Makers of the South – Home Goods

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Photo Credit: Rough Southern Home

These days it’s hard to find home décor and furniture made in the U.S, let alone in your region. But over the past few years, makers and designers specializing in lighting, furniture and home accessories are popping up all over the South. Not only are they regionally made, they are all handcrafted using the highest quality of materials and the designs are exquisite.

Here are 8 Southern companies that are making waves in the home décor industry:

1. Holler Design: Home furnishings inspired and designed from traditions of the “South” with a modern, clean-line aesthetic. Each piece is locally sourced, designed and handcrafted on the family dairy farm of designer, Matt Alexander, in Tennessee.

Where in the South? Lascassas, TN

Favorite Home Goods? Beam Stool

Holler Design_Beam Stool

2. Alabama Chanin: Founder Natalie Chanin, is a former NYC stylist, who left New York to return to her southern roots in Alabama. She now runs a textile manufacturing company, a café, a community center and is world-renowned fashion designer, textile designer and author. And! When she’s not too busy, she’s designing home goods that have the same richness as her textile lines. Decadent and yet, delightfully simple.

Where in the South? Florence, AL

Favorite Home Goods? Grapefruit + Watercress Candle and Facets Stripe Pillow

Alabama Chanin_Candle-horz
3. Southern Lights Electric: Vintage-industrial inspired light fixtures handcrafted by designer Adam Gatchel. Adam uses a combination of old and new techniques, as well as materials. His work can be seen in numerous restaurants and hotels across the country, including local establishments Pinewood Social, Barista Parlor, and Rolf & Daughters.

Where in the South? Nashville, TN

Favorite Home Goods? The Sputnik

SouthernLightsElectric_Sputnik Light

4. Garza Marfa: Minimal, modern furniture with a subtle southwestern vibe. Designers, Jamey and Constance Garza, moved from LA to the creative Texan town Marfa and began designing contemporary furniture with leather and steel. Their designs are inspired from their surroundings of the high plains desert of the Trans-Pecos.

Where in the South? Marfa, TX

Favorite Home Goods? Saddle Leather Round Chair and Saddle Leather Cot

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5. Rough South Home: A collection of handmade and one of a kind modern-rustic furniture, lighting and home accessories made from repurposed industrial finds. He has recently added small batch collections of tables and chairs made from local hardwoods and salvaged metals. Clark Titus is all about giving objects a second chance and designing furnishings that make a strong statement.

Where in the South? Atlanta, GA

Favorite Home Goods? Pullman Chair and Warehouse Light on Rope

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6. Ann Ladson: Ann Ladson has been working with her hands for as long as she can remember. As a pastry chef, audio engineer, floral designer and metal worker, Ann has had a fascination of the material exploration of art and science. She designs jewelry, hardware, vessels and utensils – all made by hand with impeccable craftsmanship. Ladson has a beautiful understanding of composition, form and finish.

Where in the South? Charleston, SC

Favorite Home Goods? Brass Finishing Spoon

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7. Moran Woodworked: A furniture company that cares about their environmental impact, as much as the design of each piece they create. They are committed to responsible selection of materials and a modern approach to design. Michael James Moran and Celia Gibson are interested in the balance of form and function, and honoring the natural beauty of wood through high quality craftsmanship.

Where in the South? Charleston, SC

Favorite Home Goods? Charred Conical Lamp

Moran Woodworked_Charred Conical Lamp

8. South of Urban: Modern, sustainable furniture designed by local designers in Atlanta. Most of the materials used are salvaged, reclaimed, and recycled. The rest of the materials are eco-conscious and within close proximity of the city. The furniture collections have a minimal, mid-century aesthetic.

Where in the South? Atlanta, GA

Favorite Home Goods? 1301 Z Lounger

 

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Andra Eggleston – The Storyteller

Top Post Photo_Andra Eggleston
As I enter into the alluring Wilder boutique, I am mesmerized by each piece of art that has been hand-selected by owners Josh and Ivy Elrod. The space is deliberately minimal, well curated and full of unexpected finds from around the globe. I am meeting Andra Eggleston, a talented textile designer who happens to be the daughter of the legendary photographer William Eggleston.

