Winter Decorations December 2010 - January 2011
In October, Jessie and I began to brainstorm our December decorations for the gallery. We wanted to give a feeling of fantasy and softness to the space. We used bamboo to create our winter forest. We cut to length each piece of bamboo for our display. We had three boxes made to hold our winter forest. In each box we put our bamboo “trees”. Attached to each piece of bamboo we wired silver colored Christmas bulbs. Also in side each piece of bamboo we attached a small floral tube to hold water so that we can add our white flowers to simulate a growing tree. We used the flower “star of Bethlehem”. They last about three weeks and grow like a tree. In the front of the store we place our boxes, one in front of the gallery window case and one box on either side of the case. In these we put 200 mini lights and covered with the soft fabric simulating snow. In the two cases on either side of the showcase we put the bamboo trees. We carried the theme through out the store adding some taller bamboo trees behind the showcases in the store and hung the fabric from floor to ceiling in a few places, creating the softness reminiscent of a new fallen snow. We carried the theme into the front showcase by adding more mini lights covered with fabric, adding some shorter bamboo for display. We have received numerous complements almost daily from many people in town, saying we have given our town a cosmopolitan feel!
America's Coolest Store!
It's almost embarrassing to admit this, but we forgot to announce that we have been named one of America's Coolest Stores! This declaration was made by "Instore Magazine" a jeweler's trade and style magazine. The magazine featured a 5 page spread of our gallery, including images, a write up, and synopsis of an interview with Thomas. Check out the article with this PDF:
or at this link! http://www.instoremag.com/instore/best-stores/coolstores/5046-cool-store...
We're pretty excited by the designation, as I'm sure you can tell! After you read the article, come check out our physical location as well at 11 Elm street in Camden, ME!
Airport Ad
We have such a diverse population of people in Maine, we have found it is difficult to reach them all effectively via traditional media outlets. In addition, we have thousands of visitors visiting our state every year. We have found that advertising in the Portland airport is great at reaching a broad demographic. Nearly everyone who travels in and out of the state by air travels through the jetport. We created a flash presentation that plays over all of the terminals in the baggage claim area. It features pieces we have done over the years while also conveying the fact that we now carry fine gift-ware and other design articles like Steuben Glass. Check out our digital "intro" it's a great way to meet us- before you even step foot in our door.
Platinum three stone
Every time Thomas gets close to finishing a piece, there's definitely an air of anticipation among the rest of us!. Today he just finished a beautiful classic three stone setting. Platinum is an ideal metal choice for such a piece, as it wears so well. Except for some dings from wear, this ring will very likely look just as it does now a hundred years hence. This ring features a 1.50ct cushion shaped diamond in the center, set east-west and flanked by two pear shapes. Along the shank, .15cts of natural fancy pink diamonds are pavéd. Beneath the center diamond, you can see there is a 'secret' pink diamond set on each side. The client wanted a very dramatic, but also delicate look to the ring, which Thomas accomplished without adding any metal (which would make for a heavier look) by sweeping the prongs that hold the tips of the pear shaped diamonds out from the center of the ring, which you can see from the side view. We took a few photographs of the ring in progress. You can really see into the setting and see the attention to detail in the fabrication in the shots taken before the stones were set.
Images of ring before setting.
Secret Stone Revealed
Three Stone Ring Set with Yellow Sapphires and Diamonds
Copyrighted hand fabricated three stone ring in 18 kt yellow gold set with a suite of unheated natural yellow sapphires, the entire suite weighs 23.95cts.; also set set with diamond pavé accents and 6 "secret" diamonds set under the sapphires. Here we show the entire process to the fabrication of the ring, setting of the accent diamonds and then the piece entirely set.
Piece before setting.
Piece completed.
