Anna, our copywriter, and Taylor, our merchandising assistant, got the chance to interview one of our artisans who is a true scarf specialist, Joyita of California, just in time for our Accessories Extravaganza. A self-taught artist, she is inspired by the childhood joy of painting with her grandmother. Today, flowers and leaves flow from her brush onto the silk, pairing glorious colors and patterns with exquisitely touchable texture.

What has been your greatest artistic achievement, and why?

My greatest artistic achievement was when I saw my products being worn at Hollywood red carpet events. A Canadian actress Barbara Eve Harris wore an ensemble at the “Spiderman” movie premiere.

The legendary Mickey Rooney appeared in front of all of Hollywood at the 2014 Vanity Fair event right after the Oscars wearing a tie that he had chosen from my collection. He was photographed that night with Bruce Willis, Richard Gere, and many others and I was absolutely thrilled to see all the pictures had him wear the grey tie I had presented him at an Oscar gifting suite. That was his last appearance in front of Hollywood cameras.

For me, it was a realization that the highest strata of fashion in the world had appreciated my work and wanted to wear it and display it.

What does the handmade movement mean to you?

Globalization is a good thing, as we trade great minds, ideas among the entire world and mutually benefit each other.

However it should not be in a way that destroys local arts, crafts and ingenuity. I learned fabric painting and apparel art in India and I have read in history how Indian artisans were completely destroyed when the British Empire flooded the market with cheaply manufactured factory goods. It was an industrial revolution. History teaches us a strong lesson. The artisans in India continue to create beautiful work, but are constantly taken advantage by the globalization merchants who prosper from their art, without paying just compensation for their skills. My proposal for the US Handmade movement is that we should encourage all Americans to buy and support locally made products. It is time that the Handmade in America by US artists be exported to other countries.

This is a tremendous treasure of America, and we should support it wholeheartedly.

What do you hope your customers feel when they wear your products?

I hope that the colors I paint on my silk apparel give my customers positive energy and make them feel happy. My customers always tell me how they are always complimented when they wear my hand painted silks, whether at a wedding, cruise, conference, or just leisure. My silks have reached many homes through Uno Alla Volta and I always hope that they brought a smile of confidence to the wearer, and brought that extra spring to their step!

What are some fun facts about you that you think customers would enjoy?

I am painting masterpiece-inspired scarves and ties for the De Young museum collection in San Francisco. It is very interesting to look at the amazing works of Turner and other great artists and create inspirational collections of hand-painted silk scarves, ponchos, and ties.

Last year I forgot to take my scarves out on time and the heat burnt up a small batch of scarves in the steamer. At first I was totally disappointed and then I saw the perfect burnt edges of the scarves. When I started displaying them at shows, buyers started placing orders and now I have a collection of purposely burnt scarves, and it all started with a mistake.

See all of Joyita’s creations on her artisan page.

Our accessories extravaganza continues with these statement cuffs for every occasion. Pair your vibrant scarves with these bold cuffs to make your ensemble come together. A cuff adds sophistication and style to the outfit of your choice, and can turn a classic outfit into a spring-ready look.

Our organic mixed metals diamond cuff come to us from our Georgia artisan, a native of India who draws inspiration from the exotic beauty and richly creative culture of her native country to design each cuff. Growing up amid the exotic natural beauty of Rajasthan, India, our artisan developed a passion for design at an early age. When she moved to the United States, she began handcrafting her own jewelry designs, and today, she and her simple, stunning nature-inspired designs create employment for skilled Indian artisans who bring her designs to life, allowing her to share her good fortune with the community and culture that inspire her. She returns regularly to her home state of Rajasthan, where a third generation family of artisans uses hand-cut and forged brass in order to bring her designs to life. This gorgeous cuff is made uno alla volta, with craft and precision, making it truly a handcrafted treasure.

