Jun 17, 2014

New Kitchenware Collection in Bloom at Abbey Press

Abbey Press’ latest kitchenware collection offers gift shops a way to add brilliant summer color to their shelves, while providing customers with unique ways to celebrate faith and family.

“Blooming Blessings” features coordinating kitchen items that are both fashionable and functional. With meaningful sentiments and Scripture verses, they’re ideal as gifts for housewarmings and weddings.

The collection will be introduced in two stages. The first group of products releases July 15 and includes a glass cutting board (SRP $15) and stoneware baking items: pie plate (SRP $19), mini loaf pans in three colors (SRP $6 each) and a three-piece nesting bakeware set (SRP $40). A second group of products—casserole dish, lazy Susan and three soup mugs—is available September 1.

The collection’s brighter color palette is a bit of a departure from previous Abbey Press kitchenware lines. Art director Ashley M. Verkamp says the decision to go in a new direction was solidified when the product development team discovered the floral designs of Joy Hall, a noted gift and home décor artist. Hall’s artwork was licensed for several items in the line and the rest of the collection grew from there.

“The coloring in Joy’s artwork really sets the ‘atmosphere’ of the whole collection,” says Verkamp. “Her floral art evokes a feeling of late summer/early fall, when everything is still green and the skies are blue, but there’s just that hint of autumn gold starting to appear.”

In its unofficial debut during Abbey Press’ April open house, the line proved popular, with many buyers placing pre-orders for summer selling.

“The vibrant colors immediately drew the customer’s eye,” says sales representative Marcia Austin. “And when they saw the traditional Abbey Press messages of faith and family, they couldn’t wait to order.”