The Artisan Group...Who Needs To Leave The House To Go Shopping?

You've heard me mention TAG in previous posts, and although I'd like to say it stands for "Talented and Gorgeous" (which is true), it stands for The Artisan Group, an amazing and exclusive organization of gifted artists, founded by graphic designer and powerhouse Valerie Guerrero. This group is juried, so only the creme de la creme are admitted. They are so good, in fact, they regularly participate in GBK Production Gifting Lounges for events such as the Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes, MTV Movie Awards, and this year, the CMAs (Country Music Awards). It's members are also accomplished authors, having published in books and magazines, winners of prestigious awards, participants in New York City Fashion Week, and their products can be found in retailers across the country. Most importantly, they are the loveliest, most supportive group of artists I know. How do I know? I'm blessed to be a member.

Now, anyone who knows me well knows I hate shopping, especially the mall. Maybe I'm just a lazy ass. Maybe I'm claustrophobic. Maybe I hate being attacked by salespeople with samples (reminiscent of my days as a physician, when the drug reps would interrupt my day to hawk their drugs du jour). Not only that, the products out there are kind of....blah. Ok, there, I said it!! I could shop for hours, and search through aisles and aisles of mediocre merchandise, and out of desperation, have to buy a birthday gift I wasn't completely satisfied with. I hate that.

Then, one day, I started perusing the shops of my fellow Tagsters...and guess what? I struck a goldmine of quality, unique, beautiful, merchandise that I would not only be proud to gift, but have now bought for myself, time and time again. "AAAAAAAAhhhhhhh' the angels are singing!

I am dedicating a biweekly series of my blog to the talented and gorgeous TAG artisans:) They produce a variety of merchandise (art) such as stationery/paper goods, bath/body products, jewelry, photography, fiber goods, clothing, baby products, shoes, art pens, dog products, paintings, toys.

This week, I'm starting with our stationery/paper goods "department". It never fails that whenever I need a greeting card, no matter how far in advance I buy it, it's never quite right. The words are too sappy, or the picture is too creepy. The words are too creepy, and the picture too bizarre. You feel my pain?

The talented artisans at TAG that specialize in stationery and paper goods have made my dilemma a thing of the past!! Their talent, imagination, quality, and enthusiasm is reflected in the work they produce.

Jessica Gattone, Owner and Creative Director of Sparetire Design,  http;//sparetiredesign.com, based in New Jersey, offers custom design solutions for every graphic design need. Personal and everyday stationery, as well as custom wedding invitations.

                                                   

Photos courtesy of Sparetire Design

She also has a shop on Etsy http://etsy.com/shop/sparetiredesign.

Jess' work is so amazing, it's been gifted to celebrities such as Hillary Duff,  Zooey Deschanel, and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes! It will also be gifted to the nominees and recipients of the Country Music Awards, later this year!!

Laura Hudson, Owner and Designer at Simply Paperie,  http://simplypaperie.com and http://etsy.com/shop/simplypaperie,  based in Missouri,  designs custom wedding and event invitations, as well as beautiful stationery and custom journals. Her gorgeous work has been featured at the 2012 GBK Production Golden Globe Gift Lounge, and has been gifted to celebrities like Ryan Gosling, and Trista Sutter!! 

Photos courtesy of Simply Paperie

Laura's amazing journals are sold on http://etsy.com/shop/studio827kc

Danielle Goff, Owner and Designer at Stampin Crazy in Texas http://etsy.com/shop/stampincrazyintx,  based in Austin, is one talented lady!! Her business was featured by Office Depot in their Thursday Business feature, and her handmade cards, invitations and gifts have been gifted to celebrities such as Vanessa Lachey and Kaley Cuocco. 

Photos provided by Stampin Crazy in Texas

This is just a taste of the talent in the Stationery/Paper Goods "Department at TAG...these three artists were kind enough to participate in my blog series, but there are many others in TAG not featured here today. Many thanks to Jess, Laura, and Danielle!!

In my next TAG feature, we will visit the Bath and Body Department...stay tuned!!!

MTV Wrapup!

The MTV Movie Awards have come and gone, and so did the GBK Production Gift Lounge that took place two days prior!! Let's see who stopped by!

Darcy Rose Byrnes from "Desperate Housewives", Farrah Abraham from MTV's "Teen Mom, Gerald Espinosa of Fanny Pak from "America's Best Dance Crew", and Stevie Ryan from VH1's "The World of Stevie" all rocked my Ethnic Cuff Bracelets!!

And Tami Roman sent me a Tweet about my luxury beaded ring!

Once again, thank you to The Artisan Group and GBK Productions for this wonderful opportunity!

I WANT MY MTV!!!

The MTV Movie Awards are coming up soon, and thanks to The Artisan Group, once again, I have the honor of participating in GBK Productions Gift Lounge. Work, work, work...usually, I'm so busy, I end up procrastinating, but not this time, baby!!! Ha! I am gifting my Luxury Silver Beaded Rings to the nominees, the press, and those present at an industry mixer (that's 120 rings), yes, that's right, 120!
Then there's the tiny issue of the table display, what to do?  BAM!! DONE!  Three ethnic fabric, hand beaded cuffs. Take a look:

Now it's time for a nap:)

Penelope Ann Miller wearing my Keishi Pearl Neckwire!!!!

"Carlito's Way" with Al Pacino and Penelope Ann Miller is one of my all time favorite movies, so imagine my delight in seeing Penelope Ann Miller, of 2011's "The Artist" wearing my Keishi Pearl and Blue Topaz Quartz Neckwire at the GBK Productions 2012 Academy Awards Gift Lounge!!

