hey y’all! i want to share a project that is happening right now that i think is important for the austin creative environment. take a second to check out Citygram, a new publication that i am super excited about and think is important to support!

their kickstarter project is going on RIGHT NOW and is worth your consideration! let’s make this happen!

there are so many creative forces behind this online publication, and i am convinced it is going to be a fresh and innovative voice for the Austin cultural scene. seriously, look who’s involved…

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West Elm,Camille Styles & Etsy: The Trifecta of Awesome

So, coming up soon, we’ll be participating in what is sure to be an amazing pop up shop over at West Elm! Austin’s own Camille Styles, a maven of things beautiful and creative, has hand picked some of her favorite local Etsy sellers to come together for an afternoon of fun.

We were thrilled to be asked, and can’t wait to display our jewelry in the beautiful room settings of the Austin West Elm store. Not to mention the company we’ll be keeping—they’re not just Camille’s favorite sellers…

Check out more after the jump…

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hey! brooklynites! check it out…

one of our favorite boutiques, Milly & Earl, is having their one year anniversary party this Sunday! if we were in town, we would totally be there—-that crew is sure to have a kick butt party!

go help them celebrate! and tell them we said hi!

my new favorite earrings

i just wanted to send a little shout out to Mel over at Isobell—-she is making such lovely jewelry! billy bought me a pair of her small, hammered triangle earrings for christmas, and i wore them every day.

until christine’s bachelorette party happened, and i lost one. noooooooo! 

thankfully mel was able to send me a replacement (along with another pair, this time circles!) and i just had to share her work with you. i put the triangles in as soon as i was done taking photos, and i will definitely be taking more care not to lose one this time.

thank you so much, Mel, for being so rad! i love your work, and hope to see you again soon, in person.

6 degrees of everyone i know!

i love reading about people i know. then when they’re working with other people i know, that’s even better! then, when the people that the people i know know each other, it’s a flippin’ love fest up in here! that’s how i felt reading Chris Perez’ article about a Crafted Collaboration.

it all began at last year’s East Austin Studio Tour, when Chris, a contributing writer to Apartment Therapy (which I used to do, as well) was inspired by the work of Sophie Roach. he conjured up the idea to have an illustration of hers laser etched at MakeATX on to something like Natalie Davis’s Canoe Vortex Wallet. it was a brilliant idea.

i’ve loved Sophie’s work since I met her at Schatzelein’s 2nd anniversary party, and Natalie’s leather goods are beautiful. the two ladies at MakeATX and their giant laser is are insanely inspirational as well. all of these ladies are amazing makers here in Austin, and Chris came up with a fantastic idea in this wallet!

this is why I love Austin. there is no end to the creativity that you’ll find, and folks are ready to work together at the drop of a hat! or a wallet… go check out the rest of the post, and a super cool video of the process at Chris’ blog, MetropoChris!

que bellisimo!

chelsea, from Coterie Market, is blowing us away with her amazingness. not only do we love her local goods delivery service, but she is hitting all of the right notes in seemingly every aspect of her business. she couldn’t be any nicer, and she keeps amazing us with things like this gorgeous promotional video. 

and super big props to Christian Remde for this beautiful short film! we want one!!!

get it, girl!

2013, you’ve got big shoes to fill!

as we move into this new, fresh year, we are reflecting on the ways in which our lives and business have grown in the year preceding. what an amazing year we had, with such monumental personal milestones. we wanted to share some of the highlights of 2012…

more after the jump…

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SASSY BRASS GIFTS

Clearly, we have a love for brass. But apparently we’re not the only ones! Caitlin has put together a gift guide full of sassy gifts in our favorite metal. Take a look at how other craftspeople are using brass in their creative endeavors with her picks!

