Showcase of Exquisite Mastery

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: September 2024

This month at Acorns, the home décor and furnishing store at Old Edwards, discover a showcase of exquisite craftsmanship. On display are statement jewelry pieces, handblown glass works, and forever flowers, all of which epitomize the exceptional workmanship and creativity of the artists. These are the last Acorns Designer Pop-Ups and Showcases of the 2024 season!

Temple St. Clair Jewelry Showcase: September 6-8, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Virginia native Temple St. Clair knows how to make a statement. As a student of Italian art and literature in Florence in the early 1980s, Temple St. Clair, did not expect to fall into the world of jewelry making. Then her mother came to visit, bought an ancient coin as a souvenir, and asked for help finding a local goldsmith to turn it into a piece of jewelry. St. Clair wandered into Florence’s goldsmith’s quarter and found herself mesmerized by the artisans’ craftsmanship. She was hooked — and founded her namesake jewelry line in Florence in 1986. Known for her signature rock-crystal amulets and statement cocktail rings, as well as the celestial motifs that appear on many of her pieces, St. Clair still relies on the techniques she learned at the Florence Goldsmith Guild years ago.

Southern Botanics Art Showcase: September 14, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Austin Davis-Selph and Douglas Davis-Selph, the duo behind Southern Botanics craft “forever flowers” so beautiful they rival the real thing. As part time Highlands’ residents, much of the flora used in the artwork is foraged and collected here — coveted for their ability to mimic and bring indoors the beauty of our locale. As such the pieces are an exuberant interpretation of the landscape of the Plateau. Each delicate leaf and petal is mounted in the style of botanical engravings that were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

 Simon Pearce Glass Designer Pop-Up: September 23, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

From the ice bucket to the coaster, glassware to decanter, any piece from the handblown glass collection by Simon Pearce brings an elegant touch of glamour to the dinner party. He’s America’s most prominent glass blower and has produced and sold his wares in Vermont since 1981. Pearce was running a workshop in Ireland when escalating power costs encouraged him to leave, in search of his own hydroelectric power. He found it at his flagship location in Quechee, Vermont, and began producing the glass for which he is so well known — clear, strong, and proudly hand-blown, with no two pieces exactly alike.

Visit acornshighlandsnc.com to learn more about these and future happenings.