Hands down, the hardest gifts for us to buy were the gifts for our groomsmen. Men are hard to shop for already and these 3 guys are SO different! We really wanted to give them something sentimental but practical. We went back and forth for weeks and suggested everything from custom converse to cuff links to vintage shaving kits. Finally I took my question to Twitter and a friend of mine suggested pilsner glasses. I was originally hesitant to buy anything to do with alcohol (like a flask or shot glasses) because 2/3 of them aren't big drinkers, but I know all of them drink beer and Mando loved it so I quickly warmed up to the idea! I hopped on Etsy to see if I could find some nice, personalized glasses and I found GlassGirlJen. I was really impressed when I read about her engraving process... She uses an old school technique called stone wheel engraving and it's actually really interesting. Here's how she describes the process:
Stone wheel engraving is an age old art form of glass engraving that is not commonly practiced in the world today. With newer technologies such as laser engraving, sandblasting, acid etching and machine engraving, stone wheel engraving has become a dying art. As a stone wheel engraver I spend time shaping my wheel using diamond and stone dressing tools to create different effects on glass. Some I create for a smooth surface, some thick and some thin depending on what lettering and designs I'm engraving.... As I engrave onto the glassware I make cuts into the glass working by hand both upside down and backwards. I sometimes draw guidelines onto the glass however no stencils or templates are used. There will be variations in the lettering, spacing and designs of stone wheel engraving, this is the beauty and character of the art and the one-of-a- kind original piece of customized glassware.
I love that this is a family business and that she is the third generation to continue this art. She worked beside her mother for over 15 years developing her skills. She has a big selection of wine and champagne glasses, mugs, and even trays in her shop. They are all customizable and would make fabulous gifts! Here are a few of my favorites:
Working with Jen was a pleasure. She answered all of my questions about her product quickly and was more than happy to make our custom pilsner glasses. She shipped them quickly and I was beyond excited when I saw them in person. The initial she engraved on each glass is so clear and precise, you'd never guess she did this using an older form of engraving. I love how unique they are and I know the boys are going to go nuts over them!
Now for the good part! One of you lucky readers have the chance to win a pair of gorgeous 21 oz stemless wine glasses with a custom name or monogram, or the cute Mr. and Mrs. pair as shown below. These would make a great wedding or anniversary present, housewarming gift, or something special for the wine enthusiast in your life! Entry is easy, just make sure you follow my blog via Google Friend Connect and leave a comment telling me what you'd do with glasses if you won!
This giveaway is open to US residents only and it will end on Friday, January 13th. You can also find Jen at her website, her blog, Facebook, and Twitter. Good luck!
I hope you all have enjoyed my little celebrating handmade mini-series! As you can tell, it's something that's so important to me and also to our economy. Coming from someone who has their own handmade business and was raised by a woman who owns her own business, I cannot express how important it is to support these companies! Sometimes it can be really easy to run to Target for a last minute gift (I'm guilty of this too!) but next time consider buying local or handmade! You never know what difference you're making in someone's life! XOXO
