16 Hands blog

March 2011 Newsletter

2011-03-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

16 Hands is moving!

Some huge changes are in the works at 16 Hands, and we wanted our customers to be the first to know. Our lease is up at the end of July, and we've decided not to renew it. But fear not, loyal 16 Hands friends, we'll still be in Ann Arbor and online.

We'll be moving and shifting our focus a bit, but for now we have to keep you in suspense on the details. What we CAN tell you is that in our new location, we'll be carrying even more cool jewelry and accessories (for men too!), more green gifts, and more creations from local crafters.

We'll be sharing the details with you over the next few weeks. In the meantime, please help us get the word out about our upcoming move. If you haven't already, please follow us on Facebook.

Folk Art Carving - 2-day event with Marlene & John Dusbiber

2010-09-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Friday October 1, & Saturday October 2, 2010 16 Hands 216 S Main Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104

Marlene and John Dusbiber (of Chelsea) are the artists behind the carved and painted folk art birds shown at 16 Hands for many years. As well as "Birds of Michigan", this duo also create wall plaques, carved dogs and a wonderful variety of seasonal ornaments. The event details below are for our First Friday event in October, and a Trunk Show the following day. Fans and collectors of their work will enjoy seeing a large selection of their carvings, see a demonstration of their process, and talk with the artists. First Friday event - October 1st, 2010 from 7-9pm. The artists will be demonstrating the folk art wood carving and painting they are so well known for, and will be on hand to answer questions. Trunk Show - Saturday, October 2nd, 2010 from 12 - 5pm. Marlene and John Dusbiber will bring in a large group of pieces, showing the great variety of work they design and carve. Along with "Birds of Michigan", other examples will include seasonal designs for Halloween, Thanksgiving and a selection of hanging ornaments. 16 Hands 216 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 761-1110 info@16handsgallery.com http://www.16handsgallery.com

My favorite wedding gift combo

2010-06-16T08:34:00.001-07:00

This set is beautiful and versatile - we love suggesting it. It's not only useful for person receiving it, but by swapping different bowls and salad servers, it fits a range of gift-giving budgets.

The bowl is by Fire and Light of California. They are known for a whole line of wonderful cast glass pieces - made with recycled glass. This large bowl comes in a variety of colors at $65, but can be substituted with a serving bowl for 2 at $35, or a larger bowl around $100.

The salad servers are by Jonathan Spoons of Pennsylvania. Carved cherry or maple servers and utensils are their specialty, and this ingenious piece is a real stand-out. The studio was recently awarded a patent on the design that allows the server to remain open with a springy tension (making them easy to use one-handed), then flip around and fold flat for storage. A few different wood combinations and sizes range in price under 40.

The materials, textures and finishes are different - yet they play so well together! It's terrific that for a wedding gift budget of $75-150 you can give a functional, American handmade set that will really be used and appreciated. We offer free gift wrap, and can ship orders anywhere. Stop in or contact us for more details.

Color and size availability for in-stock items can vary, and prices are accurate as of the time of blogging - June, 2010. We can be reached toll-free at 877-300-8185

"Quips" by Bub Dalton

2010-05-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

"Quips" are the creation of Bub Dalton. At just 5" tall, this is the smallest of the Quips at $16. Each is unique - this one was a real hit for graduation :) Many sizes/quotes in-stock at 16 Hands. Handmade in Michigan "Found Object Art is my true passion; to bring 'new life' to outcast, discarded objects. I love to see creative potential in the things that most people view as junk." Bub Dalton More at: http://www.16handsgallery.com/store/Bub-Dalton-Quips-recycled-art-mid-95-p-1.html

Salt and Pepper shakers by Gazelle Glass

2010-03-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

A small group of glass makers in Oregon, going by the name Gazelle Glass, make these wonderful salt and pepper sets. Juicy apples, cute ladybugs and landing dragonflies are just a few of the dozens of great designs offered by this studio. Follow the link to see more examples, or call us toll-free to find out more about in-stock designs.

