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| *Photo Credit: Laguna Beach Indy |
Get
a look inside 25+ artists in working studios, the first Saturday of the month,
11 a.m.-4 p.m. now through March. Trolley service is available at 1900 Laguna
Canyon Road every 15 minutes.
Showing posts with label Shop Till You Drop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shop Till You Drop. Show all posts
Monday, November 25, 2013
Friday, July 6, 2012
Silver Blue and Gold
Two years ago local jewelry artisan Karin Worden fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened a gallery focused on handcrafted jewelry:
Silver Blue & Gold. Before opening Silver Blue & Gold, Karin was making her own line of jewelry
in a studio located in Laguna Canyon and was an exhibitor at Festival of Arts and the American
Craft Council shows. This is where she met other fine artisans with similar
aesthetics. With an eye for fine craftsmanship, Karin began gathering a group
of artists to represent in her gallery. All of the jewelry carried at Silver
Blue & Gold is hand fabricated, using ancient techniques of metal construction
that demonstrate a deep respect for the precious metals and gems that they are
made with.
Elements + Alloy is a husband and wife team from
Philadelphia who met in architecture school. The influence of symmetry and
order are reflective in their work.
Natasha’s work is strongly influenced by two places: Tibet,
where she studied on a Fulbright Scholarship, and Brooklyn, her hometown.
Although drastically different, both find their way into her work.
Davide is originally from Florence, Italy where he became an
apprentice at the age of 14. Later he worked for large manufacturing companies
before he made the decision to forge out on his own. Now he splits his time
between Italy and Northern California working on his unique line of jewelry.
Much of her own work is inspired by the nature that
surrounds her whether it’s on a hike in Laguna Canyon, while seeing the bloom
of a wildflower, or a day at the beach seeing the varied blues of the Pacific.
“I love the process when I’m working on a piece. I let the
metal speak to me. When I’m hiking and I see a flower I think to myself, what
metal does this look like? What
texture would look like that? And I see that in a lot of the artists I
represent. Many of them have a similar tactile (focus) in their work,” says
Karin. Silver Blue & Gold is a jewelry gallery with a personal touch that
Karin, as an artisan with over 20 years of experience, can bring to her
clientele. The gallery features
over a dozen artists and there is something for everyone with prices ranging from $50 to 5,000.
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| The art on the walls is not just a decorative piece to the gallery; it is part of the gallery. Each painting is coordinated with the showcase and is for sale. Pictured here is “Ocean” by Sheryl Smith Seltzer. |
1492 S. Coast Hwy. #5
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-3000
Wednesday – Sunday 11am to 6pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Find them on Facebook for the latest news on trunk shows and special shows.
By Anne-Marie S.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sawdust Winter Fantasy 2011
The Sawdust Winter Fantasy is in full swing! It’s the perfect weekend outing that the entire family can enjoy. With over 170 artisans who create and showcase original works of art, you are sure to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. The Winter Fantasy has become an annual tradition for my family with my kids eagerly anticipating the trip to this cheerful wonderland.
If you have been to Sawdust’s summer festival you will notice that as soon as you walk into the Winter Fantasy things look a little different. The center of the festival grounds is transformed into a Winter Wonderland called Towne Square. Here you’ll find Santa’s Sleigh, a life-size playhouse, a reindeer barn, Santa’s house (complete with Santa!), decorated community trees and even falling snow. My husband and I look forward to the great photo ops in Towne Square perfect for our holiday cards.
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| Snow flurries at the Winter Fantasy |
My kids enjoy all of the special holiday-themed activities at the Ceramic Center and Children’s Art Spot. This year they chose to make air-dry clay ornaments.
Mary Marquez, an artist and exhibitor at the festival, helped my girls make their ornaments at the Children’s Art Spot. She was extremely helpful and explained each step of the process for making the ornaments. Even my 2-year old was able to make ornaments with her help. I just love the small community feel this places offers.
Another highlight for the kids was getting balloon animals made by Balloon Diva, April Strong.
We stopped by a must see at Sawdust, Patti’s People. The kids got a real kick out of seeing all their favorite cartoon characters and super heroes made into clay ornaments. Patti makes custom ornaments for you that make the perfect gift!
