From left, Paper Chase Gifts owner Janie Feldman, designer Michael Aram and store manager Pam Hazlett.
MARGATE Award-winning home collections designer Michael Aram visited Paper Chase in 2014 shortly after the store recovered from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. On Thursday, Aug. 16, he made a one-day encore appearance and offered a trunk show of his new jewelry line.
Aram's products, which include home décor, furnishings and gifts, intertwine functionality with art that enhances any decor. His pieces are permanently displayed in a prominent location at the front of gift shop located at 8000 Ventnor Ave. in Margate.
The store was busy with shoppers waiting to get their purchases engraved and signed by the artist.
Sandra Silverman of Merchantville is a fan of the designer.
I come here all the time to shop and I buy one of his pieces at least once a year, mostly to give as gifts, Silverman said. I like things that incorporate nature.
On Thursday, she purchased a silver picture frame for her young grandson, Stephen Stamboulian of Longport.
Shop owner Janie Feldman said Aram's designs are the best-selling items in the store.
He designs the most beautiful tableware at a price point that's affordable, she said.
Prices start and $50 and go up from there, she said.
Sandra Silverman of Merchantville purchased a picture frame for her grandson Stephen Stamboulian. Also pictured is Stephen's mother Lucinda.
There's a collection for everyone and he's constantly reinventing himself, so there's always something new to browse.
Aram was classically trained as a painter, sculptor and art historian and has traveled throughout the world drawing inspiration from the beauty of far off places. He lives in New York City and in Delhi, India.
David Wumderlich displays Aram's nature inspired candle holders.
He is touched by the metallurgy traditions of India, and he brings a fountain of design creativity to all his creations, said David Wumderlich, who accompanied the artist and fielded questions from admirers during the event. Nature is his biggest source of inspiration.
His ginkgo line is inspired by a tree growing outside his New York apartment, Wumderlich said. Ginkgos are one of the oldest species of trees and can grow practically anywhere. They are survivors and can overcome adversity and that theme is reflected in his work.
Suzanne LeDuke and Kassie Faherty were on hand to show Aram's latest jewelry collection.
Aram's love of nature is demonstrated in all his collections, which includes ginkgo leaved, dogwood branches and black orchids entwined around functional shadow boxes, serving trays, utensils, bread boards, candle holders, plates and serving bowls.
Aram adds a touch of nature to his jewelry line as well, incorporating diamond and jewel encrusted leaves with beads made of polished and brushed silver and pearls.
Aram's collections are just one of the interesting finds at Paper Chase. The store, which has been located on the corner of Ventnor and Frontenac avenues for 25 years, offers personalized gifts, stationery, invitations Judaica, gift wrapping and also has a bridal registry. Free shipping is available for purchases over $100.
For more, see paperchasegifts.com or call 609-822-4583.