"Wild at Heart" by Vintage Sculpture

2010-02-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

Made in Iowa by Vintage Sculpture - these just arrived in time for Valentine's Day. Two large wall-hung pieces, along with several smaller ones with houses, trees and hearts. Made from a mix of found objects, painted and embellished wood - this one with a horse shoe.

Peapod jewelry by Ala Jaron

2010-01-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

"As long as I can remember, I have expressed myself through art. I always had to create something, whether it was oil painting, ceramics, sculpture, fused glass or simple wreathes made out of loose branches I would collect at Christmas time. When I was introduced to jewelry design, it came very natural to me." Ala brings a unique view to her work in its organic forms and textures. She creates using the techniques of fabrication, surface texture and soldering of metals. Each piece is hand fabricated from the raw metal and then set with semi-precious stones and pearls. As a last touch, Ala adds patina to give her work a rich, aged appearance. Ala Jaron, being a self-taught artist, has been designing jewelry full time since 1993. She lives and works out of her home in Chicago.

ceramic constructions by Art Department

2009-08-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sprouted in New York City almost 10 years ago, Art Department is the brainchild of artists Felix Kniazev & Olga Julinska. Their goal? "To make positive connections through our artwork: to delight our viewers, to make them stop and wonder". With backgrounds in painting, sculpture, graphic design, printmaking, photography, theatre design and jewelry making, the pair have found a niche with work that is, as they put it, "...whimsical, yet distinguished by a precise, graphic quality and high contrast vivid colors". Art Department has grown into two studios, one in Boston, and a recent expansion to the Green Mountains in Vermont.

Much of the work by this studio is available only in limited edition. Other buildings, including custom work are available. Please contact us for more information.

find out more about Art Department

Thank you Art Fair goers

2009-07-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

The weather was great, the art was fabulous and the 50th Ann Arbor Art Fair was a blast. A hearty "thank you" to the people who came to see us. We heard from so many people this year that even with all that the art fair has to offer, 16 Hands is a must-see. We love hearing that, and have often commented that with so many artists represented, we are like Ann Arbor's year-round art fair. Thank you again for your shopping with us, and for helping to make another fabulous art fair.

The photo above was taken by a customer during the fair, and sent to us a few days later. Thank you, Bonnie! It shows some of Jill's collection of hands that sit behind our sales counter. It made us think - we rarely get the opportunity to see the pieces people have purchased over the years, and sometimes wonder how pieces look in their new home. So, in the spirit of the blog, we're asking for photos from our customers who might like to show off some of their favorite finds. Send images of furniture, lighting, home & garden accents you've found at 16 Hands. Email them to info@16handsgallery.com with a description and/or the story behind them. We will use only first names, and will not share your contact information. We will handle resizing and formatting of the photos. Please keep individual image sizes to under 1MB, and feel free to contact us with any questions you have.

New figures by David Adix

2009-07-02T14:36:00.001-07:00

Even though the primary focus of 16 Hands is functional craft, there are sometimes art pieces that catch our eye and just won't let us go. That was the case when several years ago, during a trip to Baltimore, MD that we saw the work of David Adix. His mixed-media figurative sculpture always get lots of attention, which, for a gallery representing over 400 artists, is really saying something. Like much of what we carry, the work has changed over the years. At first the elements that made up the sculpture were rusted. Nails, rusted wire, tools, metal parts and the like. Over time, David has introduced more color and a wider variety of materials. In his most recent examples, toys, jewelry and colored cord have been added to the mix. The presence and gesture of these figures still remains strong, along with the sense of history that the objects carry with them. There are a pair of figures at 16 Hands as of this blog posting. Both are around 32" tall. Find out more about David Adix.

