say: “Dear, you are ‘Slippin’ Southern’ again.” That sparked an idea. And a new business.
The company: Slippin' Southern started in 2011 in North Carolina with a "hey y'all" sign on Etsy.com. A few years later, Morris moved the company to New Orleans.
The goods: Shabby chic wall art in more than 450 designs for your home, office or business. Cut from half-inch Southern pine plywood and finished in a choice of 27 colors, the wall art is designed to look distressed and weathered. Sizes and prices vary from 10-inch letters ($31 each) to a 35-inch framed sailor swimsuit set ($394), inspired by vintage swimsuit styles.
What's popular: "hey y'all" and "eat" word signs; letters; beach images, dogs (multiple breeds); and towel/coat hooks
Big break: Became a supplier of in-store displays for Nordstrom's children's departments. And recently named by West Elm as one of its "local artists" in its newly opened New Orleans store.
Claim to fame: A supersized "hey y'all" was used on the set of Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live."
Fun requests: Many customers ask for much larger pieces, including a life-size swimming mermaid and great white shark. The Ocean Edge Resort (Mass.) purchased 14 of the 41-inch Moby white whales for its suites.
Where to buy: www.slippinsouthernshop.com
Drop anchor
For some, anchors are symbols of hope and stability. For South Carolina’s Ian Nigh, anchors are symbols of his success.
The company: Maritime Supply Co. is based in the historic Taylors Mill in Greenville, S.C. Started in 2012, the company makes nautical-themed bracelets and necklaces.
The founder: Nigh grew up in Greenville and has always been that guy who looks at something and says, "I can make that" and does it. After taking various design and sculpture classes, he left college to start Maritime Supply Co.
What's popular: One-size-fits-all Maritime Anchor bracelets ($48) feature anchors cast in silver/bronze or copper/bronze and adorned with a hand-finished wooden stock. The anchor is paired with a brown, hand-treated leather cord. Anchors are also available as necklaces on a subtle chain ($52).
Other shore favorites: Buoy bracelets ($15) feature hand-painted and distressed buoys on a twisted cotton rope. Bracelets are pre-shrunk and available in various sizes.
Claim to fame: South Carolina's Delvin Choice wore the Maritime Anchor jewelry for some of his performances on NBC's "The Voice" last season.
Where to buy: maritimesupply.co
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, send your suggestions to: lljerkins@gmail.com. Find more Southern-made products, featured in the AJC, at Southernfinds on Facebook or twitter@southernfinds1.
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