My friend Kelly was getting married. And you're probably thinking, "Yeah, so? People get married all the time." Well, Kelly and her betrothed weren't another couple of kids in love. They are well established middle-aged professional folks who pretty much have it all. Especially when it comes to things material.

My dilemma was what to get the couple that has everything. They were blending two houses, so a toaster or George Foreman Grill was not on the list. Chances were that they would be getting enough of the standard registry type of fare from their more conventional family and friends anyway. And I flat out refuse to follow the rules of convention. ((shudder))

Being an artist, I had considered creating a piece of art just for them, but that required them to be in on the process, a process that takes hundreds of hours and the wedding was a few short weeks away. My schedule wasn't going to allow this to happen. Yet, I wanted to give them something with meaning. Something that would say "only she could possibly come up with something like that!" Truth be told, my gift giving is just as much about me as it is about the recipient of my gifts. A little selfish, yes.

In a happy moment of serendipity, I stopped by The Majestical Roof in Pasadena to finalize the details of an art opening. The owner, Yvonne, had just received a whimsical set of folk art pieces that had me smitten at first glance.

They were these delightful illustrative exagerated slightly circus feeling papier mache sculptures of big headed people with little feet, hand painted and formed around wine bottles. They were even corked! I laughed out loud, I had to have one. And then it hit me, this would make the perfect wedding gift for Mike and Kelly.

As it turned out, the artist took commissions and I could have the gift in time for the wedding. The price was really fair considering all that goes into these projects. (If you want one, you'll have to call for an estimate since each one is unique and may vary in size and materials, time, etc.)

The process was fairly simple. I had to provide a picture of my friends, describe them physically as well as their personalities. I also asked if the artist would be willing to include their cats and provided cat descriptions too. Then I put down a deposit and let the artist get to work. There's a two week curing process and then the painting.

As soon as the bottle came in to the Majestical Roof, Yvonne called me. She was thrilled with the results. I was too. In fact, I was crazy with delight, it was such a happy little gift, I could hardly contain myself.

Yes, Kelly and Mike loved their wine people gift. Mike says it's his favorite of all the gifts they received. Kelly just laughed and laughed. A year later she says she's still laughing. She says I truly outdid myself. I tend to agree.

The Majestical Roof is wonderful place located in Pasadena, California. Part working studio, part gallery, part retail boutique, part arts collective, part events and performance space, all wrapped up under one, well, roof. It's a must see, and if you are in Pasadena, stop by.

To get your own Wine People please contact Yvonne at majesticalroof@sbcglobal.net or (626) 844-8886