The story of Paige, Mystic, CT

We recently made a very special piece for a customer who shared the story behind the piece:


'On May 6, 2008, a very beautiful free spirit tragically passed away.  Her name was Paige.  She was a local Captain here in Mystic and was the glue for her friends, family and this community.  Anyone who had the opportunity to meet her, was a better person for it.  Paige would have turned 30 this year and every birthday since she has passed, a small group of us take the boat out to where her ashes are scattered; we toast, and tell stores, laugh, cry, drop flowers and remember.  The small group of passengers consist of her mother, her two brothers, her ex boyfriend and a couple of her close friends.  While we were adrift, I gave her mother the necklace that I ordered.  The image was of North and South Dumplings, the place where her ashes are scattered and on the back was engraved "Paige Rules", anyone who knew her, knows exactly what that means.'


--J. Ferraro


This weekend, CHART metalworks will be at the Mystic Wooden Boat Show that starts Friday, June 29th through Sunday, July 1st from 9-5pm.  We are in Tent A Booth 48A--stop by for a visit!


And then we'll be visiting John's Mystic River Tavern to have a Guiness.  We'll be sure not to curse or we'll have to donate $1 to the Jimmy Fund, a tradition that Paige started.

The Maine Boatbuilders Show

Come visit the Chart Metalworks booth at the Maine Boatbuilders Show this weekend!

The annual Maine Boat Builders Show will take place Friday, March 16 through Sunday, March 18, 2012 at Portland Yacht Services, 58 Fore Street, Portland, Maine. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm Friday/Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, the show features over 200 marine product exhibitors and boatbuilders from throughout New England. Each day is filled with lectures and seminars from prominent boat builders and speakers representing the vast spectrum of the marine community. Don't forget to visit the Maritime Auction with all proceeds supporting Maine Maritime Academy programs! Admission is $15.00 per day at the door. Children under 12 accompanied by adults will be admitted for free.

We will be in Booth 22T77 (on the 2nd floor) showcasing our entire line of nautical chart jewelry and men's accessories, including our new best-selling designs. We will also be offering some great discounts on a variety of pieces representing Maine and beyond. Hope to see you there!

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFTS STILL AVAILABLE

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFTS?... We've got you covered!

CUSTOM ORDERS: We can no longer guarantee holiday receipt for CUSTOM pieces.....

BUT WE STILL HAVE SOME GREAT GIFT IDEAS....

ONLINE www.chartmetalworks.com: Place a custom order online by THURSDAY DEC., 22nd and receive a printable version of your location artwork to gift to recipient by SATURDAY DEC., 24th. Your piece will arrive soon after the holidays. Trust us, they'll love the sentiment and thought of the imagery you design during the holidays and then you'll get even more praise when the actual piece arrives soon there after to be fully appreciated as it deserves without all the competition from all those other gifts!

PETITE NECKLACES: Our Petites have become a huge hit! The PERFECT gift, each piece comes with a corresponding display card featuring a sentimental message from the Artist! Available for shipment next business day, order online www.chartmetalworks.com w/ REGULAR SHIPPING throughTUESDAY, December 20th & EXPRESS SHIPPING through THURSDAY, December 22nd!

IN STUDIO 1 Pleasant St., Portland: Designing custom pieces before your very eyes through Saturday, December 17th guaranteed for pickup in time for the holidays with our RUSH service. Shop our Petites, our EXTENSIVE PORTLAND, ME & CASCO BAY inspired line, DISCOUNTED DISPLAY AND SAMPLE PIECES from all over, or design and gift a printable version of our location artwork with piece to follow soon after all the way through SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24th! Open M-F 10AM-6PM & SAT 11AM-3PM!

Happy Holidays from the team and we hope to see you soon!

Chart Story from Michelle S., Longmont, CO

We make a lot of jewelry here at Chart that honors Mother's and their relationships to their families and special places, but we wanted to share this story because it really touched our hearts.

" Pulpit Harbor is one of many beautiful places that my family has visited on our sailboat- Seaglass. As young kids, my parents showed us what true family vacations were, on our then, small sailboat going from island to island on the coast of Maine. As an adult, my ideal summer vacation is still traveling back to Maine to sail with my parents out of Rockland Harbor. Even though I love my landlocked home of Colorado, Maine is my dream place; the place I escape to in real life and in my mind.

The Captain of Seaglass, my dad, called me often from the helm of his boat. I'd request water splashing over the phone line and he always obliged though jokingly protesting that he'd fall in. I loved being his first mate on their boat.

