MaJe Gallery: May 2015

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Wedding Gifts They'll Cherish

Choosing a great wedding gift can take some thought. Yes, picking something from their registry is helpful and all, but it won't be something they'll remember you by.

Here are some out-of-the-box ideas to help you select a wedding gift they'll cherish they're whole life together. The best part is they'll always think of you whenever they use it!

A mosaic mirror is for an extra special gift. The mosaic frame suits a modest budget

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Seattle's Angie Heinrich studied mosaic-making with masters in Italy and Spain. The craftsmanship she applies to her mosaics is very high. Shown here is a lovely oval mirror measuring 22" x 18". Easy to hang with a picture wire on the back. This one features brick red and golden tiles - perfect for homes with warm colors. Other colors and sizes are also available - just email me with ideas and I'll send pictures for you to review.

If your budget is more modest, check out the gorgeous silver picture frame on the right. It holds a 6" x 4" photo - perfect for their favorite wedding portrait. A great gift at $62. Other colors also available - just ask.

Bud vases of copper and steel between glass

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The ancient technique of fusing metal between two pieces of glass is brought into the 21st century by Charlton Glassworks. Here we see elegant simplicity in a trio of bud vases that were created by fusing pieces of copper and steel between the glass. When copper is heated up to fuse the glass together, wonderful colors like burgundy, purple, brick and black come out in a beautiful array that's never the same twice. The steel turns a shiny black.

Due to the simple style, this design works well in nearly any home decorating style. For a special couple, get the trio. For someone less beloved or a more modest budget, just choose one.

Mid-Century inspired fused glass trays

For various reasons, you may not wish to spend a large amount on a wedding gift. Never fear! Here are some great options starting at $20.

At top left we have an original acrylic painting (this is NOT a reproduction), "Colors of Love", by Julie Terrell. For a couple who loves color, this is a wonderful gift, and easy to place, measuring 10" x 10".

At top right we have a delightful pair of Everyday Drinking Glasses, perfect for milk, orange juice, water, or whatever you want. At just $20 for a pair, that's a gift they'll use every day! Sorry, but this item is SOLD OUT.

At the lower left we have three choices of the elegant yet fun beaded salad sets by Chantal Trandafir. These are the three most popular color choices because they go with so many different types of plateware.

At lower right, a charming oil or vinegar bottle features a fused glass heart. Celebrate their love for each other and their love of cooking with this simple, elegant gift. This particular oil/vinegar bottle is SOLD OUT, but many other options are available. Let me send you images.

Of course, we have many more options in the gallery, but this gives you some fun ideas to contemplate as you plan for your weddings this summer.

Hope to see you soon,
Manya and Jeff

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Three Elegant Styles for Special Occasions

Distinctive elegance for special occasions can be a tough market to find. The mall offers the usual cookie-cutter options, which suffice for the masses. When you turn to wearable art, however, a range of new options appear that you will see capture the goal of style and elegance with grace.

As many of you already know, we also strive for comfort. It's much easier to be elegantly graceful when you feel comfortable in your clothing. For example, this first outfit is perfect for a mother of the bride or groom. But it can also take you to summer evening soirees with ease.

Hand-painted one-of-a-kind dragonfly jacket over black trousers and a gray tank

Start with the basics. Here we have the rayon knit trousers from Testimony. Remember when Katherine Hepburn wore pants? They were so classy and elegant, and about this width here. Available in XS,S,M,L and XL. Be sure to specify your size.

Top the trousers off with a simple gray tank top. This one is super soft and comfortable, made in California by Luxe Junkie. One size fits all.

This basic "canvas" can now be dressed up with a fabulous wrap or shawl. Up above, we've paired it with one of Pam Wells' incredible hand-painted silk dragonfly jackets. Starting with white silk, Pam first dyed the silk a mottled pale ivory and yellow. Then she stamped a simple floral design onto the surface with fabric paint. The inset in the back features vintage kimono silk and a few hand-sewn wooden buttons to accent it. Pam believes we must be as beautiful going as we are coming, so she always decorates the reverse side of her art pieces. Alas, this one-of-a-kind piece is now SOLD OUT.

Caron Miller Dot Mesh Shawl comes in three color options: gold, wine and black

In this image, we started with that very same basic canvas - the black trousers and gray tank top. Trade out the dragonfly jacket for one of these super light-weight dot mesh shawls by Caron Miller and a whole new look emerges. These are pleather dots sewn onto a mesh fabric, making them very easy to play with. I've done the simplest choice here by draping the shawl over the shoulders.

This shawl also looks totally smashing when worn as a scarf with your favorite jeans and a T-shirt.

Aqua Shimmer Shawl

Here's another option for the basic canvas, should you prefer a skirt to trousers. This is the Perfect Black Skirt by Testimony Los Angeles. The rayon knit fabric is cut to create the most amazing flow when you move. It's a long skirt, adding to the elegance factor, measuring 37-38" from the top of the waist to the hem.

I've topped it off here with another Testimony favorite, the Lily top in ivory. This super simple top has two layers. In front, the top layer is cut a bit shorter than the inner layer. In back, the top layer opens in a "V" shape over the inner layer. This top hides a lot of sins, making it perfect for those of us who want to hide those little rolls that don't want to go away.

Just like the other outfit, this basic canvas can now be made to become whatever you want. I've topped it off here with one of out top-selling item, the shimmer shawl by Caron Miller. Here it is in aqua, but we have other colors in store too, like lime, tangerine, magenta, silver and burgundy. These shawls are fun to play with because there's one side with lots of shimmer, and the other side has a matte finish. When draping it, you can play with those visual textures for maximum pizzazz.

And there you have it! Some great ideas for looking elegant at all your special occasions this summer and beyond. Purchase things right here on the web, or stop by the shop to try things on and check out additional options!

I can't wait to help you find the perfect thing for your summer fun.

Manya Vee