May 12th, 2012
According to The Perfect Setting, everyone has a piece of jewelry sitting in their jewelry box unworn collecting dust.
Maybe it was a gift from a parent from your teenage years or an inheritance or keepsake from a beloved grandparent.
If you would prefer to reset a special keepsake for your child’s upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah, but don’t know where to go or who to trust, look no further than The Perfect Setting and it’s owner, Amy Certilman.
See some samples of her work:
Do you have a ring similar to the band on the left? A Bat Mitzvah Mom decided it was time to reuse the diamonds and make a necklace for herself, her upcoming Bat Mitzvah girl and her soon-to-be 16 year old daughter
Unworn for decades, Amy converted Grandma’s pin into a pendant with enhancer — shown on a woven leather cord with gold clasp for safety
Combining unworn pearls and small studs, Amy made the perfect pair of earrings – suitable for both the Bat Mitzvah girl or Mom!
Diamond studs get dressed up for the day
A gift from her husband shortly after they were married, this beautiful strand of Akoya 7mm pearls (left) sat unworn for years, now too conservative for her current lifestyle. Amy crafted a sterling and onyx center piece and restrung the necklace into a day to dinner bracelet (with three pearls to spare)
This client didn’t know what to do with her unworn wedding rings since her divorce, so the two rings were combined to make this versatile pendant. With it’s hinged enhancer, this piece can be worn on everything from pearls to a leather cord
Amy is a personal jeweler and designer. She has a genuine passion for jewelry of all periods and styles. Inspired by her grandmother, Amy believes that jewelry should be worn and enjoyed and that any piece can be reinvented to suit a particular event and your current lifestyle. While her company is a full service jewelry firm, her passion and heart holds a special place for resettings.
Amy says, “I love resettings because each stone has a story.” She continues, “Whether it belonged to a grandparent, family member, or in many cases divorced women who want to create something new for their new lives, all the way around everyone is really happy.”
In addition to the sentimental value of a resetting, with gold and platinum prices so high it makes economic sense as well as esthetic sense to reuse and reset diamonds and other semi-precious stones.
So dig out your jewelry box and call Amy today at 516-422-1220 or email her at Amy@ThePerfectSetting.com for a COST-FREE consultation to Re-Style, Re-Set, Re-Juvenate your jewelry!
Amy meets with clients in the heart of New York City’s Diamond District and throughout the Tri-State area by appointment. She also frequently works with clients too far to travel and in Europe via the internet, email, video chats and postal services. In-office and in-home appointments are also available upon request.
For more information visit their profile page and Website.
If you want to see Amy’s work in progress start following The Perfect Setting on Facebook or check out Amy’s Blog for other tips and ideas.
May 9th, 2012
When Kelsey Hirsch of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania heard about the Jerry Sandusky Penn State abuse case, she realized this could be the perfect opportunity to fulfill her dream of helping others and help prevent child abuse.
Since Kelsey’s Dad is an active alumni of Penn State, he suggested that Kelsey work with Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), an organization against sexual violence. Kelsey decided to design and sell wristbands using the RAINN slogan: “HOPE. COURAGE. STRENGTH.” She has named her Mitzvah Project Bands4RAINN.
We spoke with Kelsey to learn more:
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
KH: I think it means that everyone should help someone or something to make the world a better place.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
KH: I am taking donations and selling wristbands that say “HOPE. COURAGE. STRENGTH.” This is RAINN’s slogan and I’m raising money to help survivors to have these qualities. I am selling the bracelets for $3 each. They can be bought online at www.store.rainn.org.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
KH: My parents explained everything about the Sandusky scandal at Penn State University and my first response was to ask how I could help. This project is my answer.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
LH: I have setup a twitter account @bands4RAINN and also a Facebook page at facebook.com/bands4rainn. Each day we give a quote regarding “HOPE. COURAGE. STRENGTH.” We also post pictures and give information regarding survivor support and other areas that mirror my message.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?:
KH: I started the project in November 2011, when I heard about the Sandusky scandal. While it officially ends on September 8, 2012, I hope it will continue until after I go to college (or longer).
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
KH: I would really like to have everyone wearing a Bands4RAINN bracelet and hope that I can build this to a national level. While I have been featured in the Penn State “Daily Collegian” and on WPSU’s “Centre County Report,” I would like to see this grow to a more national level. Kelsey’s Bands4RAINN, her total raised has passed $5,500 and still growing.
We would like to thank Kelsey and her family for sharing her special Mitzvah Project with our readers.
Read an update about Kelsey’s Mitzvah Project here.