Hurray for Hollywood! The Academy Awards Gift Lounge!!

It's been a busy year so far!  On the tails of the Golden Globes Gift Lounge, now comes the 2012 GBK Production's Academy Awards Gift Lounge on February 24-25th at the W Hotel in Hollywood, California:) I'm gifting the nominees 100 pairs of polmer clay faux snakeskin earrings! Boy, were they labor intensive! I hope they're well received...will keep you posted!

The Golden Globes Are Over!

The Golden Globes aired on January 15th, 2012 and the GBK Golden Globe Gift Lounge was a roaring success! Many thanks to GBK Productions and Valerie Guerrero and Nikki Cutro of The Artisan Group for giving the celebrities a peek at my creations!!

Erica Durance of WB's "Smallville"

Lovely Hoffmann of GBK Productions

Raphael Sbarge of ABC's "Once Upon A Time"

Things To Like Right Now.com

http://ttlrn.com/

Beautiful actress Erica Durance of "Smallville" is pictured here wearing my White Keishi Pearl and Aqua Quartz Briolette neckring, as is Lovely Hoffmann of GBK Productions.

Actor Raphael Sbarge of ABC's "Once Upon A Time" like my Asian Moonlight Earrings so much, he showed them to Things To Like Right Now.com, and they featured it in a best of the best feature.

I feel so blessed for this opportunity, and am very excited for the Oscars!!!!

Finally, It's Here! The Golden Globes!

The Golden Globes Awards are this Sunday,  January 15th, 2012!  The GBK Production Golden Globe Gift Lounge will commence Thursday, January 12th, 2012... I can't believe it's finally here! I wonder if the celebs will like my Asian Moonlight Earrings?  Or my display necklace?  This is just too nervewracking...will anyone pose with my jewelry?  I can't stand this suspense!! But I will keep you guys posted if I hear anything!

I'm in good company, as my fellow members of The Artisan Group who are also participating in this gift lounge will be biting their nails along with me! Here's a sneak peak!!

The Artisan Group Golden Globes Event Guide

Golden Globes Press Release

We’re excited to announce that Alexis Studio Design, L.L.C., in association with The Artisan Group, will be featured on January 13-14, 2012 at a luxury Gift Lounge hosted by GBK Productions at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in honor of The 69^th Annual Golden Globes Awards Nominees and Presenters.

Our “Pearl and Gemstone Cascade Silver Neckwire” will be prominently featured on display at The Artisan Group’s Exhibit,  and all attending celebrities will receive  our “Asian Moonlight” earrings in their swag bags.  This event will also be attended by over 75 media outlets.

To learn more about Alexis Studio Design L.L.C. and our products, or our participation in GBK Productions’ Gift Lounge, visit http:// www.alexisstudiodesign.com, call 914-262-9791,  or email alexis@alexisstudiodesign.com.

Alexis Gopal M.D., Alexis Studio Design’s sole proprietor, is a resident of Bridgewater, Connecticut.

For press inquiries regarding The Artisan Group, please visit http://www.theartisangroup.org or email press@theartisangroup.org.

The Artisan Group Steals The Emmys!

Holy Twitter, Batman!  My heart swells with pride as I read all the tweets about how amazing the GBK Emmy Award Gift Lounge was,  especially the contributions by The Artisan Group! Celebrities like Nia Peeples, Penny Marshall, Rico Rodriguez and many more fell in love with the fabulous products handmade by my TAG peeps.  And it couldn't have happened without the fabulous Valerie Propst Guerrero and Nikki Cutro, the founder and managing partner of The Artisan Group.  Their enthusiasm and dedication at the event itself was incredible! Although I personally did not participate in this event, I felt so emotionally invested...we're like a family.  The amazing TAG members who did participate were: Valerie Guerrero of The BeezKneez Designs (The Artisan Group’s Founder); Nikki Cutro of 13 Black Cats Designs, (Managing Partner); Amy Croushorn of Make It Mine Parties; Ashley Berthelot of Fancy Designs; Autumn Bradley of Autumn Bradley Jewelry Design; Crystal Evans-Pradhan of Little Free Radical; Deb Soromenho of AWE Jewelry; Denise Mancuso of AJ Sweet Soap; Diana Pelliccia-Mueller of Bellaroma; Gary Hirsch of Doodle House; Heather Sennabaum of Re-Zip It!; Ilene Price of Ilene Price Design; Kristal Lee and Jennifer Lee of Atutudes Handmade Tutus; Lindsay Van Cleave of LCVintage and Company; Lindsey Afton Dufoe of Afton Dufoe Photography; Lisa Howath of The Lonely Pixel Photography; Lisa Sieczka of Elle Moss Photography; Mandy Bryant of The Light Fantastic; Michelle Bousley of OC Styles Creations; Michelle Reynolds of Aromatic Health; Natalie LeBlanc of Papermuse Designs; Pamela Petry of Seeing Is Believing Artistry; Sarah Mercer of Geekgirly Photography; Shannon Moyer-Szemenyei of Sweet Stella’s; Sharlene Maher of Stranded Treasures; Shawna Ziemer of Wags and Wiggles; Tamecka Sandifer of Honeyprint; and Tina Dean Allen of Tina Dean Designs.  (Taken from the TAG press release).
I know where I'm doing my Christmas shopping this year, before these guys get too famous!!  Congratulations!!