The 2021 Guide for Unique Artisan-made Gifts from Florence / Part 1

Curated by Creative People in Florence

With the holiday season on the horizon, it's the perfect time to start thinking about finding the right gift for everyone on your list, especially when shopping for handmade items. One of the joys of buying from a local artisan is knowing that each piece is unique--and maybe even customized just for your lucky loved ones. Take a look at our first round-up of artisan-made gifts from Florence. From jewelry and fashion to original artworks and home decor, you will surely find something special. Contact the artisans directly to find out about special styles, modifications, or personalized touches just for you, or swing by their workshops to get a closer look. Stay tuned over the coming weeks for more great gift ideas--all handmade in Florence!

If you're reading this, then you or someone you love probably has a pretty big soft spot for Florence. Artist Jennifer Leo has just released a new collection of original paintings, prints, and illustrations that explore the architecture and landscape around the city and beyond. We love how the vibrant colors and bold lines capture the character of each place. All works featured below are available on www.jenlestudio.com. Take a peek behind the scenes on Instagram @jenleo_artflo.

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The new collection for Fall/Winter 2021 from local brand Bastah brings together a palette of rich tones in brick red, forest green, ultramarine, and peacock blue. The warm energy of the colors fuses with refined geometric, abstract, and nature-inspired prints. For someone in search of effortless style with a contemporary edge, a piece from Bastah will be sure to please this season. Check out our favorite looks for the holidays below. Shop online at www.bastah.it on in selected stores. See more on Instagram @bastah_firenze.

  • Enya Geometric shirt / €149
    Hidden front buttons, bold geometric pattern in the warm and vibrant palette of the new collection, 100% viscose.
  • Enya Shirt / €149 and Fabienne Pants €149
    In matching tones, the versatile Enya shirt pairs with the elastic waist Fabienne pants for a perfect holiday look. Available in several colors. 100% lyocel tencel.
  • Enya Shirt / €149 and Fabienne Pants €149
    In matching tones, the versatile Enya shirt pairs with the elastic waist Fabienne pants for a perfect holiday look. Available in several colors. 100% lyocel tencel.
  • Charlotte Geometric dress / €189
    A-line dress with an adjustable drawstring waist for an elegant and relaxed fit. 100% viscose.
  • Enya Peacock shirt / €149
    Hidden front buttons, bold geometric pattern in the warm and vibrant palette of the new collection, 100% lyocel tencel.

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For unique objects for the home and table, look no further than these fantastic wooden design pieces by artisan Jane Harman. Find a new addition for your Christmas tree, or a special touch for your holiday table, or a charming addition to your decor. All the objects shown below are handmade in Jane's workshop in Florence in Via Bartolini 1/r - via Sant'Onofrio 8/r. Stop by to take a closer look and pick out your favorites. You will also find her work at the nearby art space FAF in Borgo San Frediano 131r. For online shopping, visit JaneHCreations on Etsy. Keep up with hew new projects on Instagram @jane.h.restoration.

  • Pio the Robin / €16
    A perfect addition to hang on your Christmas tree. Beech wood with additional details in reclaimed sunshades.
  • Trio of wooden animals in reclaimed wood / €29
  • Wooden stones / €25
    Stones made from reclaimed wood with a gold leaf and natural wax finish.
  • Puzzle Cutting Board / €59
    Made from birch wood, perfect for your next aperitivo. Treated with food safe natural oils.
  • Photo Holder / €15
    Made from fir, treated with natural oils to protect the wood.

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If you've been following along with our blog recently, you may have seen our recent interview with jewelry designer Naomi Muirhead of Art925 about her use of found objects, ephemera, and vintage treasures in her work. Let's take a closer look at some of our top picks for that friend or loved one who loves truly one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. All pieces shown below are available in the art925 shop on Etsy. Learn about the artist and find more unique pieces on art925.com or @art925_jewelry.

  • Green Vintage Typewriter Key Ring / US Size 8 / €65
    Remember the typewriter? This unique up-cycled ring brings back nostalgia from another era. Green "SHIFT LOCK" vintage typewriter key 14mm diameter, mounted on solid sterling silver ring band, 8.5mm wide, with satin finish. The key is in its original materials: plastic and stainless steel.
  • Copper/Silver Watch Movement Ring / US Size 8 / €85
    Time on your mind? This vintage copper Technos watch movement (2cm in diameter) includes real rubies "21 rubis" set in hard durable resin with brushed sterling silver base and ring.
  • Yellow Metric Ruler Pendant / €75
    Measure twice, cut once! This pendant makes a great gift for designers, architects, construction workers, or the clever hobbyist. Hand-made from sterling silver, wooden metric ruler, and durable resin. It measures 12mm wide and 43mm high and is presented on a 16″ sterling silver link chain, made in Italy.
  • Antique Waltham Watch Face Sterling Silver Pendant / €125
    Timeless, all the time in the world, never lose time, a moment frozen in time, take your time. This pendant will remind you to slow down and enjoy life. Antique/vintage Waltham (1920's Art Deco?) elegant pocket-watch face is encased in hard durable resin with a light-yellow cubic zircon gem inset where the watch hands once rotated. Setting is hand-made fine silver, 38mm in diameter and 4mm thick. "art925" is stamped on the back. Included with a 48cm sterling silver chain, made in Italy.