We wandered over at Brett Keast’s booth after listening to live music at the Main Entertainment Deck. There we found a variety of island-inspired artwork.
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| These holiday stockings are made from leftover materials from Brett’s swimwear collection, Tidepool Swimwear. |
After enjoying hot cocoa and a visit with Santa we headed home with our hearts full of holiday cheer. Thank you Sawdust for getting us in the spirit and for all of the great family memories!
Be sure to visit the Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Open weekends only: November 19 & 20, 25-27; December 3 & 4, 9-11, 201110am to 6pm
$6 Adult one-day; $5 Senior one-day (65+); $3 Children (6-12); FREE Children (5 & under); $9 Season pass
Information Line: (949) 494-3030
note: this is an outdoor festival.
By Anne-Marie S.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Laguna Beach Shopping
Forget about the stress of crowded malls during the holiday season and come to Laguna Beach to find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list. Make it an event and enjoy browsing the downtown in the afternoon, watch the unrivaled sunset from Heisler Park, and then refuel at one of the 70+ restaurants in Laguna Beach.
207 Ocean Ave.
949-376-0535
Open daily, 10am to 7pm
Since 1992, Areo has been providing its customers with an eclectic selection of gifts and home accents. From books to one-of-a-kind jewelry and a wide selection of soy candles to glassware and home accents, there is truly something for everyone.
The rustic and welcoming feel of the store keeps you browsing as you come across a new treasure around each corner. Many of the most unique items in the store are pieces that the owner has personally collected during his travels around the world. If you need a one-stop shop for your holiday list, Areo is the place to go. They even offer free gift wrapping!
903 South Coast Highway
949-497-3292
Open daily, 10am to 6pm
Established in 2001, Thalia Surf Shop prides itself as an independent surf and skate shop that specializes in retro surfboards, unique clothing, shoes and art. The store’s walls and ceiling are lined with the owner’s collection of vintage surfboards and skateboards. Local beachcomber, Jim Olarte, found and brought driftwood and palm leaves that represent the laidback authentic Southern California feel into the store. With clothing by California designers, t-shirts by local artists, and even limited edition Thalia-designed Vans shoes, this is a place that locals and visitors can come to find a piece of the local culture.
Thalia Surf Shop also hosts a gallery exhibit every other month, as well as monthly concerts with local bands at the Marine Room. Check their blog for additional information. Thalia will be where I find gifts for my out-of-town guests that desire a piece of the Southern California beach lifestyle.
445 South Coast Hwy (inside Hotel Laguna)
949-494-1417
Open Monday – Friday, 10am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 8pm
Sunday, 10am to 5pm
For over 10 years, Bubbles of Laguna has brought the world of fine bath and body products to Laguna Beach. From lotions and bath salts from Italy, France, Hawaii, Ireland and Sweden, to aroma therapy products made right here in the USA. I especially enjoyed the “Self-Serve Bar” of baths salts, lotions, bubble bath and bath tea herbs.
It’s a creative way to make a personalized gift for the person on your list that is in need of some R&R. You will also find novel gifts, soy candles and toys.
278 Forest Ave.
949-497-9194
Open Monday-Saturday, 11am to 7pm
Sunday, 11am to 5pm
LF Laguna, is the place for all the fashionistas on your list. This is where trends are unearthed. With an edgy sense of fashion and out-of-the-box styling, the girls at LF will help you find the perfect ensemble that portrays your personal sense of style. “Be yourself” is their motto and there are plenty of ways to find your self expression.
Personally, my closet is full of items from this innovative fashion boutique and I love shopping here for the perfect accessory that best shows off the personalities of my best friends. (Shhh, don’t tell them, but they are each getting something from LF this year!)
Ken’s Jewelry Store
326 Forest Ave
949-494-0508
Housed in the oldest commercial building in Laguna Beach, Ken’s Jewelry Store is a piece of our town’s history. As you spend some time in the store you’ll begin to notice both paintings and historical photos on the Koa wood walls. Paintings by plein air artists Roy Ropp (a founding father of the Festival of Arts) and Robert Wood line the walls. Historic Laguna photos of Ken’s Jewelry Store location are also displayed. Ken Lauher started out as a jewelry artist during the Arts and Crafts Movement in the ‘70s. In the 1980s, after the purchase of his current location, he built on and expanded the building to what it is now, a Swiss two-story Chalet. Downstairs is the show room, and the work room and offices are housed upstairs. Lauher told us that 75% of what you will find in his store are actually his own designs…beautiful settings that truly are one-of-a-kind. They also specialize in the mounting and re-mounting of precious stones, cut ‘rocks’ or semi-precious stones, and jewelry repair.
