Decorate with Style this Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us, and we'll be surrounded by evidence everywhere we go.  Make your home unique by including a few pieces made by American artists!




These adorable fused glass ornaments feature snowmen, santa, a tree and a penguin.  At only $14 each, they are both excellent gifts as well as a fun way to expand your own ornament collection.

5 ornaments of fused glass.  5" tall x 2" wide.  Made in North Carolina by Back Porch Glass Chimes

Also made by Back Porch Glass Chimes, these little "tomtes" are too adorable for words.

These pieces are a bit smaller, 2" wide at the bottom, and 3.25" tall.  They make me think of a kid trying to sneak a peak at Santa on Christmas eve.   Gnomes, or elves, or whatever they are to you, they are definitely cute.  Also $14 each.

Fused glass trees on an aluminum frame, with votive behind

This trio of fused glass Christmas trees are adhered to an aluminum frame that is open in the back.  A candle cup is glued to the attached stand, so when the candle is lit, it glows through the glass so beautifully.  These are great as a trio, as well as fantastic gifts individually.  Tallest is 9.5" tall x 4.25" wide at widest part of tree.  Medium is 8" tall x 3.5" wide at widest part of tree.  Small is 6" tall x 2.5" wide at widest part of tree.

Snowman Party!  By Washington artist Heidi VanderWerff

This fused glass decorative piece stands on its own due to a wave in the structure.  Especially lovely on a mantel or other narrow shelf, this charming art glass piece will warm your heart even with a blizzard outside.  18" long x 8 - 8.5" tall as it varies across the top.

There's much more available in the gallery, so be sure to stop by soon so you can choose from the most options - before they're all sold out!

Thanks, and see you soon,

Manya and Jeff
Your Beauty Ambassadors

www.MaJeGallery.com

Show Your Distinctive Style with a Bubble Skirt

We here at MaJe Gallery do our best to help you look your best, yet stay comfortable at the same time.  As we all know, each and every day we put something on our lower half, and something on our upper half.  Have fun with it!  Play a bit!

Our new bubble skirts are just the ticket.  You can wear them three different ways!  And at only $56 each, why stop at only one?  If the color and/or size you want isn't in stock, we'll order it for you!

Midnight Teal bubble skirt

sizes

small $56.00 USD medium $56.00 USD large $56.00 USD extra large $56.00 USD

THIS COLOR CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK.  Call or Email to discover available colors.

Here's an image of the skirt all by itself.  It's shown here in the midnight teal color, which is a wonderful medium blue with a hint of green.  The wide elastic waistband is super comfortable, and holds everything in without giving you a muffin top.  All skirts come in S, M, L and XL.

Midnight teal bubble skirt, with eggplant bamboo top

sizes

small $56.00 USD medium $56.00 USD large $56.00 USD extra large $56.00 USD

THIS COLOR CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK.  Call or Email to discover available colors.

Just say no to black!  Rather, pair your teal skirt with a gorgeous eggplant top!  Here we have an assymetrical top made of bamboo.  The drapiness works beautifully with the lines of the skirt.  And it's got color, without being in your face about it.

Bubble skirt in charcoal, inside out!

sizes

small $56.00 USD medium $56.00 USD large $56.00 USD extra large $56.00 USD

We like to turn the skirt inside out on occasion.  Now you can see the strips of fabric that tie up to give the skirt the bubbles.  But with the ties on the outside, you've transformed it into a feminine marvel!  In this outfit, we've paired it with a burgundy tank top from Luxe Junkie and a black bolero jacket from Testimony.  Isn't that just an outfit to die for?

Bubble skirt without the ties.  Long, slightly A-line, and nicely flowing

sizes

small $56.00 USD medium $56.00 USD large $56.00 USD extra large $56.00 USD

THIS COLOR CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK.  Call or Email to discover available colors.

Here's the bubble skirt in the mushroom color.  It's a really great light brown that can be worn all seasons.  None of the ties are tied in this one, for a long, lean look.  The caveat here is you should be at least 5'6" tall to wear it.  We've got it paired with a funky Claudia top from Testimony, and an amazing hand-made scarf by Andi Shannon.

We have it in these three colors, shown here, at the gallery.  However, it's available in lots of different colors.  Ask to see the swatches and choose the color that's best for you.

Come on down and play with our skirts!  They are fairly flying out the door because they are so cute and such a great price!

Jeff and Manya
Your Beauty Ambassadors

MaJeGallery.com

Wine a Bit - Celebrate Washington Wines with Art

It was way back in 1825 that Washington's first grape vines were planted - in Fort Vancouver by the Hudson's Bay company.  More grape vines followed immigrant pathways across the state.

