|
|
Between the Shows: July 21, 2009
Homebase: Essex, CT DESIGNER/OWNER: Marie Ricci Ceiling medallions: Sizes: 18" and 22"; wholesale prices: $66 and $96 Pineapple plaques: Sizes: 12" - 24"; wholesale prices: $45-$135 Letter plaques: Sizes: 18" with 8" accent plaques. Bows optional; wholesale prices: plaster: $66, resin: $96 Free shipping
Where would we be without friends? Marie Ricci knows exactly where she'd be: in Tampa, Florida attending to her 19-year-old sign painting and wood carving business, Artcraft Signs. Perusing Ricci's workshop one day, her friend suggested the artisan carve a letter plaque for her infant's nursery as well as design coordinating room décor. The outcome was so pleasing to both women that in 2000 Ricci launched The Marie Ricci Collection of wall plaques, ceiling medallions, chandeliers, and other room accessories. Now located in Essex, Connecticut, Ricci says the collection "continues to expand to include various items for the home, garden and children's rooms." Each item in Ricci's line is hand-carved of indoor plaster or lightweight resin and is available in natural white or several elegant color combinations. The items are perfect in "shabby chic" nurseries and children's rooms and are sought after by interior designs and discerning shoppers. Ricci is proud of her celebrity clientele that includes Nancy O'Dell of Access Hollywood, and actors Angela Bassett and Holly Robinson Peete among many others. This season Ricci is offering 26 whimsical ceiling medallion designs for children's rooms. "They are the ultimate in jewelry for the fifth wall," she says, referring to the ceiling. "The medallions were created when a friend visited my studio and I had not inserted the clock faces into a clock. She said to me, 'Oh, now you're making ceiling medallions for children's rooms.' I thought it was a great idea and ran with it! The medallions next to the now classic letter plaques are my best sellers." The medallions are available in 18 designer colors and two finishes.
The lineup of unpainted ceiling and chandelier medallions.
"Sweet Dreams" medallion is great for girls' and boys' rooms.
Bunny ceiling medallion with Marie Ricci's whimsical crystal chandelier.
Spending more time outdoors has led to Ricci's latest addition: the Pineapple Plaques. The lightweight plaques, cast from fifty percent recycled material, add a colonial touch to any room, and create a focal point in a garden setting.
The Pineapple Plaque brings elegance to a garden.
Telephone: Toll free: 888-286-6151, International: 1-860-767-1715 E-mail: mrsales@mariericci.com
Originally published July 21, 2009
|
|
