Hand-made Quilts are here for another week.

The Anton Art Center has an exhibit of the wonderful "Quilts of Gee's Bend". These are hand-stitched patchwork quilts by the artisans in a remote rural community in Alabama. Most of the quilters are in their 80's and have been quilting their whole lives. It is a really inspirational show that runs thru September 8.

While you are at the "Quilts of Gee's Bend" exhibit, check out the hand-made quilts we have here at The Gift Shop. They are beautifully done, colorful, lap-sized quilts (about 4'x5' each).

Come in and see the exhibit and visit The Gift Shop. Reminder: The Anton Art Center will be closed on Saturday, September 1 ( September already?).

Go Fish!

September is almost here, but you still have time to get into the water, with these oh-so clever fish bowls by Jill Modena. The fish and their habitats are made from polymer clay. Colorful and fun, they will bring a smile to your face.

One thing more, each fish is on a spring so they gently sway in the "water". They are so cute!

Who made that?

I am always interested in which artist does a certain piece. Reading artists' bios, statements about their art, interests, and inspirations makes it all more personal for me. I hope you feel that way too.

Here at The Gift Shop, we have a book full of information about our very special artists. When some piece of art catches your eye, you can look up that artist in the book and learn more about them. For instance- you may be surprised to find that some of our artists create art in several different mediums. Maybe they have been creating all their lives, or caught the artistic bug later in life.

Check out the book next time you come in to The Gift Shop

More Jewelry? Oh Yes!

Let's talk pins. We like them. We have to have them. Wear them on your lapel, shirt or blouse, put them on a hat, add them to a scarf or shawl, or pin them to a purse or backpack. Here at The Gift Shop we have quite a selection. You will find them made from polymer clay, ceramic clay, metals, and fabric.

These colorful pins by Marje Stormont and Nancy Garcia, are made from felt, fleece, and yarn. They are light enough to wear anytime.

These polymer clay pins created by one of our most popular artists, Jill Modena, will appeal to kids, or the kid in you. 

The polymer clay pins above are on the whimsical side made by Nancy Garcia. Pay special attention to the fish pin in the lower right. It was made by Ron Cracchiolo who makes our fishing lures. He also makes pins that look like bugs!

Media Lab opens!

The reason this blog is here at all is because I learned how from a blogging workshop in my area. Then I got one-on-one instruction from the woman who ran that workshop, Maryanne MacLeod of  The Macomb Daily newspaper here in Macomb County, Michigan.

Now there will be even more help available for me, and any other would-be bloggers out there form a new "Media Lab". The  "Media Lab" is a community outreach project, offered by The Macomb Daily, The Daily Tribune, Advisor & Source Newspapers. The lab will offer free one-on-one instruction, workshops on press release writing, social media training, blogging, videography, and more. 

Still More Jewelry!

I have shared with you some of the lovely earrings, bracelets, and necklaces here at The Gift Shop. You can also choose sets of  necklaces with matching earrings/bracelets. Most can still be purchased separately, but I think you will agree that having a perfect match can be a big plus!

These are just a few examples of what we have. Contributing artists are: Elaine Kolodziej, Jeanne Krause, Marje Stormont, and Nancy Garcia.

We had a really wonderful talk this past Sunday from a fellow artist and volunteer at The Anton Art Center, Jan Dolland, about the "Gee's Bend" quilters. These African-American women, most in their 80's, have been crafting quilts their whole lives. Some of their beautiful work is on display thru September 8 in the upstairs Community Gallery. A must-see exhibit! Marvel at their work, and their fascinating  history.

Still more Jewelry! Bracelets galore!

Our jewelry artists have created wonderful bracelets for your pleasure - as gifts, or for yourself.

The styles and materials are as varied as those for our earrings and necklaces. Styles range from classic to funky, elegant to wild, organic to colorful, single to multi-stranded, frilly to traditional. Materials include: precious metals, gemstones, fiber, beads, natural elements, found objects, ceramic, polymer clay, and more.

Aren't they pretty?

Here are a few that will appeal to men.

More Jewelry! This time it's Necklaces.

Our necklaces are so varied I will not be able to describe them all in this post. You will just have to come by and see them!
I can tell you that some of the materials used are: precious metals, gemstones, polymer clay, ceramic, beads of all kinds, fabric, fiber, even leather. Styles run from elegant to wild, fine to chunky, and classic to informal. You can find colors to match any outfit.

Many of the lovely necklaces here at The Gift Shop are part of a set of  matching necklace, earrings, and bracelet.

Earrings at The Gift Shop

Each piece of jewelry here at The Gift Shop is unique, and hand-crafted by our talented artists. The choices include: bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pins, cuffs, and chokers. Some are in matching sets.

Earrings come in many styles, colors, materials, and sizes. We even have those hard-to-find clip-on earrings.

Our selection includes earrings made from precious stones, silver,and gold.

Some reflect a lighter touch, using polymer clay, ceramic, and even leather. We have something for everyone.