Posted February 28, 2013
We've all been there. Whether it's scrambling to answer an important phone call, proudly showing off new baby photos or compulsively checking Scramble with Friends to see if it's your turn yet. You reach into your pocket or bag to whip out that smartphone and time slows to crawl as you helplessly watch your phone tumble to the floor, wincing and offering a quick prayer that it lands on its side to deflect the blow. A moment of silence for those fallen touch screens that gave their lives so that we could endlessly text, Tweet and Instagram our own lives. It is a far, far better thing that they do...
The alternative to boosting Apple's share price is protecting your iPhone with a case. And in the cold world of technology, why not opt for some warmth with one of Scabby Robot's handmade leather iPhone cases? Each single piece of leather is handcut and sewn to create these cases. Finished with a corner rivet detail and a raw leather edge, the organic style is a wonderful counterbalance to the sleek lines of the iPhone.
Because we're sympathetic to the afflicted, we're giving away three leather iPhone cases in our latest Facebook contest. Visit our page to enter and be sure to notify your friends - you'll need their votes to win. And for those of you ready to sheath your smartphone today, we're offering 10% off the entire site with coupon code OOPS.
Posted February 13, 2013
Drop earrings are a classic style, designed to flatter without the drama of a dangle or chandelier earring. Alexa Allamano is the designer behind Seattle's Foamy Wader and offers a fresh take on the drop earring. We're proud to carry many of her drop earring styles exclusively.
Aquamarine Drop Earrings, $38
The Aquamarine Drop Earrings shine as a testament to the gemstone's promise of calm and protection at sea, as well honoring the brand's aquatic inspiration. Sparkling aquamarine is hand wire-wrapped and hangs from twisted circles beneath a handformed artisan french ear hook.
Citrine Drop Earrings, $38
Pear-shaped stones twinkle in this pair of Citrine Drop Earrings, which is available in your choice of sterling silver or 14k gold fill. The teardrop shaped gemstones are said to convey cheerfulness and emotional control
Amethyst Drop Earrings, $38
Deep purple orbs are the star of the Amethyst Drop Earrings. A sign of peace and protection - and the February birthstone - amethyst is hand wire-wrapped in the organic-inspired style that is the hallmark of the Foamy Wader line.
Posted January 28, 2013
Our Valentine's Day gift guide is overflowing with great gift suggestions for your main squeeze. From delicate jewelry that's as unique as her, to hand-crafted leather goods that improve with age as much as he does, we've got something that suits your budget and your intentions.
Bit of Luck Horseshoe Necklace, $70
Let her know how lucky you feel to have her as your Valentine with this classic necklace. Handcrafted by San Francisco designer Natasha Grasso, the Bit of Luck Horseshoe Necklace is handshaped and handstamped from 14k gold fill.
Leather iPhone 5 Case, $30
If the second-most important lady in his life is Siri, help him treat her right with this modern leather accessory. The Leather iPhone 5 Case by San Francisco brand Scabby Robot is crafted from supple, soft leather.
Crimson Red Retro Berries Plate, $30
For the host with thoroughly modern taste, this handbuilt Crimson Red Retro Berries Plate from Hope Johnson is inspired by mid-century modern design and is sure to enliven the dinner party spread.
Posted December 12, 2012
Jill Harrell is the designer behind the Scabby Robot brand and has been handcrafting her line of leather goods since 2006. She invited us into her studio last month to see one of our favorite products brought to life. The Leather iPhone 5 Case is crafted from a single piece of high-quality leather, cut and sewn by Harrell herself, then reinforced with a handstamped corner rivet.
Thanks to subtle variations in each piece of leather and how it is cut from the hide, every case has its own look. Over time the leather will wear and develop a personality unique to its user, much like selvedge denim. The case is available in four different colors and can be sized to fit any version of the iPhone.
Posted October 15, 2012
Photo credit: Jimmy Walker
We're excited to announce that we have expanded our footprint to include Southern California. Beginning today we're offering products from great, new designers in Los Angeles and San Diego. Over the coming weeks we'll be adding even more American made goods from the region.
