Monday's CHART Story

We hope you had a happy Thanksgiving with plenty of delicious food and loved ones to share it with.

Today's CHART metalworks story comes from Carolyn. Narrow Damariscove Harbor, replete with a rich history (the Mayflower overnighted here!), is where she and her children scattered their father/her husband's ashes last summer. Before he died of cancer last December, he told Carolyn that is where he wanted to rest. Being avid boaters, they had spent many happy hours exploring Maine's islands and coves, and this was one of their/his favorite places.

To keep his memory close to her daughter she purchased a pendant of Damariscove Harbor. We were honored to create a piece for such a beautiful and meaningful purpose.

Wear your world, tell your story, what's yours?

CHART metalworks 1 Year Anniversary

As Thanksgiving approaches we'd like to extend a big thanks to everyone. Today marks CHART metalworks 1st year anniversary! What a quick year it was. In that time we brought our wholesale account total up to 59 with locations from Maine to Florida to St. John USVI, we launched a new website, we increased retail sales to an average 4-5 per week (and thanks to you, growing even more this holiday season), we reworked our entire line and added about 15-20 new pieces including an extensive men's line, we launched social networking, we added new packaging, tags, labels and shipping options and we were featured in numerous on line blogs, The Bollard, The Premier Issue of Maine Magazine, The Maine Sunday Telegram, Boston Magazine, Downeast Magazine and Stuff Magazine. We are proud of our accomplishments and grateful of the huge part you have played in our success. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts. Here's to a great second year and Holiday Season!

Thanks,

Charlotte & John

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Wherever you are and whoever you are with we hope you have a wonderful day with plenty of good food, laughter, and cheer.

Hilltop Art Preview on December 3

CHART metalworks will exhibit THE ISLANDS OF CASCO BAY, framed works and pieces from our collection at the Hilltop Coffee Shop. The exhibit will run from Tuesday, December 1 through 31.

Colorful nautical images embedded behind resin in bronze or sterling silver are strategically placed on corresponding black and white nautical charts with a brief history of the island shown. Each piece is hand engraved by CHART metalworks founder Charlotte Leavitt.

Hilltop Coffee Shop is located at 90 Congress Street in Portland, Maine. Shop hours are 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. seven days a week. The shop will host a special reception during the biggest First Friday Art Walk of the year on Friday, December 4, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Beverages and refreshments will be served.

Monday's CHART Story

Today's CHART metalworks story comes from Katy in Boston's North End. After moving to Boston ten years ago for college she lived in a series of apartments all over the city. When she became a resident of the North End four years ago, she found her"home." She loves it there for the graceful movements of the people and cars, the unique experiences she is accumulating, its authenticity and beauty. Katy now considers herself a true Bostonian at heart and with a little piece from CHART metalworks she will always have it with her.

Wear your world, tell your story, what's yours?

Give As Good As You Get

Often times the most meaningful gifts are not those that cost a month's rent. Live up to your reputation as a creative and thoughtful gift giver, while not spending a lot of money this season with CHART metalworks.

Gift Ideas Under $100:

Charm $85

Zipper Pull $90

Lapel Pin $85

Pendant $85

Miami Bound

We are super excited to share these pictures of pieces we will be sending to Miami! Note, the pieces are not done. We have a few final touches before these beauties ship off. Just too excited to keep mum another week. Yes, we will post the final pieces and their destination soon! In the meantime, enjoy!!

Trunk Show at D. Cole Jewelers in Portland

Chart metalworks is holding a trunk show on November 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. at D. Cole, 10 Exchange Street in Portland. With so much going on this holiday season best to get a jump on gift shopping. We would also just love to see you and find out how your year has been. With the economy on the upswing it looks like this holiday season we will all have something to celebrate!

Oh, and check out the blurb about our trunk show on the D.Cole blog!!

Monday's CHART Story

Today's CHART metalworks story is from Karl. Taking a cue from Cupid, Karl purchased a CHART metalworks bracelet for his wife to celebrate their first anniversary. Each of the links reminds them of important places and memories. The couple have spent Thanksgivings together with family in Oak Bluffs, their wedding was down the street from Edgartown Harbor, reception near Great Pond in West Tisbury, wedding pictures on the Menemsha docks, and many an afternoon wandering about East Chop.

We are so glad you and your wife love it and are happy for all the memories you have yet to create!

