Gifting Season Guide: Winter 2018
Peruse our recommendations for gifts that are unique, made by local artists, and/or are eco-friendly! For all budgets.
As far as we’re concerned, ‘gifting season’ generally encompasses Fall-Winter, with many different holidays and other cultural celebrations going on during this time. Another thing about this season… it often means travelling and spending time with loved ones in their homes, and it can be customary to bring a little thoughtful gift along now and then to such gatherings, especially if it’s the first season spent in a new home (truly housewarming).
It’s true that gifting should always be with the recipient in mind and never a selfish act! Focusing on unique, locally made, eco-friendly, and experiential gifts, here’s our Silk and Sage Design 2018 Gift Guide, with various price ranges for all budgets:
$5 and Under
A Thoughtful, Hand-Written Card With Fun Imagery and/or Original Artwork.
This is a classic that never gets old. The act of sending cards has waxed and waned through the years, but it’s definitely on the upswing in our opinion. Even for the smallest budget, sending your loved ones a genuinely thoughtful message (especially if you haven’t seen them in a while) is uplifting. And if they love the artwork they can frame the card!
Check out our locally-made ATX cards in-store from Beth and a Brush, Stationery Bakery, and Sharabella Fini, ranging from $4-$5 each including an envelope for each!
$10-$20
Zinc Heart & Arrow Measuring Spoon Sets.
Practical style in the kitchen is timeless. This set of measuring spoons available in-store has your typical 1/4 tsp - 1 tbsp. increments… but in the shapes of hearts (we just can’t get over them)! And you can untie their little leather strap to separate each spoon out if you’d like. They’re classier than your basic IKEA measuring spoon sets at $18 per set. Bonus idea: write down a favorite recipe and include it with the spoon set, or snag a yummy box of cake or spiced bread mix to give with the spoon set as a gift that you can bake together.
Rifle Paper Notepads and Weekly Calendar Pads.
Who doesn’t love organization that actually works and is low-commitment? Rifle Paper notepads, grocery list pads (with a magnet for your fridge!), and weekly calendar pads can be used whenever someone wants, however they want. Various lovely designs available in-store! Notepad styles range from $10-$13.
$20-$40
Candles Are Always Winners.
Candles are perfect for many reasons. They are consumable and experiential, thus making them loved and used with delight (most people we know almost savor their candles in small doses forever until they’re burnt through). We’re all about sustainable and nontoxic candle making methods too.
Explore scents from our candles-with-a-cause local Hello George Candles that supports Austin Pets Alive!, and candles in hand-thrown reusable ceramic vessels by Hey Moon Ceramics at our Shop & Studio. Both feature soy wax, lead-free wicks, and scents that are natural and/or essential oil derived ranging from $24-$38 a piece.
Design Book(s).
Pinterest is great and all, but what’s even nicer is to have a curated selection of inspiration bound right in front of you. Design books double as coffee table look books and well-loved idea generators. We’ve got great titles in-store, from Bohemian Modern to Creative Family Home, many books with step-by-step DIY painting projects, and price ranges from $20-$38.
Hammered Copper Bowls.
Our XL hammered copper bowls are large enough to be used as tabletop centerpiece vessels, or huge serving bowls for your dinner party gatherings. Each are 14.25” in diameter and $28. They are well loved gifts and are back by popular demand… snag one (or a couple) at our Shop & Studio as giftables while they last!
A Well-Made Mug.
We have a lovely selection of mugs for coffee and tea this season, many of which actually fit into cupholders and of course also fit well in the hand. Visit us for our complete current selection including works by Spako Clay, with price ranges from $24-$36 each. Bonus gift idea: add a tea ball or infuser, and/or a tea or coffee you know your giftee will love!
$50-$85
Captivating Throw Blankets.
For those with boho-chic, relaxed, and traveler vibes, throw blankets are an easy and timeless gift. We opt for ones that have been hand made, upcycled, sustainable, and made with care and compensation for the makers. Use them on the couch, on the bed, or take them to outdoor events (like picnics, concerts). Explore our one-of-a-kind kantha quilts, indigo, and mudcloth textiles in-store, ranging from $70-$80 each.
Image courtesy of Carla Aston’s blog to show the possibilities!
*Limited Edition Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan Charleston Collection Color Boxed Sets.
A brand new arrival! These could be quite perfect for the painters in your life that seem to have just about everything. The new collaboration with Charleston Trust reveals 3 new colors: Firle (a chartreuse-y green yellow), Rodmell (an eggplant-y purple), and Tilton (a rich golden yellow). Each boxed set comes with a Project Pot of one of the new Chalk Paint® colors plus 2 Project Pots of colors that are complementary to it on the color wheel, plus a small pot of Clear Wax and an inspiration booklet! So cute yet sophisticated, for $48.95 per boxed set.
