2018 Handmade Holiday Event
2018 Handmade Holiday Event 2018 Hosted by Stephanie Gagos
Maria Pace-Wynters, Jennifer Hammond Yoswa,Micki Wilde, Lindsay Vanhove, Jenny Grant, Kristen Penrod, Amber Bryce, Ann Gilligan Elmore, Suzy Madden, Veronika Swanepoel Olivier, Muriel Stegers
Intermission the week of Thanksgiving. Enjoy time with your family and friends!
Kj Allison, Robin Dalmiras, Jennifer Albin, Jennifer Steck, Jodi Ohl, Natalie Chamberlain Mecham, Laly Mille, Helaine Lainie Abramson, Robin Wade, Susan Boles, Larissa West, Jennifer Davis, Robin Mead
This is my second time working with Stephanie. My first time, last summer was so much fun, and I made many new friends, both artists and collectors. Stephanie is a super talented artist herself, an amazing human, and really knows how to run these events like a BOSS!
This is a guide to let you know how this all works! I’m also including a preview of my items that will be available, as well as some info about my process and materials, my packaging, some jewelry care tips, and other fun stuff.
The Handmade Holiday Event operates much like an auction. Fans of my work will see some familiar pieces as well as some new designs. The advantage in attending an event like this is that beginning bids start out much lower than my typical retail price, so if you pay particular attention to closing times, you have a great opportunity to get your favorite piece at a significant savings, but you have to be QUICK! And remember, holiday shopping season is upon us! All my items come beautifully packaged ready for giving, and wouldn’t it feel so good to get the rest of that shopping out of the way?
- Each day there will be 1 -2 designers. Dates for each artist are a surprise, but my day is Thursday, November 15Th…Shhhh!!!
- The first auction will begin Monday, November 12 at Noon EST (the first day), until 11:30am EST the following day.
- The next designer(s) auction will begin at 1:00 EST Tuesday, November 13 until 11:30am Wednesday and so on until all designers’ items have been featured. Each designer will have approximately 15 – 30 pieces up for auction.
- Stephanie will post items throughout the day and it usually take a few hours if there are a lot of items. I will be available live all that day to answer any questions you may have.
- I know your time is valuable, and since I don’t know what order Stephanie will post my items, if you have your heart set on a particular item, just message me on Facebook and I can tag you when it goes live. To save a particular post, simply right click on the 3 little dots in the upper right corner, and then you can easily find that post in your FB saved items.
- “Auction” Items – items that are available to bid on will say “Auction” in the heading. Occasionally, Stephanie will offer an item with a “Buy it Now” (BIN) price, but I have no idea what items those may be.
- CLOSING TIME – you may want to make a note on a particular piece to write down the ending time on an item you’ve bid on. All pieces end at different times and all times are EST.
- PLACING A BID: Bidding is in increments of $5 or more. BID RIGHT IN THE COMMENTS SECTION OF THE PIECE YOU WANT TO BID ON! Look at the starting bid, check if there is a starting bid. If there is, go higher. If there isn’t a bid, you may place your bid at the starting price or go higher. If that piece has a BIN price, you may choose that option and it’s yours immediately!
- US SHIPPING: $10.00 (includes tracking and insurance). International customers please contact artist
I’m a wanderer - I love to wander in the woods, I have my entire life. I’m a hunter - I hunt for beauty and texture and inspiration. I’m a gatherer – for as long as I can remember my eyes have scoured the ground for treasures. I’m a maker - I love to experiment with these treasures, transform them into precious metal organic luxury, a wearable walk in the woods...barefoot of course!
My name is Ann, and in addition to all of the above, I’m a self-taught metalsmith, an artist, a dreamer, a mom, a hippie goddess, a scientist and a professional. Some of these things aren’t like the others, right? But that’s just it… none of us are just one person, we are many different people in the course of a day, and the root of who we are, our essence, our presence, our very being, is our memories.
My favorite memories include magical summers spent riding my pony, camping in the mountains with Mom and Dad, and getting into mischief with my best friends, who are still my BFF’s some 40+ years later!
