Friday, November 27, 2009

10 Gift Ideas for Less Than $250

Our holiday gift list continues with a great selection of items available for less than $250. These items are only available in the gallery. However, if you don't live in town, I can email you photos or work out a convenient way to get you something special.

I also added many new gorgeous fine jewelry items to our 40% off sale display, like these 14k gold sand dollar earrings with blue topaz by Catherine Weitzman. They are now only $195.
Next, for those who seek the perfect color accent for their rooms, consider these Medalion Vases by Rosetree Art Glass. Their unique shallow profile allows them to fit on a shallow mantle piece or shelf. We have several colors available. $210.

We recently added work by Santa Fe jewelry designer, Tana Acton. She creates these unique hand woven cuff bracelets. The one shown features faceted lemon quartz beads. We have them with smokey quartz, amethyst, chalcedony, and pearl, just to name a few. You'd be amazed at how comfortable they are. We also have rings. This lemon quartz and sterling silver cuff is only $138.

Guys are always attracted to dichroic glass. That's what makes the deep metallic colors in this wonderful glass fish sculpture by Rollin Karg. We have a variety of his glass creations. This one sells for $248.
These fluted bowls by Vitrix make a fabulous wedding present, a house-warming gift, or a really special hostess gift. Available in several exciting colors, they sell for only $100. So much impact for so little cash!


Gallery artist, Kristin Gibson, recently brought in a great selection of small paintings featuring vegetable and flowers. This one with the artichoke measures 8" x 8" and sells for $125. There are also wonderful images starting at only $100. All original and perfect for a grouping. This is the second list of mine that Kristin has made, because she creates such wonderful things at incredibly reasonable prices.

Another new jewelry collection we have added this year is these fabulous Sterling Silver museum coin replicas. They make gorgeous and elegant pendants. The one featured here has a bumble bee on the front and a graceful stag on the reverse. The simple pendants run $126, not including a chain. We also have finished necklaces with impressive heavy silver chains with 18k gold accents.


This is also our first year working with Alaskan jewelry designer, Sue Savage, but it won't be the last. We love her colorful, retro jewelry designs. She handcrafts vivid palettes of polimer clay and then handbuilds sterling silver settings for them. We have necklaces and earrings. The set shown below is $80 for the earrings and $62 for the necklace.


A perenial gallery favorite for all occasions is the classic silver jewelry designs created by Cargo Hold. Their Southern Gates collection pleases ladies of all ages. Earrings range from $38 - 76. This large pear-shaped pendant is $89 (not including a chain). Shop early for the best selection, we've got a lot to choose from right now!

Nina Nguyen, pronounced like "nu-win", designs delightful jewelry that she has hand crafted by women's cooperatives she has established in rural Vietnam. As you know, we represent very little imported jewelry, but this is an exception. The quality is great and the fashion sense is off the charts on these dramatic statement pieces. This ring is vermeil (gold plated over sterling silver) and is set with garnet, peridot, amethyst and smokey quartz. The price is $170. The collection ranges from $112 - $138. These can not be sized so stop by the find the perfect one for you!
I h0pe this gives you some inspiration. Give creatively this year and be remembered forever. Please stop by soon and we'll show you some of our other favorites.
Star











Wednesday, November 25, 2009

12 Gift Ideas Under $50!

Well, the holidays have arrived and here at Spectrum Art & Jewelry we are ready! The gallery is displayed beautifully and decorated with a festive flair. I look around and see the widest variety of items, colors, styles, prices and artists that we have ever had.

So, as you start your holiday shopping, think of us. To spark your imagination here are a dozen gift ideas for under $50!

1. Hand made cork screw/wine pull by Daily Woodworking. These hand turned, precision tools come in maple burl or jewel-like acrylic. Only $41

2. Cards of Heart - These unique playing cards feature 54 original artworks by Cape Fear artists. This is a fund-raiser for First in Families. So great gift as well as a great cause. $25.

3. Ornaments - We have a great selection of very unusual ornaments and sun catchers. Hand made in glass, wood and metal, there is something for everyone. Starting at only $15.
4. Shea Butter Lotion Bars - Artisan made, these luscious shea butter lotion bars make a fabulous hostess or girlfriend gift. The small shell compact is great for travel. Perfect stocking stuffers. $6 - $12
5. Laserglass Shells - A perenial favorite, these gorgeous shell paperweights are cast in lead crystal and coated with special metal oxides on the bottom to make them glow with color. Starting at only $35.
6. Handmade Candles by Becky Hemby - A perfect coastal gift, embellished with sea shells and beach glass. The candles are re-fillable, which the artist will do for free! She also makes candle lights that use a 4watt night light bulb, a safe alternative to an open flame. Starting at $25.

