So Glad For Our Rad Dads

We love holidays at Rala because we get to order fun new cards and gifts,
 and Father's Day is no exception.
In fact, we might love Father's Day more than most (except Mother's Day, of course)!

Check out some of our great cards and gifts and
don't forget your Daddy this

Sunday, June 16th!

 

 Our favorite cards:

 

 

 

            

 

 

 

Check out these fantastic gift options for dear ol' Dad:

This mug by Nelson Studios was made to look just like your old man!

Your Daddy would love a  Mason Shaker by W&P Design, or a leather flask by In Blue.

A letterpress robot print by our own Kevin Bradley now of Church of Type would be a fantastic gift for the sci-fi nerd dads out there.

 

This Sunday (and everyday) show your Rad Dad just how much you love him.

 Let Rala help you brainstorm and pick out the perfect Dad's Day tokens.  

Happy Father's Day, friends!



Mike Ham and His Friends

June is here, the sun is shining, and it's First Friday again!

We are pleased to welcome back local artist Mike Ham as our June First Friday artist. Mike is inspired mostly by children's art, which leads him to paint in bright, rich colors, use child-like, figural shapes, and give them whimsical names. Check out some examples of what we have hanging on our walls:

Since Mike was never formally trained in painting, he does not allow notions of how one "should" paint to hold him back. He experiments and plays to find concepts, colors, and combinations that work.

 

He uses unconventional tools to paint each piece and employs odd materials in his paintings, including wire mesh, fabric, and even vegetables.

 

Join us this Friday, June 7th, from 6pm to 9pm (ish). Get a close up look at Mike's artwork. We can't wait to see you!

To learn more about Mike, visit his website.

Eco Cause We Wanna Be

During Farmer's Market season, it's easy to stay on top of ways to be eco-conscious, locally-sourced, and generally good to the environment. Here's a couple ways you can keep that sentiment going throughout the year! Check out some of our newest and most environmentally conscious lines in stock right now.
 

Further Products

Further's mission is to reuse and upcycle as much as they can. Marshall and Megan of Further take waste grease from restaurants, use it to create biofuel for their cars, and then use the by-product from the fuel (glycerin) to create their line of soap, lotion and candles. They smell and feel great too, impressive, huh?

Oil & Wax

Located in Nashville, TN, Oil & Wax candles are handcrafted using simple, eco-friendly ingredients and materials. Every O&W candle is hand-poured, dye-free, and uses lead-free, cotton core wicks and phthalate-free fragrance oils. We have scents Cucumber Mint, Mediterranean Fig, and Citrus Basil. Yum!

Crow Water Parfum

     Crow was born out of a love for perfume and a passion for safe, natural, and healthy products. Their water based perfumes are made with the highest quality of ingredients, as well as being Alcohol free, Paraben free, and Phthalate (ew) free. Not to mention, a portion of every purchase from Crow goes to help those in need. They give to St. Judes Children's Hospital as well as other non profit organizations. Go, Crow!

 Visit our blog often for more info on sweet new products, or drop by the store for a face to face tour of our favorite newbies.

Cheers!

The Luckiest of Them All

Who are the luckiest? WE are!! And anyone else who has been lucky enough to grow up with a fabulous Momma. We love our moms, and since it's almost Mother's Day, what a great time to show off some of our Mother's Day cards and sweet talk our mommas!

You can tell momma how sweet she is with words...

Or you can tell her with signs.

You can get her attention with bright colors...

And subtle ones too.

Maybe she speaks another language (meow? woof?)...

Or maybe she speaks Southern just fine.

Whatever she sees, hears, understands, or makes - She's amazing. She's a mother.

Or better yet - Mom.

We love you, momma! You mean so much to us!

Pass on all the love you can this Sunday, and celebrate those who nuture your world.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

(Cards by: Meghan McCrary , L2 Designs Collective, Quill and Fox, Hammerpress, and 1Canoe2 )

First Friday at Rala with Rinjuel

This First Friday at Rala, we are proud to present designer jewelry from Rinjuel. Erin Proctor Herb is a long time friend and alumni of our sister store, Reruns Boutique. We asked Erin and her husband and creative partner Matt to tell us about their work.

“We enjoy designing and fabricating contemporary architectural jewelry that draws from mid-century modern influences. Our approach for this collection primarily focuses on three design elements; contrast, color and the juxtaposition of texture. By incorporating these elements we have created an innovative collection that celebrates a pure and minimal approach to adornment.

Matt and I have a love of Architecture and Interior Design. It’s what brought us together and continues to be a driving force in our inspiration and passion to create beautiful contemporary jewelry. While East Nashville has been our home for over a decade, Knoxville holds a very special place in our hearts. We are thrilled to be Rala’s First Friday Artist for May!”
Come join us for this exciting new collection, we look forward to seeing you!

FRIDAY, MAY 3 from 5-9pm 

at
Rala
323 Union Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37902

Safety in Numbers

We have so many great new items here at Rala that the easiest way to show them all is to make composite photos of everything! There's a lot here, folks. Take your time.

 

 

Kitty things are abundant here right now. We're cat ladies. What can we say?

(Cat's Print by The Black Apple, Cat Pillow by Laura Designs, Cats Shirt by Will Bryant, and Cat Book by Nikki McClure)

 

These postcards are perfect, plain and simple.

(Postcards by The Frantic Meerkat)

 

Suzanne Cunningham of For You By Q has whipped up some new earring designs for spring, and our ears are screaming, "Thank you!"

(Earrings by For You By Q)

 

Our very own store manager, Alaina Smith, is sewin' up a storm! These purses and iPhone wallets are handmade with recycled leather.

(Leather Goods by Alaina Smith Designs)

 

Emily Martin of The Black Apple has made a book of paper doll clothing, accessories, dolls, and all sorts of things to make your 6 year-old senses go wild.

(Paper Doll Book by Emily Martin)

 

 

Come in and check out even more new items we have on our shelves. You'll be glad ya did.

 

Happy April, friends!