CHART metalworks in Boca Grand

Attention friends, clients, jewelry lovers, chart enthusiasts: CHART metalworks is in Boca Grand, Florida! While we will not be on hand (we have pieces to make in Maine!), you can be sure to find our treasures in Boca Grande Outfitters.

Need saltwater fly fishing tackle or instructions? Boca Grande Outfitters can help you out there as well. The area's most complete fishing outfitter, they are a popular meeting place for the community. Stock includes sunglasses, tee shirts, belts and flip flops so you will be prepared for a stroll on the beach and around town sporting your shiny new CHART metalworks accessory!

Shop information for Boca Grande Outfitters:

375 Park Avenue in the village of Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island

PH.941-964-2445

Real Weddings Maine Promo

Our friend Audra, who is a wedding photographer, created a blog about destination weddings in Maine. A couple months ago Audra asked CHART metalworks if we would donate a pair of cufflinks for a pro bono wedding for independent documentary filmmaker Aaron Gaudette. He spent his life savings making the film about greeters of troops returning from war. As a result several wedding planners came up with the idea to throw a pro bono wedding for he and his fiance. We happily agreed by donating a pair of cuff links of Sandy Point, the location of the wedding.

This week Audra sent us a link to a video of the wedding, which we are thrilled to share with you. We are the opening clip of this video so you can't miss us!!

Later this month or next Audra will be coming to the studio to shoot a video and post on her blog. We are super excited and will let you know when it is up.

Monday's CHART Story

Today's CHART metalworks story is from Dawn, who ordered two belt buckles one for her good friend the other for herself. Dawn is a rower, up early for a run and onto the river to practice with her teammates. Back on the river in the afternoon. The water, the coxswain's commands, the power and rhythm of her teammates, and motivation are her friends.

Understanding the importance of friends and teammates we are honored Dawn chose us for two very special gifts. The first belt buckle is of the lovely island of Sanibel, Florida where her dear friend "L" has a special house she shares with Dawn and their rowing friends.

The second belt buckle is of the Elliot Bridge, the scene of a very challenging and exciting oar-on-oar portion of the Head of the Charles Regatta where her team came together and fought it out. Dawn was selected to be on a team in this famous rowing race after a year of hard work and dedication. This was her second time ever competing in this regatta!

Dawn tells us she intends to add other racing charms and pendants as time goes by to celebrate her passion for the sport. We applaud Dawn and thrilled to help her celebrate her achievement.

Wear your world, tell your story, what's yours?

CHART metalworks in Sarasota

The end of the week has arrived and with it more good news. Fanta Sea, a coastal home accessories shop in Sarasota featuring natural and handcrafted items has yours truly in stock. In addition to jewelry, stationary, tableware, purses, frames, and candles, they sell absolutely beautiful seashells. We're posting a few of our favorites.

REMINDER Emerald City Trunk Show Tomorrow

Good morning and happy Thursday! We are chipper this morning in anticipation of our trunk show tomorrow between 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Portland's newest gift shop Emerald City at #611 Congress Street (near Haymarket Square). We've been doing our vocal cord exercises and picked up glittery red slippers, yellow paint, and a can of oil along with a good selection of our gems. Can't wait to see you! Only two more First Fridays in Portland in 2009!!

Find Us in Chatham MA

We have more exciting news! Mark August in Chatham, MA is carrying our gems!! We had a lot of fun making the pieces for this shop. They carry contemporary jewelry and home decor.

Here's the shop information:

Mark August

490 Main Street

Chatham, MA 02633

800-222-6275

They are at the east end of Main Street. Look for the blue awning across from the Chatham Squire. Oh, and they are open year round starting at 10:00 a.m. every day!

The owners Corinne and Liz.

Monday's CHART Story

This week's CHART metalworks story is Sara M., who purchased a key ring of Five Islands for her best friend. It is stories like this one, which bring us the unexpected and most amazing joy. Sara has had a home in Five Islands since 1975, the year her son was born. The home has been a place of growth and a resting place for people in her life. She said one of her friends calls it "the safe house." Sara's best friend, who will be the recipient of the key ring, has spent much time at the home helping her maintain the property.

Sara said while the coast of Maine, has changed significantly throughout the years since she bought her property, the village has not been commercialized. The beautiful fishing village remains void of major hotels and resorts, with plenty of pristine waterfront and forests.

Wear your world, tell your story, what's yours?