However, it wasn't until the 1960s that larger scale vineyards with commercial potential were planted by predecessors to the well-known Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia wineries.  Ever since the mid-70s, growth has been amazing leading to today's breakneck speed of a new winery opening nearly every 15 days.

Now, it is such an engrained part of Washington culture that it is difficult to recall a time when we all weren't extremely proud of our wine.

Of course, artists enjoy wine too!  And they enjoy celebrating our personal enjoyment of wine by creating things to help us enjoy and celebrate wine even more!

Original acrylic on canvas painting by Julie Terrell.  Canvas-wrapped edges need no frame.

  11" x 14"

In this acrylic painting by Julie Terrell, she celebrates the community that comes from sharing good wine with good friends, and the good conversations and sharing that typically accompany such events.  This particular one has sold, but a new one is on the way.  If you want dibs, let us know!

Celeste Stuhring has created a great method of remembering which wine glass is yours!  She makes fused glass embellishments that are siliconed onto the glass directly.  She also chooses the stemless wine glasses for a purely utilitarian reason - they don't fall over on the boat she and her husband often find themselves in on weekends!  For Manya, however, her utilitarian reason for preferring this kind of wine glass is that she is less likely to knock hers over when talking (as you well know, she can't seem to talk without using her hands for emphasis).

charm

Wine better with age Que Syrah Syrah Pour it, they'll come Call for more choices

Another of Celeste's fused glass wine celebration focus are these wine charms.  The chain is long enough to fit over the neck of a wine bottle when giving it for a gift.  However, most folks simply hang them up somewhere to enjoy it at all times!  There are many phrases to choose from.  Call to see what's currently available.

Here in the Northwest, our skies are dark more often than not.  That makes us all avid fans of candles and ambient lighting.  So, of course an artist came up with a way to combine candle light with a celebration of wine!  Celeste Stuhring is back to our rescue with this wonderful votive shield.  There's a votive cup attached to the back which gives it excellent sturdiness as well.  Look at the wonderful glow when the candle is lit!  These are one-of-a-kind, so give us a call so we can show you what's available.

Henrietta Glass out of Rhode Island makes these beautiful blown glass wine bottle stoppers, which are available in a wide variety of colors.  They have a double wall, making them very strong and durable.  Plus, the graduated rubber stopper works on a variety of bottle necks too.  Just $22 each.  Call for color choices.

These are some great ideas for gift giving to friends who enjoy wine!  And be sure to check out the great selection of wine-themed cards we just got in, too.  Whether a single item, or a collection of treasures, you can honor those who share your happiest moments with you with a gift of art.  Beautify Your Friendships!

Jeff and Manya
Your Beauty Ambassadors

MaJeGallery.com
425-776-3778

Life Pendants Remind Us What's Meaningful

Life pendants by Marcia Beck are wonderful little reminders, like a talisman, to help you focus on something important to you.  They also make terrific gifts to friends who represent a particular thing in your life.

Each pendant has a sterling silver word charm.  The word is stamped on BOTH sides.  Accompanying it are 3 or 4 gems or pearls that enhance the meaning of the word.

They are selling like hotcakes, and you can buy them right here from this very spot!  They are $45 each.

It's an 18" sterling silver box chain.  The charm is sterling, and all wire used to attach the gems and pearls to the chain are sterling silver.

Each necklace comes with a card telling you how the energy works together.  I'll elaborate on that below each picture.  If the one you want isn't currently in stock, we'll order it!

Here's one of the most popular:

For a SURVIVOR, there's a pearl "to carry you through life with dignity."  The garnet is "for strength, courage and vitality."  The rose quartz is "for infinite peace."  Now you can see why this one is so popular!

On each pendant, the sterling word tab is approximately 1/2" long x 1/4" wide.  As such, each necklace is small enough to be charming and simple.  It's more your reminder to yourself than to advertise a big statement to the world.

Word Choices

Courage Life Pendant Harmony Life Pendant Option 3

 On the left we have COURAGE.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The garnet is "for strength, courage and vitality."  The smoky quartz is for "endurance.

On the right is HARMONY.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The amazonite is "to balance emotions."  The quartz is "for clarity of thought."

Word Choices

Emerge Life Pendant Devotion Life Pendant Option 3

In this photo above, we have EMERGE on the left.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The blue calcite is to "increase creativity and insight."  The amethyst is "for power and protection."

On the right is DEVOTION.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The chrysoprase is "to promote love and truth."  The kyanite is "for devotion."

Word Choices

Imagine Life Pendant Protect Life Pendant Option 3

On the left in the above photo is IMAGINE.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The labradorite is "to stimulate imagination."  The amethyst is to "spark inspiration."

