My favorite section at NYIGF - Handmade/Designer Maker

The New York International Gift Fair at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC is AWESOME!  It is an incredible, unique opportunity to meet thousands of vendors.  Although I specifically look for handmade Judaica, there are millions of products in the following categories:

• General Gift
• Tabletop & Housewares
• Accent on Design
• Baby & Child
• Handmade Global Design
• At Home Featuring Home Textiles
• Personal Accessories
• Handmade Designer Maker

It's a miracle! No traffic!

I visited the NYIGF on Sunday, January 29, 2012, but first I have to brag about how fast I got to Manhattan.  I left my house at 10:15 am and walked into Javits at 11:05, which was just amazing!  I don’t think that has ever happened before or ever will again.

Although I love this show and will probably never miss it, the number of Judaica artists that come to this show is limited and it is a challenge to find new artists who make things that I love.  I am very appreciative that I get contacted by artists at least once a week, so hopefully I will always be finding new artists to add to the site.  At this show, I discovered three new artists, and I am very excited about showing you their pieces.

There are two different types of vendors that I buy from – one is the artist that primarily makes Judaica.  The other is the artist who makes beautiful jewelry, and in their entire collection, they have only a few pieces of Jewish jewelry. It’s not really easy to spot these artists because they might have 100+ pieces of jewelry on display, and maybe only a handful of Jewish pieces with a Star of David, a Chai, or a Hamsa on them.   When I’m walking up and down the aisles with limited time, there really isn’t time to study every single vendor’s line.  However, some artists have jewelry that is so striking and so beautiful, I stop to look anyway to gawk, and hope that there is something Jewish there.

Jewelry of Zina Kao

This is how I discovered Zina Kao.  The show was over at 6 pm and I was speeding up and down the ‘Personal Accessories’ section  at 5:45 with only minutes to go to discover someone new.  I stopped to look at her beautiful and simple jewelry.  I quickly scanned over everything in her booth in search of something Jewish, but couldn’t find anything.  So I asked her if she had anything Jewish and she said that she did have a small Star of David, but it was not on display.  She had other small symbols like a peace sign, a heart, a cross, a star, so I was able to imagine what a Star of David would look like.  I then proceeded to design 6 pieces of jewelry, based on her other designs, that would have the star on it.  I can’t wait to see these pieces!  One of the necklaces I got is that peace necklace but with a Star of David.

Island Cowgirl jewelry

Another artist I discovered is Island Cowgirl.  I really discovered her a few years ago, but at that time, she only made one necklace with a Star of David on it, and with minimum opening orders, I couldn’t commit to buying 10 of one piece.  So, I was very happy to visit her booth and discover that her Judaica line expanded to other pieces.  She makes very cool jewelry with a modern look on leather.  It is always a challenge finding nice Judaica for boys and men, and her pieces are great for both men and women.

The last artist I discovered is C.J. Arts, who makes the coolest Judaica out of Jerusalem stone.  I’ve wanted to buy from them before, but large pieces like a Passover Seder Plate, and a menorah, and even mezuzzahs, are very heavy and the shipping fee from Israel is prohibitive.  Now they have jewelry in their collection, and I bought 6 pieces that are really amazing (and much less expensive to ship).  They are made out of Jerusalem stone and come with a certificate of authenticity.  All of the pieces I bought have the Shema on them and are great for men and women.  I hope you love them, too!

Jewelry made from Jerusalem stone by C.J. Art

It was great catching up with the artists who are already represented at Jewish Gift Place.  I visited Emily Rosenfeld, who has a few really nice new mezuzahs, many new necklaces for men and women, and new word bracelets.  I saw Gary Rosenthal and his mom, Ann, who has great new mezuzahs and candlesticks and a new Passover Seder Plate.  Cynthia Gale was there with her daughter and Eduardo Milieris was there with his daughter.  Ilan Baskin and his dad were there and they have an incredibly beautiful new Seder Plate that I can’t wait to add to the collection.  Sara Beames has incredible pieces – I need to add more of them to the site.  Michael Bromberg has great new mezuzah pendants.  Michal Golan has many more hamsa necklaces and wall hamsas I need to add to the site.  Ayala Bar’s Spring 2012 collection is gorgeous and Seeka  has dozens of pieces that are strikingly beautiful that I need to add.  I said ‘hello’ to Whitney and Howard of Whitney Howard Designs, Patrick Meyer, and Steven Cooper.  He makes beautiful Hebrew name jewelry, so I want to get those online, as well.  So, there’s lots to do….