My dad died from a brain tumor in August of 09' at the young and otherwise healthy age of 67. We've since sold the boat and my mother, an east coaster through and through, has decided to move to Colorado to be close to us. Since we have wonderful memories of sailing to Pulpit Harbor and we scattered my dad's ashes there, I felt that my mom needed a little piece of Pulpit Harbor to wear once she becomes a western girl. I know she will love it. Thank you so much for this one of a kind piece"

Wear your world. Tell your story. What's yours?

Chart Story from Joyce M., Peterborough, NH

Precious memories of Winter Harbor, Maine...

"I spent the first three years of my life as a resident of Winter Harbor, my grandparents lived right across the road. After moving away and as soon as school was out, I would spend the entire summer in Winter Harbor with them, until I graduated from high school. For as far back as I can remember, my grandfather was a lobster fisherman in Winter Harbor and we often hauled traps in his boat; traps we had made together in the barn.

My family, all 40 of us, have been back to Winter Harbor for a family reunion the last 58 years. I haven't missed one year!

This key chain reminds me to be thankful for my heritage and for the precious memories of Winter Harbor, Maine."

Thanks Joyce for sharing your special story!

Wear your world. Tell your story. What's yours?

Chart Story from Audrey M., Sprite Island, CT

Remembering special places is a wonderful way to celebrate a wedding anniversary:

I ordered cuff links for my husband. I wanted to capture two special places. The first area is Sprite Island in Norwalk Harbor. This is where my husband proposed to me on November 17th, 1995. The second area is Harbour Court in Newport RI. It is located in Breton Cove in Newport Harbor. This is where we had our wedding reception. We chose Newport because this is where we first met and fell in love. I thought these would be the perfect anniversary present.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Audrey.

Wear your world. Tell your story. What's yours?

Chart Story from Patricia K., Freeport, ME

Honoring a father's special memories:

My dad owns what is called "The Red Camp" in Aroostook County, with several other men. They go twice a year, spring fishing and fall hunting. I have never been since no girls are allowed. I am sure they have a wonderful time but I don't have any memories to share. Yet , it remains a special place for my father. I look forward to giving it to my dad for Father's Day.

Thanks for sharing your story Patricia! We hope your dad loved his belt buckle!

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Wear your world. Tell your story. What's yours?

Chart Story from Mark B., Steve's Island, ME

How one couple charted their life together:

In 2001, my girlfriend and I were members of the Maine Island Trail Association. We charted several weekend kayak trips. We would pack 2 -3 days of supplies and paddle from island to island. One weekend we found a quiet tent site, with a outcropping of rocks shaped like a sleeping dog. We enjoyed watching early summer sunsets, and walking on our private white crushed-shell beach. We listened to the waves crashing and an occasional exhale from a passing porpoise. It was just the two of us and the sun dipping somewhere between Isle au Haux and Vinalhaven. It came naturally to me as the perfect time to pop the question. Fortunately, she said yes and we were married one year later on Georgetown Island and had our first child the following year. We have not returned to our island since our engagement, but it is a special place that is dear to both of us. This gift will help both of us remember the night we looked into each others eyes and charted a life together.

Thank you Mark, for sharing your romantic story.

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Wear your world. Tell your story. What's yours?

Chart Story From Jehanne E., From Severn Heights, MD

There is no place like home.

My daughter loved her key chain. She "got it" immediately. It was a chart of where our house is- so she looked at it for a while and said, "Is this home?". And I said, "Yes, now that you are graduated and 'leaving home' you'll always be able to find your way back." It was really good!

Another great gift idea! A Chart piece is the perfect way to keep memories close, regardless of how far away you are. Thanks for sharing your story Jehanne!

Wear your world. Tell your story. What's yours?

CHART metalworks, WEAR YOUR WORLD: Kingston, NJ

Another New Jersey location but this time in Kingston (a boutique-y shopping area next to Princeton University). We loved designing these beauties from topo maps. We met owner, Laraine, at the show in Atlanta and she fell in love with the idea of creating a line to feature the college and other areas nearby.

Dabbler's Boutique is located right on Route 27 in Kingston...you can't miss it.

Many universities are marked on topo maps...have you thought about cuff links or earrings of your alma mata?

Just type in the name of the school in 'Other Notes' when ordering online!

Wear your world. Tell your story. What's yours?

Chart Story From Marci L., Boston Harbor, MA

Lobster diving memories to last a lifetime, what a great way to say Happy Birthday!

My father really loves his belt buckle with the Boston Harbor on it. He dives for lobsters there once a year, as well as having lived in the area his whole life. He also loves belt buckles and things that will start a conversation, so this was the perfect gift for his 70th birthday. He's just trying to deal with people wanting a closer look at the buckle while he is wearing it- that could be a little bit awkward!

