live from the studio: it's that time of year again...

Normally, this time of year I would be posting tons of prep pictures for clam festival. I would share the newest thing I am doing and give you a sneak peek of what will be at the show this year...but I'm not.  After months, and I mean months (ask my friends and family) of agonizing over whether to participate in my 12th (!!!) clam festival, I made a very thoughtful, but hard decision.  I will not be returning to the clam festival this year.  I still have my studio and I am still making jewelry, so if you were really hoping for a piece this year, please let me know.  My wise husband said to me a few years ago, "Kate, if you always go the extra mile, you are going to run out of gas."  This year is about refueling.  

I will miss catching up and hearing about all that has happened in the last year.  Know that I will be thinking of each and every one of you as the weekend goes on...and that I am eternally grateful for all the 'third weekends in july' we have had together. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart

live from the studio: pure bliss

I went into this clam festival with the mindset that this could possibly be my last...with Intrikate Beauty, the kids, the two new puppies (!!!!) the two older dogs, and trying to get some sleep I have been really overwhelmed.  But as my dad and I set up last Thursday that surge of excitement pulsed through my veins and I knew I was not setting for my last Clam Fest (well, that is if they will have me back).  I even looked at my dad and said "this isn't the last one".  Over the three day weekend we were faced with everything from oppressive heat and humidity to torrential rain...but that didn't stop the joy.  I say it every year, I have the most amazing customers.  I don't know what I have done in this (or a past) life to be blessed with such fabulousness.  The beautiful image above was a gift from one of my first and oldest clam festival customers.  Faithfully she, my mom and I catch up every clam festival.  I know she will arrive shortly after I open on friday morning and we will hug, laugh and share stories. It is one of the highlights of my weekend every year.

I met lots of wonderful new people this year.  I caught up with old friends and neighbors new to town. I should be exhausted, but I am not.  You all fuel me in a way that is unexplainable...I am so very grateful.  Thank you.  

until the next "third weekend in july"...it's always the third weekend in july!    

Eleven years later...

It is so hard for me to believe that this will be my eleventh year showing at the   Yarmouth Clam Festival Craft Show.  It's always a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the weekend; excitement, worry, anticipation, sleeplessness induced grumpiness, and pure joy.  Lots of what happens in the 72 hours of the festival is out of my control, so I am whispering sweet nothings to Mother Nature, making jewlery as fast as I can and I am whole-heartedly looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up on the happenings of the past year.

a new adventure

If you haven't already heard, I am launching a new business!!! Intrikate Beauty will be up and running this September. I am not giving up jewelry, just growing. I spent eight months last year going to school to get my aesthetician's license. I am so excited to expand my offerings beyond jewelry! I now officially specialize in all of life's accessories...pearls, gorgeous skin, hairless skin, amazing flirty lashes and beyond. I wanted to make sure you knew about the pre-opening promotions before they are gone. These prices will end on August 28th at 11:59pm and I have no plans of offering pricing this low again...don't miss out. (You can purchase now and use anytime you would like.)

Unless there is something going on that involves both businesses this is the only time that I will email you about Intrikate Beauty on this newsletter...please stay connected with Intrikate Beauty by signing up for the mailing list on the website www.intrikatebeauty.com

live from the studio: settling dust, recovery and pure joy

It has been a few weeks since The Yarmouth Clam Festival has ended...Mother Nature wasn't as friendly as she has been in years past, but if we have weather like that only once every ten years, seems like an ok deal to me. I am refueled every Clam Fest by the support you provide, by the love and the stories, by the laughter and sometime by the tears we share. I love to create jewelry...but even more, I love the connections we have. I genuinely want to see you and hear about your year. I can't wait to hear about the promotions at work, the travels, the new homes, the kids and grandkids and this adventure we call life. I finish the Clam Fest exhausted beyond words...but somehow I am left more full than when I started.

The jewelry studio is back to normal...albeit a bit bare. My new business is taking shape and getting ready to launch (more on that to come, but if you want a sneak peek visit www.intrikatebeauty.com) . I am so full of joy. Thank you for another wonderful '3rd weekend in July' -aka The Yarmouth Clam Festival...

live from the studio: spilling over

Each year the whirlwind known in my life as the Yarmouth Clam Festival comes and goes.  Each year I cross my fingers that I will make it past the jury.  Once I know I am in, I work like a maniac getting ready for the 3rd weekend in July (it's always the 3rd weekend in july--next year will be the 50th 3rd weekend in July).  I always pray to mother nature for just the perfect blend of cloud cover, dry skies and temperature...she answered my prayers ten-fold this year, she must have felt terrible after last year.  Then I wait.  I wait for my amazing clients, who are more like friends now.  Many of whom I have known for nine years and have only met through the festival.  I hear and see pictures of weddings, children, grandchildren, reunions, loss, love and everything in-between.  I love all of it.  This year I received the most thoughtful and beautiful gift from one of my dearest...I cried.  My name.  A heart. A pearl. It is perfect.  

