There is a small stretch of Highway 17 not far from my house called the ‘Sweetgrass Corridor’, where dozens of sweetgrass stands line both sides of the road, with artisans sitting on metal folding chairs, weaving a new creation that is an art form more than 300 years old.

I am lucky enough to own a few of these prized baskets, which I proudly display in my office. They are investments, just like buying an original painting and sculpture. This particular form of basket making is an African American tradition that has been taught by mother to daughter to grandchild in South Carolina for generations. The baskets are made from the indigenous plant sweetgrass, which is disappearing from the coastal landscape because of growing development. Several years ago, I even wrote the novel Sweetgrass based on this historical art form.

So when I stumbled across local jewelry inspired by sweetgrass basketry, I was delighted to tell others about the gorgeous creations made by Sweet Charleston Designs. And thanks to their generosity, my readers get a chance to WIN a beautiful piece from one of their creations.The giveaway is happening right now on my Facebook page. One random winner will be chosen Monday to receive this beautiful Bulls Bay Penta Necklace by Sweet Charleston Designs featuring five custom cast sterling silver medallions. Retail price: $650.00. CLICK HERE to enter giveaway.
This necklace is a holiday season favorite since debuting at the newly opened Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. I love how Sweet Charleston Designs describes the necklace:

The necklace represents a collection of sweet grass basket beginnings, linked together with a sweet grass textured chain and will grace any wardrobe for generations to come.  Sweet Charleston Designs selects patterns from traditional rice winnowing baskets found in the Lowcountry from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida and captures the spirit of the oldest designated African American art with origins dating back to the late 1600’s.”

A huge THANK YOU to Sweet Charleston Designs for their generous prize. Together we will make someone’s holiday extra special with this treasure that can be enjoyed for generations to come! Click here to learn more about how Charleston’s sweetgrass basketry history and Lowcountry landscape inspire their unique jewelry collections.

Happy Thanksgiving weekend y’all! I am grateful for all of my friends and readers.