Artist Anne Bell Robb’s original paintings now inspire a wide selection of New England designs for the home. We love the hydrangeas in this hand-hooked wool throw pillow (15 inches, $75) and chairpad ($30), framed print ($35), and magnet ($5). There’s nothing to water, and no worries about drooping petals. Rugs, mirrors, and notecards are […]
Maggie Lake wanders the Vermont woods collecting leaves, plant stems, and petals. At home in Putney, she crafts her “flower portraits,” which are framed in cherry or bird’s-eye maple by her husband, Tracy. Giclee prints are also available. Pictured here is Vermont Pond Flora (giclee, 8-1/2 x 31 inches, $195). 802-387-2474; vermontbotanical.com
Adorn your favorite lamp with a wreath of pressed blooms. Jennifer Allen crafts these delicate-yet-sturdy fiberglass lampshades ($50-$100) from organically grown flowers and other plant materials, picked and dried onsite. Available with white, cream, or tan background from Botanical Lampshades of North Sandwich, New Hampshire. 603-284-7468; botanicallampshades.com
The showroom at Pepi Herrmann Crystal, in Gilford, New Hampshire, positively sparkles. In the studio, craftsmen carefully hand-cut and hand-engrave delicate patterns in fine glass. The “Wildflower” design is our favorite, and one of the most popular among customers. Pictured are the large footed “Wildflower” bowl ($135) and assorted matching pieces (from $39). 800-426-3288, 603-528-1020; […]
Stowe, Vermont, is known for action: skiing in winter and biking, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding in summer and fall. But for simple relaxation in a beautiful place, come here in early spring when the crowds melt away with the snow. When Stowe Mountain Lodge opens this April, this town of just 4,400 or so […]
Keep little toes to chin warm this winter by bundling your baby in a fleece bunting. This cozy, brightly colored outerware is made of durable, machine-washable Polartec, woven in Lawrence, Massachusetts. It’s better than a blanket — hard to lose, yet with two front zippers, easy to get in and out of. Made by Chuck […]
There’s nothing like a good cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa on a cold day. Beth Mueller’s hand-crafted, hand-decorated mugs ($28-$32) invite you into the world of her imagination, thanks to simple-yet-whimsical designs. From her studio in Barre, Vermont, she designs the drawings that will grace a variety of pottery pieces, logo clothing, and paper […]
Fashionistas know winter brings a whole new selection of season-appropriate fabrics. Boston-based designers Kelly Smith and Chris Grimley match high-quality German felts with Knoll interior textiles in their handbags, which are sewn locally. These cushy accessories carry laptops, cameras, and digital music players stylishly yet carefully, without overtly advertising the valuable items within. Pictured here […]
Designer Mary Wilson knows how you can liven up your eating space even on the darkest days — all without fussing with vases. Instead, set the table with her colorful cork placemats: The designer’s Flora and Fauna collections feature bold graphics, artfully silk-screened, with nonscratch undersides. Select from 14-1/2-inch rounds or 12-by-15-inch rectangles. Available in […]
Need a little something to chase away the winter blues? Here a few of our favorite things.
Here’s a clever and gentle way to introduce both girls and boys to hobby railroading: NameTrains. This wooden railway system features individual letter cars that connect easily with magnets to spell out a name — a great way to personalize a gift for a child (or an adult train lover). Plus, you can create an […]
Know a student who might be your town’s next science fair award winner? For kids ages 5 to 14 who have a bit of patience and an interest in engineering basics, try one of Bridge Street’s many Girder & Panel construction sets. Each one includes an instruction book with engineering drawings. We liked the hydrodynamic […]
