With Easter less than a week away, now is the time to start thinking of this year’s tablescape. Here are 4 simple ways you can elevate your table settings to delight guests of all ages.
1.) Serve With Floral Polish Pottery
Set your table with Polish pottery plates, mugs, bowls, salt and pepper shakers, coffee creamers, and butter dishes in one of our exclusive floral patterns. Each stoneware piece is hand-painted with highly detailed motifs that extend the beauty of springtime to the table. Can’t choose just one? These patterns mix and match beautifully! Here are a few of our favorite floral patterns for Easter:
Bring whimsical color to the table with our hand-blown drinking glasses from Italy. Each one is handcrafted from molten glass that is rolled in colorful glass chips to create the unique designs. Each style comes as a set of six, and guests will love having the ability to choose their favorite color or pattern.
Opting for a real floral centerpiece this year? Choose from one of our hand-blown or hand-painted glass vases from our glass masters of Italy, Poland, and beyond! Each one is an individual work of art that is sure to brighten up your table.
No, not real bunnies. We’re talking about our Polish pottery figurines! Each one is hand-shaped from stoneware clay and then hand-painted with blooming flowers to bring an element of old-world, traditional craftsmanship to the table. We can already see them hopping along your table runner…
With March comes anticipation for the bright and beautiful styles of spring – pretty pastels and floral prints, light and airy fabrics, vacation-ready sun hats, and so much more. Here are 5 tips to consider as you shift your everyday style from winter to spring.
1.) Swap out wool hats for straw
A hat is the finishing touch to any outfit, no matter the season. In the winter we opt for hats to keep us warm, while in the springtime we use them to shelter from the sun’s harmful rays. Gear up for spring by swapping out your warmer wool hat for one made of straw. Did we mention that most of our straw sun hats are packable? They maintain their shape after being packed away, making them perfect for travel. Check out a few of our favorite straw derby hats, straw fedoras, and packable straw sun hats:
Spring is a time for celebrating new life, so it is only fitting that most spring fashion prints are inspired by the rebirth of Mother Nature. Start incorporating pretty floral prints into your outfit to add a bright and beautiful spring flair to any look. An easy way to do this is with an artisan-made scarf! Here are a few to get you started:
We think any woman who carries a handbag can agree that there is no better feeling than starting fresh. Let’s be honest….our carry-alls sometimes end up quite literally carrying all of our non-essential, extrastuff. Spring is a great time to start fresh by treating yourself to a brand new artisan-made handbag in a springy color or print. Here are a few of our latest:
“In like a lion, out like a lamb.” The month of March is a time of transitional weather, beginning quite cold and ending mild and pleasant. For all of us here on the Connecticut shoreline, it is a time for dressing in layers that are easy to remove if the day shifts from chilly to warm. Kimonos, wraps, and oversized scarves that double as shawls are great for this! Check out our latest pieces of apparel that are ideal for layering:
Complete your spring outfit with jewelry that embodies the most notable signs of spring – butterflies, dragonflies, and flowers. Our latest collection of handcrafted jewelry includes springtime pieces for every woman’s style. Find yours now:
This sparkling necklace from our London jeweler is inspired by the designs of the Victorian era. It showcases 7 ruby red enameled hearts encrusted with Swarovski crystals, pristine freshwater pearls, and is handcrafted from gleaming 23k gold. Did we mention we have earrings and a bracelet to match?
This bold heart pendant necklace is handcrafted by Patrice of Florida. The center of each heart displays a faceted garnet stone surrounded by 24k gold and black onyx. Smooth, round garnet beads make up the the two strands from which the pendant proudly hangs.
In a fourth-generation family workshop, master Florentine craftsmen use Murano glass and painstaking millefiori techniques to handcraft these heart earrings. Each heart features an intricate millefiori mosaic created by heating and stretching bundles of glass canes, slicing them to reveal the designs, and then using special tweezers to individually hand-set each tiny colored piece into place in order to create a rainbow effect.