Thank you, Paula Deen

2009-06-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

When celebrities are shown using or wearing an item, it can be a great boost to the people and companies that make them. It is common to see images of actresses wearing a jeweler's designs, included in marketing materials by that artist. Beyond jewelry, home accents and kitchen items are often endorsed (officially or unofficially) by the hosts of design & cooking shows. One criticism we've heard from customers is that far too few of these products are domestically made. It's a concern that has been raised more over the past year than ever before, "who made this?", and "where is this from?". Our customers are becoming more tuned into the impact that independent craftspeople have on their local economies. We're happy that one of our most popular studios has seen this boost in the form of "Cooking with Paula Deen" on The Food Network. Tin Woodsman Pewter Co. designs, casts and finishes all of their pewter in their Oregon studio. Deen has become such a fan of their measuring cup and spoon sets that several different designs have been spotted in her kitchen, often in-hand, being used to create her signature dishes.

The cups and spoons are all lead-free and accurate for both dry and liquid measurements. Far too beautiful to just sit in a drawer, they are offered with counter-top and wall-mounted displays to keep them handy. We think of them as functional art for the kitchen. We've carried these sets for many years, and are thrilled that the use of them by Paula Deen has so strongly and directly impacted American businesses, including 16 Hands.

Find more handmade pewter by Tin Woodsman Pewter Co.

ReCircles: Recycled Garden Art

2009-06-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

This has been one of the most enjoyable design projects I've ever worked on. I began making these small wind sculptures in 2006 after only thinking about them for way too long. They are made of light sheet metals, including cookie tins, metal trays, bake ware, license plates, advertising signs, and a variety of other printed and painted metal pieces. They are all held together with stainless steel fishing spinners, attached at opposing axis. This gives them a gyroscopic look. The occasional use of "fins" on the outer ring helps them move in the wind. They are called ReCircles. For more information on them, contact 16 Hands at info@16handsgallery.com

Rick Wedel, 16 Hands

New Arrival: Mullanium Birds

2009-06-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

We're excited to announce the arrival of 3 painted and embellished birds by Mullanium. This is the same studio responsible for the mixed media jewelry and wall mirrors. The birds are the work of Jim Mullan, and made from a 50's hand-carved wood bird. The form is painted and adorned with objects and materials that include at times, but not always limited to: watch & jewelry parts, cut metal rulers, and metal elements from their other work. Each piece is treated as an individual art piece, so no two are alike. Here, the birds rests on a spool. On other pieces here at 16 Hands, the bird has lighted on a croquet ball, and an upturned pair of opera glasses.

Other sculptures will make their way onto our site soon, but for now the piece shown above can be seen here.

Going to the dogs this Art Fair

2009-06-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

We've had a great response to our addition of prints by Marc Tetro to the collection. With his colorful & graphic style, paired with an obvious love of dogs, this artist has become an instant favorite. His giclee canvas prints are stretched over a sturdy wooden frame. They are ready to hang without the need for additional framing, and are available in sizes, from 6" square, all the way up to a 36" square print. Marc Tetro was born in Ste. Anne, Manitoba, Canada, and now divides his time between Canada and a studio in the U.S.. We are looking forward to showing his work to lots of new people during this year's Ann Arbor Art Fair (July 15 - 18, 2009). To see more, visit the Marc Tetro page on our site.

Jewelry Care 101

2009-06-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

What do I need to know before cleaning my jewelry?
What is tarnish?
How can I prevent tarnish?
Does it matter when I put on jewelry?

How should the following be cleaned?

polished silver & gold
matt or textured silver & gold
bronze
mixed metals
pearls
pewter
precious & semi-precious stones
other materials

What do I need to know before cleaning my jewelry?
Always be sure you know which metals, stones and other materials are in your jewelry before cleaning. Although other tips are listed here, the safest cleaning method is to use a soft dry cloth. Please consult an expert before attempting to clean antique or damaged jewelry.

What is tarnish?
Tarnish is the discoloration of metal due to oxidation. Most metals change with exposure to air. For jewelry, silver is the metal that tarnishes most quickly. This is due to the presence of some nickel and copper in most silver. Fine silver, which contains fewer other metals, will show less tarnish over time. Sterling silver contains 92.5% or more pure silver.

How can I prevent tarnish?
Jewelry boxes are a great way to keep your jewelry organized and dust-free, but they don't protect against tarnish. To slow the appearance of tarnish, silver jewelry can be kept in sealed plastic bags. Keeping the air out will slow the process of oxidation. Try laying the plastic bag containing the jewelry piece on a flat surface. Press excess air from the bag before sealing.

