Our exclusive handblown glass chandeliers are featured in Riviera Magazine‘s Spring 2013 Hot List … on newstands now or online, page 114.  We’re busy working on a new batch of original lights, soon to be in our shop at SoLo.  Also accepting custom commissions.

I’ve always been a stickler for good grammar.

Among my favorite finds at the gift show were these coffee mugs and dessert plates, cleverly explaining some of the most misused rules of grammar.  Created by a former teacher and artist, these wares were designed for the grammatically aware … and those who need to be!  Fun and educational, they’re sure to be a hit among all lovers of our language.

Available at SoLo now.

//Photo: Jennifer Price

Industrial style is hot, hot, hot!  I love that it is, but the market’s become oversaturated with inexpensive industrial reproductions.  I’ve been doing authentic vintage industrial design in the Cedros Design District for over fourteen years now, longer than any of the chain stores who’ve since jumped on the bandwagon.  But, in reviewing the past year, I, too, found myself sucked in to the abundance and affordability of “made in _______” knock-offs.  Since true vintage and antique industrial pieces have become so scarce and thus expensive, these mass-produced options were tempting.  But, I feel as I surrendered to the temptation, I lost my true intention.

It’s time to get back to my roots.  While I’ll continue to source affordable well-made accessories and gifts, I’m searching farther afield for the good stuff.  I’m digging deeper.  I’m tapping into my well of artists and craftsmen to collaborate on more one-of-a-kind pieces.  I’d rather spend my buying budget with these creative souls … it’s a win-win.  I much prefer selling one fabulous vintage $2000 table or original artwork than ten or twenty cheap, poorly made pieces of ….

Imagine the time I’ll save not having to peel off millions of “made in Chindia” stickers!  More time to blog!

Are you with me?

Note:  One of my goals this year is to be more prolific with my blogposts.  When I started the blog last Spring, I was planning to post weekly.  But, life got in the way and weekly became bi-monthly became monthly became occasional!  If I can at least accomplish a monthly post, I’ll be happy.  So, by the skin of my teeth, I just made January!

//Photos: Jennifer Price

I wanted to serve a little treat at last week’s SoLo Holiday Party but I’m not into sweets.  So my sister suggested I go “old school” and make our Mama’s Oatmeal Lace Cookies.  These were Daddy’s favorites and we baked them for every special occasion.  I did a test run on the cookies and it brought me right back to my childhood!

So, while I was busy stocking the store, I enlisted the help of my sweet boyfriend, who baked about 400 cookies!  They were a big hit … everyone wanted the recipe.  As promised, here it is (in Mama’s handwriting), with our notes & adjustments.  They’re super easy to make, buttery and chewy, and our addition of the sea salt adds a nice kick.  Perfect for the holidays!

Have you Instagrammed yet?  Everybody’s doing it!  Instagram is a free photo-sharing program that’s quickly becoming another popular social networking tool (Facebook just bought Instagram for $1 billion!).  Although I’m fairly new to it (I still don’t understand how to use hashtags), I’m finding it a really fun way to share photos with friends, colleagues and customers.

With the enormous volume of goods arriving at SoLo daily for the holiday season, it’s impossible to keep my website updated with all the new goodies.  So starting today, I will be posting photos to Instagram every day for the rest of the year.  If you’re not already following me, my username is jenniferpricestudio … please join me to stay in the loop!