Testimonial from Wedding Band Workshop

Good Evening Laura,

What a fantastic day!  We're sure it will live in our memories forever and we're so pleased you could be our mentor for the experience.  Bill found himself sporadically smiling all day, I spent 2 hours on the phone with my mother recounting all the fun we had, and we both keep checking on the rings to make sure they are truly there and as perfect as we thought we had made them.

We can't tell you how much your excitement added to our enjoyment. :)

Thank you again,

Gillian and Bill

And another...

It's barely a week later and Bill and I are still flying high from our fabulous workshop experience. :) 

Restoring a 1930 Class Ring

Here I am hammering down the new bezel created for this 1930 14K Gold Class Ring. The old bezel had thinned out and worn away so much that the original stone was lost. My customer has chosen an amethyst cabochon to replace the original black onyx stone. 

 Smoothing and brightening the bezel after setting the new stone.

Working on antique, sentimental rings can be very tricky, and a little stressful, but is also very rewarding to be able to put this ring back on someone's' finger. 

Gillian and Bill- Wedding Band Workshop

Today marks the first of my Wedding Band Workshops, and what a day it was! Many thanks to Gillian and Bill, who were the first to inspire me to offer these workshops!
We began the day with the introduction to the studio, tools, equipment, and procedures... plowing ahead into some sterling prototypes, which proved immensely helpful at reducing stress.
Then came time to make THE rings! And wow, did they "get" it! Excellent students, Gillian and Bill intuitively followed instructions and knew what they were after. They were able to create these gorgeous handmade wedding bands for each other, an event they will likely never forget, and will prove to be so meaningful as they build their new lives together. I am feeling extremely privileged to have taken some part in this endeavor with them.
The day was fun, full of learning and imparting of knowledge and craft, interrupted by a lunch "on the porch", consisting of grilled panini sandwiches, pesto tortellini and specialty brewed beers from "The Good Beer Store", of Fryeburg, Maine.
Returning to the studio after a much needed break, Gillian and Bill continued work on their 14K Gold Wedding Bands, by filing, sanding, and preparing for polishing. It was a long day filled with much love and laughter.
I am honored to have been host to this special event.
Hats off to you, Gillian and Bill!

Riding the wave...

Some days seem stagnant to an artist. Some days do not, like today for instance! I woke up with so many ideas circulating around in my head, I had to jot some down before I lose them. It always takes me by pleasant surprise when I feel overwhelmed with the options for the day, as some days really don't jive with my creativity. That is when I don't force it. I find it better to let it happen when it is supposed to, rather than bull my way through a project and hit roadblocks at every turn. When the  ideas come, they come full force and that is when I ride that wave. How much fun is this! Time to get to work ;)

Make your own Wedding Bands Workshop

Laura Guptill Jewelry is happy to announce a new workshop for engaged couples who wish to make their own wedding bands. This workshop is intended for the sole purpose of creating simple, gold wedding bands for each other. It is a full, one day workshop, where you will learn just what you need to accomplish the creation of your rings for each other. You will learn to measure, cut, file, sand, solder, 

and polish your own rings. 

Located in the heart of the White Mountains of NH, you can plan your getaway to include this full day of goldsmithing under the guidance and expertise of an experienced jeweler. You will shape with your own hands, the rings that will unite you in marriage. 

The day will begin with some basic metalsmithing skills and knowledge you will need to undertake this project, in a simple and straight forward manner.

We will break for a light lunch complete with a bottle of wine, champagne or locally brewed beer, to celebrate your accomplishments. 

We will get back to work in the studio to file, size, shape and finish your rings in one day.

Package pricing will vary depending on the current metal market, sizes, width, and thickness of your rings. 

Join me in my studio for a day you will never forget.

I look forward to working with you :)

The finished product! 

Memories revived into a new, custom mounting.

See previous post for the rest of the story...

Time marches on...

It is an honor to make memories come together for someone who has lost a loved one. I am in the process of melting wedding bands and re-using the engagement diamond into a brand new ring combining all of the golds, and giving my customer a ring that holds all of her memories dear, while moving on from the wedding set.

Please contact me if this is something you are ready to move ahead with, to get on with the business of living, while cherishing the love that defined you.

This is just the beginning... Stay Tuned for upcoming pictures of progress :)

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...