Cutting Boards
Hill Woodworking – Norfolk
$50—$150, HillWoodwork.com
Whenever he saw a tree fall after a storm in Hampton Roads and tossed into a landfill, Norfolk native Larry Hill experienced great sadness. He turned that compassion into cutting boards, salvaging, milling, drying, and repurposing the wood himself. The stunning mix of wood grains, colors, and varieties—red and white oak, black walnut, cherry, poplar, and osage orange—“enhances their aesthetic value,” says Safavi.
Virginia Avian Architecture Note cards
The Charlotte Shops – Richmond
$25, CharlotteBHeath.com
“In this age of disposable messaging, I think it’s lovely to receive and send the occasional notecard to mark a meaningful moment in time,” says Safavi. These delicately illustrated cards add a Virginian touch to one’s message, depicting the state’s birds’ nests. The artist felt inspired watching a robin build her nest in a witch hazel tree outside her studio in Onancock.
Blue Elegance Candles
ECHO – Leesburg
$16, BlueElegance.org
These clean, white, soy-based candles come in 37 fragrant scents to set a relaxed mood in your home. From toasted vanilla to coconut and citron, they are “the perfect hostess gift, serving a greater purpose,” says Safavi. ECHO is a nonprofit organization offering career empowerment and vocational training to adults with disabilities. Plus, “the scent is lovely,” Safavi says.
Kokedama Japanese Moss Balls
Plants & What Knot – Chantilly
From $25, PlantsAndWhatKnot.com
Kokedama is the ancient bonsai technique of growing plants without pots. Plants & What Knot owner Christina Foy and her mother handcraft each one, molding soil balls, wrapping them in moss, and securing them with fishing wire—perfect for creating a floating botanical oasis. From anthurium, pothos, prayer plant, and zebra cactus, Safavi was an instant fan. As one impressed staff judge commented, “They’re attractive, unusual, and low maintenance.”
Bett 2.0
RIAB Sustainable Furniture – Richmond
$170, RoomInABox.us
Despite being made of corrugated cardboard, this bed platform is remarkably sturdy and stylish, leaving Safavi fascinated by the innovative design. Staff judges even tested its load-bearing capacity themselves. Crafted from 70 percent recycled material, it’s lightweight and easier to move than traditional bed frames. Built to last 10 years, it’s also fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan.
Learn more about the Made in Virginia Awards 2024 here.
This article originally appeared in our December 2024 issue.
