Ocean Fire Pottery Holiday Extravaganza Weekend

I participated in two amazing craft fairs this past weekend, and I have two more coming up! Thank you to everyone who came out to shop at the brand new Etsy Maine Team Artisan Fair at the Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk, Maine! Thank you also to the HUGE CROWDS shopping Craft Fix at Buoy in Kittery this year -- that fair, now in its 8th year, never fails to astound me with the most talented, kind artists and supportive customers around. I am so grateful to have participated in both of these shows!

Coming right up, Ocean Fire Pottery's Holiday Extravaganza is this weekend, also celebrating its 8th year! I love participating in this event and am honored to have a spot in Amy Clark's pottery studio on Saturday, December 3rd from 10am to 5pm. 

Amy will host different artists in her studio each day, Friday through Sunday, featuring her own stunning pottery plus jewelry, candles, body scrubs, cards, calendars, driftwood gifts, coasters and other home decor. Other activities include mini-lessons on the pottery wheel (for adults and kids!), raffles, wood-fired kiln opening (check out Amy's incredible backyard pottery kiln), chair massages and refreshments each day. Don't miss this one! 

Artists throughout the weekend include:
Amy Clark of Ocean Fire Pottery - (our fearless host) handcrafted, wheel-thrown gifts
GLOW - A Holistic Wellness Studio - Chair massages all weekend. Treat yourself!
Becky Louison of Hoppy + Hippy 
Cherie Herne & Cheryl Patten of Salty Girl and Long Dog
Sam Goodall
Ellen Braley of El's Cards
Erin Donovan of Vessel and Co 
Ellen Lamoureaux

Here's a sneak peek:

Some of my latest Lofted Designs creations

Ocean Fire Pottery

Salty Girl & Long Dog

Ocean Fire Pottery

Vessel and Co

Vessel and Co

El's Cards

Salty Girl & Long Dog

Ocean Fire Pottery

The event runs in conjunction with the Festival of Lights in York Village, and is a quick walk around the corner from festivities including the Festival of "Fostering" Trees, Festival of Lights Parade (Saturday), 12th Annual Gingerbread House Festival & Santa Claus at the library and Center for Wildlife's Holiday Bazaar (Saturday: I've donated some jewelry to this event and all proceeds go to wildlife care!). 

Read the Etsy Shop Review That Made Me Blush

Each Etsy customer has the opportunity to leave a review after making a purchase. There is a 1-5 star rating system, and an optional text box for additional comments. I recently read through some reviews that came in over the summer and WOW...I have some of the nicest customers EVER.

It's so awesome when people take the extra time to leave a comment, especially when they are so happy with the quality of the products and my customer service.

Yes, it's true...if you tell me your order is a birthday gift and you need it by a specific date, you'd better believe I will do everything in my power to get it to you on time! I will often include a gift note or even gift wrap your item free of charge (if you ask nicely).

This reviewer was kind enough to comment on the craftsmanship and style of my handmade earrings, as well as my packaging and speedy shipping. Awesome!

What?? That order was an engagement ring?! That's pretty much the best compliment a jeweler can receive...to know your piece was selected as a symbol of commitment to hopefully be worn until the end of time. Incredibly special.

This repeat customer's review warmed my heart!!! What a wonderful testimonial.

And finally, this shop review made me blush! 

10 stars?! A perfect experience from start to finish? Kinder words were never spoken. Like I said, I am the luckiest and have the BEST CUSTOMERS EVER!

You can read more Lofted Designs Etsy reviews (all 243 of them, and counting) here. And, if you'd like the opportunity to write your own Lofted Designs review on Etsy, purchase one of my items here. Thanks!

Handmade Running Necklaces for Heinemann's Wallis Sands Half Marathon Team

Team photo by Michael Grover – 7/10 of the Heinemann running team sporting their new necklaces

Huge congratulations are in order for Heinemann Publishing's running team! This amazing group of ten women made it a goal to train together through the winter and complete the Wallis Sands Half Marathon in Rye, NH today. Some of them are seasoned runners and others are new to the sport, with the half marathon begin their first official race. What a fantastic goal!

