A sure shot
When Heather Abbott wanted some funky earrings to wear to a large Thanksgiving gathering one year, her husband offered to make a pair from an unexpected source: bullets.
Heather had her doubts. But thankfully, she did not shoot down Kelly’s idea. At the holiday dinner, the couple sold 20 pairs of bullet earrings. And launched a jewelry company in Thomasville.
Lizzy J’s handcrafted designs feature recycled bullet casings and shotgun shells, Swarovski crystals and a high shine for an elegant touch. Best-sellers include the bullet earrings ($25 to $30) and the adjustable shotgun shell leather cuffs ($30 or $35). There also are necklaces ($25 to $30) and rings ($15). The company also will make earrings from your own bullets.
To order visit www.lizzyjs.com. In the Atlanta area, find Lizzy J's unique line of jewelry at the London Trading Company, 30 E. Andrews Drive (www.londontradingcompany.com), and Love Street at Cedarcrest, 80 Seven Hills Blvd., Suite 501, in Dallas (lovestreetonline.com).
Modern bottles
On a whim, Courtney Hamill signed up for an introductory ceramics class in college. The Atlanta native never thought pottery would become a passion. Or her career.
Last year, Hamill started Honeycomb Studio, a handmade porcelain shop. Working in her backyard studio in Atlanta’s West Midtown area, Hamill makes modern yet functional pieces one at a time on a wheel, or from an original mold. No two are alike.
Water-tight and food-safe, her popular white and gold apothecary bottles ($37) are tough to keep in stock. So are her copper and white bud vases. The gold or metallic elements on her porcelain products add a touch of elegance. Put them to work or arrange several as a decorative element on a shelf.
For the holidays, Hamill’s new heirloom ornaments ($28 each) are likely to be a big seller. The sculptural turtle doves ($35 to $42) too.
Visit www.honeycomb-studio.com. Also find selected Honeycomb Studio products in that Atlanta area at Steve McKenzie's, 996 Huff Road (stevemckenzies.com) and the Young Blood Gallery & Boutique, 636 N Highland Ave. (youngbloodgallery.com)
Barn chic
Two years ago, Alabama’s Leigh Ann Higdon and Sharon Gilbert headed for the family barn. To start Old Clutch, a leather goods business, south of Birmingham.
Amid the barn’s time-worn tools and vintage cars, the sisters-in-law create cool clutches, plus edgy laptop and iPad cases. For added personality, each one-of-a kind leather piece is embellished with sewn-on trinkets, buckles, naturally shed antlers or jewelry worn by their grandmothers.
The fashionable cross-body bag is a best-seller. So is the iPad case, which can be used as a clutch. The newest designs include the roomy “Field” and “Seed” bags.
Rugged, yet sophisticated, the bags and cases range from $130 to $265. Men's styles are available too. Visit www.oldclutch.com. In the Atlanta area, find Old Clutch at T. Clothing, 3719 Old Alabama Road, Suite 200G, in Johns Creek.
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. Also find more Southern-made products, featured in the AJC, at Southernfinds on Facebook.
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