Issues → September 2006 → Feature Stories →
New England's Finest: Jewelry, Totes, Pillows
Here are some of our must-haves for fall
by Katrina A. Yeager
Sail Away
Maine natives Hannah Kubiak and Beth Shissler have created an innovative recycling program -- turning retired sails into hip tote bags. "We like the ones where you can taste the salt on the outside," says Beth. Sea Bags, sewn in Portland, Maine, can weather rough handling, thanks to the extremely durable fabric and hand-spliced rope handles. This makes them a good carryall for the gym, the market, the beach, downtown, or around campus. $75-$110. 207-780-0744. seabags.com
Princess Charming
For something whimsical and playful, choose this sterling-silver toggle charm bracelet by Emily Rosenfeld. A heart, a star of David, a flower, a dove, or a contemporary Chai (a Judaic symbol meaning "life") dances from the wrist. The detail is on both the front and back of the charm, and each piece is signed. Made in Florence, Massachusetts. $52. 413-584-8162. emilyrosenfeld.com
Performance Adornment
Diana Hall of Rumford, Rhode Island, is a sailor, jeweler, and daughter of a carbon-fiber mast maker. Now she turns carbon fiber into pendants, bracelets, rings, earrings, and cuff links. Our favorite is this round pendant ($130), trimmed and backed by sterling silver and hung on a snake chain or neck wire. A big seller is the men's wedding band, edged with gold, silver, or platinum. For many, it's the material itself that is the appeal, says Diana, "especially for the guys who do stuff that uses carbon fiber -- biking, motorcycles, sailing." Contact Diana at 401-965-0391 or visit dianahalljewelry.com. Available also through Blink Gallery in Newport: 401-847-4255, blinkgalleryusa.com.
Blowin' in the Wind
The answer, my friend, is a wind chime by Goose Rocks Designs. Each stained-glass mobile not only delights the ears with its lyrical sound, but also pleases the eyes. Choose from 62 models, ranging from contemporary designs (named after Maine locations) to New England icons such as sailboats and trees. Pictured is Baxter ($69), one of the Arundel, Maine, company's best sellers. 800-781-2575, 207-985-7230. gooserocksdesigns.com
Ready, Set ... Smile!
There's only one problem with choosing Pulp's handmade albums and scrapbooks -- trying not to order too much. A collection of 55 fabrics livens everything from brag books to scrapbooks to memory boards. Our first love is the bound photo album ($30, pictured at front) with archival-quality slip-in sleeves, space for captions, a button and ribbon closure, and an optional photo window on the cover. Also shown here is the binder-style album ($30), to which you can easily add pages. Made in Torrington, Connecticut. 800-516-7857, 860-496-1448. pulppaperproducts.com
Ticking with a Twist
In designer Drew Ann Dunigan's childhood, ticking was the basic bedcovering at camp. Now she has cleverly taken the ubiquitous stripes and dressed them up as trim on throw pillows. This 18-inch-square durable cotton pillow ($50) is perfect for the cottage or guest room. Available in five colors from Chandler 4 Corners in Manchester Center, Vermont, where you'll find lots of wonderful home decor. 800-239-5137, 802-362-7027. chandler4corners.com
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