Barbie Levy "Barb Wire"

Barbie is a Baltimore-based jeweler with a BFA in Jewelry and Metalworking from the University of Georgia.  Her work combines precious metals, stones, and pearls to create a clean, contemporary look. She currently operates her own studio in Baltimore and manufactures two distinct lines of jewelry available in galleries and craft stores throughout the country. 

The BARB WIRE line is all handmade with sterling silver or gold-filled wire and glass tubing.  Barbie’s interest in architectural lines, geometric shapes, and balance has been a strong influence in her work.  These earrings are designed to be a lightweight, colorful, and fun addition to your jewelry collection.   To maintain, very gently rub the exposed wire with a polishing cloth.  Please hook the earrings wire closed while on the ear to prevent loss.

Dancing Naked…in fuzzy red slippers

by Carmen Richardson Rutlen

Carmen Richardson Rutlen is the award winning author of Dancing Naked…
in fuzzy red slippers. Carmen currently lives in northern California,
and has lived all over the world, including Germany, Okinawa and
Venezuela. Through this extensive international exposure Carmen can
count to ten in all three of those languages. Carmen describes
herself as a “hot blooded Spaniard” and although her mother’s parents
did hail from Spain, her father was Danish and as such, she is more
precisely a “Spandinavian.”

Carmen majored in Psychology and minored in English and attended too
many junior colleges to mention. She did not graduate, however, as
her dating life consistently took precedence over her homework.
Through sheer determination and strength of will she found a way to
continue her studies in psychology as an independent researcher by
just watching people, like her friends and people at the mall, on a
case by case basis. She has not written a formal treatise on her
informal research and consequently, is not accredited in this field in
any way.

Carmen was awarded “The Celebrity Award” from the National League of
American Pen Women for her newspaper column, “The Prune Picker.”
While she was proud of this award, she was hoping for a nice trophy,
but was instead got a red felt cut-out of an owl as her prize. Sadly,
one day her dogs got to it.

Carmen’s first book, Dancing Naked…in fuzzy red slippers, has been
translated into Korean and has won two national book awards, including
the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Book Award as well as the BAIPA
award for “Book of the Year” in Humor and Inspiration. Carmen’s
mother put it most succinctly when she said, “Oh Honey, your book is
so good.” Carmen is currently working on her second book.

At 64, Carmen is smack dab in the middle of middle age. (Assuming
she’s going to live to 128.) She thinks its time to have some fun.

Foxberry Lane - Magnolia and Love Letters

Foxberry Lane was created by Georgia born and bred artisans in 2012.  This mother and son team continues to base their studio just west of Atlanta, not far from where their roots originally started.

The Love Letters line features monogrammed ceramic pieces, perfect for commemorating life’s events, big and small.  The entire line is hand carved and customizable with either monograms or single letters.  The pieces are ideal for bridesmaid’s gifts, hostess gifts, or any occasion where you want to give something personal.

Below is one example of a vase with our "NLG" with a small Magnolia vase

The Magnolia line features gift and serving pieces adorned by hand crafted ceramic magnolias.  The art of crafting these magnolias has been perfected over 50 years and the art has been handed down for generations.  These pieces are perfect as wedding gifts, housewarming gifts, or to add a little beauty to your Sunday dinner.

 We displayed the Foxberry Lane Pottery next to our "Resident Flower Photographer" Joe Barr!

Don Pekarek Fine Jewelry

A practicing Goldsmith since 1979, Don Pekarek is a University trained artist and has been an educator in the art of jewelry making since 1981.  Don is fascinated with the magic of the metals, tools and chemistry of his craft.  Don uses only the highest quality natural gemstones, Sterling Silver, 14kt and 18kt gold in his original designs.

He created Stacking Ring sets and Stacking Mother’s Rings, which are stacking rings with a custom combination of gemstones. The separate rings stack together to form a single unit; most styles can be rearranged to vary the look. 

Don has participated in and has won many awards at regional and international exhibits.  He’s served as a juror for several art exhibitions, and has been a visiting artist at colleges and universities. He has vast experience in repairing jewelry and custom designed jewelry.  

Don Pekarek is a lifelong resident Algonquin, IL of the Chicago area.

The following pictures are only a sample of what we have in the Gallery.

"Degas"

"Cezanne"

"Echo"

"Starry Night"

"Van Gogh"

These are rings you need to see in person.  So stop in soon!

Coming Soon to NLG...

With the new year, comes new product! We love going to trade shows to find "new" NLG items.  We've been posting on our Facebook page images of new product so we wanted to share it here too.

Pottery:

Hand crafted pottery by Louisiana artist Ken Follette.  Made in America!

This handcrafted pottery is made in Georgia by mother and son team. The Magnolia line features both gift and serving pieces with an option to have it monogrammed.  Made in America!

 

Handmade terracotta pottery from Fired Up Clay Works in Oregon.  Made in America!

Pottery from Mexico. Lead free, microwave safe.

Jewelry:

 

Frank Lloyd Wright Jewelry Collection in silver and enamel.  Made in Rhode Island and authorized by the FLW Foundation.

"Cylindricals Collection" made of sterling silver, acrylic, and aluminum.  Designed and made by Florida designer Martha Peterson.  Made in America!

Designers John and Linda Whitney of Sarasota, Florida create their works in various metals: brass, copper, bronze, fine silver, and sterling silver.  Made in America!

 

Sterling Silver and colored glass by Marland designer Barbie Levy.  Made in America!

Other:

Blown glass ring holders designed for that special ring you always wear but take off only briefly.  Made in America!

Dancing Naked…is a fun, inspirational gift for women buy for their girlfriends, sisters, mothers, and of course themselves :)

Check in soon to see what else is new!

-NLG