Sometimes I think my life is pretty boring, but when I try to put it all down on paper, I realize I’ve had a varied and non-conventional life. I’ve worked in veterinary medicine for almost 30 years, I play with fire, I fly on a half-ton horse, I’ve panned for gold (and found some!), I’ve loved and lost, I’ve kissed a Lynx on the lips and I’ve hugged a lion. Guess that’s not so boring after all. My mantra? Go outside and do something you’ll remember
I’m blessed to live in the Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia woods, where I find much of my inspiration and materials. I also happen to have a BS in Business Administration, I'm a member of the West Virginia Watercolor Society and a juried Tamarack Artisan.
My jewelry is made from a combination of 99.9% pure, fine silver, sterling silver, semi-precious gemstones, lab created gemstones (which are physically and optically identical to natural gemstones, only much more affordable), and cubic zirconia. I hand craft all my own ear wires, head pins and clasps from sterling silver. My process includes a combination of traditional silversmithing techniques, fabrication and precious metal clay sculpting. Sometimes I sketch my designs, other times I just go with the flow. All my jewelry is 100% Nickel Free.
TITLE: Blue Wing Bracelet MEDIUM: Fine silver, sterling silver, chalcedony. Nickel free SIZE: in inches: Bracelet 7 ¼”, Wing measures 2” long x 5/8” wide
I love the song of the Cicada, but with it comes a little melancholy. They are at their most vocal at the end of summer, when the days are growing a little shorter, and school will soon be starting. They always remind me of magical days spent with childhood friends.
This Cicada wing bracelet was made from the actual wing of a huge annual cicada that had passed away in a parking lot. The exquisite blue chalcedony will promote calm, tranquility, and is also the stone of honesty and integrity. Cicadas symbolize longevity, resurrection, refection and metamorphosis. Lots of meaning and symbolism in this one! This is a hefty bracelet, 8.5 grams of 99.9% pure silver, made to wear every day. It features a swirl design on the reverse side, and closes easily with one of my handcrafted sterling hook and eye clasps. Signed by the artist.
TITLE: Infinity Tree Necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver. Nickel free SIZE: Fine silver pendant 1 1/8” long x ¾” wide, 8.5 grams of 99.9% pure silver, sterling rolo chain 24”
You're a child of nature, raised by Mother Earth. You grew up in the woods, its where you are most comfortable, where you can be you. You can close your eyes, breathe deeply, and you're transported back to that place of wonderful memories. This pendant is like that deep breath...it takes you back. Hidden in the roots is the infinity symbol to help you reconnect with nature, to remember your roots. It’s the Tree of Life only better, it’s your life. Pendant hangs from an oxidized sterling rolo chain, the reverse side is imprinted with the image of a white oak leaf, and it closes easily with one of my handcrafted sterling hook and eye clasps.
TITLE: Old Rugged Cross Necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, cubic zirconia. Nickel free SIZE: Cross 1 ½” long x ½” wide, sterling silver oval cable chain 20“ long
Two simple twigs, joined in the center by a single 4mm clear cz trillion and wrapped in pure silver vines make up this simple yet powerful symbol. It’s perfect for a man or a woman, and made to be worn close to your heart, everyday, for years to come. It’s easy to close with a handcrafted sterling s-hook closure.
TITLE: Purple Heart necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, amethyst, lab created Alexandrite. Nickel Free SIZE: Heart leaf ½” x ½”, whole pendant 1 ¼” long x ½” wide, sterling & amethyst chain 21" long
A purple heart…so deeply meaningful we decorate our finest heroes with one. It signifies duty, honor and loyalty and love. The heart of this necklace is made of 99.9% pure silver from a genuine sweet potato leaf straight from my garden this summer. It swings freely on a hammered sterling silver swirl and is adorned with a 4mm lab created Alexandrite. Lab created stones are chemically identical to natural stones, only without flaw or the cost! The handcrafted sterling amethyst chain features 52 rich, deep purple stones. Amethyst is associated with focus, intention, clarity and well-being. It is also said to help alleviate headaches and insomnia. Purple is also the color of Alzheimer’s awareness, a cause near & dear to my own heart. Easy to wear with a handcrafted sterling hook and eye clasp. Signed by the artist.
TITLE: Cicada Angel Wing Earrings MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver. Nickel free SIZE: 2 1/8” long x 5/8” wide
I love the song of the Cicada, but with it comes a little melancholy. They are at their most vocal at the end of summer, when the days are growing a little shorter, and school will soon be starting. They always remind me of magical days spent with childhood friends.
