Jennifer Nielsen Hand-Crafted Jewelry

Valentine's Day Offer!

2012-02-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

Find that perfect (and unique) gift for your sweetie! Now through February 13th by 3pm (for overnight delivery), enjoy 20% off your purchase at Jennifer's online store. Please use codeLOVE2012 upon checkout.

Oh, you'd like to use your own beach pebble found during last summer's special trip to the coast? Well, Jennifer Nielsen Hand-Crafted Jewelry is offering a Valentine's Day special for custom work also! The custom order fee ($30) will be waved, so please contact her directly at 207.799.3460. Deadline is quickly approaching of course: February 7th. (This offer is not valid on the website, all custom work must be discussed with Jennifer directly.)

Both discounts are not valid with any other offers. 20% discount does not apply to custom work or gift certificates.

Falling into the comforts of cooling weather...

2011-11-10T05:16:00.000-08:00

Charmed, I'm Sure

Introducing the Elements Collection, Jennifer's distinctive and collectable charm series. Each intricate piece combines freshwater pearls, diamonds, Sterling, and 18K gold, with Jennifer's signature gemstones – tide-polished pebbles from the shores of Maine. Sold individually, they can be worn alone or grouped in countless combinations. Jennifer will be adding to the collection yearly offering new "droplets" to combine with your already stunning Elements necklace or bracelet. Look for her Sterling and 18K gold earrings to match.

People Are Talking...

Over the summer, there was some chatter about Jennifer's work. See what some bloggers are saying:
GemAntics
Waterside
The Carrotbox
Besides Jennifer's feature article in Coastal Magazine's September issue, her work is also in the Maine Magazine's Holiday Shopping Guide (November/December issue). Look for her on page 33 where she's in good company with other local artists and Maine companies.

Upcoming Shows:

NOVEMBER
THIS WEEKEND!!!! The 6th Annual Gifted Hand: Fine Art, Craft and Gift Show
Friday, November 11, 11 am - 7 pm & Saturday, July 12, 9 am - 4 pm
The Ramada Inn (formerly the Holiday Inn Convention Center), Tennis Court Area, 215 High Street, Ellsworth, ME
www.giftedhandshow.com

Hands to Art Silent Auction and Artisan Fair at Waynflete School
Friday, November 18, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Saturday, November 19, 10 am - 4 pm
The Waynflete Arts Center, 360 Spring Street, Portland, ME 04102
www.waynflete.org

DECEMBER
Portland Museum of Art - Meet the Artist Friday: Jennifer Nielsen Handcrafted Jewelry - Trunkshow
Friday, December 9, 5 - 8 pm
Portland Museum of Art - Museum Store - 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101
www.portlandmuseum.org

I'm in Coastal Living Magazine this month!

2011-09-12T16:08:00.001-07:00

The ocean is inspiration for so many of us and this month I was one of the sea-loving artists featured in this fantastic article. It's in newsstands now and would be a perfect end of summer beach read (bring a sweater)!

Don't forget my upcoming shows:
This weekend!
Scarborough Fine Crafts Show at Camp Ketcha

Date: September 17th & 18th
Time: Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-4
Location: Held at Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Road, Scarbouough, ME.
Treat yourself these last beautiful days of summer! Come to lovely Camp Ketcha on the Scarborough shoreline and meet some of Maine's finest professional craftspeople who create tomorrow's heirlooms today. Here you will find woodworkers who choose their trees with care, who design and fashion their pieces from raw materials to finished furniture, bowls and utensils. You'll meet potters who mix their own clays and glazes, who fire colorfully carved pieces or earth-toned wood-fired work. Meet jewelers who work with precious metals and gems, glass, bone and stone; fiber artists who create natural fiber clothing, quilts, and wall pieces. Fine basketry, blown glass, bookbinding, and more... all the time-honored crafts are here, and all are made locally, made by hand, and made to last.
Admission: $5; children admitted free.
Proceeds benefit Camp Ketcha and the Maine Crafts Guild.
More Info: www.mainecraftsguild.com

Next weekend!
MOFGA’s 35th annual Common Ground Country Fair
Date: September 23rd, 24th & 25th
Time: Gates open at 9am each day and stay open until 6pm on Friday & Saturday with evening entertainment starting at 7pm. Sunday fair closes at 5pm.
Location: Held at the Maine Organic Farmer’s and Gardeners Association’s educational Center off of Rt 220 in Unity, ME.
Check Web for all the details of this amazing celebration!
Admission: $8 adults 13yrs +, $6 Elders 65 yrs +, or FREE for children 12 and under, handicapped citizens with one assistant, volunteers, and MOFGA members. A one of a kind event! The fair demonstrates how we are all able to incorporate more sustainable living practices into our daily lives and sends us home with the reasons it is in our best interest to do so.
More Info: www.mofga.org

