Surprises Archives

Posted on 10/25/201609/08/2020 by Shannon Jilge

Crystal Bracelet

The October artist of the month hails from the Seattle area and has designed a lovely set for our Fair Ivy subscribers. Simple details with a bit of hammering and a bezel setting, this crystal bracelet and ring is modern, classy and full of warmth and light. Can’t wait to find out more about this month’s gift box? Scroll down to check out all the details and find out more about the artist of the month.

Each gift box has two items designed and made by Natalie at Modest Elements Jewelry . Both pieces are crafted from 14k gold fill and are lightweight pieces that embrace minimalist lines- simple, easy to wear alone and they play well with others too. Much of Natalie’s work incorporates natural materials such as stones and crystals and you’ll also find layered necklaces, geometric shapes and daintily linked chains.

The ring in this month’s surprise package has been hand forged and lightly hammered on the ends to add texture and detail. Each ring is open ended to allow for a cozy fit that isn’t too snug. The thin gold band can be stacked with other rings to make a bolder statement or worn by itself for just a bit of shine.

Along with the hammered ring, October’s subscribers received a delicate crystal bracelet, handmade from gold fill chain and set with a spring clasp. The chain bracelet has an understated elegance and is an easy to wear piece that is perfect for everyday use. With an extra long tail, this gold bracelet is a breeze to clasp and lets you find the perfect length for a comfy fit.

If you’d like to see more offerings from Natalie, check out her Etsy shop and be sure to follow her Instagram feed for updates on the latest pieces she’s created. For our Fair Ivy subscribers, a special discount code has been included in each package.

Posted on 09/06/201609/08/2020 by Shannon Jilge

Zippered Clutch purse {The Thyme Subscription}

With August upon us and monthly surprises on their way, our Thyme subscribers will have their weekend look all zipped up. Lacy Lou Designs is the Thyme artist of the month and she has designed a fabulous zippered clutch purse exclusively for our Fair Ivy subscribers. Scroll on down to see all the details this fabric clutch and the sweet little surprise that is hidden inside.

Coming to you from northern Utah, the surprise for this month is a sleek clutch that is the perfect size for holding everything you need and versatile enough to go with you on morning errands and out with friends. The zippered closure keeps the contents of this clutch purse neatly tucked away and it is finished with a silver and white tassel.

Lacy, from Lacy Lou Designs, describes herself as a busy mom and self diagnosed fabric addict. Her items are all handmade and she offers purses, key chains, wallets and other items in her Etsy shop, Lacy Lou Designs. The clutch purse she designed for our Fair Ivy subscribers combines grey pinstripes and a white vegan leather in a subtle color palette that plays well with any outfit.

Every Fair Ivy item is handmade, vegan, hand wrapped and chosen specifically for our subscribers. This month’s Thyme gift box is no exception and Lacy Lou Designs has include one final touch to make it even more special. After all, the only thing better than unwrapping one gift is unwrapping two gifts. Tucked carefully inside each purse is a pair of button stud earrings, made of matching pinstripe fabric with a clasp backing.

Posted on 08/11/201609/08/2020 by Shannon Jilge

Silver Horseshoe Necklace

Our Rosemary subscribers are enjoying their monthly gift boxes and the gift this month comes from Susi D. Jewelry in Valencia, California. Handmade and wrapped by the artist herself, this silver horseshoe necklace is feminine and playful. Keep reading to see the packaging and unwrapping of this month’s Rosemary subscription.

Every monthly gift is handmade by artists, using vegan and cruelty free materials. Inside each box, you’ll find a gift exclusively for Fair Ivy subscribers and an artist’s card that tells about the piece and the story behind it. Susan, the face behind Susi D. Jewelry, officially opened shop in 2008 but has been making jewelry for much longer. Inspired by the unexpected turns and the beauty in life, Susan’s jewelry is feminine and elegant, with unexpected details that add charm and playfulness.

The necklace chosen for this month’s Rosemary box is hand formed and then hammered to add shimmer and reflection to the piece. The classic horseshoe charm makes this piece timeless while the hammered texture adds a modern twist. Sitting close along the neckline, this horseshoe necklace can be layered with other pieces or worn alone.

