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.
Florentine Ring / €275
Hand engraved ring in Florentine style. Sterling silver 925 plated in rhodium. Entirely handcrafted. Unique piece! US finger size 6.
Leaf Earrings / €85
Gold plated leaf earrings from original leaf mold. Sterling silver plated in yellow gold 18K.
Purple and Red Earrings / €105
Enamel earrings in sterling silver plated in yellow gold 18K. Customizable also in sterling silver 925 without the gold plating.
Renaissance Aquamarine Ring / €420
Entirely handcrafted and engraved in classic Florentine style. Sterling silver 925, yellow gold 18K and natural aquamarine. Unique piece!
US finger size 6 3/4.
“Amor vincit omnia” Rings / €95
“Love conquers everything” the ancients said…and it is a great truth! In sterling silver 925 and colored enamel. Finger size: red enamel 7 US, blue enamel 6 US
Customizable in other sizes.
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.
Notebooks and Sketchbook in various styles / €100-150
Handbound books with different hand-stitching techniques, cover materials and paper. Many more styles available in the workshop.
Agendas for 2022 / €12-39
Handmade agendas for the new year. In various sizes and styles with colorful marbled covers.
Folder and pencil set / options from €15-44
Get organized with a folder and matching pencil set in beautiful marbled paper. Available with graphite or colored pencils.
Handmade cards / €9
Send a special note with these handmade cards and envelopes with a Florentine lily detail.
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.
Treccia Big Hoops in Silver and Gold / €250
Brilliant silver earrings with 18k white gold clasp. 3.5cm diameter
Rainbow Pendant / €45
Swarovski rainbow crystal set in a sphere of solid silver. Gold plated.
Treccia Rings / €45-55
Interlaced silver wires topped with a stone shape in silver or bronze. Silver €45, yellow or black gold plated silver €55.
Treccia Big Hoops in Silver and Gold / €250
Intertwined silver threads sparkle in the light. Durable 18k white gold clasp. 3.5cm diameter.
Treccia Ring in Silver / €45
Interlaced silver threads dance in the light.
Don’t miss the opening of Linfa Studio Gallery!
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.
Florence Fine Art Print / €50/90
Hand-retouched, high resolution print on natural fiber paper. Limited edition, signed. Available in two sizes, 10x10cm and 15x15cm.
Silk Scarf / €89
Fine Italian silk scarf with print of Florence. Special promo price!
Florence Illustrations / €25/35
Which is your favorite Florentine view? Available in A3 and A4, each high quality print is numbered and part of a limited edition.
Santo Spirito Collage / €90
From the Firenze 3D series, this collage is available in various colors. Hand cut so each piece is unique.
Santo Spirito Collage / €90
From the Firenze 3D series, this collage is available in various colors. Hand cut so each piece is unique.
Arno Bridges Collage / €79
Collage depicting the bridges over the Arno. Hand cut so each piece is unique. Special promo price.
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.
Moving Sculptures / €38
Charming sculptures with moving parts by Tiki Taka. Turn the handle to see the fish swim by!
Bouquets and Wreaths / €15,50/ €35
A warm way of showing appreciation with a soft country style detail. Wild flower wreaths and small dried flowers bouquets by Gigetta Floral are a little treat for the eyes this season.
Artist Prints by Spesimo / €53
Prints from the original plates for the illustrated book Isla Calamidad. Prints on view and available for purchase following the book presentation on December 3.
Piezz ‘e Còre Etching / €35
For whom does your heart beat? What makes it beat with joy or sadness? Create the map of your heart and give it as a special gift to a loved one. A project by Marla Desii, these etchings are also the result of a collaboration born at Campucc10. Each piece is printed on a unique piece of handmade paper made by Gigetta Floral. Printed by artist Sara Vettori, original etching plate by Marla Desii.
Le ceramiche del carcere / €12-15
The result of a project led by artist Oliviero Draghi since 2013, these ceramic pieces are created by inmates at the Gozzini Prison in Florence. Proceeds support the costs of the project, which offers technical training and a precious creative outlet.
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.
Original Artwork and hand embellished prints / €55-120
Artworks on vintage papers with a range of techniques and materials including watercolor, monoprints, metallic copper leaf, hand made botanical inks as well as black ink made from the carbonized grape vines foraged from the Tuscan countryside.
Original Artwork and hand embellished prints / €55-120
Artworks on vintage papers with a range of techniques and materials including watercolor, monoprints, metallic copper leaf, hand made botanical inks as well as black ink made from the carbonized grape vines foraged from the Tuscan countryside.
Vine Black Ink Book / €25
This book will walk you through the steps of how to make your own vine black ink ink at home using twigs, vines and branches!
Soft matte cover, 58 color pages, 6″x8″ (A5). Includes one ink swatch book mark with swatches of real vine black ink.
The Vine Black Ink Kit / €60
This kit teaches you to make your own black ink from scratch using vines, twigs, and sticks!
The kit includes one copy the book Vine Black Ink, 10 grams vine charcoal sticks made from grape vines collected near my house here in Tuscany, 20 grams Gum Arabic Powder, two metal tins for processing your own sticks and vines at home, four empty glass ink bottle for you black ink, small plastic funnel, plastic pipette, whole cloves. Packaged in a white, hand stamped gift bag.
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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