13
Must Haves
Special Advertising Section
Polka Dot Palm — www.polkadotpalm.com
8262 Market Street, Ste. 104, (910) 319-7400
dragonflies — Anderson Square, 4107 Oleander Drive, (910) 796-9997
Oopsy Daisy Baby tutu, $78
and flower top, $42
“Love” wood frames
by Magnolia
Lane
20x20 frame, $48
Tabletop frame, $20
Malabar Bay pink
geometric tunic
$50
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM
Jewelry designers Kathy
Babb and Virginia
Colantuono, the master-minds
behind the babb-co
brand, incorporate finds from your dis-card
pile into their ring, necklace and
pendant designs.
The idea stemmed from an
art retreat that Babb attended in
Washington. Upon returning home
and sharing her newfound knowledge
with Colantuono, the duo decided to
produce jewelry for the masses. Their
main theme: using all recycled, vin-tage
products set in resin.
“The recycled goods we use make
every piece one of a kind,” Babb says.
“It’s a way to … give them a new use.”
With a line that includes the
recycled elements found in children’s
books, stamps, dictionaries, and
Christmas, bingo and business cards,
the possibilities for unique designs
are endless. With studios in both of
their homes, they’re never too far from
work.
“I have customers coming over all
the time,” Colantuono says. “Either
they’ll see the jewelry in stores or
hear about it from another customer,
so they stop by to see the stock,” she
explains.
With a fan base that has doubled
since their start-up in August 2010,
the designers appreciate all aspects of
business, from the retailers that carry
their line, including Airlie Moon, to the
frequent jewelry shows in which they
participate.
Although the beach is great for
business, it’s also one of many sources
of inspiration for the babb-co team.
“I love using little tiny shells in jew-elry,”
Colantuono says. “It’s fun to do
something with the shells besides put-ting
them in a jar.”
Whether it’s their invention or a
personalized piece, Babb says, “It’s
really neat to see a person discover
something that’s special to them.”
Coton Colors
Premiere dealer.
Neutral Happy Everything
Platter, $99.95
Heart Attachment $22