New Bern Christmas Card 2009

I just got my new Christmas Card in. I've been doing a new Christmas Card for New Bern every year since 1992.

They are $9.50 for 10 cards.

The inside of this years card says "Sending you 300 wishes for the new year", making reference to our 300th anniversary.

Every year is different, different styles, different looks. Below you'll find some of the previous years cards. I try to keep the previous years cards in stock as well.

If you want to purchase some you can call us 252-633-4369, or order online and we'll send them right out!

Click here for the New Bern gifts page on our website where you click on the image of the cards you want to order, give us your info and you're done!

Mayoral debate

Here I go politicking again, I can't help myself.

I just heard the Mayoral debate. Frank Kerr said many things that were just totally wrong.

If I was going to run for mayor I would darn well know about this!

He was complaining about money being spent on sidewalks downtown, and other infrastructure downtown and wondered why he didn't get a sidewalk in front of his house.

I don't know how many people know it but if you have property from the Trent River to Broad and the Neuse River to Hancock you pay city taxes, county taxes AND a Municipal Services District Tax which is 18 cents per $100 valuation. So we are triple taxed.

The money from the MSD Tax goes to pay for the new sidewalks, new sewers, parks, light poles, etc. We pay for all of improvements with this special tax. So, Mr Kerr, if you want better sidewalks etc. Why don't you get together with your neighbors and agree to a special assessment in the form of your OWN Municipal Services District, you too can be tripled taxed but it's well worth it.

In Case You Missed It

I hope you didn't miss our last ArtWalk!

We were packed with people viewing our new show "The Iconic Lighthouse" and watching Mike Rooney demonstrate.

As the evening wore on Mike moved his easel indoors and finished his painting. As people came in they signed up to win the painting!

At 7:30 a smiling Mary Peeler walked out with it.

Our ArtWalks are always fun, we don't always have a demonstration but there are always lots of your friends to greet!

Our next one is November 13. We're going to be featuring glass ornaments by 20 glass blowers to celebrate our 20th Anniversary in Downtown New Bern!

The Bridge

I went kayaking the other day to take a look at the progress being made on our new bridge over the Trent River, I took a detour on the way because it was so calm, and paddled out to see the Neuse River Bridge.

As most of you know the state closed our main access to our Downtown in May of 2007 to replace a bridge that was built in the 1950s crossing the Trent River.

It was a swing span bridge and the topic of many paintings done by myself and other artists in the area.

We are at the Confluence of the two rivers, the Trent and the Neuse and our Downtown is on a peninsula.

Like everyone else I am getting pretty anxious to have it be completed.

I was pleased when I passed under the new bridge to see we have some decorative light poles. I sat on the design review committee and I understood that there would be nothing decorative about the bridge and that we would need to raise the money for anything like this. So I don't know if the city paid for these light poles or what but I'm glad to see they are there.

The bascule is in place!! Can't wait to see it go up and down.

Samantha Freeman

We are pleased to introduce you to one of our newest jewelry designers, Samantha Freeman. We are always looking for the latest and greatest designers and we me Samantha on a recent trip to Philadelphia.

I think what I really like about her work is the way she constructs her pieces and the clean lines.

The jewelry designed by Samantha Freeman is a synthesis of nature and high tech. Educated first as a biochemist, she soon transferred to Parsons School of Design to pursue a jewelry career.

She is inspired by the world beneath the waves on frequent scuba diving trips, and the exotic cultures of any far away country.

In her studio, she creates jewelry that is timeless. Materials used range from anodized aluminum, to sterling silver and 18k gold, and natural elements including various gem stones, coral and shells.

All pieces are made entirely by hand using a wide variety of jewelry skills.

Classical yet innovative design is combined with old world craftsmanship to make pieces that last for generations.

The giving and receiving of jewelry is not essential, but brings beauty and romance to life.

View from the Porch MS Bike 2009

It was an exciting morning on East Front Street as over 2000 bicyclists started their ride raising money for MS! Here are just a few shots.

Purse Hangers

People have been asking for purse hangers so while we were at the shows last month we looked until we found some really nice ones, made in the USA!

If you don't know what they are - a hook to hang your purse on a table when you're in a restaurant so it doesn't have to sit on the floor.

I have to admit when I first heard about them I wasn't convinced but they are actually pretty cool and do the job. And we have a great variety, some with lots of bling, some with stones like turquoise, and so on.
Ours also have this clever way they fold up and come in a cute box with a velvet bag to carry it in your purse. Some even have a mirror and a pill box bult into the design.

They are well priced from $13.50 to $19 and will make a great stocking stuffer!

New from Sticks

We've gotten some great new pieces in from Sticks! Clocks, calendars, activity boards, a beautiful new rectangular dining room table, chairs and bench to match, sofa table, end table, clocks, mirrors and more!

Did you know that each of these pieces is one of a kind and there will never be a piece just like it ever?

And did you know that we can totally personalize any piece. We can put whatever words you want, even your family names, we can pick the colors, the illustrations, the possibilities are endless.

Christmas is just around the corner and it takes time to build the piece (yes each piece is built by hand when we order it), then the idea for decoration is finalized, the piece is carved, and then painted, and coated with polyurethane.

SO... if you want something specially made for you by Christmas we need to know it within the next few weeks. But we have lots in the gallery right now so you just might find the perfect piece already made.

We do layaway so you can pick it out now and have a few months to pay for it.

Want to see a few more pieces we have in stock? Click here.

Our New Show - The Iconic Lighthouse

We have hung our new show, the Iconic Lighthouse and it looks great! All new work never seen before.

We have already sold 3 pieces out of the show.