Cityview wants to help you find perfect gifts — and support the local small business community — by sharing some creative gift ideas made by Knoxville area makers.
Over five weeks, we’re featuring suggestions for unique local wares. Some have appeared within Cityview’s pages, and others are new finds. This week we’re focusing on wearable items for our female fashionista friends.
1. Jyl Walker Jewelry Designs: Knoxville jeweler Jyl Walker bends and shape titanium and argentium to create one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets and earrings. An anodizer changes titanium’s color. “As the electricity current goes up, the color changes. I love the clean look of something that’s colored all the way through. It doesn’t tarnish, it doesn’t come off, and it’s hypoallergenic.” Argentium, a tarnish-resistant sterling silver, and pearls often complement her work. Read more about her in our Cityview story. She sells at Foothills Craft Guild shows and from her website.
2. Joanna Warren Leathergoods: Joanna Warren has been creating hand-sewn leather goods like wallets and bags out her West Knoxville home for a few years, and she continues to branch out into whatever she’s inspired to make. “I’m inspired by nature, by the colors and textures of the leather. I’ve done some baskets, a wet-molded vase, a bag with vertical stripes in blue. I want to do things that interest me.” A lifelong crafter, Warren sells her leather goods locally at 214 Magnolia and online at https://joanna-warren.com/. Read more about her in our Cityview story.
3. The Mighty Wig: Siobian Jones fell in love with the hair industry at 19, and has worked as a stylist and in theater ever since. She started building custom wigs and recently moved to Knoxville, where she started The Mighty Wig. Her mission is to provide handcrafted hairpieces for anyone experiencing hair loss, wanting a change or an easy morning routine or anyone who wants to make an artistic statement. You can find her work at her website.
4. Peek-a-Boo Petals: Sydney Myers has always been artsy. When she discovered creating felt flowers, she knew it was for her because the possibilities seemed limitless. She opened her business, Peek-a-Boo Petals, in 2017, creating hats and headbands for moms and their daughters. She can often be found scouting out local gardens for inspiration. You can find her work on her website.
5. Cold Gold: Alaina Smith is the face behind Cold Gold, an accessories brand known for its geometric jewelry and colorful leather goods. She opened the company in 2013, selling at craft fairs and in more than 80 retail outlets worldwide. Her vibe is classic and sophisticated, beautiful and functional. “Cold Gold elevates your denim and polishes the chrome on your party dress,” she says. You can find her products on her website and at RALA in the Old City.