Unique Gifts Blog - Oonique!

Trendy, Affordable Handbags

2008-05-05T09:30:00.006-04:00

Brown Large Vicky Heritage Stripe Faux Leather Bag
$45.99

Accessory Bug offers arm candy that’s chic and affordable. From prim and proper to trendy metallic, the picture-perfect handbags and fashion accessories quickly spice up any ensemble.

With girls-on-the-go in mind, the assortment of durable pieces is practical, as well as functional.

Yellow Aiko Faux Leather Evening Bag
$34.99

Pink Vanessa Patent Leather Boston Tote Bag
$44.99

Cathy Chiang and Peter Lin are behind Accessory Bug. The duo is accustomed to operating successful fashion boutiques. Their focus is on hip and unique accessories that exhibit similar craftsmanship as ensured in comparable designer-made goods.

Guided by Chiang’s fashion know-how and Lin’s business-savvy skills, the two ventured out on their own in 2005.

The carefully selected designs boast an amazing assortment of chunky chains, intricate stitching, buckles, beads, glossy patent and supple leathers, and lush fabrics in various faux-textures. All selections allow customers to indulge, or stock up on gifts for special occasions through the year.

PS: To get 20% off, use coupon code: mom08. It expires on 8th May 2008.

Unusual Jewelry

2008-04-25T11:17:00.006-04:00

HeBe Jewellery sources unusual contemporary jewelry from British designers, and generally tries to stay away from the high street brands.

There are a wide range of jewellery gifts for men and women. HeBe Jewellery specialises in handmade jewellery pieces that express one's true personal style.

Nick Hubbard Love is in the Air Locket

A very romantic locket by Nick Hubbard. The locket is a beautifully formed piece on Nick's trademark oxidized silver chain. The door can be opened to reveal a tiny mouse on a red enamel background. Little silver hearts and a special 9ct gold heart complete the piece.

The locket is presented in a luxury HeBe wooden box, with a Nick Hubbard gift certificate.

Silver Necklace set with Opal Flower Detail

Here's a funky solid sterling silver necklace, with silver and opflower detail.

The necklace comes with a 16inch (40.64 cm) chain. The pendant size measures 23mm x 23mm.

Windrose Melange Mint Jewellery Box

This is a luxury Melange jewellery box from Windrose. The box is made from structured mint colored Italian leather, with a soft cushioned interior.

Two pullout draws and handy compartments (more pictures available on website) make this an essential jewellery box for serious collections! The box is also fully lockable for added security.

Unique Gift for Grandparents

2008-04-22T13:32:00.005-04:00

Rory Siefer is a family historian, whose goal is to help others pass on some of their best life stories, so that they will always be remembered. She was inspired by her grandfather, a WWII veteran, who always loved to tell stories.

These gifts are especially great for the grandparent who has everything.

CatchMyMemory.com features two different Family History kits -- MemoryCatchers, the first of their kind! The MemoryCatchers make saving and sharing a lifetime of stories easy and fun.

The StoryCatcher

The StoryCatcher was created so that you never lose your loved one's voice, and most importantly, their life story.

This kit was made so that the entire project could be completed in one weekend. Using the included Interview Guide, you will be able to prompt your parent/grandparent to tell stories about the special events (from childhood through their adult life).

Using a simple digital recorder you may complete up to 8 hours of voice recorded interviews. The best part is that the whole family can be involved.

The PhotoCatcher

This kit was created to save the history behind a loved one's photographs.

The PhotoCatcher helps a parent review, sort, organize, and select 60 of their best photographs. Once the photos are chosen a memory page is created for each image with short written narratives.

By the end of the process, an amazing 60-page storybook is ready to read and share with the whole family! The PhotoCatcher can make a great bedtime story for future generations, or an instant heirloom to keep on the coffee table for everyone to read.

Ms. Siefer truly believes in the importance of taking the time to save the stories while you still can. It is almost like creating a mini time capsule of your loved one's life so it can always be remembered. Both kits retail for $125/each, which includes all the tools needed to complete the process.

World's First Novel, Novelist

2008-02-28T07:49:00.007-05:00

Murasaki Shikibu

Love, intrigue, lust and adventure are all ingredients of a bestselling novel. One such book with these elements thrilled readers almost one thousand years ago. The Tale of Genji, is considered by many to be the first novel in the world. It was written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu.

* I remember borrowing this book from the library some years ago. Didn't finish it (but I'd like to add it to my collection -- next purchase...).

