A Great Time at the NY International Gift Fair!

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.

Playing with Glass?

Many years ago – okay, I am really dating myself here –  way, way back in the 70′s, there was a little TV show that was just starting out called Saturday Night Live.  Perhaps you’ve heard of it?  I’m talking about the original version with the original cast – specifically,  a show that aired in Season 2, in 1976.  I was a kindergartner about that time so I don’t think I watched this episode live, but I must have seen it later on a “Best of…” type show.   It’s about the holidays and it focuses on a character played by Dan Aykroyd, who is almost always hilarious.  With Hanukkah and Christmas fast approaching, I really wanted to share this with everyone, while introducing a really cool, really fun, awesome new gift we just got at Jewish Gift Place.  So hang in there with me and you’ll see where I’m going with this…

In this episode, Dan Aykroyd plays Irwin Mainway, the sleazy President of Mainway Toys, who is being interviewed by a reporter investigating the safety of Mr. Mainway’s so-called “harmless” toys.  His company is the maker of such wholesome playthings as  Pretty Peggy Ear-Piercing Set, Mr. Skin-Grafter, and Johnny Switchblade.  But the skit got laugh-out-loud funny when the reporter holds up a giant bag of bits and pieces of jagged glass.

Here is an excerpt from the actual skit:

Irwin Mainway: Yeah, right, it’s you know, it’s glass, it’s broken glass, you know? It sells very well, as a matter of fact, you know? It’s just broken glass, you know?

Consumer Reporter: [ laughs ] I don’t understand. I mean, children could seriously cut themselves on any one of these pieces!

Irwin Mainway: Yeah, well, look – you know, the average kid, he picks up, you know, broken glass anywhere, you know? The beach, the street, garbage cans, parking lots, all over the place in any big city. We’re just packaging what the kids want! I mean, it’s a creative toy, you know? If you hold this up, you know, you see colors, every color of the rainbow! I mean, it teaches him about light refraction, you know? Prisms, and that stuff! You know what I mean?

Consumer Reporter: So, you don’t feel that this product is dangerous?

Irwin Mainway: No! Look, we put a label on every bag that says, “Kid! Be careful – broken glass!” I mean, we sell a lot of products in the “Bag O’” line.. like Bag O’ Glass, Bag O’ Nails, Bag O’ Bugs, Bag O’ Vipers, Bag O’ Sulfuric Acid. They’re decent toys, you know what I mean?

The entire skit was just  two characters - it was one of the funniest I have ever seen and you can watch it here at SNL – Irwin Mainway.

My family still jokes around the holidays that if you’re not good, you’ll get a Bag O’ Glass!

So,  when is it okay to play with glass?  When its safely housed inside a kaleidoscope!  We carry some really unique kaleidoscopes that are amazing works of art and we have just added something new to this category - these awesome kaleidoscope necklaces by Healy Designs.  These genuine sterling silver necklaces are superior in their quality and attention to detail.

The pendant is a working kaleidoscope filled with little bits and pieces of beach glass, crystal gems, and dichroic glass, which has a shimmering quality to it.  When you spin the cylinder, tiny mesmorizing patterns and designs of rainbow colors are formed.  What makes the kaleidoscope even more unique is that the pendant is also a mezuzah - with a  Shema on parchment inside -  accented by a Star of David charm dangling on the outside.

I can think of so many occasions that these necklaces would be perfect for – a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a special birthday, Hanukkah, Mother’s Day, any day you want to celebrate.  I love that the mezuzah kaleidoscope combines faith and fun and can make anyone feel like a kid again.

Deborah and Kevin Healy, the talented artists behind these enchanting pendants, say it best : “The swirling colors and patterns of kaleidoscopes have enabled us to add a new dimension to how our jewelry may be enjoyed.  As artists, we feel fortunate to participate in the revelatory and peaceful world of kaleidoscopes.”

Guaranteed to be so much more fun – and a whole lot safer – than the Bag O’ Glass!

A New Year – New Artists! 2 New Husband and Wife Teams

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…

The Michal Golan Evil Eye Rings Are Here!

Michal Golan Evil Eye Ring

Can you tell that we are excited?  Who would have ever thought someone would be so happy to get the evil eye!  Well, when the evil eye comes in the form of absolutely stunning jewelry from the super talented artist Michal Golan, I gladly welcome it.

If you own the bracelet and/or the necklace, you absolutely must check out these incredible, adjustable rings.  Available in twelve designs, these evil eye rings are substantial in size and the band itself is a work of art in its own right.  If you don’t own any of these Michal Golan pieces, now is the time to get one, two, three, or more!