These Cicada wing earrings are made from the actual wings of a huge annual cicada that had passed away in the parking lot at work. Cicadas symbolize longevity, resurrection, refection and metamorphosis, and they do look just like Angel’s wings. They feature a swirl design on the reverse side, and hang from handcrafted sterling ear wires. Signed by the artist.
TITLE: Dragonfly Dream Necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, Labradorite, amethyst, leather. Nickel free SIZE: Dragonfly 1 ¼” long x ¾” wide, pendant just under 3” long, necklace 20” long
Can you tell I like bugs? Some of them are really beautiful, and this one is no exception. The dragonfly in this necklace is reproduction of an Art Nouveau perfume bottle that belongs to my mother-in-law. It danced in flight from a hammered sterling charm holder, with a faceted Labradorite and amethyst bead thrown in for fun. The buttery soft leather necklace mirrors the colors of the stones in shades of teal and lavender, and closes easily with a handcrafted sterling hook and eye clasp.
Dragonflies represent change and transformation, adaptability and joy, and are associated with the whole realm of human emotion. Throw in the Labradorite to illuminate your universe and the amethyst for focus and clarity, and you have a pretty powerful piece in a fun, feminine, flirty form!
TITLE: Chardonnay Earrings MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, lab created canary diamonds. Nickel free SIZE: 1 ¾” long x 1 ½”wide
I am definitely not a wine expert, but I do love the twisting, curling tendrils of the vine, and appreciate their beauty. We have both wild and domestic grapes on our farm. These earrings are inspired by and made from an impression of the grape leaves growing on our farm. They are actually wild grapes, not really Chardonnay grape leaves. The Chardonnay part comes from rich golden yellow of the lab created Canary diamonds adorn each pair. They each have a grapevine design on the back and are signed with my initials Ag and marked .999FS.
These are the perfect pair of earrings to accent that LBD, but they can also be dressed down for that after work casual Wednesday evening happy hour.
TITLE: Dothraki Stallion Necklacr MEDIUM: Fine Silver, leather. Nickel free SIZE: Pendant 1” diameter, leather necklace 18" long
“A Khal does not need a chair to sit upon. He only needs a horse.” Game of Thrones fans know exactly what I’m talking about, but any equestrian can appreciate this unique piece. The reverse side is almost as pretty as the front, featuring a swirling design, much like ripples in the sand. Suspended from a buttery soft black leather ancient knot, it is easily closed with a sterling hook and eye clasp. Signed by the artist and hallmarked .999FS, this is a substantial pendant weighing just under 10 grams of 99.9% pure silver.
TITLE: Daenerys’ Silver Mare Necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, citrine, cubic zirconia, leather. Nickel free SIZE: Pendant 1 ¼” x 1”, leather necklace 20"
My sun, my stars. Moon of my life. This pendant was inspired by the beautiful silver mare Drago presented Daenerys as a wedding gift. 99.9% pure silver, this pendant has all the symbols we GOT fans have come to know and love. The lovely silver is adorned on the front with a silver star, a 3mm yellow moon colored citrine cabochon, and a crescent moon. The reverse side is features a Dothraki crescent sword symbol with a tiny 2mm faceted cz just for a bit of sparkle. Pendant hangs from an intricate Targryen (not really, it’s Celtic!) knot tied from buttery soft teal, gold and violet leather. Closes easily with one of my handcrafted sterling hook and eye clasps.
TITLE: Merlot Earrings MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, pyrope garnet. Nickel free SIZE: 1 ¾” wide x 1 ½” long
I am sooo fortunate to live right in the middle of the woods. We have both wild and domestic grapes on our farm. These earrings are inspired by and made from an impression of the wild grape leaves growing around our home, not real Merlot leaves. The Merlot part comes from the deep rich red of the pyrope garnets that adorn each pair. They each have a grapevine design on the back and are signed with my initials Ag and marked .999FS, and hang from handcrafted sterling ear wires.
I see these as the perfect accessory for that LBD and a pair of killer red heels. Nothing else needed!
TITLE: Sacred Sage Bracelet MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, African Turquoise. Nickel free SIZE: Sage Leaf 2” x 5/8”, Bracelet total length 7”
Native Americans have long known the healing and purifying properties of sage. Many tribes used it as incense and in special ceremonies, burning it as a spiritual cleanser. It has also been widely used for digestive problems. Of particular interest to me is its use for the reduction of memory loss in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. One of my favorite memories as a kid was on Thanksgiving mornings, the whole house would smell like sage dressing when Mom put the turkey in the oven. Heavy oval cable chain bracelet closes with easy handcrafted hook and eye clasp. Reverse side of leaf just as pretty as the front with a native American star and swirl design.