Today we welcome the LthrwD brand of leather wallets and accessories. Rich, supple leather hand cut and sewn by Renato Batalla of San Diego, these unique pieces bear an iconic look and are designed to last. From Los Angeles comes the Agapantha line of jewelry. Dani Paquin's eclectic style fuses vintage inspiration with a quirky, modern sensibility to craft one-of-a-kind pieces. Both designers produce all of their work by hand and their products demonstrate a passion for their respective crafts.
With the launch of the Southern California region we'll be expanding our editorial coverage to include the best of the region. From the coastline of Santa Barbara to the studded hills of Joshua Tree National Park, we'll be bringing you our favorite stories of the region. We'd love to hear what hidden highlights you've uncovered in Southern California. Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page to share a SoCal gem with our audience.
And to celebrate the addition of a new region, we'll be offering 15% off all of the products from our Southern California designers. Just enter the coupon code SOCAL to apply the discount. Check out the great products already available and keep an eye out for new additions over the next 30 days.
Posted October 03, 2012
No matter how good you are, no matter how well prepared, you can always use a little luck.
We want to hear why you need a bit of luck in your life. Make your case on our Facebook page and we'll send the author of the most inspired pitch a free Bit of Luck Horseshoe Necklace in the finish of your choice.
Submissions will be accepted until October 10th, and voting will be open until October 17th. And because good fortune is meant to be shared, if you refer a friend who composes the winning entry, we'll send you the same prize.
Designed by San Francisco's Natasha Grasso, this horseshoe necklace design draws inspiration from The City itself - a blend of the modern and the traditional, it's a fresh take on a classic style and one that easily integrates with your personal style. Available in 14k rose gold fill, pure silver and 14k gold fill finishes, this handmade necklace is the perfect place to store your good karma.
Can't wait to get lucky? For the rest of October use coupon code LUCKY to take 10% off every item in the Fog + Foundry store. Find something you love? Don't forget to pass along your good luck by sharing the coupon code with friends.
Posted September 05, 2012
San Francisco ceramics artist Hope Johnson invited us into her Sunset studio for a tour recently.
Hope has been producing ceramic art for more than a decade. Her design aesthetics are heavily influenced by plant forms and organic shapes, and her experience in architecture is channeled through her application of mid-century modern colors and graphics.
All of Hope's ceramic pieces are produced by hand in her home studio. Her collection includes series of plates and dishes, equally suited for serving or display, and a line of ceramic pendant necklaces.
The photo essay below is the first in a series.
25-pound blocks of clay are first cut down to size.
The process is a manual, tactile experience. She begins by flattening a piece of clay in her hands.
The clay is run through a handturned press to produce a smooth surface.
To remove air bubbles and smooth over craters, the clay is again worked by hand.
Achieving a consistent texture at this stage will ensure the clay doesn't warp or chip.
A rolling pin is used to achieve an even depth.
The smoothed clay is ready to be cut.
Hope keeps a library of forms for the various plate shapes and sizes in her collection.
Using a form, the clay is handcut to produce the piece's shape.
The clay is worked by hand to produce the smooth edges and rounded shape of the dish.
Set down to dry, the first waiting period begins.
Continue watching Hope's process in the second part of this series.
Posted August 14, 2012
Personalized Name Necklace
The Cajun French call it laginappe, the Spanish la ñapa. You may recognize it as the 13th doughnut in a baker's dozen. It's a gift with purchase or "a little something extra," and we have our version at Fog + Foundry. With three new products - and more on the way - we're offering you the chance to personalize a piece of jewelry at no extra cost.
Our first assortment of products includes the Personalized Name Necklace pictured above. From Seattle's Foamy Wader, this delicate piece of vintage brass is suspended from a 14k gold fill chain and secures with a 14k gold fill clasp. Customize it for free with up to eleven characters.
