Feather your neck
For his wedding five years ago, Ben Ross designed head-turning bow ties — made with farm-raised turkey feathers. The tasteful bow ties became an instant hit with his groomsmen and others.
Last year Ross, an avid outdoorsman, teamed up with fellow Wofford College grad Jeff Plotner to start Brackish Bow Ties in Charleston, S.C.
The Jive Turkey ($98) is a best-seller. It is the tie that started the buzz and launched the company. Another standout is the Guinea ($120), the newest edition to the handmade line. Every bow tie is wrapped in burlap and placed in a custom wooden storage box for a personal and unique presentation.
To order, visit www.brackishbowties.com. Ask about the groomsmen package (a minimum of four bow ties) for your wedding. Or tie one on for the Atlanta Steeplechase (April 13). In the Atlanta area, find Brackish Bow Ties at B.D. Jeffries, 3736-B Roswell Road, (www.bdjeffries.com)
Tree-hugging art
Tania Julian wanted to be a painter. But after a friend introduced her to pottery, the Art Institute of Atlanta grad switched her focus.
In 2004, Julian joined Cabbagetown Clay and Glass Works, an artist-run cooperative. She also started doing wall installations in high-end hotels for Soho Myriad, an art consulting company with offices in Atlanta.
Her handmade mugs are must-haves for coffee and tea drinkers. The white stoneware mugs ($32) feature animal and nature scenes. Also popular are the hand-built tree-hugger vases — with or without red lovebirds. The vases (pictured) get their texture from tree bark. After rolling out the slab, Julian presses the wet clay against it. Available in various sizes, the vases range from $26 to $32.
Visit www.taniajulian.com or the co-op at 588 Woodward Ave., in Atlanta’s Grant Park area. For information, check ccgworks.wordpress.com.
For modern birds
Mark Ellis worked at a contemporary furniture company for 20 years before he was laid off. After fruitless job searches, Ellis built a workshop in his basement in Charlotte, N.C.
Three years ago, Ellis started designing modern, eco-friendly birdhouses, using a variety of wood scraps that he buys from hardwood floor manufacturers.
Made for the outdoors, his wooden birdhouses are popular with architects, design students and gift-givers of all ages. More importantly, birds, such as wrens and finches, like them too. Among Ellis’ many designs, the Mid-Century Modern ($130 and pictured) is a fan favorite.
To purchase, visit etsy.com/people/koolbird. Ellis and his birdhouses will be in Atlanta for the Dogwood Festival (April 19-21) and the Virginia-Highland Summerfest (June 1-2).
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from around the South that you give as gifts, buy for your home, or rave about to friends? If so, please share them with us. Send your suggestions to: lljerkins@gmail.com. Please include your name and contact number.
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