Artfully Elegant — Handmade Jewelry & Handcrafted Gifts

After reading through many fun entries and making what seemed to be an impossible decision, we are please to announce the winner of its inaugural Proposal Contest, which was held over the holiday season.

Kathleen Matson, of Palmerton, won a $100 Artfully Elegant gift card for use in our store at 451 Main St., or online at www.artfullyelegant.com for her touching submission.

Matson and her husband, Gary, were married in 1996 after they mutually selected the same engagement ring at different times within the same store.

Matson’s story, listed in full detail below, was selected by Artfully Elegant President and CEO, Ranjeet Pawar, and Director of Operations, Erin Panner, as the best of a very poignant bunch.

“It was extremely difficult to choose,” said Panner. “We received so many great stories, it was tough to go through and pick just one, however, Kathleen’s stood out just a little bit more to us. We’re very happy to announce her as the winner.”

Stories were solicited on social media and submitted through Artfully Elegant’s website. Entries included stories that featured the Bethlehem Public Library, Lehigh University, Bethlehem’s Rose Garden, the movie “Back to the Future” and many more.

A full listing of stories can be found at this link:

Runners’ up were Samantha Kleinrock of Bethlehem and Dan Maher of Bethlehem, respectively.

Below, we will list the top three submissions.

Kathleen Matson’s submission:

“In January of 1996 Gary suddenly lost his wife of 30 years after a heart surgery. He spent a lot of his day mourning her loss. His daughter Nicole and I were friends and she invited me to go with her to cook meals, hang out, go out, etc.

“(Gary and I) became friends too. In April, we went on a date and began spending more time together. In June, Gary asked my father for permission to propose. In July, he learned he would need heart surgery

“He procured a beautiful ring and told me the line from “When Harry Met Sally” (my favorite movie) ‘When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want that to start as soon as possible.’

“It was no fancy location, his kitchen in Bucks County, but he got down on one knee and proposed. Of course, I said, ‘Yes.’ During his surgery recovery, we picked invitations, venues, caterers, and set the date for December 7. After he left the hospital we went to pick wedding bands.

“We each went to a different side of the store. We both met in the middle and said, ‘I found the perfect ring.’ He asked me to take him to my selection first. He looked and said it was nice.

“Then we were off to see his selection. He took my hand and led me across the store to another jewelry counter and pointed to his selection. It was the exact same ring. Just another sign we were meant to be.

“Along the way to our wedding we encountered the naysayers who thought he was too old or I was too young, he didn’t wait long enough, and other reasons why we shouldn’t marry. On December 7, 1996 we did marry and this Monday celebrated 19 happy years together. No fancy location but a genuine heart-felt proposal that led to a long and happy marriage.”

Dan Maher’s submission:

October 2013. I pretended to be a German performer named Dieter Bieber. I helped run some of the games at Oktoberfest. In most of my downtime, I chatted up this nice girl named Elizabeth, who also worked the event. We both lived in very close social circles, but this was our first time actually talking to each other.

The entire time I stayed in character, pretending to be from Dusseldorf. A few days later, I talked to her on Facebook for the first time as Dan. I told her my friend Dieter said I should ask her out. For the next two years, I continued to insist Dan & Dieter were two separate people.

October 2015, as Dieter, I just finished hosting the Dachshund races at Oktoberfest. Elizabeth sat in the crowd. We were about fifty feet away from the exact spot where we had our first conversation. The sun was out. This was a happy moment. I planned to do this the following weekend, but the moment felt so right.

I asked the audience to stick around for one more thing. I told them I spent the past two years with Elizabeth and that I wanted more years with her. All the years with her. I stepped down from the faux-mountain from where I oversaw the adorable dog races. She stepped out from the stands. I asked her to be my wife. She let me know she was in a pretty committed relationship with Dan. I told her we were the same person. October 2016, we’re getting married. Fortunately, our friend Ben Hallman happened to video-record the dog races and just kept rolling.

Samantha Kleinrock’s submission:

Around this time last year I started to have a feeling that might now fiancé, Chuck, might propose! But winter came and went and in the spring, we spotted a house that we really loved (in walking distance to Artfully Elegant!) and decided to move forward with buying a house together.

In April, we closed on the home and started painting and making changes before finally moving in May. Our weekends were filled with family coming to help and projects and to-do lists.

And then, one random Saturday after breakfast at Blue Sky and a trip or three to Lowes, Chuck said “Hey, you should go get some pictures of the house printed for your grandparents anniversary party tomorrow.”

I said “yeah you’re probably right” and walked into the kitchen where he was standing looking through my camera.

I started to look through the before and after pictures until I came to a random picture of a bookshelf I knew I didn’t take, followed by another, and another…. and then a picture of Chuck holding a poster saying “Sam” and the next “will” and so on.

I truly blacked out and just remember ending up sitting on the kitchen floor wearing a ring he designed around a diamond from his mothers engagement ring.

