Get on 'board' with these popular gifts

Michigan wood craftsman Matt Joppich creates these one-of-a-kind cutting boards from his furniture making scrap. Constructed of local hardwoods, the sizes range from 7.5" x 5" up to 15" x 10". The small boards make excellent gifts for the barteder or boat owner. Prices are $18 - $55. Call Gallery Fifty for our current selection: 231-932-0775.

From paper to pen

New York artist Michael Harrington creates these one-of-a-kind pens from — believe it or not — paper. He adopted his technique from an old holiday tradition. Paper beads made from winding a triangular piece of paper (like the beads children often use to string holiday garlands) are the centerpieces of his pens.

The beads' designs make the pen barrels appear to be fabricated from marble or plastic. To get this effect, Michael either dyes the paper, applies layers of resin, or works with the pattern of the paper.

Gallery Fifty does well with the pens that are saturated with resin. Michael coats the paper with resin, allowing it to seep into the bead and then he sands it. Then a second and third coating/ sanding cycle. "My pens are very labor intensive," he says.

And it shows. Because his pens are all unique, you'll need to contact us directly for a description of what's available. We can send an email photo with current stock and pricing. Call 231-932-0775 for more information.

Time for fun

Mark Brown makes fun, one-of-a-kind mixed media sculptures and clocks from his backyard studio in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Trained as a painter, he has worked on canvas for 25 years, and his interest in color, pattern and figurative imagery can be seen in this current body of three-dimensional work. Each of his pieces is a unique, stylized and engaging character.

Mark recycles everyday objects and elevates them to the level of fine art. Individually handcrafted from kitchen utencils, beads, game pieces, old tins and jar lids, his functional pieces measure time with graceful whimsy.

His clocks run on one "AA" battery (included) and are free standing. Similar clock sculptures have been featured in a The Fuller Museum and publications such as Yankee Magazine and Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion.

We always have 3-5 sculptures to choose from. The wall clocks range from $175-$225 and the freestanding pieces are $325-$450. Contact Gallery Fifty for more information: 231-932-0775.

Put your eggs in one basket

Gallery Fifty carries a great selection of baskets made out of stainless steel screen, rubber and wood. The screws holding them together are also stainless, so the baskets are all washable — most of them can even go in the dishwasher!

The baskets are handmade in California by designer Alex Santamarina and his wife, Viviana. The one shown above sells for $45 — put in a loaf of bread, and you've got a great hostess gift! Call for other styles and availability: 231-932-0775.

Fordite or "Detroit Agate"

If you love reused or recycled elements in your jewelry, take a look at this! Fordite (or "Detroit Agate") was taken in its raw form from the spray booth at the Ford River Rouge plant in the late 1970s. Chunks of layered automotive overspray were painstakingly removed from the walls and conveyor, then cut and polished into gems. Patterns emerge from the Fordite depending on the angle of the cut or depth of the polishing. Since technology has replaced the spray booth, Fordite has become increasingly rare and valuable.

Gallery Fifty has an exclusive arrangement with James Blanchard who creates this unique jewelry by setting the gems into his contemporary designs. You can see samples of Jim's other Fordite pieces along with pricing on our website at: www.galleryfifty.com/forditeGallery.asp