I’ll keep you posted when I get these new pieces online.

What better way to celebrate the New Year than to introduce some new artists to Jewish Gift Place?  We have been working hard, adding so many new and  incredible pieces to the site, and we wanted to share the news with everyone.  Two of the newest design studios to join us happen to be husband and wife teams.

First, we are happy to introduce Curtis and Sheron Rowland of Ildanach Studios, who bring us their beautiful, therapeutic copper jewelry all the way from Colorado.  They have provided Jewish Gift Place with exclusive Star of David copper bangles, earrings, and necklaces.  Did I mention these pieces are exclusive to JGP?  Although all the jewelry is amazing in their organic and earthy appeal, I just cannot put down the smokey quartz necklace.  The way the grayish brown hues and copper play off each other is so beautiful, so calming, just such a presence.  I love, love, love gemstones and all kinds of rocks and minerals with their natural, intrinsic colors and hues.  This necklace delivers all that and more, including a Star of David copper pendant and a pure copper clasp.  This necklace is a terrific Hanukkah gift at an even more terrific price.  If you know someone who loves smokey quartz or is a rock hound like me, you will not disappoint them with this gift.  Learn more about the therapeutic benefits of Ildanach Studio’s copper and take a look at our exclusive line when you get a chance.  They get extra kudos because they are a green certified site and utilize recycled materials in all their pieces.

I mentioned that we had another dynamic husband and wife duo.  Meet Howard and Whitney Schwartz, proud parents of three, and owners of Whitney Howard Designs.  Out of their studio in California comes some fun and inspirational heartfelt pewter jewelry that would make great, affordable Hanukkah or anytime gifts.  Their jewelry is made from lead free, recycled pewter, so kudos to Whitney Howard, too!  Another really cool idea is to design and personalize these pieces to create your own custom jewelry for your Bat Mitzvah or Bar Mitzvah party favors.  Completely awesome, totally unique, and earth friendly, imagine giving out blessing ring or story necklaces to your friends and family that you have designed with your own personal stamp on them!  Just give us a call or an email and we will be happy to discuss how we can help make your Bar or Bat Mitzvah an occasion to remember.

The New Year has just begun and already it is sweet for us at Jewish Gift Place and we hope so for you, too!  Please keep checking back as we will be adding even more handmade gifts over the next few weeks in eager anticipation of Hanukkah.  It’s just around the corner…

Inspired by the world around him, Cooper’s designs come to life with a minimalist style that also shines of whimsy. Cooper lives in New York’s Hudson Valley in a 200 year old renovated barn that serves as his home/studio/museum. There he labors over images of nature – trees, rocks, flowers, water – all find their way into creations of delicate jewelry, fantastical sculptures and beautiful interpretations of iconic Judaica.

As a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and its school for American Craftsman as well as the Fashion Institute of Technology, Cooper has studied with and trained with some of the best in the fields of metalsmith and jewelry design including designers from Harry Winston and Tiffany’s. All his creations flow from a single guiding principle. “Never add anything that doesn’t belong.” These words were imparted to him by his RIT teacher, the renowned silversmith, Hans Christiansen who instilled in him an eye for “clean design”. Thirty years later, the ideal still shapes and influences his work today.

VIEW THE STEVE COOPER COLLECTION

In this wonderful collection of nature inspired designs, there is plenty to see and admire. I was smitten with the Steve Cooper Pink Pearl Sterling Silver Flower Earrings. I love the pink pearls at the center of each flower. The look is so charming and stylish – perfect to wear for both day and night!

There is also a stunning array of Judaica to be found. Are you looking for a special broken  wedding glass mezuzah? Then you are in luck, Cooper’s designs are exquisite! Choose from lovely floral blossoms, gentle swaying reeds or Jewish Stars to adorn your wedding keepsake. They are available with glass in blue, green or pink.

Cooper’s menorah designs are equally superb. He captures all the elements of nature at their best. Serene bounties of leaves and flowers stand tall in lush displays like the Steve Cooper Copper and Wood Arch Menorah which boasts a cocobolo base, a beautiful tropical hardwood from Central America or the Steve Cooper Copper Flower Menorah styled simply on a fine black galaxy granite
base.

Whether big or small, each item in the Steven Cooper Collection is beautifully handcrafted to be a treasure, a unique work of art for you.

I absolutely love everything about this cup.  The detail and craftsmanship is extraordinary.  The sumptuous pomegranate looks as if it were picked straight from the garden, with its leaves and branches clinging to the stem of them cup.  I love artwork based on objects found in nature, especially when they are as meaningful and symbolic as the pomegranate.  To learn more about the  symbolism of this ancient fruit, please see our informative article, “Symbolism of the Jewish Pomegranate in the Bible and Pomegranate Gifts.”

