Mother's Day

Metalsmithing Classes! Don't forget to tell your sweetheart you'd like to take my workshop and learn how to make your own jewelry! You will go home with two SUPER projects completed! 
What a thoughtful Mother's Day gift! 
If that is not your cup of tea- then please consider visiting  Lonestar Jewelers on Main Street in Conway, or Northeast Gems in Fryeburg, or the League of NH Craftsmen in North Conway to purchase her a Laura Guptill Jewelry original. 
I bet she'll be tickled!

Are YOU the "keeper" of some family jewelry?

 If you have some of Dad's or Grandpa's old cufflinks, or sentimental coins or tie tack perhaps, and it is just sitting in a drawer, unusable, have you ever considered having it converted into something you can wear and enjoy? What a beautiful way to keep them near and dear to your heart- that is exactly what we did in this case for my customer. Now she can enjoy them in a way that would make Dad (or Grandad?) proud... Give me a call and let's design something special for you.

Wedding Season? Custom=Unique and highest quality.

It is Wedding Planning Season~ so, if you are looking for engagement or wedding bands, I hope you will look around my blog and be inspired to come see me and have yours custom made by me. Let's get together and have a talk about what is in your minds eye and create something beautiful that you will wear with love and pride for many years to come. Don't buy cookie cutter when you can have gourmet! By not having a "store", I think you will find my pricing very affordable for custom work. Please give me a call to arrange a consultation.

Make it a great day!

I also can make Bridal Party Jewelry, or a cake topper, like this copper tree, strung with pearls and turquoise, embedded in a heart shaped natural riverstone. The tree represents the winds of life and the strength of love to bend in the high winds and not break... lovely...

New Page Tabs- Easy to Navigate

I have added page tabs to the top navigation bar, I hope it will help you find the information you may be looking for. If you are looking for something special and unique, I hope you will contact me for a consultation. Let's see what we can come up with for you that fits your lifestyle, dreams and budget.

Good Morning Spring!

I am waiting for the sunshine, a little impatiently, but I am certain it will come. It teased us a few days last week. In the meantime it is a good time to work in the studio. Also, my latest distractions again have been oil painting... I have recently finished this painting of a Boxer for a friend, and am not quite finished with this cat (my Olive) but am further along than I thought I would get- turns out cats are very hard to paint... could be because it is my first attempt at a cat painting, but still. Still some tweaking to do, but I am pretty happy with the direction it has taken.

Newly added: Just a few years late ;) Allison and Dave's Wedding 2008

Shop Online for Laura Guptill Jewelry

My ETSY Store- Purchase Online!
Click here

Metalsmithing Classes Information

Absolute Beginner Class

~ Introduction to: Studio Set- Up

~ Beginning soldering skills, basic forging, sanding, filing and finishing techniques.

~ Work on and complete a pair of earrings and a hand forged bracelet.

Individual Classes~ One on One

Individual Attention Guaranteed!

Approximately (3), 3 hour classes... based on how we move through the projects...

Studio and Materials Fee: $85

Tuition: $265

Total: $350

Call to schedule according to your availability.

603-447-3719

Classes can begin anytime.

"Beyond Basic" Classes also available, call for information and pricing.

For more advanced students, I can offer more of an "open studio" format, to focus on areas you need help with.

Call to discuss your individual situation.

Checks, Paypal and Cash accepted.

Welcome 2012!

It is on my mind year round, but the NEW YEAR always seems like such a good time to say thank you. Thank you to my new customers and my faithful followers. If you know me and follow my jewelry 'escapades", you know that you "just never know" what I'm going to try next.
My jewelry doesn't fit into any mold or pre-concieved notions of what "ought to be"... I am always inspired by different things, moods, materials, etc... This is a very exciting concept for me. I don't get bored and neither do you!
I appreciate each and every one of you for giving me encouragement, introducing me to new ideas and stretching my boundaries.
Just one more thought : "Jewelry is meant to be worn!". Don't save it for some special occasion, enjoy it as often as you can!
Be well my friends, and may 2012 bring you peace, love, prosperity and well-being. Enjoy your loved ones every day and be good to yourself, and our planet.

Merry Christmas!

I am so grateful for my loyal and new customers, and I just want to say THANK YOU for your business and encouragement all year long!
The shop is busy these days, however, it is not too late to get some new art jewelry for your collection, or for someone special on your list! Time is running short though- but hey- I am here for you!
Let's get together and create something you've been dreaming of.
Don't forget, you can always buy a Gift Certificate, for jewelry or for custom work,  OR maybe even gift the "gift of learning" and get a Gift Certificate for my Metalsmithing Workshops!

Give me a call at 603-447-3719 to arrange a "play-date".  :)

Busy days in Santa's studio!