We think he officially asked and we I think I officially said yes. After drinking some champagne, we called our families and not one single person answered the phone. We eventually got to share the good news and surprised my extended family in a toast to my grandparents marriage at their 65th anniversary party the next day. We’re getting married in Bethlehem at the Ice House in October!

Artfully Elegant would like to personally thank the dozens of submissions. We will continue to share them throughout the year to inspire others on their own proposal endeavors.

Tags: contest, proposal, winnters

The gifts have been distributed among friends and family, the countdown has been chanted, champagne has been popped, and resolutions have been made. Now every one is back to work on a cold January new year.

Now what?

Now it’s time to think about yourself for a change. You’ve worked hard picking out the perfect gifts for everyone, you’ve stuck to that new year’s resolution (kinda) and even acted like you were happy to see the boss that first Monday back to the old grind.

Good job! Now go pat yourself on the back with a little retail therapy with these fun suggestions.

ROXANNA NECKLACE by Laura Elizabeth

What better way to break away from the chilly gloom of winter than a little sparkle. And bright colors?! Pair with your cutest slouchy sweater and a nice cold winter ale and you’re set for even the chilliest evenings. Bonus: You can dangle it in front of your friends and practice your hypnotist skills.

I LOVE MY CAT CUPPA THIS CUPPA THAT MUG by Ore Originals

Don’t really feel like a beer? How about a cozy cup of your favorite herbal tea with your cat curled up in your lap. Let your inner crazy cat lady shine. Say it loud and say it proud with this ‘I heart my cat’ mug. No kitty can resist an owner with this mug who’s wearing a pair of comfy pants. (cat hair not included.)

KAPOW VASE MINT by Chive

Make your space ‘da bomb’ with this teal grenade vase. What better way to say I’m comfortable with flowers AND explosives than with this practical home accessory. The subtle coloring matched with the to-scale size makes this ideal for all home styles.

LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE MEDIUM FRAMED PICTURE by East of India

Personalize your space with art. ‘Live the Life You Love’ should be everyone’s mantra. Do you love to hang glide? Is lion taming your thing? How about knitting sweaters for telephone poles in your community. You do you, baby! Remind yourself everyday to do stuff that makes you happy!

Tags: art, home, jewelry, treat yo self

Still need to get a few gifts before Christmas morning? Join the club.

Luckily, we have a few quick ideas that you can stop in and pick up at Artfully Elegant at 451 Main Street in downtown Bethlehem. But, don’t wait!

For Her

Mini Bowls by Zpots are the perfect gift for the girl you have no idea what to buy for. She can use it as decoration or a place for some of her favorite pieces of jewelry.

For Him

The Two Flying Fox Wallet Card from Zootility Tool will be the hit of Christmas dinner, especially when he’s using it to open all the bottles of beer for everyone. It’s definitely a conversation piece.

For Mom

Mom’s love fun jewelry, right? Well look no further than these Spalted Tamarind Wind Pendants from Once Again Sam. They are unique, just like mom!

For Baby

Do you know someone who is expecting? Sometimes the best presents are those that others may not think of, like this Octopus Clock from Modern Moose. It’s the last piece to a complete baby room.

Okay, we helped you out as much as we can. Now, you just have to get in here.

It sometimes seems like finding the right item for the men in your life is more difficult that it should be.

Do he want a new Xbox? Maybe a new smartphone? No, not this year.

This year, he’s are looking to take a step into sophistication. There’s no place better to do that than at Artfully Elegant, at 451 Main Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania or on our online shop: www.artfullyelegant.com.

Take a look at these three items to get your gift-giving juices flowing.

Plantware Watches

Watches are making a comeback and Plantwear  is leading the charge. With their models Plantware runs continuously in any kind of natural or artificial light for a lifetime of use. They show its position as a worldwide leader in timekeeping technology.

ZOOTILITY TOOLS

We all have those hokey promotional bottle openers that get through about five beer bottles before they snap in half. It’s time he got serious about the way he opens his bottles, and Zootility Tools are the coolest way to have fun, while still being useful and long lasting. It’s time to take the cheap opener you got handed at a music festival and throw it out the window. Why would you choose a freebie as something you carry with you all day every day?

Boyce Studio Wood Planters

Any man knows that surrounding himself with calm objects results in peace of mind. Boyce Studio is modern wood goods, handmade in Downtown LA. Their products are created from a belief that the things that we use every day should be functional, beautiful, and last a lifetime. Their gorgeous wooden vases are beautifully designed and well crafted and perfect for the home or office.

Treat your man to a new style of holiday gift this year at Artfully Elegant.

Tags: boyce, citizen, mens, mens gifts, watches

How Did You Get Engaged?

Every married couple has a proposal story. While some may include the Eiffel Tower or Grand Canyon, some simply include a special dinner and the final courage to pop the most important of questions. Artfully Elegant wants to hear your proposal stories, no matter how big or small, for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate.