In college, I studied medieval literature and was fascinated with life in the Middle Ages – the artwork, the music and culture, the occupations, everything intrigued me and still does.  To me, this beautiful Kiddush cup – the way the pewter stem and base contrast with the clear glass cup – is reminiscent of a royal medieval drinking vessel.  The weight and the workmanship are amazing and worthy of being set at a king’s table!

In terms of craftsmanship, the organic lines and details bring the pomegranate to life.  The base is not a true circle, but is slightly irregular in shape with hammered detail, enhancing the handmade, Old World appeal of this cup.  The stem is not straight, just as a plant stem in nature would not grow perfectly straight.  This Kiddush cup truly is a work of art and could be the centerpiece of any significant or important occasion.  We also carry the matching Patrick Meyer Pomegranate Shabbat Candlesticks, to round out and complete your holiday table as well as a fabulous collection of pomegranate judaica just in case you love pomegranates as much as we do!

There is something about pewter that always catches my eye and there is a reason that it has survived throughout the centuries, prized for its workability, value, and beauty.  Please take a look at all we have to offer in our new collection from Patrick Meyer, proudly handmade in California.

“This is a monumental year for me. I will be cycling 3,000 miles across the United States, celebrating my 65th birthday in July and my 45th wedding anniversary in September.  We will be cycling the northern route crossing Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, ending in Niagra Falls, Canada.

This is also the tenth year that I have cycled for leukemia and lymphoma and the first year that I will be cycling for Parkinson’s.  My brother Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease a few years ago and I have seen this disease manifest itself. It is scary to know that Michael and another close relative has the same disease.  It is entirely possible that I or any of my children could also be afflicted.  For this reason, I need to support both organizations to raise funds to eradicate these diseases, if not in my lifetime, than in the lifetime of my grandchildren.”

We are blown away by Susan’s efforts and by her beautiful designs! To support Susan’s worthwhile cause, Jewish Gift Place will donate $5.00 from every purchase of Susan Fullenbaum’s Judaica collection to sponsor her ride across the country for Parkinson’s Disease, Leukemia and Lymphoma through August 31, 2010. It’s a win-win purchase! Follow Susan’s courageous journey across the United States in her travel blog at http://bikersusan.blogspot.com/

Check out these and other beautiful pieces of Susan Fullenbaum’s artwork at Jewish Gift Place!

We asked the question, “What does Emily Rosenfeld like to do for fun?”

And she answered, “For fun, Emily likes to take walks and bike rides with her son and read to him. She also loves to cook, spend time in her garden and see friends.”

Well, everyone who entered the contest got the answer correct.  We put all the names in a hat and picked Sara.

She won this beautiful Emily Rosenfeld Hebrew/English Love  Bracelet.

Don’t miss the Interview with Emily Rosenfeld and the interviews with our other artists at Interview with the Artist.

Happy Mother’s Day!  I hope it is nice and sunny by you on Sunday.

Where do you get your inspiration?

From everything and anything. From day to day life: A random composition of food on a plate, a film I saw the other night, stuff scattered around the room, and so on. The list can be endless… But of course, above all, matter and material from which creativity becomes possible. Read the entire Ayala Bar interview.

Do I sound like a fan?  Well, I am and you will be, too, once you take a look at this amazing collection.  What I really love about Ayala Bar’s necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, is that they can be worn day or night, with just about anything.  The designs in the Ayala Bar collection can be worn to dress up jeans and a t-shirt for an incredible pop of color and flair, or with a simple cocktail dress to infuse your own personal style.  I can 100% guarantee the compliments you receive on your jewelry will be plentiful!

Whether your style is classic or hip, Ayala Bar’s Spring Collection has something that will appeal to everyone.  Many of the pieces coordinate, but surely no one can fault you if you want to mix and match.  It’s important to note that Ayala Bar limits her collection run to six months, so start choosing your favorites from this collection now.  Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, full of color and life.  Celebrate spring, celebrate life!

High Gas Prices

With rising gas prices and all of the unusual weather we’ve been experiencing, it’s hard not to think about our impact on the natural world and about being more environmentally conscious.

‘Green’ Celebrities

For many celebrities, being “green” is the trendy thing to do and with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz driving it home to us in their hybrid vehicles, it’s hard not to take note! But celebrities like to be both stylish and politically correct! That is why the Eduardo Milieris line of modern copper watches can be seen worn by actors on TV shows such as Sex and the City and Third Watch.

