Whether you work at a corporate office or at home, you can add a little inspiration or pizzazz to create an inviting workspace. Making your space into your own personal style can make you feel productive, organized, and enthused. Therefore, we present to you 5 beautiful treasures for your desk.

Paperweight

Eye-catching paperweights will liven up your desk space and make your entire space look neat by keeping papers organized. Containing dichroic glass, this full moon glass paperweight captures the detail and mystery of a naturally stirring occurrence.

Inspirational Plaque

An inspirational plaque will give you the courage to pursue your dreams. It will guide you to create the right path you need to take for success. This reversible pewter plaque is a perfect accessory to have on your desk to bring out the optimist in you.

Letter Holder

Do you find yourself spending too much time scouring for important documents? If so, an organized desk will truly boost your productivity. To achieve a tidy look, a letter holder will keep your letters organized and help you focus on your day-to-day tasks. Polish pottery artisans handcraft this sunflower letter and napkin holder from local clay and each one is fired for immense durability.

Scented Wax Vessel

What is better than a non-burning scented candle? A decorative fragrance vessel will not only freshen up your space and add a pleasing aroma to your desk, but transform your mood and improve your productivity! Embedded with natural essences and silk botanicals, this wax pottery vessel releases a soft floral scent that can help redefine the way you handle your daily tasks.

Trinket Dish

Are you looking for the ultimate organization treasure for your desk? A trinket dish is decorative yet functional. It is the perfect piece to hold paperclips and binder clips. This beautiful trinket dish is handcrafted using glass, faux gold leaf, and 18-karat gold paint.

Centuries ago, hats symbolized social status and wealth. Throughout the years, women’s hats have taken many forms that vary in shape and size, as they are one of the best accessories to change up your look. Materials such as feathers, flowers, lace, and bows are affixed on hats to give off a luxurious touch. Since there are so many different types of stylish hats, we share with you 5 chic hats for women everywhere.

The Floppy Hat

This red wool floppy hat is adorned with a black silk band and flowers. A wool hat is the perfect accessory for the fall and winter season because it adds warmth and style. A floppy hat itself can definitely dress up a casual outfit, and the color of this particular hat gives off a bold statement.

The Fedora

Hand-pressed and shaped out of felt, this cobalt blue fedora has a wide brim with an indented crown. Although the shape of this hat is considered masculine, the feather accent adds a feminine touch! This stylish hat is finished with a grosgrain ribbon for embellishment.

The Cloche

Featuring a style from the roaring 1920s, this cloche hat is a vintage fashion piece. It’s adorned with a black velvet band and a vintage silver pin, making it an exquisite accessory to flaunt your style.

The Beanie

Beanies are a great way to stay warm and stay in style; you can wear them dressed up or dressed down. The chunky wool used to handcraft this beanie is also the perfect material for winter. This type of hat gives off an effortlessly relaxed look while adding a touch of elegance.

The Derby Hat

Straw, wide-brimmed hats are the most exciting accessories in fashion. This functional yet fashionable hat protects you from UV rays while giving off a sophisticated look. This sun hat is designed from natural fiber and adorned with a big white bow for glamour.

Garnet is the official birthstone for January. Its name is derived from the Latin word for Garanatus, which means seed-like, as it is similar to a pomegranate seed in both size and color. This gemstone symbolizes health, prosperity, and regeneration, all of which are in our hopes when starting a fresh New Year. Although it is available in many colors, deep red happens to be the most common color of garnet. With countless years of history behind it, we decided to dig a little deeper and explore the origin and types of garnet!

Garnet Triple Strand Burgundy Necklace

Patrice’s Garnet Drop Earrings

History

During the Bronze Age, Egyptians would use garnet as an embellishment in their jewelry and carvings because it symbolized life.  In time, it also became very popular among the Romans and Ancient Greeks. Warriors during the Crusades used garnets as a lucky charm when going into battle because they believed it had healing powers.

Back in the biblical period, it is believed that a garnet stone led Noah’s Ark through the darkness and into the light. Today, people adore garnet mostly because of what it represents, and use it in jewelry, prayer beads, and the realm of spiritual healing.