An interesting collection that Ken makes are mounted gold-in-quartz. Ken works with a Sierra Nevada goldmine (one of the few mines left still mining gold!) out of the Sierra’s. These are unique and beautiful pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. Ken’s Jewelry Store is a full-service; ultrasound and steam cleaning, repair and custom design, with many long-term loyal customers. Fun Fact: Ken creates a custom storefront, themed window each month that has become a must-see site in Laguna Beach.
Read our other stories about places to shop in Laguna Beach:
By Anne-Marie S.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Barnaby Rudge Booksellers & DVD Rental
A mix of antique books and DVDs are items you may not necessarily think go together, but when you step inside Barnaby Rudge Booksellers & DVD Rental, you will see why they do. Spend a little time browsing and talking to owner and long-time Laguna Beach resident Ed Postal and you begin to see how they go hand in hand.
The story of how Barnaby Rudge Booksellers began dates back to the early 90s when Ed first started purchasing antique-like books. His interest began to turn into a passion and then a business of seeking out, purchasing and selling antique books, dating as far back as the 15th century, was created. Barnaby Rudge sells books to Universities and major libraries all over the world. as well as many museums, including The Getty. Book appraisals and restoration are also part of the services that Barnaby Rudge provides. They are also members of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America, one of only 400 bookstores in the US. Barnaby Rudge is the only antique bookstore left in Orange County.
For many of us history can seem fragmented and isolated when no connection to the present or the future is made. Ed has found just the opposite to be true when you’re able to interact with antique books. He says, “You begin to see how all of history is inter-related and connected (when looking at antique books). Without hundreds of thousands of years of over editorializing you begin to see historical events from both sides.” And for some of us we relate to historical events through film.
Seeing a historical movie can bring an event to life. In many films, the Set Decorators seek out authentic, historical props, like books, to add to films. Barnaby Rudge has been involved in 15 movies and about a dozen TV shows. Ed helped recreate the John Quincy Adams library in the 1997 film Amistad. Another example was in Pirates of the Caribbean II, where a Bible from the late 1700s was featured. You can spot the Bible in a scene where two pirates are reading passages from it while on a dingy boat. Barnaby Rudge sold that Bible to the Set Decorator for the scene.
Barnaby Rudge houses a large independent film selection, a strong classic film section and has all of the “Best Picture” Academy Award winners available. Ed and his staff prescreen all movies that come into the store, so they can truly recommend the right one and give accurate reviews about each film. His clientele like being able to ‘touch’ (it seems like everything is viewed digitally these days!) and hear about what they are going to watch before making a decision. DVD rentals are $3.50 for two nights, or pre-paid packages of 10 for $30, or 20 for $50 are also available.
Whether you’re looking to view a piece of history or watch a highly recommended film, drop in to Barnaby Rudge Booksellers & DVD Rental for a mix of the past, present and future.
1445 Glenneyre Street
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Toll Free (866) 840-5900, (949) 497-4079
Fun Fact: Barnaby Rudge is a character from a Charles Dickens book of the same name. In 1841, Edgar Allen Poe was the editor of the publication ‘Graham’s Magazine.’ Besides submitting his own writings for the magazine he also reviewed books, one of which was ‘Barnaby Rudge.’ The character Barnaby Rudge always carried a raven in his basket named Rip, and that was the inspiration for Edgar Allen Poe’s poem ‘The Raven.’
By Anne-Marie S.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The beauty of Italy in Laguna Beach
Fiori of Laguna Beach is more than a retail store…it is actually considered an art gallery and once you step in the doors you can see why! We spoke with long time Laguna Beach resident and owner of Fiori, Bonnie Wolin, about her love of Italian Majolica.
What does Fiori specialize in?
Fiori’s collection of Majolica is extensive. Fiori has everything from antique reproduction pieces of museum quality painted by master artisans to decorative accessories with traditional motifs and contemporary designs. Each piece is completely handmade and hand painted. The artisans use a technique that dates back to the 13th century which involves firing and dipping the earthenware in a tin oxide glaze before painting the design.
