You've probably seen vetiver without knowing it or about its power. A fragrant, naturally occurring root, vetiver's scent is said to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Yes, please! Zen Deluxe sells a line of fair trade vetiver products for the home, including: bath mats, tassels, and sachet pillows. One of my first finds of NYIGF last week, I was super stoked to learn vetiver also naturally protects against sweater-eating moths. More
Made from the sustainable fiber wool, Bulgar's line of fine Bulgarian textiles are luxuriously soft and available in naturally occurring colors: cream, taupe, beige and brown. No synthetic cleaning agents or moth-proofing chemicals are used during the manufacturing process. With their easy drape and soft hand, Bulgar's luxurious throws, rugs and pillows are worth considering. For pricing and availability in your area, contact Bulgar. More
Solos Glass was a highlight of the New York International Gift Fair last week. Their works are stunning. With their clean lines, beautiful colors and artful shapes, Solos Glass would be a great accent to any space. The pieces are artfully crafted and blown by company owners Nanda and Rebecca Soderberg in their Rhode Island studio. Read on for details, dimensions, and contact. More
Massachusetts-based Beehive Kitchenware has been hand crafting lead-free pewter goods since 1998. Beginning with kitchenware, the company expanded to include ceramics, baby goods and home décor, including the keepsake boxes above: "Inspired by 1940's metalwork, each oval box comes embossed with your choice of a wholesome, delightful design, from a friendly bird to a loveable ladybug, and features a classic hammered finish in the background." Adorable as a Mother's Day or Valentine's Day gift! More
Brooklyn-based potter Lois Aronow has a fantastic sense of color. Though I'm usually not a fan of bold-colored dinnerware, I am of Aronow's: her work tastefully balances its dramatic hues by incorporating lively texture and clean lines. Hand thrown on a pottery wheel, Aronow aims for her porcelain work "to be used and enjoyed," becoming "part of people's everyday lives" as "something that contributes to the uniqueness of one's surroundings." More
Unless you stock your kitchen cabinets with recycled jars, you'll be hard-pressed to find drinking ware any greener than that sold by Wisconsin-based Green Glass Company. Read on for what differentiates these glasses and where they can be purchased. More
Beach blankets in January? A girl can dream, can't she? Take a peek at the latest creation from Creative Women, a Vermont-based company that "works in partnership with with six women-owned textile design studios in Ethiopia, Swaziland, Afghanistan, and Mali to create traditionally-inspired contemporary accessories and home textiles." Absolutely beautiful in person. Read on for availability and details. More
Located on a farm in New York's Hudson Valley, Alicia Adams Alpaca raises and manages a herd of over 200 Suri alpacas for the production of their luxurious home textiles and clothing line. I had the pleasure of recently viewing her throws at the NYIGF and it was then I realized how special they are: luxurious with their soft hand and drape, these beautiful throws would make a really great gift for just about anyone who loves a great blanket. Although a little pricey at $385 apiece, you get: vegetable-dyed wool, domestic production and family business. More
We've highlighted Chicago artist Dolan Geiman's paintings before—by touting their individualism, attainability and eco-friendly construction—but we're here again, loving Geiman's handmade, affordable panel paintings. These "small mixed media works, hand-painted and screen printed on wood panels" will absolutely liven any interior. Utilizing inputs such as "waste stream recycled materials and water-based inks, they are earth-friendly like all of Geiman’s collections." More
Re-Nest has chatted-up the absolute wonderfulness that is Aid to Artisans before. What we love: ATA not only supports 30,000 artisans annually by teaching them new skills, but they've actually created a fair trade marketplace that sustainably commercializes the artisans' talents. These paper mâché animals are just one of several ATA items that recently caught my eye at the New York International Gift Show. Love them! More


































White Enamel Four-P...