Lady Murasaki's real name is unknown. Murasaki Shikibu roughly translates to "Lavender Secretary". The main source of knowledge about her life is the diary she kept between 1007 and 1010.

The novel is generally regarded as the greatest work of Japanese literature.

The Tale of Genji captures the image of a unique society of refined aristocrats, who were skilled in poetry, music, calligraphy, and courtship. Much of it is concerned with the loves of Hikaru Genji (the shining prince) and the different women in his life. Though the novel does not contain scenes of dramatic action, it is written with an exquisite sensitivity to human emotions. Genji is also very concerned with cultivating a beautiful and elegant lifestyle, a principle called miyabi.

The Tale of Genji continues to have cultural prominence in Japan. Images of its characters grace everything from tee-shirts to stationary, and manga and anime versions of the famous love story have been produced. It is required reading in all Japanese high schools.

Most recently, a new 2000 yen note was produced. One side features an image of Murasaki Shikibu.

References: World's First Novelist, Genji.

Not So Romantic, Quirky Love Quotes

2008-02-13T07:55:00.008-05:00

I think there should be a Single's Day holiday -- since there's V-day for couples. As Mr. Oscar Wilde says: "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."

Anyway, I received a forwarded e-mail from a friend long ago. These are some of the entries to a Washington Post Competition. The contest asked for a rhyme with the most romantic first line, but least romantic second line.

Caustic witticism. Enjoy!

Stock Vector: I Heart Evil

~

Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss
But I only slept with you, cause I was pissed

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet, and so are you
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead,
The sugar bowl's empty, and so is your head

Of loving beauty you float with grace
If only you could hide your face

I thought that I could love no other
Until, that is, I met your brother

Kind, intelligent, loving and hot
This describes everything you are not

I want to feel your sweet embrace
But don't take that paper bag off your face

I love your smile, your face, and your eyes --
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!

Every time I see your face
I wish I were in outer space

I saw your face as you walked by
but then I saw a better guy

My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you screwed up my life

I see your face when I am dreaming
That's why I always wake up screaming

My love, you take my breath away
What have you stepped in to smell this way?

My feelings for you, no words can tell
Except for maybe "go to hell"

What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.

Valentine's Day Cards for Geeks

2008-02-13T07:08:00.002-05:00

These are Wii-themed Valentine's Day cards, by Mitch at 4 color rebellion. There are a total of six geek love themed designs -- all are so very nice!

Internet and print versions available for download at the site.

Midday Musings

2008-02-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

After shifting 3 blogs over from Blogger to WordPress, I've decided to keep this blog as it is over here. Never mind importing posts, that's the easy part -- it's the image links I'd have to manually go through and fix one by one.

I *could* of course, start the whole blog over, but I'd rather not (I might fiddle around with the .css file here more freely though...).

I initially wanted to feature items according to the holiday/season, starting from this year. However, I guess I'm just the sort of person that isn't into the whole "commercialized" aspect of, well, things in general. This doesn't mean I don't like stuff -- but if I may say so, it's kind of...unimaginative, to feature a wholeeeee bunch of "romantic gifts", just because "V Day is approaching"...

I know this blog focuses on gifts -- but I like to do things differently / my own way (if only to keep things interesting for myself).

And besides (in this V Day case), I've always figured I'd appreciate being shown I'm loved/cared for etc, on any random day of the year based on simple meaningful gestures (nice gifts from time to time included) -- not just on this allocated "Valentine's Day", where one is socially not only licensed but expected to "do something" for their "significant other" to "show they care".

I probably could've done a much better job summing that up in a more concise and cohesive manner, but I'm in a rambling mood today.

I guess now that my other blogs are settled, I'm thinking of how I could liven this one up a little, so please pardon me if posts and updates get a bit erratic (nothing new :P).

I'm quite happy with the way the other now WP-powered blogs are going. I wouldn't like to simply chuck this one aside, and/or have it be too "predictable"...so yeah. I'll see what I can come up with.

PS: Yep, I've a habit of using lots of parentheses (brackets) when thought-processing ^^.

Temp Hiatus

2008-01-18T11:23:00.000-05:00

Hello,

Recently (or maybe not so recently), Blogger has been having some problems. Some people's blogs are disappearing, there are bugs, and/or something is broken within the blog template / page elements.

I know it's a free service...but well, I've my standards :P

I think I'll be moving all four of my blogs onto their own hosting and domain. This will take some time.

