Introducing Beehive Kitchenware

Quotes Measuring Spoons
Made with love. Four standard measuring spoons on anodized aluminum ring. Increments are engraved on the back of spoons handles. Hand cast in lead free pewter. Please hand wash. Comes in gift box.
$48.00

Heart Tea Strainer
This tea strainer includes instructions for a perfect pot of tea and comes with a charming heart-shaped rest. Hand cast in lead free pewter. Comes in gift box. Hand wash.
$60.00

Bird Cheese Markers
Four lead free pewter markers with stainless steel tines. This boxed set includes additional standard paper labels so you can write your own or print from your computer. Hand wash.
$52.00

Bird Condiment Spoon Set
Set of two little spoons are perfect for scooping and spreading. Hand cast in lead free pewter. Gift boxed.
$32.00


Bird Coffee Scoop
One-Tablespoon measure hand-cast in lead free pewter. Waking you with a cheerful bird, this morning coffee scoop comes with a handy hook. Gift boxed. Hand wash.
$35.00

Lemon Juicer
A new twist on an old classic! Our juicer is made of solid hand-cast aluminum with a polished finish. Please hand wash. Comes in gift box.
$36.00

Meadow Boxes
These cute little pewter boxes features a meadow and bird motif on a hammered surface. The inside bottom of the box is lined with deep red felt to cushion your tiny treasures. Perfect for storing small items on your dresser, or as a gift box for a special piece of jewelry. Oval box is 3 x 2.25 x 1 inches. Round box is 2.5 inches.
$42 - $46 each



Baby Spoons
Four different baby animals adorn these sweet little spoons. Animal silhouettes on front and back help small hands grip onto baby's first spoon. Hand cast in lead free pewter. Comes in gift box. 4 1/4 inches tall. Choose duck (a), chick (b), bunny (c), or pig (d).
$22.00 each

Baby Cups
We are so pleased to introduce our wonderful heirloom quality baby cups to coordinate with our baby spoons! Hand fabricated in lead free pewter. Comes in gift box.
$80.00 each

Sand Cast Bronze Banks

King Kong Bank
A bronze King Kong fights back against the on-coming biplanes to save himself and the girl. The Empire State building is cast in aluminum and has a slot in the side to accept your change. Save up for a trip to New York to see where Kong met his demise.
H - 15”, W - 5”, 3 lbs.
$130


Titanic Bank
With the Titanic as the corner stone of these unsinkable investments, it is made of solid bronze and can be easily opened with a turn of the screw.
H - 8", H - 6.5" , 6 lbs.
$120

Rocket Banks
There is no better way to collect your change then in one of these unique coin banks.
H - 8", 2.5 lbs.
$70 each

For over three decades, Scott Nelles (NELL-ess) has been producing objects of beauty in cast bronze. From toys to candlesticks, his work displays a childlike playfulness, elegant design and superb control of his medium. In his foundry and studio located in northern Michigan, Nelles is inspired by nature and industry. He uses the timeless methods of sand-casting and hand-finishing to create objects of beauty, strength and whimsy.

The works represented here us the latest in a line of hundreds of objects Nelles has created over the years. The work has been exhibited worldwide and purchased by individual collectors as well as by the trade.

Please contact Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0774 for availability.

Add Fung Shui to any environment

Piercing through stainless steel with a plasma cutter nearly as fast as she can draw on paper, Michigan artist Cherie Haney invents her designs from her home studio in Ann Arbor. She received her BFA from Eastern Michigan University and then studied under a local master-potter for five years.

Once her designs are finalized, the shapes are retraced into a computer to be cut by a high-pressure stream of water, leaving a smooth burless surface and a clean, concise cut. After being cut, each piece is individually finished using a hand-held grinder with various discs to produce unique surfaces.

Cherie's pieces are meant to be hung around the home and garden, adding unique touches of warmth and contrast. Whether hanging on the porch or on the wall, her stainless steel designs can be used to add Fung Shui flow to any environment. When asked, she says that she prefers to see her designs as ethereal, spiritual symbols that take the form of floating metal decorations.

