Gifts That Work

The riding season is about done, we’re due to get our first frost here in the Northeastern US, and I’m already hunting around for those “just right” Holiday gifts for those dearest to me. It’s never an easy find.

It’s always good in my opinion to find a great fit of a gift for each person, one that works at a personal level. I’m also fond of giving gifts of jewelry, nothing too outrageously expensive, but one of a kind items that will actually be worn. Last year, I found a hummingbird necklace, star fused glass earrings and a semiprecious stone bracelet for my sisters, a pendant for my Mom, another semi-precious stone bracelet, and a giant chunk of silver as pendant in a fantasy theme for another gift. Those are in addition to whatever else I come up with at the Holidays for all the other relatives and friends, and of course my original artwork on a limited edition signed card as the finishing touch.

I’ve certainly received some beautiful gifts of jewelry, too, and tend to wear only what is given as a gift to me as far as jewelry goes. I go real light on the jewelry wearing when out on a ride. Some of my faves are garnets, emeralds, platinum (okay, nobody’s given me platinum yet, but I do like it), silver, 14k gold, leather, diamonds, amethyst, and fused glass in a realism style (because I think creating something recognizable in fused glass, while retaining detail and beauty, is just tougher and more appealing than abstract work).

One thing I’ve noticed is that some of my friends have an odd sensitivity to certain pieces of jewelry with rashes, irritations and such. I don’t have that problem, but then I also don’t wear much jewelry really. But they suffer. And complain.

This year, I also found a different kind of possible gift to include with any jewelry I give them, a small bottled solution of herbal and simple antibacterial and coating ingredients that get rid of any rash happening from jewelry. JewelRX at www.jewelrx.com is the company and product name. According to one friend of mine, it works great, so for those friends who I know have trouble with jewelry irritations, I’m just going to wrap it pretty and send it along with my other gifts to them, then wait for the feedback. I think they’ll like it a lot.

So, on to more shopping for me. This year, I want to find some really amazing gifts. It’s never easy, but since I’m a hardcore shopper, it’s fun for me.

My best to you,

HWD

Black Leather Scented Candles

Even though I now have about a half dozen art projects lined up, with one on the backburner for later this summer, I’ve recently partnered up with a candlemaker friend and now offer some hand-poured black leather scented candles of hers that I’ve personally loved and used for several years now.  So sensual and dark.  We’ve decided to offer them in black or brown in varieties of pillars, votives and specials.

These have already proven to be a repeated delight to the motorcycling crowds where we can sometimes be found, as well as the goth/alternative people who’ve found the site.  Whoever you may be or whatever you may enjoy, I’m actually proud of taking on this product, one of only a small handful that I’d ever consider spending my time and efforts on.

 Enjoy!

LuminesScents Candles

  

Biker Parties – April 2007

April is a month of warmer weather, the fresh Spring season, and maybe the first rides of the new year. Yes, some like to ride through Winter, even here in the Northeast, but for a lot of us, it’s April that begins the riding season.

Over at Biker Parties, the calendar is filled this month. And I’m guessing it’s not even half of what’s happening around the USA for bikers. Want to take a look? Here’s where:

Biker Parties Calendar

A couple of events that catch my eye are:

The Seventh Annual Emerald Coast Bikefest
April 27 – 29, 2007
Holt, FL

A 3-day rally, plenty to do, looks like great fun! Just take note it is now a ‘no colors’ event.
This rally has lots of races, a variety of games, vendors, live bands, swap meet, a good choice of activities for a weekend, enjoy!

Roamers April Fun Run
April 29, 2007
Starting at Spitzies
Albany, NY

The April Fun Run will be filled with great food, fun and games, to benefit 6-year old Benjamin Stowell, and is brought to you by one of the oldest AMA chartered clubs in the Northeast, now celebrating their 61st anniversary as a club.

Don’t miss this one if you’re in the Northeast.

