We're all jazzed about Kristin Ford, our newest jewelry designer at Annie Kaills. The Kristin Ford line of jewelry was established in 1994 with a passion for beautiful gems and respect for the energetic gifts each stone has to offer. Kristin's work is currently sold at more than 100 galleries and stores.

Kristin's work is designed with semi-precious stones, sterling silver, and 14 karat gold. Kristin Ford Jewelry has always been known for its quality stones and craftsmanship, great use of color and deeper meaning. Each piece is designed incorporating meditation, the unique energy of stones and numerology. The jewelry is always accompanied with a tag describing the healing qualities of each stone.

Barb Campbell is our newest ceramics artist at Annie Kaills. Barb is a studio potter working out of Oregon state. How did her work end up at Annie's you ask? Our bookkeeper Colleen was visiting friends and family in Oregon this spring when we met the artist and fell in love with her work. Colleen bought several pieces, brought them home to Juneau, and the next thing you know we are selling Barb's stuff at the store and it is so popular!

Barb's ceramics features a mix of uncolored glazed porcelain, bright colors, and her signature faces created on the artwork. It is pottery for every day, pottery for fun, the perfect cup for your coffee or vase for your flowers. Unpretentious, this is how ceramics pieces are supposed to make you feel. Check it out!

Visitors to Annie's know all about the flying ladies that have hung around our gallery for at least a decade. We just got a great new selection of these whimsical hanging creations by artist Sarena Mann. The fun- and spirit-filled flying women have been the mainstay of Sarana's work for 35 years. She loves the whimsical, colorful, flighty figures that hang anywhere and lighten the load. They move about with intent, freedom and spirit. In the evening they cast shadows and continue their dance.

Over the years they have changed; some have retired and some have returned for new adventure. Made from wire, paper, fabric, paste and patience, they each have their own identity and place in the world. And for one or more of them, that place just might be in your home or office!

The little beaded critters have been flying out the door all summer long. Moose, bears, fish, octopus, and so many more options! Each Grassroots creation is an animal hand crafted entirely out of beads for a unique Alaska trinket or display sculpture. They have been so popular this summer, and we recently received many new Grassroots critters!

The name Grassroots speaks to the fact that these sculptures are art with a purpose. Kristen Appleton, Grassroots’ designer, has worked both in Africa and China with teams of artisans to interpret her designs through this craft. The process of wire bending is an intricate and difficult art, requiring great strength and skill. Over the past three years, Grassroots has worked to develop their own production facilities, helping to bring steady living wage work and income to hundreds of people who had no prior opportunity to create stability for themselves and their families.

PS. The little guy in the picture is the porcupine. Cute!