19 September, 2009

A Thin Quarter

We all know about fat quarters (for any non-quilters out there, a fat quarter is one quarter of a yard of 44" wide fabric cut into 18" X 22" segments). One of the souvenirs I brought home from Alaska was a thin quarter; a very thin one, in fact! While visiting a jewelry store in Skagway I fell in love with these pendants made from silver (pre-1965) quarters, created by the skilled hand of Jim Stamper. These 90% silver coins have been flattened first, and still retain the original milled edge of the coin on the finished pieces. He creates the designs by hand piercing the flattened coins with a jeweler's saw. My husband told me to pick one out for myself, that was the HARD part; among the offerings were numerous Alaskan wildflowers and animal motifs, each and every one was stunning. I finally settled on this bear, mountain and moon design after much careful deliberation, it reminded me the most of all that we had seen and experienced in Alaska. That's the story of how one thin quarter came to live among this quiltmaker's house-full of fat ones! I could easily be convinced to become Jim's spokesperson and jewelry model, I don't require cash; I'd happily work for his entire collection! Hmm, I wonder if he's listening?

Life is Good!

24 comments:

*karendianne. said...

Fascinating! I bet it was super duper hard to pick one out. Your selection is perfect though. It does capture the spirit of it all. I agree!

Oh you look so adorable in this photo, too. Love you so much!

Barb said...

Very much the memories of Alaska in your "thin quarter"...it looks like the perfect choice. Glad to see your trip was wonderful, as explained in your previous blog entry. And I am having flashbacks because it was the same route my hubby and I took last summer! I was truly amazed at the simple beauty of Alaska!

Ancestor Collector said...

What a wonderful remembrance of your trip. You'll think of Alaska every time you wear it. And Mr. Stamper is right up here in NH!! His studio may be a required stop next time you're up visiting, along with Keepsake, of course! ;-)

blushing rose said...

This is a wonderful creation & remembrance. Hadn't heard of him, so will pop over & take a peek.

Have a great & enjoyable weekend. TTFN ~Marydon

Pam said...

What a great memento. It has been nice to read your Alaska cruise and it reminds me of our cruise there. I just loved the trip....enough to want to go again!! Did you get to go off the ship in Vancouver?

Anonymous said...

Sweet little memory maker your sporting there!

Zlaty said...

Very pretty! I can see myself picking that one too! Enjoy it!

Zlaty

Linda said...

I have a similar necklace made from a Bi-centennial quarter (not real silver)that I wear often. The nice thing about this necklace is that it matches whatever you wear because of the cutout areas! I'm sure you'll wear yours often, too.

Domestic Designer said...

I love it. It is just a great souvenir of your trip.

AnnieO said...

That is a lovely pendant that you'll enjoy long after you turn silver-haired! There is nothing like handmade arts and crafts as souvenirs.

Laura said...

That's a beautiful pendant. And what a creative piece of jewelry!

Sandra said...

This is lovely and the pictures of your trip are great.Thank you for sharing!

antique quilter said...

beautiful
oh yes it says Alaska to me!
I can't imagine having to pick one !!!!!!
LOL
Kathie

Salem Stitcher said...

Oh, you better keep your eyes on that. You know how I am about bears and the mountains!

Mama Spark said...

It's beautiful and you make a stunning model too. Maybe he is listening!

quiltmom anna said...

Beautiful selection- It is a gorgeous pendant. I have been enjoying reading your daughter in law's Kindergarten Kids. It is interesting to see how many things we do that are similar - I also enjoyed looking at what she is doing on her board that is similar to a Smart board.
How do I snag the button to put on a blog- I have tried to figure it out but I can't seem to do it right. I can add to my blog list but don't know where I go to add the visual button and link so that I can add it to my sidebar. I would appreciate any suggestions you could give me. Thanks,
Anna

SubeeSews said...

This may shock all the jewelry loving quilters out there but my wedding ring is a silver quarter with my birth year. My husband made it for our wedding. His ring is a silver 50 cent piece in his birth year. And the rings are made with a spoon and a file. Takes a long time but after 17 years it still shines like a beauty! I also have a pinky ring made from a silver dime!

Libby said...

Sounds like you've been on the trip of a lifetime . . . . and returned with the perfect souvenir *s*

Carrie P. said...

Very pretty! You know that design could represent NC too.

Teresa said...

Welcome home! Love the necklace and all the great pictures.

Unknown said...

Good choice. I really like it.

Nane said...

Very nice, I collect smashed pennies but they are not as neat as this. Its great to have something from a trip that can take you right back by looking at it.

julieQ said...

Pretty! I like your pendant, very interesting about how it was made. Don't you just love hand crafted things?

MARCIE said...

What an adventure you had! Love the jewelry! Love your theme song--you funny girl! and Happy Birthday!