1. Diamonds set in 18-karat gold bezel refine the intentionally rough edges of these twig band rings, available in a variety of widths ($625-$2,000). Shaw Jewelry, Northeast Harbor, ME 207-276-5000; shawjewelry.com
Magazine
Christie Matheson
New England jewelry makers find inspiration in organic shapes and the great outdoors. The result is outstanding pieces that mimic the natural forms of twigs, feathers, birch bark, maple seeds, branches, and bees. View these natural beauties:
Design
Bug Repellent Clothing
If you’ve ever survived a serious encounter with mosquitoes or blackflies, you know that the experience can wreak havoc with your sanity. (One June, one old-time Mainer explained to me that “a lotta people go nuts because of the blackflies. You wouldn’t be the first.”) The only people who might understand fly-ridden angst better than […]
1. Clean everything from woodwork to bathroom tile to rugs with Liquid Sunshine NonToxic Cleaner ($14.98 38oz concentrate, $7.98 16oz spray). Vermont Soap Organics Middlebury, VT 802-388-4302 vermontsoap.com 2. When your yoga mat gets yucky, the essential oils in Lunaroma’s Yoga Mat Cleanser ($5.75) and Yoga Mat Refresh Mist ($15) tackle nasty microbes. Lunaroma, Burlington, […]
Design
Garden Tools with Style
How does your garden grow? With style, if you use streamlined, neutral-hued tools and accessories created by Fernanda Bourlot, founder of the Boston-based design firm Simplemente Blanco. Bourlot’s garden collection includes (clockwise from bottom left): wood-handled trowel ($15); planting set with galvanized pot, seeds (center), short wooden markers, and gloves ($18); garden tools holder ($40); […]
Design
Glasses for Giftgiving
1.Offer your favorite vintage dressed in this mod wine bag ($22), made of recycled fabric, from Aster + Sage of Providence, RI. 401-781-0035; asterandsage.com 2. Cocktails rock and martinis look marvelous in cool “Satin Frost” glassware ($32/set of four rocks glasses; $35/set of two martini glasses), from Angela Adams of Portland, ME. 800-255-9454; angelaadams.com 3. […]
1. This posh 16×16-inch Morris pillow ($140) features a wool-felt stripe motif appliqued on organic cotton flannel (cheery Pod pillow, $164). Made by Balanced Design of Providence, Rhode Island. 401-486-3589; balanced-design.com 2. Stimulating and playful, this Color Blox hand-hooked wool-felt rug (seven sizes, $80-$1,925) pops against a neutral color palette. Made by Dash & Albert […]
Celebrate the last warm days of the year with an al fresco meal — packed in a basket that takes care of the environment you’re hoping to enjoy. Irish-born glassblower Simon Pearce and his company of designers and artisans have been Vermont fixtures since 1981. Their Willow Picnic Basket ($295, including everything) is made from […]
New England honey ranges from light in color and softly fragrant to dark, rich, and intense. Maple syrup isn’t New England’s only deliciously sticky homegrown product — this region is one of the country’s leading producers of honey, too. Local New England honey is worth buying for more than its heavenly taste. Supporting small-scale beekeepers […]
Goat’s milk cheeses are varied and versatile, ranging from mild and creamy to firm and tangy. Learn more, plus where to find the best New England goat cheese. We know Vermont does cheddar better than just about anyone, but cheese making in New England goes beyond cows-only. Around here — where the changing seasons are […]