If I work really fast, this could mean 2 weeks. However, I'd like to take my time finding a nice WordPress theme, and things like that. Oh yippee, more cutting and pasting with HTML and .php!

I'll post a note when everything is settled. Thank you for your patience.

Jess.

Geek Gifts

2008-01-17T08:50:00.000-05:00

Here are hi-tech gifts that are functional and look great too. The products are from Fractalspin -- geekcessories galore!

1. Microcontroller Cufflinks & Tie Tack

The set of black cufflinks (and a tie tack in black and silver, shown above) are made from real microcontrollers. The tie tack costs $35.00 (~ € 25.41).

Microcontrollers are tiny, self-sufficient microprocessors that take up little space. The Basic Stamp controller is the most well known. It contains the memory and interfaces needed for simple applications.

2. Duct Tape Hybrid BiFold Wallet

A clean, minimalistic wallet that's super strong, being made of Duct Tape. The Ducti wallet uses Super Duct Tape so it won't peel or leak adhesive -- which can be a problem with traditional duct tape. There's room for credit/debit cards, cash, and there's a picture window for the owner's ID.

3. Odin’s Rage Watch

This LED watch (LED=light-emitting diode) substitutes a large inner dot for the hour hand position, and a small outer dot for the minute hand position. Uber funky.

The four small LEDs at the center represent the minutes between each five-minute increment, and the two small dots in the bottom center represent AM or PM. There are instructions on how to read the watch too.

Reference: Six Valentine’s Day nerdy guy gifts that aren’t lame

Heart Necklaces

2008-01-16T14:46:00.001-05:00

Whimsical Heart Necklace

This is a simple and elegantly designed heart-shaped necklace from MuseumShop.com.

The contemporary design was created exclusively for Museum Shop by Kathleen Scott, a Rhode Island jewelry designer. The necklace comes in gold-tone or silver-tone, each measuring 1" in diameter (2.54 cm). The pendant comes with a matching 17" (43.2 cm) chain. The item is made in the USA.

"Piece of My Heart" Necklace

This is the (rather literal) Piece of My Heart Necklace. It comes in a set of two silver-plated pendants -- a circle etched with the word "Love," and a heart with the word "Always." Each comes with its own chain, so you can keep one for yourself and give the other to your sweetheart. Alternatively, you could also wear both pendants together on one chain. This originally cost $16.95, but is now going for $12.95.

Shona Standing Couple

Museum Shop also has sculptures such as the Shona Standing Couple. This is handmade in Zimbabwe and fair-trade imported. The Shona tribes of Zimbabwe, literally translated as "the house of stone," are renowned for their fine sculpting technique.

International shipping is available for these items. MuseumShop.com donates a portion of every purchase, at no extra cost to customers, to support First Book. The latter is an organization that provides arts education and supplies to children who do not have ready access to such services.

Love-ly Cookies

2008-01-15T14:36:00.001-05:00

Jungle Love Colossal Cookie

Wow, that's really a huge, tempting, sweet-looking cookie. The cookie weighs more than one pound (450 grams), and is hand decorated. Nice way to bring out one's wild side ;)

The giant cookie costs $34.95, and costs $48.95 if you include 12 additional mixed cookies.

Love Notes

Yes, these love note cookie cards are edible. They cost $14.95. Each fresh baked sugar cookie is covered in white chocolate, with a card design and border of candy hearts and sprinkles.

What's nice about this one is that there is an Edible Food Writer included to personalize your own special cookie card message. The gift box is tied with coordinating sheer chiffon ribbon. An optional, personalized (non-edible) gift card is included with the purchase.

Order early -- shipping prices start at $9.99, for 0-3 lbs gift items. You can check the shipping rates on each individual gift page before checkout as well.

Coincidentally, Presentville Gifts was established on Valentine’s Day 2005. Shipping is currently available in the USA only.

I'll look out for stores which have international shipping in the next few posts.

Glass Bear in a Box

2008-01-14T13:31:00.001-05:00

1. Tiny Glass Angel Bear

Here's the first feature for Valentine's Day 2008.

These products were added to the catalogue of The Gift Haven in October 2007 -- so they're pretty new additions!

The glass bear above sits inside a ruby-red velvet box. The "My Sweet Heart" poem is viewable by clicking on the image above (a larger image will appear). The item stands at 2.25 inches (5.7cm) high, and is just $7.95.

2. A Rose from the Heart

In this rose & heart glass gift, two eternal symbols of love are brought together. It stands at 4.75 inches (12cm) high, and costs $24.95.

