To thine own self be true...

Quotes. I love them. They make you think and re-think your goals sometimes.
While researching Edward Everett Oakes, a jeweler from Sugar Hill, NH, born in 1891. I am reminded of what I love to do. To get lost in the creation of beauty. To let the metal take you where it wants to go, and to get caught up in the magic of it. To get bogged down in trends and what the masses want is a trap. "Build it, and they will come." If they don't, it was not for them. If they love what you do, it is because it was meant to be. The life that a piece of jewelry takes on in creative hands and open minds tells stories. Not bound by the latest fad. Nothing grinds creativity to a halt more than trying to please everybody.
This quote from Edward Oakes speaks volumes to me...

"The whole duty of a jeweler is to satisfy himself. A true jeweler always plays to an audience of one. Let him start sniffing the air or glancing at the trend machine and he is as good as dead, although he may make a good living.  Choose a suitable design and hold to it.."

When admiring handcrafted, fabricated jewelry, try to imagine the thought process the jeweler was engaged in, what music or art was a source of inspiration? Or, not only jewelry, but art as a whole...What experiences did that artist bring forth to this item wrought by hand and heart... To create art in any form is food for the soul.

We all need to pay our bills, yes, however, when you lose sight of the reason why you make art, because of money; creativity and art grinds to a screeching halt. Let it not be about money. Let it be about beauty, from the heart, the rest will follow.

Crisp Fall Air and Making Jewelry

As much as I dislike seeing summer as a fading memory, the September air is refreshing and inspiring!
These are days filled with apple crisp, homemade pesto from the garden basil plants; squash and tomato galore, and a desire to hunker down in creativity in my workshop.
My plans for today? To finish working on a triple turquoise artisan necklace in sterling silver and then on to create a memory locket with some fur of my daughters "once in a lifetime" dogs fur in a domed epoxy (magnifying effect). Hogan was a yellow lab, he lived to be 13 years old, and in all of his life, he never, ever misbehaved. He was the ultimate companion. Full of love and joy for everyone he met. He was the man about town, everyone knew him and loved him. Saying goodbye to this precious boy was an experience full of sadness, but also chock full of love for all the years of devotion he gave. I hope that he is chasing soccer balls over that rainbow bridge to his hearts content and swimming in the rivers of heaven.
Now to get to work and create a work of love.

Custom Mountain Wedding Bands

Laura Guptill Jewelry specializes in custom mountain range wedding bands. These beautiful new rings were designed by Laura and her clients, side by side, sketches taken from their digital photograph. We discuss sizes, widths, precious materials to be used, amount of detail and final finishes. I will listen to your ideas, and we may also discuss options not previously thought of.  The beauty of this process comes from their "story"... The meaning behind the choices always comes forth and the journey is clear...

I do have the best job I could ever have dreamed of. The beautiful people I get to meet and work with make my job so rewarding. Best wishes Angie and Matt.

Guitar Rings!

I have had my Original Acoustic Guitar Ring cast and am now able to offer it in Sterling Silver for $80!

The original design was very labor intensive and each one was made, completely from scratch, one at a time and therefore the price was much higher. Now that I have had them cast I can now offer these at a much more affordable price. They also are available in 14K Yellow Gold, for $800. this is a built in option on my ETSY site. Please visit:   My Etsy Store 

Metalsmithing Workshops

Laura Guptill Jewelry, located in a private studio in the Mount Washington Valley, NH, is offering metalsmithing workshops. Enrollment is on an open basis- call to schedule a time for your very own private workshop! 

You just cannot beat "one on one" instruction! How rare is that? It is time well spent for anyone who has an interest in creating beautiful, handmade jewelry. The basics will be covered and ample time will be spent on learning how to solder. I have developed a class that gives you a skill that will set you apart and give you confidence to move forward in the direction you wish to go!

For more advanced students, with some prior experience, classes can be tailored to fit your needs. 
If you have already taken the basics class- we can spend our next sessions concentrating more on specific areas in which you want to gain further knowledge and experience under the guidance of an experienced jeweler.

Anyone who has taken a class from me, knows that they get a wealth of knowledge and experience, coupled with great enthusiasm for the craft.

If you have been thinking about doing this for while, this is for you ;) Let's make something!

