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.

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.

"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

Cards of heART ~ Fundraiser for First in Families

Cards of heART

Created with love by the Artists of Cape Fear

for the benefit of First in Families

Now you can hold fifty four original works of art in your hand. This charming and unique deck of playing cards features paintings by local Cape Fear artists.

Every deck of cards sold raises funds to help First in Families in their work with persons with developmental disabilities. Purchase yours at Spectrum Art & Jewelry for only $25.

Included in the deck you'll find paintings by Spectrum artists: Star Sosa, Nancy Noel May, Jane Faudree, Anne Cunningham, Kristin Gibson and many more local talents.

The Queen of Hearts cordially invites you to the

Cards of heART Tea Party and Fund Raiser

Saturday, October 24th

4pm - 7pm at the New Hanover County Arboretum

The original paintings will be auctioned off starting at 6pm.

Meet the Cards of heART Artists

while enjoying tea and refreshments with the

Queen of Hearts, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and more.

There is a suggested donation of $20

For more information call 910-763-4545 or 910-350-2737

All proceeds benefit First in Families

Spectrum Art & Jewelry is featured in CNN Money

CNN Money has recently run a feature of the 50 best places to launch a small business. It turns out that Wilmington ranks #14 in the mid-size towns considered. But I knew that already. They chose yours truly and Spectrum Art & Jewelry to talk about why Wilmington, NC is such a great place for small businesses. Check out my feature by clicking here.

From the first day I visited Wilmington, I found the people and the business climate to be very open and friendly and conducive to opening a store here. I could have gone to a large city and maybe been more successful, but I was always drawn to the small town atmosphere here. It has proven to be a wonderful place to live, work and do business.

Spectrum Art & Jewelry has been around for over 12 years now and we are still growing and evolving. We are in our third consecutive location, a bigger, brighter and better located spot than ever before. It is such a treat to earn a living doing what I love and working with delightful people and customers. I intend to keep doing this for a long, long time.

Hope to see you all soon!
Star

1st Annual Pink Chick Parade at The Forum

As most of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To draw attention to the cause and to raise money for the Pink Ribbon, The Forum shopping center will host its first annual Pink Chick Parade along Military Cutoff Road.

For $125 - the cost of a mammogram - sponsors can adopt a 5 foot tall Pink Chick to join the parade. These eye-catching ladies will stand as a symbol of your support to the cause of finding a cure for this dread disease. Your adopted Chick can be personalized with a message to honor or remember a friend or loved one.

The Pink Chick Parade will remain on display throughout the Month of October, marching down the greenway along Military Cutoff Road, in front of the Forum Shopping Center.

You can adopt your own Pink Chick at any of the retail businesses at The Forum. 100% of your donation of $125 is made directly to The Pink Ribbon, a local organization that funds mamograms for under or uninsured women in this region. What a great feeling to contribute to something that has a direct and tangible impact within your own community.

So join the parade!

Buy a Chick. Save a Life

New Jewelry-Affordable Prices

2 new lines have come into the gallery and are super chic! They are very artsy looking and very affordable! Come in today to see the new goods~