A jewelry designer out of Boulder, Colorado, Leslie Chandler works under the moniker Flow Designs and creates stunning pieces that reference nature. Among my favorites in her current etsy shop are the stunning gold and freshwater pearl Cascade Grande earrings that I would love to wear on New Year’s Eve and the Avalon necklace that I can only imagine would throw little sparkles of light everywhere. Leslie’s work is delicate and interesting and each of her pieces is unique.
Thanks to Dawn, who left a comment asking for help finding gifts for her eleven-year-old daughter who is obsessed with all things peace. I remember this middle school phase, in which “Peace, Love and Happiness” was the coolest saying ever and the ’70’s were like, totally awesome. While I have a lot less self-doubt these days, I still think peace, love and happiness are pretty great, so here you go, Dawn:
Lavander Peace Sign Earrings for Sensitive Ears from pink dotties
Vintage Scrabble Tile Dictionary Word Pendant Necklace from dlk designs
Triple Peace Sign Distressed Tshirt from 2 Dish Designs
Sterling Silver Love and Peace Earrings from Bead Designs by Ellen
Promote Peace bracelet on hemp by bella chicks
Good luck deciding! I love them all — gotta go for that t-shirt for sure, it’s so unique!
If you would like suggestions for handmade gifts, leave a comment and I’ll do my best!
Topping my Christmas wish list this year are these gorgeous rings by Emily of Tre Anelli. Sold as a set, these individual silver rings feature bezel set iolite, amethyst and gray moonstone. I love the subtlety of this combination of purples and grey, but she has a variety of color combinations to suite any taste.
I’m sitting in a room at the Sheraton in the middle of downtown Iowa City, and I think I’m falling in love. Don’t worry, I’m not going to get all sappy on you, I’ve just spent the last two days exploring this fantastic city!
Surrounding our hotel is block after block of adorable boutiques and restaurants.I particularly love the Capanna coffee and gelato shop which shares its location with The Wedge Pizzeria. Our first night in town, we grabbed a quick slice at The Wedge — which was nothing special — but the next morning, I got a latte from Capanna (not bad!) and some of the best eggs benedict I’ve ever had from The Wedge. In place of a heavy hollandaise, they top off a perfectly poached egg with a lovely lemon herb cream sauce — so good!
I spent the rest of the morning shopping and made sure to stop by RSVP — an amazing stationery and paper shop. The clerk was incredibly friendly and we got to talking about letterpress and all the wonderful pieces they have. I also stopped by Iowa Artisans Gallery, which sells pieces by local and national artists, including one of my favorite Madison ceramicists. On the way back, I swung by the mall which houses a nice variety of stores for being so small — University book store, a cute imports shop where I got some great handmade scarves, Express which has the cutest New Years’ dresses, and a giant Dick Blick that I spent almost an hour in!
Anyway, if you happen to be in the area, take a half a day at the very least to walk around Iowa City’s downtown and enjoy the great things it offers!
These gorgeous silicone rubber jewelry pieces are from Jessica at Nervous System. I love the incredible movement they capture and that they’re made from such an unexpected material. For those who think jewelry ought to be a bit more precious, she also works in metals, like the stainless steel branch earrings below.
622 press | LETTERPRESS GOODS MADE BY HAND 