Sharon Crute's Artful Gifts

I really had nothing to do with this. The exception would be tweaking some html code. My sweetie, Michael, spent an inordinate amount of time building this store that features lots of my gift items. It's an entirely new website via Shopify that even required a new domain.

I asked him to keep it simple at first (KISS). I have an entire career of painted images to apply to unlimited products. Plus, he'll customize anyone's image. He invested in a sublimation system that enables him to put an image on just about any darn thing you can imagine which I found a bit overwhelming. Limiting it to a few very cool substrates made it much more manageable.

The most impressive (to me, anyway) are the prints on aluminum. My first reaction was "why?" After seeing the finished product, I have to say they are more than I expected - beautifully vibrant, glossy and contemporary. In fact, it's the latest new art thing.

The above image is a triptych Michael created out of my painting "Harrowing". The hanging system in the back creates a one inch profile away from the wall, creating a slight shadow effect. It's gorgeous and I envision these hanging on someone's office wall.

At the recent Beekman St. Art Fair we participated in, the aluminum prints outsold everything else.

I have a link in the right column to access the store. Or click here. Right now, before the Saratoga race meet begins, he's having a 20% off sale on EVERYTHING until July 15th. And, shipping will always be free. Just enter JULY into the discount code at checkout. He'll gradually be adding products so do check back.

The image on my opening page is of a tile mural he created of my painting "Sneaking Off". It's installed in a very high-end kitchen behind a Viking stove.

In an entrepreneurial spirit,
Sharon

Sublimation Products

Over fifteen years ago, when it was in it's unstable infancy, we invested in a sublimation system. The process had serious problems of fading ink along with a high rate of waste during production. We canned it.

Re-visiting the system over the past several months has assured us of the technological improvements, especially the longevity factor. So we put a toe in to test the feasibility of giving it another go.

For those not familiar with sublimation, it's a heat transfer process. Products (like a mug) have a special coating to receive dye sublimation inks which are printed on transfer paper. The paper with the printed image is then heat pressed onto the receiving product where a chemical process transfers the image.

We use to carry some beautiful sublimation mugs not too long ago that were manufactured in Texas. Due to ever increasing shipping costs, our margin of profit continued to diminish until we canned them too. Many of my clients were disappointed but now we can produce them ourselves and so...they're back!

Mugs are back!

There is now a myriad of sublimation products available. However, each one has a learning curve such as heat temperature, timing, pressure, etc., therefore we're limiting the line to a few tried and true products such as a hardboard coaster to go along with the mugs...

Hardboard coasters with cork backing.

...and tile murals. This one is produced on six inch satin tiles. We'll have the option of varying tile sizes to create larger (or smaller) murals.

Tile mural.

The same tiles can be appropriated with a cork backing to serve as a trivet.

Cork-backed trivet

 

 

The most intriguing product and the one that has me salivating is the aluminum panel. This seems to be the latest craze in the art reproduction world and no wonder - the color is spectacularly vibrant! They will hang sans frame with an inch or so profile away from the wall providing a contemporary, clean appearance. Of course we have just begun this project so better photos illustrating the design will soon follow. I especially love the triptych look of the "Harrowing" on the table.

Artwork on aluminum panels.

We welcome ideas and will take orders customized with your own image, size, etc. Feeling very confident in the quality of the new and very improved sublimation process, we'll continue to explore different items as we become proficient with these starters.

Hot off the presses!
Sharon

Gift-Giving Alternatives

Bummed out by the cookie-cutter gifts at the big box stores this past weekend? It's so ho-hum (yawn). However, if you'd like to purchase some distinct and unique artwork from me for holiday gift-giving season...here's the deal:

PET PORTRAITS

First of all, it's not too late to order a customized pet portrait. All I need is a decent photo to work from and, if you're local to Saratoga Springs, New York, I'll come and photograph your pet myself. If Muffie has passed on, that's okay, just send me as many photos as possible and I"ll work from those. Contact me for size and price details. Yes, you can afford it. Such an thoughtful, special and amazing gift that will last a lifetime. Thrill the pet lover in your life (you'll probably make them cry with joy)!

LAY AWAY

I take installment payments. Always have, always will. I understand you. It's like layaway at the big box stores without the hefty hidden fees. See something you like or have an idea for a custom painting? Contact me and we'll work out the details together. I want to make it easy for you.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Some people are especially difficult to shop for. If you're uncertain about what someone would particularly like from my collection of original oils, Giclee Fine Art Reproductions, or gift items...consider a gift certificate. The recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness as they get the EXACT gift they'll adore.

If you can think of another way I can help you with your holiday shopping, please don't hesitate to contact me. I appreciate your suggestions and I'm here to provide the best service that I possibly can.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Sharon