Dallas
Dorothy Weaver -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 5/1/2001
At Donald McEvoy Ltd. 211-49-61 World Trade Center (WTC), Studio Twenty-one Inc. offers high-style furniture, lamps, picture frames, vases, bowls, candleholders, and mirrors created by Brenda Buell's and Jan Showers' savoir faire and artistry. The prized pieces are inspired by furniture designed during the '30s, '40s and '50s by such talents as Andre Arbus, Jules Leleu, Jansen, Jean Michel Frank, and Jacques Adnet. The well edited pieces temper classicism with modernism, affording endless versatility. These well priced designs are constructed of iron, steel, and wood in sophisticated finishes. Black and clear glass and mirrored tops on the tables and consoles provide an exciting alternative to the typical wrought iron and glass tables currently offered in the marketplace. Glass accessories include vases, bowls, and lamps in unusual colors and shapes. Mirrored frames, trays, and candlesticks complete this prestigious collection.
New arrivals at Thomas & Moore Inc., 2232-2434 Dallas Trade Mart (DTM), include Red Carpet Studios' handcrafted metal, glass, terra-cotta, or wood terrariums, which bring beauty and greenery into the home. Use as a miniature greenhouse, conservatory, or imaginative showcase for collectibles for a dramatic effect. Also in the line are Reflections of Affection, handcrafted and hand-painted candleholders with heartfelt sayings. Natural river rocks, glass stones, and garden rocks are also available. T'Lara Inc. is attracting attention with its novel mirrors and assorted designs for the home, including pedestals, shelves, and wall sconces. Finishes of classic gold, platinum, pewter, and cherry define the resplendent group. J. willfred, a division of Charles Sadek, offers new pewter vases, centerpieces, and boxes. Andrea by Sadek's fine hand-painted porcelain decorative accessories are enduring classics with the visual appeal of color and design.
RP & Associates, 2355 DTM, focuses on home decor, stationery, and scrapbooking. On display are Milburn Frames, Country Lane Candles, A&W Crestwood handmade papers, Cardinal "hold that thought" tote bags, Dec Art napkins, and Freez-a-Frame magnetic frames. Take note of the Blo Pen, a revolving marker that becomes a pen with a quick puff of breath.
Home decor and floral design are all about texture in 2001 at Sullivans Inc., International Floral Design Center (IFDC) 2F10. Berries, amaranthus, and ice add texture to designs. Beasts — a giraffe, elephant, and zebra — made from bark and dried sea grass provide a sophisticated look and an interesting touch to interiors. Flower petals and pine boughs highlighted with ice crystals; mistletoe, berries, and cherries glazed with ice; and pine sprigs and holly leaves suspended in ice create cool Christmas looks.
Transpac Imports, IFDC 1F43, opened additional space at 341 WTC. Jolly St. Nick and capricious snowmen figures frolic on stockings, pillow covers, ornaments, birdhouses, plaques, and tree garlands. Rustic Christmas trowels, buckets, metal screens, and shadowboxes abound, along with patriotic stars and stripes, autumn wreaths, and frightful and fun Halloween items. Flowers, birds, bees, butterflies, and more come in light breezy hues, cued to nature.
Mid Life Group Inc. relocated to space 1874 DTM. It offers a variety of selections including paper and party goods, wedding coordinates, cake toppers, candles, balloons, pencils, decorative totes, Christmas tree incense, sachets, and aromatherapy. Lines shown are Plastics Inc., Royal Lace, MTC, Mustardseed Tee, Fun Design, Flex-o-Lift Wrap, Mr. Lite, Trends Intl., Capri Candles, Chase Products, Maryland Plastics, Coast, Atlas Pencil, Perfect Products, Paper Fantasies, Stockdale, Crystal Springs, Mazel, and Wally Balls.
Fabsco, a Dallas manufacturer exhibited at Holst-Bowen Inc., 2503 DTM, features custom-designed monogrammed items. Disposable fabric-like gold or silver monogrammed tissues called "nosies," and masillin and linillin guest towels, napkins, and coasters are reasonably priced impulse items. Sheer ribbons and monogrammed Styrofoam cups are other irresistibles.
The Portmeirion USA Botanic Garden Satin White Collection of vases, candlesticks, and bowls attracts attention at Mike Ater & Associates, 2135 DTM. The glossy decoration, together with the stain glaze, gives an almost three-dimensional look. The Matte Finish Collection is decorated with Dusk design. New introductions appear in the popular Botanic Garden Butterflies Collection.
