Artist Susan Fullenbaum Making The World a Better Place!

At Jewish Gift Place, we like to promote the gorgeous handmade products that our artists create.  But we also love to promote our artists when they do something that helps to make the world a better place! This week we added the work of Maryland artist, Susan Fullenbaum, of Stained Glass Designs to our website. Susan’s work is sleek and modern and her signature glass creations are instantly recognizable! But Susan is not only a talented artist, she is a proud wife and mother and is working hard to make a difference in the world! What an inspiration! Susan recently wrote:

“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!

Jewish Crocheted Kippot and Yarmulkes

Risa has just added some gorgeous crocheted kippot and yarmulke that you will be pleased to purchase not only because they are so beautiful, but because you can feel good about buying them.

These Jewish yarmulkes are made by the women of Mayaworks in Guatemala, a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation. That means that your purchase of these beautiful kippot and yarmulkes brings income to the artisans who create them — which means better food on their family table, better access to health care and school for their children, and hope for a more stable life. With your purchase you can make a difference in the lives of a Mayan family!

MayaWorks groups are organized in many Guatemalan villages because of the considerable strengths of Mayan women, their traditional weaving capabilities, their desire to learn modern business practices, and their determination to benefit their families and communities. At Jewish Gift Place we are all about women power and we are proud to sell the work of these amazing artisans!

Check Out These AWESOME Handmade Pottery Mugs!

We just added a beautiful collection of handmade pottery mugs to the site!  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE them!!!  You think I’m kidding? I bought one for practically everyone I know!  Check out this photo, and it doesn’t even show all the ones I got!

This new collection includes Jewish mugs, as well as mugs that can be personalized with a name or phrase! The Jewish mugs are engraved with really fun phrases like “Chai Maintenance,” “Oy Vey,” and “Bubbie” – perfect as gift for a Jewish mother or Jewish grandmother who loves her morning coffee!  The 20 oz. handmade pottery mugs are made in Northeastern Pennsylvania by artist JoAnne Stratakos. These substantial and gorgeous pottery mugs are great for gift giving.  Decorative, and extremely functional, these pottery coffee mugs are dishwasher safe and microwaveable.

If you have an occasion coming up for a guy or gal and just have no clue what to get them, these mugs make the perfect gift.

I am giving/have given these mugs for the following occasions:

• Mother’s Day
• Father’s Day
• Birthdays
• Teacher’s end-of-year gift

The mugs come with a choice of flowers for $25,  or you can get a personalized mug for $30.  I know, from giving out a bunch of these this past weekend for Mother’s Day, people LOVE this gift!  You can also give the pottery mugs as gifts for Administrative Professional Day (which just passed), Hanukkah, or a housewarming gift.

Although I love all crafty things, I have a special place in my heart for pottery.  For years I did pottery.  I took classes and then just did studio time creating pieces that I use every day in my house.  I made a set of dinner plates, salad plates, small bowls, and soup bowls.  I made several big bowls for pasta and an even bigger bowl for fruit.

I think one of the most challenging pieces I’ve made are mugs, which is why I do NOT have a set of mugs in the house.  Unlike all the other pieces, there are 2 parts to the mug – the mug and the handle, which has to be joined very well into the main mug.  I don’t remember exactly why I gave up on mugs, but I just didn’t get good at it.  Maybe I’ll take a picture and show you a really ugly (but clever!) mug that I created.  I cut off about 1/2″ from the top rim of the mug, but left a piece attached, then swirled it over the edge and created a handle out of it. (Update – I found the mugs  I made and took photos – see below.)

Making any kind of pottery by hand is a big job, and although I’m sure JoAnn can throw (that’s the term used in pottery for making things) mugs pretty quickly, these are the steps that I used to make a piece:

• kneed the clay to get all the air bubbles out
• center the clay on the wheel and throw the mug
• hand-build the handle and join it to the mug
• let the piece air dry
• finish the piece on the bottom and smooth it all out
• fire the piece once
• glaze the piece
• fire the piece again

I love these pottery mugs and I’m sure you will too!

