Fill Those Stockings with Care

 

 

It's hard to believe that there's only a couple weeks left to 2013. Time seems to speed way up when we all have so much going on around the holidays, doesn't it? This is my tree this year. I really love how the soft needles droop and lift, its height and shape perfectly fitting into the corner.

Surprisingly, I planned ahead and have taken care of most of my gift list. Stocking stuffers, however, are treasures I like to find at the last minute – nice smelling soaps and lotions, lots of chocolate, sparkly trinkets and jewelry, warm slippers. If you still have a few stockings to fill or looking for a last minute gift, check out some of my favorite budget-friendly gifts below.

Happy holidays everyone – keep safe, happy and warm!

1. Thai Woven Textile Pillow $19 on sale
2. Anything Dot Towel $35 on sale
3. San Juan Marabella Fold-Over Clutch $49 on sale
4. Hand-Painted Moroccan Soap Dish $21
5. Small Cobra Stapler $39
6. Chilote House Shoes $59
7. Felt Standing Bird $9/each on sale, available in three colors
8. Batik Bone Salt Cellar and Spoon $12 on sale

Last Minute Gifts

Just a few last minute gift ideas for all my procrastinators!

pillow // necklace // scarf // slippers // blanket

Father's Day Gifts

I've hand-picked some special pieces from The Loaded Trunk for your world-traveling, sophisticated fathers this Father's Day. A mix of low-end and high-end art collectibles, vintage Burmese slingshots and cowhide boxes and rugs are on the list. Enjoy!

Weddings, Lovers + Uncovering Affordable Art Pieces

If you are a lover of art, it is possible to purchase affordable art pieces. Here are tips to help you in the process. If you get to meet the artist ask about what their inspiration was and the story behind the work. This will provide you with insight and perception on the artist. Signature and authenticity certificates are important if you plan on becoming a collector. Either of these two will verify originality and prove that your new art prints are indeed real. I do a bit of both, most of my art is for me and is not purchased as an investment.  Mounting and framing costs should also be considered. I use local framers and often will find fantastic frames at flea markets.

The most important thing when buying for yourself is to buy what you like, art is subjective and emotional.

These Indian pieces are from The Loaded Trunk and depict scenes with lovers...If you are buying for a couple getting married make sure you have a good idea of their style before buying a piece... I would have traded in many of my wedding gifts for art!  I don't remember who gave me my wine glasses, but I remember those art objects I received. There was something so personal about them. Not another check off an obligatory list of things someone registered for.

Miniatures from Rajasthan are intricate, small sized, colorful handmade folk paintings, executed with detail with very delicate brushwork. This one depicts the lovers, Krishna + Radha and is painted on old Indian government stamped papers
$50.00 at The Loaded Trunk

The relationship of Radha and Krishna is the embodiment of love, passion and devotion.
 During the late nineteenth century, India established a printing Industry devoted to producing images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.  These are fantastic pieces for those friends that dare to be different.
$75.00 at The Loaded Trunk

for your mothers

My mother traveled with me on my last buying trip to S.E. Asia. She is 83 going on 60! I spent a fair amount of time living in

S. E. Asia growing up with my family and my mother clearly had not forgotten her bargaining skills. Here she is at our lovely

Lanna-style hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Some classic, elegant accessories for your one and only momma...

• WESTERN STONE NECKLACE gemstones with hand-wrapped copper and rawhide » $85
• BRONZE FLOWER PIN with freshwater pearls and tiger's eye » $55
• MOTHER OF PEARL SERVING TRAY inlaid mother of pearl and camel bone from India » $299
• BALI BASKET handpainted with Indian Mowar and Prodo designs » $85
• BLOCK PRINT BOHO SCARF  handwoven, block printed cotton scarf from Thailand » $34
• SUKHOTHAI 8" PLATE blue and white Thai ceramic plate with crackled celadon-like finish » $20

Turquoise

Turquoise is the birthstone for December. Europeans give turquoise jewelry as keepsakes or as a pledge of adoration. In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare uses this symbolism when Leah gives a turquoise ring to Shylock to win his favor. 

Turquoise is a cool color. It tends to have a calming effect.  At one end of the spectrum there are cold, impersonal, antiseptic colors. At the other end the cool colors are comforting and nurturing ones like the blue/ green in Turquoise.  In nature blue is water and green is plant life - a natural, life-sustaining duo. 

I love wearing Turquoise and whenever I can I try to incorporate it into the jewelry designed for The Loaded Trunk. Here are a few one-of-a-kind pieces for you December babes to adorn your body or your table.

These brilliant bangles from India are embellished with rhinestones and are hand-painted, giving a 3 dimensional Wow look.

The word Milagro mean miracle.  These small charms, often depicting arms, legs, praying people etc. are often carried for protection and good luck!

Jade stone Chinese pendant stamp is anchored by turquoise beads and asymmetrical graphite beads.

This earthy Turquoise bracelet is reconstructed using beads from around the globe and gives a nod to nature & natural elements.

A timeless Buddhist Amulet comes to life amidst lovely turquoise and hand tooled gold wrapped Uzbek beads.

These beautiful platters come from various artists in Turkey and are all hand made. I use them to serve in but they are delicate and need to be hand washed gently. They are beautiful pieces of art and each platter can be hung. (Photo's by The Loaded Trunk)