The Buzz
RHODY GEM
By Elyse Major
Beehive Handmade
Artisanal Housewares & Gifts We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. Email or tag us on social media using #RhodyGem to suggest yours, and we might just feature it! What it is: The studio and retail shop of Beehive Handmade, the husband-and-wife enterprise of Sandra Bonazoli and Jim Dowd, makers of thoughtfully designed handcrafted metalwork since 1999. Find stamped and engraved heart-shaped coffee scoops, arrow cheese markers, keepsake boxes, and more. The shop also carries their line of ceramic pieces, designed by the couple and made by artisans in Peru.
What makes it a Rhody Gem? If you’re a devotee of beautiful handmade housewares, this stunning store is for you. Inside the sunfilled space, discover work featured on the pages of magazines like Better Homes and Gardens and O, The Oprah Magazine. You’re likely to catch the owners-artists on site for conversations while perusing displays of their jewelry, folk art-inspired ornaments, baby and wedding gifts, and more. “We’re committed to the special quality of small-batch, handmade goods. All our metalwork is made here in Rhode Island and is designed by us – we craft each original piece,” says Banazoli. “We hope to evoke a nostalgic feeling to our work, while making products that are useful, meaningful, and fit in modern homes.” In addition to regular hours (Wed-Sat 11am-5pm), the shop is open Sundays 12-4pm through Christmas.
BEEHIVE HANDMADE 332 Water Street BeehiveHandmade.com
16
The Bay • December 2021
Photo by Elyse Major
Where to find it: Look for the hanging branded sign along Warren’s Water Street across from Blount Clam Shack. There’s also an open sign pitched on the sidewalk so find a spot to park, mask up, and walk in.
To submit your Rhody Gem, please email Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com