Here are photos of the mugs that I made 13 years ago and detailed photos of that mug I was talking about above – the wacky (but clever!) one never seen before!

Risa's Handmade Pottery Mugs

THE UGLY MUG

About 1/2" of the rim was cut almost off and flipped around to create the handle

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some of my own creations.  Maybe another time  I’ll show off my pottery bowls, plates, cookie jars, and pencil holders.

Passover – A Feast for the Senses!

Last week, I was in Whole Foods and saw the first signs that Passover is upon us. A trip to any supermarket at this time of year will yield rows and rows of artfully arranged and colorful boxes of matzahs, gefilte fish and, of course, my perennial favorite, jelly rings! Passover in New York!

This year, Passover begins at sundown on Monday, March 29th. After a long, cold, and snowy winter in the Northeast, Passover is joyfully anticipated. Always a feast for the senses — Passover heralds the sights and smells of spring flowers and an assortment of delicious traditional dishes on a beautifully decorated Seder table. Stemware glistening by candlelight, Grandma’s china that she brought over from Europe, and Shabbat candlesticks that will be passed down to a loving child. The scene is set for the retelling of the Passover story through traditional Jewish food and drink set amidst a gorgeous landscape of handmade serving pieces. What a beautiful Passover memory!

At Jewish Gift Place, you will find that special piece that will create these Passover Seder memories for you and your family. Our pieces are not mass produced but each is handmade with love and will stand the test of time for many generations. Just in time for Passover, we have added several new pieces to our Passover collection. Gary Rosenthal has created some incredible Passover Seder plates and centerpieces that are sure to be an awe-inspiring presence on any Seder table. Filled with meaning and Jewish symbolism, these pieces add to the story of Jewish Passover unfolding at the feast. Tamara Baskin, a new artist to Jewish Gift Place, has also created some gorgeous Passover items that we have just added to the site. (We’ll tell you more about Tamara in an upcoming newsletter).

Take a moment to scan through our exquisite Passover collection and please use coupon code PASSOVER10 now through 3/19/10 to save with free shipping on any purchase. Take this opportunity to add to your collection or start a new one for a friend. What better way to carry on the beautiful traditions of Passover than by using and handing down meaningful, handmade holiday serving pieces that can grace the tables of your family for generations to come? Our Passover collection is the work of Jewish artisans who lovingly preserve the traditions of our faith in each of their beautiful pieces.

The Ayala Bar Spring 2010 Collection Arrives & The Ayala Bar Interview

Winter is almost over and spring has arrived at Jewish Gift Place in a big, bold, beautiful way!  The only word to describe Ayala Bar’s Spring 2010 collection is breathtaking.  In fact, words cannot do this collection justice.  You really have to  see the pieces in the  Ayala Bar Spring 2010 Collection for yourself.  The colors are vibrant and fresh, the crystals are sparkling and clear, and the designs are truly inspired and utterly unique in every way.  Learn just what inspires  Ayala in the Ayala Bar interview with Risa.  Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

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!

Arts & Crafts Heaven on Earth at the Philadelphia Buyer’s Market
of American Craft

Last weekend, February 13 & 14, 2010, was an amazing weekend for me. On Saturday morning, I left my husband and 3 boys behind, took off for Philadelphia, and headed for the Buyers Market of American Craft at the Philadelphia Convention Center. With traffic on the Belt Parkway, it took 1-1/2 hours to go 20 miles, but I didn’t care – I was on VACATION!!! And what an amazing vacation it was!!

By 2:30 pm, I checked into my beautiful hotel room at the Hilton Garden Inn, went next door to the super-cool Reading Terminal Market for a yogurt and chocolate milk made on the farm of an Amish family, then ran across the street to the Philadelphia Convention Center. And entered a world that was like a dream.

Imagine the most creative creations ever made. Imagine colors that you didn’t even know existed. Imagine glass creations that look like an iridescent solar system, or glass as small as a marble with colors of the world inside it, or wine glasses that would take your breath away. Imagine clay made into the most amazing, sparkling, glimmering bowls, and fabric made into the most glamorous scarves and bags. Imagine wood combined and carved into the most unusual spectacular pieces. Imagine metal twisted and welded and mixed into the most breathtaking sculptures, and the jewelry – OH MY GOD THE JEWELRY!!! Watermelon tourmaline, pink gold, green gold, iridescent glass, marbles, stones, clay, plastic, combined, molded, designed into the most incredible pieces of art!!

