On the Fringe. » Shopping

Custom Lamp Shades, Venetian Style

toddrichesin — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:10:43 +0000

Angela with me in her fantastic shop

On our first day in Venice, we visited the studio of Angela R. Greco on the Ponte Delle Ostreghe, near San Marco. Angela and her sister have been in this same location for years, and make the most beautiful Venetian style lamp shades I have found anywhere on the planet. Each shade is made by hand, and you can see their love for their craft in every piece. Angela’s typical shade is made from Fortuny fabric, and stretched over a wire frame. I love these shades because they have an exuberance of style not found in most American lighting. They have the fantastic shape of the Venetian shield style shade, plus color and pattern brought by the fantastic fabric. A stunning combination. We chose this trip a small pair of shades in blue and silver for a pair of lamps in a bedroom.

Angela hand sewing the lining of a shade while her sister looks on

Besides being a fantastic place to find the fabulous, Angela’s shop is warm and friendly. She loves to see people enjoy her work, and welcomes photography. It is fun to see Angela and her sister again on this trip….in their matching smocks and pearls.

Lamps in the shop of Angela Greco

Bobby and I outside the shop

A carved wooden lamp base with a fantastic Fortuny shade

Art Restoration in Venice

toddrichesin — Thu, 20 May 2010 19:42:19 +0000

The beautiful studio of Bruno Vianello

A favorite stop in Venice is the studio of Bruno Vianello on Calle De Pistor in Castello. Bruno is a painting restoration specialist whose work appears in the Accademia, the Hotel Danielli, and in many private Venetian collections. Currently, he is working on a group of Biblical paintings from the 16th century in which he has beautifully restored the canvases; erasing years of soot and dirt; water damage; and bad patches by previous restoration. Bruno typically deals exclusively in restoration for museums and private collections, but always has a few “treasures” available for purchase in his studio. It is a treat to see such a talented craftsman.

A work in restoration for a private collection

Through the years, Bobby and I have been fortunate enough to have purchased a number of paintings from Bruno that are still in our private collection. We are always inspired by the beauty of the art here, and it is easy to find pieces to love.

Sneak Peek at Bobby Todd Christmas 2010

toddrichesin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:33:23 +0000

We start shopping for our Christmas season in January. Yes, it is hard to beleive, but it takes us a full year to prepare for a selling season that is a short two months. At the January gift market in Atlanta, we hit the halls running, searching for new and exciting products to bring you. We’ve got a good jump on it, and here are a few of the treats that will be in store for you at our Holiday Open House in early October.

Bobby carefully inspecting merchandise

Delightful place card holders

Whimsical vintage ornaments and feather trees

Snowmen

The cutest snow couple

Bobby inspecting products

New Halloween items from Lori Mitchell

Lori Mitchell Pilgrims!

Atlanta Gift Market

toddrichesin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:19:34 +0000

We have just returned from the International Gift Market in Atlanta. The market is housed in three enormous buildings in downtown Atlanta., each between 10 and 20 stories tall. Each occupying more than a city block. It takes us four non-stop days to cover what we need to see, and we still can’t get everything in. It is always inspiring for us. We get fresh ideas, and see products used in new ways. We attend at least four of these markets every year. In January, we focus on new ideas for our spring and summer season. Orange, light blue, and lavender were introduced this year in lots of different products. Light blue has been a staple for several years now, but it continues to be strong. Color is definitely where the market is heading. Following are some images of what we saw.

Bobby with a clock that will soon be at Bobby Todd

Fun colors! Market is a great place to get a sneak peek at upcoming color trends.

A beautifully displayed showroom

Garden items, and great colors

An array of kitchen towels at Mary Lake Thompson

Beautifully displayed kitchen items

Some of the unbreakable dishes we are now carrying at Bobby Todd

The newest color trend, lavender