With February appearing at the next turn of the calendar page, you might want to deck your home in hearts or start thinking about a special gift for someone you love.
“Hearts-A-Fire”: This heart of stone is rendered full of strength and beauty by Sebastopol sculptor Rene Dayan-Whitehead. The artist’s stunning sense of form comes alive in Honeycomb Calcite (heart) and Steatite (base). $400-$500, Corrick's, 637 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-546-2424, corricks.com. Rene Dayan-Whitehead, 707-829-9284, renedayanwhiteheadstudio.com. Studio open by appointment only
Heart on a String: These large-sized wooden “prayer beads” can hang from a cabinet or wall or adorn a shelf or table. Perfect to add some oversized, natural-looking love to your space. $129 and up, Love Sonoma, 107 E Napa St., Sonoma, 707-934-820, love-sonoma.com
Rosy Sweethearts: These decadent dark chocolates have been kissed with an infusion of rose absolute oil. They are a favorite offering from award-winning Sonoma Chocolatiers. This particular flavor of deliciousness is only sold before Valentine’s Day up until Mother’s Day. $2.85 (per piece), $21.95 (8-piece box), Sonoma Chocolatiers, 6988 McKinley St,, Sebastopol, 707-829-1181, sonomachocolatiers.com
Free Hearts: This “Flying Heart” bracelet is a classic design from Alex Streeter, whose beginnings as jeweler go back to the Summer of Love in San Francisco. Soon after, Streeter opened one of the first retail shops in SOHO, known then as Hell’s Hundred Acres. His pieces are still made in his New York City studio. Streeter says the winged heart emblem symbolizes “freedom and weightlessness of the soul.” Each bracelet is hand cast in sterling silver with a 10k gold heart. $1025, Dallas A. Saunders Artisan Textiles, 275 Highway 128, Geyserville, 707-708-9065, dallasasaunders.com (Showroom open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Perfect Match: Modern aesthetics marry traditional artisan quality on this Love Pillow by Healdsburg designer, Julia B. This ombréd heart is hand-embroidered on white linen. A personal message can be embroidered on the back. Love! $185 (12"x15"), Julia B Designs, juliab.com
Spend some love: This isn't a heart-shaped item per se, but it definitely shows the love. These beaded beauties are part of the Love Is Project that provides jobs to female artisans around the world. A portion of the profits are reinvested in communities providing education, health, homes and more income generating opportunities. $30, Love Sonoma, 107 E Napa St., Sonoma, 707-934-8280, love-sonoma.com
With February appearing at the next turn of the calendar page, you might want to deck your home in hearts or start thinking about a special gift for someone you love. Here are some exquisite heart-shaped finds, all available in Sonoma County. It could be called Valentine’s Day shopping but, really, love is always in season. Click through the above gallery for details.
