Bob Schuh bracelet Frances Casey necklace Virgi Bondi eggshell art David Gaines decorator switch plates

Wearable Art

“My work is one of freedom and flow,” said Carmel Valley jeweler Bob Schuh. “It reflects my lifestyle and my being.” Schuh uses precious stones from California and Arizona to make earrings, pendants, bracelets and rings. When time permits, Schuh even demonstrates the art of jewelry making in his booth. Denim never goes out of style. Alice Khteian brings her denim designs into the new millennium by helping the environment – all of her creations are made from recycled jeans. Check out her interesting vests, T-shirts, sweatshirts, skirts and purses. If you love vintage jewelry, make sure to visit Mendocino resident Frances Casey. The artist uses glamorous vintage buttons and glass to create antique, hand-beaded button jewelry that is truly stunning. Does your little girl need an updated ‘do? San Jose residents Anthony and Peggy De Maio will make sure your daughter’s tresses are neat and chic with princess-inspired ponytail holders and headbands. Their “Once Upon a Wish” collection also includes fairy wands, halos, wings and puppets. “Believe it or not, we sell just as many items to teenagers as well as little girls,” Peggy DeMaio noted. “They go to the festivals and wear them around the fair.” Just because flip flops are about to be tucked away in the summer drawer doesn’t mean you can’t wear a sexy toe ring during the holiday season. Monica Pineda’s “it girl” toe rings are adorned with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. The perfect accessory for holiday galas and New Year’s Eve soirées!

Sculpture and Mixed Media

Virgi Bondi of Roseville creates modern-day Faberge eggs using quail, finch, goose, emu and ostrich eggs. The U.S. Navy reservist is known to her friends and family as the “egg-making, military police, biker chick.” Bondi uses high-speed dentist tools to carve eggshells. Egg themes range from intricate

Faberge-inspired to 217 different dog breeds tucked inside Christmas ornaments. In the electronic age, writing has become a lost art. However, Janet Buyers loves the personal touch of letters and cards. Her beautiful embossed papers and gift bags are perfect ways to express your sentiments during the busy holiday season. San Francisco artist David Gaines adds a punch of color to any wall with his decorative switch plates. Gaines makes mini-art prints and bonds them directly onto metal plates. He seals his work with resin so switch plates can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Choose from famous art prints, famous movie stars, flowers, animals and seascapes. Foster City artist Jessica Archibald designs coasters and trivets with vibrant photographs of Northern California and Europe. Beautiful photos are transferred onto wood and sealed with a heat-resistant varnish. Archibald also makes matted photographs and note cards. Sometimes it takes just one unique sculpture to add drama to an important room. Monterey artist Nick Leonoff uses hand-blown art glass for his vessel forms, bowls, vases, fruit sculptures and custom pendant lights. Each piece is dramatic and unique, with colors ranging from warm amber and swirled orange to vibrant teal and cool purple. “The luminescent quality of glass appeals to me as it responds to light,” Leonoff explained. “I am drawn to the potential of a material that can vary from a translucent to an opaque medium in a brilliant range of colors and gradations.”