Andra is a strikingly beautiful woman, like someone out of a French painting. She’s wearing a vintage-style black dress with electric blue piping from Paris. The warmth in her smile and the depth in her eyes are quite enchanting. I know this is going to be one of those interviews where I will leave with so much more than what I came in with.

Andra is debuting her textile line, Electra Eggleston: William Eggleston I Collection at Wilder on April 18th. The vibrant collection is derived from her father’s drawings that he had been creating since he was a child. She has carefully reworked the patterns, playing with color and scale, and then printed them onto beautiful Belgian linen and cotton. The fabrics are vivid and intoxicating, very much like William Eggleston’s photography, but uniquely Andra.

Wilder plays a unique part in the debut of Electra Eggleston. So the Elrod’s join Andra and me in the “living room” of the store and we enter into a delightful afternoon of stories.

Me: Talk about Wilder, your vision, and your relationship with Andra.

Wilder (Josh): It’s gonna be fun to talk about Andra. She couldn’t be more representative of exactly what we hoped would happen here.

Wilder (Ivy): We come from an artist’s background: performers, musicians and visual artists—Josh is a painter. We are really motivated by collaborations and relationships—bringing people together. We had known for a long time we wanted to have a business together. I think our background in film and theater, it forms this idea of creating space and how that changes, in how you feel and what you are experiencing. We change it up in here, like daily. It’s an evolving thing, not static.

Wilder (Josh): Making transitions from performers (I worked with the Blue Man Group for ten years—health issues/surgeries), it was pretty clear that I had to stop doing it. So what did that look like? What would this energy and time look like? So, we thought about doing a store in New York. But it just didn’t feel right. It was going to have to start on a very small level and be sustainable. And we would both have to be hustling other jobs. It’s just not how we wanted to be able to fully embrace Wilder. We didn’t want it to be a side project or hobby. We wanted to dive in. And Nashville, it’s just different.

Wilder (Ivy): If you start out with an idea and the pursuit reveals more, that’s usually the more exciting work for me. And that’s how it’s been. Josh wrote on his January 1st intentions on Instagram. One of the things on the short list was to connect with a textile designer. And we literally met Andra days later. He was so inspired by the painterly translation onto fabrics.

Wilder (Josh): To be able to create a tone, and bring in our visual background and storytelling of where we come from, and bring these things together. It’s something that we are very much moving toward.

Wilder2-horzMe: How did you all meet?

Wilder (Ivy): We met at an art opening a couple days after the Instagram post. Josh and Andra started talking, and Andra mentioned that she had this textile line and she gave him his card. And we have just been long time fans of her father, William Eggleston, that it took Josh back by surprise. He was in such awe with Andra’s card, he could only get the words out “are you of the same?” (Everyone laughs).

Andra: “are you of the same?” And I knew exactly what he meant, and I said “Yes, yes I am”. I am the daughter of William Eggleston. (Everyone laughs again).

Wilder (Josh): I’m pretty sure I have never said anything like that. But I am the guy who went to both of his big exhibitions and had tears in his eyes. And then we had a meeting, a slumber party business meeting. We really connected. And we just knew it was meant to be.

Me: Andra, you left New York for Nashville. What prompted the move? Why Nashville?

Andra: Actually, my husband is in the music business. We almost moved to LA. I had lived in LA for over a decade, before New York. So we made separate trips out here and kind of looked around. I looked at houses and every time we talked about Nashville it felt fresh, exciting, a sense of possibility, like hopeful and unknown. And then every time we talked about LA, it just felt quite complicated. It just didn’t feel fresh. Fresh, that’s the best word that I can use to describe what we were wanting.

Me: So you were looking for something new?

Andra: Absolutely. Definitely. Something new. I love New York just as much as these guys (Wilder). And I miss New York, it’s the greatest city in the world. However! There are things that Nashville has given me that I didn’t expect and I’m not even sure I was looking for. Like this sense of support. This naturally progressive, supportive approach to things. I appreciate it so much.

Me: That’s the thing about Nashville. If you find the right people, they are going to be excited for you and want to connect you. Isn’t it exciting to be a part of that?

