What is it?
GEM is about connection: Connection to and with your personal story (be it a memory, emotion or life event) and creating a piece to tell it.
It's a collaborative jewelry making experience that allows you to channel your memories and emotion into something tangible: A custom, commemorative locket, a reliquary, or whatever you may dream up, imbued with love and meaning, from YOUR hands and heart.
This is not a “jewelry making workshop” or a class.
This is in person custom jewelry. You'll join me in my studio in Vermont, where together we will create a piece of jewelry touched by your hands and heart.
It’s about the profoundly personal and cathartic experience of channeling your emotion into a piece of jewelry that becomes a talisman and a touchstone.
The experience is born from the knowledge that there is catharsis in creation. Whether you are going through loss, grief, or a major life transition, there is an emotional release that can come from using our hands to forge a physical representation of these moments in our lives.
“The best way out is always through”. Robert Frost
You can participate as much or as little as you'd like in the actual creation of the piece. I will guide you every step of the way. If you want to make the whole piece, I'll help you do that. If you want me to take over putting on the hinge knuckles or using the torch, I'm happy to do so. This experience is all about YOU and what you need.
The whole experience starts out with a video call where we can meet and I can hear a little of your story and the piece of jewelry you’d like to tell it
GEM is not limited to a single participant. It is a beautiful experience for a mother and child to have together, perhaps before one flys the nest. Siblings can participate to create a lasting heirloom honoring a loved one. Couples can create a piece to commemorate a new life together.
Please contact me for more information and to schedule your two day experience in beautiful central Vermont.
FAQ:
Where will I stay? There are several hotel options as well as air b and b! The studio is located in Middlesex Vermont in Camp Meade (behind Red Hen Bakery). Lodging options include the surrounding towns of Waterbury and Montpelier.
Hotels: (please note- I've not personally stayed in these places)
Air B and B: Look for options in the Middlesex, Waterbury and Montpelier, area (as well as surrounding towns, such as Moretown and Berlin).
What will I eat? I will treat you to lunch at Red Hen! (If you have dietary restrictions such as gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, non dairy, etc. please let me know in advance so I can be sure to have appropriate lunch options)
What do I need to bring? Nothing! Just yourself and appropriate clothing for the weather.
How much jewelry experience do I need? None! I've taught metalsmithing to both children and adults and will be there to guide you every step of the way.
How long is it? The retreat spans typically two days*. We'll start at 10 am and work until about 5, with a break for lunch each day. (*Depending on the scope of the project, it may be possible to complete in one day, OR it may require extra time. We'll start with a phone call to discuss the duration but ideally 2 days gives us ample time to create)
When is it? That's up to you! We'll take a look at our calendars, and you can choose two weekdays or weekend* for the retreat (*Please note, weekends book quickly!)
What is included? My undivided attention and instructor, metal and materials to make the piece (sterling silver and most gemstones)* 14k, 18k, 22k gold and some stones such as diamonds will be additional