1. Brass is a wonderful backdrop for some lively color, and Son of a Sailor’s jewelry collection is full of just that. I’m a big fan of the Altair’s shield-like shape, and will surely make any lady feel extra warrior like. It has a great shape and design, managing to keep it simple, but not boring. Plus, who doesn’t love a little brass bling? $50
2. Speaking of brass bling, let’s talk about Stone & Honey. Her new Arcos collection is full of wonderful brass shapes and contrasting linen thread. And boy, I am a sucker for contrasts. The Polis bracelet is great bling to add to a special someones collection. $117
3. As someone who spends a lot of time measuring and cutting, reliability is a must. And brass is great at that….you know this ruler won’t bend out of shape, and those scissors will give you some serious cutting heft. Brass is also nice to look at, and most rulers and scissors are not. $36 from Best Made and $14-29 from West Elm
4. Know someone who deserves a metal for all that they do? Then snatch up one of these vintage inspired hero medals from Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. No dinky ribbons here, just pure solid brass on some nice looking ribbon. They would make a great stocking stuffer for a hero of any age. $20
5. Like every good hip kid, I have a soft spot for animals, especially woodland animals made out of brass. These cute little guys are not only impeccably designed with their polished accents and black patina, but they also pack a historical and collectible punch. Walter Bosse started designing these miniatures in the late 1940s and today they are reintroduced in a licensed reissue. $45
6. There’s something about a little extra weight in your hand that makes cracking open a cold one that much more satisfying. But no need for one of those bartender bottle openers, with the rubber handle and all. Instead, spring for one of these brass lovelies, which are pretty enough to leave on the counter and not in the draw. The other upside? They’d be a great gift for any beer lover in your life, guy or gal. $46-68 from Spartan

GIFTS FOR YOUR SISTER
(a.k.a things your really want to get for yourself and plan on stealing right back from her soon enough)

This is the perfect theme for Teresa from Stone & Honey because, trust me, as soon as you meet her you want her to be your sister. You’d even be fine with her stealing all of your awesome stuff! She’s got style coming out of her ears, and I would even venture to call her a tastemaker. Check out these obsession-worthy finds from a pretty neat lady. 

1. BOET Jewelryby Emily Bixler. I am completely and totally smitten and obsessed with Emily Bixler’s beautiful sculptural pieces. there’s just something so soothing about her clean geometric shapes crocheted in cotton with vintage brass chain. I don’t know if there’s some magical mathematical formula about the proportion or something that gets me, but something is working here. I could stare at these all day. 
2. Shibori Pillows from Folk Fibers. I was introduced to Maura Ambrose’s beautiful work via Natalie & Abby from Feliz, and have been in awe of her ever since. Every detail of Maura’s work is absolutely stunning. I got to see all of these pillows stacked up in person at Feliz last month, and it was painful not to be able to take them all home with me. It is now my sole mission in life to have about a half dozen of these stacked up on my bed. So beautiful! about $125
3. Fragrances from OLO Fragrances can be a tricky gift, but you really can’t go wrong with anything from OLO. I’ve been wearing Dark Wave and it’s the perfect warm & woodsy scent for winter. I am not kidding when I say that strangers stop me on the street and tell me that I smell good when I wear this stuff. Her newest scent, Toji, is my new favorite. It’s meant to evoke the scent of the winter solstice yuzu baths in Japan, and it’s amazing how it does just that.  I like to put it on before bed and let the scent carry me off to sleep.  $45
4. Golden Protective Hand Bracelet from Kaye Blegvad.I don’t know what it is about this particular piece that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but it just feels super dreamy. Like those little arms would indeed wrap right around you and keep you safe. $76
5. Ceramic Jars by Ben Fiess at Gretel Home. 
   I love the color combos and beautiful glazes on these magical jars by Ben Fiess. And how all of those pieces are held together with that contrasting rubber band? Perfection. $80-100
6. Sculptural rope baskets and totes by Doug Johnson. I love the stitching detail and feel on these hand sewn baskets. I like knowing that they are flexible and I think they would feel great in your hands. This tote is a beautiful take on an everyday staple, but there are a wide variety of both simple and complex shapes to choose from. $48-400

prismatic 2013 calendar

chelsey dyer is behind the annual astrology wall calendar that i absolutely cannot not own. every year the calendar gets better and i can’t wait to get my hands on it! this year might be my favorite—although i’ve said that all three years!

this year, each month has its own page, and there are a few new details that put a smile on my face! can’t wait to put next year’s up on the wall. i just wish i didn’t have to take last year’s down!

GIFTS FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE!