Types

There are different types of garnet gemstones depending on their chemical composition. Due to the difference of their chemical composition, each gemstone will differ in color. The following are the types of garnet:

Almandine

Most common form of the gemstone and its color is black and red.

Pyrope

Always displays a dark, blood red color, which makes it an attractive gemstone.

Spessartite

Forms a mandarin orange to a red orange color.

Grosullar

Forms a brown, orange, green, yellow-green, and grey color.

Andradite

Not as well known as other garnets, however it forms a black, grey, green, yellow, red, pink, brown, and orange color.

Uvarovite

Considered a rare type; it forms a consistently emerald green color.

Freshwater pearls are cultured gems; they are created unnaturally using freshwater mussels. Since precious pearls have been desired for many centuries, freshwater pearls were produced to achieve that life-like look. These beauties can be combined with other materials such as sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, Roman glass, or marcasite for a timeless look. Since we love these gems so much, we present you 3 freshwater pearl jewelry pieces that will add elegance to your attire.

Avi’s Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Earrings With Freshwater Pearls

The combination of freshwater pearls and sterling silver gives off a classical and modern look. The texture of the gold-plated sterling silver reflects our artisan Avi’s eye-catching works. The simplicity of these dangling earrings is an epitome of style making these the perfect pair.

Freshwater Pearl And Crystal Tassel Necklace

The freshwater pearls and crystal tassels are perfectly combined to create this elegant look. Designed by our artisan, Sheri of Texas, each piece is finished with shimmering crystals at the end and throughout the long necklace to give off a pop of color.

Sterling Silver And Roman Glass Necklace With Freshwater Pearl

The Roman glass with freshwater pearl is a very unique piece. Each necklace is handmade from ancient glass by Luli of Israel. The freshwater pearl gives off a classic touch while holding on to that glistening iridescence look that is present in Roman glass jewelry.

Christmas is one of the most special times of the year and updating your interior is the first step to add some holiday spirit into your home. There are many ways to decorate for Christmas, from garlands to Christmas lights in pops of colors such as red, green, gold, and silver to spread the joy of the season. If you are looking for ways to get your home into the holiday spirit, we present you 5 exquisite ways to decorate your home for Christmas:

Red Floral Hand Beaded Venetian Glass Wreath

While wreaths are usually displayed on the front door, this particular floral wreath can be used as an amazing centerpiece too. Placing the wreath around a candle or vase is a wonderful way to greet your guests at the dining table. Each flower on this wreath is individually hand-beaded onto flexible wire and then shaped into a circular form.

Silent Night Hand Blown Glass Christmas Tree

This hand-blown Christmas tree will turn your home into a holiday masterpiece. This elegant tree is made of borosilicate glass and the glittering ornaments add an enormous pizzazz. Whether this glass tree is placed on your entry table or mantel, all your guests will take notice of this spectacular piece.

Red And Gold Venetian Glass Candlesticks

Candlesticks make a great decorating piece during the holidays. You can place two matching candlesticks on each end of the mantel to create a beautiful, traditional setting or place the candlesticks on the dining table to create a warm ambiance and elegant touch.

Polish Pottery House Candle Luminary

Luminaries are a beautiful way to decorate your home with a peaceful glow and ambiance. This Polish pottery luminary can be placed on your windowsill or mantel for a cheerful gaze during the holiday season.

Screen Wire Angel Figurine

Angel symbolism evokes the true spirit of Christmas since angel tree toppers are traditionally the finishing touch to a Christmas tree. This angel figurine is an ideal treasure for any time of year. Each one is hand-shaped from gold and silver wire by our Missouri artisan, one at a time.

Winter is quickly approaching here in New England. The days are getting much colder, darker, and gloomier. What a perfect time to pull out your cozy coats, chunky sweaters, wool scarves, and snow boots!

You may know of the old fashion rule, no white after Labor Day! But, now in 2018 it is completely appropriate and fashionable to wear whites all year long. This clean and neutral palette is perfect to coordinate with any look while there is nothing more refreshing than a crisp white accessory to add a pop to your winter outfits. To help you get inspired, we are presenting you with four ways to wear white this winter.

White Feather Hat

The extreme cold might make you wonder how you can look cozy yet cute at the same time. A supple and warm wool cloche makes the perfect accessory for the winter months. This stylish white hat features a fun, crystal-embellished feather adornment that will have people stopping to take notice.