Many other items at The Gift Haven can be gotten below $20. They have a Valentine's Day category too. Shopping at the store and finding the right items are a breeze.

All gift prices are 20% or more below the suggested retail price. Shipping costs are not inflated, which means the cost is not reflected back onto customers.

Holiday: Valentine's Day, 2008

5

2008-01-13T08:41:00.000-05:00

Last year, I missed out on gifts by holidays/seasons. In the next few weeks, I'll be looking for V-Day related products. Hopefully I'll be able to find what I want, heh.

I don't think I'll be tagging each post according to the holiday though. There's something about a too-long list of categories that I find a little irritating.

Maybe I'll have a general category called "Holiday Gifts", then have a footnote at the end of each post, so if you run a search in the blog for "Valentine's Day", all the related posts will be listed. I did this on The Galeon -- Robin Hood and King Arthur etc. don't have their own labels, they all belong to one category titled "famous people".

Man, I like to spend time organizing, about organizing.

~

Before I get started on that, I’m adding this here since I was tagged by Haney. According to the person before her:

List the original link plus 5 additional links. And the 5 additional links listed need to list 5 links of their own.

Means that the links will grow exponentially 5,25,125...+ until infinity.

So here goes...

The Strategist Notebook

Link Addiction

Ardour of the Heart

When Life Becomes a Book

The Malaysian Life

Yogatta.com

What goes under the sun

Ubuntu For Malaysian

Arsenal Malaysia

Malaysian Computer Technical Blog

TeqEdge

Qubix Blog

Silent Blogger

Senyuman Sedekah

Teranung.blogspot

Aku tetap aku

Taszara.com

Selfobliged [D]ot [C]om

Oonique!

The ones I tag...

Anyone reading -- consider yourself tagged.

I always do this when "tagged" :P.

badge review

2008-01-10T11:12:00.000-05:00

The above design is the Kindergarten Tattoo six-piece button set, by YackFou.

I never would have come across this, were it not for badge review -- a blog that features nothing but art and design button badges. I know there are plenty of badges all over the place, but Sven Palmowski (who owns the blog):

1) has a really good eye for design, and
2) really knows button badges!

Stores and studios from around the world are featured -- USA, UK, Mexico City, Australia, Berlin, Ireland. And that's just on the current blog homepage. I guess inspiration can indeed be "found on a 1 inch (2.5cm) diameter".

Sven is a freelance illustrator from Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. His own designs and illustrations are showcased on his website, Sven Palmowski.

Website No. 7

2008-01-09T10:06:00.000-05:00

Well, apparently I have quite a bunch of things to say/write about webhosts and webhosting, and related subjects. I was initially planning on just leaving the articles on this blog, but I think they should have their own spot.

And so they do, at:

WebHost Monkeys [http://webhostmonkeys.com]

It's very new, and there's not much material on yet. I don't know how often I'll be posting there, because I have a lot of learning to do myself. We'll see.

Man, I never thought I'd have more than 2 websites...

Unique Japanese Gift

2008-01-08T09:09:00.000-05:00

A nice way to discover the exotic world of Japanese cuisine (sake in this particular case), is with this seven-piece sake set. The bottle measures about 7 inches (17.7cm) tall, and the cups are 2.25 inches (5.7cm) tall. The set is handcrafted in Japan.

AsianArtMall.com deals exclusively in Asian Arts and Crafts. Most of the products are directly acquired from the artists or production houses. This allows AsianArtMall to offer their items at affordable prices, without compromising on quality control. Some of the products are even custom made for the company, and only available on their website.

They have a special "For Her" section too, which features jewellery imported from Thailand, Bali, Japan, and China. Each piece is hand selected for its uniqueness.

AsianArtMall has full-time buyers which are located throughout Asia. If there's a product somewhere out there, they'll be able to find it.

PS: Sake Bar Hakkaisan is a place where you can read more about the art of drinking/appreciating SAKE.

Violin Table Lamp

2008-01-04T09:20:00.000-05:00

Here's something a music lover would find gorgeous!

This is one of AbsoluteHome's current Featured Products -- a violin table lamp priced at $46.40.

The authorized dealer is Trend Lighting. Trend Lighting specialises in creating attractive, unique products. They cover many styles too, from urban contemporary to classic traditional. High quality workmanship and innovation is always a superlative combination.

This is a warm light fixture that would illuminate any home, and make it that much more inviting and cozy.