7. Hand painted silk scarves by local painter, Kristin Gibson. Every one is a unique work of art. Two sizes. $45 - $60

8. Starsong Earrings and Bracelets -hand made right here in the gallery by Nancy Noel May in Sterling Silver or Gold Fill with various gemstone accents. Starting at only $20 a pair in Silver.
9. Hand made copper earring stands. Also made right here in the gallery. Keep your earrings in front of you so you remember to wear all your favorites. Whimsical and warm in rosy copper they accomodate 18 - 36 pair. Small $39 Large $69
10. Dichroic Glass Barrettes by A Touch of Glass - Luminous and vibrant colors make these barrettes a jewel-like adornment for those with long hair. Only $28.
11. Art Glass Pen Holders - Shaped like a large Hershey's kiss, these pen holders add color and style to anyone's desk. Only $19.
12. Art Glass Key Chains - Kiln formed colorful dichroic glass makes these key chains unforgettable. Be creative and attach a message: "the key to your dreams", "the key to my heart", etc. $15

Last, but not least, we are re-introducing our "Free Gift with Purchase" promotion. Spend $100 or more and receive a free pair of real pearl earrings, a value of $20. Keep them for yourself or consider them a bonus gift for someone you love.
Next post - 12 Gift Ideas for $100 - $250! Stay tuned, or just drop by and we will show you in person.























Saturday, November 14, 2009

Jewelry Show ~ Michael Sugarman !

Santa Fe jewelry artist,
Michael Sugarman will be visiting
Spectrum Art & Jewelry for an exclusive two day event on
Friday and Saturday
November 20th & 21st
From 10am - 6pm.

Creator of the "Connect the dots" collection, Michael is an old-school metalsmith, hand sculpting each form. His architectural forms speak of his former life as a musician. He views his designs as musical notes, highlighting the wearer's beauty with point and counterpoint.
Join us to meet this intriguing artist and view his most recent jewelry creations.
Working in 18k gold and exotic gems, he highlights his peices with
lavish splashes of diamonds or colored sapphires. Many designs feature
exotic gemstones, sculpted by renowned gemcutters.
During this exclusive jewelry show,
Spectrum Art & Jewelry
will be offering a special gift with purchase.
Each Sugarman Design jewelry creation purchased during the event
will be accompanied by a $50 Spectrum gift certificate
to use for a future purchase or to give as a gift.






















Thursday, November 12, 2009

"Paint Around" wrap up by Nancy Noel May



Saturday, November 7th, 2009 found four painters,
Jane Faudree, Kristin Gibson, Nancy Noel May & Phil Meade
gathered under a tent in front of
Spectrum Art & Jewelry
to participate in a unique painting event: a Paint Around.
The two hour event consisted of all starting with an 11x14 canvas
and the same black & white photo of a marsh scene.
Paintings were started and after 30 minutes the canvases were passed on to the next artist.

The first pass had some of the artists concerned that they were painting
over the previous artist’s conception. “Go for it” I told them,
this is what the process is all about –
seeing the changes that take place when four painters take turns
adding their strokes to a canvas.

When I envisioned this event, I knew that we would have fun,
but had no idea that we would have such a grand time -
I would do this again with no hesitation.
It took us the first hour to loosen up and get into the spirit of the Paint Around.
Each painting took its twists and turns as the next in line worked their magic.
All paintings have a similarity, but are unique to the artist finishing the painting.

Can you guess who started and finished each of these paintings? Each one has four creators. You'll just have to come to the gallery and see for yourself!
They are even more gorgeous in person. But don't wait too long,
they'll be gone after Friday night! ~ Star

Dreams of Wilmington is a wonderful organization that brings
art, music, creative writing and theater to underprivileged children.
They have been selected to reap the rewards from our endeavors.
On Friday, November 13th
Spectrum Art & Jewelry will host our
November Open House & Wine Tasting
from 6-8pm
At 7pm the Live Auction begins!
Paul Wilkes will be our auctioneer.

All the proceeds from the four paintings will go to
Dreams of Wilmington.
Spectrum will also donate 10% of any other sales that evening to Dreams.

I hope you can come out this Friday to see our finished paintings, share in the artist’s community spirit and support Dreams of Wilmington.

Nancy Noel May