We love her work because of the dimension and the way light plays on her surfaces. With the move toward stainless steel in kitchen appliances, it's an affordable fit for most any home. 12" x 12" wall pieces are $125; 12" x 24" are $175; 24" x 24" are $325. Call Gallery Fifty for our current selection: 231-932-0775.

Nordic symbol of life

One of the most popular "point of purchase" items that we sell at the gallery are these little pewter pocket charms! "The acorn was the ancient Nordic symbol of life. An old folk belief holds that carrying an acorn insures a long life," they say.

Each comes with a fortune-shaped enclosure card with the saying above. They sell for $2 each or $2.50 with a pretty organza bag. Call for availability: 231-932-0775.

Form follows function

Michigan metalsmith Robert Purvis is best known as a designer and builder of contemporary furniture. He's also made a name for himself as a sculptor. As a disciple of the "form follows function" theory, he describes his work as "very simple and austere... and intentionally elegant."

Once Bob deems the functionality of a piece, it must be designed to be safe. Finally, he has freedom to work with form and color — fast becoming his signature.

Triangular shaped, bold colored tables. Contemporary freestanding lighting. Bob exceeds his own rigid criteria in creating functional art.

Stop by anytime to view his portfolio or to talk about a commission. Or you can visit our virtual exhibition as part of Bob's solo show in September 2007. www.galleryfifty.com.

Toys for boys

With its retro styling and nostalgic feeling of whimsy, Scott Nelles' Aero Car is a customer favorite.

For his toys, Scott uses a variety of materials including plastic, hard styling clays, metal or wood to create the original model. Once satisfied with the form, he makes a series of molds in either hard resin material or cast aluminum.

This permanent pattern, called a match plate, is then used to make multiple sand molds into which molten bronze is poured at 2250 degrees. Once cool, the rough casting is separated from the sand and cut, ground, sandblasted, tumbled and polished to a rich, patinated finish.

Scott has been fascinated with the industrial process since childhood, and the toys he now creates depict automobiles, ships, boats and airplanes. Gallery Fifty has a nice selection, guaranteed to thrill boys of all ages. See more of his work at www.nellesstudios.com.

(Fun)ctional gifts of art

California metalsmith Lisa Slovis Mandel creates functional art that can be used, arranged and even played with. She designs and handcrafts each piece out of pewter, then finishes with her trademark textured surface.

"My work includes both jewelry and metal objects that allow me to thematically combine two important areas of my life, athletics and art," she says.

By incorporating movement and function in these pieces, the participant is enticed to interact with them on a more intimate and tactile level. The viewer can have fun with the pieces by touching, playing, and manipulating the arrangement of parts.

These salt and pepper shakers are among our best selling wedding gifts (set $175). Couples love how the two pieces create a single form. The rocking vases are also popular ($200 each). I never tire of watching them teeter back and forth!

We always have a great selection of shakers, vases and candlesticks in stock. I'll be adding Lisa's work to the website in the coming months, but in the meantime, contact the gallery with inquiries: 231-932-0775.

Born with a silver spoon?

New Mexico studio metalsmith Kristin Lora has been designing and making jewelry and art objects for over 30 years. Inspired by bold shapes and forms, objects, color and movement, Kristin designs unique jewelry, small sculpture and objects to flatter and entertain.

We love her sterling silver baby spoons. Instead of doing the traditional engraved baby cup, consider a spoon with the baby's birthstone set in it. Kristin works on about a two week turnaround and the spoons cost approximately $195 depending on the the stone.

January - Garnet • February - Amethyst • March - Aquamarine • April - Diamond or White Topaz • May - Emerald • June - Pearl • July - Ruby • August - Peridot • September - Sapphire • October - Opal • November - Citrine • December - Topaz

Please contact us is you're interested in a special order. We also have a few in stock. 231-932-0775

A 'weighty' gift idea

We just love these paper weights! They're a top seller for graduates, job promotions, or for those in transitional stages of their lives. They're designed by Rhode Island artist Judy Vilmain and cast in pewter. Each comes in a handsome gift box. Only $35.

Note: Our favorite is the one shaped like a house, "A house without books is like a room without windows." A great housewarming gift for the bibliophile...