If you need help finding a unique gift this Christmas season, I’ve put together a list of a few of my favorite (Athens) things! Hopefully you’ll discover a new artisan here, and be inspired by their work!
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Nattie Michelle Paperie
Natalie’s clean designs of a city’s most iconic locations are charming! A quick glance at any of her drawings and you are instantly taken to a place you love, or perhaps intrigued by somewhere you have never been! Nashville, Charleston, Greenville are just a few of the southern towns she has captured.
I love our Athens, Georgia mug I gave my husband for Valentine’s Day this year. And her St. Simons Island design takes me back to childhood year of biking all over that island with my siblings! I am thinking I would love to have a whole collection of her mugs from all the places I have been that are special to me! Every time you enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea or icecream) her sweet designs take you back to that place and the memories made there.
What greater gift for a hostess or loved one than a reminder of those sweet times? Plus she has tons of other products with her designs! And if you’re planning a destination wedding or are in need of a map design for an event – take a look at her custom maps! They are gorgeous!
Ok, time to refill my Athens mug with a second cup of morning coffee!
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R.woods
I received my first piece of R. Woods pottery as a wedding gift from my dear friend Leah who lived in Athens at the time. The piece is a beautiful little green dish and she gave us a bottle of olive oil for dipping. We have used this charming piece for many years and I always think of my friend Leah every time I use the dish.
When I moved to Athens and finally got to visit R. Woods studio I fell in love. A charming small shop with flowers growing outside the brick exterior you are invited into her workshop through big open doors. Tables laden with colorfully glazed dishes greet you as you walk in, and on one wall you can see all the earthen pottery waiting for its baptism into the world of color.
Most recently my husband gifted me a piece of R. Woods pottery for my birthday this year. A large round flat piece it has a warm undertone, and deep teal green glaze over the stamped floral design. Absolutely gorgeous and it is proudly displayed on my mantel. I recently purchased several wedding presents from them for some of my college girls as I wanted them to have a little piece of Athens to always keep with them!
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Stamped and Finch
I had admired Stamped and Finch’s beautiful metal and leather jewelry for a long time before a dear friend gifted me her “hope” bracelet.
Lindsey Warren is passionate about people’s stories and her vision is to create jewelry that is a conversation starter and an opportunity for people to share their stories. Her work is all handmade and beautifully crafted. In addition to jewelry she has other items in her shop including napkin holders and mens tie bars.
You can customize pieces with different fonts and text to create a unique and thoughtful gift. My hope bracelet seams to go with everything and I love wearing it this season as a reminder of the incredible hope that the first Christmas brought into our world.
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Epiphany
The moment you walk in the door to Epiphany you realize you are in for so much more than a shopping adventure. From the real-life tree in the center of the shop, to the smallest detail of the piano-turned-jewelry-display you feel like you are exploring for hidden treasures.
It’s not often you get to see a store being born, but that was the way it was with Epiphany – the dream of a sweet friend with a huge heart. Owner Dara and I bonded over our love for Ukrainian, as we both spent years there working with orphans.
A percentage of every sale supports both local and international charities. I have loved the unique clothing items I’ve found, but it is also a great place to find candles, kitchenware and other small gifts.
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Pencil Drawings by yours truly
My last idea for Christmas gifts is a custom drawing. There is something so special about the simplicity of a black and white drawing, and I love creating these pieces for families.
A drawing of your children, individually or together would be a unique gift to give to your parents. Or surprise your spouse with an intimate drawing of your newborn. Bought a house this year? Why not commission a rendering of your new home to celebrate your first Christmas season there. Or if your best friend obsessed with her furbaby gift her a drawing of her four legged friend to treasure forever.
Multiple sizes and price points available. And if you’re short on time or not sure about which photo to use, you could always purchase a gift certificate to wrap up under the tree!