Tag Archives: handmade

Fixing What’s Broke

It’s easy to have passion for working in metal – my chosen path. What’s not always easy is the attendant challenges that come from pursuing my passion fully and the hard work that it takes. Bookkeeping, sweeping floors, and rebuilding a broken website  aren’t high on my list of things in which I care to specialize, but I do them because they are a means to an end. It has to do with creating a lifestyle that I’m more comfortable living in than the one the corporate word offered me. It has to do with bringing my work out to you. It has to do with making the effort to put myself out there no matter how unprepared I feel.

So, if you’re reading this, I’m several months into rebuilding my website, and this is my first blog post on it! And there is a long, long way to go. I have a list of 8 more things that need to work better – such as, what’s up the with the “this is a demo store for testing purposes – no orders shall be fulfilled.”? Bull doodie! I want to fill orders and I have two items in the shop right now – go on and check it. But that stupid banner won’t go away. Probably something I stumbled upon early on in the webgame and thought would be a good idea. And now it is not.

I’d love to hear your feedback on what you like and what you don’t and what you’d like to see some more of!

Time for Custom Jewelry?

Officially it’s fall. Are you an Autumn person? Golden, green, and red changing leaves crunching underfoot, yellow mums in yards and sidewalk planters, fresh crisp air and all the apples you want.

Skeletons and mock cobwebs in doorways, pumpkins on porches followed by the cornucopia of Thanksgiving. I may be getting ahead of myself talking about Thanksgiving, as I saw people in shorts only yesterday, but it’s coming! If you are a planner, you might already be engaged in holiday information-gathering. Listening to loved ones, awaiting clues as to what they might like, what might make a nice present. You might even be engaged in some early holiday gift-buying.

Progress photo for a custom pendant set with ironstone by Nancy Lee

Many of my lovely clients have handmade in mind during the gift-giving season ahead. Or, they may have a special occasion and want a custom pair of earrings or pendant for themselves. The custom jewelry process can seem full of mystery. I like to make it easy and fun – it’s jewelry! The process starts with a conversation, and flows smoothly from there. My clients are updated with progress photos taken from my workbench, like the photo above. In the end, you have a one-of-a-kind piece that you can be proud to wear or give.

Custom Ironstone Pendant (c) Nancy Lee

My son never leaves the house without that pendant. It means more to him than any gift we’ve given him . – Curt Boehm, Danville, Illinois

My clients often tell me that the piece I made for them is a favorite, they always receive compliments when they wear it, and (best of all) it’s a family heirloom!
Start a conversation of your own. Click the “contact” tab at the left and I’ll get back in touch with you right away.

Holiday Hours and New Handmade Garnet and Sterling Silver Earrings

If you’d like to visit me in my gallery, my shop hours until Christmas are as follows:
Thursday 1-8 PM
Friday 1-6 PM
Saturday 1-6 PM
Monday 1-6 PM
Other hours by chance or appointment!
Click HERE for address and a map.

Sterling Silver and Garnet “Halo” Earrings – Made by Hand

These handmade sterling silver and garnet earrings are hot off the bench and ready for you! They aren’t in my online shop, so please click HERE if you’re interested in them.
They are 2 1/4 inches long. The deep red garnet is a little over 1″4 wide. There is an oxidized finish on these earrings which have been sealed with a museum-grade wax. $99 with free Priority Mail shipping to the contiguous United States.