Embracing New Artisan Trends

You’re a unique creature living and lounging with an intentional personal style. Artisan companies understand this. Whether your vibe is subtle and spiritual, nature-based, bold, or one of refined elegance, business owners like us get it.

This week, we walked the floors of an industry trade show to see and share a glimpse of notable trends that support all things distinct and delightful. Luxurious textiles, rich scents, lush, all-natural cosmetics, colorful patterns, and artful craftsmanship are just a few of the options:

Designs from women-owned franca NYC

Eye-catching designs in an array of colors are painted on ceramic pots and vases. Plants continue to capture the limelight nestled in chic, fashionable pots that accent a space. For those who prefer a muted pallet, don’t worry; you’ll find earthy hues as well. With the full spectrum of designs available, there’s an artisan style sure to capture your discerning taste.

Ignite your journey. Candles expand into a full experience, offering an elusive escape with the flicker of a scented flame. This relaxation tool is not just a pleasing aroma; it amplifies your style with fashionable graphics and packaging alongside unique fragrance combinations. Muted greens mimicking wood textures inspire calm, while other tapers are wildly colorful and ready to party.

Matches. We wrote about matches earlier here, and the pattern continues as the new hot (pardon the pun) accessory. Unique colors, bigger sizes, shapes, and specific messaging, are all ready to strike when the time is right.

Elegance, casual comfort, and silky styles abound. Textiles are covered in bold prints with sassy trims cut into distinct sizes. Cashmere bandanas, handmade mini wool scarves (that feel fabulous) accent your wardrobe with warmth or a pop of color.

All aboard with lush eco-travel products. Simple, sophisticated packaging and all-natural products tout higher quality and better care of the earth. These beautifully condensed multi-purpose products attempt to reduce the size of our toiletry bags with award-winning creams, shampoos, body lotions, and cleansing products - all in one lathering bar.

It was especially exciting to see the women-owned businesses bring their passions to market with inked collaborations, diverse leadership, and bold moves in the works.

Top left to bottom right: Pilgrimwaters textiles, Lohn candles, DMC Home Decor, Tenn Prairie matches, Fossette cosmetics, Pinkstories tapers.

The Surprise Big Finish

We entered December with what we knew were exciting plans, but we finished with an even bigger surprise.

It’s been a year of unexpected twists, turns and exciting opportunities. As Co-founders, we are fully committed to this business. And, as many of you who are, or have been, business owners can appreciate, we have also both worked in additional roles that added value or provided specific perks. In Rugged’s case, he has created exquisite gifts of superior craftsmanship while working full-time in another role that provided key benefits. Yes, that’s a lot.

When we first began discussing Rugged’s time commitments, we estimated his day job departure for five years. However, by early 2023, we accelerated that plan to two years, considering the pace of things. Our priorities had shifted, and the job perks began to feel more like an anchor than a benefit. Today, we are thrilled to report that the plan again accelerated - Rugged retired (from his other job) in December 2023.

Is this a happy guy or what?! The Day he turned the retirement papers in at his day job.

It has been a whirlwind, one we continue to celebrate. As you might imagine, it opens up all kinds of discussions about doing more, less, and different in our personal lives and in this business.

In our seventh year of Red & Rugged, we’re reflecting and making intentional choices regarding our newfound freedom. What comes next? What projects do we love? Is there anything new we’d like to add? What isn’t serving us anymore?

For those of you who are business owners, we share these thoughts for your consideration.

• Know from the start that your business will change in unexpected ways you can’t predict (2020 is just one example).

• The same changes may impact each of you differently. Your passions, health, and priorities may recalibrate in surprising ways.

• If you’re running a business with a life partner, you may witness their changes before they do. These shifts need to be discussed openly and honestly (monthly, quarterly, bi-annually) to keep you moving in the same direction. Or raise questions if you’re not. For us, it became clear that five more years of Rugged serving two professional roles was not sustainable (Note: he worked there for 40 years!).

As we ponder and adjust, we’ll keep you posted. One thing is for sure: there will be more freedom to relax, make pizza, play golf, travel, hang out with family, and focus on the artisan business opportunities that are the most fulfilling. So, if you have a request for a product, event, or custom artisan experience, now is the time to let us know! Email us at greetings@redandrugged.net.

Here’s to a peaceful and prosperous year.

Holiday Happenings

Last updated: 12/11/23

We’ll continue to update this page throughout the holiday season… here’s the latest:

Special Shipping Note - Orders placed now will begin shipping in January!

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Jack Frost brings more than a nip in the air as we unwrap a festive season that extends beyond our talented artisan network. Connection and community are the themes infused into our Holiday Happenings to create the most merry and meaningful season with your artisan gifts. Today, we share fresh new designs and pairings for the holiday.

luxe edition serving boards in two exquisite styles.