TITLE: Claret Ring MEDIUM: Fine silver, 3mm almandine garnet. Nickel free SIZE: ring 6.5
First of all, I am definitely not a wine expert, but I do love the twisting, curling tendrils of the vine, and appreciate their beauty. We have both wild and domestic grapes on our farm. This ring is inspired by and made from an impression of a grape vine growing on our farm. They are actually wild grapes, just not Bordeaux grape leaves. The claret part comes from the deep rich red of the pyrope garnet that adorns this ring. It’s a dainty, timeless, feminine, elegant beauty, the perfect shade of red for the holidays and don’t forget the January babies on your list!
TITLE: Deep Blue Labradorite Ring MEDIUM: Sterling silver, ¾” Labradorite cabochon. Nickel Free SIZE: Ring 6 1/2
Oh this stone! Labradorite is one of my favorites, and this one is exquisite. Like a clear blue mountain lake, it has flashes of blue and pink and green and purple. It has it all. It’s a simple trillion shape, accented with beading around the bezel. The thick split shank band is textured with a goldsmith’s hammer. Nothing too fancy, because the stone is the true beauty in this picture!
TITLE: Lynx Necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, citrine. Nickel free SIZE: Pendant 1 ½” long x 1” wide, sterling rolo chain 25"
Glowing lynx eyes... Citrine is the birthstone for November, and this wildcat was inspired by my Canadian lynx Augusta Angeline, (aka Gus) and it is near & dear to my heart. It is a hefty pendant, weighing 19 grams of 99.9% pure fine silver. The back is almost as intricate as the front, it is signed, dated 2017, and hallmarked .999FS. It closes with one of my handcrafted sterling Hook and eye clasps, but is long enough to easily slip over your head. Suitable for a man or woman. It took me a while to decide to part with her, so if I sell this piece, I’ll be making personal donations to the Humane Society of Parkersburg and Big Cat Rescue of Tampa, FL.
TITLE: Shades of Blue Necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, peacock pearl, lapis lazuli, London blue topaz SIZE: Pendant 3” long x 1” wide, sterling cable chain 31” long
The star of this piece is one of the last of my 2016 periodic cicada wings. 2016 was the year of the Cicada...the 17 Year Cicada. This wing is part of a limited edition series to commemorate the emergence of Magicicada septendicim. The 99.9% pure silver wing itself is 1 ½” long x ½” wide, features a 4mm deep blue lapis lazuli cabochon and it dangles from a hammered sterling charm holder. The other shades of blue include a 12mm peacock pearl and a sparkling 8mm faceted London blue topaz. The charms are removable and you can add other charms if you like. The super long chain slips easily over your head with no need for a clasp and is the perfect length for that stylish long tunic you wear with boots and leggings. Your necklace will come with a certificate of authenticity, and there won’t be another chance for another until 1933!
TITLE: Textured Slide Pendant MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, cubic zirconia, black and violet leather. Nickel free SIZE: Pendant 1 ¼” x 1,” leather necklace 17” long
This piece sort of just happened, but I just love how it turned out. It’s sort of an amalgamation of textures, little bits and pieces of scraps and remains of pieces past. Sometimes you just gotta go with the flow. Amazing things can happen! The pendant is finished on the back with an Alder leaf texture, it’s suspended from two strands of black and one strand of buttery soft violet leather. The pendant hangs 17” just at the base of your throat, and it closes easily with one of my hook and eye clasps. I kinda hate to part with this one…I’d wear it every day!
TITLE: Green Eyed Cicada Necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, faceted and rough peridot. Nickel free SIZE: Pendant 1” wide x ½” long, chain 20”
I came here with a load, and it feels so much lighter now I met you, and honey you should know that I could never go on without you Green Eyes – Cold Play.
Made in the style of a vintage lavalier necklace, this dainty beauty was created from a mold I made in 2016 of the actual face of a periodic 17 year cicada. In reality, these bugs have deep red eyes, but I chose faceted peridot for this piece, and 6 rough peridot stones adorn the delicate chain, and it closes easily with a handcrafted hook and eye clasp.