On the right is PROTECT.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The onyx is "to defend against negativity."  The citrine is "to promote clarity of thought."

Word Choices

Peace Life Pendant Passion Life Pendant Option 3

Here we have PEACE on the left.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The rose quartz is for "infinte peace."  The turquoise is for "protection, luck, love and healing."

On the right is PASSION.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The amazonite is for "truth."  The chalcedony is "to nurture."

Enjoy choosing the pendant that's perfect for YOU, and where you are in life right now.  Or as a special gift for a friend!  We are happy to put it in a gift box and mail it to wherever you want.  Just say the word!

Let us know what you think!  Submit a comment!

Jeff and Manya
Your Beauty Ambassadors

MaJeGallery.com

Wear Your Scarves With Style - Try a Scarf Ring!

In the previous post, we demonstrated Five Simple Ways to Wear a Scarf.  They are the five most basic ways you'll see again and again all over the world.

But maybe you want to do something MORE with your scarves!  Then the scarf ring might be just for you.  It looks like a slightly over-sized life saver candy.  It's made of plastic, and very smooth so as not to snag any of your scarves.  

The Scarf Ring

Scarf Ring - multiples

1 only $5.00 USD 2 scarf rings $10.00 USD 3 scarf rings $15.00 USD 4 scarf rings $19.00 USD 5 scarf rings $22.50 USD

This simple little thing is just $5, and can have all your friends jealous with the pretty ways it will look.  Now you know exactly what to get them for Christmas!

Step 1: Open the scarf so it's wide, and wrap it around your shoulders.  Make sure the ends match up.  Grab each side of the inside edge of the scarf.

Step 2: Take a small amount of the fabric between your fingers, and make little points on each side.  Place them next to each other in one hand.  The technical jargon for these are "pointy dudes."

Step 3: Place the pointy dudes through the center of the scarf ring.

Step 4: Pull both pointy dudes through the scarf ring until you can feel that the tension will hold it firmly in place.  Not all scarves are the same thickness.  A very sheer chiffon scarf will pull much more through the opening.  A thicker weight won't pull as much.

Step 5: Fluff up the two ends so they are full and flower-like.  It will make a little rosette!  You can stop here, and wear your scarf just like this, with the rosette in the center.

Step 6:  Or, you can move the rosette over to one side for an assymetrical look that is very stylish.

Now you have your shoulders covered, and your hands are still free!  It's quite an elegant look.  

Step 7: For an especially elegant and artistic look, put the rosette in the center of your back...

...and then pull the scarf forward to make a cowl-neck drape in the front, like this:

Over a solid color dress or outfit of simple fabric and design, this magically turns it into wearable art.

We hope you enjoy this simple, yet stylish, way to wear your scarves!

Jeff and Manya
Your Beauty Ambassadors at MaJe Gallery

www.MaJeGallery.com

5 Simple Ways to Wear a Scarf

A scarf can turn mere clothing into an OUTFIT!  Add a scarf to a T-shirt and jeans, and voila!  Outfit.  Add a scarf to a skirt and top, and voila!  Outfit.

Let's take a look at 5 simple ways to accomplish that.  

We're going to take a black skirt and black top - a staple in every woman's wardrobe.  It's quite fine all by itself.  But look how much pizzazz a simple scarf can add to it!

1. Tie the ends and wear it long around your neck.

 We're using a 74" long scarf that's 20" wide.  It's a gorgeous silk chiffon, so very sheer and lightweight.  The black background ties it in beautifully with the black outfit, yet the brightly colored butterflies and flowers create a cheerful vision.  (Don't worry - there's a chance to purchase this one-of-a-kind scarf at the end of this blog).

To accomplish this look, simply tie a knot into each end of the scarf, and put it around your neck.  Let the long ends hang down freely in front.  Easy-peasy!

2.  Loop the scarf once around your neck, and let the ends fall freely on each side.

For this effect, loop the scarf once around your neck, and pull it down a bit so it creates a bit of a drape, like a cowl-neck top.  Then simply let the ends fall freely on each side of the cowl.

One can see more of the scarf with this, since it opens it up more than our first example.  Isn't that a pretty scarf?

3.  Put both ends of the scarf through a loop around your neck.

To achieve this look, before putting the scarf on, fold it in half the long way.  You now have a loop in one hand, and two ends in the other.

Put it behind your neck.  Put the two ends through the loop.  Make it as tight or loose as you wish.

This is a very common way to wear a scarf.  It creates a charming assymetrical look, which is especially nice on top of a solid color, like this black.

4. The Twist!

This effect begins the same way as #3.  Before putting the scarf around your neck, fold it in half length-wise.  Now you have a loop in one hand, and two ends in the other.

