Boxwoods

More London updates and adventures coming soon, but we're back in Atlanta for this post. Whenever we go home to Atlanta, there are so many places I want to visit and tell you about. Usually we're so busy with family, though, that I don't get around to showing you some of the great things Atlanta has to offer. Great shops is one thing Atlanta is not lacking, and Boxwoods Gardens and Gifts is a long-time, top favorite shop of mine. I like it so much I even went twice this trip--it's hard to take it all in at once!

You know I always love a good mix of the old and new, and Boxwoods combines the two seamlessly and beautifully, which is only complimented by their amazing garden section.  They have so many unique vintage and antique pieces, scoured from the best antique markets in Europe (mostly from France, oh la la!). Those treasures are accented with the most current and modern home accessories and gifts for everyone on your list. A number of the pieces they have are architectural and used and displayed in most interesting ways, like a pair of metal French drains that adorn an entry way, and great lamps made from industrial and architectural salvaged materials. (Remember my friend Paula?  Well, those lamps are her creation!)  Here's a peek from Boxwoods! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Boxwoods Gardens and Gifts

100 East Andrews Drive

Atlanta, GA 30305

PH: 404-233-3400

Mon-Sat 10-6

The Pickled Hutch is Back!!

You may have noticed it's been a while since I posted about The Pickled Hutch. You might remember that Lisa closed up shop to start a new venture for a while, but Lisa has re-opened The Pickled Hutch! And she even re-opened in her old Pacifica location. The shop has a whole new look, though.  Everything is airy and bright and filled with the colors of the sea and sunset--perfect for its beachside location--cool shades of blue, whites, yellows, reds, pinks. You can practically feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair when you're in there. And of course, everything is time-worn and loved, just like we like them, right? Here's a peek of the NEW Pickled Hutch. Lisa, I'm so excited for you!! Click here to see a lot more pictures of The Pickled Hutch in its previous location.

PS. That's not my big news, by the way, though it is big news.  Mine is coming soon! Maybe the day it happens--eek!

Laku Take Two

Since Laku is right near our place, and I love it so much, I go in about once a month just to browse and be inspired by all of Yaeko's creations. Every once in a while I splurge and get something cute for Lois. Yaeko does the most creative things with repurposed sweaters. I love everything she makes! I'm working on a few sweater crafts of my own that I'll show you soon, but hers are tops to me. Here are some pictures from my visit last week. You can read my initial little review of Laku here. I feel exactly the same way every time I go in.

















Laku
1089 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110-2405
(415) 695-1462
Tues - Sat 11:30 - 6:30
Sun 12 - 5

Jessie and Buddug, The Shop

Once upon a time there were two girls, lost in the bright night woods. They did not know where they were or how they got there; they just knew they had to get home. Tired and hungry they walked side by side, not afraid of the night but in admiration for it. They looked up at the stars that glittered like sequins and the leaves that flapped and fluttered in the breeze like birds' wings and thought of home and what they would make when they got there. Creative ideas filled them head to toe.


Jessie dreamt of bags she would sew with her mom and journals she would make from beautiful vintage books, tied with ribbon and adorned with buttons and watch faces.



She also imagined stories she would embroider onto silk. Chapter by chapter, the words appeared to her mind. She watched how the moon cast its light through the trees and longed to draw its beams and shadows that streamed to the ground.



Buddug dreamt of enamel necklaces she would cast with wise quotes or in the shape of colorful teapots or birds.

As she listened to the few chirps of the night, she swore one sweet bird was on her head and thought it might sing them home.


As they walked they filled their pockets with leaves, flowers, nutshells, and twigs. Inspired by the nature all around them, they wanted to bring it home and sew it into something beautiful for all the world to see.



They reached a clearing and in the distance saw home, their shop, perched atop the flowers of Columbia Road. "They hand in hand with wandering steps slow, through Eden took their solitary way"* and began to create the magical works that let them know they were home.



Jessie and Buddug, The Shop
Upstairs at 146 Columbia Road
Tower Hamlets
London, E2 7RG
Saturday 12 - 4, Sunday 9 - 3
and by appointment
Jessie Chorley
Buddug Humphreys

*John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book XII
Story by me, inspired by them.