For the Love of Trinkets

Oh, the temptation of shiny, beautiful things! Just like magpies, humans have been susceptible to the draw of the artful knickknack since long before the throes of Western capitalism took over the world. The sparkle of crystal, the whorls of old wood—the surge of dopamine sparked by possessing gains a little bit of respectability when you start talking about handmade things, or antiques. Works of art and memory, promising to add character and story to your home. My particular weakness has always been boxes made beautifully, especially old ones. You can find these at each of the three locally-owned treasure troves below—along with much, much more.

The Corbel, St. Francisville

Founded in the purest of ways, by two brothers who loved to make old things new—The Corbel has been around for decades, but its recently-opened 10,000-square-foot showroom in downtown St. Francisville is the talk of the town. Find handmade furniture, often built from salvaged materials, displayed gorgeously alongside a curation of antique doors, high-end furniture, and an incredible curation of designer décor and art imported from around the world. Go start your dreaming at thecorbel.com, and then get an in-person visit at 5741 Commerce Street on your schedule, pronto. Open Monday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm.

Maetiques, Baton Rouge-Online

Started last summer by Maegan Durand from Baton Rouge, who is pursuing the great dream of turning her shopping addiction into her business, Maetiques sells a collection curated for the grandmillenial. Sourcing treasures from all over the world, which she styles fashionably for Instagram close-ups, Durand specializes in European heirloom antiques: hand-carved alabaster stone column bookends from Italy, wooden perfume boxes with floral inlay from the 1800s. She admits to having an obsession with French lamps. And girl does her research. Find her at @maetiques on Instagram.

Sans Souci Gallery, Lafayette

For those of us who want to prioritize buying from our friends and neighbors, the Louisiana Crafts Guild’s Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery has been a go-to giftshop for over twenty years. Now in their brand-spanking new location right on Jefferson Street, the Guild has even more space for their inventory of locally-crafted works of art: jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, paintings, and even furniture. Everything in the store is made by Louisiana artists, inviting shoppers not only to support their local creative economy but also to explore the vast diversity of work being created by folks from around the corner. Learn more about the Guild at louisianacrafts.org, and visit the new space at 551 Jefferson Street, Wednesday–Saturday, 11 am–5 pm, Sunday 9 am–2 pm.

—Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

“Several hundred people come out here under the trees,” said Aucoin, who bakes cakes and Italian cookies for the annual Mass. “It’s hot out here, but they still come out. Every so many years, the original family comes down too. They moved to Chicago, though, and there’s not many of them left.”

Sisters-in-law LouAnna Canelle and Frances Temperano assumed the duties of keeping the church tidy and maintained after the previous caretaker, Mitzi Roppollo, moved out of town. The ladies hold a raffle and bake sale after the service, with proceeds supporting the church’s upkeep throughout the year. This year’s Mass begins promptly at 9 am on the chapel’s front lawn. The church is located on Highway 405 River Road, just north of Bayou Goula, a tiny town with a long Catholic history beginning with the missionary efforts of Father Paul Du Ru, who built the first chapel in Louisiana near here in 1700 and held the first recorded Mass.

Throughout the rest of the year, travelers are invited to stop and take a closer look on the church grounds. Though the building itself is often locked, the key is kept in a small mailbox beside the door. A walk inside reveals a small kneeler and an altar adorned with statues of Christ and his mother. Gullo ordered the large Madonna statue, which predates the chapel, from Italy. On the wall hangs a framed sheet of paper detailing the chapel’s history, and votive candles are available for purchase.

A sense of peace emanates from the interior, which offers a quiet respite from the outside world. Shaded by large pine and oak trees, the heart of the chapel is surprisingly cool even on a scorching summer day. Visitors are encouraged to sign the guest book and linger as long as they wish, enjoying the haven built by Gullo in honor of the Blessed Mother’s help in his time of need.

—Kristy Christiansen