Organic Mixed Metals Diamond Cuff

For nearly 30 years, Jan Michaels has been traveling the globe, finding artistic inspiration in her worldly experiences. Jan Michaels loves to visit museums and ancient sites to study decorative styles of times past. Her extensive journeys inspire the eclectic designs that she and her team handcraft in her San Francisco workshop, hand- assembling intricate metal stampings with semi-precious stones specially selected from exotic lands. Her creations are wearable pieces of art–timeless fashions and treasures to enjoy now and into the future. The breadth of her experiences is apparent in the unique, nuanced, varied jewelry she creates. Each cuff she handcrafts tells a story. In her San Francisco studio, Jan and her team hand assemble each unique “Skyline Striations” piece using specially chosen materials. This collection is handmade from turquoise magnesite and hand-hammered brass.

Jan Michaels’ “Skyline Striations” Cuff

To see all of Jan’s creations, visit her artisan page.

To learn more about how she brings her designs to life, you can watch Jan describe the inspiration behind her Comedy-Tragedy Collection here.

In a mix of texture and material, our Tennessee artisan, Karen, pairs bold gemstone accents with sleek metal to create unique statement pieces. Whether you like large statement cuffs or more subtle chic accessories, Karen creates a piece for everyone with her wire-wrapped cuffs.

Karen’s Wire-Wrapped Violet Drusy Cuff

Karen’s Wire-Wrapped Blue Drusy Cuff

Karen’s Wire-Wrapped Jade Cuff

View all of Karen’s captivating cuffs on her artisan page.

Click here to read more of our artisan moments on our blog!

As the home and accessories buyer for Uno Alla Volta, I’ve had the chance to work with vendors all over the globe. Through my work, I’ve been exposed to countless fashions, and honed my personal style through that exploration.

Joyita’s “Bermuda Sunset” Silk Scarf

This scarf from Joyita brings me back to the days when I studied painting and art history as an undergraduate student. My creativity was at its peak, and I was just beginning to discover my love of form and color. Explore some creative ways to style this scarf with the Uno Alla Volta guide to scarves !

Carole’s Natural Fiber Sun Hat

Carole’s classic hats are always in style, with designs for every outfit and season. We have a lot of fun naming the styles after women in our office and our family members. I know it will be my go-to hat this spring and summer, with the wide brim and cute floral detailing.

Alessandra And Elisabetta’s Metallic Bucket Bag

My annual visit to see Alessandra and Elisabetta in their Florentine studio is always the highlight of spring for me. I almost forget that I’m working when I’m driving through the Tuscan hillside to get there! As a buyer, I really appreciate how much their sweet, warm, feminine spirits are embodied in their marvelous handbags.

I’m hoping our Accessories Extravaganza will leave you equally as inspired!

With love, Marina

Take part in our Accessories Extravaganza here!

Cheers to spring! The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and you may even catch a butterfly or two if you take a walk outside. Amedeo, a long time artisan with Uno Alla Volta, brings his appreciation for spring to life with his hand-gilded butterfly wine glasses.

Amedeo is the master artisan behind many of our most beloved hand-gilded glass treasures. After graduating from art school, Amedeo founded his glass workshop in Verona, Italy. From the time his sons Valentino and Roberto were old enough to hold a paint brush, they have worked alongside their father, becoming expert craftsmen and artisans in their own right.

Together, he and his two sons transform an ordinary wine glass into this shimmering work of art by adding a beautiful butterfly design, available in both aqua and pink. After applying a stucco design to each glass, a layer of color and silver leaf is added by hand. Once completely dry, each glass is hand-polished to a gleaming luster.

Hand-Gilded Aqua Butterfly Wine Glass

Hand-Gilded Pink Butterfly Wine Glass

To celebrate spring, fill these beautiful butterfly glasses with this Spring Sangria recipe courtesy of Eat-Drink-Love.

Spring Sangria

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (750 ml) bottle of fruity white wine
• 3 cups Sprite (you can also use lemon lime sparkling water)
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• Sliced lemons, lime, and oranges (and pineapple if you want!)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large pitcher, stir together the wine, Sprite, pineapple juice, and the orange juice. Then gently stir in the slices of fruit.
2. Refrigerate the sangria for about 2 hours and serve.

To share with the whole family, you can substitute the white wine with sparkling cider.