I was honored when the team's organizer reached out to me to order running necklaces for the entire team. She thought it would be fantastic to congratulate the team with a meaningful, locally-made gift. I couldn't agree more!

I'm sure the team did a fabulous job this morning. The Wallis Sands Half Marathon follows a gorgeous route along the New Hampshire coastline through Rye and all the way up to Odiorne Point State Park, and what a beautiful morning it was for a run along the beach. Go team Heinemann! I'm rooting for you!! Thanks for supporting the local arts community.

Heinemann is a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college. Their offices are located in a reconditioned 1800s mill building near downtown Portsmouth, NH. 

CRAFT FIX - Sunday, November 30th, Kittery, Maine!

Join me and 19 other local artists and craftspeople at Buoy Gallery in Kittery for the amazing annual Craft Fix!

10am - 5pm 

2 Government Street

(gallery space attached to The Black Birch)

More info & RSVP

**SAME DAY BONUS: Art on the Hill's open studios, Folk (darling little shop around the corner) anniversary celebration and Doo salon (across the street) Wrong Brain craft fair are all at the same time! 

**WEATHER BONUS: the forecast is 50°!

Handmade Silver Running Jewelry

On the eve of the New York City Marathon, I am very excited to announce my new handmade running necklaces for 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon! These sterling silver necklaces have been on my mind for quite some time, and it seemed appropriate to reveal them just in time for the world's largest marathon.

I've been running pretty regularly for about two and a half years, and each time I hit a new milestone I think about creating a special piece to commemorate my accomplishments. My first 5K and 10K were enormous achievements for me, and really, if I'm being honest, every run is a personal achievement. You see, I used to have a deep hatred for running. I always detested high school gym class, but when we had to run the mile – forget it. It was pretty much my worst nightmare. I would half walk, half limp around the track, practically in tears. My lungs burned, my side ached, my legs itched. Running was the bane of my existence.

Fast forward to a few years ago when my husband got into running and started signing up for races. He loved it and raved about how great he felt, and I thought I should give it another shot as an adult to see what all the hype was about.

Starting slow, I began the Couch to 5K program and ran my first race in the spring of 2012. After a few 5Ks, I ramped up to a 10K, and then soon after signed up for a 10 miler. I haven't yet progressed to a half marathon, but I'm not ruling it out as an option. And I've recently discovered that I love trail running...how fun to go run in the woods, surrounded by nature!

That's me on a recent trail run

Anyway, the point I want to make is that running is HARD. Even after years of training and practice, it's still really hard. Some runs are more difficult than others, but I consider every run – whether a mile or ten, on road or trail – to be a major accomplishment. And no accomplishment should go unrewarded.

Whether you are just starting out or have been running for decades, I hope my handmade running necklaces will serve as a great reminder of your achievements. And if you aren't a runner, but you have runner in your life, these necklaces will make the perfect gift to congratulate them on a race well-run!

BONUS: A percentage of profits from the sale of these necklaces will be donated to Girls on the Run:

Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity-based youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. We teach life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons & running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically & emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health & fitness.

Whiskey Molecule Necklace - Unique Custom Pendant

I absolutely love custom jewelry requests, so naturally I was excited to receive a creative special request from my longtime friend Jeff. A good friend of his had a birthday approaching and he knew just the thing to make her day, but was without tools and resources to bring his idea to fruition. He asked for my assistance.

The idea: A whiskey molecule necklace for a whiskey-loving gal

The process: We started with some sketches. Jeff sent me a diagram of the chemical structure of whiskey as well as his idea for how it might work as a pendant. He also shared important details about the recipient, such as she's very tall and loves to wear big, bold jewelry. Good to know!

The build: Starting with sterling silver wire, I cut and formed each piece of the molecule. 