White Italian Handbag

Accessorize your look with an elegant white handbag. This white Florentine leather tote is the perfect bag for any season and can easily transition from day to night. Pair this bag with an all black outfit for a chic look, or wear this bag with a bold and colorful outfit to add a subtle accessory.

White Sequined Scarf

Add a little glam to any outfit with a scarf – one of the best accessories to throw on for a little pizzazz! This long sheer white scarf is finished with shimmering silver beads and sequins. It will have you looking très chic, even when you are bundled up to stay warm.

Looking for different ways to wear your favorite scarf? Check out our post here: https://artisanmoments.com/2018/10/15/4-ways-to-wear-your-favorite-scarf/

White Murano Glass Torsade

Stand out with a chunky beaded necklace! A white statement necklace like this one will compliment any outfit. You can wear this dressed up or down and look amazing either way. These long, luxurious strands are gently twisted together for a beautiful and elegant touch.

The Christmas season is officially upon us and you might need some gifting ideas. Our holiday gift guide has something for everyone on your Christmas list! From jewelry to gift baskets, you can find beautiful handmade and exclusive items to send to the ones you love. Even if you are looking for a last minute gift, we got you covered with our unique and meaningful selections. Continue reading to get inspired by our holiday gift guide.

Stocking Stuffers

Meaningful quotes are one of the greatest gifts of life. Quotes and sayings can bring peace of mind and make you feel optimistic. These positive words, ”Everything Is Possible,” can bring cheer to all. This plaque is made from high quality pewter by our artisans John and Bonnie of Nova Scotia and the size of it makes it the perfect stocking stuffer.

Accessories

A good accessory can pull together any outfit. Handbags, scarves, hats, and barrettes are perfect gifts for that accessory lover. This black handbag is definitely a statement piece that will coordinate with nearly any look. Our artisan sisters Alessandra and Elisabetta handcraft this stylish black Florentine leather satchel with supple Italian leather.

Jewelry

Jewelry will always make the perfect gift for any occasion. We all feel loved and appreciated when receiving a special piece of jewelry because it is something that we can treasure forever. This silver and gold Murano glass braided necklace is a wonderful statement piece. Our artisans Cristina and Pierluigi of Venice skillfully hand-strung each piece one at a time onto several strands before the braiding process.

Ornaments

Christmas ornaments can be used year after year, and they hold the same emotional value as they did when you first received them. From Polish pottery to fabric-inspired ornaments, there is a wide variety to choose from in our ornament shop. These stocking ornaments are handcrafted from our Filipino artisans and they were inspired by luxurious fabric. Each ornament is decorated with festive glitter for a truly sparkling touch.

Gift Baskets

Gift baskets make the perfect last minute gifts when you are in doubt. This gift basket offers flavorsome edibles that include gourmet ingredients from all over the world. The combination of sweet, salty, and savory makes this the ideal gift for any palate.

For Him

Are you searching for one-of-a-kind gifts for him? Go ahead and surprise him with something unique. The craftsmanship of this wooden motorcycle is very impressive. Each sculpture is individually hand-carved one at time from native albesia wood.

Animal Lovers

Do you know a special someone who adores animals? From cats to owls, you can find a variety of your favorite animals in different forms such as jewelry, sculptures, and pillows. This white Florentine cat pillow is hand-stitched by Letizia of Florence. The entire pillow has a unique pattern and the hand-trimmed silky bow with a bell adds a charming final touch.

The Hostess

There is always that someone who loves to entertain guests. For the holidays, it is only natural to send serveware or dishware for them to use for their next party. This Polish pottery baking dish features snowflakes, poinsettias, holly, pinecones, and cardinals. The durability of this stoneware makes it quite an ideal piece.

Home Decor

A unique piece of wall art can be a very sentimental gift for that special someone in your life. Choose a wall piece that identifies with that individual’s personality. This ”Starry Sky” tree wall art is perfect for nature lovers. Lisa of Pennsylvania hand-pressed each botanical collage with flowers and then house it with a wooden frame.

