The History of New Year Resolutions

To all of our Spectrum Friends, Happy New Year!
Last Year We posted this clipping and wanted to share it with you all this year again...

The first day of a calendar year is one of the world’s oldest holidays. The Babylonians are known to have celebrated the new year approximately 4,000 years ago, and this ancient civilization is credited by some with originating an annual tradition still going strong: The New Year’s resolution. The first day of a the Babylonian year was considered to be March 23rd, and a common Babylonian New Year’s resolution was their custom of returning something borrowed from a friend over the course of the previous year.

The Romans used a different calendar and named the first month of the year after the mythical figure of Janus, a symbol of beginnings and endings, whose two faces allow him to look both forward and backward in time. The Romans celebrated the coming of the new year on January 1st by exchanging gifts, and had their own version of the tradition of resolution-making begun by the Babylonians. A common resolution in ancient Rome was to seek forgiveness from enemies of previous years.

The Chinese New Year, which falls at the time of the first full moon after the sun enters Aquarius (late January through mid-February), has also been celebrated for thousands of years. Among the many customs associated with the Chinese New Year is housecleaning, frequently found today on lists of the most common New Year’s resolutions worldwide.
At Spectrum Art & Jewelry we carry the work of Norah Pierson. Her jewelry is Greco-Roman inspired with pre-Columbian motifs. The imagery of prancing horses, maltese crosses, and ancient shells adorne Norah's pieces. Her jewelry encompasses the same feeling, emotion, and decoration found on jewelry 4,000 years ago in Babylonian times. Stop in today to see her work.

Holiday Party Hostess Gifts

Doublecreek Pottery is the perfect quintessential gift for any hostess this holiday season! Bring your Christmas Dinner hostess a special gift to let them know you appreciate all of their hard work they spent slaving in the kitchen over the turkey and pies! Don't forget your New Year's hostess as well! It takes lots of planning to prepare a party. Thank them with hand painted coasters, dishes or serving trays from Doublecreek!

New Norah Pierson: Golden Eye Designs~

Designer Norah Pierson of Golden Eye Designs, has sent us new works of art jewelry. From new rings, drops to accommodate gold hoops and stunning necklaces, the Norah Pierson collector must come in to see the new goods! Her work is inspired by Mediterranean influences, reminiscent of the Byzantine Era and reminds us of museum jewelry pieces found in an archaeological dig. Stop in today to find your special treasure before it is gone!

Holiday Gifts Under $100~

Spectrum Art & Jewelry offers an array of colorful, vibrant, unique and gifts for the special someone in your life!

1. Akeso necklaces, celebrating the healing properties of the soul, donates a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer awareness. $69

2. Laser Glass Shells provide the beach lover with a lasting impression of the ocean! Available in different shells from helix to starfish, the variety of choices allows you to pick the perfect shell for your beloved. $32-69

3. Sarah James glass beaded earrings are always a favorite. From black and whites, to gold and aqua, many shapes and sizes are available for the artistic jewelry lover in your life! $39

4. Luke Adams hand blown glass hearts and stars are a favorite among the glass lovers. They are beautiful to hang in front of a window or corner of a room. Great way to liven up a kitchen, bathroom or office! $32-42

5. Starsong Earrings come in sterling or gold filled hooks with handmade beaded designs. These make great stocking stuffers! $20-29

6. Folk art lovers always have a liking for Whitney Designs mixed metal jewelry. With dancing figures and abstract designs, these earrings are perfect for the American craftsman aficionado. $32-84

7. Silk jewelry bags/pouches are the perfect way to store or travel with your jewelry. Each bag is a vibrant color with special compartments to protect your individual jewelry pieces. With a drawstring tie, they are easily accessible! $12

8. Dichroic Glass Key Chains are perfect for someone with a new home. They come in an array of shapes and have reflective colors on a blue base. $15

9. Pens, perfumers and key chains made of polymer cane are all handmade and unique. Perfect for the person that has everything! $ 32-58

10. Doublecreek Pottery Coasters! With whimsical faces and designs, these coasters are all hand painted, one of a kind and make a great hostess gift! Comes with coaster holder. $39

And the Winner Is....

We are delighted to announce the winner of the November Sales Ticket Sweepstakes. Remember, we planned to draw one receipt from all our November sales and the winner would receive a gift certificate for the average value of all the items on that receipt.And the winner is.... Peggy Doi. She will be receiving a gift certificate for $83! Just for shopping with us in November. Thanks, Peggy!Now, our December promotion is: Buy a $100 gift certificate and get an additional $20 gift certificate for free! Only our email customers are getting this special offer. Mention Star's December Offer to receive it. Limit 2 per customer and they may not be redeemed until a future visit.

Meet the Artist: Phil Meade

Gallery artist, Phil Meade, will be painting in the gallery on Tuesday, December 9th between 10am and 2pm. Stop by to see him in action and learn more about how he creates his radient and jewel-like paintings. Phil just brought in five delightful new paintings, all in small format (8x10). These lovely gems make perfect gifts. Click here to see some of his collection. The new work should be added to the site in a day or two so check back often.

Spectrum displays artworks at Grand Opening of Human Capital Solutions

We've been invited to decorate the new offices of Bo Burch and Human Capital Solutions. Their gorgeous new digs are located just down the street at Bradley Oaks. They are planning a gala open house to show off their space and have asked us to invite our friends. So, come by meet Bo and his team and see just how great original art make any office look. Nancy and I plan to display artworks by our gallery artists including paintings and art glass. The Human Capital Solutions team invites you to attend their Open House at 6317 Oleander Drive, from 5pm - 7pm. Network with other local business people, meet your neighbors, enjoy refreshments and music. HCS was founded in early 2003 and now has expanded to a Global Executive and Recruiting firm representing fortune 1000 companies. To learn more about HCS click here.
If you are tired of looking at the same four walls, consider getting a new "view" with a new painting from Spectrum Art & Jewelry. Nancy and I are available assist you in finding the perfect image to brighten up your space.