July Shows

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

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!

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

"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.....

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)

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…