Holiday gifts made in Rockland and Westchester
If you’re stuck for an original idea for holiday gifts or housewarming treats, think locally.
Check out these innovators from Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties who are making jewelry, accessories, even eyeglasses right here in the Lower Hudson Valley.
Donna Chambers Designs
Jewelry from the National Museum of African American History & Culture
Jewelry designer Donna Chambers was born and raised in Ossining. The fourth-generation Westchester native's jewelry is featured in the new Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History & Culture in Washington, D.C. Her designs celebrate history with a touch of current style.
The Smithsonian picked pieces ranging from $150 to $1,300, including porcelain cameos of women of color and antique mother-of-peal Chinese gambling chips.
SMITHSONIAN: Elmsford artist's work in new African American Museum
"I’m thrilled," Chamber says of the honor. "Being a crafts-person you’re a hunter and have to find the customers so when they (the museum) placed the order I was over the moon." With a mix of one-of-a-kind pieces, gemstones and mother of pearls, her designs are a mix of the unusual and familiar. Find it: 230 Ferris Ave., Suite 201, White Plains, 914-287-0303. DonnaChambersDesigns.com
Renee’s Readers
Renee Bachner recognized a problem: "Through the years what I was hearing from my customers is they weren't satisfied with the selection of reading glasses that was out there," says Bachner. Along with complaints about fit and frequent replacement costs, Bachner says customers just weren't satisfied with the style choices either. So, the certified optician came up with a solution: Renee's Readers.
Her reading glasses mix patterns and colors to add pizzazz. Bachner works with customers to find the right readers based on lens power, fit and frame shape.
"The glasses are optical quality; the lenses are very clear, they fit well and they feel good and they last," she says.
"Usually people need reading glasses when they are over 40, but with increased computer use, people are tending to wear them even younger," she says.
Not sure what looks good? Bachner has some basic style tips, like "wearing a red frame is like putting on lipstick," and "the angles make your face look slimmer, you need edges for rounder faces." Prices for Renee's Readers range from $45 to $95. Find it: 135 S. Main St., Suite B, New City. 845-638-3806. reneesreaders.com
Sumaq Design by Eduardo
Peruvian-born artist Eduardo Accostupa gets his inspiration from nature and begins each of his jewelry pieces with a sketch. Each is an original in workmanship and style.
Pick your favorite statement necklace or ring from his signature rose collection or Andes-mountain themed jewelry design at his Greenburgh retail shop. Prices start at $50 and go up to $1500 for specialty pieces. Accostupa has six collections with over 300 designs made from sterling silver, platinum and gold.
With custom design his specialty, he's the ideal artisan to recreate heirloom pieces. "My first goal is to get the core design," says Accostupa. "Most people like to choose cameos that are 60 or 70 years old and we re-design; it doesn't matter the material. We use a laser to not damage it."
The full-service jeweler makes everything on-site. "A lot of people like that everything is made and fixed right here; my goal is always to build a relationship," he says. Co-owner wife Margaret Accostupa agrees, "Jewelry is very personal. People want to trust you and seeing that it's made here, that's a plus." Find it: 457 Tarrytown Road, White Plains, 914-358-4748. SumaqDesign.com
Balitello
A new concept in sock design made in the U.S.A, this online website offers a monthly sock club for a variety of styles and color combinations. Co-founders Rob Baldino and Mickey Abbatiello, both Scarsdale natives and best friends since first grade, came up with the concept. Their Performance Dress Socks™ include extra padding, arch support and odor resistant micro-fiber fabric. Design cues include the American flag, football teams and the Manhattan skyline. Join the monthly club for $12 to $15 per month. Find it:balitello.com
Tidal flip-flops
These everyday staples are not just for summer anymore. If you're looking for a pair of sturdy and stylish flip-flops to give as a gift, Tidal New York is the way to go. With a variety of colors and designs, they're made in New Rochelle in a 10,000-square-foot factory. Owned by Nebraska-born brothers Tommy and Tim Gibb, Tidal employs people in the community and veterans to manufacture its line, which has partnered with iconic brands such as Coca-Cola and the estate of artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring for their designs. The goal is to ensure that everything is 100 percent American made. The flip-flops, which range from $19.99 to $28.99, are made with wave-foam sole, similar to what's used in running shoes, that molds to your feet.
