Tuesday, June 14, 2011

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! 


Monday, May 16, 2011

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.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

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 :)

Friday, January 14, 2011

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

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

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.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

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".

Thursday, July 22, 2010

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 17th. 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...

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

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!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

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!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

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!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

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...

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

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.


Tuesday, December 8, 2009

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!

Friday, November 13, 2009

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.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Wedding Bands and "Jewelry Camp"

Well, it has been a busy summer, and as Wedding Band "season" begins to quiet down, I have a little time to reflect...

Working with couples to create their symbols of love and commitment has got to be one of THE most rewarding jobs there is. We are not talking cookie cutter Wedding Rings here. You can get those just about anywhere. We are talking about sitting down and talking and expressing ideas and dreams, building upon those until we all just KNOW the perfect design and representation. Working closely with one another through the process, the couples begin to feel their ideas taking shape- as I share photos of every stage of the process with them. It is such a wonderful feeling to look at my calendar and say Oh! Today is their Wedding!! I had a part in that~ and I am most grateful. 

Inviting the children in my family to come into my workshop for a day or more of "Jewelry Camp" has also been very rewarding. I made my first piece of jewelry in my Dad's garage at age ten. It was the bare beginnings of a lifestyle for me. To introduce a child to "how we do it" is really rewarding, and who knows, maybe it will plant a seed to carry on this old time-honored craft to future generations. To realize that you can create things of meaning and durability with your hands, that will in turn be handed down to future generations, long outlasting the "maker"... that is a gift.
 I feel that being stingy with our knowledge, our craft, hurts everyone. We did not invent the wheel~ sure there are designs that are "ours" and out of respect we do not copy one another. It is my feeling that we all are given the same tools and basic "ingredients", it is what we do creatively, that feeds our souls as artists, that take us each into our own "niche", corners of the world. 

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Jewelry





The Joys of a Clean Bench

The Joys of a Clean Bench... 
I find that when my bench is freshly cleaned and rearranged, I am more apt to delve into a new big project. It is a fresh start and full of possibility. Ha, I think I'll go play~ 

Monday, July 20, 2009

Summer in full swing!

The sun has finally made its' debut, it seems. Thankfully ;> 
Wonderful show yesterday at Art in the Park, in Bridgton, Maine , right on the lake at Shorey Park. 
Now that that is done, I can concentrate on the custom orders I need to fill before the end of July! Whew... lots to do, and so grateful for the opportunity! 
I'll post some new and exciting photo's soon... Keep in touch!
And enjoy the summer!!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Weather suited for a duck... so the good point is~ that directs one inside, inside the studio- should lead to pro"duck"tivity, right?

The metalsmithing classes are taking off well- my students have made some great pieces of jewelry and learned their way around a studio! In my first entry about doing workshops- it was first presented as "winter" classes, but interest has continued into the spring and early summer, so if you are game, so am I! We'll just have to work around show schedules. Not a big problem at all. 

The Wedding Band season is in full force, and as usual, I just LOVE the process of connecting with these beautiful couples and learning their "stories"... it is such a joy creating lasting symbols of love and commitment. 

Okay- time to make "the jewelry"! Stay tuned... ;>

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Creative fires have been lit!


I am enjoying a renewed sense of creativity these days... I don't really understand how that works~ you can be so creatively stifled sometimes, and THEN * something clicks and there are not enough hours in the day to try all the ideas that come forth in a wave. I love it, and feel so energized when that happens. Anybody else get that feeling from time to time? 

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Heathers' Ring - is Finished !

I am creating the MOST exciting ring- oh don't get me wrong... I've been sitting on this project for a longggg time.... (Thank You Heather for your patience and loving karma :>) But that is how these types of projects go... to be in a rush, to plow ahead before you are ready is a disservice to client, materials and the sources of creativity.  
The thought, planning, and listening that go with this type of adventure is... well- crucial. Then you sit down and play, and something wonderful happens.
It takes over your life. 
It is a birth of ideas.
Born of heirlooms passed down.
Nurtured on the bench.
Worn forever, with intention.