Our accessories extravaganza has begun! Scarves, hats, and handbags are everywhere to be seen at Uno Alla Volta. With the warmer weather, brighter colors are making their way into our wardrobes and we couldn’t be happier.

Spring is the season for silk scarves. A scarf is one of the most versatile accessories – wear it around your neck, tie it around the strap of your bag, fasten it into a hair accessory, or wrap it around your shoulders on a cool spring evening.

Looking for ways to style yours? Now that spring is in full swing, that doesn’t mean it’s time to pack away your scarves until next winter. In fact, now is the season to get creative! Discover new ways to style your extravagant accessory with our scarf guide.

1. The Infinity Scarf – Tie the ends of your scarf together in a gentle knot to create a loop. Put the scarf around your neck, making sure the knot stays in the back. Twist the scarf in front of you to make an infinity sign, and wrap it once more around your neck, making sure the back knot stays hidden.
2. The Lapel Drape – To dress up a classic blazer, trench coat or pea coat, simply drape the scarf evenly under the lapel of your jacket. This works best with a lightweight scarf, like the ones Joyita makes.
3. The City Chic – For a classic look that’s both business professional and everyday chic, drape the scarf around your neck, keeping each side even. Bring the left side over and under the right, making sure to keep the tie close to your neck. Then do the same a second time, making the sides hang in an even overlay down the center.
4. The Bow Tie Scarf – Hang the scarf around the back of your neck, keeping each side even. Cross the sides high in front of you, staying close to your neck. Then, as if you are tying a shoe or a ribbon, create two large loops to tie together in front of you, making a bow.
5. The Eternally Effortless – You can never go wrong with a scarf that you can just throw on over any outfit, no matter the season. Fold your scarf in half, then bring the loop on the end to the back side of your neck. Cross the opposite side across the front of your neck, and guide it through the loop you made. Adjust to your comfort.
6. The Show Off – To show off the unique and bold design of a statement scarf, loosely drape one side around the back of your neck, keeping the other side longer. Wrap the longer side in front of you and bring it once more around the back of your neck, creating even sides. Pull the center in front of you, keeping it a loose and relaxed fit. This style looks great with a square scarf, but can be worn with any scarf.

Our California artisan, Joyita, is an expert in handcrafting scarves. Bold or subtle, each of Joyita’s paintings on silk is a unique exploration in color, design and technique. A self-taught artist, she is inspired by the childhood joy of painting with her grandmother. Each scarf pairs glorious colors and patterns with exquisitely touchable texture. After hand-painting the fabric in her California studio, Joyita dries it for 24 hours before steam setting the brilliant hues.

Lucille of Connecticut makes her beautiful silk scarves just up the road from our office. Lucille can be found in her kitchen transforming white silk into one-of-a-kind marbleized works of art. She combs colorful drops of paint that float atop a bath containing a special solution. Once the pattern is perfected, she meticulously stretches her luxurious canvas of silk into the solvent, transferring and preserving the complex designs.

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When it comes to scarves, the style opportunities are endless. For more inspiration, take a look at our entire collection of scarves.

As Mother’s Day approaches, now is the time to reflect on how special our mothers are to us. As the years go by, our relationships with our mothers evolve in beautiful ways – from a child who refuses to leave their mother’s side, to a cranky teenager, to an adult who now appreciates how much our mother has done for us. We begin to feel an appreciation for the unconditional love that our mothers have given us, and those of us who have become mothers now understand what it’s like to walk in their shoes.

This Mother’s Day, tell your mother how much she means to you with a Capodimonte flower that will last forever, just as the love you share does.

Capodimonte porcelain is the finest of Italian artistic pottery, with a history beginning in Naples in 1738. In that year, with clays of pure white color and the finest grain brought in from Calabria, artists created highly detailed objects rivaling the best of other European courts. Almost 300 years later, each piece is still individually handcrafted in the most meticulous detail.

Whether she loves roses, lilies, irises, or pansies, find your mother’s favorite flower as you browse the entire Capodimonte Porcelain Collection.