May 8th, 2012
Ryan Adelman celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in December 2011. They had a luncheon for the adults following Ryan’s service at Congregation B’nai Israel in Millburn, New Jersey.
Later that evening, there was a kids party at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
Jesse Hernandez was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Heather, Sister Hilary, Bar Mitzvah boy Ryan, Brother Tyler and Dad Marc
Both Ryan’s luncheon and kids party featured a sports theme including his love of the Mets and golf.
Ryan’s invitation by Paper Capers and his kippahs were displayed in a “sporty” way in baskets along with clips on an orange shoe lace
For the luncheon following Ryan’s service, the Emerald Garden dressed up golf equipment donations that were used for centerpieces during the luncheon. Junior golf clubs were purchased to adorn the bimah and then were donated
Mom Heather put together orange table card boxes filled with grass and blue chocolate kisses directing guests to their “hole” (table)
We are impressed! Mom Heather used her needle pointing skills to create Ryan’s custom kippah.
The kippah included his logo!
Mom also created a needle point talis bag and Ryan’s grandparents gave him the talis as a gift
Party planner Dayna Platnick pulled the “sports” elements together for Ryan’s celebration with his friends.
Ryan’s game jerseys decorated the entrance to his celebration – an idea adopted from a Mitzvah Market family spotlight
The table cards were orange and blue golf ball keychains with guests first names attached on the key holder
The orange flowers by Emerald Garden subtly carried the theme into the adults’ tables
Oversized logo on the dance floor displaying Ryan’s logo was designed by Adam Padilla, a marketing design consultant who works with Ryan’s Dad at The 100 Mile Man Group. The decal was made by LTLPrints
Jersey Street Furniture provided the lounge furniture and metal figures who were dressed up in more of Ryan’s uniforms
One of the metal figures
Mom Heather used photos of the Bar Mitzvah boy at various ages to number the tables (also an idea from Mitzvah Market)
Shine Events provided the music entertainment with Jamel as the MC.
Ryan makes his entrance
Ryan’s friends help with a “stage dive”
Guests having fun
There were many creative touches that added an element of fun to Ryan’s celebration.
After reading about Picture This Nashville on MitzvahMarket.com, Mom Heather called and booked this unique photo favor booth
Ryan’s sister, Hilary, loved using the photo booth all night long
Hamming it up for the camera
Love Peace Paint created temporary tatoos on guests
Send In The Clowns provided games
Party Planner Dayna Platnick created the sign-in board using the table number pictures.
Mr. G provided logo’d napkins and cups.
Baked By Melissa cupcakes spelled out “Play Ball!”
Mr. G also created the shirts for the young guests.
Mom Heather has this advice for us:
“Enjoy the planning process of your child’s Mitzvah because the actual day goes by in a flash. Take pleasure in working on every detail and then remember on the actual day to live in the moment, savor the service, revel in being surrounded by your friends and family and appreciate the fact that the most fun moments are the ones you did NOT plan, ie. the stage dive at the end!”
For his Mitzvah Project, Ryan collected golf clubs, bags, shoes and balls to benefit The First Tee.
The First Tee is a national organization that introduces kids to golf and provides an opportunity for them to develop life-enhancing skills, such as confidence, perseverance and good judgment.
They wrote about Ryan’s Mitzvah Project here.
The following vendors helped to make Ryan’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you heard about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service/Luncheon: Congregation B’nai Israel
Venue: Mountain Ridge Country Club
Party Planner: Dayna Platnick, dakamiel@aol.com, 973-945-0884
Music Entertainment: MC Jamel, Shine Events, 845-525-3100
Photographer: Jesse Hernandez Photography, 732-781-5935
Décor/Florist: Jimmy, The Emerald Garden, Millburn, NJ, 973-564-9519
Favors (shirts, cups, napkins): Mr. G’s Embroidery, 908-432-9246
Photo Booth: Elaine Pardo Ingram, Picture this Nashville, 615-352-0024
Tattoo artist: Shayna Craig, Love, Peace and Paint, 908-768-7687
Invitation: Paper Capers, Livingston, NJ
Cupcakes: Baked By Melissa
Sign-In board: Dayna Platnick
Place cards and table numbers: Mitzvah Mom Heather
Hair/makeup: Anne Sussman, 973-985-9850
Videographer: Kristen, Lasting Memories Productions, Kristen.ogorman@gmail.com
Games: Gary, Send in the Clowns, 516-354-1515
Décor/furniture: Jersey Street Furniture, 973-779-7444
Decal floor logo: LTL Prints, 800-672-6741
Kosher Caterer for Temple luncheon: Chaya, Pomp Caterers, 973-539-4314 ext. 112
Acappella Group at luncheon: Princeton Tigertones
May 8th, 2012
Who is planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah this Fall 2012? We already reported on the color of 2012 – Tangerine Tango.
