OUTSIDE THE SHOP is a monthly recap of everything fun and exciting happening outside of that small and cozy space where I spend the majority of my time (my shop). This is a place to make connections, discuss passions, and reap the rewards of monthly jewelry giveaways.
Welcome to a new month of OUTSIDE THE SHOP!
Is November over already? I’m not sure how I feel about that. I swear I just finished writing October’s recap a quick minute ago.
If this is your first time here, I would recommend glancing at last month’s post to get an idea of who we are. (Warning: You will see cats and babies)
As some of you may be aware, November officially begins the “busy season” for goldsmiths and jewelers alike. This time of year may be great for business, but it’s a little tough on the family.
Brooke recently told me, “It’s like you have the schedule of a doctor, but not a doctor’s salary!” (OUCH, babe.)
She jests. I think we would both choose family time over dollar dollar bills, but sometimes rings get sick, and they need the “jewelry doctor” to make them feel better again…I’m done.
So let’s begin this quick recap of the month! If you make it to the bottom, you’ll learn how to win this month’s JEWELRY GIVEAWAY!
WHAT WE DID // THANKSGIVING
This year for Thanksgiving we made the three hour trek up north to visit my family in my hometown of Bremerton, Washington.
Bremerton is situated on the Puget Sound, nearly due west from Seattle. Although the town seems to be doing just ok for itself, I always love going back. Every turn seems to hold some distant memory of family and friends, and plenty of shenanigans.
The hospital on the hill where I was born. Delivering wonderful babies since… at least 1985.
Let’s just say we had a lovely time, especially spending time with family and friends that we have not seen for quite awhile.
Thanksgiving 2016 Score:
“9.97 out of 10, would give thanks again.”
POLITICS // BASKET OF FRIES
While it is certainly beyond the scope of this website to discuss politics, it seemed wrong to be writing a recap of November and not acknowledge something.
After the election results came down, a sentiment that seemed to be trending across social media was some variant of the following:
“What am I going to tell my kids?”
The answer to this question will undoubtedly be different for everyone. As for me, the thought of actually trying to explain the election result to my babies seemed a tad silly.
So I tried it. I told my toddler about the election and he scatteredly repeated a few words back to me. It may have been a quick discussion, but I totally think he gets it!
In all seriousness though, I do often take pause and reflect on the enormous responsibility I have as a parent to teach my children through my words and deeds. What will I teach them? What will I show them?
I really wish I could go on, but I’m going to need that basket of fries.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOY / /
Leading up to his birthday we would ask him, “Fen! How old are you going to be?”
His enthusiastic response was always,
“THREE CANDLES!”
I love how little kids continually find new ways to be adorable. He has always loved birthday cakes and candles, with the singing that goes along with it. He never forgets to point up at the lights and say, “turn it off!”
MONTHLY GIVEAWAY / /
For November’s giveaway, I decided to make something with CITRINE, the birthstone of the month. Lately I’ve been really into a minimalist approach to jewelry, hence I made this ring with a bezel and a very thin band. The gemstone is ethically sourced and is set into 14kt yellow gold.
HOW TO ENTER
For a chance to win, do the following two things:
- Join our mailing list. (If you haven’t already) To do this, simply enter your email address into the box below the comment section of this page (for mobile users) or on the right side-bar of this post (for desktop users). Don’t forget to check your inbox and confirm your subscription!
- Leave a comment on this post! Yes, I’m forcing you to talk us. 🙂 Let us know any thoughts you have on this post, or even better, tell us a little bit about yourself or what you did for the holiday! (We reserve the right to moderate comments as needed. Please be respectful to others.)
OFFICIAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES: Entries will be counted from November 30 through December 5th. Giveaway ends on Monday, Dec. 5th at 6:00 pm PST. Participants must follow the two rules outlined above to be considered eligible. Only one valid entry per person will be counted. Winner will receive one 14kt yellow gold citrine ring with an Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of $150. Winner will be notified via email and will also be posted in the comments section of this page. Winner will be chosen at random. Odds of winning depend on the number or eligible participants. Only US residents over the age of 18 are eligible. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.
Thanks friends! I will see you again next month for more “OUTSIDE THE SHOP” fun, with more jewelry to give away!
Until then, feel free to check out other goldsmithing projects I am working on.
