DECEMBER 2 0 1 7 I BOROMAG.COM 49
Photos courtesy of Koto Designs
Koto Designs
Have you ever wanted to write or doodle in a personalized
or distinctive notebook instead of a bland
Moleskine? Astoria embroiderer and Etsy vendor
Alison Grande helps shoppers find a unique journal
for themselves or the writer in their life.
“When I sell at events in person, I notice a pattern
with many of my customers. They are drawn
to the table by an item, they pick it up and feel it
and realize that it’s embroidery, and not a printed
or drawn image. The tactile nature of the work is
one of its best selling points,” Grande said.
Grande’s Etsy shop, Koto Designs, features
notebooks, wall art and greeting cards made
of cardstock that Grande hand-stitched with
designs, such as a gold geometric pattern on a
black notebook and a greeting card with a faceted
diamond.
“My brother loves biking and has dreams of opening
his own bike shop one day. For his birthday I
made a card with a little embroidered bicycle to
match his favorite bike,” Grande said. “It was such a
hit that I tried it out in my Etsy shop on a notebook,
and it’s been one of my most popular designs ever
since. Every time I sell one I think of him.”
To find these vendors, visit etsy.com and search
for the shop names.
Photos courtesy of Panchita’s Bodega
Photos courtesy of Adriatic Jewelry
Adriatic Jewelry
The varied architecture of Queens, whether it’s the Triborough
Bridge or a Greek Orthodox church, inspires
artisan Rebecca Fragola to craft beautiful jewelry
of precious stones and modern designs.
“The Art Deco architecture in Astoria and
New York City has always inspired my
work,” she said. “Details on certain buildings
and bridges have been design elements
that I’ve used in my work for years.
There are so many old homes with unique
details that translate easily into a jewelry
design.”
Fragola’s family has lived in Astoria for almost
60 years, so it’s no surprise that the Etsy
vendor’s surroundings are embedded in her
business, Adriatic Jewelry. The artist offers a wide
selection of rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets with
and without gems, in countless kinds of materials. She was
even featured on the popular wedding publication The Knot,
which praised her engagement rings.
“I think my product stands out compared to other Etsy sellers
because of my slightly Art Deco and modern style, and
all of my work is hand fabricated with recycled metals and
all natural gemstones. My work is also easily customizable
in different stones and metal types depending on the customer's
personal taste,” Fragola said.