The Art of Studying Abroad

I am a sucker for one of a kind creations.  Our first full day in Florence, Maggie, Spencer and I decided to get off the beaten path, and actually explore the streets of this small city.  We were so excited to find the small art boutiques.  Spencer was looking for a journal to document his memories abroad, as well as keep all of his many contacts....Spencer NEVER meets a stranger.  We happened upon a quaint store with journals in the window.  Naturally, we went inside and saw all the one of a kind creations.  The store owner was working on some really cool journal bindings that were made of black fabric and orange elastic. Spencer asked if he could by a completed one...here were at least 50 identical ones.  The store owner said he was sorry, but they were for a special order and he could not sell them.  We asked why he could not just spare one, and he said they were for Armani Casa's new line.  They were made of the fabric from their new furniture line and the journals were for the Swag Bags that the guests will receive at the launch party! We were so excited to find this out! The store owner said that his girlfriend was the "real artist" and he just helped her with production.  Although we weren't able to purchase the the Armani Casa journals, Spencer bought another journal and I bought a scrapbook that I will use to document my memories from this semester.  It was such a cool experience! Very inspirational, that one person who followed their dreams could make it big!!

We continued our shopping experience and found a leather store that looked intriguing.  when we went inside, we found a true leather workshop and beautiful handmade bags, coin purses and embroidered beaded necklaces.  We spoke with one of the owners, the daughter of the mother, Ali (the store's name) and she told us how she learned to make these necklaces and bags as a small girl.  She and her mother work side by side in the shop and make amazing pieces.  We asked her questions about technique and how long certain pieces take to make, and she was so willing to talk to us, and explain everything in English.  We could tell that she was proud of her work and that we were interested.  She even let us brand their logo into leather and then let us cut out the pieces to take with us.  Maggie and I bought small leather jewelry cases for travel, and Spencer suggested they expand their production to male wallets as well :)

We finished our afternoon with a glass of wine and some snacks (known as Apertivo in Italian) at a local cafe.  It was a perfect day, sans lines and tourist attractions.  I have found that days like these are my fondest memories, as they are so different from the typical "trips" through Europe.  There are so many hidden gems in each city, and I feel so accomplished when I find them!

Inside Guilia Materia with the Armani Casa Journals!

Branding the leather with Ali!

So happy with our successful day in Florence!