Streamlined, elegant, supremely functional: That's the work of Appalachian blacksmith Marc Maiorana. Give one of his home accessories to a friend and you'll make life easier without infringing on personal style. Traditional, contemporary, or something else altogether - Maiorana's work suits it all. The bottle opener (so reasonably priced at $15) is my new favorite hostess gift.
Boris Bally's sophisticated reinvention of reclaimed street signs and found objects will rattle your mind. Bally transforms traffic signs into everything from entirely modern furniture to sleek jewelry and home decor items -- and even flatware! My favorite piece is a necklace created with 100 handgun triggers from Pittsburgh's "Goods for Guns" program. It's Bally's spin on the talismanic charms of aboriginal cultures, and he says, "this urban 'mojo' protects the wearer from the gun violence so prevalent in today's culture."
Portland, Oregon-based designer Aurelie Tu hires women from a local YWCA shelter to help her assemble the stylish felt lampshades, rugs, and vessels she sells.