Evil eye jewelry has always been popular, but right now, it is HOT!  Due to the overwhelming popularity of the gold evil eye necklace as seen on Melissa Gorga of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, we decided to bring you these rings, to either complete your set, or maybe start your collection.  We have some great info on the history of the evil eye and evil eye jewelry if you are curious about what all the buzz is about.

I know I might sound crazy but feel free to give me the evil eye – um…the ring, that is!

Soaring to New Mexico with Sky West

My bucket list includes a trip to the Southwestern region of the United States, to view the Grand Canyon, to bask in the painted desert, and to learn more about Native American culture.  However, until then, I can take a virtual trip to New Mexico, through the craftsmanship and talent of Charles Fleckenstein, the artist behind the scenes at Sky West.  Charlie’s medium is wood inlay and often he will accent the wood with a semi-precious stone, and when the two looks combine, the result is what I imagine the expansive Southwest to be – breathtaking!

The skill, the workmanship, and the overall effect that Charlie creates is amazing!  When I first saw these pieces, it was hard for me to believe that the mezuzahs were actually different types of wood and were not hand painted!  But it’s true.  Mezuzahs are solid wood with so much intricate detail that the animals on Noah’s Ark seem to come to life and nighttime in Jerusalem actually features a darkened sky lit up with tiny silver stars.  These effects are accomplished through the use of carefully selected and hand cut inlay woods such as black ziricote, red tulipwood, white olive, purple kingwood, deep red cocobolo, and cordia.

The large and small hinged boxes are made from American walnut and the interiors are lined with black felt, to protect cherished valuables.  They are handsome and symbolic, featuring the Star of David accented with beautiful turquoise inlay, a semi-precious stone long associated with the Southwest.  I have always been a big fan of bringing nature indoors whenever possible.  It seems to me that it’s good for the soul.  That must be why people keep houseplants and tiny bonsai trees.  Unfortunately for me, I tend to kill any plant life that comes into contact with me.  That’s why I love the idea of objects made from or inspired by nature, like these beautiful gifts from Sky West.

My daughter has always been fascinated with making things and she was so inspired by these incredible works of art that she decided to join the woodworking club at school!  She even has a favorite wood – walnut.  All of Sky West’s pieces are made from domestic and exotic woods. They are proud to support the National Arbor Foundation, an organization that helps protect the world’s forests.  All of their gifts are shipped with information cards with descriptions and care instructions, so these remarkable pieces will be sure to give you many years of joy – no green thumb required!

Introducing Artist Steven Cooper, Metalsmith

This fall, Jewish Gift Place is excited to share a wonderful collection of designs by acclaimed metalsmith, Steven Cooper.

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.

Ayala Bar’s Fall 2011 Collection Reflects Season’s Hottest Trends

This year’s Ayala Bar Fall 2011 Collection reflects the season’s boldest trends. The upcoming fall designs are all about variety, and Ayala Bar’s four different collections give you the opportunity to find whatever look suits you best. This fall season, trends lean toward large statement pieces, and keeping it unique. Colors are vibrant and bold, although a little more subdued going into winter. Ayala’s new collection encompasses all of these trends and, wearing these gorgeous new looks, you will most definitely stand out.

As always, Ayala Bar’s collection is comprised of four distinct lines: Hip, Radiance, Classic and Signature. This year’s Classic Collection is in keeping with the traditional Ayala Bar look, displaying beautiful jewel tones and intricate designs. Each piece is distinctive and exciting, and sure to make any outfit pop. The Sapphire Lace look is especially gorgeous, its deeper colors perfect for fall into winter. The Hip Collection sports vibrant and creative pieces, as well as four stunning limited edition necklaces. This collection contains an array of colors and patterns, sure to set you apart from the crowd. The Radiance Collection is particularly beautiful, mixing colors that pop with elegant, lighter tones. These stunning pieces are eye-catching, yet softer and a bit more understated than the other collections. The Prickly Pear line includes a necklace accented with a feather, one of the season’s biggest trends. The Signature Collection is particularly versatile, able to be dressed up for a night out, or worn casually during the day. All of these collections are bold and different, and definitely in keeping with today’s trends. Make a statement with these stunning pieces.

