On Saturday, September 11 from 11 am – 2 pm, The Little Traveler will host a Patricia Locke
Trunk Show.
Inspiring designs featuring stunning colors—blues, greens, teals and more—are what has won us over. This Chicago designer has been creating jewelry for over thirty years, and her pieces are a combination of fine art and modern fashion. We continue to expand this line of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pins as more and more of our friends request it. Stop by The Little Traveler to pick up your “t-shirt earrings”- perfect for when you’re dressed down but just want a little sparkle on your ear.
Patricia Locke jewelry is immediately recognizable for its distinctive asymmetry, tantalizing multi-metal combinations and elegant use of positive-negative space. Each piece presents an exquisite paradox, at once handsome and beautiful, organic and geometric, and contemporary with an heirloom quality. Patricia, along with Deborah Rethemeyer, designs new collections every year, and all Patricia Locke jewelry is handcrafted by a team of artisans outside of Chicago, Illinois.
In 1953 Juan, José and Vicente Lladró made their first creations in a Moorish furnace built inside their own home in Almàssera (Valencia). In this way, they developed their artistic interest while they worked in a tile and crockery factory. These carefully designed figurines already had a special charm that awakened public interest. By 1955 the brothers began to show clear influences of 18th century trends in their work. These pieces evoke the works of former porcelain artists such as Meissen, Sèvres, and Capodimonte.
In 1958 Juan, José and Vicente decided to dedicate themselves exclusively to their own works. The family workshop had become too small for their business, so they transferred their small company to a warehouse in the neighboring town of Tavernes Blanques. In addition to innovations in design of the figurines, they created new methods in firing techniques, reducing the three-layer firing to a one-layer process. One-firing is an innovative method that creates the crystalline finish and the pastel tonalities typical of Lladró works.
Sad Harlequin (1969) marked a considerable change in the brothers’ artistic evolution. The stylized lines and the romantic air of the figurine became the Lladró’s signature style that is appreciated throughout the world. Throughout the years Lladró continued to innovate in its artistry and expand worldwide. They’ve also handed down the tradition through the family, appointing the next generation to the Board of Directors.
The Alexander Doll Company (ADC) was founded 80 years ago by Madame Beatrice Alexander Behrman, the daughter of Russian immigrants. She was raised over her father’s doll hospital—the first in America—and often played with the dolls waiting to be mended. Her love of dolls led this dynamic woman to creating her own line of collectible dolls.
The serene images of the infant Jesus and his parents surrounded by the three kings and the animals of the manger signify the true spirit of the season. We’re pleased to announce that we reinstated the awe-inspiring Fontanini Nativity. The authentic reproduction of the original Fontanini sculptures are handcrafted and handpainted by the artisans of Northern Italy.
New Additions to Byers’ Choice:
Friday and Saturday:
* Swarovski Crystal Event – Meet Ann Andrea, Swarovski representative, see what’snew for Holiday 2009. With any purchase, sign up for a free gift drawing.
* Waterford Crystal Holiday Event — We have the new and exciting pieces for 2009. Sign up for a free gift drawing.
* Berghoff Cafe Cookbook Book Signing – at 1:00 p.m. Carlyn Berghof will be here to sign copies of this new cookbook filled with simple and satisfying classic recipes from Chicago’s Berghoff Cafe.