WATCH: American made flip-flops produced in New York
“We make it here and make a difference because it’s 100 percent American sourced," says Tommy Gibb. Find it: There is no retail shop, but flipflops can be ordered online at tidalnewyork.com. They're available in Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and J. Crew.
LUANGISA Art Gallery
If you're interested in unique African-themed pieces, check with Rose Luangisa. Her Mount Vernon shop has been in business for 20 years, and here you'll find one-of-a-kind pieces including custom-made pillows, wall decor and bedding. It is one-stop shopping for home designs created locally.
"Everything is one-of-a-kind; if someone buys it, then we come up with something new," says Luangisa. "I spend time in the city and make several trips to Africa. I like to design; it's something I enjoy doing."
Originally from Tanzania, she's got a background in computer science but has always been drawn to design.,
The Westchester resident offers customers an uncanny eye for detail and personalized service. She will sit down with clients and create everything from a curtain design to total interior work. She's decorated many Harlem homes and local interiors, too. "I do all the designing — housewares, jewelry and apparel," she says.
Kuba material in bedspreads and pillowcases come from a local Mount Vernon artist; Tanzanian tie dye scarves and authentic Makonde (ebony) sculptures are also available for purchase. Find it: Luangisa Art Gallery, 374 Hawthorne Terrace, Mount Vernon, 914-664-3681. luangisa.com
Kara Mac Shoe Candy
Mount Kisco resident Kara Schwartz specializes in shoes you can change and update with a click. The versatile shoe design offers a choice of interchangeable toe clips and heel covers to switch up your look in an instant, from "Patent Party" mid heels to "Betty Boots" depending on the occasion. Priced between $159 and $239. Shoe accessories start at $15. Find it: Online at www.KaraMac.com
Anne Koplik
Designer Anne Koplik’s jewelry shows up everywhere, from “Dancing with the Stars,” to celebs at the Academy Awards. Check out her latest line of charm bracelets, Bricolage. Each is individually designed, hand-enameled and contains hand-set crystal-encrusted charms made with crystals from Swarovski®. Koplik has been running her own handmade jewelry company in Brewster for 35 years. If you want to check out what country star Jessica Lynn or "Dancing with the Stars" dancer Cheryl Burke have worn, browse the retail shop or buy online. The shop is having a huge showroom sale Dec. 9-11. Find it: 173 Main St., Brewster, 845-279-8244. annekoplik.com.
Carousel Cakes
If it’s good enough to make "Oprah's Favorite Things" list then it's good enough for a hostess gift. Get the top-selling Oprah Red Velvet Cake, Oprah Blue Velvet and Memphis Drizzle Cake — all approved by the billionaire talk queen. The newly renovated and expanded bakery specializes in cakes and cupcakes. Shop at the retail store in Nanuet, or find Carousel Cakes in over 1000 outlets including Zabar's, Amish Market and Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan. Find it: 5 Seeger Drive, Nanuet, 845-627-2323. carouselcakes.com
DESSERT: Carousel Cakes, Oprah favorite, expanding
AE Wooden Toys
Looking for an old-fashioned toy like a wooden train or pull toy? Longtime Chestnut Ridge artisan Alex Entelis has been handcrafting wooden toys including rattles, fire trucks and tops since 2008. Find it: His AE Wooden Toys are sold on Etsy and at Meadowlark Toys, 817 Chestnut Ridge Road, Chestnut Ridge, 845-290-1572; the gift shop at the Stone Barns Center, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills. stonebarnscenter.org.
Twitter: @krhudsonvalley