The Guided Experience
The "Guided Experience Making" custom jewelry (GEM)was born out of a desire to help others experience the catharsis that comes from creating something with your own two hands and heart- imbuing it with your love and emotion.
This is not a jewelry making workshop.
It’s custom jewelry with a bit of a twist, because you will be there right along side me, making design decisions in real time. You can do as much or as little of the actual making as you feel comfortable (though it’s always fun to use the torch!)
Through this collaborative experience, you will give yourself the time and space to both process the strong emotions associated with loss, grief, joy and transition, as well as create a vessel for those memories and feelings.
It's hands-on, in person custom jewelry.
GEM is about connection: Connection to and with your personal story and creating a piece to tell it.
It’s about going deep, feeling your feelings and expressing them through creation.
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: A talisman
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.
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