Renegade in SF.

Remember this blog entry?  Well, the fair is back again, although this time its the holiday version.  I LOVE Renegade.  The fairs are always juried, so only the finest get in, which means you don't have to weed through knitted pot holders and cheesecloth wallets to get to the good stuff.  Its ALL good stuff (almost - beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all).  It's taking place this Saturday and Sunday at the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco, a change from the usual Fort Mason affair.  Here's a full list of the vendors for this year.

I'll be in booth 256 this year with my succulent terrariums, which is right at the top of the map below, about a third of the way in from the entrance.  Come say hello!

Feelin' pretty special.

Check out this blog! Its creator, Stephanie Gale (designer of 100% organic cotton scarves), visited our Planted booth at the Unique LA Design Fair two weeks ago. She had some very flattering things to say about us, and she covers other eco-conscious designers in Southern California.

Click here for the link: Eco-Syle Life Beau Monde

Or just read what she had to say about us here:

Highlighting more of the creative companies I met at the Unique LA Show 2010, (so many of them!), today I'm remembering how intrigued I was when I saw the miniature utopian environments inside clear glass containers or set into the hollows of logs.... had the thought how one could get lost inside any one of these little botanical worlds. And I thought that Chandra herself must get lost in them while arranging and creating them. PLANTED is the emerging business of Owner & Floral Designer Chandra Abel, grown out of (so to speak) her years in her Wedding & Event Floral Design buiness, Chandra Abel Designs. These surely are NOT the old fish tank terrariums I used to see as a kid! With an eye for balance and composition, as well as unusual and delightful individual plant selections, you can further be impressed that Chandra uses only locally grown plants and locally supplied containers, which not only supports other small businesses but has has less impact on the environment (no long-distance shipping). And think of it an added plus that Chandra is as graceful and inviting as her artistic creations.

Unique LA Independent Design Show...

is this weekend! There will be loads of designers there, and you don't have to be a retailer or have a wholesale license to buy from us. Stop by booth 155 and say hello! I'll have terrariums starting at $25.00 so there will be something for everyone. These pieces were designed to be a longer-lasting and more affordable alternative to fresh cut flowers, and make great gifts -- or just keep one for your own coffee table. I use only locally grown plants from a very small business in San Diego, and buy all of my containers locally to reduce the effects of long distance shipping, so you can feel good about your purchase! I'm very proud of these pieces, and I know you'll enjoy them as well. The fair is at the California Market Center in LA on the penthouse level; see you this weekend!

The PLANTED site is here!

From Chandra Abel Designs

Hey all!

Thanks again to the wonderful Ms. Fuller, I've finally got a website to go with my terrarium designs. I'm SUPER excited about these designs, they are a great alternative to cut flower arrangements. Not only to they last MONTHS longer, they require little care and are more unique than your typical floral arrangement. They are great, sustainable alternatives to wedding centerpieces too! People so easily spend 100 bucks on a cut arrangement that lasts a week, why not put that money toward something you can enjoy for months? I don't have a way to sell these online just yet, but I'm happy to do custom orders. Keep your eyes peeled for them in boutiques in LA and Orange County.

www.ChandraAbelDesigns.com/Planted