Jewel Tone Treasuries + Shopping Small

I was inspired to start a bundle of jewel tone treasuries as a result of my recent Emerald Treasury Post, plus I love spending wasting time being creative and with many millions of projects going on at once,...what's the harm in just one more? So, I have been perusing Etsy lately in a calculated and categorized way. Looking back at my favorites on Etsy is like looking at my closet -  color coordinated! Yup, I am "that girl" who has her clothes hung in color order. Admittedly crazy, but it just makes sense to me that way. I digress, so....I have been collecting jewel toned favorites and creating treasuries out of the lovely and talented artists and curators on Etsy. It has been a fun way to explore and hopefully help people get more traffic to their sites. I can justify the time spent as a little public service that I am providing during this holiday season; hopefully it will increase sales for these talented people as we roll into the holiday season. 

So here are a few to start...(If I did all of the jewels out there, I wouldn't be making any money actually working!) 

July's Birthstone: RUBY 
      

(Direct links to the listings of the product images above) 

Septembers Birthstone: SAPPHIRE 
      

(Direct links to the listings of the product images above) 

Novembers Birthstone: TOPAZ 
  

(Direct links to the listings of the product images above) 

I have a check list on my desk with the images of other jewel tones to continue my recent obsession with all things jewel tone, so stay tuned. Enjoy the wonderful creations of these talented artists and curators and remember during this holiday season to shop local and shop small whenever possible. 'Tis the season to spread the love! 

Cheers, 

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT: Alison Evans Ceramics

This post holds a special place in my heart, because these beautiful creations are from my good friend Alison Evans. Alison is the owner and creator of Alison Evans Ceramics and the Alison Evans Gallery in Yarmouth, Maine.

Her work has been featured in a variety of publications(such as House Beautiful http://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/best-stores/hazelnut-new-orleans-0608?click=main_sr, Bon Appetit, Food&Wine, The New York Times...just to name a few!!), at stores throughout the US, and at many of my very own dinner parties! Her pieces are functional and inspired by the sea, so they definitely have a niche here in Maine. My husband & I are building our AE Ceramics collection in the porcelain white finish shown below, but she has some uniquely beautiful glazes available as well. Check out her website for more of her pieces and finishes http://www.aeceramics.com/ .

My husband, Anthony, works for Alison, so I snapped some quick pictures recently of the studio while he was unloading the kiln.
Not only are her pieces gorgeous, but her studio space is very cool; with a display space in the front and the working pottery studio in the back. They stacked Expedit shelving by IKEA http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30147736 to the 12 foot ceilings, which work wonderfully to display Alison's pieces as well as a divider between the gallery and the work space.

Check her stuff out online or in person, you will be glad you did. In the mean time, I will keep bragging about my friend Alison and her wonderful work! Cheers!