A Alicia Handmade Accessories

Are you all sick and tired of hearing about me? Good, me too.

You may remember my post about A Alicia‘s awesome felt flowers a while back, and as it continues to be one of the most popular posts I’ve written, I thought I’d catch up with Anna and see what she’s up to these days.

Turns out, she’s just released a new collection with the idea of taking a simple material—wool made from organic fair trade cotton—and making something wonderful! Citing inspirations ranging from Victorian lace collars, Japanese fabric craft and 1970s macrame, these lovely wool pieces are just the thing for your fall wardrobe!

Gold & Citrus

I just got my  latest Harper’s Bazaar (thank you, address forwarding). The pages were filled with fantastic metallic pieces that are heavier for fall. Then I came back to my computer and logged on to etsy to see — what else? — fashion-forward gold necklaces!

Gold & Citrus is the online storefront for Sara Rossbach from San Francisco. I love the way “Mandarin” (above) has a shape similar to the ever-present bib necklaces but is lighter and full of movement.

Of her work, Sara says, “If I had to pick one word that my jewelry is about, or inspired by, I would say versatility. For some of the pieces this means that it can be worn with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to a cocktail dress, while others take the concept of versatility even a step further and can be worn in multiple positions. My “scarf necklaces” [above], can be worn at least 4 different ways. You can drape them, toss one end over your shoulder, tie them, knot them… whatever! It’s all about options, and being creative.”

Keys

Tiffany & Co. key necklaces
Tiffany & Co. key necklaces

I can’t get enough of Tiffany & Co.‘s new collection of vintage-looking key necklaces. They’re just so chic and classic . . . and expensive. Until I can afford the real thing, I found a number of affordable handmade alternatives. While they may not be fine jewelry, add a chain and they’re just as chic.

Laser-cut painted wood keys made by Pork Shop Show.

Vintage metal keys available at Tiny Minds.

Skeleton Key necklace from Tenielle Design.

Driftless Studio

Anne Connor with her award-winning Boy Band
Anne Connor with her award-winning "Boy Band" photograph

622 press cards are now carried at Driftless Studio, which is owned and operated by Anne Connor. Anne is an amazing nature photographer, and the gallery exhibits much of her work as well as that of local and international artists. The shop carries everything from hand-woven rugs to unique jewelry to handmade crayons, and of course Anne’s photography graces coasters, mousepads, canvases and more.

She picked up my vintage owl notecard, plum and silver feathers note card and two colorways of my gone to seed note card. Driftless Studio is located at 2981 Cahill Main in Fitchburg, just behind The Great Dane on Fish Hatchery Rd.

Books and Brew, a delightful coffee shop in my hometown of Milton, WI, also decided to carry my cards full time. They picked up a few holiday designs last year, and the new owner Carla ordered a few of almost all of my notecard designs as well as one of each of the limited edition prints. She’s doing some really exciting things with the store including an expanded menu and earlier hours and giving the whole shop a facelift.

Miltons Old Junction Mill
Milton's Old Junction Mill

Books and Brew is located at 613 W. Madison Ave., in Milton’s recently restored Old Junction Mill, which is also home to The Red Rooster and Peddlar’s Loft. If you’re in the area you should definitely make a point to stop by!

Shop Local: St. Louis

Full of little shops and restaurants and seemingly very supportive of the handmade scene, St. Louis is on my short list of cities to explore. In the meantime, here are a few of the talented folks who make the city their home.

Wallpaper Patterned Scarf from the Bungaloo
Wallpaper Patterned Scarf from the Bungaloo

The Bungaloo is a screenprinting studio plastering everything from tee shirts to journals with its intricate and beautiful designs. Each piece is screenprinted by hand and totally fantastic!

Rosemary Mint Soap from Bella Luna
Rosemary Mint Soap from Bella Luna

Bella Luna‘s etsy shop boasts a bevy of pampering goods — from candles to lotion and soaps. Owner Shannon began making soap as a gentle cleansing alternative for her children who suffer from eczema and has branched out from there!

Mr Owlie - Brass Owl Pendant Wearing Monocle Steampunk Necklace by INdosteam
Mr Owlie - Brass Owl Pendant Wearing Monocle Steampunk Necklace by INdosteam

INdosteam is full of jewelry made from bits and pieces found at flea markets and vintage shops. The designs are inspired by the steampunk movement with an asian influence. I love this little owl!