Showing posts with label necklace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label necklace. Show all posts

Sunday, May 17, 2015

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. 




Saturday, November 1, 2014

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.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

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!


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Lofted Designs Marks 600th Etsy Sale

I kind of want to throw a party and do a happy dance, but it's really busy right now up in the loft so I'm just going to write this quick blog post and have my own private party while I make more jewelry.

I JUST HIT 600 SALES ON ETSY!!!!


In case you're wondering, the 600th sale was a customer in Canada purchasing a personalized birthstone necklace. Thank you to ALL of my wonderful customers for helping me reach this milestone!



Sunday, September 22, 2013

Nearly Everyone I Know is Pregnant (a.k.a. I'm Shopping for New Mom Gifts)

It's true. It seems as though 80% of the women I know are pregnant right now. Which means I'm surrounded by happy, glowing friends and have several festive baby showers to attend. This means gifts. Lots and lots of baby shower gifts, newborn baby gifts and gifts for new moms and dads.

I always assume newborns will be gifted with tons of clothes they will outgrow in their first month of life, so I usually don't succumb to purchasing those adorable miniature outfits. Except for the occasional irresistible onesies and t-shirts for very special babies. Like these. And sometimes these.

Gift registries are great, but sometimes you want to give something a little more personal. That's why I think these necklaces are the best possible gift a new mom could receive.


I'll admit it, I'm biased. They are, of course, my own creation. But this idea for birthstone eternity necklaces was born (pun intended) from necessity. I was looking for a personal gift for a new mother and had a lot of trouble finding something special, yet affordable.


Not only are they custom and reasonably priced, they are handmade, sterling silver, and expandable for when baby #2, #3 and possibly even baby #4 arrive. Just order new circle pendants and you're good to go!


Two (and sometimes even three) names can even be combined onto one circle if they aren't too long – this is a popular option for twins and triplets.



Monday, September 10, 2012

Jitterbug Perfume

Sterling Silver and Resin Beet Necklace Photograph

If you tell me you are ordering one of my beet necklaces because of an obsession with the Tom Robbins book Jitterbug Perfume, you'd better believe I will wrap it up in passages photocopied from the book for you. Obviously. 

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

2012 Graduation Jewelry - It's Not Too Late

Graduation is an exciting achievement for many young people this season. If you know a student graduating from high school or college in the coming months and you're looking for a unique gift idea that won't break the bank, I have just the thing!


Class of 2012 Graduation Jewelry - Custom Necklace - $45

A gorgeous sterling silver circle is hand cut and custom stamped with "Class of 2012", the school name, graduate's name or initials, a date and even school colors! A sterling silver chain, polishing cloth and gift box are included so you receive it ready for gifting.

Order yours here. Please allow up to two weeks for custom orders to be shipped.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Personalized Mother's Day Jewelry

Mother's Day is right around the corner on May 9th. Flowers are nice and breakfast in bed can't be beat, but these handmade necklaces will last forever!



Each sterling silver eternity circle includes custom personalization and a birthstone, and necklaces are available in one-, two- and three-circle designs.



Other styles are also available such as the popular "My Heart Belongs To" necklace. Your order will come with a 16" sterling chain and a gift box.



Be sure to place your order by April 30th to guarantee on-time delivery for Mother's Day!