Fragment Designs: $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway and Silver Pendant Review~ WW 4/4
Momma Told Me: I hope you never lose your sense of wonder.
Do
you recall just how excited you'd get passing that simple mall display
every Easter? You'd tug at whichever adults sleeve, pointing and
shouting in a shrill voice, "Look! THE Easter bunny is going to be
HERE!"And, while you hated the cheesy photos, you knew you could often
convince your mom to take you if you promised to sit nice and still,
smiling for grandma (and any other relative those unfortunate photos
would make their way to). Even as you grew, the truth inevitably coming
out, you'd go along with the traditions and stories 'for the sake of the
younger cousins', all the while reveling in those golden childhood
moments, yourself. Then, as we grow up into adults, we look forward to
reliving, vicariously, those very same memories with our own children.
Though the excitement in their eyes never ceases to light ours up, it's
actually the recollections of our own that spark their own wonder and
enchantment.
No
matter just how disconnected we may feel, to that child inside; I
declare with confidence that it still skips about in all of us. Artisan
Sarah-Jane, of
Fragment Designs,
Wales, is the perfect example of such refined whimsy. Self proclaimed
as " that kid that was just a little too fascinated with fire, the one
you hid the matches from every time they came over," this science
teacher, turned Goldsmith, has traded in her Bunsen burners for a quiet
studio at home with the Mr. Well, okay, a little less than quaint and
normal- with fluffy helpers (bunnies) Orla and Gráinne running afoot.
Sarah-Jane captures her love for metal working and animals through
unique hand tempered jewelry of contemporary and traditional elements.
You'll find various pendants with lively animal cutouts, or moody and
colorful dichroic pieces. The catalog of current designs is extensive,
and varied to meet any age or taste, though Sarah thrives on custom
commissions best.
Tying
beautifully into Sarah-Jean's love for bunnies, and undoubtedly taken
from her real life models' likeness, is a comprehensive collection of
bunny pieces for Spring. You'll find playful rabbits on bracelets,
necklaces, and even earrings. I simply love that Sarah is a no-waste
studio. Even the punch outs from her pieces find happy homes as adorable
Sterling Silver Earrings!
If you're looking for an especially meaningful gift for the upcoming
Mother's Day holiday, consider a custom horoscope pendant, complete with
corresponding constellation punch-outs. These gorgeous pieces are
delicate Silver hammered discs which stimulate movement of light, and
capture a true elegance any recipient is sure to love. All orders come
gift packaged, in a tiny box, with ribbon.
While
Fragment Designs' inventory fluctuates with the seasons, and
Sarah-Jane's creative moods, you can always order a favorite piece;
simply have it made custom. Last Winter I received an adorable hammered
Sterling Silver pendant featuring a penguin silhouette. Sarah was more
than accommodating with my preferences and even offered me the chance to
select a silhouette of my own for stamping! Looking to challenge this
artist a little I requested an add on to her current pendant format.
Atop the penguin, in the corner, I wanted a little heart imprint. There
were some general brainstorming sessions, as Sarah played with materials
and options, leaving me entirely in the loop the whole way. I must say I
was quite impressed with the amount of time she put into seeing my idea
come to life! Sarah-Jane refused to send anything out until I was
tickled with the outcome; that's great customer service!
My beautiful
Silver Penguin Pendant
arrived just in time for our Christmas family get-together. It was
nestled inside a brown jewelry box, with padding, and strung on an
included 18" Sterling Silver chain. The chain proved to be too short for
me, a problem I easily remedied with a 4" chain extender. I doubt I
would replace the chain altogether though, because it seems to be the
perfect weight and thickness, as to not overpower the piece itself. I
was smitten with the end result from the instant I saw it, the tempered
silver reflecting beautifully in the light, and the little heart etching
the perfect finishing touch. I'm also happy to report that I experience
no silver sensitivity when wearing this necklace, as I usually have
with low grade or plated pieces- so I can attest to the quality. I wear
it several times a week, to many inquires and compliments! Not only was
my family in love with the unique concept, but many noted that it was a
wonderfully refined glimpse of childhood- just going to show that you
can still be a kid at heart and feel like a queen!
Sarah
would like to offer any Momma Told Me reader FREE SHIPPING with code:
"MOMMATOLDME". Simply enter this note at checkout and receive a shipping
refund!
What Daughter Says: Sarah-Jane has captured the childhood whimsy many of us seem to have forgotten, in her mesmerizing multi-medium work.