Andra: I know! Everyone I met was like a reflection of how excited I was about my project. They were just as passionate about it as I was. And naturally what happened with Ivy and Josh was incredible. We had a total meeting of the minds in our first meeting. You know, we had an equal passion for how important what was behind the product, as much as the product itself. We didn’t think we would be debuting our line in Wilder, let alone Nashville. We thought we would be debuting somewhere on the east or west coast. We didn’t actually think we would find anyone who would really respond to it. And that was really important to us. And then it just happened.

Me: You need to have that on both sides. As a store owner, you need to be excited and passionate about the products you carry. And as a product designer, you need to have people believe in your product.

Andra & Wilder: Exactly! (simultaneously)

Me: You live in East Nashville and your studio is in the Wedgewood-Houston Art District, correct?

Andra: Yes, I started at Fort Houston and then I moved down the street, right next to the Julia Martin Gallery.

Me: Both neighborhoods are chock-full of artists, makers and young entrepreneurs. Tell me about your experience living and working in Nashville. And how does the artistic community in Nashville differ from your experience in New York and LA?

Andra: I think definitely the difference I’ve seen is the artisan presence here. It’s very prominent here. The artisan community has somehow woven itself into the “art” community. I think it’s really nice…I just feel so lucky, by the way, to be in the Houston-Wedgewood area. I could not feel more fortunate. I started at Fort Houston, in an environment that was really good for me. I was around people who were working with their hands. And that was so inspiring, and so energized. What I will say about that area is it’s this great combination of artists and artisans, a social outlet, a real community. I do think from my experience that the culmination of artisans, these makers, affects my environment and creates this incredible sense of community. And that even flows into fashion and art. I just love that Fort Houston has a bike shop in the midst of all these artists. It’s just so cool to have the mixture.

Me: Has Nashville influenced your artwork? I know your father’s drawings are the source of your collection, but has Nashville had an effect on you? Did it influence the direction of your collection?

Andra: I won’t say with the artwork itself, but I will say with the product development and the actual manufacturing, yes. When I first started, I had dreamed of having everything American made. But I didn’t think it was going to be possible. And I have really been pleasantly surprised by how many things I have been able to accomplish locally and regionally. Our pillow inserts are made in Tennessee; our fabric is printed in North Carolina; the furthest we have gone out for sourcing is Rhode Island. Our pillows are being cut and sewn in Nashville, right outside of the city. There are just so many things, so many parts involved. And this city is about to explode with opportunity. It’s becoming easier and easier for someone like me, with a dream, who is just starting out. And it’s all possible.

EE_first print2-horzMe: It must be so exciting to be on the front lines of this industry shift—to have the possibility to create locally and regionally.

Andra: It is exciting! Be careful what you wish for in this town, it actually happens.

Me: Do you feel like the pressure here is less intense? Do you feel like you can take your time, and be more mindful about your vision?

Andra: Well, there’s always pressure from myself, which surpasses any other pressure. But I absolutely feel that way. It took me awhile initially. Before my partner even came on, I was developing for a year. Developing the brand, working with my father, going to Memphis a lot, showing him a lot of the prints, getting samples, taking the time I needed. So yes, I absolutely feel that way. The pace here is so nice. It’s a unique pace. It’s a pace with intention. The people are intentional.

Me: Who is Andra Eggleston? How would you define yourself?

Andra: I would define myself as someone who is actually quite shy—very sensitive. And I, too, have a performing arts background. I have very strong-willed, character-driven parents, and they have their own stories. So I would say the only way that the textiles have been truly fulfilling for me creatively is because of all the stories between me and my dad. And how that inspired the brand and the inspiration of the debut line.

Me: It’s quite beautiful to hear from you personally that you are driven by stories. That’s not just a marketing strategy or theme, but it’s truly who you are — you are inspired by stories. It’s really beautiful to meet someone like yourself.

Andra: Thank you. It’s what drives me, truly. It’s driven me. And the thing that gets me through that is that connection to the story. The connection that brings out my own intuition and insight, to see the bigger picture, the larger perspective, and I do rely heavily on that.