Nothing makes your Christmas tree more magical than adding a touch of beautiful ornaments. From hand-blown glass ornaments to Polish Pottery ornaments, there are a variety of styles for everyone. Our exquisite handcrafted ornaments can instantly become a family favorite and they will make the perfect gift because it’s something you can enjoy for years to come. Here are 5 of our handcrafted ornaments your Christmas tree will love and so will you!

Darlings through the Decades

Our gorgeous ornaments represent the era of prohibition, jazz, and Art Deco of the 1920s, 1940s post-war style, simple and elegant 1960s style, and the cool, confident sophistication of the 1950s. These gorgeous ornaments are from the artist family in Milan, Italy, who decorates each piece by hand. Add some style to your Christmas tree with these lovely darlings through the decades.

Glittery Accents 

These hand-blown ornaments are created in a family workshop in Poland. This technique involves forming molten glass into a bubble by blow-piping. After the process is complete, the glass needs to cool until it becomes solid glass. Then each ornament is adorned with beautiful colors and glitter.

Fabric Inspired

Our artisans from Filipino are inspired by lovely fabric patterns. To create this frog prince ornament, an original mold is carved out from plaster and mold before the hand-painting begins. For the final touch, glittering accents is added for a whimsical feel.

Polish Pottery

This Polish pottery ornament is made with high quality white clay. Once the clay is formed and glazed, it is then fired at high temperatures for enormous durability. Polish pottery is greatly influenced by the color blue because it is associated with beauty. These lively colors will look amazing on a vibrant Christmas tree color scheme.

Thanksgiving is about family gatherings and being thankful for the people and things in your life. At Uno Alla Volta, we honor human connection and build long-lasting relationships with our artisans. We strive to bring joy to others by sharing the work from the hands and hearts of our creators. These crafted treasures are handmade one at a time to inspire and touch the soul of its new caretaker.

In the celebration of Thanksgiving, we also enjoy a big meal which includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and much more. Since our treasures are gracefully unique and no two items are exactly alike, we would like to share with you this delicious and unique Thanksgiving dish.

BAKED ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 packages of frozen artichoke hearts
• 2/3 cup of Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 cup of Parmesan cheese
• Water
• Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
• Minced garlic

Directions:

1. Spray your pan with a spray oil of your choice and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Boil your artichokes for about 5 minutes then drain the water.
3. Combine the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs in a bowl and set aside.
4. Add one layer of artichokes in your pan and add half of the breadcrumb mixture on top.
5. Add two teaspoons of water to avoid dryness.
6. Then add another layer of artichokes and add the rest of the breadcrumb mixture on top.
7. Drizzle olive oil on top and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
8. Serve! Looking for the right dish to serve your delicious side meal on? Click here!

On November 17^th, we celebrate World Peace Day. As some may know, a dove and the olive branch represent peace. The ancient symbolism of the dove started back to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. The story of the dove returning to the Arc with a fresh olive branch revealed to Noah that the land was no longer flooded. The dove symbolism also derive from the early Christian art in which the dove signifies the peace of the soul. In honor of World Peace Day, we’re presenting you with 4 stunning treasures that greatly symbolize peace and harmony.

Recycled Glass Dove Nightlight

Fill your home with light and tranquility. Our Florida artisans, the Gray family, create this recycled glass nightlight. Not only are they creating a handmade treasure that signifies peace but they’re also protecting our environment by creating these eco-friendly designs one at a time.

Daniel Lyons’ Dove of Peace Pin and Pendant

Our London artisan, Daniel Lyons designed this lovely Dove of Peace pendant necklace. The pendant is spectacularly detailed and the metallic colors, silver and gold coordinate beautifully together. The design of this necklace is also inspired by Terri’s favorite prayers, ”may the world see peace speedily in our days.”

”Dove of the Holy Spirit”

This art piece was inspired by a painting by 13th century artist, Andrea Del Verrochio and his learner Leonardo da Vinci. The Lazzari family beautifully transfers this image to a damp mortar for a century old look. The choice of colors sends us a heavenly ambiance that works perfectly with the theme of the artwork.

Dove Pewter Christmas Ornament

Our artisan John and Bonnie handcrafted this highly detailed ornament. Made from lead-free pewter, this dove ornament has a smooth and beautiful shine to it. The symbolism of this ornament will add a meaningful touch to your Christmas tree.