Emeralds & Eco-Friendly Art

The May birthstone is the Emerald…and what a perfect stone for springtime!

“The green of the emerald is the colour of life and of the springtime, which comes round again and again. But it has also, for centuries, been the colour of beauty and of constant love. In ancient Rome, green was the colour of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. And today, this colour still occupies a special position in many cultures and religions. The magnificent green of the emerald is a colour which conveys harmony, love of Nature and elemental joie de vivre. ” – Excerpt from www.gemstone.org

In sticking with this “green” theme I wanted to highlight a few of our new artists that are working with recycled, re-purposed, and alternative materials.

One of our new artists that I’m extremely excited about has been receiving a TON of local press lately and it’s easy to see why. Jennifer Merchant’s jewelry is made from acrylic, synthetic gemstones, and found imagery. I first saw her work on a Kare 11 video before the American Craft Council Show in April, and when I saw the work in person I immediately purchased a ring for myself. Her rings, bangles and earrings are colorful, lightweight and perfect for summer!

“Bold, unique, fashion-forward; Jennifer Merchant specializes in alternative material jewelry pieces that blur the line between art and fashion.” -Jennifer Merchant Design website

Have you ever wondered what to do with all of those produce bags and other miscellaneous plastic shopping bags? Minneapolis fiber artist Anne Masemore has found a beautiful and functional solution…turn them into purses and tote bags! Her colorful bags arrived last week and a few of them have already flown out the door. Perfect sizes for laptops, beach bags, or just for an afternoon of strolling down Grand Ave.

Brooklyn, NY fiber artist Caitlin Wicker, owner of Sweatertoys! makes adorable stuffed animals at a great price. After stumbling upon her work gallery staffer Linda was determined to get them into the gallery as soon as possible. I think it was the tiny stuffed squirrels that stole her heart…

“I began designing and sewing stuffed animals six years ago after the death of my sister’s very favorite stuffed bunny, Pinksey (RIP). I try to use mostly recycled materials in my designs – from that oh-so-soft cashmere sweater I accidentally shrunk to Grandma’s moth-eaten cardigan – because I like the idea of giving new life to something that was once loved so that it can be loved again! My inspiration comes from vintage stuffed animals, whose imperfections give them character.” – Caitlin Wicker

Happy Friday the 13th Craft Lovers!

Christine Simpson Forni - Carnelian Necklace

It’s the start of a busy weekend here at the Grand Hand. Owner Ann Pifer has had a busy spring checking out the Baltimore and Philadelphia Craft Shows, and now the new work has begun to arrive! Stop in to see new jewelry from Chicago, IL artist Christine Simpson Forni. Her work is sparkly, fun, and a great addition to your Spring wardrobe. Her necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings are dripping with gems such as Pearls, Pyrite, Labradorite, Carnelian, Topaz and Garnets! As soon as the work was put in the display case yesterday evening it started flying out the door, so hurry in and find yourself a treat!

Reintsema - Cashmere Vest

Another wonderful Craft Show find was “Reintsema” clothing… their elegant designs are great as layering pieces and perfect for the upcoming season. The Grand Hand just received a wonderful selection of jackets, vests, pants and silk tops. “As a partnership we collaborate on the selection of the fabrics to the finishing details. Our wearables begin with the careful selection of beautiful natural fibers including cashmere, silk, wool & linen. We hand dye, manipulate, &/or piece fabrics together to make unique textures & shapes through surface design. We then create our own designs of vests, jackets, dresses, & scarves. Because each piece is individually made by us no two are ever the same.” -Lynn Joris Reintsema and K Meta Reintsema

Other exciting arrivals this week: Devin Johnson metal accessories, and Marge Margulies pottery. Devin will be at the gallery today and tomorrow (April 13-14th) for a Trunk Show.

Not Your Average Diamond…

For the modern April birthstone, diamonds are more than just sparkle. Did you know many of our artists are working with not just the traditional white stones, but black, blue, yellow, red, gray, green, and even raw diamonds! These non-traditional diamond choices are becoming ever more popular due to their amazing spectrum of colors that give each piece a unique personality.

Do you have an Anniversary coming up? Diamonds are traditionally the gift associated with a couple’s 60th anniversary, and according to the modern gift guides diamonds are now the official gift for 10th anniversaries as well. Get your sweetheart something glitzy!

“Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.”  ~S.D. Gordon

This upcoming weekend is full of family traditions, easter egg hunts, baby chicks and tiny chocolate bunnies. We at the Grand Hand have put together our own hand-crafted Easter basket in honor of this Spring season. Enjoy! Basket: Martha Monson Lowe, Rabbit greeting card: Artists to Watch, Felted Chick: KJE Felties, Recycled Felt Rabbit Puppet: Cate & Levi, Ceramic Cup: Marge Margulies.

March = Shamrocks & Aquamarine!

With Saint Patrick’s Day one week away it’s time to “think green” (and not in the save the earth kind of way). Festive Shamrock pendants, scarves and other green goodies such as earrings, ornaments and glass coins are available now!

Jewelry by Heinz Brummel, Brian Western and Devin Johnson

Paper Shamrock

March Birthstone is Aquamarine

Our newest inventory includes many wonderful items for those March birthdays out there! Wonderful watery blues are everywhere; Aquamarine Jewelry, hand-dyed vintage linens from the James J. Hill estate, glass vases (perfect for a birthday bouquet), new Randall Darwall scarves and more. Have you filled out your birthday wishlist yet? Hurry in and ask our gallery staff about it!

Britta Kauppila and Karin Jacobson Aquamarine Necklaces

“Aquamarine stones are almost entirely free of inclusions.  Iron is the substance which gives aquamarine its colour, a colour which ranges from an almost indiscernible pale blue to a strong sea-blue.Its name is derived from the Latin ‘aqua’ (water) and ‘mare’ (sea). It is said that its strengths are developed to their best advantage when it is placed in water which is bathed in sunlight. However, it is surely better still to wear aquamarine, since according to the old traditions this promises a happy marriage and is said to bring the woman who wears it joy and wealth into the bargain. An ideal gem, not only for loving and married couples.” – from the International Colored Gemstone Association, www.gemstone.org

Stephen Vincent Design, Collection 522 - Aquamarine and Pearl Necklace