Elva Fields Blog
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A Wonderful Welcome to the Studio
We were honored when fantastic new retailer C. Wonder (our partners in crime in our recent collaboration collection!) enlisted the aid of a video crew to offer some insight to who we are and what we do here at Elva Fields. We hope you'll enjoy a little peek into our tiny studio and tiny town--we're thrilled with the results!
A few behind-the-scenes shots from the day of filming show the team hard at work, a glimpse of wardrobe (jewels, of course!) and a few fun details around our workshop:
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Glad Tidings
Wishing you all a joy-filled weekend of wonderful memories and moments...and see you back here after the holiday!
[festive flakes from our windows in historic downtown Taylorsville, Kentucky]
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Introducing: Deb.
There is no website large enough to explain or proclaim our love for mama Deb. She is our best and most favorite encourager, champion, advisor, therapist, childcare provider, chef, helper-when-you-need-it-most-and-least-deserve-it, and more. (She's our mother!) We like to think that she'd wear our jewelry even if she didn't have to (she would,) and the fact that she was willing to take part in our photo shoot (being in front of the camera is NOT her favorite thing ever) in addition to preparing all of the food AND decorating Nana's entire house for the occasion is just one of the many things she's done to support our endless undertakings. Let's just say she's been a fan of Elva Fields since it was her dear grandmother and not a jewelry brand.
When she took a break from caring for everyone else in her life (in the rare 15 minutes she actually sat down and relaxed one day) she was kind (indulgent) enough to answer our questions about her culinary, decorative, and traditional memories...and--not to worry--we'll feature more on this lovely lady down the road. She's one talent to watch, for sure.
Emily: As a family of foodies, we relate everything to the deliciousness of a meal...do you have any favorite holiday treats?
Deb: Kentucky country ham, Uncle Leonard's eggnog (only after I got to be 21), Aunt Jane's Candy Bar Cookies, Grandmother's Coconut Cake with Ambrosia (the kind with fresh orange sections, freshly grated coconut and maraschino cherries...ice cold)and the flurry of activity in the kitchen. [Please note that we have ZERO culinary talent and would also be shot for sharing the family recipe, so no hope for a recipe here...but stay tuned...you never know when things might turn around for skills or sharing.]
E: Growing up, what was your favorite holiday tradition?
D:Going to Grandmother and Granddad's house with Aunts andUncles and a slew of cousins.
E: Is there a holiday tradition from our family that you're secretly (well, not anymore) hoping I'll pass on to your Kentucky granddaughters?
D: Going to grandmothers house. Huge Christmas breakfast and staying in your PJ's as long as you want.
E: What tops your tree (or will once you do your decorating)?
D: A 1950's glittered wire star.
E: Given your artistic eye...and your propensity for wearing black...which one of our Holiday Collection earring styles would you most likely wear to a holiday get-together among friends?
D: The pearls....they always look so nice with black.
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Introducing: Heidi.
We think the world of our Aunt Heidi (mama Deb's sister) and LOVE that she pulled through a very busy week to be part of our Holiday Collection photo shoot this summer...she is endlessly thoughtful and never fails to help others have a great day...and she makes a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies, too. Quite a lady! We asked her a few questions about life and family and celebrating this time of year, and she was kind enough to answer amidst the flurry of activity at her house.
Emily: As the mother of three boys (who are wonderful young men, by the way) what do you do to add your feminine touch to daily life?
Heidi: Since I am in a household with all men, I do enjoy going to lunch with girl friends once in awhile. I also like to have fresh flowers around the house--that is a treat to myself--and I like to bake cookies...somehow that is therapy for me.
E: You're the youngest of three...did big sis Deb have any lasting words of wisdom that made an impact on you--then or now?
H: Growing up I was the pesky little sister that was always getting in the way, but she has always been a good example of doing for others. Deb has a gift for doing so many things so well, and I admire her for that. I am proud of her and glad we are sisters. Hopefully I am not pesky anymore.
E: Did you have a favorite holiday tradition growing up in Kentucky?
H: I guess I always liked Christmas because Mom made it so special. I liked waking up Christmas morning and smelling the turkey cooking in the oven. Since my birthday is around the holidays, Mom [Nana of June Collection fame!] always took me to see the Nutcracker Suite every year. I enjoyed going and loved the music, costumes, and dancing, but don't think I really understood it till I was older.
E: When you started your own family, did you start any new traditions of your own that you continue today?
H: I can't say that we really started any new traditions, but did carry on the ones I grew up with as a child. The boys still put their stockings out on Christmas Eve and leave them on a chair. We have a big Christmas breakfast with scrambled eggs, grits, fried apples, bacon and coffee cake. Dad and Mom used to come when the boys were small to eat with us, and Dad would always make the eggs. We miss that now, as I can't seem to get them quite the way he made them. Christmas was always a fun family time and still is today.
E: What is your favorite holiday treat?
H: I have so many! I love the sugar cookies we always make. We make them on special occasions during the year using different cookie cutters, but they always look and taste better at Christmas. Frank [Heidi's husband, our Uncle!] cooks a pork tenderloin on the grill every Christmas that tastes so good. We marinate it overnight in bourbon. Our Christmas Eve dinner of pork tenderloin, cheese grits, green beans, salad and rolls has become a tradition in our home, and since Christmas Eve is also Frank's birthday we have a delicious birthday cake! (That I usually get at the bakery!)
E: We love your classic, easy style--which of our Holiday Collection earrings would you wear as an everyday go-to?
H: I like all your designs, Emily, but I'm drawn to the red ones, since red is my favorite color. You make beautiful jewelry and you are talented just like your mother. I am proud of you and so glad we are related. [What an Aunt, right?]
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Introducing: Whitney.
Her face may be familiar to some of you...dear friend Whitney Frazier Watt has graced the pages of our blog before in our very first Friends & Family feature when we shared her fantastic entertaining expertise and eye for Elva. (She is, as you can see, a beautiful model for our jewels!) This time around, we had just a few more questions about her consummate hostessing skills and a bit of what she loves about this time of year. (Her home is magical during the holidays!)
Emily: What is your favorite holiday tradition in your family?
Whitney: My favorite tradition is when my husband and I put up our tree. We always get a Frasier Fir because Frazier is my maiden name. Many of our ornaments are souvenirs from our travels and experiences together so it is always a chance to revisit great memories.
E: Do you have a holiday decorating tip or go-to item that makes a home more festive this time of year?
W: I love putting a red berry wreath on our green door and putting candles in our windows. These simple additions signal that Christmas is almost here!
{image from Taste of Home}
E: You make a killer party punch...care to share the recipe?
W: My favorite is a version of the celebrated Golden Fruit Punch from Taste of Home. It is easy to make -- but tastes great (especially if you use it to make a mimosa!)
E: Okay...wrapping it up with jewels. Which earrings from the Holiday Collection are your top pick for any occasion--holiday and beyond?
W: I LOVE the faceted vintage brass oval earrings -- they have just the perfect amount of shine for holiday -- but are also so versatile after January 1.