Our Israeli jeweler handcrafts this shining ring. Classically elegant and beautifully bold, it pairs a stylish rose gold heart with gleaming sterling silver.
Our jewelry designers in Colorado use their own original photography to handcraft the hearts on this jewelry set. Each hypoallergenic piece is created using a UV giclee print which is affixed to a heart-shaped metal tile. Enjoy wearing these sweet pieces separately or together!
The word “garnet” 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. Although it is available in many colors, deep red happens to be the most common color of garnet.
What Does It Symbolize?
Garnet symbolizes health, prosperity, and regeneration, all of which are in our hopes when starting a fresh New Year.
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.
Where Is It Found?
Unlike many other gemstones, garnet is found all over the world. It is mined in countries like Brazil, Russia, Namibia, and the United States. In fact, there are even a few popular garnet mines right here in Uno Alla Volta’s home state of Connecticut, making it the state mineral.
Here is some of our favorite handcrafted jewelry featuring this deep red stone:
The season of dinner parties and gatherings with family and friends is here once again! If you’ll be the one hosting this year’s holiday festivities, here are a few ways you can bring an artistic elegance to the table and give guests a dining experience to remember.
1.) Incorporate Metallics
Adding metallic touches to your place settings or centerpieces will bring sparkle and light to your table. Use gold and copper accents to bring warmth and silver accents to bring a cooler, icy touch. If you’ll be using a tablecloth, shoot for one in a rich holiday hue like ivory, burgundy, or forest green, as all metallics mix well with these shades. Here are a few glasses with metallic details to help you get started…
No elegant dinner table is complete without candles, so bring an enchanting element to your dining experience by lighting a few. The warm, soft light of a candle makes the tablescape glow and instantly elevates the atmosphere. Here are a few of our favorites from Kristina and Daiva of Lithuania…
Our exclusive Polish pottery patterns will bring a cohesive theme to your table settings and guests will be delighted by the highly detailed motifs. With a wide variety of hand-painted designs ranging from cardinals and poinsettias to snowflakes and candy canes, there is a pattern for every holiday decorating style in our collection of stoneware from Boleslawiec and Brzeg. Here is a peek at some of our latest patterns for the holiday season…
“Cardinal Garden”
“Berries & Boughs”
“Snow Day”
4.) Toast With Artisan-Made Wine Glasses
Make this year’s toast extra special (and prevent confusing someone else’s drink for your own) by allowing guests to choose their own design or color for the night. Even better, mixing and matching with decorative wine glasses brings an eclectic touch to the table. Get inspired by some of our most popular wine glass designs…
Decor and dinnerware is pretty to look at, but what really makes a dinner party a success is the cuisine! This year, consider incorporating some gourmet imported foods into your appetizer spread. Because they pair perfectly with breads, crackers, veggies, and spreads, our Spanish sardines are a great treat to start with….
Artisans in California handcraft each of our therapeutic cuffs from a combination of three solid metals: pure copper, jewelers brass (an alloy of 85% pure copper and 15% zinc) and German silver. Each cuff also contains two rare earth magnets which are thought to improve circulation, relieve arthritis pain, and promote energy. These can be found at the tips on the inner side, perfectly placed to line up with pressure points on the wrist.
Because our therapeutic cuffs are handcrafted from solid metals and are not plated, they will never chip, the colors will not fade, and any scratches can easily be polished off. Despite all of this, it is still recommended to regularly clean your cuff to avoid tarnishing.
To best care for your therapeutic cuff, you should clean it regularly by following one of these six methods:
Shower With It
By simply wearing your cuff during your daily shower, you can stay on top of removing any dirt, oils, lotions, or other particles that come into contact with it throughout the day and may lead to tarnishing.
Vinegar & Salt Scrub
Place your cuff into a bowl.
Pour white vinegar over your cuff and then use salt to scrub it.
Rinse your cuff with warm water and polish it until dry with a soft cloth.