With the newly fallen snow, the Christmas spirit is definitely in the air and in the studio! Please visit my ETSY shop for easy Holiday shopping!
You may also contact me to create something CUSTOM (as these items were) Just for you!
www.etsy.com/shop/lauraguptilljewelry

Gift Certificates for Classes Available Now- Great Christmas Idea!

Want to do something really special for someone for Christmas? How about a gift certificate for my Basic Metalsmithing Classes! One on one time with me, completing TWO projects to keep, and lighting a fire of creativity! Flexible scheduling and loads of fun.  More information in the sidebar on right side of page...

Having FUN with textures!

Fold-forming, hammering, torch texturing and torch fired patinas... so much fun. Art to wear on the go!

Wedding Band Slideshow

Please visit the archives for a Wedding Band Slideshow, November 2008 in the archive section! Thank you!

14K Gold-Fill = Affordability on a tight budget

In these days of rising costs of gold, I have created these rich spiral earrings in 14K gold filled. Gold fill is a process that uses a base core metal such as brass, with thick outer layers of genuine 14K gold. This is much more durable than vermeil or gold-plating. If you love gold, these are for you!

" Some consider the spiral a symbol of the spiritual journey. It is also considered to represent the evolutionary process of learning and growing. It seems that life doesn't proceed in a straight line. The path of life more closely resemble a spiral. We seem to pass the same point over and over again but from a different perspective each time. To walk and then stand in the center of a spiral or labyrinth has been a psycho-spiritual exercise for centering the consciousness.
The spiral stands for coming into being."

Tanzania, of all places ;)

Today I begin making Wedding Bands for my customers in... Tanzania! No kidding. It blows my mind where some of my jewelry has traveled to. They had purchased a ring here, several years ago,  in North Conway that I had in a gallery, and fell in love with my jewelry. Once again, I am honored to be a part of this couples journey. Many thanks from a grateful heart.

Back to the studio after Irene!

We were very fortunate to only experience a little high water, but no damage to our home and property. Many people in NH and Vermont were devastated by the flash flooding. My heart goes out to them in their recovery process. Please consider a donation to the Red Cross for flood victims.

So, now the time has come to get back to work and catch up on some exciting new jewelry projects. Stay tuned ;)

Senior Art Clay Instructor, Gail Moriarty comes to the North Country

Last week I had the privilege of having Gail Moriarty of Nashua, NH as a student in my studio. Gail came to learn age old traditional metal smithing skills to add to her repertoire. One of our goals was to try to solder a sterling ring shank on to a piece of art clay, to be able to combine the two art forms. Gail went home (to her "camp") after her first day in the studio and created a  dragonfly in art clay, armed with nothing but a swiss army knife. The results were amazing! We had great success soldering the sterling silver shank to the dragonfly. Big YAHOOS! This will add endless opportunities to Gail in her designs.
Please visit Gails website @ www.gailmoriartydesigns.com

A Little Painting

5x7" of Mount Chocorua, NH. Oils on canvas board. Ready to be framed, $65 at www.etsy.com/shop/lauraguptilloils

Summer Studio Time

The heat wave seems to have come and gone. The river has been indulged in, the fans are getting a break, and I am able to sit in my studio again without melting.
I have been making some awesome little sea glass and NH Riverstone rings, simple and classic in nature. They have been well received and I am stoked to get back into my studio today!
Let the jewelry begin!

Honorable Mention- Bridgton Art in the Park 2011

It was a beautiful summer day by the lake in Bridgton, Maine on Saturday, July 16th. A beautiful way to spend the day, makes me so happy to do what I do and have the opportunity to sell my jewelry to appreciative art patrons in such a lovely setting. Frosting on the cake is to have your work receive a ribbon, of any color ;) in this case a "matching" turquoise Honorable Mention!

Distractions of working from a home studio...

Working at home has plenty of rewards and an equal measure of challenges. Oh yes, the sunny, hot, "it's finally summer" afternoons just beckon you to close up shop and enjoy life today, in this moment. Because if you wait and just finish this very important job, there is no question that by the time you have finished, the sun will have hidden very deeply behind a big, dark cloud that will take three weeks to clear itself from the sky.  Once you have donned your summer sun goddess attire, it will be woodstove weather and sunglasses will render you lost in the darkness and stubbing your toe on a cabinet as you bolt out the door. This will inevitably lead to the early cocktail hour. Yes, just close up the shop, because one way or  another, you ARE done working for the day! 

Of course, when you work from home, all of your friends know this, and you will have said: "Give me a call, we'll go for a walk!" Well, this is, all at once very welcomed and very disruptive. How can you say no? Yes, I am flexible, but sometimes I really need to focus and just sit down and work... a lot. But I love to go for a walk, and how often are my friends available, really? Just because I wasted hours procrastinating getting to my workbench has nothing to do with the sudden availability of my friends at any given moment. Hey- they're on vacation! 