I then laid out all the pieces and began soldering them together. 

This was a fairly large piece to heat, so it took a few tries to get solder to flow to all the joints.  

After the whole piece was soldered together, it still looked a little too light and delicate, so I decided to hammer it flat to make it a bit bolder and give the lines more weight. Lastly, I filed the joints smooth and polished the pendant, finalizing it with a brushed, matte finish.

End result: Super awesome lady receives badass, thoughtful, customized gift! Everyone parties and has a great time!

Birthday girl photo courtesy of Jeff

Moral of the story: put some thought into your gift giving and don't be afraid to ask a professional for help. This was a true collaboration and couldn't have turned out better. Contact me for help with your unique idea today!

Music + Jewelry = LOVE

I love a good love story and I also appreciate good music, so when the two come together and I get to participate it's beautiful thing. I recently had the pleasure of creating some one-of-a-kind gifts for a lovely couple who happen to have very good taste in music (and jewelry).

First, there was the ring. This couple loves Ray LaMontagne, has seen him perform live several times, and wanted to incorporate some of his lyrics into the custom ring design.

They selected the lyrics "forever my friend, forever my love" from the song "Forever My Friend" on his 2004 release Trouble.

Later, the husband reached out to me once again to order a custom sterling silver bracelet for his wife – this time with lyrics from another of their favorite musical artists, Brandi Carlile. Her song "Fall Apart Again" from her self-titled album contains this beautiful line: "As long as the day is full of time, there will always be room for your hand in mine."

The lyrics fit absolutely perfectly on this sterling silver cuff bracelet.
 

Valentine's Day is just two weeks away! But there's still time to order a custom gift for your special someone. I'll be working overtime this coming week to get all your orders shipped on time. What lyrics do you think would be perfect on jewelry for your sweetie? 

Contact me to talk about your gift idea today. 

Restoring a Family Heirloom

When a friend and long-time jewelry client approached me with a broken family heirloom — a beautiful antique signet ring — I'll admit I was intimidated at first, and for many reasons:

1. The piece had sentimental value.
2. It looked delicate and frail.
3. It was broken in not one, but two places.
4. It was GOLD. As a rule, I never work with gold. Gold intimidates me and it's so costly.

But for some reason, I said yes to the project. Perhaps because she is a friend. Perhaps because I looked at it as a new challenge and a way to break out of my comfort zone. And perhaps also because she told me she would not be devastated if something horrible happened to the ring (i.e., if I accidentally melted it).

This is because the ring's history within her family is a bit fuzzy – the signet ring may have belonged to a great uncle or possibly an aunt. The S seal doesn't match up with any of the family member's last names, therefore its previous owner is unclear. Strangely enough, S is my friend's first name and married name initial so it has now found its rightful owner as far as I'm concerned.

The ring was found in a jewelry box long after anyone familiar with its origins was alive to tell its story. Hopefully now, after some solid restoration work at my soldering bench, it will live on to tell a new story to future generations.

Open House This Sunday - Dec. 22nd

Since Mother Nature doesn't seem to be cooperating with my craft show plans this year (snowstorms have thwarted two events), I'm taking matters into my own hands and setting up shop in my living room this Sunday from noon until 3pm. 

I have lots of handmade jewelry ready for gift giving and stocking stuffing, so I hope you can stop by to do a little last-minute shopping. I'll even gift wrap for you!

It'll be a laid back afternoon with light refreshments and a beautiful view on Bullfrog Lane. Please feel free to bring a friend or two! You can preview a sampling of my work on Etsy. Much more will be available in person.

Sunday, December 22nd, 2013

Noon - 3pm

4 Bullfrog Lane (just off Scituate Road)

York, Maine

Map & Directions

Cash, checks and credit cards are all welcome. Please RSVP on Facebook if you think you can make it and help spread the word. Thanks and hope to see you! 

