Chain reaction
Marietta’s Helen Rule’s fascination with military arms and armor is evident in her unique metal jewelry designs.
The designer and background: The self-taught artist graduated with an anthropology degree from Johns Hopkins University and earned an MBA from Emory University. Rule started making chainmaille armor in college for fun and turned jewelry making into a full-time profession after grad school. Rule, co-owner and operator of 2 Rules Fine Art in Marietta, has been making chainmaille jewelry since 2010.
What is chainmaille: Chainmaille refers to the material produced by linking small metal rings together to form a mesh. Rule’s chainmaille pieces have hundreds (sometimes thousands) of hand-made links woven into different chain patterns.
What’s popular: Graduated Persian chainmaille necklaces ($200-$500) and earrings ($40-$100).
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Other favorites: One-of-a-kind statement necklaces, incorporating unusual gemstones ($250-$3,900); Celtic Star weave pendants ($25-$120), earrings ($25-$120) and bracelets ($100-$300).
Fun request: Made two full suits of samurai armor out of sheet metal and chainmaille to custom-fit her husband.
Claim to fame: Regular exhibitor at the annual Dragon Con art show in Atlanta.
What’s new: Intricate chainmaille designs inspired by Victorian lace collars and beaded Egyptian Revival necklaces.
Where to buy: Atlanta Made, 1187 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta (atlantamade.us), and 2 Rules Fine Art, 85 Church St., Marietta (2rulesfineart.com).
Skin deep
Suzanne LeRoux once worked as a lawyer. Now she is the CEO and green beauty queen behind Georgia-based One Love Organics, her less-is-more skin care company.
The company: One Love Organics is a natural and environmentally conscious skin care company started in 2010. The skin care products are produced in micro-batches at the company’s manufacturing facility on St. Simons Island.
The founder and background: LeRoux graduated from the University of Georgia and Southern Methodist University School of Law. While practicing law full time, she embarked on formal studies in aromatherapy, integrative herbology and cosmetic chemistry before starting her company.
The goods: An 18-piece collection of natural and organic skin, body and hair care for women — and guys.
What’s popular: Skin Savior Balm ($49); Vitamin B Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover ($42); and Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum ($39).
Fun request: Launched a collection of products in collaboration with beauty blogger Elizabeth Dehn of BeautyBets.com in 2012.
Claim to fame: One Love Organics owns the only ECOCERT licensed manufacturing facility for natural and organic cosmetics in Georgia. It is also one of only 10 facilities licensed in the United States. ECOCERT, founded in France, is one of the largest organic certification organizations in the world.
Where to buy: oneloveorganics.com. In Atlanta, at Fig & Flower Green Beauty Boutique, 636 N. Highland Ave. (shopfigandflower.com).
Burn after reading
In South Carolina, the owners of We Took to the Woods create candles to match your mood — and packaging to complement your Buckhead condo or beach getaway.
The company: We Took to the Woods, based in Greenville, S.C., started as a holiday pop-up shop in 2011. The retail shop, with its upscale country store vibe, now offers home goods, accessories and gifts inspired by the changing seasons. Three years ago, the company started its own candle line.
The founders: Mary and James Campbell, Nancee Lee Yearick (Mary’s mom) and Denise Corey, a family friend.
The goods: Hand-poured, soy wax candles in nine, year-round subtle scents. Packaging options include glass (black, green or clear) or woodsy bark. Prices are $40-$94, depending on the size and packaging.
Best-sellers: “Gumboots for Winter”; “In the Glen”; “Whiskey River”; and “Blue Jeans, White Shirt.”
Valentine favorite: “Love in the Afternoon.”
Claim to fame: A runner-up in Garden & Gun’s 2015 Made in the South Awards.
Where to pick up the scent: www.wetooktothewoods.com. In the Atlanta area, find the candles at the BuzziBoutique, 1170 Howell Mill Road (BuzziBoutique on Facebook), and Boxwood Gardens & Gifts, 100 E. Andrews Drive (https://boxwoodsonline.com).