Initial Pendant Necklace
Designed by San Francisco jewelry artist Natasha Grasso, the Initial Pendant Necklace features a handstamped and hammered 14k gold fill pendant resting on a 14k gold fill chain alongside freshwater pearl and labradorite charms. Add a single character as a monogram.
Handstamped Name Necklace
Another piece by Foamy Wader, the Handstamped Name Necklace is an updated take on traditional ID jewelry. A handforged 14k gold fill banner hangs from a 14k gold fill chain. Spell out a name or message in up to nine characters.
To discover new personalized products as they are introduced, follow Fog + Foundry on Twitter or subscribe to our RSS feed.
Posted July 18, 2012
Photo credit: Fog + Foundry
Fog + Foundry is about passion. The passion of the craftsman who creates if only because he must; the passion of the consumer who seeks the best made version of even the most utilitarian product; the passion of the merchant to share new discoveries.
There are three key ingredients to our business:
1. Independent designers: we only carry handmade and small production goods. For the craftsman there is a higher cost but there's also more control over the process. It's an indicator of passion when a brand is willing to make that tradeoff and our products demonstrate that commitment to craftsmanship.
2. Made in the USA: there's a new thoughtfulness to how we consume driven by economic, environmental and social awareness. We seek brands who operate with transparency so that we may satisfy these concerns. Buying from American manufacturers gives us more control over the impact of our dollar, and another tool with which to shape our communities.
3. Narrative Retail: the downside of the web's evolution toward greater openness is that e-commerce today is more about retrieval than discovery. Massive retailers with millions of products can't or won't devote attention to exploring the story behind each product and the person who made it. Scale doesn't require them to edit or cultivate their assortments, so they don't. We believe that good retail is about discovery and that the story behind the product is integral to its value.
We gain inspiration from work done well and our aim is to build a community that reflects this value. Join us
- John + Ben
Posted July 09, 2012
Photo credit: Fog + Foundry
Perched on the edge of Capital Hill where Pine begins its steep pitch toward the Sound is Seattle's artisinal temple to local food - Melrose Market.
Nestled inside a triangular block and fashioned by adjoining two former automotive buildings originally constructed in 1919 and 1926, Melrose Market is a modern workshop of taste. Its raw interior space of exposed brick, concrete and soaring ceilings capped with wooden beams is a moody canvas for the businesses operating within.
Anchored by Sitka & Spruce and its seasonally driven Northwest cuisine, the market carves out space for like-minded shops. Bar Ferd'nand serves up refined cocktails, wine and small nibbling plates from oysters to sardines to their house made pickles. The Calf and Kid wedges an unthinkable variety of artisanal cheeses into their tiny market stall. The focal centerpiece of the market is Rain Shadow Meats' massive display case of local and custom cured meats.
During a recent visit to Melrose Market it was Taylor Shellfish Farms that stole the show. The Taylor family has been raising shellfish for more than a century and with their experience comes serious credibility. A banner hanging in their store lists their Seattle customers and nearly every great restaurant in town is represented.
Photo credit: Flickr user Jamesonf
The culinary trend of advocating local, seasonal cuisine has established roots in Seattle, and acolytes of this food movement acknowledge that it's best represented by high quality products prepared simply, to allow the ingredients to speak for themselves. It's in this arena that Taylor Shellfish shines.
Their large selection of oysters are served on ice with lemons and a simple mignonette sauce. The geoduck chowder is a revelation. But the true standout was the whole Dungeness crab. Anyone who's had to endure the indignity of having a plastic bib strapped on by a waiter will appreciate Taylor Shellfish's approach - the steamed crab is served chilled and freshly cracked by a member of their expert staff, revealing a bounty unthinkable to the amateur cracker.
There is a 100% chance that my next visit to Seattle will begin with me driving directly from the airport to Taylor Shellfish Farms. If you're after a uniquely Seattle approach to local cuisine, I recommend that you do the same.
Photo credit: MelroseMarketSeattle.com