* Height: 12 1/2" (31.75 cm)
* Width: 4" (10.16 cm)
* Lamping: 1 - 15 watt candle
* Finish: antique brass

AbsoluteHome is a huge website, that proudly states being the online source for everything in the home. They offer a large selection of luxury brands, totaling over 500,000 products in various categories such as Kitchen, Bath, Lighting, Appliances, etc.

Fender: Hello Kitty

2008-01-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

Hello Kitty Fenders

I've always liked Fender. I'm not the biggest Hello Kitty fan on the planet, but this famous kitty logo has been around for ages and has come a long way, and it looks neat. I was delighted when I first knew about these guitars and bass guitars (currently the bass is the Badtz-Maru brand) a couple of years back.

The Hello Kitty Fenders come in pink or black. Those two colours always make a cool and rocking combination. These are some of the specs of the Hello Kitty Stratocaster --

* script Hello Kitty logo artwork on back of pink body
* collage Hello Kitty logo artwork on back of black body
* white knob on pink guitar
* black knob on black guitar
* pink dot position inlays on pink guitar (a tiny but sassy detail)

The site also has a "Fender Players Club", where you can learn the basics of guitar playing. There's a lesson on playing the riffs from "Just a Girl" by No Doubt, and "What's My Age Again?" by Blink-182 for bass players.

Sidenote: Now I know Gwen Stefani is a fashion icon and all, but I really miss her during the No Doubt days, and if you or anyone you know thinks that Blink-182 is what real punk is about, please listen to The Ramones and The Sex Pistols, to get started ;).

The website also has wallpapers -- including a gorgeous closeup of the back of the Hello Kitty black guitar.

Sour Tang

2007-12-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

The homepage of Sour Tang welcomes you to the store for handmade, whimsical and fun jewelry, and accessories for the child at heart (as well as everyday independent woman)!

This is the first time I've seen a faux pearls combination of this sort. To me, its quirkiness and the adorable pink hue turned out to be very interesting. I used to have the notion that pearls were for a chic and mature look -- but pearls with a twist can brighten up an outfit too.

Sour Tang has a range of funky earrings, bracelets, and keychains. Regarding earrings, there's something about star-shaped ones that's entirely and uniquely hip.

This is a simple, calming necklace with a turtle charm as the centerpiece. The necklace was donated to Craft for China, a lovely arts & crafts fundraiser for Chinese orphans. The necklace sponsored two girls, Gracie, and Emma.

Sour Tang is a one-girl indie business started by Kelly Tang. Kelly has been selling her creative jewelry and accessories online since 2004. She hopes to turn the fun business into a real career some day. Currently she is a fashion design student. I'm sure of the high potential that Sour Tang will have a bunch of additions and be an expanded business in the future.

Sour Tang's first ever "After X'mas" sale is running (until 3 Jan) -- so do check it out while you still can at http://sourtang.com.

Martial Arts Supplies

2007-12-30T21:47:00.000-05:00

Black Display Samurai Sword Set

KarateDepot.com has a huge collection of goodies for the martial arts practitioner and/or enthusiast. This samurai sword set can be used for actual practice, or as a decoration for one's home.

The set comes with three beautifully crafted stainless steel "sharp" swords -- they are crafted to look and feel like authentic samurai swords. The scabbards are polished black lacquered wood, and the gold coloured handguard against the black handle catches even the smallest glimmers of light.

The swords included are the Katana (general term for single-edged sword), Wakizashi (similar to but shorter than a katana), and Tanto Black (has a thick pointed blade) Display Samurai Swords.

A real Wakizashi-style sword mounting, Edo period, 19th century

There are also gift items like the really cute Karate Bear. The plush bear from Boyd's Bears stands at 8" (20cm) tall and is dressed in an authentic karate uniform with a black belt. The bear is of the same quality and attention to detail that Boyd's Bears is famous for.

KarateDepot's whole range of martial arts supplies includes uniforms and sparring/training gear, to exercise equipment like leather jump ropes and deluxe exercise mats.

Handcrafted Silver Jewellery

2007-12-28T10:04:00.001-05:00

The original handcrafted jewelry of Kutuu is designed and created by Hannah Salomon. The classy pieces are made primarily with sterling silver with gemstones, using silversmithing techniques.

Hannah loves working with silver and semi precious/precious stones, as they tend to have an organic feel to it. There's also that little something which makes each design different and special.

While there is usually only one of each piece of jewelry available, repeats can be done on request. Commissions are taken on too, if there's something you're interested in or would like to see.

