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Made In: Los Angeles Wolfum Coasters

Issue 04

Avid collector of all things vintage, Annabel Inganni, launched Wolfum, a Los Angeles based textiles product line in 2011.  “My entire motivation for Wolfum was to create items that would bring back that traditional practice of setting the table while entertaining, but in a less antiquated way” shares Annabel.

After 10 years as an apparel designer, Annabel took to modernizing various home goods with updated prints and colours, while her husband, Brendan Sowersby, a furniture designer, helps to bring the wood items alive with his craftsmanship. The coasters are bright, un-stuffy and an easy way to add a pop to any gathering.  “To me they look like little pieces of art for your table.”

wolfum flame stitch coasters

INTERVIEW: Annabel Inganni, Designer, Owner of Wolfum- Los Angeles (Made In: Countlan Issue 04)

01: Please introduce yourself:
AI:  My name is Annabel Inganni and I am the designer and owner of Wolfum, a textile product line based in Los Angeles, CA.  I am originally from Boston, MA, but have been living in LA for the last 15 years.  Wolfum was launched in August 2011 and is now carried in over 100 stores across the US and Canada.  I design all the prints and products, although my husband  (Brendan Sowersby) a furniture designer, helps to bring the wood items alive with his excellent craftsmanship. We also have a two year old daughter, named Birdie.

02 How long have you been designing tableware items?
Wolfum was launched in August 2011, and this was my first foray into tabletop design.  I am an avid collector of all things vintage- especially printed cloth napkins- and loved the idea of modernizing these pieces with updated prints and colors.  Prior to home-goods, I worked in apparel design for 10 years.

03 What is significant about the coasters you designed?
When I was initially creating the line, I experimented endlessly to create the print technique.   Once I cracked that egg, I was blown away by the vibrancy and durability of the prints.  At that point it was just a matter of coming up with the right products to showcase the prints.  All our wood is FSC certified and each piece is handmade in LA.

wolfum squaresville coasters

04 Why coasters?
My entire motivation for Wolfum was to create items that would bring back that traditional practice of setting the table while entertaining, but in a less antiquated way.  The coasters are bright, un-stuffy, joyful and an easy way to add a pop to any gathering.  I love how the prints are engineered so each coaster is different; to me they look like little pieces of art for your table.

05 Do you entertain at home?
I love to entertain!  Growing up my mother set the bar high with beautifully prepared and thoughtful meals.  Not to mention napkins, place mats, centerpieces that still serve as inspiration.   Since we live in Southern California, we spend a lot of time outdoors and love to garden.  Fresh homegrown salads are a big hit, and I always have plants on the table- they add color but can live all year round outside.  I always use a table cloth when doing bigger parties, and love to mix and match cloth napkins.  Plenty of cheese & fruit to snack on, as I am usually behind when I cook, and of course good wine to keep everyone happy & chatty!

06  What does the process of making a coaster involve?
I design each print for each product, so the scale and proportion will differ from piece to piece, although the colors and print will remain consistent.  I really enjoy the mix and match element as well, allows for the customer to add their own personal flair.  Each coaster is cut and printed, then we brand our logo in by hand.  It is time consuming, but we love doing it!

wolfum yellow triangle coasters

07 Where are your coasters available?
I have a full e-commerce store, and archive all of my collections on my website www.wolfum.com.  So along with my current collection, you will find styles from my previous collections.   Wolfum is sold nation wide at some of the best specialty boutiques and museum stores such as Lawson-Fenning, Haus Interior, Fred Segal, Hammer Museum, and Bobby Berk.

08 What inspired this design?
I adore vintage Vera Neumann and classic lifestyle brands such as Marimekko and Alexander Girard.  My desire is to create beautiful, unique pieces that can live and grow in your home.  Sustainability is not only about using eco-friendly materials, but designing useful items that can be used for years to come.  Each print has a different inspiration- from the plant life in my own backyard, to painters such as Karl Benjamin.

wolfum zag zig coasters
Photo Source: wolfum.com

Recipes for your Coasters:

 

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