Tis' the season to be festive and jolly and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by sharing all things festive and jolly on the blog by introducing our latest Guest Curator...Kate Stewart!
Kate is the founder and owner of the business Bauble Stockings. What is a "bauble stocking", you might ask? To Kate, it is the needlepoint, ornament-sized stocking that held the last and most sentimental gift of Christmas but more importantly a special tradition unique to her family. We asked Kate to share her special tradition with us and she shared, "Growing up, my mom always received the last gift of Christmas as a thank you for all she'd done that year, and it, or a clue to it, was found in her needlepoint stocking that hung on our tree. My dad called it her "Bauble Stocking" because on a good year it was a bauble, a piece of jewelry. The tradition of brainstorming for this gift with my dad and older brothers was always my favorite part of Christmas- seeing mom's face was an added bonus!" Founded in 2018, Kate has turned her idea of a "finale of Christmas" into a nationally-recognized brand, Bauble Stockings, that has not only encouraged new holiday traditions in homes, but also generated meaningful work for more than 600 Haitian women, where the stockings are stitched and finished. Kate's passion for her business is unparalleled and we are thrilled to host her as Well + Wonder's latest Guest Curator. Kate too a "walk" through our gallery this past week and pulled a few of her favorite artworks that she wouldn't mind seeing under her tree (or even in her bauble stocking!) this year and it is such a joy to see which artists and artworks she is drawn towards. Welcome, Kate! We are so thrilled to have you as our latest Guest Curator!
My mom is currently building a lake house on the most beautiful point in North Georgia and I feel like she needs all three of these as their colors reflect the beauty surrounding her new home.
"Summer's Enlightenment - He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures" by Cheyenne Trunnell
"Bokeelia by Chance" by Susie Bettenhausen
"Peggy" by Chloe Wood
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kate Stewart and I’m the founder of Bauble Stockings. Bauble Stockings are ornament-sized needlepoint stockings that hang on your tree. They are meant to contain, or hold a clue to, each family member’s final gift of Christmas. Made for fair trade in Haiti, we help employ 500 women. We often work with Guest Artists to create unique, timeless designs to be treasured for a lifetime.
Why did you start your blog/brand/business?
I grew up with the Bauble Stockings tradition in my house, and shopping with my dad and brothers for a special gift for my mom to fill her Bauble Stocking has always been my favorite Christmas pastime and memory. When I found out others didn’t have this magical memory, I knew it was something I wanted to share with the world.
What is currently on your nightstand?
My Kindle, Southern Living, Victoria, and Southern Lady magazines. I just finished reading A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
Our Drawing Room, or as some people call it, the formal living room. I worked with Atlanta-based interior designer Janie Harper to create a grown up room that we so badly needed during Covid lock down. It’s the perfect spot for cocktails with friends after dinner, and we have the Pottery Barn version of Clue which has provided hours of entertainment.
What is your biggest score online to date?
Finding my partners in Haiti who stitch Bauble Stockings!
It is said to look for art that "makes your heart skip a beat." What aspects of art make your heart skip?
I love the stories. I love meeting the artists and hearing their inspiration. If I’m buying a piece, I want to remember the purchase- how I felt, who I was with, what was the context. I’ve only commissioned pieces from artists I’ve met (or have an Instagram relationship with.) I love everything about original artwork and those who create it.
The key to making a house a home?
Pictures of fun times, art on the walls, friends (hopefully including a few neighbors who will come over at a moment’s notice)...
