In an era of emails and blogs it is very possible that the art of writing letters by hand is close to extinction.
I was wondering if Karin was going to mail her friend my $10. (Photo: Reed)
I had lunch today at a favorite place near my house, Teaism. The upstairs seating is often crowded and you usually end up sitting very close to your neighbors. The room was an interesting mix of people…my favorite was the rather strange man that I caught eavesdropping and trying to strike up conversation with two women who quickly switched to German or Dutch to make their conversation more private.
I noticed an interesting ring that Karin was wearing and she explained that she was a metalsmith and had made it herself. She and two friends launched a boutique together in their hometown.
How do you get into metalsmithing and making jewelry you ask? Well, Karin has an interesting story. She served in AmeriCorps where she traveled around educating kids about literacy and the arts. When she finished, she used her stipend that she had received to study metalsmithing at Maine College of Art.
Karin said she was going to add the $10 to a donation she was planning to make this week toward a fundraiser that her godson is doing through his school to help fight heart disease. I was touched by her decision given my family’s history with heart disease and my past work experience with the American Heart Association.
- Jewelry by Karin
Interested in seeing or purchasing some of Karin’s jewelry but don’t want to drive to Oneonta? You can see check out her work at www.windfall.etsy.com. Independent metalsmithing, like letter writing, has all but vanished. By purchasing her work you will help support talented artisans continue their craft.
Year of Giving 
Dear Reed,
Thank you for your kind donation of $10.00 towards my son’s fundraiser. He’s 8 and participated in the jump rope for heart fund raiser for the American Heart Association.
Although a note in the mail would have been nice we have been blessed to enjoy her beautiful spirit and visit with her instead.
Thanks again!
Well, while I am glad to have been a part of it, Karin was the one who really deserves the thanks! She wanted the money to go to his fundraiser.
All the best!