Friday Favorites 8/24/2012

Lisa E. Harrison, Associate Editor
In my post on Monday, I touched on three designers creating some pretty neat stuff in my hometown, Warren, Rhode Island. The cool thing, which I mentioned, is the high level of skill, craftsmanship and creative energy that’s congregated in one building–30 Cutler Street–a rehabbed mill carved into studio space.

Today, I want to give a shout-out to one more of the talented troupe: David Ferro. A marine electrician turned artist, Ferro has been hand-crafting weathervanes for two-plus decades. Ferro’s copper creations are firmly rooted in New England tradition, but his attention to detail and ability to capture his subjects’ personalities is what sets his work apart. Today, his art, from birds and boats to fish and finial, dress rooftops near and far.

Here are three (a schooner, a bass and a “full-bodied†pig) that caught my eye:

Photos courtesy of David Farro

Stacy Kunstel, Homes Editor
I know it’s not time to be thinking about fall and cozying up next to the fire, but all this pre-season football has me thinking about hot cocoa and roasted meats. If there’s one thing that could make my fireplace more enjoyable it would be an amazing grate by Grate Wall of Fire in Litchfield, Connecticut. I know they say it’s a smoke-free, high-efficiency way of fire display, but I love it for its looks. Is that so wrong?

Photo courtesy of Grate Wall of Fire

Jared Ainscough, Assistant Art Director
These “Wild Cherry” spoons reminded me of the work of John Brooks. Whimsical but well built, they have great personality. I also like the “right-handed” versions for their deep rich finish and their exaggerated shapes. Created by Shaker Workshops in Arlington, Massachusetts, they are simple examples of the fundamentals that made Shaker goods famous.

Photo courtesy of Shaker Workshops

For more favorites from our editors, check out:

Midsummer Nights

Inspired Wire Studio

The Flor Store