I would have no problem spending a million dollars at the Philly Buyers Market of American Craft because, if I could, I would probably buy from almost every vendor there. The creations that come from the imaginations of artists is just amazing.

It’s like stepping into Oz. Everything is beautiful. Everything is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The lights are super-bright, and the colors are so bright and brilliant, blended, and mixed, and forming gradients of color combinations that could only come from a collection of the most creative minds around. Have you ever been to a high quality crafts fair where you walk up and down the aisles and gawk at the beautiful items? Imagine that times 1000. It’s larger than life.

I met my friend Jill there, and it was doubly fun because she has awesome taste and we love a lot of the same things. I think I caught her hyperventilating a few times looking at the art. Actually – I’m pretty sure of it.

I didn’t think we’d make it through the whole place in 3 hours, but we did. We walked up and down – I’d guess – about 40 aisles. There must have been about 800 artists there. The market was displayed with each medium grouped together, so it went like this (from right to left):

• Glass
• Ceramics
• Outdoors
• Kaleidoscopes
• Inspired Interiors
• Wood
• Metal
• Mixed Media
• Wearable Fiber
• Glass Jewelry
• Premier Jewelry
• Jewelry

WHAT A NIGHT IN PHILLY! A GREAT SHOW AND GREAT FOOD

Jill was only there for the day ( I returned the next day). We parted ways and my night of fun had just begun! I relaxed in my room for about 45 minutes, waited for a cab for 10 minutes, gave up, then walked in the beautiful, crisp, night air to South Broad Street, to the Merriam Theater.

Now, I’m not familiar with shows in Philly, so I wasn’t sure what kind of a production “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” would be. I love all shows – High School, College, whatever (I used to want to be an actress), so I was up for anything. What a surprise! This was the national touring company with stars from the most prestigious theaters on earth. I’ve been lucky to see lots of Broadway shows – I live close to Manhattan, and I’ve never seen a national touring company before – but this show had talent as good as it gets.

I was shocked at the great seat I got for $27.50. Row L Center Row Orchestra. Too bad a tall guy sat in front of me, blocking about 1/3 of stage right. After 20 minutes I went back a few rows, but still, orchestra isn’t as great as it’s cracked up to be. (I’m used to the nose-bleed seats and I like it up there!) Even if a little bit of someone’s head is in your way, you can’t see everything. After intermission, I went back even farther, and had the best seat!

WHAT A SHOW!! What credentials! One of the stars of the show, Howard McGillan, was “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway a record setting 2,500+ times! The other stars were also Broadway stars, as well. Deone Zanotto was an amazing singer and dancer. It was awesome seeing the 30-piece orchestra on stage with 5 violins, a harp, which is an incredibly beautiful instrument, a cello, flutes, oboes, 2 sets of drums, and more.

I knew probably one-third of the songs from Joseph, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, Sunset Boulevard, and Evita, with popular tunes such as “Memories,” “ Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and many more, which totaled 31 songs. I never saw Starlight Express, and I usually enjoy songs better when I’ve heard them before, but this show has awesome music.

It was just a a fabulous production and I think it might be worth returning to Philly, even staying the night with my family, just to see the Broadway quality shows and enjoy the town, which reminds me of a smaller Manhattan. Annie and the Lion King will be there next.

I was going to eat before the show, and figured 45 minutes would be enough but WRONG! It was the Saturday night before Valentine’s Day and each restaurant I went into was packed. So after the show I went to Italian Bistro, and for $20, I had the most awesome 4-course meal (in case you’re wondering – bruschetta, salad, tilapia with a white wine chive-butter sauce, served with grilled zucchini & mashed potato, and tiramisu – MMMMMmmm!!!) And I enjoyed the rest of my night strolling back to the hotel, reading a book, and watching part of “17 Again.”