1. Your Free Guide to Gift-Giving - Wondering where to start or what to do for unforgettable gifts? Get our free guide: Luxurious & Lasting, 10 unforgettable gift-giving ideas.

2. You’ll Swoon Over These Serving Boards. New luxe serving boards are here! Whether you want more panache for your holiday parties, a unique business gift, or an exceptional wedding or new home gift, these special edition serving boards make an exquisite gift.

3. An Old Travel Favorite Touts a New Design. A unique playlist inspired by each National Park, colorful new designs, and fresh scents representing your Park destination are all part of this new travel accessory. The age-old auto air freshener got a fabulous design upgrade. The custom-designed packs come with two individually wrapped freshener tags to hang. One scented tag has a QR code to access a recommended playlist as well as suggestions for hikes and trails close to the destination. You’ll find this fun, new addition in our Glorious Getaway Gift Box.

4. Philanthropy Through Art - For our gift wrapping, we’ve selected Giftiply, a company that supports artistry, philanthropy, and sustainability. Their mission is philanthropy through art. (We love that idea!) With any artisan order through December 15th, we’ll include a holiday accent wrap using their seasonal paper. Giftiply offers a variety of unique paper wraps designed by artists in support of different non-profits. “Matching Sweaters” (see photos below) supports blood donor matches for cancer patients, and “Snowflakes for Love” supports suicide prevention. These are the two paper designs we selected this season.

5. Java on the Journey – Friends and colleagues traveling this holiday will appreciate a freshly brewed cup of coffee on their trip. This artisan coffee gift box invites them to relish the road trip. Find tasty travel packs of Dark Star coffee tucked inside our Brimming with Bold Gift Box. Little Amps Coffee Roasters in Harrisburg, PA, makes each flavorful packet of instant coffee.

Top L to R: Giftiply “Matching Sweaters” wrap, new luxe serving boards. Bottom L to R: Brimming with Bold Gift Box, new travel air fresheners featuring the National Parks, and Glorious Getaway Gift Box.

A Fresh Spark for Beloved Scents

One might say that the traditional gift of scented candles has seen a new spark.

Candle fragrances can set the mood for romance, invite calm, and transport us back to exotic travel destinations. How often does the Christmas Cookie scent bring back memories of Grandma’s kitchen? It’s no wonder candles are a favored gift to ourselves and others. While these flickering mood enhancers come in delightful varieties, there’s another way to strike someone’s fancy.

What was once an afterthought found at the bottom of a purse or lost in jacket pockets, artisan matches have arrived on the scene in colorful collections, clever packaging, beautifully illustrated boxes, and sassy styles. The new match sets are artful gifts in their own right and can elevate or add a touch of whimsey to your favorite aromatic, soy, or beeswax candle.

For your next occasion, complement a treasured candle scent with a unique match set to light up your gift-giving.

Peaceful Destinations Immersed in Nature

The Catskill and Adirondack Mountains have been the backdrop for business discussions and personal exploration recently. We set off to meet new people in unique places and enjoy small town charm, the tranquility of back roads, and luxurious destinations immersed in nature - a valuable combination as owners of a handcrafted artisan business. We’re pleased to share a few distinct travel discoveries with you below.

The Great Porch at Wildflower Farms is a beautiful stop for stunning views and farm fresh plates. The spacious, open porch welcomes you with cozy sofas and chairs, a place to connect with guests and visitors in a peaceful atmosphere. The Shawangunk Mountain Range (otherwise known as The Gunks) is on full display from the porch, inviting you to rest and recharge by the oversized fire pit. It’s a property infused with elegant artisan style.

Our journey continued into Kingston, a lively town in the midst of the Hudson Valley. Thanks to the locals’ generous sharing (hat tip to Clove & Creek), we discovered Rough Draft Bar & Books for a coffee boost, and sipped sparkling German wine with sardine pate at the natural wine bar, Brunette.

Next, an intentional drive on long, windy roads led us to Fellow, in the mountain town of Hunter. This friendly sandwich and coffee stop offers tables inside and a charming wrap-around porch for visitors and seasonal skiers. And it’s just down the road from Scribner’s Lodge and Deer Mountain Inn.

In the Adirondacks, boaters were thrilled to have another sparkling water weekend to race across Lake George. Quieter souls chose to glide by on their paddle boards and kayaks in the early morning hours. A drive to Vergennes, Vermont, introduced us to delicious toffee bark at Daily Chocolate (Oh my!) and yet another coffee shop and bakery (notice a theme here?) called the Laundry.

