Illuminating the Art of Appreciation

These elaborate art-glass pumpkins reveal the beauty that Nature holds. The voluptuous forms accentuate the promise of succulent fruit, and anticipate the potential for great things to emerge. Our pumpkins grow luminous stems of gold luster glass and the intense colors bring vibrancy to their surroundings. Hand-blown in abundance of rainbow colors, in sizes and shapes, they range from 4" to 14" in diameter. Remarkable centerpieces grouped on the table -- equally awe inspiring, tucked under a bush in the garden--a hidden find that will guarantee stories of found allure.



Pumpkins have remained a timeless reflection of gratitude and thankfulness throughout the centuries. Early settlers used pumpkins as a part of epicurean treats, and a gesture of goodwill during the first Thanksgiving feast. However, pumpkins began to transcend tradition by means of magic. Remember how Cinderella’s plain yellow pumpkin was turned into a radiant golden carriage? Imagine your valued clients, deserving employees, or Board of Directors enjoying these fall icons and illuminating their day knowing they are appreciated.

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How to Inspire Excellence

A Formula for Motivating Employees


Diana Martin Gifts was asked by a company to provide gifts for approximately 1600 of its employees this past year for an award program recognizing its top employees. One of the trips was held in Hawaii while the other two were in Las Vegas. All trips were filled with activities as well as welcome gifts and room gifts all designed to reward employees that worked hard and brought financial success to their company. A recent survey was sent out to gather feedback on the trips and services/awards to evaluate the correlation between incentives and performance. The results were clear: incentives motivate employees to perform at their best.

Results were based on a 5 point scale system for each survey given out in which 5 meant they strongly agreed and 1 being they strongly disagreed. Of the 1,095 surveys sent out for all 3 trips, 811 responded … about 74% of the attendees.

The surveys from all 3 trips were combined and the results are as followed:

• 86.7% said they strongly agreed (4.8 rating) when asked the question if giving out the award incentives encouraged them to excel in performance


• 89.7% said they strongly agreed (4.9 rating) when asked if it was important to have an awards program


• 94% stated they would strive to win next year

The surveys were equally as positive when asked about the gifts and awards, mostly provided by Diana Martin Gifts. The gifts provided for one of the Las Vegas trips included:

• A custom designed tote bag with mats and a custom etched art glass frame.


• The average rating scale results for the tote with mats item totaled 4.2 with 75% saying they were satisfied with the gift.


• For the custom etched art glass frame the average rating came out to be 4.7 with 91% saying they were satisfied.

The gifts for the other Las Vegas hotel trip included:

• The Las Vegas book, custom designed crystal pitcher and glassware set, and the hand-cut, hand-polished crystal “Circle of Excellence” award.


• The average rating scale results for the Las Vegas book totaled 4.2 with 78% saying they were satisfied with the gift.


• The crystal pitcher and glassware set received an average rating of 4.4 with 84% saying they were satisfied.


• The “COE” award received an average rating of 4.6 with 90% saying they were satisfied.

Lastly, the gifts provided at the Hawaii trip included:

• The coral basket welcome gift and an elegantly etched framed photograph.


• The average rating scale for the coral basket totaled 4.7 with 94% saying they were satisfied with the gift.


• The framed photograph received an average rating of 4.6 with 93% saying they were satisfied.

The overwhelming positive results of the survey reinforces the belief that implementing award incentives motivates employees. Happy employees are more productive and there is less turnover. The recognition and the pampering make an employee feel appreciated for their sacrifices and long hours. It allows them to reap in the joys of success as a team and as an individual.

Gift giving, when properly executed, extends goodwill, thoughtfulness and appreciation. When the gifts are taken home, they are a reminder of their accomplishments. The iconic award, when displayed on one’s desk encourages excellence and says it all … they are one of an elite few who made it to the top.

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Father’s Day Gift Ideas

A Time for Family Gatherings, crayon scribbled “I Love You Dad,” and of course, that lovely new gift!

It’s that time a year again to honor the male figures in our lives whether it be a father, step- father, uncle, grandpa or any man who has acted as a father figure in your life. This is a celebration that has become popular not only in the US, but in large numbers of countries all around the world.

People often forget the sacrifices of their fathers and the roles they have played in their lives. Father’s Day allows us to express our gratitude and love to our fathers. It is a way to honor the man that has given joy and happiness to our lives.

The word father within itself has always been associated with guidance and protection. It is the person that can be looked up to and respected. With the current economic hardships, we suggest gifts that express appreciation, love and gratitude as well as one that will be useful.

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If you were looking for something that is sophisticated, the handcrafted leather document holder made from crocodile embossed Italian leather would be a perfect choice. The magnificence and durability will compliment any man’s style and ideal for holding papers when running to meetings.

