The 2021 Guide for Unique Artisan-made Gifts from Florence / Part 3
Curated by Creative People in Florence
Still on the look out for those perfect gifts this year? Here’s Part 3 of our Holiday Gift Guide with more great ideas for everyone on your list. For the art lover, for the writer and the reader, for the fashionistas, for the design obsessed, or for that person who loves a little sparkle, we’ve got you covered. As always, the work featured in our gift guides is all made by hand in Florence. We encourage you to reach out the the designers to ask questions or even stop by their workshops if you’re in town. Many designers will happily add a custom touch to their pieces just for you, so don’t be afraid to ask!
Jewelry designer Anthea Cattarossi of Anthea Gioielli describes her work as a combination of tradition and innovation, a phrase that is magic to our ears. We love how she fuses the refined details of historical jewelry with fun flashes of contemporary style. All of her work is entirely handcrafted with top quality materials, so you can be sure that your pieces will be treasured for years to come. If you’re in Florence, get in touch with Anthea (gioiellianthea@gmail.com) to arrange an order (and skip the shipping costs), or shop online in her Etsy shop. For all the latest work, be sure to follow @anthea.gioielli.
Tucked into a workshop down Via dei Bardi, just a few minutes walk from Ponte Vecchio, you might find artisan Erin Ciulla binding books with traditional leather covers and marbled paper linings, or you might find her building books with anything from rubber bike tires, plexiglass, wood, or even knitted objects. At Il Torchio you’ll find the perfect sketchbook, journal or agenda just for you or your loved ones…and if you don’t see it on the shelf, Erin will create it for you. Check out a few of our picks for your holiday gifts below. Shop hours are 11-13:30 and 14:30-18 Tuesday to Friday. The online shop features some items, but there is much more to see in person. For special orders contact info@legatoriailtorchio.com. Follow along with new pieces at @legatoriailtorchio.
To add a burst of color to the holidays, you can’t go wrong with a piece of jewelry by designer Sara Amrhein. Perfect to dress up a casual look or add the finishing touch to your New Year’s Eve party ensemble, these pieces in polymer clay are sure to be a conversation starter. Taking inspiration from art history, the natural world, and her endless love for color, Sara crafts bold earrings and necklaces for those who like to make a statement. See a few of our favorite styles below, or browse them all at sara-amrhein.com. For a glimpse at her process and the new styles follow @saraamrhein.
For years we’ve been mesmerized by the delicate graceful work of jewelry designer Valentina Caprini, the artist behind Floema. Masterfully using traditional jewelry techniques such as filigree, she combines them with innovative approaches inspired by her love of textiles, nature and family traditions. We are so excited about the launch of her newest project Linfa, a studio and gallery space for contemporary jewelry. In addition to Valentina (@valentinacaprini), the new space will also host jewelry designers Maria Ignacia Walker (@miw_jewelry) and Francesca Zanuccoli (@francescazanuccolijewelry). To get a closer look at the works shown below, stop by the grand opening of Linfa on Saturday, December 11 from 12-8pm, or during opening hours from December 12-14 from 11am-8pm. Borgo Allegri 60r. Follow along with all the news at @linfa_studiogallery.
If you found your way to our website, we can be pretty sure that a little piece of your heart is here in Florence. We love the way Nicoletta of Studio G’Art 44 captures the colors and energy of the iconic sites of the city. In addition to her beloved series of illustrations in the Firenze series, she has just added a few new projects to her collection, including a gorgeous Italian silk scarf and and a series of handcut collages. Take a look at our top picks for the holidays below, or check out @studio_gart44.illustrazioni for more ideas.
The co-working art studio Campucc10 is always whirring with activity, from jewelry making to sculpture to floral design and so much more. Along with their own studio spaces, the resident artists also curate a gallery space which hosts works by local artists and artisans. Be sure to check out the current show Isla Calamidad, which features the illustrations for the children’s book of the same name by artist Simone Spellucci. You’ll also find a beautiful new project by engraver and jewelry designer Marla Desii, as well as artful floral arrangements by Gigetta Floral Treasures, ceramic pieces from a very special project led by artist Oliviero Draghi, and delightful moving sculptures by Tiki Taka. There’s so much more to see, so stop by and take a look! Stay up-to-date from afar by following @campucc10 or visit their online shop.
For a thoughtful gift this season, we love the idea of giving an original artwork or print by artist Auria Bohn. Inspired by the nature that surrounds the old farmhouse where she lives with her family on the hills outside of Florence, she works with the soothing washes of watercolors and rich tones of natural inks, many of which she makes herself. In fact, she just released Vine Black Ink, a book explaining the process of ink-making from natural materials. The book is available on its own, or as part of an ink-making kit that includes everything you need to get started. Take a look at the images below to get inspired. Original works and prints are available on auriabohn.com or her Etsy shop, as well as at the Holiday Pop Up Market at FAF in Borgo San Frediano. Stay up to date with her latest works at @vintagefables.
Stay tuned over the coming weeks for more gift ideas from local designers and small business owners for all the special people in your life. As always, shop small, shop local. Happy gifting!
To learn more about the artists mentioned above and discover other top-quality craftsmanship in Florence, download the new Creative People in Florence App! Free to download from the App Store or Google Play, the App offers access to a selection of local artisans and designers. You can use it to map the route to their workshop or you can browse their online profiles and shop online.

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