May the long time sun
Shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light
Within you
Guide your way on...
                           
                         ~ snatum kaur

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Marching on...

I love Spring.. It is nearly here, and is always full of promise, isn't it? 
I have been very busy in the studio lately, with custom jobs. I thank the universe for this, in these weird economic times.  We just keep marching on, day by day, and do our thing, and pray that our leaders will do the right things to heal our nations problems. We all do our daily part, and hopefully that good will all contribute to well-being. 

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Eclectic Art



"Cute as a bug, short as a minute, she's a pretty little package with every thing in it... "
lyle lovett- oh yeah... 
Where does inspiration come from? 
Perfect lyrics, upbeat music, art of all mediums, trees, mood, color, a sense of well-being... 
Sometimes things happen in my studio that I cannot quite explain, so I won't try... 
I am loving this new eclectic piece of art- it's a little crazy- but then again- not so much. I'll let you be the judge. 

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

February means March is NEXT. YAY Spring!

Here it is the middle of February. A busy time in the studio, preparing for summer and stocking galleries and doing shows.  New for me this year is incorporating teaching metalsmithing classes into the mix. Very exciting and fun! We are having a great time, and sharing knowledge is such a good feeling! 
I am currently working on some leaf and vine bracelets to put out in the galleries. Getting in the studio is sometimes a real challenge- so you sit down and the telephone rings! It IS inevitable. There are so many interruptions when you work at home. It is okay though- it is a tradeoff I am willing to make! But it takes a lot to stay productive when there are so many things pulling you in every other direction than work! 

Friday, January 30, 2009

Ski Day

It is amazing to me that we got up this morning, looked at the thermometer outside which read 1 degree, and still got ready to go skiing. You know the conditions have to be pretty perfect to do this! Well, by the time I met Shannon at the mountain, it had warmed up to 12 degrees. (It's not even a half hour away- so there was some serious "warming" going on, thank you! The slopes were beautiful and I was SO glad that Shannon dragged me along! You're the best! ;> Great day skiing in New Hampshire! Oh, and it was 22 degrees when we left the mountain. 

Monday, January 26, 2009

Dutch Shoes and Silver Baubles


Happy Monday! 
It's a beautiful sunny day in New Hampshire- okay, it's 12 degrees, but the sun is shining gloriously and there is no wind. Just came back in from snowshoeing, it was wonderful- a nice aerobic break from sitting in my studio. 
But back to work now- working on a "SPECIAL" project for my daughter- a present for her earning her Masters Degree! Yay, Allison!  This is a special request from her and it involves a lot of silver and copper links, some handcrafted beads, textured silver, copper baubles, and... a pair of Dutch Shoes! These are "magical" dutch shoes, mind you. She is a teacher, and one of her very favorite memories is her first grade teacher who had a pair of these magical dutch shoes... dancing shoes. So, to be a proper teacher, she must have these shoes. She WILL have them! 
I'll keep you posted on the progress, as it occurs.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Jewelry Making Workshops!

This is a first for "Laura Guptill Jewelry."  NOW is the time to take advantage of this opportunity- the winter is a great time for artisans to stretch their wings and take people under their wings... the summer and fall months are usually, (prayerfully), too busy to take on such endeavors.  Give me a call and let's make something!  I will only take 2 students per class, but several classes can be offered each week, if there is a need. 
I look forward to working with you and giving you some valuable skills and insight that cannot be learned in books alone.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Turquoise and Sterling Silver Hand Fabricated Pendant


Wren pins/pendants in Bronze and Sterling Silver


Landscape Agate "Mesa"-Sterling Silver w/14K Gold accent


Trendsetter

I propose a new trend! Let's ALL wear a Turquoise Bolo! I love them! Talk about individuality- you need one, I need one...
What do YOU think? 

