Monday, December 28, 2009

Wooden Maps

It's pretty rare for me to go to an art show and see something new. I spend most of my life looking at fine craft. While a show may be full of beautiful pottery, unique jewelry and outstanding glass work, it's rarely something completely new and different. When I see something new & different, I tend to get excited. That's how it was for me this weekend, when I discovered Abby Bay Designs.Abby Bay starts with nautical charts and topographical maps of area's that contain large bodies of water. The silhouette of the land is cut from fine hardwoods. Each depth of the body of water is cut from another layer of the same wood, then stained a beautiful blue that lets the natural grain of the wood show through. The layers are stacked up, topped with glass and framed in a contrasting hardwood, leaving you with something more than an ordinary map...a truly unique piece of art. My favorite was one of the great lakes, done in birds eye maple. The pictures really don't do the pieces justice, but maybe they will help you get the idea.As I was standing in the Abby Bay booth, I couldn't help thinking how much my father would love these pieces. That is something I rarely think when looking at art.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Holiday Gift Guide

We've put together a gift giving guide to help you fill those difficult slots on your holiday list. And don't forget to check out our Stocking Stuffer ideas. All fun gifts priced $20.00 and under.

If you're in the Naples area, be sure not to miss all the fun events happening on Fifth Avenue this December. The Downtown Christmas Walk is on Dec. 3rd, the Christmas Parade on Dec. 8th, Holiday Wishes on Dec. 10th, and the Hanukkah Celebration on Dec. 16th. If you're attending any of the events, stop in and say hi!




For the Romantic....Is she a hearts and flowers kind of girl? We've gathered a collection of both the beautiful and the unusual. You're sure to find something she hasn't seen and is sure to love!





For Mr. Impossible...There's one on every list. The guy who's got it all, doesn't want or need anything. That's Mr. Impossible. We've gathered some of our more unusual gifts here, things we're sure he doesn't have and didn't know he needed!




For the Beach Babe...She's the siren of the seas. Water and sand are her favorite things. Here we've gathered baubles, trinkets and treasures sure to delight any beach babe!




For the Party Girl...The table is always perfectly set, the food is always wonderful. She is, in fact, the "Hostess with the Mostess". Here we've gathered some wonderful serving and entertaining pieces guaranteed to get you a return invitation.






For the Tree Hugger...Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse!!!! These gifts are sure to delight all of the eco-warriors on your list.




For the Sassy Girl...She's fun, she's edgy, she's a little bit unique. You're not going to find her gift at any chain store. But you're sure to find it here!