Gift Picks: RISD Alumni Sale

Didn't make it over to the Convention Center for RISD's annual alumni holiday sale?  Don't worry, I did some browsing for you.  Here are my picks for the best finds of the sale. Ready, set, get gifting!

Amie Louise Plante’s jewelry was the first thing that really caught my eye.  When it comes to jewelry I’m always looking for the perfect statement piece, and Amie’s meticulously metalsmithed organic designs were just that.  Taking inspiration from nature, I particularly fell in love with the ocean-inspired pieces, including an exquisite barnacle linked bracelet and a knock out ring that resembled a sea fan.  If you're in the market for jewelry, it's definitely worth a trip to her Cranston studio.   www.amieplante.com, 401-663-6941

 Double Petal Ring, $140

My next stop was at Gleena, a collection of ’04 alum Asya Palatova’s playful porcelain tableware.  The simplistic designs popped in pastels with vintage animal accents, and her lion, grasshopper and kangaroo adorned cups seem fit for a teaparty. Mad Hatter not included. Check out Gleena’s designs online or arrange an appointment at her Pawtucket studio.  All designs are handmade and can be customized.  http://gleena.com, 401-484-6535

Elephant Tea Cup, $27

Don’t think my inner music lover was left out! RISD grad and luthier George Brin’s String Tinkers cigar box bodied banjos and vintage tin ukuleles were downright covetable. Brin’s inventive reinterpretation of the stringed instruments reminded me of Picasso’s Guitar in their creativity and craftsmanship.  The big difference? Brin’s beauties make music! Not only visual works of art, each instrument is carefully designed and fine tuned to be played both acoustically and electrically.  It doesn’t get more wish-list worthy!   http://string-tinkers.myshopify.com, 301-538-2344

 

Aroma DeCuba Six String Guitar, $650

I first noticed Ian Gilpin Cozzens’ work at the New Urban Arts booth.  Presented under the name Secret Door Projects, Cozzen’s screen prints are an architectural-pop ode to Providence, iconizing the creative capital in eye-catching colors and lines.  The endearing aesthetic and recognizable subject matter maker Cozzen’s prints the perfect gift for anyone wanting a piece of Providence framed on their wall, and are especially affordable for the aspiring art collector.  http://www.secretdoorprojects.org

Industrial Trust Building, $30

LeeAnn Herreid’s Individual Icons jewelry designs fashion functional objects into charming accessories. Last year I received an antique compass necklace similar to Herreid’s designs for Christmas, and it not only draws compliments, it allows me to wear my wanderlust wherever I go.  Herreid’s magnifying glass, ruler, level and thermometer designs are simplistic enough to be wearable, yet distinct enough to stand out and make a statement.  These clever handcrafted pieces would make the perfect gift for the artist, crafter or creative soul in your life.  And don’t think she left out the gentleman: Phillips head cufflinks can add a hint of inner-handyman to any man’s sleeve.  http://individualicons.com, 401-247-7867

 

1/4'' Ruler Bracelet – Inches, $40