Photos of handwoven chain and process...

Handwoven Chain!

My hands are busy these days working on some handwoven chains. These are a piece of art unto themselves. It takes approximately 2 feet of wire to weave one inch of chain. That's a lot of handwork, created just for you ;) Pictures will follow.
When I was 14, my first boss told me "Busy Hands are Happy Hands..."  it is true. I thank God for my hands and my eyesight every day. I am grateful.

SpRiNg!

So happy to have more sunshine and daylight and milder temperatures! Back to work after a brief hiatus to welcome into the world, our 1st Grandchild! A boy, born on April 2nd! Welcome to the world, Porter :)

Metalsmithing Classes~Jewelry Workshops!

This is a great time to take an enrichment class for yourself. Treat yourself!  Call Laura to schedule some classes to learn the basics of making jewelry in sterling silver. If you already have a skill level, lets' talk and create a class that would work for you! In my class, we will work one on one... you will have my undivided attention. You will learn how to make, (and take home!) a hammered sterling silver link bracelet and a sterling silver ring.
To read more about the classes, continue to scroll, there is more information on the right side of the page.

Call to set up a flexible class schedule now. 603-447-3719

Christmas in New Hampshire

It is Christmas Season in New Hampshire, and there is not even an inch of snow on the ground yet. However, this IS New Hampshire and our snow conditions should improve any day now. Snow in the air always gives me the Christmas spirit! I'm ready!

If you have not seen it yet, please check out "New Hampshire" magazine, December 2010 issue. In it you will find on page 20,  Laura Guptill Jewelry is the featured shop! They did a nice interview with me about my mountain wedding bands and included a photo. Go to: www.nhmagazine.com/mg/shop  and scroll down to "Shop Talk" and click on the link "The Gift of Love and New Hampshire's White Mountains."

I have attended my last craft fair for the holiday season. Now to finish the custom wedding bands and engagement rings. Almost done and then I can concentrate on starting my Christmas shopping! LOL! You would think maybe I would have learned to be more prepared by now... not so.
Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas with family and loved ones.
Peace on Earth.

Featured Shop in "New Hampshire Magazine"! December 2010 Issue

My Mountain Wedding Bands are in the December issue of NH Magazine! Page 20, Featured Shop!!
Please check it out and read the interview they did with me. Very pleased and thankful for inclusion in this issue!

Thinking of getting engaged?

Fall is the time when a lot of couples begin making plans for their winter or summer weddings next year. Let's get together for a free consultation about your Wedding Bands. The time you invest in choosing and having an active role in designing your own rings will pay you dividends for years to come as your anniversaries come and go. We will sit down, look over and discuss all of the possibilities available to you. I will listen carefully to your ideas and wishes, I will contribute and be as helpful and considerate as I can to help you create the rings you are dreaming of.
Simple, classic, elegant, rugged, timeless...
As unique and individual as you are.
Every ring is made by me, by hand, one at a time. These are truly "One of a Kind".

Blue Ribbon at Art in the Park, Bridgton, Maine.

Laura Guptill of Laura Guptill Jewelry was awarded First Place (Blue Ribbon) in the 3-D Art Category at the “Art in the Park” held at Shorey Park in Bridgton, Maine on Saturday July 17^th. 2010.

Her winning design is a handcrafted necklace of intricately formed copper leaves that features a unique red/orange torch patina treatment. The leaves are incorporated into a handcrafted sterling silver chain replicating a whimsical vine. The artwork is all handcrafted by Laura Guptill in her Conway design studio.

Laura Guptill Jewelry creates one of a kind artisan jewelry from silver, gold, copper and precious gemstones. Laura specializes in custom handcrafted wedding bands, especially her signature Presidential Mountain Range wedding bands. To see her work please visit: White Mountain Artisans' Gallery, The League of NH, NorthEast Gems, Lonestar Jewelry and LocalWorks/Wren.

Beautiful Wedding!

Our daughter was married on Black Mountain in June!

Congratulations Shannon and Matt!

A Perfect Day...

New Email Address!

Well folks- I have added an additional email address. You may reach me at either:

lauraguptilljewelry@yahoo.com

OR
laura@lauraguptilljewelry.com

Many Thanks,

Laura

One week to go!

One more week until our youngest daughter gets married! Let's pray for beautiful weather!

My shop is busy, busy, making jewelry for the summer shows! Can't wait for it to start "rocking"!

My Etsy shop is a lot of fun, please check it out!

Back to work! I mean, PLAY!

New Gallery Opening~ Cornish Maine.

I have been invited to place my jewelry in a new Gallery that is opening this Saturday, on Main Street, Cornish Maine. The name of the new Gallery is Full Circle Artisans' Gallery. Please stop in, maybe on your next trip to the new meat market in Cornish!