We work with 20-25 small families in Italy that have a long-standing tradition of producing Majolica. These are genuine traditional artisan works that have been paced down and carried on for generations. Every piece we have in the store is hand made by artisans. We are also known for the diversity of our collection.
Were you a collector before you were an importer?
Yes, my first trip to Italy was in 1983 for three weeks. Prior I had been a collector of handmade art of many types. My father was a builder and craftsman so I grew up appreciating handmade things. I was collecting all types of things from primitive art and Columbian ceramics. When I went to Italy on that first trip I fell in love with Majolica and ended up buying a large collection of Raffallesco dishes. It is a classics pattern with a dragon and is the most recognized pattern of Italian majolica. I came home and started entertaining with it. It was in 1989 that I decided to start importing and my first store opened in 1990 where I was for five years. We moved to our current location in 1995.
Do you ever get involved in the creative process?
Yes, for instance “The Chianti Countryside” was a design that was previously nonexistent. I worked with a small family is Montespertoli, just outside of Florence, to create it. They were looking to develop a new design and I said to them, “you live in such a beautiful place in the countryside of Chianti lets adapt the landscape to ceramic pieces.” So we did. It took about two years of samples to come up with a design that I felt would be successful for the American market. It is now their most successful design. I love being apart of the creative process in this way.
Another example is the exclusive designs of the Vittoria Majolica.
These are part of their normal production, except that they usually have portraits on them. Instead of portraits I had them put names of herbs, biscotti, and other items. I also designed the handles, which are pears with leaves. This is something that they make specifically for me and do not sell to anyone else.
What else is Fiori known for?
We are known for having the biggest collection of masks anywhere in the States. Traditionally the masks are known for bringing abundance and good luck to your home. Each element you see on the mask is hand rolled clay. Generally one artisan produces each mask. Sometimes one person does the clay and another the painting. It is a very involved and long process.
Also we have one of the biggest collections of the Masters. Our collection includes the work of Italian master Majolica painters whose pieces are already in private collections and museums around the world. These are limited production pieces that can be viewed and purchased at Fiori.
When you’re in Laguna Beach next time a visit to Fiori is a must! I plan to make it my go to destination for all those hard-to-buy people on my gift lists. I know they would love these handmade Majolica art pieces.
214 South Coast Highway
Open Daily 10am to 6pm
949.494.9954
800.373.9853 Toll Free
You can now like Fiori on Facebook!
By Anne-Marie S.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Plein Air Life
Plein Air Life in Laguna Beach was born out of a love for art and the beauty of nature. The phrase “Plein Air” is literally translated as “open air” and is commonly used to refer to painting in the open air. But the owners of this unique bath and body shop adopted the phrase for the name of their store. For Danny and Kenneth, inspiration can be found in nature by capturing its essence and beauty, whether it be in a painting or in the fragrance of a bar of soap.
Plein Air Life began as a gift-giving hobby for friends and family. Kenneth and Danny gave hand-made bars of soaps and lip balms. It turned out that their friends and family loved the products so much that they kept asking for more. Danny decided to start using his friends as a testing ground to perfect his lip balm and soap recipes. It took him about 1 ½ years to get it just right. With the praise that they were getting from their friends, Danny and Kenneth finally decided to take Plein Air Life on the road to Street Fairs and festivals. Quickly, they garnered a loyal following and began adding lotions and candles to their product line. Then, two years ago came their decision to launch a retail store in Laguna Beach. Laguna was the perfect setting for to the “Plein Air” philosophy. They pull their inspiration from the beauty that surrounds them in Laguna Beach…the ocean breeze, the salty air, the wildlife in the canyon or the colors of the sunset…all find their way into their products.
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| 100% Soy Candles |
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| The Lime Eucalyptus is heavenly |
Now within steps to the beach you can find all of Plein Air Life’s product line while you’re in town visiting Laguna Beach. Every item is still handmade by Danny and Kenneth, many of which are 100% natural. One of my favorite items they make and sell is the Lotion Stick. The lotion is in solid form and made with no dyes, no parabens or sulfates, it’s 100% natural. It goes on smooth and doesn’t leave a greasy film like so many lotions can. It’s also the perfect size to throw in your beach bag or purse.