M O D E R N G O L D S M I T H
Our little guy (he’s 6) is also a November baby which has made citrine one of my favorite gems, it’s a perfect contrast to the often cloudy weather of November a bit of sunshine in a stone
What a lovely way to put it! I always thought of it as yellow/orange to match the falling leaves…but I guess most of the leaves have already fallen by the end of the month.
Thank you for the opportunity! I love the beautiful photos of your Thanksgiving drive! Have a wonderful holiday!
oh that ring is so beautiful! lovely work!
I love the beautiful family (and jewelry) you have made Jordan! This year was my first Thanksgiving without my maternal grandpa. While it was sad celebrating without him, the family enjoyed reflecting back on the pounds of crab legs, eggs Benedict, turkey and other treats my grandpa would consume every thanksgiving, while encouraging the rest of the family to partake.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks Taylor!! So sorry for your loss, though I’m glad you guys were able to reminisce the great times you had together, sounds like he had a great personality 🙂
My favorite thing to do every month is read your blog and see what you’ve created! Is amazing!!
My favorite thing to do every month is read your comment on my post! But seriously, thank you!!
I love keeping up with your family. I can’t believe how big Fen and Rain are! I still need to meet little Rain. Washington looks beautiful this time of year! November was a great month here in Gridley, California. I love the holiday months!! So much to be grateful for. Send your fam my love!
Yes you do need to meet him! This is certainly my favorite time of year as well
This ring is beautiful! Brooke was my visiting teacher a while ago and I’m pretty sure my 16 month old facetimed her a couple of weeks ago. 🙂
LOVE your work and loved your photos from Thanksgiving. I’m guessing B. Lee is be the best boy mom. We were pretty boring on Thanksgiving. Ate too much food, went to the movies, and watched football. Super American over here. 🙂
Thanks Loni! I love watching football…although it can get pretty crazy with little ones running around.
Love the ring – it is great! I have 2 girls with November birthdays.
I love this!! What a beautiful and fun way to document your lives! I’m going to look forward to this every month! This Thanksgiving I spend time away from my family and was adopted into a sweet Italian family for Thankgiving day. I felt especially reflective and grateful this year as I thought about how lucky I am to have family I love and miss, and I also felt grateful for good people all over the world. I crossed paths with some incredible people this week and I now cannot imagine my life without them. I constantly feel this way. We are all a part of eachother’s story.
Anyway, that being said, I am also grateful for beautiful jewelry – specifically jewelry crafted by Modern Goldsmith! I really hope this ring was made for me!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for the awesome comment Nicole. I love your perspective. That’s wonderful you were able to have such a great experience in Italy, that is certainly something i wish I could do some day.
I was lucky enough to share many good laughs and adventures with Brooke in California. She is the best! I have loved being able to see your craftsmanship through what she has shared. Each piece is so timeless and original. Hope all is well and thank you for sharing! Excited to see more to come.
Thank you so much for the kind words! Would love to hear more about those adventures. 🙂 hope to see you back here in th future!
We celebrated thanksgiving with our son Kenton, who flew in from Seattle, & our daughter, Kristen, who lives here in Dubuque Iowa. Ask your mom about them, she knows both of them. Nothing like being able to celebrate with family, is there? Glad you were able to see Beth, one of my favorite people! Please tell her Hello from me.
I love that ring and hearing about your adventures as a dad and jeweler. Keep the posts coming!
So this isn’t a good time to get a ring sized? I’ll wait till March, I know how busy this season is for you thru Vaentines day. Your family is growing! Hello Brooke, Jordan Fen, and Rain. Glad you had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was wonderful!
That ring is gorgeous!!! And I just love your little fam! So precious!
Also, I think I am subscribed to the email list, but I don’t know for sure… haha
You are! 🙂
Love your work and love your sweet family! Keeping up with the beautiful jewelry.
Beautiful ring! I served my outbound of my mission (I served with BLee) in Tacoma and have only ever been the the PNW then..I would love to go back some day!
You have an amazing talent Jordan. It is so great seeing former students doing great things with their lifes. Keep up the amazing work.
Thank you so much Holly! Great to hear from you.
Rain is so photogenic! I would say that is a Mantzke trait… but i’m not so sure anymore. HA! I love reading the little updates you write. Although we live 30 minutes away, I never know in depth what’s going on with you guys so I enjoy reading this.
