I hope you've had a chance to stop in at Waxing Poetic, the lovely jewelry store on Alamo Pintado that opened in April. I've already purchased three gifts there--ok four if you include the one I bought for myself--and each recipient was thrilled with their present. Their jewelry is hand carved and keepsake, drawing on old traditions of wax seals, books and letters, produced in Bali and utilizing recycled silver in much of the materials. Even if you don't think you're in the market for jewelry just now (although you'll change your mind when you go there) a stop inside is worth the trip just to see the decor. CEO, Creative Director and local resident Patti Pagliei Simpson is as passionate about the store as she is the jewelry they design and sell, and worked with a team of craftspeople to create a one of kind interior, done almost entirely by hand. The sign at the front door was gilded with 22 karat gold leaf and an 18th century painting of the Virgin Mary hangs above the main floor, blessing everyone who enters. Inside, the custom carved wood work was designed and crafted by Erich Riedel, using reclaimed Santa Ynez walnut wood gathered by Frank Palmer and milled at his workshop right down the street. The idea to display the charms “hidden” in vintage books is inspired. There's a photo above, but you have to see it for yourself! It's also no accident that one wall is covered in Fornasetti’s ‘Ex Libris” wallpaper to create a library feel. Designer Stephanie Kheder Bodine served as art director for the store and even hand cut and assembled the “frescopauge” wallpaper. The feel is moody, but inviting and clearly created with great care.
There's more to tell about the details of the shop. Stop by Waxing Poetic, then meet me back here...My Los Olivos.