Leaf Bangle

The Kutuu website is updated regularly with new products -- and the Jewellery Information page is a comprehensive overview of processes and materials that are a part of jewelry making.

A lot of time and care goes into making each piece as perfect as it could possibly be. For instance, several hours went into the hand woven "Constantinople" bracelet -- a byzantine chainmaile with a forged ring and small trigger clasp, weighing in at 14g (0.49 ounces).

The designs are stylish, in a subtle understated way. They have an urban coolness, blended with the timelessness of traditional crafting.

By the way, Hannah is someone who can get 2 pendants, bracelets and pairs of earrings out of ONE Paua shell from a customer. Impressive, to say the least.

Art Gifts

2007-12-21T10:49:00.000-05:00

Abstract Thinker

I might not be the biggest fan of abstract art, but I thought this was an interesting take on the classic "thinker" pose. The empty space represents the body dissolving into connection with the world. This piece measures 20cm (around 8 inches).

Bali-Karma has a whole range of other abstract art gifts, which are sure to be talk pieces in a person's room or home. Many of the pieces celebrate the human body, as well as the enjoyment of having a physical form in the universe.

There are funky accessories and animal figurines on the website too. The items are expertly hand carved. The Balinese Carvings section is an inside look at real Balinese Art, which differs from the more commercialized surface that tourists usually see.

Purchasing from Bali-Karma is a way to connect with artists and craftspeople in Bali who are small producers, where the dollars you spend will have the most impact. There's more information on the story of Bali-Karma.

PS: Happy Holidays -- I'll next be back on Wednesday (or earlier, it depends).

Nomad Writing Journals

2007-12-20T08:25:00.000-05:00

Adventure Journals

This makes a neat travel gift -- especially for people who view traveling as an opportunity to experience different cultures, see exotic locations, or simply meet new people from around the world.

Nomad Travel Journals help travelers keep notes about their trips. Who was on the trip, things seen, people met, contact information such as email address, phone numbers and so on can be recorded. Over time, you can wander through the travel journal to relive trips and other details along the way you may have otherwise forgotten.

The compact journals grew out of a passion for traveling and outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, bird watching, fly fishing, paddle sports and live music.

Each journal costs $27 with case. The case is a durable, water-resistant zippered cover, that offers protection from the elements and rigorous outdoor activities. Blank journals are available, for letting the imagination flow.

Student travellers and backpackers would love it.

I have a feeling Miss Lara Croft from Tomb Raider (one of the most awesome games ever), would be delighted to have one of these too.

Handmade Jewelry

2007-12-19T09:15:00.000-05:00

PurpleMe.Com is a quaint business, with an equally charming website. The company has always been about unique and affordable jewelry, handmade and crafted like no other.

The jewelry is designed with gold and silver plated metal and wire hooks, unless otherwise noted, and consists of daring, funky mixtures of metallics, glass and pearls (to name a few). Each item is created from beginning to end in the founder's home in Brooklyn, NY.

The one featured above is called "Blue Ocean Fun", and I like how the two sides aren't identical. Items like "Stars Caught" -- with PurpleMe's signature PurpleBerry wrapped glass bead dangling from it -- have been featured in popular shopping webzines. Necklaces are now included in the product line as well.

PurpleMe.Com began in August '03, when the founder decided to begin a project that would combine her love of fashion and design, and her crazy obsession with the colour purple.

Hint: Keep handmade crafted jewelry inside a bag or jewelry box when not in use. That way the metals will not oxidize and your pieces can retain their unique appearance and last longer.

Guitar Collectibles

2007-12-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

Flying V Style Black

Baby Axe manufactures miniature guitar collectibles. The range includes the Stratocaster (by Fender) and the Rickenbacker. The guitars are associated with the world's most famous musical artistes, including Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, John Lennon, and Noel Gallagher.

The Baby Axe guitars look extremely realistic. I didn't even know they were miniature collectibles at first. The guitars are approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm), and come in a simulated aluminium case box. The guitars are made from the finest quality material -- such as high-quality fibre -- which makes them feel a bit heavier than they might look.

In the 1960s, the Flying V style (featured in the above picture) became a statement of individualism and creativity. More recently, it has been used by Lenny Kravitz.

There's also a cool Harley Davidson Fender. Each retails for about £23.

These are droolworthy gifts for music lovers, or people who are into rock music.

You might want to include a note though, that the guitars *are* miniature instruments, and cannot be physically played.