Hello Lovely,
As I briefly wrote in last month's journal entry, this summer I set out to create a small batch of jewels inspired by coastal Italy.
My husband Adam and I are celebrating 15 years married on July 18th. It has always been our plan to travel to Italy for this anniversary... and we will get there. We just aren't entirely sure when. I've had some exciting behind-the-scenes things going on with my business that have us putting off any major travel plans at the moment. With that said, I'm finding a plethora of alternatives for the time being to soothe my longing to step foot in Italy. Some of these include the following:
I read a fantastic summer read, "One Summer in Italy", by Rebecca Serle. This book had me escaping to charming Positano. What a dream of a place. I hadn't necessarily had that on my list of "must visit" places in our original rough itinerary for Italy, but after reading this book I'm having second thoughts.
For our anniversary, we plan to dine at DC's Fiola... a Michelin Star Italian spot headed by chef Fabio Trabocchi who grew up in Le Marche, Italy. To say I love fine dining and in particular Italian fine cuisine, would be a tremendous understatement. Have you seen "Searching For Italy" with Stanley Tucci? If not, please do so... because his exquisite way of eating and talking about Italian food can make anyone fall in love with everything Italy... and everything Stanley. 😉
Speaking of Mr. Tucci... I recently listened to his book "Taste: My Life Through Food" on audio book. Can't get enough of him... and again, it had my imagination escaping to Italy. I need the paperback copy so I have a more easily accessible way to get to all of his recipes and mentions of his favorite restaurants in Italy.
Alas, comes my small batch series. I carefully combed through my collection of gems to hand pick colors I felt represented everything coastal Italy. As I mentioned before...
...cool dark wash of the ocean... beachy shades of sand and rock... pops of green vegetation... reflections from your Aperol spritz glistening in the sun...
It goes without saying, the old world essence of my work tends to tie in quite cosily with places like Italy. When I do make my way across the globe to visit, I will have to completely drain my camera roll to make room for every documentation of the place I plan to make. It is steeped in history and inspiration for every element of how I like to create jewelry. Old feeling. Tasteful. Timeless. Classical yet of the moment.
Italy is always and will forever be of the moment. No matter how old the art, buildings, and family recipes are.
I hope you enjoy my small batch series. I lovingly crafted each piece by hand and did a great deal of daydreaming while doing so. I hope perusing my pieces (see below) allows you to daydream as well.
Ciao,
Amanda
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