Me: Do you see a story in your father’s drawings? Did you feel it was important to pull that story out, release it, and share it with the people?

Andra: I think I was driven to connect—because I love connecting with people. I have no patience for inauthenticity, and that is another reason why I responded to Nashville—because it is so authentic! I do not have a typical relationship that one would have with their father. He’s an iconic artist. You can imagine what his personal life was like. And so I was very driven to find a way to connect with him. More often than not, we are speaking another language. We are two very different people. But when we talk about textiles, magic happens. And that opened up a door into him. I see him and I think “I don’t know what to say to you right now.” But if I talk about prints, if I pull out a book of textiles, there is something that we share there. We’ve created a language. It opens him up. Things just become fluid. And that is what inspires me. It is my heart.

Me: It’s really important to me to know the story of the individual. You are a fascinating person, not because you are William Eggleston daughter, but because you are Andra. It’s apparent that the drawings were the start point, but everything after is your creativity and vision.

Andra: I didn’t even really realize it, until people say it back to me. And it’s just so nice to hear. Because it can be very challenging to live in someone’s shadow.

4_Electra Eggleston_Pillow-tileMe: We know the inspiration of your collection, but how did you decide that these textiles were going to be in home decor? How do you envision the collection being used?

Andra: I feel like I had tapped into something that had so much potential. It could have gone anywhere. When I started, I actually thought I was going into fashion. I wanted to pair up with a designer. Because I love designing, I mean I went to fashion school for textile design. So I have such a respect and appreciation for fashion. So I thought about that, but every person that I spoke with that I really respected their input, always had a different vision for it.

Me: How did it make you feel when people suggested their idea? When people start making suggestions on how and where something can be used, you often realize that you see it differently.

Andra: Well, this is something I haven’t really talked about much in an interview yet. But I have always had this dream. This dream of somehow capturing that feeling that you get when you look at one of my dad’s photographs. This incredible sensual desire of want. Like you see it and you have to have it. You must have it on your wall. But you can’t because it’s too expensive. And so you just stand in this gallery, and you start crying because you are in awe and you yearn to have this piece. It’s this visceral thing. I’ve always wanted for anyone to be able to pick up a fabric and have that same feeling. And then that begged the question of fabric. What would be the most useful way to use it? What would be the most accessible way that you could use fabric? Sit on it! So that’s where it started. I was like “Can you imagine having that feeling about something, like being wowed by a textile in the same manner as the photograph?” Like Josh and Ivy just got curtains. And they were freaking out. You look at these curtains and they feel like a giant canvas. This large scale artwork on the wall, and it’s a curtain. It’s just a curtain. You raise it and it’s useful; it has a duality to it. To me, it’s a functionality and an accessibility that inspired me to go into home decor.

2_Wilder Curtains

Me: Do you think you would venture into fashion?

Andra: We will. That is something we are working on for our next collaboration.

Me: You are not wanting your design to be replicated, it’s intended to be an original work of art. To be it’s exclusive.

Andra: Exactly. It’s what we are really hoping for.

Me: You mentioned a collaboration in fashion.

Andra: Yes. We are talking with a lot of different people. But our first, definite collaboration is with Otis James .

Me: Otis James doesn’t have anything like your prints. That’s a whole new look for him. His bow-ties are often muted with a more classic aesthetic.

Andra: It really is a big departure from what he has been doing.

Me: So when are the bow-ties coming out?

Andra: They are coming out for Father’s Day, actually.

Me: Let’s talk about what is being debuted. You have the fabric collection and then a wallpaper line has been mentioned. Will the wallpaper be a part of this launch, or will it just be the fabric?

Andra: That is separate. It is just the fabric and pillows. This collection is called William Eggleston I, it’s our debut collection. It’s based on five original pieces of artwork, which will be shown here (Wilder). And then 15 subsequent prints. Varying in art prints and color. The designs will be printed on Belgian linen and cotton/linen.

Me: So tell me your involvement of the textile design. Where do you fit in the process?