Hot Vinegar & Salt Boil
Combine one tablespoon of salt and one cup of white vinegar into a cooking pot.
Place your cuff in the cooking pot.
Fill the pot with water until your cuff is completely submerged.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it continue to boil until there is no longer any visible tarnish on your cuff.
Allow the mixture to cool.
Rinse your cuff with warm water and polish it until dry with a soft cloth.
Citrus & Beeswax Rub
Cut either a lemon or lime in half, and sprinkle salt on it.
Rub the salt-covered lemon or lime all over the cuff.
Use the rough side of a dish sponge, or a Scotch Brite pad, to remove any tarnish.
Polish your cuff with beeswax.
Salt, Vinegar, & Flour Paste
Place one tablespoon salt and one cup of white vinegar in a bowl.
Add little bits of flour to the mixture until it turns to a paste.
Rub your cuff with the paste to remove any tarnish.
Allow your cuff to sit with the paste on for fifteen minutes to one hour.
Rinse your cuff with warm water and polish it until dry with a soft cloth.
Ketchup Rub
Rub ketchup all over your cuff.
Allow your cuff to sit with the ketchup on it for fifteen minutes.
Use a non-scratch pad to once again rub the ketchup all over your cuff.
Rinse your cuff with warm water and polish it until dry with a soft cloth.
Here are a few of our favorite therapeutic mixed metal cuffs:
While hiking in South America’s chilly Andes Mountains, husband-and-wife architects Andrew and Lori discovered the incredibly warm yet lightweight garments that the indigenous people weave from alpaca fiber. Today, they collaborate with artisans in the Andean Quechua communities of Ecuador and Peru, creating original contemporary designs – and sustainable jobs – for the artisans who use centuries-old looms to create stylish accessories and clothing from one of nature’s most versatile and renewable materials.
Slip on our soft, warm and luxurious shawls and scarves and you’ll never want to take them off! Handmade by our artisans in the Andes Mountains, these layers are perfect for those cold winter days. They’re hypoallergenic, too!
Traditionally, sapphire is a brilliant blue gem ranging from medium to royal blue. The more uniform the color, the higher the quality and thus the more valuable it is. Occasionally, sapphires may display a color other than blue, such as yellow, green, or violet. These are known as a “fancy sapphires.”
What Does It Symbolize?
The rich, royal blue color of many sapphires is commonly thought to symbolize just that – royalty and wealth. Like any gem, sapphire has long been thought to represent a number of other things, including innocence, truth, romantic love, and good health. Ancient Persians believed it was responsible for making the sky blue, and throughout history, it has been used in various religious ceremonies, as a source of protection against bad luck, and to decorate jewelry.
Where Is It Found?
Some of the finest and most valuable sapphire stones come from the South Asian island country of Sri Lanka. The first sapphires found in the United States were discovered in 1865 by miners in Montana.
And, of course, you can find sapphire-inspired treasures here at Uno Alla Volta! Here are a few of our favorite handcrafted pieces featuring this gem, and others inspired by its rich color:
Murano glass is exquisitely beautiful. From jewelry to drinking glasses, there is definitely something for everyone. These handmade treasures are created one at a time. Patterns and colors may vary, and some may or may not contain millefiori accents. The surfaces may appear uneven and they’re also in various shapes. This is what makes glassmaking such a special craft. With hundreds of years of history behind it, explore the history of Murano glass and how it is made.
The History of Murano Glass
The origin of glassmaking goes way back to the times of the Roman Empire when they created molded glass for illumination in their bath houses. As early as the 8th century, the Venetian Islands began to specialize in glassmaking. When a ruling class law was passed to avoid the risk of fire in an overpopulated area, the island of Murano was named as the true and most appropriate glass production area.
