Artfully Elegant — Handmade Jewelry & Handcrafted Gifts

Everyone has a favorite animal! Here at Artfully Elegant, animals come in all shapes, sizes, and mediums (art mediums that is!) Here are some of our faves!

I’m so ‘Hop’py!

These adorable bunny earring will have you hopping along to that important business meeting, your next class, or even to your date at a great restaurant. Just don’t blame us if you’re in the mood for a salad.

$25 FIND THEM HERE

The Cat’s Meow

Are you a crazy cat lady? Sip a hot cup of Joe or your tea in style and let the world know that you love your cat. Hangout on your porch in a bathrobe or just lounge with your favorite cat hair covered blanket. (Also available in a dog version too!)

$9 FIND IT HERE

I ‘Woof’ You

What a silly guy! This happy puppy clock will happily spend time in your office, in your child’s bedroom, or even displayed prominently in your living room. Nothing get’s him down, so just a quick glance at him will cheer you up too.  

$44 FIND IT HERE

Bird’s of a Feather…

A lovely sentiment that will surely make a dear friend feel extra special, this bird ornament will tell a special person just how you feel about them while being a pretty addition to any decor.

$7.50 FIND IT HERE

Slow and Steady

This happy little guy needs your help to pull himself back together! It’s a fine motor activity for kids, or just put him together for yourself. He’ll be forever grateful and will be your best turtle buddy forever by watching over your plants or keeping an eye on your pasta as it boils in the kitchen.   

$9.60 FIND IT HERE

So the next time you’re on the hunt for that purrr-fect animal gift, or if you are just looking to treat yourself, peruse or website or stop in to Artfully Elegant! You never know what special little critter will catch your eye.

Feature Image Source

Tags: animals, gifts, under $50

Founded by Lisa Lowe, Oré Originals has a bright and colorful history. Lisa grew up in a loving family surrounded by creativity and function, so the concept of colors, prints, and patterns was part of everyday life for her. So, with a focus on useful products with a fun and creative edge, Oré Originals was started in her small Southern California garage in 1989, and it grew from there!

Founder Lisa Lowe as a child (left) and as a thriving business owner (right)

Now Oré has grown into a dedicated team that works hard together and makes things happen! They are always on the hunt for new functional product ideas that will put a smile on your face. Due to these facts, Oré Originals considers itself a design-driven company as unique as the items that it makes. So it’s no surprise that the products in their collection are sweet, quirky, and always comes in handy for the task it was made for.

The team at Oré Originals

Beyond creative aspects, Oré Originals takes pride in their products from start to finish assuring that customers have a quality item that always arrives in perfect condition. Since they are based in California, they are heavily involved in many charitable events and causes throughout the communities of Southern California, and even donate products, give directly, and assist in charity benefits.

The company is community oriented, helping out local Southern California charities and organizations.

So the next time you’re in Artfully Elegant, check out our amazing fun collection of Oré Original products like the Cuppa Mugs. Not only will you sip your coffee or tea in one of the most adorable pieces in your cupboard, but you’ll be supporting an amazing company whose products we couldn’t be more proud to carry.

A fun selection of Cuppa Cups at Artfully Elegant

All Oré Original photos courtesy of oreoriginals.com

Tags: artist spotlight, ore originals

When one thinks of fine jewelry, precious metals and stones typically come to mind. Platinum, gold, diamonds, silver, and other glittering colorful stones that mirror every color of the rainbow quickly materialize in our imaginations. While these are indeed amazing materials used in most jewelry, there are other materials that are just as incredible that emit a strong, powerful, and masculine vibe.

Chris Ploof Designs, located in Massachusetts, works with other quality materials to create amazing pieces. Everything from stainless steel damascus to mokume gane, which is a traditional Japanese method of mixing metals to replicate a wood grain pattern. From these materials, Chris and his team make amazing quality jewelry that will last for ages.

Damascus Ring made of Stainless Steel

One unique material his team also works with is meteorite. The galactic rock that has potentially traveled light years in space and thrust onto our planet can be crafted into amazing pieces of jewelry for any occasion. Chris’s meteorite pieces are exclusively made from the Gibeon Meteorite in Namibia, a meteorite that is estimated to have landed on the planet 30,000 years ago and is estimated to be about four billion years old.

However, not all pieces of the meteorite are all usable due to varying metal content, elemental wear, and natural imperfections. Chris’s team takes it a step further and for every piece that is suitable for jewelry, Chris Ploof Designs rejects an average of 20 for every one that they choose.
From there, the ancient material is combined with platinum, gold or mokume gane to form an extremely strong and durable ring. The Gibeon meteorite also contains nickel so it’s naturally stain and rust resistant.

Gibeon Meteorite Ring with Gold Lining

According to their website: “Each ring begins with Chris in the design process, and every single item he designs also passes a review by our skilled artisans. As a team, we make sure that, in addition to being beautiful, the design will stand the test of time.”

So if you or a loved one are looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry, head on over to Artfully Elegant or www.artfullyelegant.com, we’re the only official carrier of Chris Ploof Designs in the entire state of Pennsylvania. Not only do we carry an amazing selection, but we can help you get a custom piece that is just right for you! See more designs here!

Damascus Wood Grain Ring made of Stainless Steel

Tags: artist spotlight, chris ploof

Did you know that some say leap year is the one time a woman can propose to a man?

You don’t remember that marginally okay movie from 2010 where Amy Adams decides that she’s going to travel to Dublin and propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day, because, according to Irish tradition, a man who is proposed to on leap day must accept it, or face some sort of penalty?

Well, the tradition is thought to date back to the 5th century, when, legend has it, an Irish nun called St Bridget complained to St Patrick that women had to wait too long for their suitors to propose. source

Well, if you didn’t and you were looking for an excuse to pop the question, we have you covered.

Artfully Elegant is offering selected Chris Ploof rings at 20% off through Monday, February 29. Simply head to this link and use the code LeapDay at checkout.

Now is the time, ladies. Besides, he probably doesn’t need some ancient Irish curse to make him say yes. Good luck!

Tags: chris ploof, leap day, proposal, wedding

What better place to shop and experience Valentine’s Day than downtown Bethlehem? Use the #LoveinBethlehem hashtag during this season of love and share your own romantic experiences of Love in Bethlehem in the Christmas City.

Watch our short video to get you motivated to come in and visit us on Main Street, or convince your loved one that they may want to stop in on their own to pick up a little something special.

Tags: #loveinbethlehem, valentine's day, video

The gifts have been distributed among friends and family, the countdown has been chanted, champagne has been popped, and resolutions have been made. Now every one is back to work on a cold January new year.

Now what?

Now it’s time to think about yourself for a change. You’ve worked hard picking out the perfect gifts for everyone, you’ve stuck to that new year’s resolution (kinda) and even acted like you were happy to see the boss that first Monday back to the old grind.

Good job! Now go pat yourself on the back with a little retail therapy with these fun suggestions.

ROXANNA NECKLACE by Laura Elizabeth

What better way to break away from the chilly gloom of winter than a little sparkle. And bright colors?! Pair with your cutest slouchy sweater and a nice cold winter ale and you’re set for even the chilliest evenings. Bonus: You can dangle it in front of your friends and practice your hypnotist skills.

I LOVE MY CAT CUPPA THIS CUPPA THAT MUG by Ore Originals

Don’t really feel like a beer? How about a cozy cup of your favorite herbal tea with your cat curled up in your lap. Let your inner crazy cat lady shine. Say it loud and say it proud with this ‘I heart my cat’ mug. No kitty can resist an owner with this mug who’s wearing a pair of comfy pants. (cat hair not included.)

KAPOW VASE MINT by Chive

Make your space ‘da bomb’ with this teal grenade vase. What better way to say I’m comfortable with flowers AND explosives than with this practical home accessory. The subtle coloring matched with the to-scale size makes this ideal for all home styles.

LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE MEDIUM FRAMED PICTURE by East of India

Personalize your space with art. ‘Live the Life You Love’ should be everyone’s mantra. Do you love to hang glide? Is lion taming your thing? How about knitting sweaters for telephone poles in your community. You do you, baby! Remind yourself everyday to do stuff that makes you happy!