July Shows

2011-07-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

The 46th Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival
Friday, July 15 & Saturday, July 16, 10 am - 9 pm, Sunday | July 17, 10 am - 5 pm
Main Street & beyond, downtown Yarmouth, Maine
www.clamfestival.com

Maine Crafts Guild Fine Craft Show at Damariscotta
Saturday, July 23, 10 am - 5 pm | Sunday, July 24, 10 am - 4 pm
Damariscotta River Foundation facility (the former Roundtop Center for the Arts Farmhouse), 1 Roundtop Lane, Damariscotta, Maine
www.mainecraftsguild.com/shows/damariscotta-show

Maine Crafts Guild 36th Annual Directions Show at Mt. Desert Island
Friday, July 29, 5-9pm | Saturday, July 30, 10 am - 5 pm | Sunday, July 31, 10 am - 4 pm
Mt. Desert Island High School
www.mainecraftsguild.com/shows/36th-annual-directions-mount-desert-island-show

Taming the Elements

2011-07-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

Jennifer was very busy this Spring designing a new line of beach stone jewelry in which she's incorporating 18k gold & diamonds into the mix. In her new Elements Collection, charming components can be mixed and matched in an infinite number of combinations. Still in its developmental stages, Jennifer offers a sneak peek of things to come (see above). Watch for the official Elements Collection announcement coming soon...

Thanks Earth, couldn't do it without you!

2011-04-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

It's been a long winter (still here?) and when the temperatures rise and the sun is out, Jennifer can be found searching Maine's shores for winter-weathered beach stones to feature in her new collection. Jen welcomes in the season by spending Earth Day cleaning rocky beaches and the sandy paths that lead the way. This trash collecting day has become an annual event for Jen as she gives back to her most important vendor.

Thanks Earth!

"I do" Custom Wedding Rings

2011-01-20T11:01:00.000-08:00

"After reading about Jennifer in Down East Magazine, I knew right where to go for a unique engagement ring using Maine beach stones collected by my girlfriend and me. I wanted something sentimental to the both of us, not just a store-bought diamond ring. Working with Jennifer was very organic. She made the process so easy and in the end we incorporated a family diamond into the design after all. We love telling the story and having a piece that is so unique, full of character, and means so much to the both of us. I couldn't be more happy working with Jennifer and the process of having her make a one-of-a-kind beach stone engagement ring."

- Kate and Tyler

More newlyweds are saying, "I won't" when considering traditional weddings. Trends are moving towards the less wasteful and over-the-top celebration out of necessity for some, and out of a lifestyle choice for others. Smaller guest lists, closer locations, and strong "buy local" campaigns have been a big theme in the current wedding industry. Many couples are considering a diamond alternative for engagement rings and are leaning towards non-traditional semi-precious gems and... beach stones. Some of my favorite custom work has been working with couples on their engagement and wedding rings. Looking for the perfectly tumbled stone on a favorite Maine beach becomes as important a story as the moment when the big question is asked... and sometimes they happen simultaneously. A found rock truly stands the test of time.

My wedding collection also includes: bride's necklace and earrings, groom's shirt studs, bridal party bracelets, groomsmen's cuff links, and in-law gifts. Check it out here.

It's personal.....

2010-11-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

Check out what The New York Times is saying about today's wedding trends and how they're affecting couples "big day" decisions and their jewelry choices. It seems that my custom wedding jewelry is "on-trend"!

Breaking the Rules with Martha (Stewart)

2010-10-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

It was a very hot Sunday morning at the 2010 Maine Crafts Guild Show and the air conditioning had somehow been forgotten. It was really warm by the time any of the exhibitors noticed and so we opened the doors for some fresh air.

Roughly ten minutes later it was decided to try the AC again (it was included in our booth fees after all) and so the doors were closed and the AC cranked. It struggled to catch up but the air grew more stagnant and only seemed to get worse! Vendors and customers complained, yet we were asked to keep the doors shut to assist in the effort to cool things down.

While I puttered behind my booth, I heard a voice behind me say, "You know, you really ought to open the doors, it's so hot!" As I turned to explain the situation with my comment, "Doors open, doors closed, it's been ridiculous!" I saw Martha Stewart standing there! "Well, you really should open them," she very perceptively suggested. I had heard a rumor she was at the show, but was still surprised to see her.

As quickly as I started saying that we'd get yelled at if we opened the doors again, I realized how absurd it was and said, "How about we break the rules? Let's open the door!" So, I did! A lovely breeze swept through the door cooling everyone instantly! I may be imagining this, but I believe I heard a collective sigh. After wedging the rocks under the door, I returned to my display and Martha asked if I had a business card. After handing one to her, she took out her little digital camera and caught a shot of my display. (See image - #17 - on her blog, here.) I thanked her and she moved on.

While I am normally pretty brave about breaking the rules, Martha’s nudge definitely gave me extra inspiration that day…