During our downtime, we listened to the loons calling, and watched as flocks of geese began their flight south. The temperatures dropped at night enough to unpack our beloved flannel shirts, kick back by the fire, and partake in the spicy flavor of ginger-infused (hard) Citizen Cider (Dirty Mayor) or the seasonal non-alcoholic Oktoberfest by Athletic Brewing.

It was a productive and refreshing week, filled with local stops, interesting people, and destinations we recommend for those seeking simple luxuries surrounded by nature.

Photos L to R: Rough Draft, Fellow, Daily Chocolate box, the Laundry, Lake George

Artfully Elegant Notes

A faded, scribbled message on a post-it, funny cards, wonderful thank-yous and inspiring notes from friends and family. These are examples of what you’ll find clipped to the board in our studio. We hear stories like this from many of you who share our appreciation of the personal touch. The art of gifting is elevated with a few kind words. This sentiment is why we include a complementary artisan-designed card with each gift experience.

Once you select your unique gift, choose a note card to artfully acknowledge those who welcome you into their home, encourage you, or are celebrating a milestone event. Boost their spirits with a favorite story or send an uplifting thought. You provide the text, and we’ll do the rest.

Like the artisan gifts we make, your heartfelt message can leave a lasting impression.

(Use the arrows below to view more.)

Urban Explorations of Creativity & Craftsmanship

With a whirlwind 24-hour plan, I boarded the train to NYC for a dose of inspiration and a chance to explore artisan studios and boutiques. (Full disclosure: It’s also an opportunity to spend time with our Brooklyn-based daughter, a talented interior designer in her own right.) Many of you have shared your interest in unique experiences - gifts, travel, and entertainment, so today, we’re highlighting a few stops along our urban adventure with a side dish of dining details.

The city offers the opportunity to expand our perspective on trends and styles and experience first-hand the designs captivating global consumers. Trips like this are a critical reminder to think differently and be open to new forms of creativity and craftsmanship.

Here are a few highlights from the streets and studios:

custom sterling accessories at RW Guild

The jewelry studio of Roxanne Assoulin exudes a cheerful vibe at its location just off Madison Park. Stepping off the elevator, you’re met with jars brimming with brightly colored beads, opening to a view of the streets below through oversized windows trimmed in exposed brick. The rooms showcase colorful stacked and beaded rings, bracelets, and jewelry to mix and match. Festive patterns invite you to celebrate an afternoon brunch with friends or a lively evening out on the town. If more formal dress and dining are the plan, you’ll also find jeweled necklaces and sparkling bracelets more suited to the attire. The @roxanneassoulin space is ready for the casual, stylish shopper embracing a fun fashion statement.

On Canal Street, the Roman and Williams Guild offers a different experience. Here, you’ll find designs of upscale, earthy pieces, including hand-blown glass, sterling silver accessories, and elegant ceramic dinnerware. The owners are a highly regarded couple known for their global design experience (Think: Ace Hotel in NY, the NoMad London, the Tin Building, and Ben Stiller’s private residence, to mention only a few.). With decor priced at the upper tier, their beautiful pieces inspire artists to hone their craft for well-heeled buyers. One unique element about this retail space is its co-location with their French restaurant, La Mercerie. It’s interesting to navigate around bustling tables to get to the design gallery, but with space at a premium, @RWGuild makes the most of its location in lower Manhattan.

In addition to the design studios, another quality we appreciate about New York City is its ability to take the ordinary and make it feel different and cool. After hours of walking, we made our way to @parcellewine. From our seats at the green picnic tables, I sipped chilled orange wine, described as “perfect for the front porch.” A lively Friday afternoon crowd surrounded us amid neighborhoods and high-rise buildings as the sun began to set. Locals filled the outdoor tables up and down the intersections of Ludlow, Division, and Canal streets. While it wasn’t luxurious, the surroundings sure made it feel special.

One final note: I have to mention our fabulous dinner at K’Far, an Israeli eatery in the Hoxton Hotel, Brooklyn. Here, the energy and music are turned up a few notches. Our trio shared plates of grilled corn tzatziki paired with fish, a bowl of bright, spicy hummus, baklava made with peach, haloumi and pistachios, and a Tunisian tuna crudo. It all tasted amazing and was a far cry from my canned tuna and tomato slice lunches. A refreshing celery, gin & tonic (yes, it was green) capped a delicious, full day in NYC.

Photos (left to right): Beads inside Roxanne Assoulin studios; RW Guild glassware; Parcelle Wines and the Division Street cityscape.