Did you ever wish that you could have your favorite Austin-made items delivered right to your door? Well, Chelsea Staires has made your wishes come true. This fall, she launched Coterie Market, an online boutique stocked full of artisanal foods, handmade goods, and otherwise amazing items sourced from our fair city. Go! Sign up for the newsletter! Check out the many amazing items that you can have Chelsea bring right to you. And, in the meantime, she’s applied her awesome curatorial skills to a list of gifts to buy for the men in your life…

1. Your guy will crack up at this stocking stuffer- lump of coal soap from Latika. Just goofy enough that he’ll actually use it. Bonus is that it’s high-quality, moisturizing ingredients make it soap you woud have bought for yourself. $7.90
2. Dudes are sometimes obstinate about caring for themselves. Make it easy on the man in your life to sooth and heal his damaged skin with this easy-to-hide tin of all-natural salve from master herbalist Ginger Webb. Available at Coterie Market. $10
3. We usually imagine gifted wallets as large, flashy things. Consider doing him a favor and going the opposite route with Noah Marion’s rustic, yet sophisticated, sleek card case- just enough room for cash and a few cards. He will thank you. Available at Coterie Market. $45
4. This easy to wear leather accessory from Son of a Sailor looks especially great with long-sleeve sweaters and winter boots. I like to think of the two beautiful leather tones snuggled together as a love note to your man. Available at Coterie Market. $25
5. In my opinion, any boyfriend, husband, brother, son, uncle, or dad just can’t have too many of these. Criquet’s organic cotton polos are uniquely designed and go with everything from swim trunks to suit pants. Available in many awesome colors. Available at Coterie Market. $75
6. Get your guy a beautiful, locally hand-crafted beer stein from Rhyno Clayworks. Classic. He’ll really enjoy saying “beer stein” to anyone who comments on it. $26
7. Every man (and woman) will secretly scarf down this stunningly delicious chocolate bar filled with expertly salted handmade caramel from Steve Lawrence. My personal favorite flavor. Available at Coterie Market. $10
8. Did your fellow just move? Need some very hip, engaging wall art? Even an art collector? Consider this limited edition geo print from Alyson Fox. Available in six colors at Coterie Market. I love the black simply framed as a gift for any gentleman. $35
9. There’s something very nostalgic about giving a man a beautiful pocket knife. The hard part is knowing which on to give. Natalie Davis made it a no-brainer for us with her heirloom quality, hand wood burned French Opinel knives, with safety open and close. Available at Coterie Market. $38

24 merry days!

the season is upon us! we’ve got lists of gifts to buy, holiday decorating to do, and lots of meals to make! what better than a one-stop shop for 24 of the most inspirational blogs for home decor, food, fashion, DIY, and all around amazing lifestyle inspiration? i’ll tell you what’s better. each one of these blogs is hosting a giveaway of an awesome gift. every day for 24 days!

we’re honored to be one of the giveaway sponsors (keep your eye out for our day!) and are excited to keeping up with the whole month of goodness!

Audrey from This Little Street is pretty much the best ever for putting 24 Merry Days together! thanks to her for creating such an awesome holiday go-to!

get your butt over there! just two more days until this advent calendar-style blogstravaganza begins!

i love my job.

alright, so it’s 11:20pm, and billy and i are sitting in the studio making jewelry. i’ve just finished my first glass of wine and he is about to pour himself one.

i just wanted to take a minute to express how grateful i am that this is my job. that billy and i get to sit side by side, making jewelry that we designed—that, apparently, people like, is pretty amazing.

billy & i when we first began son of a sailor, may 2011

in this moment, i hope that we can make this endeavor, that we began almost exactly a year and a half ago, one that can sustain us. if we’re able to achieve that, i can’t begin to say how amazing i think it would be.

i am very thankful for my husband and the job we get to do together.

(and that’s all just with one glass of wine…i will not be allowing myself to post anything else for the remainder of the weekend!)

GIFTS FOR ROUGHING IT!

Telle + Rex from Iswas + Willbe are one of the most inspirational jewelry designers we know. The photography of their jewelry alone is worthy of framing and hanging on the wall! Taking to the open road has inspired this week’s gift guide, and we’re loving their choices.

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Maintaining a mobile lifestyle is all about finding the perfect accessories to ensure that your trips are enjoyable! Peruse our travel-inspired gift guide to find out what picks we never leave home without.