DAY 2 IN PHILLY

In the morning, I kept to my New Year’s resolution of exercising, and rode a stationary bike in the fitness center for a ½ hour. I felt a little lame about it, peacefully pedaling away while the 3 women next to me were running on a treadmill huffing and puffing for a ½ hour.  (Maybe I should have turned up the resistance?)

After burning off those few calories, I had a great breakfast at the hotel (included in the hotel fee) then I went back to the Buyer’s Market. I thought for sure I’d be there only about an hour – after all, I’d seen in all. But I was very wrong. There were pieces I was seeing for the very first time, and I’m sure if I walked those same exact aisles five more times, I’d be seeing things I’d never seen before. There’s just so much to see and ponder and stare at.

It was on Sunday that I bought things from new vendors that I’m excited to share with you.

WATCH FOR NEW ARTISTS AT JEWISH GIFT PLACE

Sandy Katz – Sandy makes the most incredible mezuzahs made out of iridescent glass. The colors are unbelievable and I’m sure, even if brilliant, sparkly and, bright colors are not your style for your home, you will enjoy just looking at these amazing mezuzahs.

Naturally Wood Creations – Gary Markow makes beautiful and clever wooden menorahs out of different types of wood that can be configured to make your own creative menorah design. He also makes personalized menorahs out of children’s blocks. These are a great gift for kids and even as an engagement and wedding gift. And he makes beautiful Challah boards with the prayer laser etched into the wood. I have a good feeling about all of these items.

Tamara Baskin – I have been admiring her pieces for years. She makes the most beautiful Passover Seder Plates, mezuzahs, menorahs and other incredible Judaica. I look forward to adding her pieces to the site.

MudWorks & Friends– On the fun side, JoAnn Stratakos makes the most clever pottery mugs. Now, I’m biased towards all things pottery. I used to make pottery. Her mugs are very very cool with Yiddish and Hebrew phrases on them, such as Chai Maintenance (with the Hebrew letter), Shalom, Oy Vey, Bubbie, and more. She’ll even stamp whatever name you want on the mugs. These substantial mugs will sell for $25 and will make the perfect gift for a Hebrew school teacher, friend, or anyone. You can’t go wrong with a handmade pottery mug!

M.O. Judaica – Moshe Ozery makes beautiful personalized Hebrew name necklaces and wedding bands that include the standard sayings or create your own.

I met up with many vendors whose works I already sell, such as Gary Rosenthal (the very first vendor I ever bought from), Eduardo Milieris, Steven Bronstein of Blackthorne Forge, Emily Rosenfeld, Gloria and George Gabriel of Infinity Art in Metal, Jan Lanier of Silk Bijoux, Beatriz Kelemen of K4 Glassart, and Michal Golan. They have all added the most creative new pieces to their collections, which I hope to get on the website soon, as well.

REFLECTIONS OF ARTS & CRAFTS IN MY LIFE

For two days I was in Arts & Crafts heaven. Arts & Crafts was my first passion and is a continuing passion in my life. I remember being so excited in the first grade when my painting was chosen to hang in the local bank on Kings Highway in Brooklyn.  Throughout the years, I made beaded jewelry, hats, and woven baskets. In my last year of high school, I did a 6 month internship at New Youth Connections where I was the Arts Editor. During the summers of high school, I was the Arts & Crafts counselor in a day camp. After college, I took classes in oil, acrylic, and water color painting. I took pottery classes, calligraphy, and still enjoy any arts & crafts project. I was thrilled to discover web design 10 years ago, and I have designed over 30 websites.

Now, I think I’ve found my ultimate passion – getting to travel and buy these incredible crafts and sell them to you. This is coupled with another passion – web design and SEO (designing my website and getting it found in the search engines). Every time I add a new artist to the site, or a new piece, and someone buys it – it’s affirmation that someone out there loves and appreciates these beautiful pieces as much as I do.

In a world where it seems like almost everything is mass-produced and attention to detail is overlooked in order to produce a product faster – immersing myself in the world of handmade crafts, where I got to meet and talk with the artists who are so passionate about their crafts – was a wonderful collective meeting of the souls where handmade crafts are not only treasured, but a way of life for these artists.