Lorena’s mother, Nina, began working with glass at the age of nine. Since then, the torch has literally been passed from mother to daughter. Today, Lorena, her mother and her sister put a fresh twist on tradition as they string their handcrafted Murano lampwork beads and millefiori into stunning, versatile accessories.

Lorena and Terri in Murano

When we first introduced Lorena’s stretch bracelet design, our customers went wild! Everyone just had to have one, so we worked with Lorena to create the next generation bracelet, even more dazzling than the first. Loads of crystal embellishments bejewel her very own silver-infused lampwork beads.

Lorena’s Dazzling Bracelet of Murano

Of all our glass artisans, Lorena is one of the most prolific, creating delicate masterpieces such as this rose bead bracelet. This piece features five strands of Murano glass seed beads in a soft pink-purple shade, with silver-plated findings. This seed bead bracelet now comes in Mint, Lavendar, Robin’s Egg Blue, and Grey as well.

Rose Murano Glass Bracelet With Silver Clasp

Pair your bracelets with one of Lorena’s complementary rings, masterfully crafted on the Isle of Murano. Each ring is crafted through lampwork tradition, with bright glass and sterling silver. Allow an exotic sparkle to reign your hands when wearing our handmade Murano glass ring, crafted with a precision and passion that truly makes it a handcrafted treasure.

Lorena’s Silver-Infused Murano Glass Ring

Discover all of Lorena’s Murano treasures on her artisan page, unoallavolta.com/lorena.

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Lorena’s mother, Nina, during the lampworking process.

Our merchandising team took a journey across the Atlantic to visit our artisans in Italy. Anna, our copywriter, kept a travel log of the trip to share her experience with our Uno Alla Volta family.

“Since I began working with Uno, I have often heard about Murano: a glimmering isle off the Venetian coast, famous for its glass artistry. Although I have read so much about this place, nothing could have prepared me for the beauty of cruising the Mediterranean Sea in a water taxi and arriving at Lorena’s doorstep. Everything on Murano seemed to be from another world, another time, another realm of reality, dripping with wonder and tradition.

“Inside, Lorena and her sister Michela were overjoyed to share the history of their craft with us. Michela showed me a huge chunk of aventurine, or copper crystal, and explained that it has been customary to adorn glass with that material for centuries. Having learned the craft from Nina, their mother, these women are proud to carry on the family tradition by devoting their lives to glassmaking.

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“Just outside their workshop was a shimmering canal, which other shops and restaurants were lined against. We walked a few steps and met with Roberta, the artisan behind many of your favorite Murano glass animals and “forever flowers.” She had the coolest personal style, with a short black bob haircut, a small, tasteful nose stud, and was wearing a grey sheath dress with amazing black boots. My first thought was: “Wow, she’s so beautiful, I want to be her!” From the style to the characters to the setting, everything about Murano was completely and utterly magical.”

Click to discover more of our Italian treasures

To read about more of our artisan moments, visit the rest of our blog here.

Our Venetian artisans, Valentina and Alessandra, design their treasures encompassing their love of glass beads. Years ago, these Venetian designers decided to turn their passion and knowledge of jewelry design into a business that would allow their creative impulses to flow. They assemble each of the beads of their jewelry, uno alla volta, carefully hand-stringing hundreds of colorful seed beads. Their treasures are crafted with precision, featuring lampworked glass bead accents and faceted glass crystals. The aesthetic of each necklace and bracelet makes it wearable art, but the passion of the artisans manifested within each piece makes each necklace truly a handcrafted treasure.

Valentina and Alessandra in Italy

These two ladies love to add just a bit of bling to their colorful Venetian glass designs. Their extra use of crystal pulls out the natural glitter of the copper crystal and gold-infused glass. As our second annual Murano event continues, Valentina and Alessandra have created designs for spring that will add a pop of elegant color to your everyday ensemble.

Venetian “Glorious Greys” Charm Bracelet

Valentina and Alessandra’s Bar Necklaces

Valentina and Alessandra’s Venetian Glass Memory Wire Bracelets

Find the piece that matches you best on Valentina and Alessandra’s artisan page.