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Wear your world. Tell your story. What's yours?

CHART metalworks, Wear Your World: Red Bank, NJ

We are now featured at Shore Chic in Red Bank, NJ! Located near the beautiful NJ coast...a short drive to Sandy Hook--Long Beach Island--Sea Bright...this shop has e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g to plan your special wedding day and beautiful trinkets and such for the home (think: beachy home decor, furniture, handbags, gifts & jewelry).

If you can't get to NJ to visit their shop, you must check them out online: www.shorechic.com. An endless array of coastal goodies!

And how perfect that the owner, Maureen, spotted us at a recent trade show to add our chart and map jewelry collection to her hand picked selection of product. We're excited to be featured at Shore Chic and look forward to working with brides looking to give a special wedding party gift (cuff links of the engagement and marriage locations for the future husband?) and wedding favors.

Wear your world. Tell your story. What's yours?

Chart Story from Marilyn S., Nawiliwili Harbor, HI

We were touched when Marilyn shared her struggle of attaining a correct diagnosis for cancer. What a beautiful way to say thank you!

This is for my doctor who sails out of Lihue Harbor, Kauai, HI. While I work as an RN at the hospital with him, I got this piece of jewelry for him after he successfully diagnosed me with cancer. I had been misdiagnosed for 5 months prior to becoming his patient. He is a member of the Nawiliwili Yacht Club and enjoys sailing. I found out about you in the Coastal Living Magazine and I though this would be a great ocean themed gift for someone whom I am forever thankful for. I wanted to present him with this key ring as a reminder of his free time on the water because that is exactly what he gave me, more free time.

[Stock Photo]

Wear your world. Tell your story. What's yours?

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.

GIFT CERTIFICATES still available for the holidays!

We will be selling Gift Certificates through December 25th with immediate print & gift or direct e-mail on desired date to recipient. These are easy to purchase and easy to redeem and allow you to gift the experience of customizing their very own special piece to a special someone.

So... if you forgot about little Sally (it's ok, she's small, quiet and easily lost in crowds, it happens!) or if Uncle Johnny didn't tell you cousin Sam actually did get paroled and is coming to the party, we've got you covered! Sneak to the computer, and in a couple of steps you'll be giving a gift to be proud about!

Click hereto purchase a Gift Certificate.

Thanks and we look forward to receiving your order soon,

Charlotte & John

CHART metalworks

ACCEPTING HOLIDAY ORDERS THROUGH DEC 15th!

Hey everyone!

We've been getting a few questions about our turn around times for the holidays, so just wanted to let everyone know, THERE IS STILL TIME TO PLACE YOUR CUSTOM ORDER!

We have been running ahead of schedule! And are able to extend our Custom Order Deadlines with no RUSH Fees!

We are guaranteeing arrival by December 24th for custom orders with USPS Express Shipping placed by Wednesday, December 15th and Approved by Thursday, December 16th.

Order online at www.chartmetalworks.com & SELECT USPS Express Shipping, or call the studio, 207 221 6807.

If you need your order before December 24th please call the studio to inquire about our RUSH options and deadlines, 207 221 6807.

We do have a selection of pre-made items including our Recycled Chart Collection and Petite Necklaces which we can ship the next business day. While supplies last we can guarantee arrival by December 24th for orders place by December 17th with USPS Shipping and December 22nd with USPS Express Shipping. Not yet available on our website, please view these items on our Facebook Fan Page. Click here for our Recycled Chart Collection and here for our Petite Necklaces.

We will also be selling Gift Certificates through December 25th with same day print & gift or direct e-mail to recipient. Click here to purchase a Gift Certificate.

Thanks and we look forward to receiving your order soon,

Charlotte & John

CHART metalworks, Wear Your World: Catawba Island, OH

Did you know the Great Lakes are charted bodies of water? Well they are and the images they provide make for some gorgeous CHART metalworks pieces.

This summer we had the pleasure of working with Rudders on Catawba Island, Ohio. Catawba Island, actually a peninsula, is located on the Southwestern tip of Lake Erie. Due to its sheltered bays and inlets and low land elevation along the shore, it has become one of the preferred areas in the region for pleasure boat owners to dock and store their boat. Let's just say our pieces were a hit!
Rudders is a great little store located at 3260 NE Catawba Rd., in Port Clinton. If your ever in the area, please make sure to stop by and have a look at our collection of Catawba Island and Lake Erie inspired pieces.

If you're not in the Catawba Island area or would like to customize your very own Great Lakes, or anywhere else in the world for that matter, piece, visit us online: www.CHARTmetalworks.com.

CHART metalworks. Wear Your World. Tell your story. What is yours?