If you’re looking for more fun things to do this month, go check out Biker Parties:

BikerParties.com

For April, I leave you with the following quote: “When a band came down the street on a clear sunny day in spring, my mind was filled with festivity, spring light; music became quivering joy, music painted the colors.“

To me this is funny coming from Edvard Munch, the artist best known for ‘The Scream’ painting he created, unless maybe we’re all misinterpreting, and it’s secretly a scream of overwhelming joy?

Still, I can’t wait for the live bands, the long days, the warmer fun, outdoor sketching, and the riding this Season brings.

My best to you,

HWD

January Shake

January Shake
by HWD of Hawkwing Designs

Biker Christmas, Biker Chanukah! Biker Parties – December

A stop in at the Biker Parties calendar for December, at Biker Parties, shows surprisingly few open events. But let me tell you, there are plenty of motorcycle clubs, associations, businesses and organizations putting on some big, fun parties all over town. I know of at least one we will definitely be doing, maybe even two or three if time and family permits.

What a nice, festive way to keep in touch with riding friends after the bike is tucked away all safe and cozy for the Winter!

Speaking of Holidays, the Picture Blanket I mentioned in a previous Biker Art message is being so heavily ordered that no more orders can be taken in time for Holiday deliver. But, you can still order for any time in the New Year of 2007. It’s a happy holiday indeed for our friend who makes the blankets.

What else can I say but when it comes to the Winter Holidays, there’s no man like a snowman!

For those of you receiving our Holiday cards this year in the mail, wait until you see it, hope you’ll enjoy the art on the card. And to everyone reading, hope you’ll fully enjoy these wonderful Winter Holidays.

My best to you,

HWD
Hawkwing Designs

Picture Blanket – A New Custom Gift

PICTURE BLANKET
A New Custom Gift Product Available Through Hawkwing Designs

When we ordered and received two beautiful customized picture blankets not long ago locally, we were very impressed. This is a unique gift item sold by a local business friend we know specializing in top quality knits, fleece, and fashionable blankets. We downright loved it, and told our friend so. Through an exciting series of conversations and planning, I’ve decided to offer these custom picture blankets by special arrangement to bikers and their families, and to the public via the internet, starting now with this Holiday season.

So, I’m extremely pleased to announce a new Hawkwing Designs gift purchase beginning in time for the Holidays at the following link:

The Picture Blanket

http://www.bikerparties.com/Blankets/blanket.htm

Here are some details:

-Made in the USA, here in upstate New York where I live and work.
-100% heavyweight recycled cotton
-soft and substantial to the touch
-your favorite photo woven on the front, a beautiful pattern woven on the back
-durable for years of enjoyment
-color options are black and white, or sepia tone (tans and browns)
-available in a large and small size
-Guaranteed quality
-Free shipping in the continental United States
-use your treasured traditional photo or take a digital photo for your order
-capture the memory of your favorite person, bike, vehicle, or pet in a luxurious keepsake
-Photo image color is woven in, not dyed on, and won’t fade
-yes, the Picture Blanket is washable
-a Holiday or special occasion gift your loved ones (or you) will be thrilled to receive, use and treasure for years to come!

As a new, exclusive distributor for the Picture Blanket, I can tell you that these blankets have already become a very popular gift. Our friend is being kept very busy selling these blankets, but we all thought it would be nice to offer this gift to bikers too. Even if you’re not a biker, I will welcome your order.

I know you’ll enjoy giving or receiving this fine quality Picture Blanket. I can also guarantee you are ordering from a biker-friendly business who values your patronage.

Remember, order no later than December 15th if you want to be sure you’ll have delivery by Christmas.

My best to you with Holiday cheer,

HWD
Hawkwing Designs

Biker Parties

I feel confident in recommending Biker Parties when you want to find some fun biker parties and motorcycle events. Their calendar covers plenty of territory, and more clubs and motorcycling organizations keep adding to it regularly. Check into the Biker Parties site and see if you don’t find the events you’re looking for any month in the year.

www.bikerparties.com

My best to you,

HWD