TITLE: Cabernet Ring MEDIUM: Fine silver, 3mm almandine garnet, 5mm & 2mm cubic zirconia. Nickel free SIZE: Ring size 7
Do you love to unwind at the end of the evening with a glass of fine red wine? Maybe even think about it a little too much around 2:00 in the afternoon on one of those days? Well, maybe a little something-something on your finger will help you deal with those people who just can't stop talking, or that phone that won't stop ringing! We all need happy hour sometimes! Fine Silver Twig Ring made from a mold of actual grapevines, band is about 1/8" wide, and it features a 5mm white CZ in the center, a 3mm Almadine Garnet on one side, and a 2mm White CZ on the other.
TITLE: Explore Bracelet MEDIUM: Fine Silver, prehnite, leather. Nickel free SIZE: Silver Mountain Range 2” long x 7/8” wide, leather bracelet total length 7”
I had a lot of fun making this bracelet. I had an image in my mind, it just took a while to get there. I carved the trees. I pushed and pulled and flattened and peaked the mountains, much as I imagine Mother Nature did eons ago. And I thought it looked pretty good, but not quite finished.
I then added a Moon. A Prehnite Moon. Prehnite is the stone of unconditional love. I felt this was the perfect stone for this bracelet because all my childhood exposure to the mountains was a gift from the unconditional love of my parents.
Still, there was something missing. Some of us never find that unconditional love, or sense of peace. We need to seek, to search, to explore, until we find that place, or person, or time that gives us that unconditional sense of love. On back of the bracelet is your reminder to EXPLORE…never, ever stop exploring. Heavy 99.9% pure silver Mountain Bracelet weighs over 10 grams. Closure is a .999 Fine Silver pebble.
TITLE: Twig Lariat Necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, peridot, lab created Alexandrite. Nickel free SIZE: Circle ¾” diameter, twig 1 ½” long, chain 26” long
I’m not usually one to follow trends, but this one is an exception. This time of year, I live in long sweaters, leggings and tall boots, and this style is just perfect for those outfits. Minimalist, with just a hint of color and a lot of Mother Nature. Timeless in its simplicity, I’m sure you’ll reach for this piece again and again.
TITLE: Maple Seed Helicopter Earrings MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver. Nickel free SIZE: 1 ½” long x ½” wide
Remember how fun these were as kids? Watching them flutter and spin on their way to the ground, we'd throw them in the air just to watch them come down again. Living in the woods with maple trees all around, I get to enjoy these fun little seeds every autumn. Made from actual silver maple seeds.
TITLE: Small Branch Necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, cubic zirconia. Nickel free SIZE: Branch 3” long x ¾” wide, chain 17” long
The Sycamore Tree was known as the "Ghost of the Forest" to the Native Americans. They are a huge, hardy tree, with a long history in folklore dating back to time of Egyptians. Said to have been introduced from the Middle East to Europe by the Crusaders, it was under a sycamore tree that Mary and Jesus stopped to catch their breath on their way to Egypt. The first travelers to North America brought it here over the Atlantic.
This necklace was made from an actual stick in my yard...There's a towering 80 foot sycamore right outside my back door! Handcrafted easy to close hook and eye clasp, it hangs beautifully at the base of your throat. Organic minimalist!
TITLE: Mountain Earrings MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, 4mm cubic zirconia SIZE: 1 1/8” long x ¾” wide
Like a tiny watercolor painting inside a real spruce twig oval frame, these little mountain spruces sparkle and dance effortlessly from your ears. These beauties were inspired by one of my favorite places in the world…Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, which is after all the Mountain State! CZ moons sparkle over the mountain range, and you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, or better yet, in the reflection of a crystal mountain lake. You’re pretty as a picture! Signed Ag and marked .999FS
TITLE: Cicada Wave Necklace MEDIUM: Fine and sterling silver, cubic zirconia, peacock pearl. Nickel Free SIZE: Pendant 1” wide x 1 ½” long, chain 20”
In the waves of change we find out direction, and pearls don’t lie on the seashore. If you want one, you must dive for it. Sometimes it takes a long time to learn these truths. The wave and pearl are pretty obvious, the angelic wing maybe not so much. It’s a 17 year cicada wing that reminds us it’s ok to take the time to learn our truth, our purpose. Much meaning and symbolism in this piece. All in good time, lovelies, all in good time.
