What is it?
I'm a girl that who loves an acronym, but it's hard to get all the right letters to describe what this experience! I like GEM for the obvious connection to jewelry (though technically I guess the acronym would be GEMCJ!)
Think of it as in-person custom jewelry. It's 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 whatever you may dream up, 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! 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