Andra: I am involved with everything, but my main role is creative director. To date, I would say my biggest part is editing the artwork, which is the start point. Color is a big component. It’s what’s really important to me, and it happens to be something I am really good at. Sometimes I don’t feel like an artist, more like someone starting a company. But the part that is very fulfilling as an artist is the need of telling a story, that emotional connection to something. And holy cow, I found it in a textile design company. Who would have thought? I am just so grateful for that. And that is actually being fulfilled. I don’t miss acting. I mean, I do auditions. Which, I hope I’m not called in to play a role in Nashville next week (the debut is on the 18th). (She laughs)

Want to know more Andra and her collection?

The premiere of Electra Eggleston: William Eggleston I will be held at Wilder in Germantown on Saturday April 18th from 6-8pm. RSVP at info@wilderlife.com. 12th Table will be co-sponsoring the event on the back patio featuring a signature Electra cocktail and other goodies. For more information, click here.

Photos courtesy of Wilder and Mackenzie Maroney

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The Wild Standard

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Recently I stumbled upon the lovely company, The Wild Standard. The Wild Standard is the producer of fine handmade, limited edition flags from Austin, TX. Every flag is cut from unprimed, 100% natural duck cotton, torn by hand and then locally screened, stitched and grommeted. The company was founded by two friends, Tara and Linsey, who live in two different cities in two different states. They collaborate via phone, email and video-chat and believe some of their best work has been when each is in their own studio.

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The Wild Standard produces a minimal modern aesthetic to the classic Americana style. The flags have a classic, timeless appeal (a strong attribute to good design) that allow them to fit into numerous décor styles. Flags have a design history for bold and powerful statements that can be seen from afar, evoking strong thoughts and deep emotions. They are deeply rooted in powerful imagery and can be quite striking in home décor.

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Last month, The Wild Standard introduced a new flag design, Nashville. It is simple and quite beautiful. Not overly designed like so many “Nashville” products that scream lower Broad. It’s sophisticated, “subtly calling out the heritage of country music, and Southern style the city is known for”. The Nashville flag is a well-designed product that I, and many locals, would be proud to have hanging in our homes.

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1. Nashville Handmade Cotton Flag $120
“Drape this decorative, boldly illustrated cotton flag on empty walls as a minimalist ode to Music City. The vintage-inspired letting does Nashville right, subtly calling out the heritage of country music, and Southern style the city’s known for”. Designed by Ben Kocinski .

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2. 1924us Snake Warning Flag $154
“This decorative, boldly illustrated cotton flag makes an important lesson known. Not all snakes rattle before they bite, so we gotta pay attention, stay vigilant and hold on tight”.Designed by 1924us.

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3. The Wild Handmade Cotton Flag $154
“Hang this cotton flag to bring a little bit of the wild outdoors inside. This simple decorative flag evokes the complexity of the great blue yonder with two little words – unspoiled forests, starry skies, raging bonfires, and unforgettable moments.”

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4. Atlanta on the Rise (pre-sell only at Foster ATL)
“This here is our flagship, designed and produced for our friends at Foster. Great set of folks pioneering the creative citizens of Atlanta”.

Photos via The Wild Standard , Foster ATL and In Honor of Design 

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Craftcourse Nashville – Geometric Baubles

1_Top Photo_Craftcourse Nashville

If you attended the 2014 Porter Flea Holiday Market last December, you likely saw the stunning geometric baubles displayed throughout the event. I actually stopped dead in my tracks and just stared for a solid ten minutes in the entryway. Who made these gigantic gems?! How did they make them?! And where can I buy them?! I was in serious awe and could not wait to find out more.

I quickly found out it was the dynamic duo, Mandy Pellegrin and Emily Edwards of Craftcourse Nashville . If you haven’t heard about these lovely ladies and their crafting magic, you are missing out. A pair of high energy, charmingly neurotic creatives who are mad about color, retro vibes and modern design. They specialize in making ‘cool things’. Because as they often say, cool things don’t make themselves. Over the top displays to the tiniest of details, these ladies are rocking the party, wedding, workshop and retail scene.