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The crocodile- embossed travel wallet is a gift one can use for travel. It is ideal for your credit cards, passport, cash, travel documents and a good place to hold your catch-all papers.

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This dynamic art glass sculpture is the “Type A” father’s gift as it suggests innovation and energy. The brilliant colors radiate with light and is an eye-catcher on one’s desk. It could sit on their desk and remind them of the joys of fatherhood and bring vitality to them during a hard days work.

Remember, Father’s Day is a time to commemorate the men in your life. Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 21st so make this Father’s Day and extra special one!

The Treasures from the Depths

Click HERE to purchase a one of a kind treasure.

Summer is quickly approaching and with that comes those hot summer nights, pristine beaches, and of course the spectacular turquoise waters. Summer is the time for fun and to get out and do something exciting. Many plan their great vacation getaways to a place that’s tropical and exotic while others choose to check themselves out of the everyday routine by just relaxing next to a glistening pool. It’s a time to surround yourself with good times, good laughs, and even better, company.

If you’re looking to give a gift for any occasion during these wonderful summer months then the Conch shell would be a perfect choice. This shell evokes the vastness and power of the sea. Let this piece inspire as a symbol of vision and leadership.

Looking at the history of The Conch shell, it has been known to represent power and authority along with all the prosperity that it can bring to its company. There is a growing importance for the one who holds the conch. Whether you are giving it to a Father for Father’s Day to show your appreciation for the role they play in your life, a recent graduate who will be aspiring to become a leader in the business world, a birthday gift for those that love the sea, or a corporate gift for those exceptional leaders and executives, it will be sure to show the recognition they deserve.

Keep the visions of the leader flowing by giving this unique and beautiful gift that will be a constant reminder of their accomplishments and to keep them climbing their way up in leadership, goals and financial success.... The shell will symbolize not only prosperity through leadership, but the unique artistic colors of the shell will provide an excellent aura that will keep those comforting summer time spirits year around.

Celebrating Mother’s Day - A Step Back Into Time

I thought to take a step back and look into the history behind this day where mothers all over the world gleam with delight.  It happens to be the second highest retail grossing day outside of Christmas and one of restaurant’s most busiest days.  Here is what I found:

People in many ancient cultures celebrated holidays honoring motherhood, personified as a goddess. Here are just a few of those:

• Ancient Greeks celebrated a holiday in honor of Rhea, the mother of the gods
• Ancient Romans celebrated a holiday in honor of Cybele, a mother goddess. The celebrations were notorious enough that followers of Cybele were banished from Rome
• In the British Isles and Celtic Europe, the goddess Brigid, and later her successor St. Brigid, were honored with a spring Mother's Day, connected with the first milk of the ewes.

In addition to the popular Mother's Day holiday in the United States, many cultures celebrate a Mother's Day:

• Mother's Day in Britain -- or Mothering Sunday -- is the fourth Sunday in Lent  
• The second Sunday in May is Mother's Day not only in the United States, but also in other countries including Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia and Belgium.   
• In Spain, Mother's Day is December 8, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, so that not only mothers in one's family are honored, but also Mary, mother of Jesus.
• In France, Mother's Day is on the last Sunday of May. A special cake resembling a bouquet of flowers is presented to mothers at a family dinner.

Taking a step forward and taking the commercialism out of the day, it is a day honoring moms. Today, a mom is a super multi-tasker, balancing everything in all aspects of life while maintaining sanity!  

Celebrate those Moms that are special to you with this metaphoric Lily vase, symbolizing happiness, “sainthood”, prosperity and perfection.  If you are a little lost for words, ask us for help when writing your sentiments.

Click HERE to purchase Lily vase for a special mother

The Overlooked Business Gift

Whimsical Paperweight $60

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What some consider to be a simple and unassuming desk accessory has been locked in treasure vaults of royalty and collected by the world’s most famous personalities.

The history of the paperweight is fascinating. During turbulent times of Napoleonic France, around 1845, Parisian glasshouses began to create pieces of crystal that would permanently impact the history of glass art. Designed originally as an elegant gift item for sale to the burgeoning middle class, each piece carried a sentiment. For example, a pansy weight spoke of “tender thoughts” and friendship; a rose weight was given as a token of love.

These small crystal pieces became instantly prized and French factories strived to surpass each other as the paperweight metamorphosed into a presentation piece. When Queen Victoria called nations to exhibit their finest accomplishments at London’s Great Exhibition of 1851, France displayed paperweights.

Fast forward to today, glass artists continue to include their most complex glasswork in paperweights. I have 5 paperweights on my desk, each guarding over their own stack of papers. My most favorite end-of-day “to-do” is to review my stacks and place a weight on top of them. Some are colorful glass objects, such as a small staircase …as a reminder of climbing to success, and one is even an ornate bookmark. They are my gatekeepers and friends.