Za-Dan Productions' APS Starlight Collection of lamps, designed to resemble the stars that shine over Scandinavia on a clear crisp night, offer a modern look for home or office with low energy usage. The 18-kt. goldplated rods mounted on black-finished Norwegian pine cast drama. There are six exciting lighting concepts to be seen at Accents II Shades, 1404 DTM. San Miguel Pottery & Furniture, another new line, affords versatility. There are wrought-iron-with-marble tables, chandeliers, a colonial bed, silver and red clay candleholders, and a set of three rustic Old World planters among the exceptionally well-priced group. Paul Sahlin Tiffany lighting reflects the inspiration of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mission classics.
At Keith Smith Ltd., 200 WTC, Primitive Artisan offers a selection with style and class, including table linens, colored glass, painted iron decor, basketry, pillows, rugs, ceramic serveware, peasant oval planters, and painted juvenile furniture. The Northern Lights candle line is a recent addition.
Innovation, sophistication, and a rich mix of colors mark new arrivals at Two's Company, 2030 DTM. Silverplated gifts, including frames, mirrors, an epergne, a desk set with ink well, quill pen and holder, mint julep cups, and more, shine. There are also sequined silk pillows, flower soaps, copper garden ornaments, gypsy chic bobeches with glass beads, petite perfume bottles, and wool needlepoint pillows to claim attention. One pillow asserts "I'm on a 30-day diet — so far I've lost 15 days."
W.A.C. Lighting, 3321 DTM, introduced multiple recessed spots, a two-circuit track system, and a new catalog. Multiple recessed spots come in both square and rectangular housings. Housings offered with one, two, or three sources accommodate MR-16, AR-111, PAR-36, and PAR-38 bulbs. They feature gimbal ring trims that can be adjusted 360 degrees for a broad range of applications, including down lighting and wall washing. Bulbs can be replaced from the front without removing other parts. The new cost-effective two-circuit track system enables users to double the track's lighting power, wattage, and number of fixtures, while utilizing a lesser number of tracks and reducing costs. A highly flexible system enables the user to engage single or both circuits at different times and for different functions. All new fixtures are either UL or ETL approved.
At Meyda Tiffany, 4626 DTM, table lamps inspired by the prolific artist Emile Galle, who was at the forefront of the French Art Nouveau Design Movement, recreate Mother Nature's flowers on both shades and bases. Meyda master artisans layer different colors of mouth-blown art glass into a mold to create the shape of the lamp and shade; then hand-carve the top layer of glass in various depths, which results in several superb combinations of vivid colors and embossed designs.
Wildflowers, a light, breezy, and natural pattern from Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, 281 WTC, is the pick for a bright garden motif. There are tapestries, wall hangings, bell pulls, hooked wool rugs, afghans, a scrolled mini footstool, a bistro chair, a bench and table, desk organizer, tin appointments, and ceramics to herald the outdoor season. Never Thyme Enough, Dutch Garden, Garden Variety, Hare Raising are other coordinates.
The offerings on exhibit at Really Good Gifts Intl., 1949 DTM, are vast and varied. Represented lines include Blue Sky paper goods, Clay Work's ceramic tea light houses, Vanmark historic limited editions, Character Collectibles NASCAR legends and Parade of Cows giftware, along with Golden Leaves outdoor garden accessories. Artisan Flair's Plum Pudding snowmen are characters, and General Time Clocks' additions mark hours of happiness. Westland Giftware adds new ceramic and cold-cast resin pieces to join the cows on the prairie herd. The Hadley Companies' new artists have created an assortment of men's field and stream gifts.
A snowfall soiree and a feast of festive looks greet buyers at Christmas Southwest, 404 WTC. Luminescent looks for a ho-ho holiday, frightful Halloween, and grateful Thanksgiving are there to fete the seasons. Russian Gift & Jewelry, a new line of hand-carved and hand-painted limited-edition collectibles, adds glitz.
Communicate in style with innovative stationery, notes, and greetings from Rudy Camacho, 2715 DTM. The assemblage includes Palm Press, Noble Works, Great Arrow Graphics, Koco of New York, and Fotofolio. The offerings allow you to remind your customers to maintain friendships by keeping in touch with just a stroke of the pen — which Napoleon "noted" was mightier than the sword.
At Grover Nash Sales, 10015 WTC, the Lady Furs line of antique furs in throws and pillows in three sizes enhances surroundings with luxury and flair. International Designs Collection offers pillows created from Asian antique obis and saris, and hand-painted puppets in rich antique fabrics reflect global visions. Great City Traders' white marble decorative accents and corporate gifts claim attention.
