Guest Blogger: Val Redpath

Hello! My name is Val Redpath and I am the studio and production assistant at Chart Metalworks. I have worked at Chart for nearly a year and my main task is to polish the metal. I love working for a small Maine based business. I always enjoy seeing the transformation from raw materials to a beautiful finished product. I have lived in Portland for 10 years now. In the past year working on Custom House Wharf has really deepened my appreciation for Portland's working waterfront. It was a chilling -10 degrees this morning when Charlotte and I came to work. It was an spectacular site to see the Atlantic Ocean smoking, the frigid water was actually warmer than the air. If you have ever swam in the Maine ocean, even in August, you would know it's cold sting.

When I am not at Chart, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have three year old son, Parker, who keeps me very busy. I also enjoy gardening, yoga, cooking, and creating my own jewelry.

Next stop...NYC!!

John is making his way back to the Northeast! We are so happy to have had great success at the the Atlanta and Orlando trade shows. John has been on the road and working hard, but he is going to be in for a cold surprise when he leaves sunny Florida and beach side Hilton Head, NC to arrive in chilly New York for the International Gift Fair.

Charlotte and I have been busy organizing the studio for the New Year and filling new orders. Thanks to all of our new accounts-- we are looking forward to working with you!

If you are planning to be at the NYIGF, we will be at New York's Newest, Pier 92 Booth # 32025. Please stop by, meet John and staff, see our beautiful samples and new product designs.

Our medium pendant on our newly stylized Anchor Chain

We have added a chain option to pair with our medium pendants---the Anchor chain! Nautically inspired, cut to 18" in length, this newly styled chain is the perfect match for our medium pendants!

We offer these new options as a sterling silver pendant on sterling Anchor chain OR a bronze pendant on oxidized sterling Anchor chain (for that vintage look). Look for them soon on our website...but until then, just call us in the studio to order (207-221-6807).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow...we had a busy holiday season, thanks to many of you who placed your gift orders for special loved ones. If you don't already own a piece for yourself, hopefully we got you thinking while you were doing your holiday shopping with us...and if you already own a piece, well, then you know how fabulous it is to wear it and tell your story! Lucky for you we continue to bring new products to the collection.

Speaking of new products, our Petite Necklace Collection, shown on right, shows off wonderful nautical chart icons that have parallel meaning in our life. Each piece is handcast in sterling silver (10mm, about the size of a thumbtack) and hangs on an 18" sterling curb chain. The necklace is elegantly showcased on our display cards with a handwritten inspirational message from the designer, Charlotte Leavitt.

Anchor necklace: You are my anchor.

Magnetic Star necklace: You are my shining star.

Shipwreck necklace: You keep me afloat.

Red Bell or Green Gong necklace: You keep me on course.

Each Petite Necklace retails for $50.

Please call us in the studio to order (these little gems will soon be offered on the website). Available for shipment next business day.