The whimsical paperweights of John Derian are inviting to any desk where work and fancy unite. In particular, this clover paperweight is abundant with good thoughts. The four-leaf clover is an ancient sign for good luck, according to the old folk rhyme: “One leaf for fame/ And one for wealth/ One for a faithful lover, / And one to bring you glorious health”. Also, dreaming of a field of clover foretells of prosperity, health and success and in Ireland, it is an omen symbolizing love, heroism and wit.

Now, who couldn’t use a little more luck, wealth or health?

SMART BUSINESS DURING A BEAR MARKET

Selecting a gift that is valued, used and remembered extends a message of thanks long after the gift is given.   As we live through these rocky times we have a tendency to ask our employees to work harder and longer and be grateful for their job.  

While many companies are not looking to spend cash on direct compensation, flexible incentive pools and retention incentives have been created by over 20% of companies polled by a Hewitt Survey.  An article in the Wall Street Journal by Phred Dvorak echoes this sentiment.  Findings from a survey conducted by Deloitte Consulting LLP stated: “Respondents said they were worried about keeping key workers and boosting morale in a turbulent economy.”  

Creating an employee incentive strategy is a smart solution for many reasons: 

• possible non-taxable status of certain employee incentives,
• allows companies to separate compensation from recognition and
• positive impact on corporate culture and cost structure.

Especially during this bear economy, quality and specialty items provide a lasting luxury gift that many employees would not necessarily purchase themselves.  According to Incentive Research Foundation, incentive programs can increase performance by 22% and team performance by up to 44%.

 

Please click HERE to purchase. 

With this in mind, one of our best fail-safe and repeated gifts is this business document holder.  The croc-embossed leather speaks quality and refinement.  It is the ideal size to hold documents, your personal electronics and other essentials.  Most importantly, having finely appointed accessories makes you feel good, fortifies your self-image and gives a boost to your self-confidence …. motivating you to be better at your game when at work.

What are your thoughts about this?  Does owning a beautiful pen or a brand new wallet or a new leather portfolio make you feel better?   Are you motivated when recognized by your employer?   I would love to know!        

Sweet Tweets: A Pastel Collections of Elliptical Chocolates

Springtime is here and there is no better way to celebrate Spring and the Easter holiday than with our chocolatier Diana Phillips. Besides having a great name, her chocolates explode with flavor while the eye is mesmerized on the designs.

Enjoy! Diana Martin














The Pastel Collection of Elliptical Chocolates by Diana Phillips

Please click HERE to order these deliciously artful chocolates

Diana Phillips says:

So simple and yet, so not. Forgive the implied snobbery, when I say
I take the art in artisan most seriously. Yes, I love chocolate and
all it's many personalities. And blah blah blah about nature and
seasonal bounty like every other food nut. Which, of course I am.

I follow bees. Right now they've set up house in my lavender hedge.
And they're loving my lemonade lemon tree. The lemonade lemon is
also known as the Eureka lemon, so said because when you slice it
open, it's PINK! The skin is a beautiful variegated yellow and
green that makes beautiful zest.

And I've got a White Lady rose on the arbor that's loaded.
So back to the "art" of chocolate. I had to think of something
worthy of these scents and tastes for spring. The egg shape is
intriguing with its curve and elliptical swagger. But on it's
own,zzzzzzzz.

EYE CANDY

Our Helyx 3-Bowl Snackset is a gift appropriate for every delicious occasion (especially a wedding).

Please click HERE to purchase 

I’ve invited Mary Jurek, metal ware designer of the Helyx 3-Bowl Snackset, to share her thoughts about this piece. Mary’s quality is unsurpassed and each piece bears her signature.  It is a gift for yourself to showoff your favorite sweets and savories, a substantial gift for friends as well as the ideal gift for those who are “Tying the Knot”.  I enjoyed reading Mary’s romantic twist!  -Diana Martin

"Weddings are a great day to celebrate!  The bride, the groom, the family, and not to mention all the well-wishing friends, will all be there to witness a joyous day of two people joining together.  So it seems a perfect fit to add to the bridal registry the Helyx 3- Bowl Snackset. This handy little trio is a great and practical gift for newlyweds. 

After settling into her new home, our new wife can have all her best girlfriends over to ogle at the wedding album.  With tea and treats, the Helyx 3-Bowl Snackset will set center stage by performing its duty as the 3-part vessel to carry all the exotic condiments for the afternoon luncheon.  The signature “knot handle” will tie up the fun and afterwards find itself on the dinner table when just the two of them share triple flavors of sorbet nestled in the Helyx 3-Bowl Snackset under evening candlelight.”

 An ideal gift! 

-Mary Jurek

 

 

THE ART OF SELF EXPRESSION

“If you want to win friends, make it a point to remember them. If you remember my name, you pay me a subtle compliment; you indicate that I have made an impression on you. Remember my name and you add to my feeling of importance.”