Summer Craft Fair Schedule:

~Laura Guptill Jewelry~ 

Unique Artisan Handcrafted Jewelry in Silver, Gold, Copper and Gemstones

Summer Craft Fair Schedule

Art In The Park

Shorey Park

Bridgton, Maine

Saturday July 20, 2013

9 am- 4pm

(rain date- Sunday July 21)

Freedom Arts and Crafts Fair

Freedom Elementary School

40 Loon Lake Road

Freedom, NH

Friday August 9, 2013

9:30 am- 3pm

White Mountain Art and Artisan Festival

In Jackson Village Park

Jackson, NH

Saturday August 17, 2013

10 am- 5pm

AND

Sunday August 18, 2013

10am- 4pm

Summertime.... ahhhhhh, bliss.

Okay- we were patient and waited and now summer has arrived!
Things are as busy as ever in my studio- getting ready for summer artisan craft fairs- (stayed tuned- I will be posting soon as to which fairs I will be in), and that means making LOTS of jewelry every day!! Yay!

My teaching schedule is exciting- having the opportunity to share knowledge with excited and "eager to learn" students is always a joy. I remember being a young teenager wanting to learn all I could, and taking workshops and classes with experienced and equally enthusiastic metalsmiths who were generous in their sharing of age old techniques and "secrets" of the bench. It really doesn't matter how old you are- as learning is a life long adventure. It's never too late to learn a new skill.

Laura Guptill Jewelry is now available at The Local Grocer!

The Local Grocer has made a gorgeous expansion into the former White Mountain Artisan Gallery building on White Mountain Highway in North Conway, NH. Utilizing the beautiful new space, Heather Chase is also offering local art and now Laura Guptill Jewelry can be found here. Please stop in for all your organic health needs, yoga classes, and green and local gift ideas! 

 

"Like" on Facebook!

Did you know you can follow "Laura Guptill Jewelry" on Facebook? Please "like" and SHARE with your friends!

"Wedding Season"

Here it is nearing the end of May, and "Wedding Season" is upon us!
Do you fear it is too late to have a Custom Commission made? Don't worry- most likely it is not. Give me a call and I will give your commission utmost priority.

Do you want to make them yourselves? For each other? I offer "Make Your Own Wedding Bands" workshops right here in my studio in the Mount Washington Valley, NH. It will be a days experience you will likely never forget! Give me a call to schedule a time @ 603-447-3719.

Be sure to check my blog page all about the workshops.

Last minute gifts~ Mothers Day, Graduations, Birthdays, Anniversaries?

Do you have a special moment to celebrate? I have some great ideas... send me an email, pay me a visit, let's get it done!

Spring classes- Open Scheduling!

Come learn a new skill like Heidi and Sandra did! I have some open scheduling time for some spring classes. Check out my metalsmithing classes page here on the blog.

Starr Pendants Delivered!

We crashed treatment #9 to present Starr with her check from the Starr Pendant Fundraiser. We are very grateful for all the friends who supported this effort and it is Starrs' wish that each and every one of you wear your necklace in good health, as she will.

Custom Mountain Bands ~ Reasoning?

• You're getting married.
• You love to hike in the mountains where you grew up.
• You finally moved to the mountains.
• You want to live in the mountains someday.
• You're a nature enthusiast.
• You love having something different.
• You love the idea of selecting your favorite mountain range and admiring it on your hand everyday.
• You have some very special memories made in the mountains.
• You have hiked the 4000 footers and you want to commemorate your accomplishment.
• You want to hike the 4000 footers someday.
• You would rather sit at the shore of the lakes and soak up the sun while admiring the mountains set before you.

Whatever it is that brings the mountains home to your heart, is really the only reason you need to consider a Custom Made 14K Yellow and White Gold Mountain Band.
Send me a nice digital photo of your favorite range, or let me make you a classic White Mountains Band, featuring Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. Optional diamond, bezel set, to represent the sun or the moon in the sky.

Namaste,
Laura

I have the best job!

I just am amazed sometimes by the people I get to meet and work with! I love meeting new clients and learning about them as a couple - their energy is so fresh and beautiful.
That's all, I am just so grateful for good energy and good karma.

"Team Starr" Pendants : Orders being taken now until Feb. 15, 2013

Please consider ordering a beautiful Starr Pendant in Sterling Silver to help a friend during her fight against cancer. Starr is a beautiful woman, single mother of two sons, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. This pendant was made to show support for her during this time. Each Sterling Silver pendant comes on an 18" black rubber cord chain , with a very secure and easy to use clasp. They are priced at only $45 each, and Starr will recieve 40% of EVERY sale! Please help if you can, may love and positive energy surround this woman in her time of need.