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Get festive with some new shoes and fun fashion from New Kid Footwear. This Florence-based brand designs eye-catching shoes in top-quality leather as well as a small collection of hand-dyed clothing. All production is done in very limited quantities at small family-run factories in Tuscany, so you are sure to stand out in a crowd. They even have a line of collars for extra-fashionable dogs made from their leftover leathers. You can find the styles shown here at their shop in Via Del Ghirlandaio 18 and online at www.new-kid.com. Keep up with the daily adventures on Instagram @newkidfootwear.

  • Max Ramble hiking boot / €175
    Crocodile print hiking ankle boot featuring contrast calfskin padded collar, a padded tongue and hiker eyelets. Removable insole for comfort all leather lined with a durable Vibram outsole stitched to upper for long lasting wear. Made in Italy from Italian leathers and materials.
  • Velvet Ivy dress / €115
    Silk velvet baby doll dress hand dyed by New Kid designer Rachel. With contrast colour sleeve and frill, featuring an easy fit and cut to knee, front and back are matching.
  • Remy Rich Oxford Shoe / €135
    Rich brown crocodile print nubuck lace up Oxford shoe, contrast suede eyelets, all leather lined featuring a rubber cleated outsole with cork.
  • Linen Tee dress / €125
    Ice dyed linen oversized tee dress, dyed by New Kid designer Rachel. One size, easy fit, cut to the ankle with 2 skirt panels of contrasting linens.
  • Max Loafer / €175
    Black snake print calfskin loafer look ankle boot. Featuring gold pyramid trim and elastic gusset for fit padded heel and pull tab to pull on with ease. All leather lined with removable footbed and stitched down Vibram hiker sole.
  • Leather Dog Collar / €45
    Leather collar with metal Western style buckle details. Available in multiple sizes and leathers to fit most dogs.

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We love seeing traditional Florentine crafts updated for a contemporary eye, like in the work of local artisan Cecilia Falciai. Using the historical scagliola stone inlay technique, Cecilia creates colorful jewelry and wearable pieces as well as fun objects for the home. You can find the works shown below at her workshop on via dei Macci 25r, or in her nearby space Centocinque Rosso (shared with artisan Veronika Wick) on via dei Macci 105. Learn more about her work at ceciliafalciaiscagliola.com and on Instagram @cecilia_falciai

  • Earrings in enameled wood inlay (jewelry prices from €17 to €35)
  • Earrings and pendants in enameled wood inlay (jewelry prices from €17 to €35)
  • Florentine Nights / €45-50
    Objects in scagliola, 11cm diameter
  • Mirrors / €16 each
    Trio of mirrors in scagliola
  • Bird Art Pieces / €55 and €95
    Made with scagliola technique, with frame. Available in two sizes
  • Hair pin and ring in enameled wood inlay (jewelry prices from €17 to €35)
  • You receive a free shopper for purchases over €55!

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If you are looking for timeless, elegant jewelry to please the most discerning eye, you will find it at the workshop of Joy Franklin of A Thousand Joys. Fine detail and exquisite craftsmanship set her work apart, making it a must-have for that special someone who collects fine pieces of jewelry to cherish for years to come. All of the pieces featured below are available for sale in person by appointment in Joy's studio or online at AThousandJoys on Etsy. To visit the studio or find out about personalized details and other options in sterling silver, contact Joy. Keep up with what's coming off the bench at @athousandjoys.

  • Temple of the stars stud earrings / €310
    A delicate worship of twinkling stars. These tiny and dainty 18k solid gold stud earrings are perfect for everyday wear and for stacking in second and third holes! Available in rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and white, black and blue diamonds. 
  • Astraeus necklace / €869
    Astraeus, the "starry one", is the god of the stars and twilight. May this star pendant be a place to hold your hopes and dreams and be a little light of guidance in your everyday. Hand crafted in solid 18k gold, each pendant is hand engraved using traditional Florentine techniques then finished with millegrain borders. Can be engraved with the phrase - per aspera ad astra- or personalized with a short phrase, names or dates on the back of the pendant.
  • Aurelia emerald stud earrings / €530
    Noble and dainty stud earrings that seem almost like little relics unearthed in a buried treasure from some long lost civilization. Handcrafted in 18k solid gold and embellished with ethically sourced diamonds and green emeralds. Each emerald is framed in a hand studded millegrain border. These earrings are perfect for those never-take-off, live in kind of studs to dress up or down. 
  • Signum diamond signet ring / €789
    The illumination of where two rays of light meet to become one… This signet ring is crafted in 18k gold and inspired by ancient carvings and symbols, and by light born from the point where two paths meet. 

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Stay tuned over the coming weeks for more gift ideas from local designers and small business owners for all the special people in your life. As always, shop small, shop local. Happy gifting!

To learn more about the artists mentioned above and discover other top-quality craftsmanship in Florence, download the new Creative People in Florence App! Free to download from the App Store or Google Play, the App offers access to a selection of local artisans and designers. You can use it to map the route to their workshop or you can browse their online profiles and shop online.