Swoon! Luminous Glass Jewelry by Michael Vincent Michaud
Breathtaking. Absolutely stunning. Introducing luminous cast glass jewelry by Michael Vincent Michaud. {applause and swooning here}
This is the first jewelry collection by Michael Vincent Michaud, son of esteemed designer Michael Michaud. Michael Vincent has studied glass making extensively with America’s finest glass artists at programs and Corning and Urban. He has collaborated with his father on Silver Seasons jewelry, designing pieces for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery in D.C., and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
We were struck by the luminosity of Michael’s cast glass and metal jewelry at market this winter. Nearly everyone walking down the aisle drew in a breath, then became entranced by the soft touches of color set within brushed gold metal frames. The softness of the finishes is unusal. And while the cast bronze is layered in gold or silver, there’s a resemblance to the distinctive green bronze metal of Silver Seasons jewelry. When we saw the name Michaud, we immediately understood the heirloom quality of this collection. Silver Seasons jewelry has been a favorite at Brooke Pottery for decades, appealing to women of all ages. Michael Vincent’s jewelry is destined to do the same with it’s fresh color palatte and classic shapes.
Left: Swirl Collar and Pendant necklaces by Michael Vincent Michaud. Stop in soon to the entire collection or browse the Brooke Pottery online shop.
Oct. 27th Trunk Show: Mary Bassham Jewelry
Spiral Pattern Earrings
Silver Circles Bracelet
Full Moon Earrings
Please join us 6-9 pm on Thursday, October 27th, as we host a trunk show for local jewelry designer Mary Bassham at the shop!
Creating organic, modern jewelry in sterling silver, gold, gemstones and pearls is a true passion for Lakeland jewelry designer Mary Bassham. After working for years as a graphic artist and teacher, Mary found her true love in artisan jewelry and goldsmithing. Mary and her husband, James, are partners in Bassham Studios. They both hold degrees in Fine Arts and have been making art for over 20 years. James’ work is more sculptural and focuses on the combination of contemporary form and function. Their Lakeland studio was established in 2005. Each piece of Bassham Studios jewelry is crafted with care. Materials are selected from eco friendly sources, and recycled materials are used as much as possible. We are excited to offer a new collection of Mary’s beautiful silver jewelry at Brooke Pottery. Please join us 6-9pm on October 27th to welcome Mary Bassham to the shop for a special Thursday on Kentucky trunk show.
Oct. 20th: Visiting Artist Kathy Plowman
Please join us 6-9pm on October 20th for a special Thursdays on Kentucky artist showcase. Lakeland artist Kathy Plowman will be in the store to meet you and show some of her more recent work. Kathy works in two different mediums, stained glass and polymer clay.
Kathy has been working in stained glass for 13 years and was trained at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. Her stained glass suncatchers and panels depict mostly nature settings including swans, butterflies and hummingbirds. The black and white stained glass swan ornaments are one of our best-selling Lakeland gifts.
Polymer clay is a newer passion for Kathy and her jewelry reflects her love of color and intricate design. Polymer clay is a man-made clay which is available in a wide variety of colors. Kathy transforms this colorful material into jewelry, figurines and individualized wall plaques with names, team spirit sentiments or inspirational words. Kathy also creates custom pieces in both stained glass and polymer clay upon request. Please join us for a fun evening with Kathy and the rest of the Brooke Pottery staff.
**This Week’s Thursdays on Kentucky Deal**
Buy one of Kathy’s necklaces and get the matching earrings free! Plus, buy one get one half off on all other jewelry in the shop. Discount applies to item of lesser value ; limit 4 items.
Brooke Pottery Jewelry Sale Thursdays 6-9pm
Remember, Brooke Pottery’s store wide jewelry sale starts this Thursday evening. Buy any jewelry item on Thursday 6-9 pm, get any second jewelry item at half price. If you had your eye on a necklace, then Thursdays on Kentucky is a great time to scoop up the matching earrings or bracelet! Or start your holiday shopping early and take advantage of our free gift wrapping service.This deal is only valid 6-9pm on Thursdays in October. Limit 4 items. Discount excludes special orders, layaway, and prior purchases.
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Brooke Pottery “thinks pink” by donating 5% of our October jewelry sales to Komen for the Cure. We also have a limited supply of pink ribbon pins by our polymer jewelry artist Kathy Plowman for a $5 cash donation to Komen.org. Thanks, Kathy!
New Jewelry by Tahmi – The Art of Woven Metal
New at Brooke Pottery week is a stunning collection of handwoven metal jewelry by Tahmi. Embedded in glass, woven sterling silver and gold wire is magnified to reveal intriguing patterns. Shop Tahmi jewelry online or read on to learn more about the artist.
We fell in love with this jewelry at market and are excited to finally share it with you! Tahmi’s new Woven Aster collection have an aster flower cast in relief on top of each glass square, with a woven “fabric” of sterling or gold wire beneath. The result is dazzling. If you are searching for statement jewelry that you can wear time and time again, with any color, Tahmi jewelry is an intriguing choice.