Put the scarf around your neck while holding the loop and ends, one in each hand.

Now, rather than putting BOTH ends through the loop, just put ONE end through.  Continue holding the loop.  Let go of the end.

Give the loop a half-twist, so you now have a NEW loop.  Put the second end through this new loop.

This is a particularly pretty look, and it lays flatter against the body than the look of #3.  For a video on how to achieve this, check out our previous blog post.

5.  Wear it as a belt!

Wrap it around your waist and wear it as a belt or sash!  Doesn't it change the mood of this outfit totally?  Simply wrap it around the waist, and make a SINGLE loop to "tie" it closed.

A double loop make a big lump, and isn't very attractive.  A single loop should do the trick.

If the scarf you choose is on the slippery side, you can keep the tie in place with a pin.

Now, if you've fallen in love with this scarf, and have to have it, here is your chance!  Check out this close-up view of the design:

It is a sheer chiffon scarf, measuring 74" long x 20" wide.  It is 100% silk.  It has a black background with red poppy-like flowers with yellow centers.  Various butterflies in purple, yellow and green flutter around the flowers so beguilingly.  It's a one-of-a-kind scarf.

 So there you have it!  5 super easy ways to wear a scarf.  Try one or two out, if you haven't worn scarves much in your life.  These 5 ways are the most common ways people wear them.

And stay tuned for more ways to wear scarves coming up!  We have SCARF ACCESSORIES that expand the things you can do with a scarf, and make them even more fun to wear!

Jeff and Manya

MaJeGallery.com

Four Peaks Amethysts

Manya has been fond of amethysts since her youth.  In fact, her very first purchase of an artisan-made craft was a cast sterling ring with an amethyst in it!  She says some babysitting money made it possible.  Believe it or not, she still has that ring today!

MaJe Gallery master faceter, Bill Booze, recently purchased a collection of amethysts mined from the Four Peaks mine in Arizona.  This mine produces some of the highest quality amethysts in the world!  They are famed for their deep purple color with vibrant flashes of red and magenta.  The paler, more lavender hued amethysts have bright flashes of pink.

One source describes the color as rivaling amethysts from the Ural Mountains, "which were used to depict the best color of amethyst."  Those amethysts are not mined, leaving us with the Four Peaks mine as the only source for the top quality amethysts.

What's so unusual about this?  Since 1997, all amethysts from this mine have gone to a single location which cuts, sets and sells them exclusively.  Our lucky Bill Booze purchased them from a man who had mined them before 1997, and we are the fortuitous recipients of Bill's talented faceting, which makes these gems just gleam.

7.5 carat Four Peaks mine amethyst, by master faceter Bill Booze.

The above ring above features a 7 carat Four Peaks amethyst.  The hand-faceting by Bill Booze brings out the maximum depth of color and takes great advantage of the flashes of magenta and red in this stone.  It's set in sterling silver with a square shape, which is quite comfortable.  This ring is currently a size 7.  It can be expanded about a half size, but due to the particular nature of this ring, it cannot be re-sized more than that.

7 carat Four Peaks amethyst, top quality stone.

This ring, shown above, is the absolute highest quality and displays a deep rich purple hue.  The flashes of magenta and red in this stone are superb.  It is set in a charming prong setting with a decorative bottom, and is on a wide, fairly thick, sterling band. It is currently a size 7, but could be made in any size.  Just let us know.

This is a large, 8-carat cushion cut amethyst set in sterling silver.

The amethyst in the ring above features a cushion cut, which is a classic shape for a gemstone that is somewhere between a rectangle and an oval.  It's very pleasing to the eye.  Due to the size of this stone, the sterling band is quite wide, giving it the appropriate proportions.  It's a big ring, and you definitely know it's on.  It's a real show-stopper!  The amethyst itself is of a lighter hue than the other two rings above, and has flashes of vivid pink.

15-carat Four Peaks amethyst on handmade sterling neck ring

The simplicity of the setting of this neck ring is very striking and bold.  The Four Peaks amethyst is a wopping 15 carats, and features the wonderful deep purple hue along with the flashes of red and magenta the Four Peaks mine is so famous for.  Bill Booze did the sparkly faceting, with lots of little facets down below that simply dance in the light.  Also a silversmith, Booze created this interesting setting himself.

Even if you are not a fan of amethyst, we hope you'll enjoy the delightful beauty created by nature itself, and enhanced by a master gem faceter with over 30 years experience and expertise.  Should you find yourself in Edmonds, Washington, stop by to see these amazing pieces of art in person!

Jeff and Manya
MaJeGallery.com