When asked to create a fun display for Porter Flea, the concept was like any of their other events – temporary design. But after Instagram blew up with photos of these geometric baubles and a bidding war began between local retailers over who gets to buy this one set, the ladies knew that they had something special. The geometric baubles had no choice but to go to the marketplace.

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Overnight, they re-branded their company and created an online store for their own creations, starting with the geometric baubles. The mobiles are now available for purchase and come in singles, sets and a variety of colors and sizes. They range from $25-70 and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.

Often asked “what in the world are these baubles good for?!”Their response “Um…what AREN’T they good for?” And I tend to agree. These mobiles would look amazing in modern, retro and even bohemian home décor. For interior design, pair multiple baubles with Edison bulb lights and hang over a dining room table for a beautiful light or create a focal point in your living room with a single strand. I would love to see the ladies at A Beautiful Mess pick up a few and place in their studio. Wouldn’t they look fantastic?!

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Photo’s via A Beautiful Mess and Craftcourse Nashville

For parties and weddings, they would look gorgeous as a backdrop to a photo-booth or a little bling to a buffet table or entryway. I love the idea of a black and gold party with the pink or gold mobiles. So flirty and fun.

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Photo’s via Collin Cowie Weddings and Bajan Wed

And don’t get me started on retail displays. My first thought when I saw these mobiles was Kate Spade needs these in her flagship store (see below photos). Or how about Anthropologie? Couldn’t you see them dazzling customers in one of their window displays? The designs, colors and construction are so fresh, and right in line with the 2015 home décor trends. The possibilities are endless, and I am really excited to see how people display them.2_Kate Spade
Kate Spade via Daily Mail UK and Lonny

So, forget the depressing winter weather and feast your eyes on these bold beauties. Get inspired, throw a party and have fun trying something new in your décor scheme.

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Anita Schmadtke Designs

Anita Schmadtke, a talented Nashville based jewelry designer, founder of Anita Schmadtke Designs and a dear friend of mine.

3-tileAnita and I go back to my store days at Nest. When you own a store, you get a lot of artisans trying to sell you their wares. And to be completely honest, most of the designs were terrible. Good people, just poorly made products. So by the time Anita had walked through my front door, I was a bit jaded. In fact, I was annoyed before the poor woman opened her mouth. Which is terrible because Anita didn’t even want to come in. Her friends pushed her into the shop (that’s what good friends do, right?) after having lunch next door. Just thinking about that day makes me giggle. Annoyed shop owner and nervous artist, the odds for a sale were not good.

But then she showed me her jewelry…

1-tileI almost fell out of my chair with surprise. Beautiful, minimal, well-crafted hammered silver with a unique twist. I had been scouring for this style all year, and no one could pair it down to the level I wanted without feeling flat. I was seeking a modern, sophisticated style that was chic, but not pretentious. Something artists, designers and taste-makers would wear whenever they wanted, with whatever they wanted. This was before minimalism was a big trend in jewelry. Everything was chunky and overly bright. Anita had something new….she was designing modern wearable art.

4-tileAs you can probably guess, I took everything she had and sold her jewelry immediately. Every day, all day. I could not keep her jewelry in stock. I sold her beautiful wares until I closed my doors. Not only did she stock my shop with lovely jewelry, she became a very good friend. Cheering me on and standing by my side through so many adventures.

That was almost five years ago, and she is still making gorgeous jewelry. Her pieces can be found here in Nashville, as well as local boutiques and museums throughout the US.  I can always spot an ASD piece on the street. There is just something so special in the simplicity of her designs. And now she is implementing brass and copper into her pieces, creating a whole new level of goodness.

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This Friday & Saturday, you can see Anita Schmadtke’s jewelry at the Holiday Market at Studio Be. She will be featuring new designs, as well as her classic earrings and necklaces. This is a great opportunity to pick up locally made gifts for the holidays.

If you can’t make it this weekend, you can always stop into Art & Invention in East Nashville or Katy’s in Belle Meade. Both stores keep a large stock of Anita’s jewelry. And if you would like to know where ASD jewelry is sold outside of Nashville, you can contact Anita on her Facebook page here.

Whatever you do, make a point to see this jewelry in person. You will not be disappointed!

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