GOING HOME

Four hours later, I walked the last aisle in the Philly Convention Center, grabbed a sandwich at the Reading Terminal Market, some flowers for my hubby, some homemade chocolate chip cookies for the family, and headed back home to Long Island in no traffic to my wonderful family to celebrate Valentine’s Day together.

What’s New With Gary Rosenthal

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — Gary Rosenthal is the busiest worker bee in the hive! He is always creating something new or getting involved a new charitable cause. I thought I’d give you an update on what’s new with Gary Rosenthal.

New Gary Rosenthal Interview

Yesterday, Risa updated our Gary Rosenthal Interview. We all know Gary Rosenthal is an incredibly talented artist but, what sometimes gets overlooked, is what a catalyst he is for being involved in service to the community. Gary created a foundation, aptly named Art as a Catalyst, to use art as an engine for social change and community involvement.

In the interview, Gary discusses a new line of woven Judaica that he is producing with the help of two autistic workers in his studio. Gary says, “I like to say that all of my staff/associates do what they do better than I would do. No where is this clearer than with my autistic associates. Everyone is different, but John and Tim love to work on repetitive tasks where precision is critical. Weaving is a favorite task and the more the better. After the mezuzahs were so successful, I was determined to create more woven items so that eventually I could hire another autistic staffer for just that collection. That is still my hope.”

Gary Rosenthal has worked with the Autism Society of America in the past, so this is clearly a cause that is near and dear to his heart. Gary’s beautiful woven pieces are certainly popular! Let’s hope Gary is able to fulfill his dream of hiring more autistic staffers. Giving work to those with special needs is really a noble cause.

Gary Rosenthal Musical Jewish Gifts!

Gary Rosenthal has launched some new products that I am incredibly excited to tell you about! Gary has added a line of musically themed Jewish gifts! The pieces are comprised of musical notes and are so unique! He has created Gary Rosenthal mezuzahs, menorahs and dreidels which are stunning!

I can think of so many occasions that this would be perfect for! This would be a great Jewish gift for a music teacher, someone getting a degree in music, a service award for an organist at a temple, or a Bar or Bat mitzvah kid that walks around with an Ipod day and night! I am so glad that Gary branched out into musical Jewish gifts and I know that our customers will just love them!

Gary Rosenthal New Orleans Streetcar Tzedakah Project

Gary Rosenthal has also been busy working on other charitable causes as well, in particular the New Orleans Streetcar Tzedakah Project. His special tzedakah box is created in the likeness of New Orleans’ famous streetcars and was commissioned by a member of the New Orleans Jewish community to thank those many friends of New Orleans who have contributed their time, energy, and financial resources to rebuild the community.

Some of the Gary Rosenthal Streetcars will be given as gifts to deserving individuals, while others will be made available for sale as a way to raise funds to be donated to a worthy New Orleans charity. Gary Rosenthal will donate 10% of his proceeds from the sale of each of these tzedakah boxes to the New Orleans Jewish Federation. Each tzedakah box is signed and numbered by Gary Rosenthal. Purchase the Gary Rosenthal Limited Edition New Orleans Streetcar Trolley Tzedakah Box online at Jewish Gift Place.

Actor Henry Winkler Receives Gary Rosenthal Collection Award

Next I’d like to tell you about a bit of older Gary Rosenthal news that I just heard about. For those of you who are big fans of Henry Winkler, better know as “The Fonz” from the old Happy Days show, you’ll be interested to know that he was presented with the Inspiration Award for his dedication to the Jewish community throughout his career. What better way to thank him than by presenting him with an award created by artist Gary Rosenthal! How great!  Here he is pictured with his award.  What an honor for both Henry and Gary!

FREE Gift With Every Purchase Over $100! A GARY ROSENTHAL DREIDEL!

Jewish Gift Place is giving away a gorgeous Gary Rosenthal Dreidel as a gift with every purchase over $100! This is a $20 value so take advantage of this special!

See you next time!