More jewelry please...

Well, I will focus, focus, focus... Allison suggests that I - "put more jewelry on there, woman!"
Okay...I do get distracted, but that is "the way" isn't it? That is how we express ourselves and invite happy little accidents to occur. Who knows what might be discovered while on a sidetrack? 
But yes, I will post some new pictures of finished jewelry as soon as I do some polishing. It's my least favorite part of making jewelry. How many pieces make it to the polishing wheel and then threaten life and limb? Can be a lot if you are distracted. So, that being said... I usually get a bunch of it together to do all at once, and besides, it can be a very filthy job. 
For the past few days I have been working on a FABULOUS new Turquoise Pendant. I can't wait to share it. It has three gorgeous turquoise cabochons set amongst random circles of silver. 

Oils on Canvas: by Laura and Allison

Monday, December 29, 2008

The following slideshow shows the talents of my fantastic friend, Janet Graham, owner of Tactile Comfort Creations. She creates hand felted purses, snowmen, ornaments, and spins and knits pet hair to create "Memory" pouches from your favorite pets hair. 
This set of "Snow People" are a re-creation of my daughters' Wedding Day! It was a Southwestern inspired wedding, complete with cowboy boots and Handcrafted Turquoise Bolos. Thank you, Jan, for the beautiful Keepsake of a Very Special Day! ;>

Tactile Comfort Creations!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Christmas Season

Well, here we are, 5 days before Christmas. I am working on my last( I think! ;> ) custom job for Christmas. It's been a very nice year, even though the news would have you think otherwise. We just have to be grateful for ALL that we have been blessed with. We learn and hopefully, we grow. My thanks go out to all of my loyal supporters and fellow jewelry nuts...  ;> 
May you all enjoy a Blessed Christmas with your families. Thank You for your friendships. 

Cara' Bracelet!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I was asked if I could make a Wren Pin for the "Womens' Rural Entreprenurial Network", (WREN) in Bethlehem, NH. They have a Gallery on main street, named "LocalWorks". 
Their website is www.wrencommunity.org

As you can see by the following slideshow, it began as a few sketches. Through the process of "Chase and Repousse" the metal is moved little by little , with the help of a chasing hammer and small steel chasing tools. It is a long process involving softening the metal periodically, because as the metal is worked, it hardens. This process is called annealing. The metal is worked from the back to give it depth, and then removed from the pitch, annealed, and placed in the pitch again to work it from the front. This goes on and on until the desired look is achieved. The pitch is a forgiving surface, which holds the silver in place while it is being worked, but has enough give to allow the metal to stretch and take dimension.
I hope you enjoy viewing this ancient process.

Creating Wren Pin/Pendant in Sterling silver

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Buttons and Sweater

Okay, well I didn't use copper for the buttons- I decided on silver. I finally finished my sweater today. Does it fit? Sort of... it's a little short waisted. I'll just slump ;> Just kidding- it's fine. 
Sort of. 

Making Sterling Buttons

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Well, no working in the studio today. I went to a baby shower (which was wonderful), and am finishing up a sweater I started , oh, about two years ago! Almost done, just finishing the neckline now. Next project in my studio will be making the buttons. I think it will be copper and silver for the buttons ;> The wool I knit the sweater with was from my Black Finn sheep, Luna. Not handspun this time though. I was was just aching to start knitting- didn't feel like spending the time carding and spinning, so I had it professionally done for that last fleece. Don't you hate it when you put a project down for a period of time and then try to get back to it and it feels overwhelming because you forget where you left off, or forgot the stitch pattern? Arghh... but perseverance pays off in the long run.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Recent Works

Thanks for checking in on my new blog! I hope to provide a glimpse here of the daily, weekly or "whatever" inspirations that go on in my studio. Some days the creativity flies and some days it doesn't. But that is the way it goes, and learning to go with the flow is all part of life.