-Dale Carnegie 

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There is nothing more complimentary than a personalized gift as it clearly says it was not something purchased “off the shelf”.    It suggests that time, thought, and energy was put into the gift … these precious intangibles that one highly covets and uses sparingly on others.

When was the last time you received a hand-written note?   Do you remember the occasion or reason?  I find there is something strikingly characteristic and memorable when receiving something hand-written.  It seems to add permanence to the words and thoughts.  

The paper you choose says nearly as much as the words you write.  Our Diana Martin Exclusive embossed personalized stationery set includes 50  4” x 6” personalized blind embossed cards and 50 blank envelopes.  Ideal for just saying “Thank-You” or “With Appreciation” in style.

Our Diana Martin Exclusive Embossed personalized stationery sets are packaged in a handsome linen box that is suited for any desk or shelf.  Made to last, the box can also hold your favorite pen or special treasures.  

I love this stationery set as a corporate gift and as a personal gift. First, it’s priced right. One can’t have too much stationary and the classic look is appealing to everyone.  As a corporate gift, it sends a subtle message that you took the time to think of a useful, interesting gift.  As a personal gift, it sends a message of  “you are special”.   More importantly, you’ve given the recipient the license to be creative with pen and paper and take a moment to express thoughts without the too often over used electronics. 

We at Diana Martin Gifts are offering a complementary box of our exclusive personalized stationery for the first person to share their most memorable hand written note with us.  Just select COMMENT...we look forward to your responses!

 

The Match Makers Match- The Perfect Valentines Day Gift

What can be better than celebrating friendship, love, appreciation and admiration than with our Diana Martin Gifts exclusive AMORE HEARTS: A hand-hammered heart-shape metal tray combined with nine hand-made aphrodisiac chocolates, all wrapped impeccably by Diana Martin Gifts for that perfect match of artistry, style and to-die-for chocolates.

Amore Hearts $98.50

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9” Hand Hammered Tray with box of 9 hand-made heart shaped chocolates

This hand-hammered metal tray is adorned with specialty chocolates, elegantly wrapped for Valentine’s Day and includes your special message.

Individual hand-painted hearts filled with ganache of passion fruit (considered to heighten erotic sensibilities), chili (said to heighten blood circulation and increase the heartbeat) and lavender & sweet basil (legend tells us this stimulates the sex drive and boosts fertility, as well as a general sense of well being for body and mind).

The perfect match to show someone how much you care. 

Please click here to order.


Metal czar, Mary Jurek shares her thoughts about Valentine’s Day:

Q: What inspired you to design a heart tray? Was it Valentine's Day or a special thought? Is there any significant meaning behind the tray's name, Amore?

Everyone is attracted to the heart-shape, it a symbol of love and romance. The soft, generous outline is so feminine and in many ways reminds us of tenderness. In stainless steel, it is a wild twist in contrast and I enjoy that paradox. "Amore" is Italian for love, and what culture does it better?

Q: When does this tray sell the most? Is it Valentine's, or anniversaries or for wedding gifts?

This is a year round item for us, many people collect heart shapes and are thrilled to find a heart in a material they do not have in their personal collection. Or, we have many customers who find the Amore Tray the perfect way to say, "I care", or "You are special". And of course, it is a great bridesmaid’s gift.

Q: If you were in a fantasy, what would you love to receive on this tray?

Two tickets to the opera.

Q: How will you spend Valentine's day?

That is a secret.

Ms. Aphrodisiac, Diana Phillips, shares her thoughts about Valentine's day:

Q: Why is there such a huge desire for artisan chocolate?

The trend for understanding good food began with Julia Child. As people became more educated, they started traveling and seeking out food from different cultures. Next came wine enlightenment, bringing a proliferation of boutique vineyards and small productions. Palates heightened.

Great chocolate is a luxury, like an incredible glass of wine. It's to be savored, not gobbled. Artisan chocolate must meet standards of technique and taste. To be artisan should mean small batches and hand made. Making chocolate is a passion, not a career path.

Q: You have exotic chocolate flavors. How did you come up with these?

Both of my grandparents had large farms where I grew up in the Midwest. Orchards, gardens, berry patches. I know how a fresh blackberry right off the vine tastes. That background coupled with extensive traveling and a few years in Europe makes me curious. Influences come from everywhere. One of my signature chocolates, a rosemary grapefruit caramel, was inspired by a grapefruit sorbet sprinkled with fresh rosemary flowers I had in Mexico.

I seek local growers and strive to be organic. Southern California is a Mecca for gorgeous, fresh flavors.


Q: What chocolates would be the most amorous for Valentine's Day?

Any. I have an Aphrodisiac Collection this year based on some lore and some fact. Chocolate is so sensuous already, I just dressed it a little differently.

Q: How do you celebrate Valentine's Day?

Wouldn't you like to know.