We thought you might like to know the rest of the “it” colors for Fall 2012. Pantone, the authority on color unveiled their Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2012.
The report features the top 10 colors for the upcoming fall season and might give you some party decor inspiration.
Take a look at the colors you can expect to see reigning on the runways, special events and homes all across the country.
We hope we’ve given you some color inspiration for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration!
May 4th, 2012
Hebcal.com is a free Jewish calendar and holiday Website. It includes a powerful custom Jewish calendar form that lets you generate a list of Jewish holidays for any year (past, present or future).
We like that you can take your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah date and plug it in here: www.hebcal.com/converter – click on the button that says, “Convert Gregorian to Hebrew Date.”
It will show you the Hebrew date of your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah as well as the name of the parsha (section or story) from the Torah that will be read on that date.
Now your child can begin studying!
For more information, visit their Website.
May 4th, 2012
Think you have seen all the ways a soccer Mitzvah can be done?
Think again. Evantine Design created the decor for a black and white elegant themed soccer Bar Mitzvah.
This sophisticated party took place at Green Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hills, Pennsylvania.
Photography was done by Susan Beard.
Although the Bar Mitzvah theme was soccer, this family did not want the party to have lots of sports paraphernalia so they went with a “referee-inspired” black and white striped fabric that was used on vases, chair backs, pillows and lampshades.
The place card table had a masculine feel with green flowers such as Limona Roses, Anthurium, Green Goddess Calla Lilies and Orchids. They were used in arrangements with tropical leaves and wheat grass
Images of the Bar Mitzvah boy were life like in the entrance area
The table numbers had black and white photographs of the Bar Mitzvah boy in action
The kids sat at long black satin covered high community tables with white bar stools. The lamp shades were the black and white stripes
The cocktail room had chairs covered in the black and white fabric
The adults were seated at white vinyl upholstered light up tables and the dance floor had the boy’s monogram
Very cool ice sculpture with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s monogram
The cake was created by Truli Confectionary Arts and was a replica of the Bar Mitzvah boy’s soccer bag
Here are a few other vendors who helped to make this Bar Mitzvah celebration special.
Logo and Artwork: Two Paperdolls
Location: Green Valley Country Club
Lighting: Eventions Productions
May 2nd, 2012
LunahZon Photography captured all the details of this “Back to the Future” themed celebration for a Bar Mitzvah boy who loves Marty McFly!
The party took place at the Renaissance Charlotte South Park Hotel with Creative Events Charlotte hand-making many of the props to fit in with this 1985 movie.
Check out how elements from your child’s favorite movie can be incorporated into their theme below:
Guests were greeted with a place card table featuring a clock and DeLorean, both elements from this great movie
The place cards featured photographs of the Bar Mitzvah boy that were taken during a “Back to the Future” photo shoot
The sign-in board also featured pictures from the photo shoot
The DeLorean car made famous from the movie was on display
Centerpieces were a clock which played an important part in the movie
Photo favors were taken with this famous background
The favors were T-shirts with hover boards on them
During his candle lighting ceremony, the Bar Mitzvah boy wore an orange vest ala Marty McFly!
We thank LunahZon Photography for sharing this creative Bar Mitzvah party with our readers.
May 1st, 2012
A candle lighting ceremony is a beautiful tradition that is part of many Bar/Bat Mitzvahs celebrations.
In the past, we wrote a story called, Candle Lighting Displays: No Formal Cake and we thought it would be fun to revisit that idea and see how families are creatively displaying their candles!
See some of the ideas we found below:
Jelly beans in clear paint cans from a celebration at Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club
An amusement park themed candle display from Adams Creative Images
The Mendelsohn Family had a neon display. They used 2” square bud vases and filled them with water balls and different color lights with floating candles on top
Posh Able Events created a pretty sea inspired candle lighting display
From Party Decorations by Marlyss, this creative display is for a Cirque du Soleil themed party
Balloon Artistry created these floating candles around the Bat Mitzvah cake
Verbena Designs created these votive candles with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name
From the Gnat family, they used ceramic letter dishes, filled with candy from Lane Ivy to spell out their daughter’s name
An overhead view from Allison Sargent Events with beautiful color and ribbons
A creative candle lighting set up for Brandon from VIP Caterers
For a baseball themed celebration from its Events by julie
From Adams Creative Images this Bat Mitzvah girl had clear vases with a single beautiful flower
Did you have a creative candle lighting display? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