Pop-Up Holiday Fair in York, Maine

Remember that amazing 3S Artspace event a couple of years ago at the Nevada Motel in York Beach, Maine, when artists took over individual motel rooms and created incredibly innovative installation pieces? This is not that. But it's a pretty great idea in its own right. 

This Tuesday night in York, Maine, local artists will host a pop-up holiday show in the guest rooms at the Inn at Ridge Road in York, Maine.

December 3rd, 2013

6:30 pm - 9ish

The Inn at Ridge Road

281 Ridge Road

York, ME 03909

Light refreshments and wine will be available, as well as lots of beautiful locally-made gifts. Some of the vendors include:

Sew Happy Designs

Twig Candles

Ocean Fire Pottery

Katlyns Handmade Crafts

Treehugger Designs

Just Bee Skinfood & Soap

...and of course me! Lofted Designs

Spread the word and come on by! Hope to see you there.

BDN Maine Food and Gift Fair - A Recap

The BDN Maine Holiday Food and Gift Fair was held in Portland, Maine, yesterday – Saturday, November 30th – and I was very excited to take part. I do love food, and was sandwiched between Dean's Sweets and the Super Stick Food Flipper booth for the day.

Here's a look at my very official looking booth – it's the first show I've ever done where they put up pipe and drape! And my very own sign! This made it feel much more legit than the fairs I typically do.

The foot traffic was a bit light, and I'm not exactly sure why. Most people I talked to thought the event was well-advertised in local papers and online, but for whatever reason – possibly location – there just weren't too many people making their way out the Portland Company Complex. It does take a little extra effort to get there and parking can be an issue in Portland.

But no matter. I can ALWAYS find the silver lining. I had a great day getting to know my neighbors and admiring their work. I also made some excellent trades...

I traded with Eliza of Morris & Essex for a gorgeous box of letterpress holiday cards.

I satisfied my sweet tooth by bartering with Kristen and Dean of Dean's Sweets

Lucy from Lucy's Granola proposed a very tasty trade.

This one wasn't a trade, but was totally worth it! Peanut butter chocolate chip from Stone Fox Farm Creamery. The creamiest ice cream I have ever tasted.

The biggest highlight of the day for me was when a couple of gentlemen purchased a pair of my rubber chicken earrings for none other than Sally Struthers! They are friends of hers and when they saw these earrings they instantly thought of her. Hope she loves them!

Holiday Food and Gift Fair - Portland, Maine 11/30

When and Where:

November 30th, 2013

11am - 6pm

FREE admission!

58 Fore Street, Portland, ME

I'll be bringing along a new assortment of Lofted Designs necklaces and earrings (seaglass, beach stones, sterling silver, vintage buttons and more!), plus new bracelet designs, new ring designs, and a great assortment of pet tags. If you haven't seen me in person in awhile, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I actually plan to get most of my holiday shopping done at this show...it shouldn't be difficult. I'll be in great company with these incredible Maine-based food and gift vendors (this is just a small sampling of the booths I'm looking forward to checking out – there will be many more):

Casco Bay Butter Co. – All-natural artisan butters made from local dairy farm cream.

'Cue Culture – Small batched barbecue sauces

Dean's Sweets – Amazing hand-dipped truffles. Enough said.

Flowfold – Durable wallets & bags handmade from sailcloth

Jared DiSimio Maker – Bags & accessories made from vintage, antique and salvaged materials, each with a story to tell. 

Vena's Fizz House - Mixology Shop and Natural Soda Bar

Morris & Essex – The most stunningly designed & silkscreened, letterpressed and block-printed goods I have ever laid eyes on. Shirts, cards, scarves, bags and more. I want everything Eliza makes. All of the things.

Maine Blanket – 100% grass-fed sheep's wool blankets, solar hand-dyed in seawater and woven on antique looms. How cool is that? 

Baobab Organics – Sustainable, organic cotton clothing for kids

Fiber and Water – Natural burlap wall art featuring hand-pressed designs.

You can find more info and RSVP on their Facebook event page. Hope to see you there!