We will share these stories with others through our blog, website, social media, and local media as a way to inspire others looking for a great engagement idea. Be sure to visit ArtfullyElegant.com for a full array of beautiful engagement ring ideas and wedding band options.

Fill out the form below in full. We’ll announce the winner of a $100 Artfully Elegant gift card in the beginning of January 2016.*

*By submitting your story, you agree to allow Artfully Elegant to share it on their social media, website, and with third parties.

Tags: contest, engagement, holiday, proposal, sweepstakes

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, we’re giving away a $50 Artfully Elegant Gift Certificate for anything in our online store and in our 451 Main Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania location.

All you have to do to enter to win is sign up for our e-newsletter located at the bottom of our main page. That’s it!

Everyone who signs up between today and November 30 will be eligible. We will notify the winner via email. Also, we only send out email blasts when we have fun new arrivals or special deals!

Artfully Elegant consistently strives to maintain a high level of quality and craftsmanship in each and every one of our works, whether it is a delicate necklace or hulking metal sculpture. Every piece of art we display has been hand-selected by our team of art consultants in conjunction with our various artists.

Tags: video

Nothing says, “fun and functional” quite like 3 Sprouts.

The company was created by three friends who share a love of babies and an appreciation for unique and modern products. Having worked in design in New York and Toronto for such high profile companies such as Kate Spade, Barneys New York and Holt Renfrew, 3 Sprouts was inspired to create a collection that appealed to both parents and children.

Look through 3 Sprouts’ products at Artfully Elegant and find great joy in designing products that fit seamlessly into your life and leave you with a smile!

See more at Artfully Elegant

Tags: 3 sprouts, baby

A lover of travel, Kathy Bransfield feels that her journeys to other lands and experiencing other cultures has been a primary resource for inspiration. She hopes she can share history’s most brilliant visionaries with you through her sterling silver work.

Only for Artfully Elegant shoppers, receive a $10 gift card with every purchase of a Kathy Bransfield necklace. Shop now!

No coupon code required. We’ll email an e-gift certificate within 24 hours of purchase. Gift certificate can be used on any future purchase, with no minimum required. Valid for six months within date of purchase.

Tags: kathy bransfield, necklace, offer

Angela Duffin is a Philadelphia jewelry maker with a background in textile design (B.S. from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences). Duffin creates unique hand-fabricated sterling silver and mixed-metal jewelry with semi precious stones.

Her designs are inspired by a background in textile design as as well as organic forms found in nature. She incorporates the intricacies of fibers into her metalwork by using organic designs with much texture and detail, often interweaving and mixing the metals.

The interweaving of metal and color combine to create intricate and wearable works of art. The metal is highly polished and with a patina finish to further add depth and color. Color is added with the use of semi-precious stones. She creates one-of-a-kind pieces that are highly polished and oxidized with a patina to show more color and depth. The jewelry tends to have movement and is made to be comfortable and fun.
Each piece is handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Duffin is affiliated with the PA Guild of Craftsmen, Haverford Guild of Craftsmen, PA Society of Goldsmiths, and Main Line Art Center.

Shop more of her styles at Artfully Elegant.

Tags: angela duffin, artist spotlight

Even if you decide to pop the question at a hockey game, up in a hot air balloon, or at a fancy dinner, you still need to start with the perfect ring.

Why get the same type of ring everyone else has seen time and time again? Handmade rings by world-renowned artists say much more than mass-produced rings ever could.

From Todd Reed to Wes Airgood, Artfully Elegant has some of the most sophisticated and exquisite engagement rings you’ll find anywhere.

Take a look at at few of our favorites, and be sure to browse our full collection or visit us at 451 Main Street in beautiful downtown Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

R481 18K YELLOW GOLD-SQ107
Todd Reed

This R481 is made of 18k yellow gold solitaire features an amazing square 0.75 ct yellow fancy cut diamond. Approximately 0.10ct of white diamonds surround the center diamond in a halo.

CEYLON YELLOW GOLD ENGAGEMENT RING
Wanderlust by Wes Airgood

A twist on the classic prong settling, this solitaire has an unexpected accent that creates a truly unique design. The oval white diamond is paired with the simple bezel setting that encompasses an additional round white diamond. The signature Wanderlust textured band creates a subtle and organic feel that will wear perfectly over time.

ER018
Todd Pownell

2mm 18k yellow gold rustic hammered shank with a single 0.42ct inverted old mine cut diamond set at top in a darkened textured bezel.

ANTIGUA YELLOW GOLD ENGAGEMENT RING
Wanderlust by Wes Airgood

A unique combination of diamond shapes in a clustered prong setting, this engagement ring wraps around the top of the finger with elegance and sophistication. This design features an oval, two cushion, and two round white diamonds perfectly set together to create an asymmetrical, yet whimsical look. The signature Wanderlust textured band creates a subtle and organic feel that will wear perfectly over time.

Tags: engagement, engagement rings, wedding