DECLINE AND SUCCESS
Murano glass had moments of success and gradual decline. Competition increased for them from the glassmakers of France and Bohemia. Rulers in the 18th century preferred their glassmaking in Bohemia and passed laws, making it expensive to bring raw materials into Murano. As a result, half of the furnaces were shut down. Although, the industry in Murano did not die completely, Antonio Salviati, who practiced law, went to Venice to open a factory to produce traditional Murano glass. However, there was still constant fall and rise over the years. For example, during World War II the industry did not thrive, but as soon as the war was over the glassmakers continued creating their art.
THE SPREAD OF MURANO GLASS TRADITION
Many craftsmen were inspired by the making of Murano glass. The art of glass spread throughout Europe. Wherever there was a demand for glass, productions were created. Many artisans outside from Murano developed an eye for quality in creating beautiful Murano-style glass. Today, all across Italy and the rest of the world, these workshops use the same techniques and materials as a Murano workshop with identical skill and artistry.
HOW DO THEY CREATE CAPTIVATING COLORS?
Murano glass products are brightly colored and often infused with metals such as gold and silver leaf or copper crystals. When creating millefiori designs, they layer and slice colorful glass rods which stretch into unique designs. For other creations, glassmakers use a blowpipe with which they masterfully shape layers of color to achieve a richly-colored decorative piece.
What are the techniques?
As the techniques of Murano glassmaking have evolved, Murano glass has become a valuable treasure over the years. These glassmakers use unique, masterful techniques to create these amazing pieces. Both lampworking and hand-blowing create beautiful Murano style pieces, which is an incredibly rewarding experience to these artisans.
LAMPWORKING
This technique is also known as torchworking. Artists use high quality glass rods which are melted with a torch and then shaped into beads by cutting it with a steel cutting jack. Once they have the glass bead, it is heated to a temperature of about 950 degree Fahrenheit until the material reaches its stress relief point. The bead is then decorated by etching, polishing, or by other techniques.
Lorena’s mother creates stunning jewelry beads using the technique of lampworking in the video below:
BLOWING
Blowing glass is a challenging technique. This technique is done by using a blowpipe and basic hand tools to meticulously shape molten glass. These glassmakers are able to get unique patterns and shapes by blow piping. After the process is complete, the glass needs to cool until it becomes solid glass. The final touch that may be done to a glass piece is polishing, engraving, and enameling.
Our glass Artisan, Vittorio shows his methods on Murano glassmaking.
ANNEALING
Both techniques use the annealing process, which helps the glass slowly heal until it reaches room temperature. This process prevents the glass from cracking or breaking easily.
As early as the 14th century, Mayan and Aztec Indians sought and gathered Mexican fire opal, calling it “quetzalitzlipyollitli.” Today, this national gemstone of Mexico is also referred to as fire opal, sun opal, cherry opal, and the Spanish word for sunflower – girasol. The Mayans and Aztecs used this gem in mosaics and rituals, while today it decorates beautiful pieces of jewelry. After the passing of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, knowledge and appreciation for fire opal disappeared. It wasn’t until the early 1800’s when an emergence of mining for fire opal and a renewed appreciation for its beauty appeared.
Mexican Fire Opal is formed when silica and water deposits are left in the voids left behind by volcanic gas bubbles and rock fractures. The silica does not crystallize, but rather solidifies, forming a gel that is filled with microscopic water bubbles. When light makes contact with this gem, it passes through the microscopic water bubbles and creates a spectrum of color – essentially creating a rainbow. The most significant deposits of fire opal are found near the extinct volcanoes in Queretaro and Jalisco, Mexico.
To create our Mexican fire opal jewelry, artisans produce opal resin by crushing natural Mexican fire opal, and then mixing it with a specially developed resin. This allows for the mineral to be cut, shaped, and set into the jewelry.
Mexican Fire Opal has a low tolerance to heat and is easily broken by sharp objects. If it is left in direct sunlight, or hot enclosed spaces, it can crack. Maintaining the water content of the opal is extremely important to the durability of the stone. Over time, opal can become dehydrated and brittle. To avoid dehydration, it should be stored away from high temperatures and frequently rubbed with light oil.
Check out some of our favorite Mexican fire opal designs for autumn: