Artfully Elegant — Handmade Jewelry & Handcrafted Gifts

I love my daughter. Correction…I adore my daughter. So when it came time to see if I could better her overall experience at her montessori school, I jumped at the chance. Every year, Jarrow Montessori holds a gala with proceeds going towards benefitting its financial aid program. What I love about the program is how it helps to broaden the experience of each student by diversifying the student body as a whole. Since 1964, Jarrow Montessori has strived to have a student body that was representative of the Boulder community as a whole. As a matter of fact, Jarrow’s current student body consists of families hailing from 19 different countries (including the United States) from varying socioeconomic statuses. In keeping with the tradition, programs such as Jarrow’s financial aid program help to solidify that its student body will always strive to be representative of the Boulder community as a whole.

This year, Artfully Elegant was able to donate a few pieces of jewelry to the gala to help raise monies for its financial aid program. As it turns out we ended up helping to raise near $2000 for the cause. Which is what The Gift of Giving means. The handmade jewelry included pieces by Kathy Bransfield, Christina Kober, and Hilary Hachey. But the piece that truly got all of the attention was a gorgeous ring by renowned artist, Todd Pownell.

The R119 Inverted Diamond Ring was a huge hit at the gala and I couldn’t be happier. I am glad that I was able play a small role in furthering Jarrow’s focus of providing its students with the opportunity to experience a diverse student body. Who knows…maybe this experience will ensure that Artfully Elegant will continue to donate to Jarrow Montessori for many more years to come.

Tags: handmade jewelry, inverted diamonds, kathy bransfield, todd pownell

A day in the life of ArtfullyElegant.com includes inventorying and photographing jewelry. Of course when you run your business from home, that simple task can end up being a lot more complicated than it sounds. This morning I spent an hour frantically looking for jewelry that I had placed on the table yesterday to photograph in the midday sun. Even my wife Neha joined the search but to no avail. And that’s when it hit us…apparently the 2 year old likes jewelry too.

Last night my little lovely Miss Kira was “helping” both of us with getting the house together. By “helping” I of course mean that she placed her toys in the refrigerator while we put groceries away, she threw important documents in the recycling container, and sat on the dishwasher door to take the load off her feet. Could the little monkey have grabbed the bag of newly purchased Dogeared necklaces and put it somewhere never to be found again? I’m pretty sure that the answer to that question is yes.

Over the past couple of months, Kira has gone from a baby trying to find her stride to a well oiled short distance runner. Honestly her speed and agility seem only to be likened to Steph Curry on the basketball court. So when my wife and I came up short looking for that jewelry it became very clear who the culprit was going to be.

That being said the suspect is not talking. When I asked her if she took the jewelry and where she put it she said “yeah”, followed by very confident point to the socks that were on her feet. I’m pretty sure that I’m not gonna get much more information out of her either. Maybe the jewelry will turn up…and maybe it won’t. Either way, I decided to let the theft of the Dogeared necklaces slide. Besides, her cuteness makes it hard to be angry with her anyhow.

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.

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Tags: animals, gifts, under $50

Our children’s section at Artfully Elegant has been exploding recently. The biggest bang for your buck, it seems, has been our Modern Moose three dimensional wall hangings and clocks. After 25 years as an industrial designer for a big name companies, Paul Ocepek went out on a limb producing his personal designs. He blames it partially on the purchase of a laser cutter to appease his gnawing midlife crisis. However, that impulse buy has proven to be quite profitable. Paul designs and builds his laser cut wood wall hangings and clocks in “Moosachusetts”. The mix of natural materials and themes, with bright colors, clean lines, and bold patterns make every customer smile. Who can resist a shark clock, with a fishbone for a pendulum hanging from its mouth? Or a polkadotted moose with a purple rack? They bring to mind the trophies often seen hunting family homes, but with the humor of a saturday morning cartoon. You can feel good about these products not only because they are handmade in the USA, but because they use safe materials. Each one is crafted from sustainably harvested baltic birch plywood and printed with non-toxic, water based inks. No glue or chemical coatings either. We’re in love with all of these wall pieces. Visit us to pick the right one for you!

Shopping for any small children? Stop by Artfully Elegant and check out our latest in kids toys, including the whimsical creations from Little Korboose! April Nemeth is the brains and artistic brawn behind Little Korboose. By day she works as a graphic designer and illustrator in Cleveland Ohio, but at night her imagination runs free in her playful sketches. These sketches often become big, squishy pillow pals, kids tees, and art prints to decorate you walls. Little Korboose products have a sketchy, childlike quality combined with a sophisticated design sense, making them accessible to children while still appealing to adults. Here at Artfully Elegant we have just begun to carry her screen printed pillows, in a large and mini sizes. From bright pink elephants to smiling blue robots, there is certainly one that you’ll want to take home and squeeze. We are also offering a range of screen prints by April including airplane, bicycle, helicopter, and skateboard prints. Frame them as a collection or individually to add a little fun to your home. With Little Korboose products you are also sure to get something made in America, from materials that are sourced in the most sustainable manner possible. Just visit us and hug a pillow. You won’t be sorry.