Summer Wedding?

Are you getting married? Are you looking for a very special Wedding Band? Let's get together and have a FREE consultation! There is still time for all of you summer brides and grooms! Lets' design the ring of your dreams! I specialize in Mountain Range Wedding Bands, but as you can see by scrolling down to investigate this blog- there are SO many possibilities!

I will meet with you, one on one, in my studio, where we can begin the process of designing a ring made just for you. In most cases the cost is extremely competitive, as I do not have the over head of a jewelry store. I will work in Silver or any karat of Gold. Prices are based on the daily gold market. Gold, of course, is ideal for Wedding Bands. However, I understand the state of the current economy and offer all of my services in silver also. (I will not, however, set a diamond in a silver setting, as that is just not worth the risk to you). In that case, the band could be of silver, and the setting itself (that holds the diamond, in more durable gold).

You can use your own diamond, possibly handed down through the generations, or I can help you find the perfect one. Maybe you don't want a diamond, that's okay too :>

I am a traditional goldsmith, and I make all my own wedding bands. If you want to order one from a catalog- of course I can help you with that also, but my specialty is Custom Made Wedding Bands. These are One-Of-A-Kind pieces of ART! Please give me a call to schedule an appointment, there is no obligation. If a traditional jewelry store environment is not for you, please give me a try, I don't think you'll be sorry!

See you soon!

Summer 2010 Show Schedule

July 17, 2010 Art In The Park, Maine Street, Bridgton, Maine. 9am-4pm.

August 6, 2010 Freedom Arts & Crafts Fair- Old Home Week, Freedom Elementary School, Freedom, NH. Friday. 9:30 am - 3pm.

August 21, 2010 Arts and Artisans Juried Craft Fair, New Suncook School, Rte 5, Lovell, Maine 9am-3pm.

Hope to see you there!

My daughter is engaged!

Matt proposed to Shannon on Christmas morning! Her engagement ring was created from Matt's families old gold, the head for the diamond, saved from his Grandmothers' ring. Matt assisted me in the melting of the old gold and creating the new ingot for his future brides' ring.

I was able to keep this secret ( astonishment!) and Shannon was ecstatically surprised on Christmas morning! Congratulations Shannon and Matt! xoxo

Jewelry Invitational Show

Laura Guptill Jewelry will be showing a line of Jewelry during the month of February, at Gallery 302, Main Street, Bridgton, Maine. This is an Invitational Jewelry Show and there will be several guest artists participating. There will be a Gallery Wine and Cheese Reception at some time during the month, I will post the date when it is announced. I hope you will take a little jaunt over to Bridgton for a fun day or evening out. It is only 20 minutes away from Conway and is a great little village.

Check out a movie at The Magic Lantern!(http://www.magiclanternmovies.com)

You will never want to see a movie anywhere else! It is wonderful. There is even a pub with a movie screen- have a beer and a burger (they have a full menu) while you view the newest released movies. Have a date night soon. Go shop for some new Valentines' Jewelry at Gallery 302, and stroll down Mainstreet, Bridgton, take in a movie...

I am now officially finished my custom jobs for the Christmas Season!

It's true! I am finished for Christmas! ... I am SO grateful for all the business that has graced my doorstep this Christmas Season. Thank You to every single one of my friends, acquaintances, and business "partners" ! 

It's been a great year, and I just can't help repeat myself, I am so grateful... thank you, my friends. I am so blessed to be able to do the work that I love.

I always feel like that 10 year old girl with her fathers hammer in her hand, pounding out copper bracelets for "Memere and Pepere" in Daddy's garage. This is just TOO much fun! 

I've just finished a project that I cannot speak of just yet. But, oh, you just wait!!!  :>

Right now, I am enjoying a large glass of Cabernet, and enjoying a hot foot soak... mmmm, life IS good...  Merry Christmas to all... and to all, a good night.

Let it Snow!

Looks like tomorrow will be a good stay at home and get things done day! 5-12" of snow expected. I am ready for snow now. It really gets everyone in the Christmas spirit. I am looking forward to a fire in the wood-stove and maybe some hot chocolate to go with that!  

One more craft Fair of the season to go! They've been wonderful~ lots of shoppers and Christmas Spirit to go around.

Next show is at the East Conway Grange on Sunday Dec. 13th.. 9:30-3:30. 

And of course custom orders are still coming in and being worked on , there's still time! 

See you soon!

Ring Series

I've been kind of charged up lately thinking about just making a bunch of really cool, BIG rings. Unique stones- eye catchers for sure. I have 4 done.  

I am hoping that this trend of rising gold and silver markets is short-lived, but it is scaring the bejeesus out of me! It doesn't seem to be reversing any too quickly, and it's approaching ridiculous.