The Indie-pendent

I traipsed inside the Indie-​pendent in search of a Birthday gift for my future mother-​in-​law. I impressed myself with my retail restraint and only left with a couple cards for myself — one po-​mo Thank You note, along with a watercolor postcard saying «Hello spring.»
I decided on a Cynthia Vardan ceramic candle for my mother-​in-​law to-​be. While it disappointingly exudes no fragrance, the vase illuminates nicely when lit and can be used afterward as a decorative vase. It’s so pretty with its blues of varying hues, I’d drink coffee out of it.
To round out the prezzie, I also purchased a pair of crystal Moodswing earrings with cuts in the stones that force them to glitter.
Please don’t remind me of the seasonal tea towels, heartbreakingly beautiful jewelry and other drool-​inducing décor. Just don’t.

Damn, V is always trying to steal my thunder. I was driving through the ‘hood a couple of weeks ago and noticed a new sign hanging in the back alley. I had a couple of minutes to kill so I headed inside to a wonderful world of whimsy and color. I saw a lot of various handmade items that I immediately recognized as being from some of my favorited shops on Etsy. Despite being a fairly small space, there are plenty of things to look at and lots of great gifts and home décor items just waiting to be bought, taken home, and loved. The proprietress told me to head up the circular staircase into the upstairs space that is outfitted with a small kitchen, large table, and lots of chairs, scraps, yarn, and such. This upstairs space is going to be used to hold all types of crafting and cooking/​canning classes. I can’t wait to check out the schedule. Some of my favorite items in the place are bright colored and patterned «wobbly» plates, most of the pillows, and the children’s knitted caps. I wound up purchasing a gray knitted aviator-​style hat for my friends baby.
*The Indie-​pendent is joining the Beehive and Young Blood in my «places to find awesome gifts» list.

No made in china here, kids. This super cute store has an eclectic stock of handmade wares plus a super friendly staff. Would be interested in taking a class in their upstairs studio space.

The last time I randomly stumbled upon a white building with a bright green door in my neighborhood, it led me to the treasure trove that is Sugar Coated Radical [they’ve since abandoned us for a hipper neighborhood].
Today’s green door didn’t disappoint, either. The Indie-​pendent is a new handcrafted lifestyle boutique in the alley on St. Charles [the space formerly occupied by Knitch; if you’re unfamiliar with the location, the alley runs perpendicular to St. Charles and is behind the group of shops that include Belly and Ten Thousand Villages].
In the short time I was there, I said «WANT» and «NEED» several times. Not really one for subtle, passive-​aggressive hints, I asked my lover to return for two statement pieces of jewelry and a jar of jelly for whenever I’m owed a gift next.
The space is really airy and minimal and perfect for the wares. They have a variety of handcrafted items, ranging from jewelry to candles to toys to furniture. All of the items carried at Indie-​Pendent are handmade in the United States, including a handful of Georgia artisans.
Some of the industrial pieces and woodwork got my partner inspired to get back to working with his hands again. So, not only does Indie-​Pendent carry cool, design-​driven home goods and accessories, it makes you want to make something of your life.