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| I recommend the Coconut Sage scent, you’ll feel and smell like you never left the beach! |
Drop in to Plein Air Life and grab a body spray, candle, or lip balm for yourself and a friend…you won’t be sorry you did.
729 South Coast Hwy.
Open Sunday – Thursday 11am to 7pm
Friday 11am to 8pm
Saturday 10am to 8pm
By: Anne-Marie S.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Shop and Stroll
The holiday season is upon us and the rush to find gifts has begun. I personally steer clear of chain stores and am in favor of boutique stores and shopping local. Like you I have a few loved ones on my list that are a true challenge to buy for, but this year, instead of spending weeks in search of the perfect gift, I found them all in one day. Where and how did I do this you ask? I went to Laguna Beach!
Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Mr. S, my husband, and I started at the Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy, similar to the summer festival, but with a jolly twist of holiday cheer.
Mr. S, my husband, and I started at the Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy, similar to the summer festival, but with a jolly twist of holiday cheer.
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| Santa's Chair |
While strolling through the aisles lined with 170 artists’ booths, we enjoyed some hot cocoa and chai tea. Holiday carolers provided the motivating theme music we needed to find those gifts we were searching for. An artist that I fell in love with was Lisa Toland. She makes beautiful jewelry and accessories all crocheted out of metal. Her work looks like delicate Victorian lace.
Scott Sporleder’s captivating photography caught the eye of Mr. S. Much of Sporleder’s photos are taken while he is in the ocean swimming or on his surfboard, allowing him to capture a totally unique perspective that is unbelievably beautiful.
Next Mr. S and I meandered downtown to Forest Avenue, in the heart of the Laguna Beach village.
Stephen Frank Garden & Home
Stephen Frank Table & Pantry
Once on Forest Avenue, we were lured into Stephen Frank Garden & Home by the aroma that was wafting out of their doors. The wonderful smell was coming from Agraria 100% oil diffusers, a great gift for those tough to please relatives on your list. Also inside, we discovered an oasis of unexpected home goods. Exquisite Julia Knight bowls in hues that would bring a sparkle to any table.
Local artist Theresa Seidel’s decorative bottles.
And countless other items perfect for the inside and outside of your home.
Across Forest Avenue at Stephen Frank’s sister store, we discovered the perfect place for the culinary lover on your holiday list. All Clad cookware, Le Jacquard Francais table linens, and walls lined with dressings, spices, olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
Also featured in the store, are chocolates by local chocolatier, Christopher Michael,as well as imported and hard-to-find beers and wines.
Be sure to drop in on December 4th from 5-9pm for a reception, featuring artist Theresa Seidel.
Fawn Memories
Since 1974, Fawn Memories has been a fixture on Forest Avenue. They carry tropical gifts, resort ware, and souvenirs.
Mr. S and I enjoyed wandering around the store, finding treasures for our children and out of town family and friends. I especially loved the wide selection of hats to choose from.
Laguna Colony Company
Only a few doors down Mr. S and I went to Laguna Colony Company. This eclectic store had cases of interesting hand-made jewelry (some by local artists’), racks of beautiful greeting cards, and a great children’s toy and book section.
Among their décor items, we came across 100% recycled homewares by Mariposa. The pieces were simple, yet very elegant.
Green Cube
We ended our shopping stroll on Forest Avenue at Green Cube. This bold store is not your traditional retail space. Upon walking in, you might think that you are in an art gallery rather than a retail store. Each item in the store is made from sustainable materials, recycled, or is repurposed. Decorative items for the home, artwork for your walls, and even fashion. The clothing is free-trade and made from organic and sustainable materials.
What a great way to give two fold; once to the receiver with a truly unique present, and once to the environment.
Drop in on December 2nd from 6pm to 9pm for the Tag Bag trunk show. Tag Bags are made from recycled South African license plates and inner tubes.
Mr. S and I found the gift buying experience in Laguna Beach to be unparalleled to anywhere else in Southern California. Right in our backyard, we were able to support local business and artists’. So this season, when you’re heading out into the hustle and bustle to find the ideal gift on your list, don’t forget about Laguna Beach!
Signed Anne-Marie S.
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