Early Saturday morning before I was open to the public, I was setting up my jewelry while the tent sides were still hiding me from the world (or at least Main St. in Yarmouth). I heard her in the tent next to mine.  A  voice I only hear once a year.  I knew exactly who it was.  I poked my head out and saw her husband. We both had a laugh when I told him I knew who was out there without even seeing her... 

This festival I said good-bye to a necklace that I wasn't even sure I was going to bring to the show.  A favorite of mine (that's one of the perks).  Something inside me said take it...so I did.  It found a home.  A home I could not have predicted, but it is exactly where it is supposed to be.  I gave it a little kiss good-bye and dang, it looks gorgeous on her!

This is why I do what I do...thank you all for being the joy in my work!  I am full of gratitude...actually...spilling over.  xoxo

live from the studio: t-minus 2 days

..the studio is buzzing with excitement, last minute creations and packing totes.  YARMOUTH CLAM FESTIVAL here we come.  be sure to come see us this weekend (july 18-20th) at the craft show on the NYA lawn in booth #1.  don't worry, if you miss us this weekend we will be back in the studio next week, business as usual...but for the best selection of the year, we'll see you at the show!  

live from the studio: for the love of moms

there is still time…don't forget to enter EARNEDIT at check out to save 20%

photo by SHARYN PEAVEY PHOTOGRAPHY

live from the studio: to all moms, you've earned it!

because we understand and love moms...SAVE 20% on your mother's day purchase.  enter  EARNEDIT at checkout between now and may 10th, 2014.  this promotion is valid online and in the studio.   not valid on previous purchases.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

live from the studio: a little leprechaun luck to save you some green

We are feeling extra festive on this day filled with all things lucky and green!  Save 17% on any purchase made today (online or in the studio).  Online orders enter code: SAVE17GREEN

Enjoy your day! 

live from the studio: procrastinators don't worry, there is still time

we have you covered...we'll even wrap your gift for you.  call for an appointment (207-650-7467) at our 261 main st. yarmouth location or choose expedited shipping.  your loved one will thank you.  

live from the studio: love is in the air

the day was made brighter when i found this little gem left behind in a footprint...february is almost here and valentine's day is right around the corner. give a gift from the heart.  (we wrap, wink. wink)

live from the studio: pinch me...we have a studio!

the past few days have been an absolute whirl-wind of planing, painting, moving and jewelry making.  i am so thankful for Paperless Post.  i never would have been able to send such beautiful invites on such short notice (remember i just signed the lease on tuesday).  if you did not receive the invite for thursday, december 12th (4-7pm) please leave your email in the comments section and I will be sure to send one your way.  we have been busy, busy, busy getting the place ready and could not be more excited to show it off.  see you there! 

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live from the studio: we're moving!

it's official...just signed the lease on a studio space.   we will keep you posted so you can come celebrate our new space with us.  

live from the studio: nature's inspiration

i'm not sure if it is the lack of sleep thanks to daylight savings (there is no such thing as an extra hour if you have young children)...but the glow coming off the vibrant leaves into the studio off is just amazing.  the whole space is filled with warmth. today will be a day for fall inspired pearls.

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live from the studio: fashion for a good cause

we are thrilled to have been a part of such a beautiful event for such a wonderful cause. fashion forecast: "the future is bright" packed the room in support of Preble Street .  all modesty aside, the pearls looked awesome.  

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live from the studio: beautiful bride

i have to share some of the stunning images captured by the talented (and fun)   Courtenay Goff at our real life bride, Sam's wedding.  Sam is an amazingly beautiful  woman inside & out and i could not be more thrilled that she chose to wear one of our pieces to compliment her wedding day look.  take a peek and don't forget...

{after the cake has been eaten, the music has played and your dress has been preserved, your jewelry is a joyful reminder for you to wear for years to come}

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images by Courtenay Goff Photography

live from the studio: perseids

it was worth every mosquito bite to sit out on the beach, listen to the surf and watch the perseids in the crystal clear tonight...nature is truly amazing (even if my iphone night-photo skills are not)

live from the studio: old friends

a birthday celebration at the beach and a gorgeous sunset followed by a serendipitous encounter with an old friend and his beautiful family.  feeling grateful and full of joy

live from the studio: pure excitement

woohoo!  we have beautiful new images to add to the site thanks to the uber talented Robert Diamante of Robert Diamante photography & creative services/Berlian Arts.  check it out and stay tuned as we continue to update our images.