Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Nature's Treasure's Ikebana Vases


Don Kennedy of Nature's Treasure handcrafts ikebana flower vases which are made from some of the most beautiful semi-precious and fossilized stones on earth. A surface-safe reservoir holds plenty of water, and inside, a pinfrog keeps the flowers in place for easy, elegant arrangements. Each vase comes with an attached card which tells about the stone and it's origin.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Mesquite Lamps with Copper Lampshades


These mesquite wood lamps are individually handcrafted in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Some of Nature's finest elements are brought together in a display of craftsmanship and artistry. The lamp bases are free-formed "Velvet" Mesquite harvested from the Sonora Desert and are some of the most diverse and dense wood found anywhere on earth. With a wide range of burl patterns each piece is never quite the same and is crafted into it's own unique personality. Topped with a solid copper lampshade featuring stylized patterns and rich surface colors brought forth naturally from the copper. Light reflecting from the copper onto the mesquite wood provides a warm, rich "firelight" atmosphere. Use a clear bulb in your lamp and enjoy the same shade patterns on your surrounding walls for an impressive display of lighting, comfort and tranquility.

The artist Skip Kivlehen works from his studio on a beautiful five acre plot at the base of the Sacramento Mountains. Skip learned the craft from Wally Kohler and Patti Greer in 2004 during an apprenticeship and now fully owns and operates the studio and gallery. Wally started the craft from his garage in Tucson, Arizona in approximately 1978.