Happy Belated New Year

Happy belated new-year 2020.  Goodness, I still write "2019" on everything.  It's been quiet here, but I wanted to share a few custom pieces I made today while the little one slept in.  Both pieces are hand-stamped metal: one a baby spoon, the other a writer's talisman pendant. 

 

 This Write More talisman pendant was created to be a good-luck piece for writers.  I can stamp either solid copper or brass.  Each letter is individually stamped by hand, and hammer marks are visible on the front and back where I've hammered the piece.  My creative process in making this talisman mirrors the writer's process itself, sometimes imperfect but always necessary.  

Custom stamped baby/toddler spoon - stainless steel, made in the USA, and safe for your little one.  My toddler has used this particular spoon brand since she started eating solids.  Great quality and design.  I can stamp a first name on the spoon handle.  Spoon available in coated or noncoated.

New Shop Banner

It's a rainy day, my toddler is actually napping and mama cat-napped for a bit, even after two cups of coffee.  It's been a long day.  And I realized that this blog is in dire need of an update - so here it is.  Recently, I've added a few items to the stamped spoons and talismans section of my Etsy shop.  I'm excited about this new direction in my work.  As a result, I've decided to clear out my handmade jewelry line, so you'll find unique pieces at hugely discounted prices.  Each piece of jewelry is never remade and is truly one of a kind (especially my conceptual pieces).  My destash gem collection has yet to be sorted through, but once I have the time to sort and photograph I'll be adding these to the shop as well.

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My toddler is now reading, fiercely and intensely, and has her very own library card.  Yet she's definitely still a toddler in many ways (the occasional ear-splitting meltdown, anyone?).  We all read all these overarching romanticized narratives about motherhood - plus the ones that we can relate to - about the numbing exhaustion, toddler (and mama...) meltdowns, and the permeating nature of mama brain.  Making three food choices and your kid saying no to each one.  But that smile, when she chooses to do so, warms my mama heart.  Again and again.  That I can wholeheartedly relate to - even as I roll my eyes while scrolling through Instagram's deluge of happy smiley mama and kids.

Shop News

I've spoken on this subject a little on Instagram, but wanted to share more about my thought process here.  Etsy, as a venue for independent sellers of handmade goods, has changed so much in the last handful of years - mostly, it has become more commercialized.  Mass consumerism has arrived in full force, and I will not undervalue the quality of my work or creative process. But things change; we evolve.

Since becoming a mother, my top priorities have been rearranged.  Being a mother comes first, and then everything else.  My shop will stay open, though.  New offerings will be added sporadically.  Here is a recent order for a stamped custom baby spoon, made from US steel in the USA, and hand stamped freehand by me.

For holiday orders, US orders must be placed by 12/14 for ready-to-ship items.  The international orders deadline has passed.  I deeply appreciate your support this holiday season!