$85-$150
Chalk Paint® Mini Project Pack.
This is a gift that’s perfect for DIY and upcycling beginners. The Project Pack comes with 2 small Pots of Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint (you choose the colors) and Soft Waxes (Clear and Dark Brown), and a small Natural Bristle Brush. Bonus gift idea: add on a Small Wax Brush and/or an Annie Sloan design book that we feature in-store. Ranges $84.95-$149.95 for the different options.
Our Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint Starter Kit
We decided to create an unofficial starter kit for MMSMP, to make it easy for those who are just getting started with or trying to gift some Milk Paint. Everything you need is in this kit, and we feature the Basic Kit plus one with a Wax Brush option. Ranges $98-$122 for different options.
$150+
Original Fine Artwork.
Are you close to your giftee and know their taste? Have they been eyeing a certain artist? What about local, original fine artwork? Check out our featured works from Arielle Austin (many of which are still under $150) in-store for mixed and layered abstract paintings and prints.
A Gift Certificate to a DIY Decorative Painting Class.
Set any amount and we will create a cute gift certificate for your giftee. Then they have the freedom to choose the level, date & time, and type of class to learn new DIY painting and technique skills— with Chalk Paint® , Milk Paint, crackle techniques, distressed techniques, metallics, and much more.
>> BONUS: Stocking Stuffers at Various Amounts! <<
FOLK Botanicals Essential Aromatherapy Mists in Coastal, Purify, and Wildwood- $18 ea. (locally made in small batches with dreamy botanical blends)
Spako Clay Turquoise Heart-Shaped Mini Dishes with 24k Gold- $28 ea. (locally hand-crafted, limited edition!)
Pear-Wood Spreaders, Cheese Knives, and Pastry Knives by Cooper & Claire- $17-25 ea. (locally hand-crafted, each is unique from urban salvaged wood)
And these are just the tip of the iceberg. We hope your season is cozy, and full of love with truly memorable experiences. Visit us at the Shop & Studio to explore and contact us to purchase any of our wonderful giftables listed above (ask about our shipping options). #shoplocalaustin <3
Farrow & Ball® Launches Nine New Colors!
Farrow & Ball has nine new gorgeous colors that were just announced! Learn more about them here.
Wow! We’re absolutely thrilled to share Farrow & Ball’s® official announcement of nine new colors yesterday. For the last few weeks since they’d announced there would be new colors coming, we’ve been on our toes with anticipation. What kind of neutrals would there be? What about fun, on-trend colors? Now the wait is over, behold the new nine with a little bit about their inspiration:
Bancha No.298
This mid-century modern green is a darker version of the much loved archive color Olive. Named after Japanese tea leaves, it provides a feeling of security.
De Nimes No.299
An elegant blue that is wonderfully down to earth, it is inspired by the cloth of everyday workwear originally made in the French city of the same name.
Jitney No.293
This relaxed and sandy neutral takes its name from the bus that whisks New Yorkers out of the hot city to the beaches of the Hamptons.
Paean Black No.294
This Georgian inspired red based black is a nod to the colour of old leather hymnals which so often included a song of praise or paean.
Preference Red No.297
Our deepest richest red, this Baroque colour is named in honour of our original trade name. The preferred red of modern homes.
Rangwali No.296
A pink inspired by the powder which is used so enthusiastically at the Holi festival of colours in India.
School House White No.291
The lightest in the group including Shadow White, Shaded White and Drop Cloth, this soft white is reminiscent of the colour used in school houses.
Sulking Room Pink No.295
This muted rose is evocative of the colours used in boudoirs, a room originally named after the French ‘bouder’ - to sulk.
Treron No.292
A grey green version of Farrow & Ball classic Pigeon, it takes its name from a green variety of the species. The perfect accent for our Traditional Neutrals.
There you have it! We officially have new color cards plus sample pots in all of the new colors in-stock at the Shop & Studio. We have sample boards as well— come for a visit to see the new nine! And we’ll be hosting a launch party on Saturday October 6th which we’ll share an event listing for soon. If needed, visit our Shop page for F&B Sample Pots and other paint sheens to place your order from the comfort of home.
Arielle Austin Teaches a Guest-Class- 'Abstract Process Painting'
Arielle Austin, an abstract artist/ painter from ATX, joined us to host a class at our Shop & Studio.
First off, if you’re not familiar with Arielle Austin, please go visit her website! This Saturday 9.15.18, Arielle hosted a guest-class at our Shop & Studio location called Abstract Process Painting. This class stepped away from our more common DIY interior finishing classes, to focus on working with abstract fine art processes on canvas.
