Featured Artist Biography: Brent Crabb

Drawing has existed since prehistoric times, either as an independent expression or ancillary to other art forms. I started my quest to become a pencil artist at an early age. The story that is still told among my family members today is that if they were taking care of me, they would sit me at the table, give me a pencil and paper, and I would be content for hours.

After high school, I studied commercial art in LaCrosse, WI. I then went on to study drafting and mechanical design in Green Bay, WI. Throughout this journey, there were a few sidetracks, but art was always prevalent. I have done illustration and logo work, renderings for developers and real-estate companies, numerous commission drawings and even threw in a few custom motorcycle paint jobs. My favorite throughout this pursuit was working as a monument layout artist.

In art, drawing is the foundation. Pencil drawings provide a direct and intimate link to an artist’s creative process. Drawing can be summarized into three categories: Realism, drawing as a visual record, visualization, drawing the imagined, and Symbolic, which includes abstract drawing.

This Wednesday during the Farmers Market on Broadway bring in your repairs to receive 10% off your order! The Farmers Market is from 3 - 8 pm and we will not only be outside with a booth full of fun summer jewelry, made right in the shop, but you can also get that jewelry you have been waiting to get repaired fixed for a discounted price!! We can't wait to see you all there.

Art-Craftic on Broadway is this September 24th from 10 - 6 pm. It is only a $50.00 fee for the whole thing! Check out www.artcraftic.com for the application and additional rules and regulations. Tell ALL of your artists friends because this is a great event for EVERYONE!!

P.S. Check us out on Facebook at The Gift Itself where you can find more discounts, new jewelry in the shop and artist bios.

Hello Everyone,

Check out this great new piece of jewelry that Michelle, co-owner to The Gift Itself, put together. She made it using sterling silver, which has been cut out by hand. Then she incorporated swarovski crystal beads to the bottom giving this piece great movement and BLING!  The chain is sterling silver with a silver lobster clasp in the back. This necklace was made for this years Pride Alive auction. The event is being held tomorrow (Saturday the 9th) from 11 am - 10 pm at JoAnnes Park and it is a free event! If you wish to see this piece in person, or even place a bid on it, stop over because after today, we will no longer have it on hand. However, if you like this piece, you can always stop in the shop and we can make something similar for you!!

Hello Everyone!

Today we wanted to share a one of a kind pendant with you all that Michelle, co-owner of The Gift Itself, created. This piece was made out of sterling silver. The gemstones used are amethyst, blue zircon and a lab alexanderite. Michelle made this necklace for one of our customers, so it isn't available in our shop, however we would be happy to make you something similar. Custom jewelry takes approximately 4 - 6 weeks to complete and we work with either sterling silver or gold. We supply gemstones should you choose to have them incorporated into the design or we can create something for you using your own gemstones. The sky is the limit!

Also, a reminder that the third annual Art-Craftic on Broadway event is scheduled for September 24th from 10 - 6 pm. You can apply at www.artcraftic.com as well as read additional information regarding this years event. We strongly encourage anyone who creates arts or crafts, by hand to apply. There are no restrictions on who can apply, so tell all your friends and we look forward to see you all there!

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

Today is Farmers Market on Broadway and we would like to encourage you all to stop in at The Gift Itself while you are out and about shopping for a complimentary stone checking and polishing on your jewelry. Also, buy a little luck today at the market with Lucky Penny necklaces and bracelets at The Gift Itself booth. ONLY $3.00!  We look forward to seeing you all today at the market!