Surrounded By Talent

Paige Albright Orientals located in Mountain Brook Village

As many of you know, if you follow me on social media, I spent two amazing days in Birmingham, Alabama at my friend's rug shop, Paige Albright Orientals.  Paige was gracious enough to host a trunk show for me and my jewelry as well as the artwork from the talented Gina Hurry.  I can safely say that Paige has one of the most reputable businesses in the United States.  Not only is she is a rug expert but also a talented interior designer too.  Post college we shared a duplex, she was on the left, and I was on the right, but we had a communal back porch that was THE gathering place for the entire cul-de-sac.  It was the 90's and all of the tenants referred to it as Melrose Place.  Her apartment, even then, was a curated dwelling filled with wonderful furniture and rugs and interesting collectibles, books, and art. 

A standing iron easel with a piece of Gina Hurry's art greets guests as they enter the shop.  The easel is designed by Chris Holt of Noah J. & Co. here in Atlanta.  You too can have one of these for your artwork, we have more in production as we speak.

I was overwhelmed by the show of support from so many of my friends from my home town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama as well as great friends from college.  My friend Buffy Calvert, featured above, now writes a fashion blog called The Style Gathering, which shows her great fashion sense and the photography of Jennifer Hagler Photography.

Gina Hurry's art created a beautiful backdrop for my jewelry.

After 48 hours of seeing friends, meeting new ones, eating great food and drinking lots of great wine, I headed back to Atlanta to a trunk show at Rumson Gifts and Home Furnishings.  Owner, Catherine McGahan was showcasing the work of Gigi Burris Millinery.  

Rumson Gifts and Home Furnishings is a very curated shop featuring unexpected items like Gigi Burris' hats and headbands and is currently the only place in Georgia where you can buy them.  Catherine is also currently representing artist, Hutton Snellings.  Be sure to read Catherine's blog to learn more about her business.

Cuff bracelets designed by Cary Calhoun.

I woke up on Sunday morning to see that my friend Cary had launched her new website, Cary Calhoun Designs.  Cary has been designing jewelry for years and is a household name here in Atlanta.  She is a true metalsmith who fabricates her jewelry by sawing, filing, soldering, sanding and polishing.  She also crafts pieces by creating wax models cast in sterling silver and bronze.  Please check out her new site filled with eye candy!!!!  I want one of the above cuffs.

It took me a week to recover from my whirlwind trip but it was worth every second.  I am so proud to call these talented people my friends.