What is it?
I don't know what to call it. I'm a girl that who loves an acronym, but it's hard to get all the right letters to describe what this is! I liked GEM for the obvious connection to jewelry, and throw in a few extra M's just to complete it!
Think of it as a collaborative jewelry making retreat- A guided, no skills required experience that allows you to channel your memories and emotion into something tangible: A custom, commemorative locket, a reliquary, or a blooming flower, imbued with love and meaning, from YOUR hands and heart.
This is an in person jewelry making experience. You'll join me in my studio in Vermont, where together we will create a piece of jewelry touched by your hands and heart.
Forge a deeper connection to your jewelry and “wear your love".
This is not a “jewelry making workshop".
It's not a class.
It's custom jewelry, magnified, because YOU will be an in-person part of the process.
It's a guided journey for you to create a physical manifestation of a dream, memory or emotion. 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. You can integrate those emotions into your life (rather than trying to "get over it" or "get through it"). Part of letting go of the hold grief has over you is by creating and receiving something tangible- something that becomes a lasting and visible memory.
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.
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!
Hotels: My house is less than 2 miles from the Comfort Inn in Berlin VT, and The Capitol Plaza in Montpelier is 4.1 miles away.
Air B and B: Look for options in the Berlin and Montpelier area (as well as surrounding towns, such as Barre, East Montpelier and Northfield). Our house is on Berlin Pond which you will see on the map and can find lodging nearby
What will I eat? I will feel you lunch! We will discuss a menu ahead of time so I can be sure to have something tasty and nutritious that fits your diet (vegan, vegetarian, keto, etc) For breakfasts and dinners, there are lots of restaurants and cafe's in downtown Montpelier. The house is also less than 2 miles from a Shaws grocery store.
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 two days. We'll start at 9 am and work until about 5:30, with a break for lunch each day.
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.