Left: Silver Aster Collection. Pendant, $100. Bracelet, $123. Earrings, $45.
One intrepid weaver is the source behind Tahmi Jewelry. Iowa artist Tahmi DeSchepper is inspired by ancient textiles and weaving techniques.
Tahmi DeSchepper in her studio
I don’t have any formal art or jewelry training. My degree work was in the area of ancient history, which is probably why I’m drawn to the more ancient and medieval jewelry making techniques. If it can’t be done with simple tools, you won’t find it in my jewelry. Everything I do is based on “cold” working – simple bending of wire either with pliers or with brute force. I don’t use any soldering, melting, smelting or anything that involves heat or fire with my metalworking. (Since I have a tendency to burn my fingers while making toast this is probably a very good idea!). I even consider my glasswork as done cold. The glass goes into the kiln at room temp, ramps up to fusing temperatures, then comes back out of the kiln at room temp – much safer for me than flameworking!
I relish the challenge of figuring out how to replicate textile techniques with wire. Some experiments work, and some don’t. But even the ones that don’t work yield interesting insights to base the next experiments on. So the moral of the story is to keep on trying!
Stranded Glass Jewelry by Gail Crozier
This month we are excited to add Gail Crozier’s gorgeous handmade jewelry to the Brooke Pottery shop . This Missouri artist creates her own lampwork glass beads and sterling silver elements, infusing her Stranded Glass Jewelry with personality. The style may appear simple, but Gail’s use of bright color, interesting shapes and unique wire work results in jewelry that makes a bold statement and always gets noticed. The Puzzle Link Collection (bracelet pictured above, left) combines intricately coiled sterling silver wire with vibrant glass disk beads rimmed with black and white stripes. Truly a work of wearable art! And no less fun to wear is the Ring Charm Collection. Ring Charm bracelets and necklaces practically *DANCE* with color. Very pretty! Browse our online jewelry shop –> to see more incredible designs by Stranded Glass.
New Arrivals from Barbed Wire Jewelry
We have a great new selection of Barbed Wire jewelry back in stock. This sterling silver wire and glass jewelry with architectural twist is designed to be colorful and lightweight, a fun addition to your jewelry collection. Each piece is handmade by Barbie Levy in her Baltimore studio to guarantee high quality craftsmanship. The artist’s interest in architectural lines, geometric shapes, and balance has been a strong influence on her work. Over the years we have found Barbed Wire jewelry to be timeless, appealing to women of all ages.
Pierced Earrings $43/ Clip Earrings $58/ Necklaces $34
Shop Barbed Wire Jewelry now at brookepottery.com.
Spring Flower Jewelry by Michal Golan
In honor of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day today, we’re sharing the work and story of one of our favorite jewelry designers – Michal Golan. New arrivals at Brooke Pottery this month include enamel and beaded necklaces and earrings from Golan’s pretty Spring Flowers 2011 collection.
Michal Golan has built a successful career as a jewelry designer, printer and ceramist working in New York for nearly 30 years. Golan’s distinctive designs are immediately recognizable for their ornate, intensely colored arrangements of gemstones and crystals. The work, notable for its meticulous attention to detail, highlights Michal’s mosaic-inspired aesthetic and reflects her Israeli heritage and familiarity with the intricacies of Middle Eastern Art.
Born in Haifa, Israeli, Michal Golan moved to the U.S. in 1976. She earned a BA in graphic art from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in studio art from New York University. Beginning as a 2 person team working out of an apartment and selling at craft fairs, Michal has grown her art business into a company with 40 full-time staff members. Today, Michal talented artisans produce jewelry, Judaica, belts and gifts in by hand in Golan’s New York studio. Michal Golan’s work is sold in over 1,500 stores worldwide. Brooke Pottery is proud to carry Michal’s jewelry and Judaica, and we celebrate the artistic contributions and success of this Israeli-American woman. Spring Flower Jewelry, $45-85.
Bead and Gemstone Hamsa Necklaces
Part of our new spring order from New York artist and jewelry designer Michal Golan includes her beautiful, handmade Hamsa necklaces. Encrusted with crystals and gems, each Hamsa pendant is suspended from a beaded necklace in coordinating colors. In addition to Hamsa necklaces, Brooke Pottery offers Michal Golan’s Hamsa wall plaques and key chains by special order.
The Hamsa (also known as the Hand of Fatima, the Hand of Miriam or the Hamesh hand) is a Muslim and Jewish symbol of good luck intended to ward off evil and protect against the evil eye and the envious. The Hamsa is shaped like an open hand stopping or warning an enemy. It represents the belief in the magical, protective properties of the number five in both Islamic and Jewish mysticism. Traditionally, Hamsas have been used as either wall and door plaques or as protective amulets. Hamsas have also generally contained either an eye design (representing the evil eye) or a protective prayer in the center of the palm. It has attained both religious and cultural symbolism. Israeli artist Michal Golan has tried to integrate both the cultural importance and the mystical significations of the symbol in her Judaica line. Although she has invigorated the Hamsa through the use of gems, colors and textures, she has also worked to maintain the original integrity of the Hamsa through the inclusion of traditional eye designs, prayers, and Stars of David in the center of many of her Hamsa designs.