We have are busy with wrestling often until 8:30 (our bed time). It’s not one of those bragging things where you say “yeah, I’m just that busy”. Although it is enjoyable and we get to do it together. I for real go to bed at 8:30…
Love you brother! Happy Birthday, Fenzo!
Haha I love it. I would go to bed at 8:30 if I could but evenings have become our only “free time” from the kiddos so we usually end up staying up way too late and regretting it each and every morning.
Jordan, this piece is absolutely lovely! But not as lovely as your family. I enjoyed seeing a peek into your lovely vacation. Joel and I hope to visit you all soon!
Aw you are too kind! Brooke and I have definitely not hung out with you guys enough the last few years. Hope to get together soon!
Hi Jordan,
That ring is simply beautiful and I hope I am the one who gets to show it off.. you’re a very talented young man.
My Thanksgiving was nice & quiet and spent with family and friends. No black Friday for me.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us and such a generous giveaway.
Happy holidays,
Julie
I am really jealous of Brooke’s cute kids, talented hubby, that beautiful scenery in Washington, and that gorgeous ring. I’d be interested to know what redesign ideas you’d have for an old ring of mine 🙂
Washington is so beautiful! Have you ever been up here? You should come check it out sometime! Thank you so much for the kind words, if you ever wanted to pick my brain on restyle ideals go ahead and shoot me a message at jordan@moderngoldsmith.com
I’m a November baby as well! I didn’t actually like my birthstone until the last few years, but now I really like it! It’s very different from all the others, and it’s almost elegant!
You’re right! That water is freezing! I find that the funniest looks I get from people who aren’t from the PNW are when I talk about the ocean and beaches, but never about getting wet in them unless absolutely necessary.
Jordan this ring is beautiful!!! I was so happy to spend time with you guys and the boys this Thanksgiving.
Hi everyone,
I’m Pam. As well as new to this blog. Actual it’s the first blog I’ve ever had an interest in reading, To be honest, I truly wasn’t sure what to expect.
I must say that I’m intrigued to see what follows. The simplicity in your ring, is rather refreshing. I hope to see more along the same lines.
Welcome, Pam! Thanks for stopping by. I will continually be updating the website with new projects and more monthly recaps, so I hope to see you around here again!
Great post! We enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving dinner with family. We don’t get together very often anymore, so it was nice. The day after Thanksgiving the kids and I started decorating our house in celebration of our Lord’s birthday. Yesterday was a pretty special day. I had amazing feedback on my final art pieces in my sculpture class. That made for a good end of the fall quarter. I also found out last night that we are expecting child number 3! We are feeling quite blessed. I hope you and your family has an amazing rest of your year and a happy new year!
Wow Sarah Congratulations! You’ll have to let me know what life with 3 is like. Glad to hear you received positive feedback on your art pieces. It always feels good to be validated in doing something that you love.
I recently developed an allergy and can no longer wear any of my sterling silver jewelry which has been my mainstay for years. Bummed about that but beautiful jewelry like yours gives me hope 🙂
I love this ring!
Beautiful designs. I love the simplicity! It is so nice that you share you and your family as well as your product. Very inviting and genuine.
I’m glad I found you, I’m goin to finish shopping now
Cheers
Thank you Cheryl! Glad you enjoyed it.
I love your blog! It’s so fun to see some of what you and your family are up to. Your family is beautiful!
I love hearing about what’s going on! What a sweet family! Savannah has a November birthday so would love this for her! Have a great Christmas Jordan and family!!
Beautiful work. Glad I stumbled upon you!
My husbands birthstone, would love to have this beautiful ring.
Beautiful! I have 4 boys, two of which are November babies!
So lovely! I recently started taking metalsmithing classes – so far just hammered chains and bezels, but oh my goodness! So much fun!
That’s awesome Stephanie! Keep at it. It only gets better 🙂
Hello my people! I’m sorry I’m late announcing the winner (I literally worked until 10pm tonight) This months winner is Julie G.! Congrats!
Also, my most sincere apologies to all of you who have been receiving emails for EACH comment on this blog, that was never my intention. I actually only wanted to have it notify you for MY responses to your comments. (There is also an “opt out” button you can click below the comment box that will turn off all comment notifications) This change will be reflected next post! See you then!