Melissa Gorga Evil Eye Necklace as seen on Real Housewives of New Jersey

This week while watching the Real Housewives of New Jersey, I spotted an evil eye necklace on the show’s new star, Melissa Gorga.  It was a really pretty gold and crystal necklace with a multi-strand chain and it was very eye-catching. I pointed it out to my mom (Lana) who is an avid Housewives fan and she said that, on first glance, it looked a lot like a necklace that Jewish Gift Place sells by Israeli designer, Michal Golan. I mentioned to her that I thought she should blog about it, in case fans of the show were looking for it! For some reason, she really wasn’t jumping on the idea, so I decided to take matters into my own hands!

After rewinding and carefully reviewing the footage a couple of times, I realized that this was, in fact, the necklace that she was wearing! A quick search of Melissa Gorga’s blog led me to discover that it was a very popular necklace and that fans were trying to hunt it down! Melissa wrote: “I have been getting a lot of requests for the evil eye necklace that I wore on the show last week.  I called the store that I bought it from but they are sold out so now I am on a search for it for all of you!  As soon as I find it, I will let you all know where you can get it from! There is a box on my site where you can enter your email address, sign up and I will send an email to everyone when I find it!”

Very excited, I contacted a blog that writes about the fashion of the Real Housewives, www.BigBlondHair.com, and they got the word out that you can find Melissa Gorga’s Evil Eye Necklace at Jewish Gift Place! Other blogs followed – www.Housewifestyle.com and www.the-budgetista.com! The phones have been ringing like crazy and the orders are pouring in! This necklace is so hot! My mom brought the necklace home yesterday and I got to see it in person! It is gorgeous! I can picture wearing it with a black dress or a white tank top this summer! It really catches the light!

Sizing of the Michal Golan Evil Eye Necklaces: Michal Golan evil eye necklaces come in various sizes — from petite to large. It can get a little confusing so we’re posting this picture to give you an idea of the size of the necklaces. The crystal and gold evil eye necklace that Melissa Gorga is wearing is considered a medium. This image shows the necklace sizes: (from top to bottom) medium, small, petite and a quarter for comparison.

Evil Eye Symbolism: There is a lot of symbolism behind the evil eye. One of my friends happened to be over yesterday when my mom arrived and showed us the Melissa Gorga necklace. My friend thought that it looked very Egyptian. That’s because this symbol has been seen in many cultures for thousands of years! Everything (and I mean everything!) you ever wanted to know about the symbolism of the evil eye can be found in our collection of articles on the subject, which is called, “What is the Evil Eye?“

Welcome New Artist Patrick Meyer! Spotlight on Pomegranate Judaica!

On behalf of Jewish Gift Place, I am very excited and pleased to welcome a new artist, Patrick Meyer, and to highlight one of his stunning pieces, the Pewter Pomegranate Kiddush Cup!

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.

Real Housewives of Orange County Love The Evil Eye!

If you were lucky enough to catch last night’s season premiere episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County, entitled “Amped Blondes and Evil Eyes”, you saw that the Evil Eye symbol has made it to high fashion! (And, if you know these catty ladies, you know that it’s not a moment too soon!)

In this episode, Tamra Barney had a house party where she was selling Evil Eye apparel and it was certainly a hit with the ladies! Then, in true Real Housewives fashion, the evil eye was brought to center stage when Gretchen Rossi stated that she could use the evil eye to protect herself from her host, Tamra! That didn’t go over well! A fight, with name calling, ensued! Lots of fun for the fans!

What is the Evil Eye?

The term evil eye refers to a power that some are said to possess that can inflict injury or bad luck on others. This harm is said to be directed by an envious look or a look of ill-will. The evil eye symbol on evil eye jewelry is said to protect the wearer from this form of negative energy.

The Jewish Evil Eye

The symbolism of the evil eye is found in many faiths and many cultures. The Jewish evil eye has a strong history. Dating back to Talmudic times, Jews have been wearing charms around their neck to guard from the Evil Eye. In some cases, the evil eye is defined as envy. In traditional Judaism, the one who casts an evil eye may not actually be at fault, but may suffer from an extra level of envy that only God may recognize. It has also been suggested that belief in the evil eye may be alluded to in Moses’ 10th Commandment, which states, “You shall not covet anything that is your neighbor’s…[his] house, field, manservant, maidservant, his ox, ass, or anything [else]…”

Evil Eye Jewelry

Jewish Gift Place is proud to carry a stunning line of evil eye jewelry. Our Michal Golan evil eye bracelets are hot! Reasonably priced at $45.00, they make the perfect gift for yourself or those you want to protect! If you plan on taking a trip to the OC in the near future, I’d recommend one!!

Check out a video of one of our evil eye bracelets below!