More Acorn Stories

My wonderful customers love their acorns. The acorn has many meanings , and I love being able to share some of the special stories my customers tell me.  Here is the latest:


I plan to give an acorn pendant to my lifelong best friend....After losing touch for many years, we recently reconnected -- both turned 65 this year and both have major health issues (she goes in for heart surgery next week -- my heart surgery was a few years ago). We've seen each other through many things over the decades.

You'll love this part: our nickname for each other is "Acorn" because we used to love walking through the acorn-lined streets on our way home from Jr. High School...50 years ago.

A few weeks ago in search of a gift for her, I Googled "acorn charm" and there you were,
I was SO THRILLED to find your treasures!

The acorn holds many lovely metaphors, but I thought of a new one:
In times of sunlight and warmth, nature creates acorns to be buried by creatures for precious winter food, or buried by nature for the germination of new life...

Now that it's winter for my friend and I, the acorn takes on new meaning. A true friendship kept buried for a season is brought back to life for nurturing new chapters of friendship during seasons' change.

Thank you , P, for sharing your story.  The New Year is a great time to cherish and renew our friendships!

Meet reclaimed NJ!

I met this most amazing artist a few years ago.  Ben Wurst proudly creates cherished objects from salvaged wood.  An avid outdoorsman, naturalist, artist and photographer, Ben puts it all together with his woodworking. From simple rustic ornaments to tables, they are all carefully crafted with masterful details.

Rather than trying to rewrite his story, I will just send to to read what he says very well in his Etsy shop.

If you love nature and discovering the wonder in simple treasures, you will love what Ben creates.


View his website and blog here.

Treasures Handmade in Maine

I have to introduce you to some of my favorite copper crafters, Mollie and Joe. This couple is just too talented, and downright cute too.  They hammer away in Maine, turning copper into treasures for their two shops: Rough Magic Creations and Rough Magic Holidays.

I just love their copper ornaments. Friends have received them over the past years and they are always joyfully accepted.  Take a look at these birds!  They are just perfect for any tree, don't you think?

You will find great home decor as well as jewelry. Isn't this oak leaf sculpture just stunning? What ever gifts you need , this is a perfect place to find something wonderful that is genuinely handmade, in Maine with lots of love.

Small Business Saturday

Thanks to American Express for raising awareness about how important small business is to our economy.  If you are near Hopewell, New Jersey, I'd like you to stop and visit my friends, Beth and Will.
Will opened the Brothers Moon in 2000, and it's been going strong ever since. Beautiful gourmet dining plus lunches.  Will is one of NJ's top chefs and features local farms as much as he can.  So when you dine there, your money is spread throughout the local community.
You can find them on Facebook too.

I actually met his wife Beth first in jewelry design class.  She has her studio around the corner.  I can't tell you enough about her jewelry.  She uses fascinating combinations of gemstones, enamel, sterling silver and gold.
Here is just one necklace I snapped last time I went for a visit.  The large focal piece is enamel with a garnet gemstone accent. A one of a kind statement!  You can visit her online but you will have much more fun if you go in person.  Don't forget to stay for dinner at the Brothers Moon!

Black Friday Shopping

The day has arrived and deals abound! I'm sure you realize not all Black Friday deals are really deals.  You know my passion for handmade and in particular jewelry.  A tip: know your source. There is a pirate's ship full of jewelry out there which claims to be "handmade" but it's not.

Here's a great black Friday offer that I know for a fact is genuinely "handmade in USA".  Madelynn Cassin Designs is a super workshop in New Hampshire run by one incredible woman.  Here is her super black Friday special, a beautiful tourmalated quartz gemstone ring in sterling silver.
Of course there are many more wonderful rings and other jewelry in Madelynn's shop.  I've bought several pieces from her, the quality and craftsmanship is alway top notch.

You can learn more about this interesting variation of quartz here.

If you really like this gemstone, I made some cool sterling silver earrings that you might like too.

Happy shopping!

Sensational art jewelry

You should meet one of my favorite jewelry artists, Laura Stamper.  Incredibly creative one of a kind jewelry, I could own each and every piece that she makes.  Here is the newest ring in her online shop.
I hope you will take some time to explore her creations, they are truly remarkable.

Shop local, Jersey style!

Just a little reminder to shop local. You'll make a difference to a real person, who may just be your neighbor!