1. Helen Hoover book  Helen Hoover was a celebrated chemist in Chicago before she made a drastic move with her husband to the remote woods of Northern Minnesota—in 1954. Her journey from civilized city-dweller to isolated land-owner inspired several books written in a beautifully unbiased voice. She manages an admirable coexistence with the natural world around her, even going as far as befriending the woodland animals that frequent her property. Her books present a simple, rustic life in the woods, and her stories will inspire those who long to feel a connection to the natural world around them. $16.95
2. Wide Mouth Mason Jars  Ok, I am obsessed with mason jars; I find new uses for these things *all* the time. From salads to hot tea to homemade beauty products, these guys don’t disappoint. Sure, they’re more fragile, heavier and don’t hold temperatures like their modern counterparts, but I find their lack of modern convenience refreshing--keep it simple, stupid. Plus, they have what really counts: they don’t absorb odors or leach toxic chemicals, come in a bajillion different sizes, and are surprisingly inexpensive. $13.99 for 12
3. Shelter Bag  Anyone who likes to wander knows how imperative it is to pack the essentials for a successful day of adventure. Storing my daily accoutrement in a beautifully handmade bag from Asheville-based Shelter adds the perfect sense of romance to the journey. Their attention to detail and their blend of dreamy and pragmatic design give these bags a keen sense of balance. Plus, the people of Shelter are seriously awesome, and who doesn’t want to buy beautiful stuff from good people? $169
4. ENO Hammock Double Nest  Though admittedly they do make it look easier than reality to fit two adults into their double-wide hammock, we’re here to tell you that it is most definitely possible to get cozy in one of these awesome rigs. Durable, lightweight, and available with a variety of awesome accessories—like rain flys and string lights—ENO, also based in Asheville, NC, offers a practical travelling accessory to satisfy those of us who appreciate the relaxed simplicity that only a hammock can provide. $64.95
5. Best Made Steel Knife  A well-stocked kitchen needs only two knives: a paring knife for small jobs, and a nice, big chef knife. I never really loved a knife until we bought this Japanese white steel knife from Best Made Co. It is by far the sharpest piece of metal I’ve ever used, is forged in the high-quality heritage tradition of Japanese knife-making, and slices effortlessly through thick potatoes, crusty loaves of bread, and just about anything else we can get our hands on to test its abilities. $85
6. Pendleton Blanket  Based in Portland, OR, Pendleton Mills is well-known for quality woolen goods, dating back to its start in 1863. We love the classic Americana-style pattern of this domestically made blanket; it makes a perfect ground cover for sunny days of picnics and keeps even the coldest of toes toasty warm when the nights grow cold. This is a hardy blanket; hang on to it and pass it down to the next generation! $228

MODERN GEOMETRIC GOODNESS

Leonora from Yellow Heart Art is the perfect storm of creativity, humor, and energy. Her personality shines through everything she does, and that often comes in the form of bold color, geometric shapes, and playful design! Here are her favorite finds full of all of those things!

1. Sure, you can drink coffee out of that All State Insurance mug you got for free when you signed up with them, OR you can drink out of this beauty. When I think mugs I think of dads sitting at the kitchen table at 8am in their tighty whities sipping out of some lame-o “best dad evah” mug. But this mug? This changes everything. Who knew mugs could be swoon worthy! $16
2. There are so many iPhone cases on the market, but there are a few that actually make me go “dayum girl I gots to have that!”. It’s modern, sleek and well all around awesome. $18
3. Ok, hear me out. I was so anti this whole new antler trend. It kinda creeped me out, I thought people were going around herding deer and ripping off their poor antlers. Little miss city girl over here had no clue that deers actually shed their antlers naturally (hey, no judgment, home girl is from NY ok?) so when I found out that important piece of information that instantly became a game changer. I love how the shop, The Painted Antler, “girled up” these antlers and made them sleek, modern and stylish. It would never occur to me to paint an antler. I absolutely love it and can see all my SOS jewelry being hung from it! $64
4. Whenever I wear “everyday” jewelry I always go simple and modern. These triangles are just the right amount of “statement” with out being over bearing. I love how you can add a tiny pop of color to your ears. $12
5. I own a Krust bag and let me tell you, homegirl has talent. The bag is stitched so perfectly you would think you bought it at a coach store or something. I love how she doesn’t just take pre made fabric and bust out a bag, she actually takes the time to create her own shapes and patterns by cutting up the fabric and stitching it back together. I’ll take one of everything please. $50
6. Spoiler alert: I own so much son of a sailor swag. 2 necklaces and 2 bracelets (and even more added to my christmas list) (do you hear me santa? don’t make me make any threats) (just give me my SOS and your cookies will go untainted) I had the opportunity to meet Jessica at Renegade Craft Fair over the summer and shes super sweet and amazing! You can tell her and her husband put so much work into their craft, and it shows. The quality is superb and I always get asked “guuuurl where did you get that necklace?!” every time I wear it. They are great for layering (Since they are perfectly dainty!) or wear by itself. They are my go-to necklaces. $30