Editor’s Roundup: Kelly Kirchner’s Favorite Things

Hello everyone! I’m Kelly, and you may know me as the editor of Stampington & Company’s jewelry magazines, Jewelry Affaire and Belle Armoire Jewelry, as well as Sew Somerset. I am excited to share with you some of the things I’ve been obsessed with as of late, especially since I was inspired by Oprah and her recently-released list of her coveted favorite things. I confess that, like any true millennial, I am prone to falling under the spell of the latest and greatest trends. From embroidery hoops and bath bombs to eclectic work spaces, instant cameras, and gemstone jewelry, here are some of my most favorite things.

 

1. Embroidery Hoops

While they are by no means a new thing, embroidery hoops have definitely become one of the most popular and approachable crafting trends this year. One quick search on Etsy will leave you with countless options, from carefully stitched landscapes to delicately embroidered quotes. In the December 2017 Issue of Sew Somerset, we featured an article that presents a different approach to the art form. Andy Brinkley of O&Y Studio’s wire and yarn crocheted hoops were so beautifully done they took my breath away … and made me reach for my wallet to buy one of her miniature versions for myself!

2. Calendars

Hands down, one of the things that excites me most about the start of a new year is seeking out the perfect wall calendar. I have always cherished the ritual of scouring local and online boutiques for the prettiest one (or two) I can find. One of the best retailers for gorgeous calendars is Papaya Art, and I’m always excited to flip the page at the start of a new month. While I love my 2017 version, I am looking forward to getting one of their brand-new, colorful 2018 editions. Luckily for me, we are already selling them in The Shoppe at Somerset!

3. Crystals & Gemstones

It goes without saying that working on our two jewelry magazines has instilled in me a lifelong love of jewelry, and outside of showcasing it in our issues, I also love wearing it! There’s no denying that crystals and gemstones are large influencers in some of today’s most fashionable jewelry designs, and I am definitely partial to the trend. I tend to ogle over glittering druzy stones and colorful crystals, and love to learn about their metaphysical healing powers. Our jewelry artists seem to have the same infatuation, as I’ve received many submissions featuring them. Some of my recent favorites include Haylee Troncone’s crystal point pieces in the October 2017 Issue of Jewelry Affaire and Johanna Love’s druzy geode necklace in the Spring 2017 Issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry.

4. Organized Chaos Work Spaces

My Pinterest feed consists mostly of three things: food, quotes, and images upon images of people’s desk and work spaces. As someone who loves to be surrounded by beloved mementos and ephemera while working, I enjoy seeing how others organize and showcase their own collections. Thankfully, I work in a creative office that encourages me to cover the walls around my desk with all sorts of things from banners and photos to a cutout of Harry Potter and trinkets gifted to me. I always look forward to reading Where Women Create to see the envy-inducing work spaces of such creative and influential women.

 

5. All Things Self-Care

Especially with the upcoming holiday season, we can all benefit from some self-care practices. There is so much value in unplugging and taking time for yourself whenever possible, and yet I always brush off my chances to do so, spewing excuses about my busy schedule. An infographic in the November 2017 Issue of Willow and Sage on the benefits of taking a bath inspired me to finally carve out some time for myself. So for the first time in a long time, I took a warm bath. With candles lit, a bath bomb fizzing away in the tub, and a rose clay mask slathered on my face, I was able to truly relax, making me realize I need to practice this kind of indulgent self-care more than just once in a blue moon.

 

6. Coffee and … More Coffee

When I was brainstorming the things to include in this list, I was casually sipping on an afternoon cup of coffee, bringing me to the easy decision to include coffee as one of my favorite things. While I’m not one of those people who can’t function without it (although my office mate Gracy may disagree), its ability to kick-start my day makes it downright addictive. I’m sure most artists can relate. Drip coffee, cold brew, espresso, lattes — you name it, I’m savoring it and likely considering a second or third cup.

 

7. Washi Tape

If you could see my desk right now, you’d see stacks and stacks of decorative washi tapes. Some of my favorites are patterned with koalas, watermelons, and polka dots, which are also a few of the ones I never touch for fear of running out. Nevertheless, I use my washi tapes for anything and everything: mounting memorabilia on my walls, decorating envelopes, accenting my journals, and more. You can bet my eyes popped right out of my head when I first came across Stampington & Company’s stockpiles of them. In fact, working here may have made my addiction a tad worse … but I’m not complaining.

 

8. Instant Cameras

Growing up I remember latching onto my parents’ giant Polaroid camera and quickly going through pack after pack of negatives, anxious to witness the slow development of the (likely silly) picture. I recently acquired a Fujifilm Instax Mini and it now accompanies me at most big outings. While it’s not as high-quality as my smartphone, there’s something so satisfying about immediately receiving a printed photo. And it doesn’t hurt that the miniature film is so adorable.