Tags: art, home, jewelry, treat yo self

A lover of travel, Kathy Bransfield feels that her journeys to other lands and experiencing other cultures has been a primary resource for inspiration. She hopes she can share history’s most brilliant visionaries with you through her sterling silver work.

Only for Artfully Elegant shoppers, receive a $10 gift card with every purchase of a Kathy Bransfield necklace. Shop now!

No coupon code required. We’ll email an e-gift certificate within 24 hours of purchase. Gift certificate can be used on any future purchase, with no minimum required. Valid for six months within date of purchase.

Tags: kathy bransfield, necklace, offer

Angela Duffin is a Philadelphia jewelry maker with a background in textile design (B.S. from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences). Duffin creates unique hand-fabricated sterling silver and mixed-metal jewelry with semi precious stones.

Her designs are inspired by a background in textile design as as well as organic forms found in nature. She incorporates the intricacies of fibers into her metalwork by using organic designs with much texture and detail, often interweaving and mixing the metals.

The interweaving of metal and color combine to create intricate and wearable works of art. The metal is highly polished and with a patina finish to further add depth and color. Color is added with the use of semi-precious stones. She creates one-of-a-kind pieces that are highly polished and oxidized with a patina to show more color and depth. The jewelry tends to have movement and is made to be comfortable and fun.
Each piece is handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Duffin is affiliated with the PA Guild of Craftsmen, Haverford Guild of Craftsmen, PA Society of Goldsmiths, and Main Line Art Center.

Shop more of her styles at Artfully Elegant.

Tags: angela duffin, artist spotlight

Whether you’re looking for a gift for your new bride, wonderful mother, or sister who lives across the country, Artfully Elegant has a wide variety of gifts for you to look at.

VERSAILLES YELLOW GOLD ENGAGEMENT RING
Wanderlust by Wes Airgood

If you’re thinking of popping the question, do so in style with  unique combination of diamond shapes in a clustered prong setting from Wanderlust by Wes Airgood. Shop now.

TINY HEART RING
Figs & Ginger

The perfect gift for the lady or ladies in your life who enjoy fun handcrafted jewelry. The Tiny Heart Ring is made from at least 50% recycled, is given a blackened patina, and is made by hand so pieces will vary slightly. Shop now.

R481 18K YELLOW-SQ89
Todd Reed

If you’ve ever wanted to purchase a Todd Reed band, September is the time. Now through September 30, 2015, purchase any Todd Reed ring and get 10% off another Todd Reed band! Shop now.

LIVE LAUGH LOVE TRIPLE CHARM NECKLACE
Baroni

This whimsical piece is a Baroni favorite. These charms are a reminder of those we love and spend our time with, or miss from afar. They also offer sage advice on how to live! Shop now.

BRASS CUFF WITH PATINA
Nancy Nelson Jewelry

This brass cuff is utilizes a mold made from birch bark that was cast in brass and patina to create a truly one-of-a-kind gift. The cuff is malleable and will fit most wrist sizes. Shop now.

Be sure to visit Artfully Elegant’s full online shop for even more gift ideas!

Tags: artfully elegant, engagement, gift ideas, gifts, jewelry, jewelry gifts, necklaces, women

Ceramic artist Sandra Silberman’s whimsical jewelry design have been the heart of Dotti Potts Studio since its inception in 1993.

However, it would be a travesty to simplify Dotti Potts jewelry into only the “fun” category. Many of the designs are also inspirational and personal to those who wear them or buy them as a gift for loved ones.

Silberman has developed an international reputation for quality and classic design. Her ‘Dotti Potts Studio’ combines modern simplicity with whimsy, producing a range of wonderful necklaces available in Artfully Elegant’s online shop.

Silberman’s material of choice is durable chip-resistant porcelain clay. Dotti Potts are irresistibly tactile, and are meant to be seen and used daily, to create an ongoing experience of delight.

Raised in South Africa, Sandra has called Canada her home since 1994. Her work is available at juried shows such as the One of a Kind Show in Toronto, at the Art Gallery of Ontario, and at her studio in Barrie, Ontario.

Tags: artfully elegant, dotti potts, home decor, pottery, sandra silberman