Just add fire
Steve Schoettle grew up on St. Simons Island and has worked there for most of his life. Over the years, the artist-turned-contractor-and-metalsmith has built high-end homes, custom furniture and lighting. But now the Georgia craftsman is fired up about a new project.
The company: Sea Island Forge, founded this year, is located on St. Simons Island. The small, family-owned company designs and creates a variety of lifestyle products, including its heirloom-quality fire kettle (and stand) with a custom boot rail.
The founders: Steve Schoettle and his wife, Sandy, also an artist.
What's hot: The Sea Island Forge Fire Kettle and stand ($1,025) and the Black Banks Oyster Knife ($80). The hand-forged oyster knife was designed by master metal worker Randy Whisenant.
Other favorites: Griddle Top ($375) and hand-forged fire poker ($110).
Where to buy: For information, look for Sea Island Forge at facebook.com. In the Atlanta area, check out the fire kettles at the Preserving Place, 1170 Howell Mill Road, in the Westside Provisions District (www.preservingplace.com).
Silver and bold
Atlanta’s Susan Toole has always been attracted to color. And it shows in her bold, modern jewelry.
Background: Despite coming from an artistic family and having worked in nearly every media (fiber, paint, clay), Toole spent more than 40 years in the corporate world as an HR executive. Several years ago, she took an interest in making jewelry and signed up for metalsmithing classes. At age 55, when her corporate position was eliminated, Toole found a new focus.
The company: In 2012, Toole opened Brimstone Studio Atlanta, where the silversmith and jewelry designer makes colorful jewelry, including the chains and clasps.
The goods: Earrings and rings ($18-$75), chain, cuff and wrap bracelets ($55-$145), pendants, plus small and large bib necklaces ($45-$245).
Materials: Sterling and fine silver, resin and gemstones. Toole uses a unique resin process that allows the light to shine through the resin, striking the silver and making the colors glow.
What's popular: The Garden City Bib necklace, which her son helped design. Toole offers it in bright and oxidized silver — and in different sizes ($95-$150). Her personal favorites are the large bib necklaces, which allow her to use the most color and pattern.
Fun request: An interior designer asked Toole to design a silver key fob that she could give to special clients as a holiday gift. Toole created a silver fob in the shape of a house that was filled with resin in her logo colors.
Big break: Toole won first place at her first outdoor art festival (the 2014 Spring Festival on Ponce) in Atlanta. It was only the second art show she had ever done.
Where to buy: www.BrimstoneStudioAtl.etsy.com. In the Atlanta area, find at jewelry at the Beehive, 1250 Caroline St. N.E. (thebeehiveatl.com).
Stock the bar
Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson are longtime friends who met at the University of Georgia. The Georgia natives also share a passion for whiskey. Not only for drinking it, but creating it.
The company: American Spirit Whiskey (ASW) was founded by Chasteen and Thompson in 2011 in Atlanta. The product is currently produced in North Charleston, S.C., but is on its way home to Atlanta.
The name: "American" is a patriotic nod, and "Spirit Whiskey" is a type of distilled spirit that falls under the whiskey class just like bourbon, rye and scotch.
The goods: In its sleek bottle, ASW retails for about $30 a bottle.
How to drink it: As a moderate and mixable white whiskey, it can be served simply neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of good ginger beer. It also makes an excellent screwdriver or bloody mary (in lieu of vodka). For recipes: http://asw.americanspiritwhiskey.com/Recipes
What's new: Thompson and Chasteen are opening American Spirit Works, which will house the brand's distillery and barrel storage, at 199 Armour Drive in Atlanta, near SweetWater Brewing. The building will also include an event space operated by Novare Events.
Where to buy: http://asw.americanspiritwhiskey.com. In the Atlanta area, find it at Green's and Tower beverage stores.
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 send your suggestions to: lljerkins@gmail.com. Also find more Southern-made products, featured in the AJC, at Southernfinds on Facebook or Twitter @southernfinds1.
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