Arielle is based out of Austin, continuing her art practice here after moving from LA. She works primarily with paint, paper, and dried flowers. And she had been brainstorming to teach a class for a while. Hence Abstract Process Painting was born! Arielle’s intention with the class was to create a safe space for students to create and share, without judgement, apprehension, or pre-conceived notions.
Students explored their processes while letting their emotions and creativity flow. Arielle’s class was a breath of fresh air, without emphasis on the end result— rather, students focused on the journey of creating and developing their own creative language.
How to Paint Your Front Door with Farrow & Ball®
Some great tips and tricks for painting your front door with F&B paints!
We were joined last week by Ben McCabe from Farrow & Ball® for two free demo sessions on how to paint your front door, which was helpful for not only door projects but also for any projects in which someone might use F&B exterior-grade paints. In case you missed it, we have a little recap for you! The luscious color featured on our large door and smaller demo sample doors is Vardo, in case you want to replicate the look.
First off, why work with Farrow & Ball® paints? F&B has been around since the 1940s and is well known in the design and home-improvement community for their durability and eco-friendly paint properties, as well as for their fabulous colors and sheen levels. Their paints have more pigment and paint solids in their recipes so more solid coating and color is left behind once the paint dries, which is best for longevity and wear. Also their paints are water-based containing no acrylic or latex.
For exterior projects we always go with their exterior-grade paints, which are the Exterior Eggshell (20% sheen), Exterior Masonry (2% sheen), and Full Gloss (95% sheen)... and Exterior Eggshell and Full Gloss are for those exterior metal and wood projects. For wear and longevity we also always follow their recommended primer + paint process. We choose the correct primer for the job (please visit our F&B Primer Guide Page) and add one coat, then apply 2 coats of the correct paint for the job. This will ensure the paint adheres correctly and stays true to color, per their warranty on exterior-grade paints.
Here are some great tips specific to painting doors with the paint:
- Always make sure to thoroughly stir the paint up from the bottom before using-- do not machine-shake the paint cans like you would with other brands of paint at the hardware store. Machine shaking is too vigorous for the paint and pigments and may result in an uneven appearance.
- If you can take your door off the hinges and bring inside to work, that's great! But that's not always possible. If you can't, tarp and tape around the walls and floor to protect from paint splatter. While paint dries you may also hang a plastic sheet in front of the door to protect from pollen and debris (do not wrap the door though of course).
- If working during hot times of the year, work during the cooler parts of the day for ease and maximum paint and primer performance. If humid, you may need to extend dry times to wait until the next day for the next paint coat, especially for Full Gloss.
- Normal recoat time for primer is 2 hours, and normal recoat times for exterior grade paints are 4 hours (extend for humidity).
- Use the right tools! For paneled doors like we worked on in the demos, use smaller brushes for the panel frames, then medium brushes for the flat panel fronts and the trim around them. Use rollers for longer continuous parts of the trim or for flat doors.
- We recommend starting on the panel frames, then working toward the flat panel fronts. After those are completed, we recommend doing all horizontal parts of trim (not including the very bottom panel of the door), then doing the vertical trim in small pieces in the center of the door. Next we recommend painting one of the long trim pieces on the side of the door, then the very bottom horizontal piece, then the remaining vertical side trim piece. *Piecing out a paneled door into smaller sections ensures you don't disturb places that are a little tacky and drying, and also help ensure even visible sheen especially on Full Gloss.
- For flat doors just keep a wet edge, working from one side to the next using the proper roller.
- F&B paints are self leveling, wow! But we always love to 'lay off' the paint in a continuous stroke per section. We do this with the proper sized brush for that section which doesn't have much paint added to it (it's okay if there's some leftover paint in the brush from earlier strokes, just not newly added paint).
- If you mess up or leave a weird texture, or something gets in your paint, just let it dry properly per recoat time. Gently sand out whatever is undesirable, then paint back over the section that it's in for a paneled door... for flat doors, if it's tiny you may try to do a tiny spot-treat, however it's most likely you'll need to do another coat after sanding it out.
- No topcoats needed over the paint when working with F&B exterior-grade paints.
- Always clean and prep your door before painting over it with F&B paints. Clean off gunk and let thoroughly dry. For pre-existing doors, no need to strip off the finish. If painting over an old gloss, make sure to just sand down the gloss a bit (before cleaning so you can wipe off everything at once). For new wood doors make sure to give a scuff sand with 150 grit sandpaper, even if the door feels smooth to you!
Stop by our Shop & Studio for color samples, demos, tips, and more!
Give Your Furniture That Worn in Jeans Look KXAN Studio 512 (8/24/2017)
We joined KXAN's Studio 512 for a Weatherwood Stains demonstration. We taught viewers to use Weatherwood Stains and Topcoats for non-toxic and user-friendly aged wood looks for both indoor and outdoor projects.
Check out our Weatherwood FAQs for more info about using Weatherwood Stains.