Choosing Unique Gifts for Remarkable Hosts

Updated June 2, 2024

What makes a getaway memorable are the host details infused into a weekend. The aroma of fresh coffee when you wake up in the mornings, sliced fruits and treats appearing between trail walks and afternoon explorations. Every serving feels simple yet luxurious. These extraordinary hosts make it look easy; however, we know it takes thoughtful planning and an eye for specifics. When it comes time to show your host genuine appreciation, here are a few distinct and delightful gift ideas.

You may be up with the sun and outside exploring during your weekend excursion, with meals and delicious samples enjoyed early and often. If your host is the champion of refreshments and vibrant cocktails, give them a trio of personal-sized serving boards to accent their culinary craft. Mini artisan boards are perfect for slicing fresh fruits for breakfast, veggies in the afternoon, at the bar for cutting limes and lemons, and as self-serve boards out on the porch and patio.

How sweet is it to wake to a fresh perk of coffee or the aroma of oven-baked scones? For those who create a cheerful start, return the favor with a boost for their coffee breaks. Handcrafted in natural wood, artisan coasters make an easy and elegant addition to their morning routine.

Friends who keep the door open for us to laugh and listen are true treasures. These hosts create inviting and comfortable spaces as we unwind from business and the family’s needs. Handcrafted doorstops are a unique way to tip your hat to the host whose door is always open for you. (Please contact us via our Custom form to inquire.)

After a summer of welcoming guests, your favorite host may appreciate a few quiet afternoons relaxing on the window seat or taking in the view. Inspire them with a premium gift box crafted from luxurious natural wood. This deluxe gift makes the perfect serving tray in a cozy corner or for breakfast in bed. Send your host a wonderful reminder to indulge in themselves.

Leaning into Leisure

Is your passport stowed, the cooler packed, or is your escape in the pages of a great book? With July’s arrival, we are leaning into leisure and embracing summer’s invitation to rest and recharge our creative energy. Some of you plan to explore new places, while others return to beloved destinations.

To get your travel juices flowing, we’re sharing photos from a few of our favorite travel experiences in the U.S. - from mountain trails to thrill-seeking fun to peaceful water views. We’ve also included a fabulous dining destination and a glorious patio scene for afternoon refreshments.

We hope these pictures inspire you to slow down at the scenic overlook, shift gears for a single-day adventure, or set sail for a long weekend.

• Paragliding, Teton Village, Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

• Summertime on the back patio at the Sagamore Resort, Bolton Landing, Lake George, New York.

• Morning hike along the Jud Wiebe trail, Telluride, Colorado.

• Sunset at Peaks Island, Maine, looking back at the lights of Portland.

• Dinner at the Conservatory, Maker Hotel, Hudson, New York

• Sailing off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island.

• The autumn view from Mt. Battie overlooking Camden Harbor, Maine.

Tantalizing Tastes of Summer

Warm weather brings a bounty of fresh fruits, exotic flavors, and refreshing beverages. Exploring new serving styles and experimenting with flavors is the kind of artistic expression that inspires us this season. From mocktail stations to gourmet dessert boards, mix and match these festive ideas for new ways to sip and share at your next summer soiree.

Artisanal Beverage Boards:
Instead of the traditional charcuterie serving board, create a luxurious beverage board. Arrange an assortment of artisanal syrups, flavored salts for glass rims, citrus twists, gourmet garnishes, and even small chocolates or macarons that pair well with the beverages. It adds a visually appealing and indulgent experience for friends and guests to sample.

S’mores Sophistication:
Elevate the classic s'mores experience by offering a variety of gourmet ingredients. Include flavored marshmallows like salted caramel, churro, or toasted coconut, different types of chocolate such as Wilbur buds or white chocolate, and add-ons like sliced strawberries, caramel sauce, or nut butter. Create a self-serve s'mores bar with a variety of toppings and fillings. Peanut butter cups, sliced bananas, crushed peppermints, or sprinkles make delicious and colorful additions. Invite your guests to get creative and enjoy customizing their unique combinations.

Mocktail Serving Station:
When you need a splash of afternoon hydration, transform a handcrafted gift box or serving board into a unique mocktail station. Include a variety of premium non-alcoholic spirits, like Hella Bitters & Soda spritz, sparkling waters, Little Saints plant-based mimosas, or Athletic’s alcohol-free beer. Skip the measuring and add Herb and Lou’s frozen infused cubes to your choice of spirit or seltzer. Complete the celebration station with lemons, limes, and oranges in textured ceramic bowls: specialty drinkware and a book of creative recipes make cheerful additions. A mobile, artisan serving station makes it easy to carry refreshments inside or out, and it’s a unique way for friends to enjoy a tasty beverage experience - with or without alcohol.

Whether you’re roasting, toasting, or coasting, enjoy a new twist on traditional summer favorites. (Shop our handcrafted serving boards here.)