One of my favorite weekend activities at home in Paris, is going to a morning market to explore, discover and yes, more often than not to buy. My vacation time in Tampa Bay Florida allowed me to indulge in my preferred pastime with the Saturday Morning Market in St. Petersburg. Usually an open air downtown market, it moves under shelter in the summer months. There is an eclectic mix of offerings ranging from deliciously different edibles, to never seen before home accessories, to one of a kind fashion finds. It makes for a wonderful beginning to the weekend and even if you are window shopping allows you to be thoroughly entertained with the sights, smells and sounds.
Since it is no small secret that I have a love for anything fashionable and stylish, I was of course drawn to the vendors who had anything and everything style worthy. Though I met a number of interesting people and saw many items that were quite wonderful, I have to admit that my interests are mainly in those who offer the truly unique and truly creative. It was a day well spent in terms of these rare finds because I actually found two local artists that fit my tough criteria: Mark Noll and Yanira Ramirez. Both design their own jewelry and both have offerings so beautifully outstanding that I not only thought of many friends I would like to give their pieces to but I was also finding far too many that I liked for myself.
Mark Noll creates handcrafted wood gifts and jewelry, well at least that is what it says
on his business card, but I think it would be better to say that he creates wood masterpieces. Sadly, his website does not justly represent his amazing work but he is in the process of having it updated. His past pieces were beautiful but simple colored wood bangles. The jewelry that he showed at the Saturday Morning Market was much more bold yet elegant and creative yet simple. He had one necklace that was a true head turner. In fact it was the piece that made me go in reverse to return to Mark's stand to get a better look. He had sculpted a large infinity looking symbol design out of a solid piece of wood. It was exceptional and exactly the kind of jewelry piece that makes an ordinary outfit extra-ordinary.
The other day's find, Yanira Ramirez, designs a completely different though equally intriguing jewelry line. Her delicate use of wire, beads and stones make for pieces that can be used for anything from a casual lunch out to a romantic dinner for two. Her jewelry also has a multi-generational appeal as my niece, sister, mother and grandmother all fell for Yanira's rings, necklaces and bracelets too. I had the opportunity to speak with Yanira and she explained that she designs and creates all of her own pieces but perhaps even more interestingly is the fact that she can custom make a piece upon request. Yanira will combine design, size and color to your liking to come up with a piece all your own. Now how much more unique than that can you get?
How about you? Are you a weekend market lover too? What are your favorite finds? Have you found local artists that deserve a nod of recognition? Share your discoveries with the Spirited Woman community!
To your Spirited Style,
- Dawn Z Bournand www.fabulouslysuccessful.com
Click here to read more of Dawn's posts.
Comments