At Cast Art Industries, 265 WTC, a new home decor line, Etcetera, showcases the design concepts of well known artists Marsha McCarthy and Steve Kehrli, along with the creative Cast Art studios artists. The line, comprised of more than 20 themed ensembles, appeals to a wide range of tastes. Classic architecturals, country charm, bold animal prints, and whimsical and playful contemporary concepts form the core of the collection. Ceramic Adoration Angels trimmed in 18-kt. gold, stone-look candle accessories, columnar photo frames, and wildlife-, Safari- and Atlantis-inspired creations are included. Greek columns on a stacked pedestal form a distinctive ensemble of candleholders, bookends, photo frames, and bowls made of marbleized stone with a textured, weathered, and aged look. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, items of dark cherry wood, antiqued copper, and genuine pewter accents provide dramatic selections.
New arrivals are on display at Dafa Sales, 1732-1959 DTM. Confetti, a Dallas manufacturer, furnishes aluminum bowls, serving utensils, wire baskets, and a hot/cold assortment. Memory books, a calligraphy series, guest books, frames, inspirational bookmarks, magnets, keyrings, and fun spinner mugs are among Talus' introductions. Lasting Impressions' designer soaps with permanent decorative images, gift sets, soap dishes, and aromatherapy selections refresh the senses.
Highlighting Austin Productions', 224 WTC, showroom are chic floor lamps, abstract and Aegean sculptures in contrasting textures, geometric and modern shaped sculptures finished in verdi rose, and reproductions of Roman ruins. Thai elephant centerpieces, detachable glass centerpieces, and home accessories in aged iron and gold are accessories-du-jour.
Umbrellas and pink and blue frogs embellish bridal and baby paper goods at Caspari, 2323 DTM. They are designed by Annie Goodchild. Denim, pocket, and bandanna napkins set the mood for relaxed, casual get-togethers.
There's variety at Duncan Sales Group, 1244 DTM, with Dandy Horses collectibles; Collector's Armory reproductions of antique firearms, weapons, and military buttons, buckles, and badges; Multiple Systems; and Screen Play inspirational cards, plaques and picture frames. Offerings from Elm St. Sweet Shop and Supreme Chocolate's chocolate rose are perfect for special moments.
Kurt S. Adler Inc., 400 WTC, turns 55 years old! Offered is a catalog featuring its extensive nutcracker collection and Steinbach limited editions. A leading resource for holiday collectibles, a new fiber optic lighted skull for Halloween is a bewitching addition.
Decorative Crafts Inc., 226 WTC, renowned for handsome decorative accessories and a statement in style, features imported furniture with an Italian and Far Eastern influence. Lauren Inman is showroom manager.
Metrotex Marketing, 1054-2066 DTM, a split-level showroom, connected by a spiral staircase, features introductions in the South Asian look. Banana leaf urns on stand, banana leaf wall stands, snakeskin-finish oval vases, and other stunning decorative confections thrust any area to center stage.
Leyla's whimsical collections of embroidered and hand-painted throw pillows, floor pillows, and cubes, as well as door knob hangers, cover every conceivable subject — Hanukkah, holidays, birthdays, sports, friendship, love, and more. Each handcrafted product is finished with plush fabrics, creative trims, a flair for original designs, clever wit and wisdom. Pillow talk fun statements include: "Dear Santa, define good" and "Girls just wanna have funds." Shown at Kennedy Home, 340 WTC.
The Boston Warehouse line, exhibited at Martin & Associates, 2501 DTM, has teamed up with Nick & Nora Home, furnishing fun gifts, such as Round-Up, Monkey Business, Sunnyside Up, and Cloud Nine. Kitchen timers ring, bark, and meow, but don't bite. Countertop coordinates, Mediterranean style terra-cotta bakeware, Asian dining and accessory sets in celadon crackle glaze, bobeche candle rings, metal fireplace candle screens, and gel candles are part of the mix. BW Home, fashionable and functional furniture in a box, pre-assembled or flat packed in UPS-sized boxes, keeps in step with today's lifestyles. Many of the products simply unfold, ready for use. The instant furniture is voguish. The Precidio line brings a festive touch to entertaining with ease and color. Unbreakable polycarbonate drinkware, melamine serveware and flatware, acrylic drinkware and serveware, along with ceramicware, placemats, and candleholders come in updated shapes.
Check out the variety at New Endeavors, 2222 DTM. Mila International's cheery ceramicware greets the day with sunny hues. Egg cups, espresso and cappuccino mugs, jumbo cups and saucers, noodle bowls, reminiscent of Epicurean bistros, and even bride-and-groom coordinated designs characterize the line. The Mystical Treasures "Wild Writers" designer series of hand-carved clay, refillable Bic pen holders make a mark in Harry Potter, Halloween, Southwest, and other styles.



















