Remarkable 3D images in translucent porcelain create beautiful night-lights!  These are lithophanes, a century-old process made new in these useful, decorative pieces.  While practical, these are special and beautiful enough to give as gifts!  Just plug one in to enjoy masterful artwork in your home, day or night.  Handmade by an American artist.  $29.95 each.

Ann and Bill with Marty, the artist

Cute little guy enjoying his bamboo is made by Boehm Porcelain, the American porcelain figurine company.  Won’t you give him a good home for Christmas and always???  $1,400.

These are for your collectors, delicate and whimsical with orchids, butterflies, and peacocks in exquisite detail.  Christmas presents, anyone?

Boehm Porcelain has been synonymous for exquisite American craftsmanship since the company was founded in 1950.    Barbara Boehm, who started the company with her husband, died on November 19, 2010.  Her obituary in the New York Times contains an interesting summary of the company’s history.   Boehm porcelain is housed in world-class museums and is commissioned by American presidents, foreign heads of states, and royalty as gifts to represent their countries on state occasions.

Since Christmas is coming, we want to remember Mrs. Boehm by featuring this very special porcelain nativity set at Ann’s.   Four pieces include the angel, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.   This Boehm Holy Family is for someone who would appreciate a unique gift from this treasured American porcelain company.  

Special things from the Lone Star State make wonderful, unique wedding gifts.  Here are some of Ann’s Texas customers’ favorite picks: 

A large serving tray from Annie Modica is decoupaged with images from Texas.  These are hand made and highly laquered to be functional as well as decorative pieces.   (More about our Annie Modica here and here.)  

Annie Modica's Texas Serving Tray

 Beautiful crystal is always a good wedding gift…these have etched longhorned steers stampeding around them!  Decanter and glasses sold separately. 

Etched crystal decanter and glasses with Longhorn Steers

 Ice bucket with horn handles would serve well in any home to actually hold ice, cool a bottle of wine, or be displayed: 

Silver ice bucket with horn handles

Don’t have your Mother’s Day gift yet?  Ann’s 14K gold roses save the day.   Not only will they last forever, but they tell Mom she’s special and loved.  Choose gold or pick some with porcelain colors edge with gold.  These are real roses, gilded.  Add to her bouquet or start her a new one!  Get a vase or choose our “roses” presentation wrap.   Ann’s gold roses are a unique way to let your Mom know you love her on Mother’s Day.

Pink rose in vase

Close up, red rose with 14K gold edges

Bouquet of Ann's colored roses with 14K gold

14K gold roses, real American Beauties dipped in gold

Ann’s customers expect quality items, and we work hard to deliver.  When you want a gift that is special, you know Ann’s will have something to fit.  That’s especially true for Texas items….we love good pieces that tell the story of the Lone Star State.   Boehm is the American Porcelain company that makes special pieces for the President of the US to give to visiting dignitaries and heads of state.    This bowl with a Texas Long Horn, yellow rose, star, and bird (mockingbird, or Mimus Polyglottos) is always a hit when you need a gift for the boss or a client.

Boehm "Texas Bluebonnets" Bowl, $195

While we’re on our favorite subject (Texas Lore), did you know that the state bread is Pan de Campo?  “Camp Bread”, also called Cowboy Bread is a simple baking-powder bread that was a staple of early Texans.   State Dish (chili), State Dog Breed (Blue Lacy, herding and hunting breed descended from  coyote stock and grayhound), State Fish (Guadalupe Bass), and State Fruit (Texas red grapefruit) are some of the many fascinating state titles designated by Texas Legislatures. 

You’ll be happy to know you can read about these and more in The Texas Almanac, 2010-2011 ($19.95), available at Ann’s.