Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Remember Mom on Mother's Day

I am so excited.... a fabulous collection of spa-like supplies arrived at Trove just in time to let me create a relaxing experience for Mom. The scents of the soaps and candles are amazing and so perfect for Spring.


Mother's Day is approaching fast... on May 8th.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Gift Ideas for Mom

Ewww! I just love surprises! Even better is to create a surprise for someone else... like my Mom. I can't wait to select something special for her from Trove. Everything is so beautiful and not so expensive. This will be lots of fun... but don't tell her. Okay?



Remember Mother's Day is May 8th.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Grasshoppers and Orchids in Exquisite Stone Art

Stopping dead in my tracks, I thought I saw a tiny green grasshopper sitting on one of the soapstone boxes in Trove. Waiting for it to hop to its neighboring box, I realized it was an amazing carved replica of a real insect. It sat regally on a blade of grass and even wore life-like antennae!

I was told that these soapstone items are crafted by Le Van Anh whose family has been carving stone for generations. He is inspired by his natural surroundings and recreates the leaves, flowers, insects, and frogs from his own garden in Vietnam.

Vietnamese carved stone art has existed for more than 3000 years where intricate techniques of carving, sanding and painting are passed from master to apprentice. Soapstone, occurring naturally in Asia provides an exquisite canvas for the creation of decorative boxes. All the carving is done free-hand resulting in three-dimensional pieces with timeless organic flow. 

Join me at Trove to catch the grasshoppers and frogs and admire the pink and purple orchids. Grasshopper tea boxes, originally priced at $98 are available for $52.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Accessories Have Arrived!






Ever been to a high end spa where you loved the accessories used to hold towels and tissues? Ordinarily sold through fine retailers or found in upscale hotels, Via Motif creates stylish collections for bedside, bath, table, and desk. A blend of rich materials, artisan techniques,  and cutting edge technology combine to make casual yet luxurious items. Come to Trove and see the new arrivals!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Transforming a Burl...

A giant box of hand turned bowls, vases, and spheres crafted by Neal DeVore arrived at Trove on Friday.


DeVore began turning wood on a lathe as a hobby in 1990. Since 1996 he has produced professional works which are featured in several galleries including the DeYoung Museum.

Most of the wood he uses for his projects are from reclaimed stumps or dead timber. The unique characteristics of the wood prized for its configuration and grain dictate the appearance of the finished piece. Much of DeVore's work is from redwood, but he also works in maple, sycamore, ash, and other woods.

Have you ever seen "reinvented" burl? Come and see this collection of exceptional pieces at Trove and tell us which one is your favorite.