“Ethically satisfying and Fashionably Fun!”

With Eduardo Milieris’ watch designs it’s easy to be both fashion forward and environmentally conscious! This month, the fashion editor of the environmental consciousness fashion site, EcoSalon.com, remarked on Milieris’ collection of eco-friendly accessories. At EcoSalon, they believe that “style and sustainability belong in the same sentence” and that an “eco-friendly lifestyle can be both ethically satisfying and fashionably fun!”

Eduardo Milieris Watches are Eco-chic!

Green With Envy

At Jewish Gift Place, we know you want to be ‘green’ but not ‘green with envy’! So make sure you check out our new collection of beautiful, handmade copper watches from Eduardo Milieris. If you are looking for a Jewish gift or simply something to make a fashion statement, you won’t be disappointed!

Emily’s line is crafted in western Massachusetts but her journey in perfecting her craft has taken her from San Francisco to New York. Emily began her career in the jewelry industry, working for production jewelers, Lewis and Hubener. Recognizing her eye for making beautiful pieces and her love of the craft, she decided to try her hand at her own business. She started small, running her business out of a Murphy bed closet! It was not long before her talents were recognized by the artistic community. Today, her home in the countryside of Florence, Massachusetts inspires her love of nature and this is a common theme that runs throughout her work. Emily says, “I feel continually inspired to develop new designs and play with new materials and techniques.”

Emily’s work is lovingly designed with the vision of an artist. Each design starts off as a drawing which is worked without editing until Emily achieves a form she wants to bring to life. A model is then crafted and finally cast in pewter. Emily’s preference towards using pewter is an expression of her desire that her work be valued not for the materials used, but for the joy and strength that she pours into each piece. Jewish Gift Place has recently added Emily Rosenfeld’s Judaica collection and we have received great attention from our customers! Her pieces have been extremely popular after only a short time on our site. We carry the full line of Emily’s judaica, which includes many unique mezuzot, jewelry including earrings, necklaces and bracelets, kiddish cups and dreidel. Emily puts heart and thought into each piece and each is unique and inspirational. Each design incorporates the letter Shin which is part of God’s name. These whimsical items both continue and reinterpret the tradition, making a lovely gift to pass on for a wedding or bar mitzvah. Emily’s love for her work is palpable in the striking pewter pieces she creates and that is transferred to anyone who owns a piece. Emily shares, “Making my work makes me very happy; I hope owning it brings a measure of joy as well.”

I visited with the artists whose work I already carry, and bought incredible items from at least 6 more artists.

Below are some photos that I took at the show.

Ann Rosenthal (Gary’s Mom), Risa Borsykowsky, & Gary Rosenthal

Cynthia Gale and Risa Borsykowsky

Risa Borsykowsky and Steven Bronstein of Blackthorne Forge

Jacob Javits Convention Center

I am very very excited to be adding the following artists to the collection of handmade Judaica at Jewish Gift Place (coming soon):

• Edward Cohen – Ed makes the most beautiful wooden mezuzahs with the grain from the trees made in Massachusetts
• Ester Shahaf – Enamel and crystal Star of David necklaces and hamsa necklaces made in Israel
• Tel Megiddo Jewelry – Star of David and Chai necklaces made in Israel
• Yossi Steinberg – Bright enamel necklaces and mezuzahs made in Israel
• Emily Rosenfeld – Pewter mezuzahs and silver jewelry handmade in Massachusetts
• Neta Fine Art Jewelry – Incredible jewelry handmade in Israel
• Shamay & Benlulu Jewelry – Star and David pendants and jewelry handmade in Israel

AND, I’ve ordered more incredible items from the original Jewish Gift Place artists:

• Gary Rosenthal – look for an amazing wedding glass Seder plate and more new Passover 2008 items
• Michael Bromberg – look for a Jewish charm necklace and a few mezuzah necklaces
• Michal Golan – look for more hamsas, Star of David necklaces, and the rest of her collection
• Seeka - look for more of their mezuzahs, necklaces, tzedekah boxes, dreidels, and menorahs
• Steve Bronstein of Blackthorne Forge – he makes the most incredible iron Seder plates!
• Cynthia Gale – The pieces she has designed for the Jewish Museum are really incredible and has the nicest men’s Star of David necklaces I’ve seen.

Thank you to all of the customers who have visited since I’ve launched Jewish Gift Place in May 2007. The website is growing quickly with all of the new Judaica that I am representing.