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

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

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

"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

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

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

"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.