Posts Tagged Style
Posted by Laura Nelson on August 1, 2010
By Sherry Nelson
Betty James Hoppensteadt, Owner, The Genuine Article
Artists enjoy being surrounded by beautiful things. Glass artist Betty James Hoppensteadt, owner of The Genuine Article in downtown Wheaton, is no exception. Her bead studio and workshop consume about half the floor space–with the balance devoted to the display and sale of fine art by prestigious, international artists.
“When I outgrew my home studio, I wanted to make sure I was surrounded by beautiful things,” says Hoppensteadt. Including exceptional glass art and unique sculptures in a gallery atmosphere was a natural step, she says.
One of the most recognizable artists featured is Tim Cotterwill, often called “The Frogman.” Cotterwill, a California artist, specializes in cast bronze, enameled, hand-painted frog sculptures from small pocket-sized creatures to large table-sized centerpieces. Prices range from a hundred dollars into the thousands.
Glass artists David and Jeremiah Lotton are also prominently represented in the gallery. The Lotton “Bride” sculpture (pictured) is designed to reflect ambient light glowing from a radiant bride, adorned with a veil.
Hoppensteadt has also included affordable art in the gallery. The Jean-Pierre Weill glass series of whimsical art is in the $60 range. The artist draws and paints on multiple layers of glass to simulate painting in three dimensions. Born in Paris in 1954, Weill was raised in New York, and now lives in Boston.
Besides running the gallery, Hoppensteadt designs, teaches and creates bead and jewelry art. Classes and workshops are plentiful. Custom designs and private jewelry-making parties are available and noted at the website: BettyJamesStudios.com.
The Genuine Article is at 201 W. Front St., Wheaton. (630) 690-2323
Posted by Laura Nelson on August 1, 2010
Historically, cultures developed traditions of honoring different stones for the months of the year, signs of the zodiac, or healing and protection. Today, birthstone jewelry is often given to honor a friend’s birth month.
The list of birthstones commonly used today was adopted in 1912 by the organization that evolved into Jewelers of America. Peridot (pictured) is the birthstone for August. The color should be a lively lime green, without a brownish or olive cast. The most important peridot source in the world is the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation near Globe, Arizona, where it is mined by native Americans.
To see more birthstone jewelry, visit Matthew Erickson Jewelers, 4421 Fox Valley Center Drive (outer ring of Fox Valley Mall), Aurora. (630) 820-0300 www.matthewericksonjewelers.com
Birthstones, by month: January–Garnet; February– Amethyst; March–Aquamarine; April–Diamond; May–Emerald; June–Pearl or Moonstone; July–Ruby; August–Peridot; September–Sapphire; October–Opal or Tourmaline; November–Topaz or Citrine; December–Tanzanite, Turquoise, or Blue Zircon.
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Most moms no longer have the same shape they boasted as teenagers. It makes sense, then, to switch out of the jeans worn by those with youthful bodies.
“Not Your Daughter’s Jeans are cut to make the most of a woman’s body,” says Claudine Scanlon, owner of Sassy’s Originals in Bloomingdale. NYDJ fit well because they have a missy rise and a tummy control panel, says Scanlon. They also “magically” offer an instant butt-lift, with the lycra content hugging the jeans close.
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans come in straight leg or boot cut styles, with plain and embellished pocket detailing.
Sizes 4-16 in denim and black are in now at Sassy’s Originals, 360 W. Schick Rd., Bloomingdale. (630) 894-139, www.sassysoriginals.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
“A quality watch is usually the core of a man’s jewelry wardrobe, along with cuff links–if he uses them–and a fashionable ring,” says Steve Woodworth, owner of Matthew Erickson Jewelers in Aurora,“For partying, though, a man can let his imagination go a little further. Necklaces and bracelets–and even earring studs–have all gained acceptance, especially among younger men.”
Daring designers are making men’s jewelry from materials that aren’t associated with gold or precious stones. Leather and rubber, for instance, are finding their way into fashionable men’s jewelry. Men are also discovering platinum; and titanium provides a very modern look. Even stainless steel is being used for necklaces, rings and cuff links in combination with gemstones, for a look that’s both stylish and masculine.
It’s conventional for men to favor dark-hued colored stones, such as onyx and black star sapphire. Diamonds and more vibrant colored stones are gaining ground though. A diamond or ruby stud in the ear can add extra flash on a Saturday night; and cuff links with small diamonds or colored stones go well with a business suit. For formal wear, setting cuff links and shirt studs with pavé diamonds is a modern idea. Even black Tahitian pearls and other pearls are now finding their way into high-fashion men’s jewelry.
Matthew Erickson Jewelers is at 4421 Fox Valley Center Drive (on the outer ring at Fox Valley Mall), (630) 820-0300 and www.matthewericksonjewelers.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
It’s Our Earth in downtown Wheaton is holding a Spring Fling Wing Ding on Saturday, March 20, 11am to 4pm. Children (grade school age and above) will do paper-weaving crafts using food packaging, candy wrappers and chip bags. Kids will also do record-painting, using acrylics on old records to fashion decorative art. Craft sessions are free, no reservations necessary.
Jewelry Artist Lisa Streker will present her jewelry collection. Streker takes vintage jewelry from the 1800s to the 1960s and refashions it into unique, one of a kind, new designs featuring crystals, stones, beads and more.
Raffle prizes will be given out hourly, and there will be give-aways galore.
When clearing out clutter around your home, don’t just toss stuff in the garbage to get rid of it. Donate it to an enterprise that will recycle it and minimize unwanted items going into landfills.
It’s Our Earth accepts many donations of unwanted items that can be repurposed into new ones–or can direct you to another business accepting donations.
It’s Our Earth is at 127 N. Main St., Wheaton. (630) 668-3800. www.ItsOurEarth.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
Many engaged couples choose to express their individuality (and the uniqueness of their relationship) by working with their jeweler to create a truly special, one-of-a-kind engagement ring. Here are some pointers:
The Stone–Round diamonds continue to be the most popular shape, but more brides-to-be are considering fancy options, including princesses, ovals, pears and marquises.
The color– Forward-thinking couples are stepping out of the box by choosing fabulous colored diamonds (often pink or yellow) as a center stone of their engagement rings. Others are looking at fine colored gemstones. If this option sounds intriguing, here’s a tip… Consider the bride’s coloring. An emerald might look especially elegant on a red-haired woman; a woman with bright blue eyes might favor a sapphire. A colored gem centerstone in a pave diamond setting is considered very stylish.
The Metal–For most of the 20th century, platinum or white gold were considered the most proper metals for an engagement ring, with yellow gold gaining popularity in the past couple of generations. Today, the style pendulum has swung toward white metals again. Progressive designers are supporting this trend by offering alternative white metals, such as tungsten, titanium and palladium. Another fashionable and interesting look is the combination of metal colors, where platinum is teamed with 18-karat gold.
The Design–While some couples prefer a timeless, classic design, others like an engagement ring that’s very much in step with contemporary fashion.
Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll be happy help you to design a ring that incorporates style elements, themes or symbols that define who you are!
Matthew Erickson Jewelers is at 4421 Fox Valley Center Drive (on the outer ring at Fox Valley Mall). (630) 820-0300. www.matthewericksonjewelers.com
« Older Entries
