We are carrying a new line of felted soap at Harvest Gold. What is felted soap? It's soap in its own washcloth! Fiber artist Jan Winsor of Four Winds Farm in Gorham, ME has partnered with soap makers to sell this fun product.

Jan became interested in the fiber arts over 20 years ago and has progressed to becoming a full time fiber artist with a farm. She has a small flock of sheep from which she gets the wool to create artworks as well as felted soap.

She uses either hand crafted soap from Medicine Wheel Herbals, or goat's milk soap from Knotty Goat Soapery or Spirtwind Farm and then "felts" them with wool form her own sheep. The soap is wrapped in felt, so it lathers up without needing a washcloth. When the soap is gone, the felt can be used for a scrubbie.

In addition to smelling fabulous, these soaps are made from all natural ingredients and are eco-friendly! Ditch bottled soaps filled with chemicals and try out this product. Not only are you helping the planet, but you're supporting multiple small businesses. Why not give it a try?

 Earlier this month, Harvest Gold Gallery was invited to take part in a bridal style shoot in Ogunquit and sent Liz with a selection of jewelry.

Organized by photographer Katie Trauffer with Renee Strange of Strange Events, a style shoot allows professionals involved with weddings to showcase their services. When Liz arrived, the “bride”, Emily, was in the middle of hair and makeup, done by Jessica Griffin. Katie looked through the jewelry provided by the gallery and selected pearl earrings and a coin pearl necklace. She photographed invitations with some of the jewelry and a variety of objects to go with an overall theme and color scheme while Renee steamed the wedding dress. 

Once the bride was dressed and ready, everyone made their way to the beach. Renee kept a full arsenal of supplies in her car, anything that might be needed during the shoot. When the veil kept blowing away, she was ready with a clip to hold it in place, albeit a bright orange one! The tide was coming in and the sun was setting, but Katie kept the shoot on track, while Renee was there to jump in to help.

Most people only see the photos after a wedding, but this opportunity provided insight to everything that goes into a bridal shoot. Thank you to Katie Trauffer Photography and Strange Events for inviting Harvest Gold to be a part of this fun opportunity, and to Emily for being a great model!

Is your favorite jewelry to wear arm candy? Harvest Gold has the perfect thing for you! With a few long days in the studio, Bill has created wonderful new bracelets in silver. These new beauties are in all different styles, sizes, and materials. Bill has a natural talent for making bracelets such as these, which are perfect adornment to any outfit.

This past month, The Conway Daily Sun has featured Lynda and Bill in their “Fun in the Sun” column. With a story about their visit to the Mount Washington Resort, they included Lynda and Bill’s love for making jewelry together and where it all began. “Rudd made his move and ‘saved’ his roommate by getting to know Rasco. On her way out, he asked her to have dinner with him.”

The story also included Lynda and Bills relationship in regards to making jewelry, such as their different talents and interests and rules to follow while making jewelry. A romantic love story tuned to the beginning of a beautiful and successful business, this Conway Daily Sun feature was a perfect Valentine's gift to Lynda and Bill.

Lynda and Bill have hit another milestone in their careers as jewelers - their 1000th piece of tourmaline jewelry! Maine gemstones have always been a prominent feature in their jewelry, so of course they often use Maine's state gemstone: tourmaline.

Us Mainers are lucky to have such an interesting stone as our state gem. Tourmaline comes in a variety of colors, including blue, green, red, pink, and yellow. It is mined all over the world, from Asia to South America, but it is not all of gem quality. Some varieties even have magnetic properties.

Tourmaline was first discovered in the U.S. in Maine in 1882. By the early 1900s, Maine and California were the world's top producers of gemstone tourmaline. The Empress of China even wore United State's tourmaline! While it comes in a range of colors, Maine is known for mostly green and pink, especially when it is discovered as a bicolor crystal, famously known as "watermelon tourmaline".

This beautiful gemstone is a mainstay of Harvest Gold's jewelry collection. Celebrate the 1000th piece of tourmaline jewelry by stopping in to see what is currently available! As always, Lynda is happy to help you design a custom piece to suit your taste. Take home a piece of Maine!

Henry is a snowy owl sculpture made out of Vermont marble. Joe Gray, an artist living in New Hampshire, has created not one, not two, but three of these lovely owl sculptures. Each owl sold- including Henry at the gallery, the proceeds go to a local food bank. Joe Gray says that Henry is "bringing peace , unity and health to the land." Welcome to Harvest Gold Gallery Henry!

Harvest Gold is known for our beautiful jewelry and paintings, but did you know we also have kitchen decor? With a unique handmade piece from Harvest Gold, you can completely transform your kitchen! Items such as salt and pepper shakers, glass bowls, and hand blown glasses are all featured at the gallery, and are the perfect final touch to a kitchen area. Anyone who loves adding art to their everyday space should check out or kitchen decor on display at the gallery and online! Here are a few pieces:

BLUE FLOWER GLASS SALT & PEPPER SHAKER SET BY GLASS ACT

BLUE GREEN GLASS TUMBLER BY ZUG GLASS

GREEN PEACE SIGN BOWL BY LACEY POTS POTTERY

Another added bonus is we sell Arabica Coffee here straight from Portland's Arabica coffee shop. Treat yourself coffee lovers!

https://harvestgoldgallery.com/products/arabica-coffee-french-roast

We love the winter here at Harvest Gold! It brings snow for skiing, hot chocolate for sipping, and cozy winter clothes like scarves and mittens. Even the animals love it! The best part of winter in Lovell is all of the beautiful scenery. With the mountains surrounding us and the many trees everywhere you look, there could not be a more perfect spot to paint a winter scene. Check out some of these amazing winter-themed paintings by various artists here at the gallery:

"Winter Cardinal" by Tom Merriam

"Phthalo Blue Ice On the Saco" by Rebecca Klementovich

"One Last Run" by Diane Scott

We have even more seasonal paintings on view here at the Gallery and on the website. We'd love to see you and show you what winter-themed art we have on display!