The Acorn Story
My acorns have taken a long road to realization. Many years ago, I was inspired by my good friend Jeff Glockson and his acorn bird houses
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I said to him, do you think I should make an acorn pendant? Jeff was very supportive of my task. He even helped me by casting real acorn waxes for me to use in my models. Of course they needed work. I decided to hand carve the tops and use natural bottoms. Being a working person, I found time when I could, to work on this project.
Finally I landed in a spot where I had more time for making jewelry, and the acorn collection moved ahead. They are very time consuming to make, and each one is a labor of love. Each casting has to be finished and the tops fit to bottoms. Then comes soldering, which is tricky and not always successful the first time. Then the assembled acorn has to be finished a second time and oxidized.
People love them, I have shipped them all over the world. A few of my customers are happy to share their acorn stories with you:
From Sally:
"In January, along with my daughter, I will be running in the Disney Marathon relay in Disney World. She will run the first 13.1 miles, I will do the 2nd. The medal for the event shows Chip passing an acorn to Dale. I had the idea that we should do the same. I will be presenting your acorn to my daughter at the start so she can pass it to me at the exchange point of the race and I will carry it to the finish.
I was so happy to find your shop on Etsy with an acorn that I'm sure will be treasured. I hope to repeat this race with her each year for as long as I can still walk passing the acorn every year!"
and from Tom:"I got my acorn today. Thank so much! It looks great. Just wanted to let you know that the acorn is a gift for my nine year-old daughter who confessed to me recently that she feels that she will never be able to grow up and amount to anything, let alone take care of herself. I told her (on the spot, and desperate to reassure her) that she was like a little acorn, and that although it doesn't seem possible, every 100 foot oak tree started as a little acorn. I thought that your acorn would remind her of her own potential and make her less anxious about the future. So, thanks".
I'm really thrilled when I can create something that some one else will cherish, It's the best reward of all!
Thank you for reading!
Barbara
14 comments :
Loving your acorns Barb and obviously your customers are too.
Barbara, your acorns are fabulous! I love the look of the combined metals, and you did a fantastic job with the caps ...
If you haven't already, please visit CapitalCityCrafts on Etsy! You'll find a huge assortment of handmade jewelry ... one of my favorites is this Iolite and Sterling Silver Circle Necklace!
Great post, it's nice finding out your inspiration of your lovely acorns and yes it's a great feeling when someone writes you and tells you the journey of your jewelry. Nice birdhouses also!!!!
Barb, your acorns are truly a work of art. Amazing! I'm a proud owner of one of this beauties and I wear it everyday.
I just LOVE your acorns! I love also love the personal stories that you weaved into the post.
Barb, this is a great story. I love your acorns.
Enjoyed your post - how wonderful people are sharing their acorn stories with you!
Beautiful post, beautiful acorns!
I love, love, love Barb's acorns. Each one is so lifelike and yet, the transformation to metal makes them even more appealing!
Barb, your acorns are so pretty and I really loved those touching stories from people that have bought them, so very sweet!
Barb- I love hearing the origins of your acorns and the stories from the people who've gotten your acorns!
Barb, the acorns are world recognized...I love how you cut the tops with that criss-cross pattern and can see the labor of love...these are what I like to call "heirloom" pieces. And all the rest of your line is gorgeous.
Love the story behind the acorns as well as the beautiful jewelry in Barb's shop.
I really want an acorn! They are so beautiful. I love that they are all so different.
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