Artistically Gifted

Shopping locally and supporting the local economy is a hot topic of our day, and we all know come holiday time that we are searching for the perfect gifts for those we hold near and dear. Why not combine the two, and give some of the most unique gifts that San Joaquin has to offer, all created by local artists and artisans or sold in local galleries.

Stingray Bracelets
Diane Castellan

Diamonds are the go-to for jewelry gifting, but for the woman looking for some out of the ordinary decoration, these bracelets by Diane Castellan are sure to please. Covered in shagreen, commonly known as stingray skin, the cuff is flexible enough to slide on and off the arm, yet is the most durable of all the leathers—the ancient samurais used shagreen for the handles of their swords. $110, Knowlton Gallery, Lodi, (209) 368-5123, www.knowltongallery.com or www.vivo-imports.com

Baby Blanket
Crabapple Boutique

The two Stockton women of Crabapple Boutique, Heather Pinasco and Caroline Barth, are experts in baby and children’s items, with five children of their own between the two of them. This Loopy Lovie is handmade with baby’s sensitivity to touch in mind. The vintage print is soft and smooth, the solid colored underside is dotted with raised bumps, and the loops on both ends are perfect for tugging and chewing, making this any baby’s favorite blankie. $40 for three-piece set with matching burp cloth and bib, PDC The Boutique, Lodi, (209) 333-7777, www.pdctheboutique.com or www.crabappleboutique.com

Tranquility Necklace
Anna Whitmore

Inspired by nature, each bauble in Anna Whitmore’s jewelry collection includes one of six different leaf etchings on sterling silver to represent fate, independence, honesty, peace, strength, or tranquility. The stone crop flowers on this necklace are centered by a 14k, pink gold inner circle and a rhodolite garnet. We can feel the calm already. $130, Knowlton Gallery, Lodi, (209) 368-5123, www.knowltongallery.com or www.annasjewelrydesign.com

Hand Blown Glass
David Hopman

With glass brought in from the Netherlands, and colors from as far away as New Zealand, all inspired by natural hues from David Hopman’s loves of zoology and scuba diving, even the most worldly of travelers can find inspiration. Each piece is one-of-a-kind so the possibilities are endless. $105, Tidewater Gallery, Stockton, (209) 463-4033, www.tidewaterartgallery.com or www.chaosglassworks.com

Wine Barrel Candle Holder
Pete Troiani

The Stockton woodshop of Wine Cask Creations is filled with reclaimed wine barrels from California wineries, which are then handcrafted by Pete Troiani into anything from gardening baskets to clocks to backyard furniture. Made from the barrel’s rounded, vertical stave, this candle holder includes five glass votives to set the scene in any room. $29, Wine Cask Creations, Stockton, www.winecaskcreations.com

Wire Wrapped Earrings
Gay Lynn Saunders

Each bead of these sterling silver drop earrings is intricately woven with fine silver wire, a detail that is just as unique as the beauty that will be wearing these treasures. Citrine and sterling silver stones are artfully arranged to frame even the most delicate of ears. $36, Tidewater Gallery, Stockton, (209) 463-4033, www.tidewaterartgallery.com or www.glsjewelry.com

Zen Kat Pot
Jessie Wong

Savor the breath of fresh air you take at the end of a yoga class, and that’s the same aura that Jessie Wong’s artwork captures. Spun on a pottery wheel, her work in clay embraces the possibilities of textures and colors inspired by the natural world, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to animal rescue charities. $50, Tidewater Gallery, Stockton, (209) 463-4033, www.tidewaterartgallery.com or
www.mudkatpots.com  SJM