A closer look shows the surface texture of the horseshoe and the warmth and sparkle that it reflects. In addition to hand crafted necklaces, Susi D. Jewelry also offers bracelets, earrings and other pieces. Her work includes silver, gold and other metals and many of her pieces incorporate semiprecious gems. To see more and shop her store, visit Susan’s shop at www.susidjewelry.com. As a Fair Ivy subscriber, be sure to check the artist’s card for a special discount.

Posted on 07/18/201609/08/2020 by Shannon Jilge

Ceramic planter {The Rosemary subscription}

July brings warm weather and more surprises for our Rosemary subscribers. What busted out of their mailboxes? Handmade from start to finish, this small ceramic planter combines square lines, literally splashed with bold, summer colors. Scroll down to find out more.

Fair Ivy is delighted to welcome back Amy from Redraven Studio this month and we are smitten with the ceramic planter she created for us. This little planter is the perfect size for a brightening up an entry table or adding some green to your countertop. Bright splashes of color are dabbled around the base and contrast nicely with crisp straight lines and square edges.

Created using a handmade mold, this porcelain planter has a solid bottom making it perfect for succulents or herbs. The simple lines compliment any decor and the bright pops of glaze add a bit of color.

Redraven Studios is based in Berkeley, California where the artist Amy and her family live. Amy’s work is inspired by her explorations in the national parks and the natural beauty of northern California. To see more of her work, including planters, decor and dinnerware, visit Redraven Studios at www.redravenshop.com.

Posted on 06/21/201609/08/2020 by Shannon Jilge

Mint Hanging Planter {The Thyme subscription}

June has arrived and brought an amazing surprise for our lovely Thyme subscribers. Handmade in San Jose California, this month’s surprise is crafted with care and made for everyday use. Here’s a closer look at the hanging planter our Thyme subscribers received this month.

Each month, items are carefully chosen and hand wrapped by the artist before being sent out to Fair Ivy subscribers. We love attention to detail and this month’s artist, RossLab, is all about those handmade details. From the hand tied bow to the color coordinated washi tape, this gift is lovingly wrapped and so inviting to open! There is even a small magnet that our artist has included, perfectly color coordinated to the aqua glaze that coats the ceramic planter.

Rossella Manzini at Rosslab is the artist behind this month’s gift and she crafts every day ceramic pieces, designed to bring brightness and charm to life. A potter’s wheel was used to shape each piece, while paint and glaze provide finishing touches. Thyme subscribers may notice each piece a bit different because handmade goods are each a unique piece of art.

This hanging planter features a solid bottom and is unglazed on the inside to keep plants nice and healthy. The aqua glaze on this planter covers the bottom so that it is beautiful from any angle. Add a few rocks or gravel for drainage and this planter is ready to use (ideally for succulents or other small plantings). The planter is finished with a knotted jute cord and is about 15″ in length.

The stunning ceramics don’t need to stop here – to see more of the goodies available at Rosslab, simply stop by the site at www.rosslabdesign.com. There you’ll find handmade ceramic items for you, your home and your garden (and maybe a gift for someone else too!).

Posted on 04/14/201609/08/2020 by Shannon Jilge

Herb garden cloth napkins {The Thyme subscription}

Decorated with green herbs and made from super soft flour sack cotton, this month’s Thyme subscription will look lovely on any table. The April surprise is on it’s way from straight from this month’s artist to mailboxes across the country and we’re so happy to share it with all of you.

Even the box is stamped and decorated, letting you know something great is inside. Once opened, you’ll see a sprig of thyme and an artist’s card telling you a bit about themselves and the gift inside.

This set of cloth napkins is made by Katie and Nick Forte, the faces behind June & December. Hand sewn from flour sack cotton and printed with colorful garden herbs, these cloth napkins are pretty and designed for everyday use.

June & December is based in Michigan and offers so much more than tea towels. All of their items are designed with the little details in mind. Carefully chosen materials and manufacturers, little touches that add beauty and a belief that little things make a big difference carry through their work and show in everything that can be found in their store. To see the lovely home goods, gifts and paper items visit them at www.junedecember.com. Fair Ivy subscribers that receive the Thyme subscription will also receive a code for a discount on their next purchase from June & December.