Anti-tarnish paper strips can be helpful when placed where jewelry is stored to inhibit oxidation.

also see: what is tarnish?

Does it matter when I put on jewelry?
Many jewelry surfaces are affected by common skin and hair care products. Putting jewelry on last, after hair spray, fragrances, soaps, lotions and oils will help retain their original appearance.

Soaps and detergents are especially damaging to the elastic used in "stretchy" bracelets and rings. Take these off before washing to extend the life of the elastic.

Polished gold & silver
A jewelry polishing cloth can be used to clean and shine jewelry quickly and easily. These cloths contain a fine polishing compound that removes tarnish and grime, but can also smooth out matte or textured finishes.

Be careful: Most liquid tarnish removers contain strong chemicals to remove tarnish. They should not be used on jewelry with artificially oxidized metals, special finishes, pearls or porous stones. See product label for warnings and directions.

Liquid tarnish removers can be used by either dipping pieces, or by using small amount on a cotton swab. Be sure to rinse jewelry thoroughly, as any residual chemicals can continue to eat away at the metal.

Matte or textured surface gold & silver
The safest method is to use a soft, dry cloth or small brush, like an old toothbrush, with soapy water. Very fine steel wool can be rubbed to remove tarnish from matte finish silver. If you are unsure about the finish, test on a hidden part of the jewelry. You can also consult the artist or store where the piece was purchased for advice.

Be careful: Most liquid tarnish removers contain strong chemicals to remove tarnish. They should not be used on jewelry with artificially oxidized metals, special finishes, pearls or porous stones. See product label for warnings and directions.

Bronze
Bronze patina is often considered desirable, becoming warmer and darker as the piece ages. To return the finish to polished bronze, use a polishing cloth, liquid tarnish remover, or soap & water with a soft brush.

Mixed metals
If your jewelry piece is comprised of many different metals and surfaces, you may be limited to using only the safest methods available. Dipping a piece that has burnished, oxidized or textured surfaces may change the appearance of the metal, and the piece overall.

A mild soap used with a soft cloth or brush, like an old toothbrush, is a much safer way to clean your mixed metal jewelry than with polishes or dips.

also see: matte or textured surface gold & silver

Pearls
Softer and more porous than you might think, pearls can be damaged by liquid tarnish removers, abrasives and heat from soldering irons and torches used in jewelry repair. A soft cloth is all that's needed to polish up your pearl jewelry. If cleaning other parts of the jewelry piece is needed (such as settings or ring bands), use care to only apply treatment to these surfaces, avoiding the pearl itself.

Pewter
Although it will darken, pewter will not tarnish the way silver does. A soft cloth and mild soap will brighten up this soft metal.

Precious & semi-precious stones
The safest way to clean any stone is to rub it gently with a soft cloth.

Be careful: Cleaning agents can damage some stones. Porous and brittle stones can dissolve in strong solutions, such as liquid tarnish remover.

Some examples of soft, porous or brittle stones are coral, lapis, opal, turquoise and pearl.

Other materials
Enamels (both glass and resin) can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. The surfaces of these materials, as well as the adhesives that sometimes hold them in place, can be damaged by polishing cloths and liquid tarnish remover.

As designers come up with more inventive materials and techniques, the need for proper care information becomes more important. If you are unsure of how to care for your jewelry, consult the artist or store where the piece was purchased.

A soft cloth is also the safest way to clean jewelry made with materials, such as: lucite, rubber, wood, fabric, polymer clay and bakelite.

Hello & Welcome

2009-06-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

We have so much to say, it's surprising it has taken us so long to start a blog! There is plenty of passion for hand made craft here at 16 Hands, so there will surely be lots to talk about. Watch for event information, promotions, new arrivals and highlights from our collection of more than 400 U.S. artists and craftspeople. To visit our online store, please click here. We've been in Ann Arbor since 1975, and online for almost 10 years. The in-store collection keeps changing, and our online selection continues to grow.