Atlanta News
Diane A. Maicon -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 6/1/2001
It might look old, but it's really brand new. The "Woman Vessel" from Rheinhart Studio, at Smith-Dale, AmericasMart 1 (AM1), 12-E-7, is a vase appropriate for use both indoors and out. It is a petite 7½" high and was designed by Sheryl Reinhart. Nature clearly influenced this piece, complete with faux worm holes, pitted stone, fossils, and more imprinted in its texture. Hand-cast in a ground marble and resin combination, it retails for $48. Smith-Dale has a number of new lines including Creative Cultures, Figments, Incentive Media, JJI International, and Kirch Collection.
American Folk Art Poliwoggs Collectibles epitomize the folk art movement. They're as primitive as it gets, and in the company's words, are based "upon what the artist knew rather than what he saw." Creators David Critchfield and Vic Fortunato developed the collection with a distinctly American flair for the unique. Retailers may choose from among the holiday Poliwoggs, including witches for Halloween, from the Skinny Witch to the Mother-in-Law Witch, who might be appropriate year-round. There are also many versions of Santa. The company's signature series includes Monkey Bellhops, Tuxedoed Frogs, Pig Farmers, and Humpty Dumpty. There are also "jointed" characters such as the Americana Rabbit or the Americana Bear, which have appendages that move. The line is available in at Joseph Warren Miller Co., 16-E-2 AM1.
This Christmas the hottest trend is frosty, according to Sullivan's Inc., the floral gift resource in 18-A-1, AM1. Picture flower petals encrusted with crystals and branches glazed over with ice. The new Winter Garden themed product fits the bill. While you're there, consider the other trends the firm feels will be the rage this holiday season: reds with more pink tones, lightening up the darker, deeper red we've seen in the past. As for a motif, what dragonflies are to garden products, pears will be to holiday: sugared, beaded … you name it. Pears will come in all sizes, in garlands, as ornaments, in floral design, and more. And pears transcend the holiday for use in Thanksgiving cornucopias. Sullivan's Partridge in a Pear Tree holiday-themed tree features an overall color in rich, tapestry gold. Metallics are still popular: copper tones in tree trim, rust looks for lodge, and silver enhancements for the "ice" trend. Other trends to look for: sophisticated paisley patterns such as the paisley ornaments in the Williams Collection. And for color, gold, greens, and masculine browns continue to be prevalent.