Just In: Smart Glass Jewelry
Atlanta jewelry designer Kathleen Plate recycles ordinary glass bottles into extraordinary jewelry, lighting and art installations. We are very excited to share our new assortment of Plate’s wearable art known as Smart Glass Jewelry.
Left: Classic Coke bottle necklace and earrings
About the Artist:
Kathleen Plate grew up in rural Washington learning to maximize resources during the fuel crisis 70′s. The resourcefulness of Plate’s eco-conscious upbringing sparked her artistic creativity. It is Kathleen’s hope that her jewelry will raise a consciousness about the small choices people can make in their daily lives, which will inevitably inspire environmentally responsible choices on a much larger scale. “It’s easy for advocates to live green, but I love it when an everyday person will try to make a small change for the greater good. I create Smart Glass Jewelry to compliment outer beauty as well as inner beauty,” says Kathleen.
The Smart Glass collection ranges from simple circle earring and pendants to collars of dazzling glass drops wrapped in sterling silver. Whether you are shopping for an accessory to compliment your holiday party dress or shopping for unforgettable gift, Smart Glass is a gorgeous option. Priced $26-$125.
Think Pink: 5% of October jewelry sales donated to Komen.org
Artful. Modern. Whimsical.
Jewelry for Every Style, Every Woman
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Brooke Pottery donates 5% of October jewelry sales to Komen.org.
From sparkling dichroic glass and whimsical clay shapes to masterfully crafted fine metals and pearls, we have jewelry for every style and every woman. Even eco-friendly choices like recycled soda can jewelry. You’d probably never guess that’s the source of the pretty designs on the matching bracelet and earring set above, would you? Jewelry makes a fine gift at anytime of the year, but this month think pink! for breast cancer awareness and we’ll donate 5% of your jewelry purchase to the Susan G. Komen Fight for The Cure Foundation.
Artful Living Art Show October 1, 6-9 PM
Join us on First Friday October 1, 2010 for the Artful Living Festival of Artists on Kentucky Avenue. Over 25 artists have signed up to be part of this local art showcase. Our own Kathy Plowman will present her stained glass creations along with Brooke Pottery artists Wing Nut Photography, Mary Bassham silver jewelry and Birdhouses by Harry Smith. As always we will have wine & cheese or juice & cookies inside the shop for you to enjoy while browsing our collections American Artisan gifts. Come show your support for local art!
Special Promotion in Ocotober: Think Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Brooke Pottery donates 5% of all jewelry sales from the month of October to the Susan G. Koman for the Cure foundation. We have several new artists this month – silver jewelry by Mary Bassham, mosaic jewelry by Merrily Made including reversible necklaces (pictured below), and a new assortment of geometric Barbed Wire earrings.
July Savings – 50% Off Selected Items
American Tin Art, orig. $275
In the month of July, enjoy 50% savings on selected items at Brooke Pottery. New markdowns include:
- Textured pillar candles in scents like creme brule, dusk, and green tea lemongrass (orig. $35-$130)
- Striking platters and serving bowls by Robert Hasselle in hues of green, purple, red and black (orig. $35-$160)
- Geometric collages by Lori Daniels made with repurposed antique tin ceiling tiles (orig. $50- $290).
Stop by soon to take advantage of summer savings!
New Markdowns for July
American Tin Tiles
Creme Brule Candles
Blown Glass Jewelry in Caribbean Colors
Caribbean Jumble Necklaces
With summer temperatures rising, we’re dreaming of beach vacations almost daily. But if a Caribbean getaway isn’t in the works, at least we can fantasize about the new handblown glass jewelry in the shop. Available in vibrant caribbean colors or jewel tones flecked with gold, Penrose Design offers fun, easy to wear, stand-out summer accessories – and unlike that Caribbean getaway, this kind of summer splurge will last for more than a week! Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and watches from $25-135.
Penrose Design jewelry is handcrafted by Massachusetts artists Elisabeth Cary and Ricky Bernstein. The remarkable color and depth of Penrose glass beads is achieved through an intricate glass blowing technique of layering clear glass over a core of pigmented glass. Ricky forms these layers of 2200 degree hot glass on a blowpipe, then stretches the hot glass into 25 -foot long pencil thin rods called “cane”. Once cooled, the canes are cut into small individually shaped beads and tumbled for 20 hours to soften edges. Think of beach glass that has tumbled in the waves and sand. Next the beads are fire polished in a small oven at 1250 degrees. Fire-polishing transforms the dull matte beads into smooth glass with brilliant clarity. Finally, the handblown glass beads are ready to use in Elisabeth’s wonderful jewelry designs.
Karma Collection with Silver and Pearls
Partners for over 30 years, botanist Elizabeth Cary and glass artist Ricky Bernstein grow family, gardens and art in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of western Massachuesets. Ricky Bernstein is an internationally recognized glass artist. His work can be found in major collections of art throughout the U.S. and Europe, including the Smithsonian, the Museum of Art and Design in New York, and the Corning Museum of Glass.
