Shop Local: Tosa is Teeming with Original Gift Options Like ... PIXessories

National brand outlets, major department stores, big boxes – they lay out a wealth of coveted (and heavily advertised) merchandise for us. They create thousands of jobs and contribute mightily to the Wauwatosa tax base. And during the holidays, they make it possible to quickly fill out lengthy lists of longed-for items.

They offer us that wide world of stuff we want because everybody else wants it, too.

But local small businesses contribute in all the same ways, and some more. They also create jobs and pay taxes, and more often than not their owners and employees are our neighbors, who in turn spend locally.

They, too, offer much to choose from, and here's the kicker — if you're looking for something very special, something unique, something not everyone else has, or will have once the gift wrap is ripped off, you're only going to find it at a special place, offered by someone with a special vision and talent for finding or creating originals and ones-of-a-kind.

As an example, take a look at Wauwatosa's newest business — being announced this moment — PIXessories.

Unquestionably one-of-a-kind

Combining the talents of Tosa photographer Stephanie Bartz and Whitefish Bay jeweler Sarah Mann, PIXessories are completely personal and customized portraits set in handmade sterling silver settings. If Bartz and Mann hadn't created them, you'd have to find a way to make them up on your own.

The concept is simple enough. Set up a photo session with Bartz at the location of your choice (she has no studio and works only on location) for yourself or your loved one, who might well be your pet. Then choose your favorite shot from Bartz's proofs and, finally, select your ring or necklace setting for Mann to immortalize in solid silver.

"I began doing this with plated, costume-jewelry settings, like self-sizing rings," Bartz said. The idea was there, but not the execution, she said. The something-special was lacking.

"I proposed doing it in sterling silver," Mann said. "What I can do is custom-size the piece in a more precious metal that lasts a whole lot longer."

"Unlike plate, you can wear it every day," Bartz said.

Mann and Bartz met six years ago when Mann moved to Milwaukee after studying jewelry design at Washington University in St. Louis and then working for jewelers in New Orleans and New York.

Bartz had also studied photography in college and had worked her way up as a commercial studio assistant and "wedding shooter."

"I no longer shoot weddings, although I enjoyed it," Bartz said. "Portraits is what I want to do." She's been shooting on her own for more than 15 years.

Mann joined a local artists' group called Works in Progress of which Bartz was also a part. "It's AA for artists," Bartz quipped.

Making a lasting impression

In July, Bartz began seriously experimenting with the front end of PIXspressions. It proved far from being as simple as cutting a tiny portrait print to fit.

"To be set in sterling, under glass, you have to find a photo-safe glue," Bartz said. The photo has to be resistant to fading and non-reactive with silver as well.

"I almost gave up, but then it seemed to come together," she said.

The two artists both introduced PIXessories portrait jewelry in their own shows and found they got a warm reception. And while the pieces seem prime for the romantic, they also got a lot of attention from dog-lovers.

"I started doing pet portraits some time ago," Bartz said, "just before this wave of doggie day-cares and such came along. I hit it at the right time."

Bartz charges $175 for a photo session in the Milwaukee area ($225 to travel), and Mann's settings start at $120. PIXessories take two to three weeks to produce from the beginning of the photo shoot, but gift certificates are available for Christmas giving on Mann's and Bartz's websites.

Tour Tosa for the different and unique

Wauwatosa's Village is home to a host of shops and galleries that offer unique, original or hard-to-find gifts. The Village Business Improvement District provides a comprehensive business directory with descriptions of products and services that you may find nowhere else.

A few examples include for handmade and hand-painted items, for unique women's accessories and apparel and works by local artists, and Magpie Jewelry & Metals Studio, a shared artists' retail and studio space.

A directory of businesses on North Avenue provided by the East Tosa organization will take you to places like for handmade or make-your-own ceramics.

Also, you can browse Wauwatosa Patch's Places Directory for businesses from one end of Tosa to the other.

Rememer, gift certificates to any of Wauwatosa's exciting and growing list of restaurants make great card-stuffers. Someone special might also like a gift of time at one of Tosa's many salons and spas, or training in anything from art to yoga.