Please email your orders to: diharmon@hotmail.com

Peace and Love

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones. The magic is upon us as we reflect on our lives with childlike wonder.
May your Holidays be filled with joy, love and gratitude.
My sincere thanks,
Laura

Christmas Ideas

Here we are on the countdown to Christmas!

Do you know someone who would love to make their OWN jewelry? I offer basic metalsmithing classes that will enable you to learn some valuable skills. Some people like to take the classes because it is something they have always wanted to do. Others just want to make the projects made in the classes to add to their own jewelry wardrobe. Either way it is a WIN-WIN situation! You will make and complete at least two projects, possibly three, depending on how you progress through the classes.
SO... this makes a great gift idea for that special person in your life- purchase a GIFT CERTIFICATE before December 21, Winter Solstice, and you recieve a free pair of earrings to include in the gift envelope! Check out my "Metalsmithing Classes" page on this blog for more details on the class.

OR... you could always do a little shopping on my ETSY website.

Have something more personal in mind? Let's create something custom! I am always available to discuss ideas with you.

I hope you have a joyful Christmas, filled with peace, contentment and love.
All my best
Laura

Gift Certificate for Christmas? Extra Bonus!

A Gift Certificate for Metalsmithing Classes would make an AWESOME Christmas Present! To make the deal even sweeter, I will include a free pair of earrings to include in the Christmas envelope! Limited time only!
Call me now to reserve~ 603-447-3719

Testimonial:

Hi Laura,

What a wonderful weekend I had. Thanks for your great instruction.

You are a fantastic teacher. You made me very comfortable with all we did. We worked on ways that helped me feel good about doing the fine

work that we were trying to accomplish. Going to your workshop I had

the idea that i would be just having a fun time with my friend Karen, meet you, and try something new. Well it exceeded that. You showed me a great appreciation of jewelry making and a new way to look at

jewelry that I see.

You also inspired me to try new things!!! And

when trying new things, to adapt to how to accomplish them. The workshop also will make me a better instructor as well...

Finding out things that are hard for me helps me understand others better. Hope to

come again some day for another workshop.

Thanks a million,

Cathy

Great Workshop Weekend!

Friends Karen and Kathy came to Laura Guptill Jewelry Studio for a long weekend workshop, and boy, did we have fun! I love the spirit of these two ladies. 

The projects that we worked on gave Karen and Cathy some new skills and satisfied the desire we have to create with our hands. Beginning with raw materials, they each created a hand forged sterling silver link bracelet. Each of them chose to create a different type of clasp that had special meaning for them. The entire process was a joy to walk through with them as they discovered how good it feels to create their own hand wrought jewelry. They each made a few different projects which taught them how to cut, file, solder, hammer, finish, as well as some cold-connection techniques that can be done without a soldering station.
I know for certain that I am a lucky person to call this work.

Workshop Weekend!

I am looking forward to a fun weekend workshop coming right up!
Sign up with me to learn a new skill and make yourself a couple of cool projects to go home with and wear with pride, you MADE it!
I teach metalsmithing in my studio, usually one on one. This weekend I have two friends coming together to take the workshop- space may be a little tight, but we will have a good time and they will each learn how to cut, file, saw, sand, solder, hammer and finish their own jewelry. They will make a hand forged sterling silver link bracelet and a pair of earrings or other project based on skills they will learn in the studio.

If this sounds like fun to you and you have always wanted to learn "how to do that",  give me a call and schedule a workshop with me. 603-447-3719.
More information available about classes on the Metalsmithing Classes page.
Look forward to working with YOU!

Make Your Own Wedding Band Workshop

What a successful and fun workshop day yesterday with George.
George had some ideas for a very special and unique Wedding Band, actually he had TWO very wonderful ideas. So we made them both and now he and his love get to choose which one will be "the" one!
The creative process is indeed a beautiful miracle. For someone to be flexible enough in their ideas to know that sometimes magic happens at the bench that we cannot foresee, leaving our options open is sometimes a beautiful gift.
Best Wishes George and Lori!

Here are a few photos from a great day in the studio:

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.